> A Sparkle's Little Dusk IV: A Family Eternal
>  by Mister E-Nonymous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: The Family's Getting Bigger
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Sparkle's Little Dusk IV:


A Family Eternal







Prologue: The Family's Getting Bigger






On a nice sunny day at the Ponyville Schoolhouse, there was the Watcher, looking down at the school, getting ready to tell the tale of what's about to happen.



"I am the Watcher. I am the guide over infinite different realities. And now we return to this reality. One where it started off with a young colt who once had an entirely different body. Prince Dusk Shine, originally, a human boy named Henry Calvin. He went from being treated badly due to his former Aunt and Cousin treating him like a slave. Now, he's the first Alicorn Prince in the land of Equestria, having been reborn as a unicorn and the son of Twilight Sparkle, currently the Princess of Friendship. We also have Nyx, the failed attempt of becoming Nightmare Moon from another Equestria, cloned and sent to this reality. And of course, Samantha Calvin, Henry Calvin's former biological sister turned adopted sister in this reality, now going by Daylight Savings. These three siblings have an interesting life in this Equestria. They're now a part of a big family. And with their Aunt Cadance being pregnant, their family is just getting bigger. I think it's time we..."

Just then, the Watcher's face was being passed by Derpy, who was in her uniform. She then said, "Okay, just a few more deliveries, and I can pick up my little Dinky from school." She then looked around for the next delivery, trying to look through the Watcher. "Huh, that's weird."

"Hold on. What? Can she... see me? Impossible. I am an inter-dimensional being who constantly watches over all realities. There's no way she can see..."

"Oh, there it is," Derpy said. "Hey, Bon Bon! Your package from Canterlot has arrived!" She then flew through the Watcher's face.

"O... kay... That was odd. You know what, I'm gonna come back to check on this reality later. I better go see what other realities are in need to be viewed. Maybe that Aaron Blazer has an interesting story."

The Watcher then disappeared from. It then went inside the Ponyville Schoolhouse. The students of the class were taking a test. Some of the students were having trouble figuring out some answers, but Nyx was writing down all the answers quickly. Dusk looked towards Nyx, seeing that she was flying through the test. Nyx finished up and took her test towards the desk where Cheerilee was.

"All done," Nyx said.

"Already?" Cheerilee asked. "But this test doesn't end for another 20 minutes."

"Sorry, I guess I wanted to get school work done as fast as possible," Nyx said. "Plus, I'm also very excited about what's going on with Aunt Cadance and Uncle Shining."

"Okay, Nyx," Cheerilee said. "Why don't you... sit down quietly and let the other students continue their tests?"

"Okay," Nyx said. She then bounced towards her desk and sat in it.

"Well, it has been a while since Aunt Cadance made that announcement," Dusk said, continuing with his test.

"I think Nyx is going to be the happiest out of all of us," Daylight said. "After all, she was hoping to meet Cadance and Shining Armor's baby in the other dimension if I remember correctly."

"You remember correctly," Nyx said. She then sighed. "I just can't believe I missed it."





Dusk, Nyx and Daylight arrived back home the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies were with them, seeing Starlight looking around the castle, trying to find a certain room. Starlight opened one door, and coming out of it was a few brooms, a ladder, a brush, a dustpan and a bucket which landed on Starlight's head.

"Are you okay?" Daylight asked. Starlight used her magic to put all the stuff back into the broom closet.

"I'm okay," Starlight said. She then walked towards another door and was about to open it.

"No wait!" Dusk said. "That's the..." Starlight had already opened the door, and she saw Spike, standing on a stool, and flexing his muscles in front of a mirror. He then noticed Starlight looking at him.

"Ugh! I am never gonna find my way around this place!" Starlight said.

"Yeah, we've all had the same problem, too," Dusk said.

"Yeah," Nyx said. "It was actually my idea to put our Cutie Marks on our bedroom doors to know who gets what room."

Spike then came out of the room, noticing that Starlight was walking away. He then asked, "Gee, Starlight, what's wrong?"

"I don't know, Spike," Starlight responded. "Twilight's figuring out what my first friendship lesson is, and I guess I'm not exactly thrilled with the options. Well... with one of them."

"Which one?" Spike asked.

"Reuniting me with my first friend," Starlight answered.

"What's so wrong with that?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yeah, you should at least go see your friend," Sweetie Belle said.

Starlight sighed and told them all what happened. "When we were foals, Sunburst knew everything there was to know about magic. He always knew just what to do. And he was always there to help me. I guess it's not surprising that Sunburst got his cutie mark in magic and... went off to Princess Celestia's school. But when he left..."

"You blamed cutie marks and stripped a whole village of theirs, and when Twilight and the others stopped you, you went back in time and almost destroyed Equestria," Spike interrupted.

"Wait a minute," Dusk said. Everypony looked over at Dusk. "Did you say the name 'Sunburst'?"

"Yeah, why?" Starlight asked.

"Orange coat, white patches, darker orange mane and tail?" Dusk asked for a description.

"You've met him?" Starlight asked.

"No," Dusk said. "But I did see him with his family. Including his older sister, who was the one who showed me their family photo."

"Okay, who's Sunburst's sister?" Spike asked.

"I'll give you a hint," Dusk said. "She's a certain unicorn friend of ours who lives in another dimension."

"Sunset Shimmer?!" Spike, Nyx and Daylight asked.

Spike then thought about it and said, "Actually, that kinda makes sense. Sunset... Sunburst."

"Anyway, what Spike just said, it's not stuff I'm super eager to tell Sunburst about," Starlight said. "I mean, he's probably some big important wizard now, and... I can't even find my way around Twilight's castle."

"Well, if Sunburst is that good at magic, maybe he'd appreciate your, uh..." Spike said, trying to think of the right words. He then cleared his throat. "...exploits. You should talk to Twilight about it. I'm sure she'd want to hear what you have to say."

"I agree," Nyx said. "Twilight is very understanding about this."

"I know," Starlight said. "But I don't want her to think I'm not ready to learn or that I'm not grateful for everything she's doing."

"She's the Princess of Friendship," Daylight said. "I'm sure she'll understand."

"Spike! Kids! Come quick!" came Twilight's voice from the balcony. Then the foals, Spike and Starlight followed Twilight's voice and went towards the balcony. Twilight was looking out at the view, seeing something coming towards the castle. It looked like a snowflake. Twilight extended her right wing to reach out for it. In the middle of the snowflake, there was a little card.

"It's a Crystalling invitation!" Spike said, excitedly.

"Shining Armor's a father! I'm an aunt!" Twilight said. She then looked at Spike, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight. "And all of you are cousins to the new baby in the family!" She then looked at Starlight. "Well, this settles it! Since we're going to the Crystal Empire, your first friendship lesson is going to be... reuniting with Sunburst!"

"Great..." Starlight said, unsurely. As soon as the others walked back into the castle, Starlight bit her lower lip.

"Hey, Twilight," Nyx said. "Is it alright if our friends come with us to the Crystal Empire?"

"As long as Scootaloo gets permission from her family, and if Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie say it's alright for Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and the Tri-Pies to come," Twilight said. "And if they don't make too much of a mess."

"We won't!" the Crusaders and the Tri-Pies said in unison.

"Then, go ask your families, all of you," Twilight said. "Since my parents aren't going to come back until a few days, you three foals might as well come and meet your new cousin." She looked especially at Nyx. "At least you won't be able to miss out on meeting this foal."

"Yeah," Nyx said. "Although, in this Equestria, this family just keeps getting bigger."

"True," Twilight said. "Anyway, let's get packing. We've got a long train ride to get to the Crystal Empire." The Crusaders and the Tri-Pie went to their homes so they could go ask their families if it was alright for them to go to the Crystal Empire.
> Chapter 1: The New Baby
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1: The New Baby






The Mane 6, Spike, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Starlight Glimmer were all on the Friendship Express, heading towards the Crystal Empire. Most of the grown ponies had gifts for the new baby. Or in Rarity's case, still making her gift.

Rainbow Dash yawned and noticed Applejack's gift and asked, "Um, Applejack, what is that?"

"Oh, just a little somethin' for the young'un," Applejack said, uncovering her gift. It was a wooden baby crib with an apple marking at the foot of the bed. Fluttershy and Rarity were astonished by how well it looked. "Made from genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple trees. We make 'em for all the Apples, and anypony related to Twilight is practically family." Twilight smiled at what Applejack was gonna give the new baby.

"Yeah, it's okay..." Rainbow Dash said. She then reached for something. "But it's no Cloudsdale mobile! Bam!"

Rainbow Dash held up a mobile that had five clouds, four rainbows, eight lightning bolts, and a bow on the string.

"Ooh!" Pinkie and Rarity said in unison, looking at the mobile.

"Pretty!" Pinkie said before she tapped on one of the clouds, but then one cloud and two of the lightning bolts fell off of it, making it shatter. Pinkie smiled sheepishly as Rainbow Dash gave her a glare. Pinkie then headed back to her seat.

"Well, a mobile is real nice... as long as you have somethin' to lay in so you can look at it," Applejack said, referring to her homemade crib.

"And a fetching blanket to keep you warm," Rarity said, replacing the blanket inside the crib with the one she was making. 

"I'm sure Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will love all our gifts," Twilight said. "But I think they're more happy we'll be attending the baby's Crystalling."

"Ooh! I can't wait to see all that light and love make the Crystal Heart even more sparkly and shiny!" Pinkie said, bouncing in front of Twilight and Starlight.

"Actually, Pinkie, the Crystal Heart is an ancient and powerful relic," Twilight said. "Without its magic, the Crystal Empire would be lost to the Frozen North."

"Wow, this Crystalling sounds pretty important," Starlight said, trying to find a way out of going to the Crystal Empire. "I'd understand if you wanted to... you know... wait to do a different friendship lesson when we get back."

"Are you kidding?" Twilight asked. "This trip is perfect! Not only do I get to see the baby and take part in the ceremony that helps maintain the magic of the Crystal Empire," Twilight then pulled Starlight in for a hug, "but I'm starting my new pupil off with the most amazing friendship lesson ever! I can't wait!"

"Right... Me neither..." Starlight said, pushing Twilight away. Twilight then pulled up a book that tells her how to take care of babies. Starlight was still nervous about her first friendship lesson. She then noticed Spike, gesturing Starlight to talk to Twilight. She then got the guts to say something. "Actually, Twilight, I am a little worried about meeting Sunburst."

Twilight put the book away, saying, "Oh, trust me. I know what it's like to see old friends. But I'll be right there to help things along. I've broken the whole lesson down into a few easy steps to ensure this reunion goes off without a hitch!" She unrolled a long list of things to do when Starlight reunites with Sunburst. Starlight laughed nervously.

"You call that a few?" Daylight asked. "Back when I lived on the cruise ship with my birth dad, he had less things to do in just eight hours than she has to in a whole day."

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Even the Cutie Mark Crusaders, in this or my old Equestria, didn't make lists this long," Nyx said. Then the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies laughed.

"Okay, okay," Twilight said. "I'll work on making shorter lists."

"Hopefully, I don't gain that big a brain," Dusk said.

"What do you...?" Daylight was about to ask, but then she remembered. "Oh, right. I almost forgot your old body... yeah."

"Yeah, don't remind me," Dusk said. Nyx then pulled both Dusk and Daylight in for a hug. Twilight looked over at the three foals she was raising and gave a sad smile. She then continued reading the book she had.





The Friendship Express arrived at the Crystal Empire Train Station. The Mane 6, Starlight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies came off the train. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies looked around in amazement.

"This place never gets old," Dusk said.

"You said it, Dusk," Nyx said.

"I still can't believe a place like this exists," Daylight said. "How come you guys never brought me here before?"

"We didn't have time to come here to visit the Crystal Empire," Twilight responded. "But with your new cousin here, I'm sure we'll..." She then bumped into somepony. She then saw who she bumped into and gasped. "Shining Armor!"

Shining Armor was there, but he was a little... overworked. His mane was messed up, he had some unwanted facial hair, and he had bags under his eyes.

"Twilight...!" Shining Armor said, tiredly.

"I didn't know you were meeting us!" Twilight said.

"Of course I am!" Shining Armor said, still tired. "t's me, right here. Here I am. Why wouldn't I come meet my sister? Though we have met before, heh-heh..."

"Are you alright?" Twilight asked, getting concerned about Shining Armor's condition.

"Never better!" Shining Armor said. "Being a father is amazing! And wonderful, and amazing, and confusing, and amazing, but surprising too, you know? I mean, not that you'd know. You wouldn't know, I know... You know?"

Twilight, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight stood in front of Shining Armor, all giving a raised eyebrow. Dusk then said, "I hope I wasn't this troubling when I was a baby back in my old world."

"I was thinking the same thing," Daylight said.

"I wasn't technically born, but created by a ritual which was interrupted, and woke up this big with no memories," Nyx said. "Or cutie mark. My Twilight found me in a bush, and took me back to the library as a huge storm was coming into Ponyville."

"Well, you were lucky that me found you," Twilight said. She then looked back up at Shining Armor. "Shining?"

"Sorry. I haven't really slept since Cadance had the baby," Shining Armor said, tiredly. "Come to think of it, she hasn't either. It sure would be great to get a break."

"Oh, of course!" Twilight said. "I don't know what I was thinking! You two probably need all kinds of help!" Twilight then turned around to look at Starlight. "I'm sorry, Starlight, but I guess combining your first lesson with this visit wasn't such a good idea."

Starlight took that opportunity and went with it. She then said, "Oh, uh, don't be ridiculous! You're an aunt now! That's way more important than some friendship lesson." She then gave off a huge grin.

Spike then looked at the list he was holding as Twilight was saying, "I just wish there was a way to do both."

"Maybe there is!" Spike said. Twilight and Starlight looked down at Spike. "You've already done the work for Starlight's lesson with this list. All we have to do is follow it!"

"Spike, you're a genius!" Twilight said as Spike stood tall in glory.

Starlight laughed nervously and said, "Yeah..." She then gritted her teeth and said, "...genius."

"Then it's settled!" Twilight said. "Shining Armor and I will head straight to the castle, and you two can head straight to Sunburst's!"

Spike saluted and said, "Aye-aye, Princess!"

"Uh-huh," Starlight said, nervously.

Twilight then turned to face Shining Armor, saying, "Alright, big brother, let's go see this amazing baby pony!" She then noticed that Shining Armor fell asleep, standing up.

"Ahhh... the baby..." Shining mumbled in his sleep.

"Now I really hope we weren't that troubling when we were babies," Dusk said, whispering into Daylight's ear. She giggled at that comment.





The Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies followed Shining Armor towards the room where the new baby was. Shining Armor stopped at the door to look at the group.

"Before we go in, I should probably tell you," Shining Armor said. "Seeing the baby might be a bit of a shock."

"Come on, big brother," Twilight said. Then the group started walking into the room. "I've met babies before. I expect meeting this one won't be any different." When they entered the room, Cadance, who had a messy mane as well, wasn't the only one in the room. There were also Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The group then started heading towards the crib where the new baby was. The baby was wrapped up in a light blue blanket and coming out of the forehead of the baby pony was a unicorn horn. The Tri-Pies were on Pinkie's back, looking around her head to see the baby. Dusk, Nyx and Rainbow Dash were hovering and looking around Twilight's head, Dusk using his magic to levitate the CMC, including his sister, so they could look at the baby as well. They all smiled at the baby. But then, the baby awoken, and did something nopony was expecting. The baby wasn't a unicorn, but an alicorn. The baby unfolded her wings, and cooed at the group. "Of course, I could be wrong."

The baby sucked on her hoof as Dusk asked, "The baby is an alicorn?!"

"It looks that way," Cadance said, tiredly.

"But... But... But I thought Alicorn wings had to be earned by accomplishing some great, princess-worthy deed!" Rarity said, still surprised about Cadance's baby being an alicorn.

"Yeah. How can you just be born with 'em?" Applejack asked.

"The birth of an Alicorn is something Equestria has never seen!" Princess Celestia said.

"It is beyond even our understanding," Princess Luna said. "Even more than how Nyx's creation is."

"That's not very reassuring," Fluttershy whispered to Rarity.

Pinkie Pie then came in between them, saying, "Wow! A unicorn, and a Pegasus!" She then rushed towards the crib. "So she could be a super-strong flyer and have crazy baby magic!"

"Well, I know all about super-strong flying," Rainbow Dash said, doing an aerial loop.

"And I can help keep tabs on her magic!" Twilight said, looking at Cadance. Just then, the baby was about to sneeze. The baby then sneeze, unleashing a huge burst of magic, firing straight up, going through the next four floors above. From two floors up, an earth pony mare with her mane burn a little peeked her head through the hole, seeing what was going on.

Everypony else in the room were all surprised to see the baby having a lot of power. The baby pony rubbed her nose and went back to sleep. Princess Celestia then said, "It appears her magic is more powerful than that of a newborn unicorn!"

Princess Luna and Nyx were looking out a nearby window, seeing a bunch of ponies coming towards the palace. Princess Luna then said, "The crowds have already started to gather."

Then a green balloon came up in front of Luna's face, Pinkie Pie hanging onto it, saying, "This Crystalling is gonna be some party!" The balloon popped as Pinkie landed back on the ground in a sitting position.

"Do you think we should call it off?" Cadance asked.

"Um, we've all faced a lot worse than baby magic," Rainbow Dash said, crossing her forelegs.

"Have they?" Scootaloo asked.

"Maybe in alternate realities or universes," Dusk said. "Although, I guess if Lord Tirek is an example..."

"I can't imagine cancelling such a beautiful and important ceremony over something so potentially adorable!" Rarity said. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash all agreed with Rarity.

"In light of the little one's abilities, this Crystalling might be more important than ever," Princess Celestia said. She then looked towards Princess Cadance. "Perhaps you should address your subjects and remind them of that."

Princess Cadance hummed. Then she reached her head over to kiss her baby on the forehead. The kiss woke the baby, and she playfully reached for Cadance. Then the three oldest alicorns walked out of the room. Shining Armor was snoring when he was resting his forelegs on the back of the baby's bed.

"Shining Armor! Do you have everything you need for the ceremony?" Twilight asked, waking up her brother.

"Huh?" Shining Armor asked, waking up. He then realized something and started freaking out. "Oh, no! I still have to interview the honor guards, choose the purity crystal, and pick a crystaller!" As Shining was talking, he headed near the door. He then sat on his flanks, having a heap of nerves.

"Alright, take it easy," Twilight said, trying to comfort her brother. "Pinkie can stay here with me and keep an eye on the baby." Pinkie turned her head to look at Twilight and Shining Armor, the baby clinging her hooves onto Pinkie's eyes. The baby cooed as that was happening.

The foals in the room were all jaw dropped and Daylight said, "I don't think that's what she meant, Pinkie!"

"That's gotta hurt," Dusk said.

"Ah guess we'll all help you with everythin' else," Applejack said. She and the rest of the grown up ponies noticed that Shining Armor fell asleep on the floor.

"...baby..." Shining Armor mumbled in his sleep.

"That is, if you can stay awake long enough to tell us how," Rarity added. The others nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, in the shadows, the Watcher returned to give his story.

"And so, with a new task, the heroes of Equestria are to prepare for the Royal Crystalling. But with what that little baby is capable of, things can..." The baby was cooing, seeing the Watcher in the shadow. She reached out for him. "Hold on. Can she... see me? No way, that's impossible. I hope I don't get too noticed like I did with that baby Floral Colossus back in the other dimension. Anyway, back on topic, I should continue with telling this story. Wait a minute. Is this the end of the chapter? Hang on, I just got... Wait!"
> Chapter 2: Preparations for the Crystalling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2: Preparations for the Crystalling






Outside of the castle, on a stage, the three oldest alicorns were standing there. Princess Cadance was giving an announcement to the crystal ponies, even though she was still a little tired.

"Dearest citizens, I am sure you are all just as thrilled and ready for this Crystalling as myself and Shining Armor," Cadance announced to the Crystal Ponies, who all applauded in response.

Shining Armor was watching from behind the curtain behind the stage. He then closed it, giving a nervous look, his mane still a mess. He then turned around and saw a bunch of Crystal Royal Pegasus guards. All of them had purple coats, and half of them had a red mane while the other half had a green mane.

"I'm not ready!" Shining Armor said after he did some panicked breathing.

"Take it easy," Rainbow Dash said, carrying two helmets. One had a red mane top and the other green. They were matching the guards manes. "Just pick whoever looks the most like honor guard material."

Shining Armor took the two helmets in his magic and said, "Right... right." He then looked back at the guards. He then slammed the helmets onto two of the guards, them being on backwards and the wrong mane color. The chosen guards whimpered as the rest of the guards moved away. Shining Armor looked back at the rest of the ponies. "I'm sorry. Fatherhood is way more stressful than I ever thought."

"I can only imagine," Fluttershy said.

Rarity then walked up holding a case in her magic. She then said, "Now, I know choosing the crystal of purity is a very important decision." She then opened the case, showing five crystals. "So I have gone through the trouble of arranging them in order from incredibly pure to outrageously pure."

"Um, Rarity, don't they all sort of look the same?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, well, to the untrained eye, perhaps," Rarity responded. "What do you think, Shining Armor?"

Shining Armor started stammering. Dusk and Nyx then said in unison, "Three... two... one..."

"I don't know!" Shining Armor shouted, standing on his hind legs, his forelegs on the sides of his head. He then fell over forward, covering his face.

Rarity leaned over to Fluttershy and whispered, "I hope Twilight and Pinkie are having better luck with the baby!"





Back in the baby's room, Pinkie Pie was holding onto the baby as she was flying. The baby was stronger than she looked.

"Well... at least she's having... fun!" Pinkie said. The baby was firing random blasts across the room, and Twilight was using her magic blasts to meet them before they caused damage. "Whee!" Twilight was exhausted from countering the baby's blasts with her own.

"Pinkie, hold her still!" Twilight said, looking at Pinkie. Pinkie was trying to pull the baby down, but the baby was too strong.

"I'm tryiiiiiiing!" Pinkie said, being dragged by the baby. The baby then fired a blast towards Twilight, but she ducked out of the way.





A little while later, Rarity was brushing Shining Armor's mane as he was doing some heavy breathing. As soon as they were done, the doors to the castle opened, and out came Celestia, Luna and Cadance.

Shining Armor walked towards his wife and said, "Okay. I chose the honor guard, picked the purity crystal, and I know exactly who I want to be our crystaller. So, all we need is..." He was trying to remember what else was needed.

"The baby?" Cadance asked. Shining then went wide eyed in realization. He forgot his baby.

"We're here!" Twilight called out. She was using her magic to keep her niece and Pinkie Pie, who was still hanging onto the flying baby, in a bubble made of Twilight's magic.

The baby burbled as Pinkie said, "She's a really strong flyer!" Shining Armor was relieved that Twilight and Pinkie got the baby out in time for the ceremony.

Cadance used her magic to get her baby out of Twilight's magic bubble as Pinkie was lifted down. The baby then started sniffling. And then, the baby let out a cry, mixed with the Royal Canterlot Voice, and let out sonic waves, distinguishing Cadance's magical hold, everypony trying to stand their ground from the sonic waves. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies were covering their ears from the loud noise. But then, the Crystal Heart stopped spinning, and it started cracking. Then the Crystal Heart shattered and ended up on the ground. Everypony gasped. The baby then flew back to her mother and landed in Cadance's left foreleg.

"Oh, that's not good," Dusk said.

"Ah'm guessin' that's gonna make it harder to do the Crystalling," Applejack said.

"It's worse than that," Twilight said. "Dusk is right. Without the Heart, the Crystal Empire's about to be buried under a mountain of ice and snow!" Twilight opened up the curtains, revealing the snowstorm outside of the Crystal Empire border coming towards the empire.

The baby didn't know any better as she smiled at her mother and burbled.

"So... not only can we not take part in a fabulous ancient ceremony, but we're also about to be frozen solid!" Rarity said.

"Without the Crystal Heart's magical protection, the entire city's about to become a winter wasteland!" Twilight said.

"Wait, that can happen?" Daylight asked.

"Apparently, it can," Dusk said. "After all, King Sombra hid the Crystal Heart in a secret room somewhere in the castle. And the Crystal Heart was the only thing keeping the storm out."

"I'm afraid that Dusk is correct, and the storm clouds are already forming," Princess Celestia said, using her magic to open up the curtain. Then lightning cracked.

"I can totally fly up there and bust those puppies!" Rainbow Dash said, flying up to the curtain. "No problem!"

"I wouldn't advise it, Rainbow Dash," Princess Celestia said. "Those storm clouds are not like the ones you know."

"This far north, the weather has a will of its own, and now it will only grow stronger, enveloping everything in its path," Princess Luna said.

"Including the Crystal Empire!" Princess Cadance added.

"And us along with it!" Twilight said.

"We're all gonna die," Dusk said.





Meanwhile, on another train that was heading to the Crystal Empire, Twilight and Shining Armor's parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, were excited to see the new baby in the family.

"I still can't believe that Shining and Cadance finally have a foal of their own," Velvet said. "I was wondering when they'd finally get one since Twilight has three foals and a baby dragon of her own."

"Yeah, and only one of them is hers biologically and the other two foals are adopted," Night Light said. "Although, Daylight Savings was originally Dusk's biological little sister when they were on another world."

"Although, with so much time difference, and the fact that Dusk's old body died, they never got the chance to meet," Velvet said. "But here, they're officially brother and sister again thanks to Twilight having to adopt Daylight."

"I wish that I was in the room to see the look on Dusk's face when he realized that Daylight was originally his sister from his old parents," Night Light said. Just then, the train came to a safe stop and the ponies were wondering what was going on.

"Sorry for the inconvenience, everypony, but it seems that there is a severe snowstorm blocking our way to the Crystal Empire," the conductor's voice came from the PA system. "Please wait patiently until the snowstorm clears up."

All the ponies groaned in annoyance since they weren't going to be getting to the Crystal Empire as soon as they were expecting. Especially Velvet and Night Light.

"Hopefully, this snowstorm will blow over," Velvet said, trying to keep things positive.





The Crystal Empire was still about to be covered by the severe snowstorm due to the Crystal Heart being broken. Twilight was looking out the curtain, but she quickly closed the curtain and shivered.

"There must be a spell that can restore the Crystal Heart!" Twilight said.

"Perhaps," Princess Celestia said.

"But it isn't something that either of us know," Princess Luna said.

"The library here at the castle is nearly as extensive as the one in Canterlot," Cadance said, using her magic to give the baby to Shining Armor. "There's a good chance we can find something there!"

Twilight looked towards Celestia and Luna and asked, "Can you hold off the storm?"

"Yes, for a time, but even our magic will eventually succumb to the power of the Frozen North," Princess Luna responded.

"We will do what we can, but you must hurry," Princess Celestia said as she and Luna started flying. They flew away from the castle, and headed towards the storm. They used their magic to push back the storm.

Twilight was watching from behind the curtain. She then faced the rest of the ponies and said, "I don't know how long it will take to find the right spell, but you should probably tell the crowd outside to get somewhere warm!"

"And try not to mention the Crystal Heart," Cadance added. "We don't want to start a panic."

"Yes, ma'am," Applejack said. She then looked towards Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. "C'mon, girls!" She then looked at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "You three fillies come and help as well." Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded. Then the six ponies headed outside.

"I'm gonna need all of your help," Twilight said, facing the rest of the group. "The crystal library is enormous!"

"You can count on us, Twylie," Shining Armor said. The baby giggled as she looked towards Pinkie Pie. The baby then teleported herself back onto Pinkie's face. But this time, Pinkie freaked out. She shrieked and pulled the baby off of her face, making her fall towards the ground. Shining Armor and Cadance were shocked to see their baby about to hit the ground. Shining then dove in to catch the baby, but the baby used her magic to teleport out of sight before contact. "Where'd she go?!"

Just then, the sound of the baby giggling came to their ears. Cadance followed the sound, looked towards the doors of the castle and said, "This way!" Then all of them went towards the door, heading inside the castle.

"I just hope that baby doesn't do anything too bad," Daylight said.

"You and me both, sis," Dusk replied.
> Chapter 3: The Chase through the Multiverse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: The Chase through the Multiverse






Outside of the Crystal Palace, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were all trying to convince all the Crystal Ponies to evacuate.

"We're just saying that it might not be the best idea to stay outside!" Rainbow Dash called out.

"I camped out all night for this spot!" an elderly orange crystal earth pony said, sitting in a folding chair. "I'm not about to just give it up!"

"Still, when you think about it, the view is just as good a little further back, like... inside your house?" Fluttershy asked, still trying to convince the crystal ponies to get to their houses.

The crystal ponies were complaining of what Fluttershy just said. Then one yellow crystal pony stallion, wearing a navy blue baseball cap and vest, covered in pins, came out and said, "The Crystalling ceremony is one of our most sacred traditions! And when that foal is held before the Crystal Heart, I plan to be as close to the action as possible!"

"Honestly, Ah don't know if there's gonna be a Crystallin'," Applejack said. "The truth is, the baby's an Alicorn and her magic's plum crazy, so you might not wanna be that close after all."

"A baby alicorn?" the elderly pony asked. "Wow, I can't wait to see that!"

"Oh, those little wings are probably so cute!" the pinned pony said.

"I know, right?" a light orange crystal pony stallion with a blue mustache that looks like he has two handlebar mustaches said.

"Look, I am a hundred percent sure the Crystalling isn't happening," Rainbow Dash said. Just then, the sound of magical blasts came to all the ponies's attention. They all looked up and saw magical blasts coming from the castle.

"No Crystalling, huh?" the mustached crystal pony asked. "Then why are they starting the fireworks show?" The crystal ponies then cheered.

"And ya say tellin' lies is a bad thing?" Apple Bloom asked, looking up at her sister.

"Technically, we ain't lyin'," Applejack said. "We're just... hidin' the awful truth."

"That sounds worse than lying," Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo nodded in agreement.





In the Crystal Empire library, Twilight, Nyx and Cadance were searching through the books as Dusk, Daylight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, the Tri-Pies and Shining Armor were trying to catch the baby.

"Young filly... come back here!" Shining Armor called out.

The baby got away and headed to another part of the library. Pinkie Pie and Rarity saw the baby. Pinkie Pie then called out, "Come to your Auntie Pinkie Pie!" She then hopped to chase the baby.

Twilight and Nyx were at the table, reading the books that were given to them by Cadance, Dusk and Daylight.

"'Bridle Buck's Boat Chants, Hayhoof's Intonements, Mystic Maps and Mazes'..." Twilight said before groaning. She then looked at Nyx. "Anything on your end."

"Nothing yet," Nyx said. She then looked over at Cadance and asked, "Anything up there?"

"Not yet!" Cadance said. "I'm not even sure how these are organized!" Just as Cadance came up to an empty spot on the book shelf, the baby appeared right in that spot. The baby giggled as Cadance was just about to reach for her. But then the baby sneezes, shooting magic from her horn, destroying a support beam.

"Oh, that's not good," Dusk said with Daylight standing next to him.

"Shining Armor, I thought you were taking care of the baby!" Cadance called out.

Shining Armor was chasing the baby, calling out, "I'm trying!" The baby then flew around a corner, which Shining Armor chased her into, but the baby teleported out of the way, back in the intersection of that part of the library, and started flying away from Shining Armor. The baby was flying away, but then her path was blocked by Rarity, who held a butterfly net in her magical grip.

"Gotcha!" Rarity said as the baby was about to fly into the net, but the baby teleported right behind Rarity. "Oh! Or not..."

Just then, the baby came to a wall where she was cornered by the Tri-Pies. Then the three of them called out, "Tri-Pie Tackle!" Then they jumped to grab filly, leaving a dust cloud in their place. When the dust cloud vanished, Cherry was holding onto Raspberry's tail, Blueberry was holding onto Cherry's hind legs, and Raspberry was holding onto Blueberry's mane. The baby was nowhere in sight.

"Well, that didn't work out well," Cherry said.

Just then, Starlight and Spike walked into the library, and then they saw the commotion. They saw Dusk, Daylight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, the Tri-Pies and Shining Armor chasing the baby while Twilight, Nyx and Cadance were looking all over the library for a way to fix the Crystal Heart. Pinkie Pie chased the baby down the stairs, but she went a little too fast, tripped, and crashed.

"Whoa!" Pinkie Pie called out before she crashed.

"What is going on?!" Starlight Glimmer asked.

Pinkie Pie was then dragged by the baby as she asked, "You want the long or the short version?"

"Short?" Starlight asked.

"The baby's an Alicorn and she accidentally destroyed the Crystal Heart, so Twilight and Cadance are looking for a spell to put it back together and save the Crystal Empire from turning into a giant wasteland of ice and snow," Pinkie Pie said, very quickly.

"Oh," Starlight responded. As the baby was dragging Pinkie Pie, Shining Armor tried to grab the baby. But instead of catching the baby, he accidentally landed on Pinkie Pie, crunching her, and both of them landing on the ground, the baby nowhere to be seen.

Cadance then noticed one book, and levitated it in her magic. She then gasped and asked, "What about this? 'Trotter's Tome of Reliquary'?"

Twilight took the book in her own magic and read through the book. She then saw one page and said, "I think this is it!"

Cadance and Nyx looked at the spell that Twilight was looking at, and Cadance said, "'Spell of Relic Reconstruction'! I can't believe we found it!" Nyx was reading the spell quickly to memorize it. Just then, the baby appeared and knocked over the books that Twilight and Nyx went through. The baby giggled as Pinkie Pie chased her. Finally, Pinkie Pie got the jump on the baby and caught her.

The baby was about to sneeze, and fired a beam of magic right towards Rarity, who reacted by using her magic to levitate her mirror to reflect the beam. The beam then headed towards Shining Armor, who reacted with a shield spell, deflecting the beam. The beam then headed for Starlight and Spike. Starlight used a barrier spell, and the beam was deflected off of it, which was a mistake because it hit Trotter's Tome of Reliquary, blasting a hole through it. Twilight gasped at this.

"Oops," Pinkie said as everypony there gave a shocked look. Just then, the baby teleported out of there.

"Where'd she go?!" Shining Armor said. Just then, the lights went out. "Hey, who turned out the lights?!" Just then, the lights came on, and the Watcher stood there.

"It seems that you all are having trouble with that baby of yours," the Watcher said.

"The Watcher?" Nyx asked.

"The what?" Cadance asked.

"This is Uatu the Watcher, he basically sees all the possible outcomes of all universes, and sees the possible outcome of all realities," Dusk responded. "What is it you're doing here?"

The Watcher opened up a portal, revealing the baby alicorn flying in another universe. He then said, "It would seem your new cousin has somehow teleported herself into a different universe. Usually, I'm not one to interfere with the universes I watch, but without the new Alicorn in this universe, this universe's version of the Crystal Empire is doomed. Dusk Shine, I will send you to the universe that the baby has gotten herself into."

"Why Dusk?" Twilight asked.

"Because you're going to need to restore the Crystal Heart in this universe," the Watcher responded. "Besides, Nyx can't do it because her magic isn't strong enough. But yours is."

"How long is this gonna take for Dusk to get my baby back?" Cadance asked.

"For him, as long as it takes," the Watcher responded. "For the rest of you, it'll be like he never left."

"Okay," Shining Armor said. He then looked at Dusk. "Be very quick about this, Dusk."

"You got it, Uncle Shining," Dusk said. "Watcher!" The Watcher then opened a portal and Dusk flew through it. Then the lights went out.





In the Nexus of All Realities, Dusk came out of one Universe and looked around, trying to find the Watcher.

"Okay, Watcher!" Dusk said. "Where is she?!"

"Over here!" came the Watcher's voice. Dusk turned around and saw the Watcher looking at one wall. Dusk flew over to the Watcher and the Watcher opened the portal to that universe. "You must hurry! Your cousin being out of that universe can have major consequences!"

"You got it," Dusk said. He then flew into the portal, going into a different universe.






"A Dragon's Soft Spot" Universe... Summer Valley Middle School


Branched Timeline: January 2023...


Dusk came out of the portal to that universe, where the janitor of that middle school, Dang, was cleaning the floor with a mop. Dang heard the portal closing, turned around and screamed at Dusk.

"Where'd you come from?" Dang asked.

"Sorry, mister," Dusk said. "Have you seen a baby alicorn flying through here?" Just then, the sound of the baby giggling came down the hall. Dusk and Dang saw the baby flying down the hall. "Don't worry, I'll get her." He then started chasing the baby. Dang just continued mopping.

"This world just keeps getting weirder and weirder," Dang said, continuing his mopping.

Dusk chased the baby down the hall, eventually the baby getting cornered. Dusk was about to grab her, but the baby teleported out of sight and Dusk nearly crashed into the wall. Dusk then called out, "Dang!"

"You called?" Dang asked, appearing right behind Dusk, making the colt scream.

"Where'd you come from?" Dusk asked.

"Vietnam!" Dang responded.

Dusk groaned and said, "I don't have time for this! Watcher!" Then a portal opened up on the wall behind Dusk, and the colt flew through the portal.

"Stranger and stranger," Dang said. Just then, a certain orange and purple dragoness came down the hall, wearing a cheerleader outfit.

"Hey, Dang," Smolder said. "What's going on down here?"

"Oh, nothing," Dang responded. "Just some weird time-space phenomenon!"

"Like the way you get around so fast?" Smolder asked.

"Exactly," Dang said. "Hey, shouldn't you be cheering for your boyfriend and his team at the game?"

"Right," Smolder said. She then started flying back towards the school gym.






Marvel Cinematic Universe... Camp Lehigh, New Jersey...


Branched Timeline... May 2018


Dusk appeared into an old army base camp and saw the baby hovering in fear.

"There you are!" Dusk said. "I thought I'd..." He then saw what the baby was looking at. They saw a bunch of human zombies coming right towards the two of them. "Z-z-zombies!" Just then, the sound of bullets came in and three zombies fell backwards. Dusk then turned around and saw someone coming right towards them.



"What the heck?!" Dusk asked.

"Run..." the Winter Soldier said. The baby then teleported out of that universe. Then a portal opened up and Dusk flew through it. Then the Hulk showed up and started smashing some zombies as the Winter Soldier was shooting some other zombies.






Phineas and Ferb/Milo Murphy's Law/Hamster and Gretel Universe... Danville, New York...


Branched Timeline... January 2017...


A bunch of Pistachion/Human hybrids were chasing Phineas, Ferb, Milo Murphy, Doofenshmirtz, Cavendish, Dakota, and Orton Mahlson up a roller coaster. They eventually made it to the end of the broken roller coaster.

"Oh, no! This is a dead end! Go back down!" Cavendish said.

"We can't!" Phineas said. "We're cut off! And they're coming!"

"Looks like we're out of time!" Dakota said. Just then, their view was cut off by Dusk chasing the baby alicorn, making the pistachion/human hybrids confused as well as the heroes. The baby alicorn teleported out of that universe and a portal opened up in front of Dusk, them going into another universe.

"What was that?!" Phineas asked.

"It appears to be an alicorn colt chasing a baby alicorn filly through multiple universes," Ferb said.

"Okay, did any of you guys see that?" Dakota asked, looking at the pistachion/human hybrids. They all responded with nods, still confused about what they saw. "Okay, so where were we? Oh, yeah. Looks like we're out of time!"






The Mobian Era Universe... Station Square, DC...


Branched Timeline... July 2021...


Miles "Tails" Prower, MC the Fox, Truemen the Bear, Sunny Starscout, Izzy Moonbow and Pipp Petals were surrounded by a bunch of Eggman robots.

"Worst. Summer. Ever," MC said.

"The one time that Twilight and her friends are out of town," Sunny said. Just then, the baby appeared over the robots, grabbing some of them with her magic, and slamming them into each other. Just then, Dusk came in and grabbed the baby.

"Gotcha!" Dusk said. "Time to get you home! Watcher!" Just then, a portal opened up behind Dusk, and Dusk pulled the baby into the portal, leaving the heroes standing there, jaw dropped.

"Was that Flurry Heart?" Truemen asked. "And a young... male version of Twilight?"

"I thought I was the only one who saw that," Tails said.

"Did anyone get that on video?!" Pipp asked.

"I think we're done here for today," MC said. "Let's go home." Then they all started walking away. One robot tried sitting up, but MC fired a materiokinetic photon blast at it, making the robot disassemble itself.






"A Sparkle's Little Dusk" Universe... Crystal Empire Library...


Normal Timeline... Present...


The scene played out as it went by as it started.

"You got it, Uncle Shining," Dusk said. "Watcher!" The Watcher then opened a portal and Dusk flew through it. Then the lights went out. When the lights came back on, Dusk was carrying the baby alicorn in his forelegs. "Got her."

"Good," Twilight said. She then looked down towards Nyx. "Nyx, can you remember the spell."

"I've read it once," Nyx said. "But, I'll try to rewrite how it was exactly."

"Well, if anypony can exactly remember something she read for the first time two minutes ago, it's you, Nyx," Rarity said.

"I'll try," Nyx responded. "But I'm not sure how long it'll take." Just then, the sound of wind blowing came from the hole in the ceiling that the baby alicorn blew her magic through.

"Is quickly an option?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Twilight and I will help as we can,but we should evacuate the city just in case!" Princess Cadance said. She then took the baby alicorn in her magic and put the baby on her back while looking at Shining Armor. "You need to lead everypony to the train station before the tracks freeze over!"

"We will," Shining Armor said. "But between you, Nyx and Twilight, I'm sure you'll remember the spell." Shining Armor, Dusk, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Daylight and the Tri-Pies all ran through the doors, heading outside to get the ponies to evacuate the Crystal Empire.

Twilight levitated a scroll and quill and gave them to Nyx. She then said, "I only hope this is the spell we need."

Starlight walked up to Twilight and asked, "Is there anything I can do?"

"I don't think so," Twilight said as Nyx started writing what she could remember of the spell. "I'm just sorry about your lesson."

"Oh, that doesn't matter now," Starlight said. "Sunburst and I don't have anything in common anyway. He's a big important wizard! And I'm re-learning everything I ever thought I knew."

"Sunburst?" Cadance asked, walking up to Starlight. "I don't recognize the name, but if he's an important wizard, you should bring him here. Maybe he'll know what to do if the spell fails."

Starlight gasped and said, "Of course!" She then ran towards the door. Spike walked towards the table that Twilight, Nyx and Cadance were at.

"You better go with her, Spike," Twilight said. Spike nodded and followed Starlight. Then the sound of thunder booming came in. Twilight, Nyx and Cadance looked towards the hole in the ceiling and saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna using their magic to push back the storm.
> Chapter 4: The Crystalling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4: The Crystalling






Outside of the Crystal Palace, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and the CMC were still trying to convince the ponies to leave before the snowstorm of the Frozen North took out the Crystal Empire.

"You can't stay here!" Applejack nearly shouted.

"Did I mention this was a Royal Crystalling?" the mustached pony asked. "When the crystaller holds the young one aloft, all of the Empire will share their joy and light, and the Crystal Heart will beat stronger than it ever has before!"

"It really is a moving ceremony!" said the stallion with the pins on his vest and hat.

"I really don't think it's going to happen," Fluttershy said as Rainbow Dash was shivering.

"Come on, it's freezing out here!" Rainbow Dash said, shivering.

"Uh, this is the Crystal Empire," the elderly mare said. "We've seen snow before."

"Not like this!" came Shining Armor's voice. Everypony looked up on the stage above Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and the CMC, seeing Shining Armor, Dusk, Daylight and the Tri-Pies standing there. "We don't have time to argue! Princess Cadance has decided to evacuate the city!"

The crowd gasped. Then the mustached stallion said, "But the Crystalling...!"

"The baby's the reason why the Crystalling is cancelled," Dusk said. "She cried out with the Royal Canterlot Voice near the Crystal Heart, and..." He then bit his lip. "The Crystal Heart... shattered."

The crowd gasped and the elderly mare said, "It's not safe here!"

Applejack groaned and said, "That's what we've been tryin' ta tell you!" Then the ponies started running towards the train station before the tracks started to freeze over.

Meanwhile, in the sky above the Crystal Empire, Princesses Celestia and Luna were trying to use their magic to push back the snowstorm. They were straining due to how strong the storm was.

"Push them back, my sister!" Princess Celestia said.

Back on the ground, Shining Armor, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, the CMC, Dusk and Daylight were leading the ponies to the train station.

"This way!" Shining Armor called out.

One Crystal Earth Pony Mare slipped and fell into the snow. Fluttershy helped her up to her hooves and they kept running. Rainbow Dash was trying to fly fast, but her wings were starting to freeze. So she had no choice but to get to the train station grounded with the other ponies.

"Just a little bit further, y'all!" Applejack called out. "The station's just ahead!" Just then, she saw Starlight Glimmer, along with Spike and Starlight's old friend, who is also Sunset Shimmer's younger brother, Sunburst. Princesses Celestia and Luna descended to the group.

"We have to go back!" Starlight called out.

"I know how to stop this!" Sunburst called out.





Twilight, Cadance and Nyx were in the area where the Crystal Heart is usually. The baby alicorn was bouncing on Nyx's back. For some reason, the baby bouncing on Nyx's back wasn't bothering the alicorn filly at all. The Crystal Heart still was shattered on the ground. Twilight and Nyx were writing what they could remember of the spell they found, but they were struggling a little to find out if the words were correct.

Twilight was thinking as she finished it and asked, "Uh, I think that's everything?"

Cadance took the parchment in her magic, read the parchment and said, "It looks right to me, but... there's only one way to find out!" Nyx took the parchment in her magic and stepped away from the Crystal Heart shards. Twilight and Cadance used their magic to bring the shards up to the area where the Crystal Heart was hovering, then they used magical beams to restore the Crystal Heart. It was revived for a bit, but it was still cracked. It gave out a pink glow, but then the glow stopped and the Crystal Heart ended up shattered on the ground again.

"The spell failed," Twilight said. She then hung her head down in defeat. "I don't know what else to do."

Twilight's attention was then caught by Princess Celestia's voice, saying, "An old student of mine believes he does." Twilight, Cadance and Nyx saw Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, her five friends, Shining Armor, Dusk, Daylight, the CMC, Spike and Sunburst coming in from the curtains behind them. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash were all coated in ice. Then the royal sisters moved out of the way, letting Sunburst come towards the Crystal Heart shards.

Sunburst looked down at the shards and asked, "The baby did this?!"

Twilight held up the rewritten spell, saying, "I tried putting it back together with..."

Sunburst quickly read the spell and said, "The spell of Relic Reconstitution. No, that won't do it." Sunburst took the parchment in his own magic and crumpled it up. "The Crystal Heart's been around for millennia. Restoring a relic like this is way beyond one spell." Sunburst took out a book from his saddlebags and started flipping through the pages. He then gave the book to Twilight as he was saying, "You need to combine it with something else. Something unique to the relic itself." Twilight took the book in her own magic and read it.  Then Sunburst said something to Twilight that might give her a clue. "Something that strengthens it and provides it with power...?"

Twilight thought about it, got the hint and said, "The Crystalling!"

"Combining that spell with the light and love of everypony gathered for the ceremony, together with..." Sunburst explained when he pulled out a book and gave it to Starlight. "...Somnambula's Weather Abjuration to clear away the snow..." He then walked up to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Princess Cadance was holding her baby. "...and a little Fledgling's Forbearance for the parents..." Shining Armor took the scroll in his magic. Sunburst then touched the baby with his right forehoof. "Heh. That should curb the little one's power fluctuations." The baby giggled and reached out for Sunburst's snout.

"You must be Sunburst," Cadance said. "Starlight said you were a powerful wizard."

"Oh, I'm no wizard," Sunburst responded. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, the CMC, Nyx and Daylight all gasped at that.

"What?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"But he studied magic his whole life!" Starlight said. "You should see his house! And since nopony has any better ideas, what do we have to lose?!" She then smiled awkwardly.

Shining Armor took the baby in his magic and gave the scroll to Cadance, who took it in her own magic. He then said, "I had planned on asking Twilight to be our crystaller, but since it seems like she'll be busy..." Shining Armor levitated the baby to Sunburst, who grabbed the baby in his left foreleg.

"I'd be honored!" Sunburst said. The baby then started messing with Sunburst's glasses while giggling.

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Twilight asked. Then Twilight's friends, Sunburst, the CMC, Shining Armor, Cadance and the baby all headed out to the stage. Twilight then used her magic to restore the Crystal Heart, making it like how it was before the restoration spell failed. Then Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Dusk used their magic and shot beams at the Crystal Heart as well. Starlight was reading the spell that Sunburst told her to use. Then she shot a magic beam at the Crystal Heart. Nyx and Daylight stood by Dusk's sides to keep Dusk steady as he was firing the beam.

Meanwhile, on stage, Twilight's friends, the CMC, Sunburst, Cadance, Shining Armor and the baby were on stage. Sunburst was holding the baby in his right foreleg. Shining Armor and Cadance leaned in and kissed their baby on the cheeks. Shining kissed the baby's left cheek and Cadance the right. Then they connected all three of their horns. Then the baby was surrounded in a yellow aura, floating up into the sky.

Sunburst then took one of the crystals from the case that Rarity was holding, and announced to the Crystal Ponies, "Citizens! May I present the newest member of the Crystal Empire!"

The baby then unfolded her wings, laughing as she was doing it. The crowd cheered. Then the mustached pony then said, "She's beautiful!"

"Oh! It's just so moving!" the pinned pony said. Then the Crystal Ponies started bowing. Then the streets of the Crystal Empire started glowing brighter. Sunburst then held up the crystal in his magic, and levitated it to the glowing street. He then ran towards the Crystal Heart, jumped into the air, and inserted the crystal into the top of the Crystal Heart. Then the Crystal Heart started glowing in a bright white aura, surrounding all the ponies in the Crystal Empire, everypony getting a crystal look. Including Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the CMC.




[Sorry, no image of Dusk or Daylight in Crystal Form... yet]

The Crystalling also caused the snowstorm to get out of the Crystal Empire, all signs of Frozen North Ice out of the Crystal Empire. As soon as the storm cleared, the baby came down and got into the hooves of her parents, who kissed her again.

"Best Crystalling ever!" the elderly Crystal Mare said. The mustached pony nodded in agreement.

Back behind the stage, Starlight looked at Sunburst with a smug look. She then said, "For a pony who isn't great at magic, you did pretty well."

"Indeed," Princess Celestia agreed. Starlight and Sunburst looked at Princess Celestia. "I'm glad to see you've found a way to share your unique gift, Sunburst. You may be more of a wizard than you think." Starlight and Sunburst looked at each other, smiling. Then they got even more happy.





Back at the Crystal Empire Train Station, Twilight Velvet and Night Light were there, finally arriving in the Crystal Empire. The Mane 6, the CMC, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Shining, Cadance, the baby, Starlight, Sunburst and Spike were all there as well.

"You would not believe the crazy weather that delayed our train," Night Light said. "Came out of nowhere."

Velvet then walked up to Shining, Cadance and the baby, saying, "But it was all worth it to see this peaceful little angel!" She got a closer look at the baby. "Awww, so sweet! Come to your grandmare!" The baby noticed Velvet and tried reaching out for her, giggling.

"Yeah, peaceful now, anyway," Applejack said.

"I suppose that spell really did the trick!" Twilight said, talking about the spell that Starlight used to push back the weather with the help of the Crystal Heart. Just then, the baby started inhaling. She was about to sneeze.

"Hit the dirt!" Dusk shouted. Then the Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the CMC moved to get out of the way of a possible magical blast from the baby. The baby then sneezed, not releasing any magic. The Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the CMC then got up and looked at the baby. Luckily it was just a false alarm. Shining and Cadance looked down at the baby and smiled.

"We have Sunburst to thank for that," Shining Armor said.

"I hope he takes his role as crystaller seriously," Cadance said. "Something tells me the baby will need a pony like him to look to for magical advice."

Velvet then took the baby in her magic, and held her in her left foreleg, saying, "Cadance, darling, aren't we gonna name the poor little dear, or are we gonna spend our entire visit just calling her 'the baby'?"

Cadance and Shining looked at each other. Then Cadance said, "We were thinking... 'Flurry Heart'."

"You know, to remember the occasion," Shining Armor said.

"Oh, goodness, how could anypony forget?" Rarity asked, remembering the exhausting events they all had the entire time.

Twilight walked up to her mom and Flurry Heart, saying, "I think it's lovely." Twilight then kissed Flurry's cheek, causing her to giggle and reach out for Twilight.

At the end of the platform, Starlight was talking to Sunburst.

"Well, I think you're the Crystal Empire's big important wizard, whether you like it or not," Starlight said.

"I don't know if I'll have time for any wizarding," Sunburst said. "I'm a crystaller now. That's a big responsibility."

"I can't think of anypony more qualified," Starlight said. "Just... promise you'll stay in touch?"

"Hm, like I'd ever lose touch with my oldest friend," Sunburst said. Then the two of them hugged. The Mane 6, the CMC, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Spike were already back on the train. Twilight was looking out the window, seeing the two ponies hug. She then brought her head back in through the window as Starlight headed for the train.

"What's wrong, Twilight?" Spike asked, getting Twilight's attention, her ears drooped.

"I don't know, Spike," Twilight said. "I think I have a lot to learn about being a teacher."

"Are you kidding me, Mom?" Dusk asked. "Even though their friendship had some bumps in the road, I'd say Starlight's first friendship lesson went off perfectly."

"Yeah, Starlight and Sunburst got over their past and rekindled their friendship!" Spike said. Twilight looked at Nyx and Daylight, who nodded in agreement.

"But it was no thanks to me," Twilight said. " I know a lot happened. I just wish I could have given my pupil the attention she deserves." Twilight looked around to see Starlight getting into an empty seat across from Fluttershy, who was sitting behind Twilight, Nyx and Daylight.

Well, I know she needed to be put on the right path, but giving her the space to make her own decisions worked pretty well," Spike said.

"Isn't that what Princess Celestia taught you, Mom?" Dusk asked. Twilight then thought about it.

"You know, I never thought about it!" Twilight said. "But I guess it is!" Dusk then got out of his seat, heading off somewhere. "Where are you going, Dusk?"

"Bathroom," Dusk responded. Eventually, he made it into the bathroom. After doing his business, as the train was moving, Dusk noticed the window was open. He then flew up to try and close it, but then he noticed something flying towards the Crystal Empire. He couldn't make it out, but it was a black speck. "What is that?" Dusk tried getting a better look, but then his sight was covered in snow because the train made it outside the barrier that was keeping the snow out of the Crystal Empire. He then closed the window. He then said, "Never mind." He then washed his hooves as he was hovering. He then thought of something. "Seriously, why do we wash our hooves if we're just gonna walk on them?"

Back in the Crystal Empire, the Watcher, who was watching from the Nexus of All Realities, was looking down at Shining Armor, Cadance, Flurry Heart, Twilight Velvet and Night Light.

"Of course raising a family for the first time is tough, but this one was the toughest out of all the first time parents combined. At least they got that baby's power under control. For now." He then looked towards the black speck, seeing it was a changeling. "Oh. We haven't seen him in a while. I wonder how this will end. Meh, that's a story for another time. But for now, this family doesn't need any more stress." He then looked down at the family. He then saw Flurry Heart looking up at him, and reaching out for him. "How does she keep doing that?"
> Chapter 5: The Gauntlet of Fire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5: The Gauntlet of Fire






In the Castle of Friendship, in the dining room, Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were all in the room for some tea.

"I'm so glad you two could come!" Twilight said.

"Of course," Princess Luna responded. "We so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit."

"There's usually some crisis we have to deal with," Princess Celestia said. "Somepony always needs our help. But today..." Just then, the sound of Rarity wailing behind a closed door came to the five alicorns and Daylight.

"Help!" Rarity's voice came from behind the closed door. Just then, the doors slammed open, revealing Rarity, messed up, wearing an orange miner's helmet with a blue bow, similar to Apple Bloom's, and was carrying Spike in her magic, who was glowing brighter than Rarity's aura. "Twilight! There's something wrong with Spike!" She levitated Spike to the table, moving the snacks out of the way to place Spike there. Spike was scratching himself during the glowing.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

Spike then sat up and said, "I don't know! Nngh! All of a sudden, my scales just started glowing and... burning!"

"Little is known about dragon culture, but this is a phenomenon we've seen before," Princess Luna said. "It is the call of the Dragon Lord."

"Dragons glow whenever the Dragon Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands," Princess Celestia added.

"Great," Spike said, looking at the royal sisters. He then scratched harder. "H-How do I make it stop?!"

"The only way to end the summons is to answer it," You must journey to the Dragon Lands and see what is expected of you."

" B-B-But the Dragon Lands are full of... dragons!" Rarity said, very nervous about the Dragon Lands. "And they're ghastly creatures!" Dusk cleared his throat, getting Rarity's attention. He then tilted his head quickly towards Spike. Rarity then looked at Spike, remembering that he was a dragon as well. "Oh, oh, not you, of course, Spikey-wikey." She touched Spike's chin, cheering him up. But that smile went away after Rarity said, "But remember that rotten Garble?"

Spike gulped and said, "How could I forget? He would have burnt us to a crisp if you weren't there." He then thought of something. "If I have to go to the Dragon Lands, would you five come with me?" Spike was referring to Twilight, his three siblings, and Rarity.

"Ooh! Oh my goodness, I'd love to!" Twilight said, excitedly. "We are sadly lacking any information on dragon culture and customs. I could research them... maybe even write an article! This could be my chance to make a great contribution to the knowledge of Equestria!" She then looked at the others in the room, who were all giving her a deadpanned look. She then composed herself and said, "And be there for Spike, heh, of course."

"Be very careful," Princess Celestia said. "The Dragon Lands are particularly dangerous for ponies. It would be wise to be discreet."

"Ooh! I'm sure I still have the dragon costume we used the last time we snuck into the Dragon Lands!" Rarity said, clapping her hooves and giggling.

"I think we might want something a little more practical this time," Twilight said. "Also, I don't think it's wise for Dusk, Nyx and Daylight to come into the Dragon Lands. They could risk us getting caught. So, it might be best if they wait in the forest outside of the Dragon Lands."

"That's a good point," Dusk said. "At least it'll give us a chance to see Peewee again." Nyx smiled at that.

"Who's Peewee?" Daylight asked.

"Peewee was Spike's pet baby Phoenix," Dusk said. "Spike took care of Peewee until he made a mess in the library. Mom said that Peewee was too much trouble to keep around, so Spike had no choice but to bring Peewee back to where he came from."

Spike sighed and said, "It was the hardest thing I had to do."

"I still remember the Peewee back in the Equestria I came from," Nyx said. She then giggled. "I used to sneak him some treats while that Spike wasn't looking."

Spike laughed and said, "I'm guessing you got caught by the other me?"

"No," Nyx replied. "But that Twilight saw me doing it. Although, Spike must've overheard that night after we got home from performing that play."

"Where you played yourself in a way," Dusk said, making Nyx nod in response.

"I saw that memory," Princess Luna said. "It was funny how that pink filly playing my sister forgot her lines and accidentally modernized the words."

"Diamond Tiara was still the school bully at the time," Nyx said. "I'm sure by now, she's changed for the better. Hopefully the Spoiled Rich of that Equestria is also arrested for embezzling."

"That is if somepony got proof like I did," Dusk said.

"He's got a point," Daylight said.

"Anyway, we should get going as soon as possible," Twilight said.





In the forest outside of the Dragon Lands, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were walking through, searching for a certain something. They were looking up at any nests they could find.

"I'm sure that Peewee's family nest is around here somewhere," Dusk said.

"Are you sure he's nearby?" Daylight asked. "This place is almost kinda creepy."

"Hey, look!" Nyx said, pointing at a nest.



"That's the same next that Peewee was taken back to in the picture," Dusk said. "But where's..." He was then interrupted when something flew past the foals very quickly. They looked up at what flew by and saw another phoenix.



"Peewee?!" Dusk asked. "Is that you?"

The phoenix looked down at the foals, smiled at Dusk, and landed right next to him. He then nuzzled and pulled Dusk in for a wing hug. He then noticed Dusk's wings.

"Yeah, I know," Dusk said. "You're not the only one who's changed since the last time we saw each other." He then looked over at his two sisters. "Oh, you should meet my sisters." Peewee looked towards Nyx and Daylight. "This is Nyx, and Daylight Savings." Peewee squawked and pulled the two fillies in for a wing hug.

"Wow, he's so warm," Daylight said.

"Phoenixes are practically fire birds," Nyx said. "In fact, they can regenerate themselves through fire once they go through a life cycle. You should ask Princess Celestia or Fluttershy about Philomena."

"Wow," Daylight said. "That's gonna be a long day." Just then, Peewee looked off somewhere, and started flying away.

"Hey, where're you going?!" Dusk called out to Peewee. Peewee was already out of sight from the three foals. "That's odd. I've never seen him fly off like that before." Just then, he tripped on a tree trunk, making him roll, heading down a hill, rolling and screaming all the way down, making him land on something. It was a table full of tea stuff. Nyx and Daylight ran down the hill to see Dusk on the table. "That wasn't so smooth." He then looked up and saw someone.



"Uh... this isn't mine!" the orange dragon said. She then quickly took off the dress and tiara, and then rubbed the makeup off her face, pulled her legs in and gave a nervous grin.

Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were all jaw dropped at what they just saw. Dusk then asked, "Do all dragons have secret hobbies and keep them to themselves."

The orange dragoness then got a grumpy look and said, "You never saw any of that, got it?" Dusk, Nyx and Daylight nodded. "Good." She then realized something. "Wait a second. Three young ponies here, no adult pony in sight, all by themselves outside of the Dragon Lands? Why are you here?"

"Spike, our dragon brother, has been summoned to the Dragon Lands for..." Nyx said before being cut off by the orange dragoness.

"The Gauntlet of Fire?!" the orange dragon asked. "Oh, that's gonna be a tough challenge for a dragon who hasn't been raised in the Dragon Lands. Especially if that dragon doesn't have his wings yet."

"Actually, I've been wondering about that," Dusk said. "How does a dragon get their wings?"

"Meh, you might as well get some information about dragons and pass it onto your dragon brother," Smolder said. "It would be more understandable for a dragon to know how he's gonna grow up."

"Like when Spike started getting bigger the day after his first birthday in Ponyville," Dusk said.

"Oh, I heard of that," Nyx said. "Scootaloo told me that Spike tried taking her scooter."

"Greed Induced Bigness," the dragoness said. "That's a common thing. And I'm guessing your dragon brother got his greed under control?" Dusk nodded.

"Better him this big..." Dusk then motioned his left hoof to be as high as Spike's current height. "...than about sixty feet tall."

"Wow," the dragoness said. "Now that's big. Okay, so he's a little taller than you three, and I'm guessing he doesn't have his wings yet."

"No, he doesn't have wings," Nyx said. "Wait. Yet?"

"That's the other thing when Dragon's grow up," the dragoness said. "They have to go through the molt. You should write this down."

"That's a good call..." Nyx said, but then she remembered she never got the dragoness's name. "I'm sorry, I never got your name."

"Right," the dragoness said. "The name's Smolder."

"Well, Smolder, since we're gonna be here a while, we might as well get as much information about dragons as we can," Dusk said. "What better information about dragons than from a dragon herself."

"Good thinking," Smolder said. "C'mon. Let's talk about this back in my home." She then picked up Daylight around her barrel and started flying off. Dusk and Nyx followed her.





From the cave where Smolder lives, Dusk was waiting by the entrance, looking out at the Flame-cano, looking at the challenge going on through a pair of binoculars.

"Wow," Dusk said. "That challenge looks tough."

"Yup," Smolder said. "Too bad I wasn't involved with that."

"Why not?" Nyx asked.

"Only one member of a dragon family is allowed to attend," Smolder said. "And since this dragon brother of yours is the only dragon in your family... Let's just say I hope you said your last goodbye to him."

"That's harsh," Daylight said.

"Meh, that's just growing up dragon," Smolder responded. "Hey, you got as much information on dragon physiology."

"That you know of," Nyx said.

"True," Smolder said. "There are a lot of dragon things I don't know yet. I'll figure it out when I get older."

"Hey, who's that dragon that Spike is riding?" Dusk asked. Smolder walked over towards Dusk and took the binoculars.

"Which one?" Smolder asked.

"Our brother's the purple dragon with green spines," Dusk said as Smolder was looking through the binoculars. "He's riding a blue dragon wearing armor." Smolder then saw Spike through the binoculars and the dragon he was riding.



"That's Princess Ember!" Smolder said before removing the binoculars from her eyes. "She's the daughter of our current Dragon Lord!"

"O... M... G..." Daylight said.

"Yeah," Smolder said. "Hopefully Dragon Lord Torch doesn't find out about it or else he'd be dead. That is if your brother survives the Gauntlet of Fire."

"Hopefully, Spike makes it out alive," Dusk said.

"He'd be lucky to get out of there," Smolder said. "The Gauntlet of Fire is the toughest challenge ever for a dragon."

Daylight then thought of something and asked, "So... how long have you been doing... what we saw in the woods?" Smolder blushed at that. She then sighed.

"Since I was five," Smolder said. "It was fun at first. But when I got older, the other dragons started making fun of me. They said I was being too much of a girly girl. So... I started doing it all in secret, so none of the dragons made fun of me."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Nyx said. "When I first started school, I was amazed by how much stuff I was able to learn. But on my first day, I may have made a bunch of the other ponies in class miss a few minutes of recess. They were mad at me for asking a certain question and keeping them from class. Especially the school bullies."

"Pshaw," Smolder said. "You didn't know any better. But I can understand that."





About an hour later, Smolder escorted the three foals back to the forest area to meet with Twilight, Spike and Rarity. Smolder then left them there right before Twilight, Spike and Rarity came up.

"Hey, there they are!" Spike said. Twilight and Rarity ran up to the three foals.

"I see you three hadn't gotten into any trouble with the dragons," Twilight said.

"Oh, we've had one dragon notice us," Dusk said.

"What?!" Twilight, Rarity and Spike asked in unison.

"It's okay," Daylight said. "She's not so bad as how you described the other dragons."

"In fact, we've gotten to learn about Dragon Physiology," Nyx said, holding up the notepad of what she learned about Dragons. Twilight took the notepad in her magic and read it.

"Greed Induced Bigness," Twilight said. "That's basically what happened to Spike the day after his first birthday in Ponyville. That was a big mess to clean up."

"What's this... Molt Effect?" Rarity asked after reading the next part of the notes.

"Basically, it's dragon puberty," Nyx replied. "Although, it might be a bit messy than what ponies go through."

"Well, looks like we'll have to prepare when that happens to Spike," Twilight said. "Let's go home." Then they all continued walking away from the area. Smolder was looking down from a tree. Just then, she was ambushed by Garble who gave her a hug.

"Uh... Gar-Gar? What are you doing?" Smolder asked in confusion.

"I... can't... tell you!" Garble responded.
> Chapter 6: The Saddle Row Review
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 6: The Saddle Row Review






At Saddle Row in Manehattan, the Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were walking down the sidewalk with Rarity leading the way. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were looking all around.

"Welcome to Saddle Row, an entire street lined with the most fashionable boutiques in all of Equestria!" Rarity announced, turning to face the others. She then looked back ahead.

"If it's supposed to be the most fashionable block of shops, where's Stinky Bottom's Discount Hat Emporium?" Applejack asked, being by Rarity's side.

"I suppose it didn't make the cut," Rarity said. Just then, she looked at one building and gasped. "Here it is! Rarity For You!" Rarity opened the door and inside, the place was completely dusty. There were cobwebs on a chandelier, there were three rack shelves on one wall, which the supporter holding one side of the top shelf broke off and that side of the shelf fell onto the shelf below it, and there was a box by a blue curtain which leads to a back room, which a white mouse comes from behind the box.

"Rarity, it's lovely," Twilight said, a little concerned about the place's condition. The others were looking around. "But are you sure you'll be ready to open tonight?"

Pinkie Pie headed over to one table that had a pile of dust on it. She took a whiff of it. That was a bad idea. The dust particles went into her nose, and she was about to sneeze. She sneezed and the dust flew all over the other ponies. Twilight was covered in dust from the neck down, along with her ears and horn. Rarity had dust covering her whole head, except her mane and horn. Applejack had dust on her mane, nose and hat. Rainbow Dash had dust covering her muzzle, ears, tail and the bottom of her mane. Fluttershy was completely covered in dust from head to tail. Dusk had his mane and tail covered in dust, along with his flanks. The dust covering his mane and tail made him look like Twilight's mane and tail, and the dust covering his flank was in the shape of Twilight's Cutie Mark. Nyx had dust over her eyes, horn and wings, making it look like she was wearing the disguise the other Rarity made for her, along with the enchanted glasses. And the dust covering Daylight looked like a tiara and a gala dress.

"No need to fret over a mere moderate amount of preparation," Rarity said, shaking the dust off of her. "My clothes arrive soon, my sales associate after that, and with a little..." The others, except for the foals, were shaking the dust off of their bodies. Fluttershy had a hard time shaking the dust off of her. Rarity then noticed the dust on Dusk's body. She then snickered. "Oh my, Dusk. Look at you." The adults then looked at Dusk. They all smiled at how funny he was with the dust on him that made him look more like Twilight. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie tried holding in their laughter, but they got out some snickers and quiet giggles.

"What?" Dusk asked. Twilight then used a spell to produce an artificial mirror, showing Dusk his reflection. He then got surprised and looked at his whole body. He then shook the dust off of him. Nyx then noticed the dust on her body and shook it off. Along with Daylight. "That was embarrassing."

"Oh, it wasn't that bad," Twilight said. "Besides, it's only embarrassing if somepony you don't know has it sent all over the media."

"If we get interviewed about this day, nopony tells the reporter that," Rarity said, making Dusk nod. The then handed the rest of them some push brooms.  "Anyway, with a little dusting, we'll be ready for the grand opening tonight."

"Rarity! So good to see you!" came a voice with an Italian Accent from the door. At the door, there was a buff, light gray Earth Pony stallion with a military style purple mane with grayish indigo highlights, a bushy mustache and goatee with a five o'clock shadow under the chin, and a cutie mark of three stars with purple and pink stripes in each. He also had on a sports jacket with a light blue t-shirt underneath, a towel behind his neck and a gold chain necklace with a gold coin connected to it. This was the owner of the building, Mister Stripes. He was not alone. He had brought a teenage filly who looks like she came from the 1980's. She was light orange with a mane and tail that were two shades of purple. She also had bushy eyebrows. The mane was tied up in a fluffy scrunchy, she had a blue plaid jacket over a green t shirt, and a pink faux fur scarf. And in her teeth, she had braces. This was Mister Stripes's daughter, Plaid Stripes. "Your store, it's going to be a very good place, I think!" He then laughed. "You've met my daughter, the apple of my ear, the hay in my hoof? You will let her work with you."

Rarity was surprised at the sudden transition that the stallion was implying. She chuckled nervously and said, "It's just, I'm dreadfully busy preparing for tonight's grand opening, as you can see."

Mister Stripes was upset at what Rarity said. He then said, "There are only two things I love more than being pushy." He then pulled in Plaid Stripes. "One is my daughter." Plaid Stripes smiled while looking at Rarity. Mister Stripes then pulled something out of his jacket pocket and showed it to Rarity. "The other is miniature doll furniture." He then got closer to Rarity. "And I would sell my entire mini-furniture collection to make my daughter happy. You understand?" He pulled Rarity in for a hug.

Rarity looked towards Plaid Stripes, who was blinking, which was causing Rarity to feel a little anxious. She then levitated Mister Stripes's foreleg from around her shoulders and said, "I'm sorry. I just don't think it's going to be possible."

"Let me say another way..." Mister Stripes said. He then pressed his nose against Rarity's. "Hire her or I raise rent until you no can afford!" That made Rarity give in.

"Oh, uh, welcome aboard," Rarity said, looking at Plaid Stripes. Plaid Stripes then gestured her right foreleg, telling Rarity to come closer.

As soon as Rarity got closer, assuming that Plaid was going to whisper something into the older mare's ear, Plaid Stripes loudly said, "First idea! Instead of clothes, we sell glow-in-the-dark teeth! Like this." She then chomped her teeth twice. "But they glow in the dark!"

"Golly, what a splendid idea!" Rarity said before chuckling nervously.

"That's a terrible idea," Dusk whispered to his sisters.

"Yeah, what era does she think it is, the 1980's?" Daylight asked, making Dusk and Nyx snicker.





Sometime later, the Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were cleaning up the place. Rarity was walking into the stock room, which was behind the blue curtain. Just then, Rarity screamed from behind it.

"Fluttershy, your assistance is required in the stock room, posthaste!" Rarity called out. Fluttershy walked towards the stock room. Dusk then sighed.

"We shoulda stayed back home," Dusk said. "It's so boring here."

"We could've found somepony to watch you three while we were here, but there wasn't time," Twilight said.

"Not unless you got Sunset Shimmer to watch us," Nyx said.

"Oh, right," Twilight said. "That would've been a better idea." She then sighed. "I shoulda thought that part ahead." Rarity and Fluttershy then came out of the stock room, and Rarity was a tad upset.

"No, no, no!" Rarity said. "I can't have a family of rubbish-scented raccoons living in my boutique!" Just then, some dance music came from the floor above the shop. Everypony looked up at the ceiling. "Uh, did you hear that?"

"Sounds like... dancing music," Daylight said. "Almost reminds me of the music from the adult clubs on the cruise ship I used to live on before coming here."

Rarity groaned and said, "I'm going up there to see what's going on." She then walked out of the store to head up to where the music was coming from. As she left, the others kept cleaning the place. Applejack had some dust put into a dustpan, but the loud music startled her, making the dust go back onto the floor.

"I wish we were having as much fun as they are," Rainbow Dash said, referring to the party attenders upstairs.

"Well, sweeping can be fun, too," Twilight said, holding a push broom in her magic. She then started singing to the beat as she was sweeping. "Sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep." She then spun the bush broom around and then started sweeping in a different direction. "Sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep."

Rainbow Dash and Applejack rolled their eyes. Rainbow Dash then said, "No way that's gonna catch on."

"Eeyup," Applejack said. "Not gonna be catchy at all."





Some time later, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were sweeping the floor. Twilight was still singing her sweep song. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were also singing it. Pinkie Pie was somehow floating and sweeping the floor with her tail like it was a dust cleaner connected to a spinning propeller.

"Sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep..." Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Applejack all sang to the beat.

Just then, Rarity came back in, saying, "Apparently, DJ Pon-3 has a residency at the Party Palace upstairs, but security won't let me speak to her." Pinkie Pie was hovering next to Rarity while her tail was still spinning. Just then, Rarity was startled by a certain sound. "Aah! What in the name of Celestia was that?!"

Nyx looked towards the door and saw something at the top. It was an antique horn with the squeezing part in between the door and the doorway. Nyx then asked, "Who put that horn in the doorway?" Rarity looked towards the door and saw the horn. She then saw Plaid Stripes standing next to the door in the way of the swing of the door. She then waved towards Rarity. Nyx then said, "Never mind." She then walked towards Dusk and Daylight and said, "Where did she get these ideas from?" Dusk and Daylight shrugged their shoulders.

Rarity looked over towards her friends, sighed and said, "We'll have to do something about that, after I think of a way to quiet down that music. And after I finish designing the window display!" Just then, they were all startled by a crashing noise. They looked over and saw a buff mailmare dropping a lot of boxes besides the door. Rarity walked over towards the boxes. Ahh! Wait, is this my merchandise shipment from Ponyville? It's completely disorganized!" The mailmare shrugged her shoulders and walked out. Rarity was at a loss for words after what happened. Rarity put her forehooves to the sides of her head and leaned on one of the boxes. Just then, one mare entered the place.



The mare sneezed. Rarity looked towards the mare and said, "Gesundheit!" She then realized who the mare was. It was Coco Pommel, the mare who used to work for the mare that used Rarity's generosity against her to try and win the fashion competition, Suri Polomare. "Oh, Miss Pommel! I'm so glad to see you! Now, as the sole sales associate at Rarity For You, I hate to add to your already overflowing plate of responsibilities, but it looks as though we have just a tad more to do before tonight than I thought."

"Actually, I..." Coco Pommel said before she sneezed in Rarity's face, without covering. "I can't work tonight."

"I think it's quite obvious why she can't work," Dusk said. "Look at her. Red nose, puffy eye sockets, snot coming out of her nostrils. And of course..."

Coco Pommel then sneezed again in Rarity's face. Rarity then said, "Feel better, my sweet. We'll manage without you... somehow." She then got worried at all the mess around her. She looked at Plaid Stripes smiling at her. "And we'll manage glowing teeth..." Then she looked at the horn at the door. "... and car horns..." Then she looked at the disorganized clothes in the boxes. "...and disorganized clothes..." Then she pointed at the ceiling, starting to lose her mind. "...and dance music!" She then sat on her flanks, putting her hooves to the sides of her head. "Am I forgetting anything?" Just then, raccoons came from the stock room and crossed Rarity's path of sight. She then yelled, getting the attention of the ponies outside. "What am I going to do?! My dream is doomed! Doomed, I tell you! Doomed!" She then fell to the floor, covering her head with her hooves.

"I know things haven't gone perfectly so far, but we've done this kind of thing before," Twilight said. "f we all work together..."

Rarity got up and walked towards Twilight, interrupting her. She said, "I appreciate the offer, but this is Manehattan. To make it in the fashion scene here, everything has to be perfect." She then stepped outside where to show where in Manehattan her new store is. "The perfect location!" She then stepped in front of the boxes of her clothes. "The perfect clothes! The perfect opening!"

"Maybe we should just postpone," Twilight said.

Rarity zoomed up to Twilight and said, "Postpone?! Darling, tonight is the last night of the fall season. If we don't open tonight, it won't be..."

Twilight sighed and said, "Perfect."

"Yes. I know what needs to be done," Rarity said. "I just need more of me! Oh, how I wish I could make copies of myself!"

"NOOOO!!" Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Dusk and Nyx all shouted in unison. Daylight raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Am I missing something?" Daylight asked.

"About a year and a half ago, Pinkie tried to do multiple things at once, but it wasn't going as well as she thought," Dusk said. "So, she went to this ancient pool that copies who looks into it and says some specific words. But..."

"The entire town got overrun by fifty Pinkie Pies!" Rainbow Dash said.

"The biggest mistake of my life was that day!" Pinkie said.

"Fifty?" Daylight asked. "Okay, the Tri-Pies I can handle because there's three of them. But fifty of the same hyperactive pony running around. No way."

"Rarity, we can do this," Twilight said. "And we can stay true to your vision."

Touched to Twilight's words, she asked, "You'd do that?" She then looked towards Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, you'll handle those... strong-smelling raccoons for me?"

"Of course," Fluttershy said.

"Leave Plaid Stripes to me," Applejack said. "Ah'll handle her and her, uh, 'good ideas'."

"Ooh, ooh, ooh! And I can go upstairs to that nonstop party and have tons of fun and eat some cake and set off party cannons and..." Pinkie said before Rarity cleared her throat and gave her a death glare. "And then make them be quiet."

"I'm pretty sure I know somepony who wouldn't mind organizing this merchandise shipment for you," Twilight said, grinning eagerly. "I'm talking about myself." The others looked at her with some confused looks. Then Twilight pleaded. "Oh, please, let me organize it!"

"This all sounds splendid, but I don't even have a single employee, and I'll need the best of the best," Rarity said.

"Oh! This is it, my dears," Rarity said. "If you can handle these problems, I'll focus on the designs for the front window display. We'll show Manehattan what Rarity For You is all about! Oh, what would I do without you?"

"Is there anything we can do?" Dusk asked, referring to himself, Nyx and Daylight.

Rarity then started thinking of what the three foals of Twilight could do. She then got an idea and said, "Nyx, you help Twilight with organizing the clothing." Nyx nodded and went with Twilight to organize the clothes. "Dusk, you help Rainbow Dash with hiring some employees." Dusk nodded and followed Rainbow Dash. "And Daylight, you can help me with the window display. Come now." Rarity then walked to the window display with Daylight following. The rest got to work on making Rarity's dream come true.





Things could not have gone more wrong that day. Pinkie went up to the club to switch out the music for the club and got it swapped with shopping music, making the club ponies disappointed. Rainbow and Dusk had no idea of the qualifications of hiring ponies for a clothing store. Applejack had rejected Plaid Stripes's ideas, making her cry to her father. Twilight and Nyx organized the dresses by color, but had second thoughts about it. And Fluttershy had to tell the raccoons to move out, breaking her own heart and enraging the raccoons. All of them did that because they thought that's what Rarity would've wanted.

But they started to turn the tables around when they started doing the things they were assigned their way, while also locking Rarity and Daylight in the display room. Fluttershy apologized to the raccoons and said that they could stay on one condition. Pinkie Pie went back upstairs to apologize to DJ Pon-3 for changing the music, so she offered a proposal to the DJ. Rainbow Dash had gotten the three ponies who were looking for a job there to do a race for the position, even though they didn't get it at first. Twilight and Nyx had the clothes organized, and Applejack had apologized to both Plaid Stripes and her father, and thought of an idea to use Plaid Stripes's ideas for good uses.

Night had come to Manehattan, and Rarity and Daylight were finished. Although, Daylight was fidgeting and keeping her hind legs closer together. Rarity tried opening the door. What she didn't know was that the display room door was blocked by a chair. That was until Twilight unblocked it and opened the door, and Rarity landed face first on the floor.

Twilight awkwardly said, "Wow, looks like we fixed that door just in time!"

"Good, because I really have to pee!" Daylight said, making a run for the restroom. Twilight then helped Rarity up to her hooves and Rarity looked around. Rarity gasped at what she saw.

"Oh! What's all this?" Rarity asked in awe. Impressed by everything in the store, she said, "Oh! I knew I could count on you! All right... I suppose this is the moment of truth..." Rarity then went to the door and opened it, noticing that the bell was back on the door. She then smiled happily at her friends, turned back to the open door, and announced to the ponies outside, "Rarity For You is now open!"

Rarity looked out and saw a line of Manehattan ponies in line to get in. There was a long line. Although, there was a squirrel at the end of the line, but the Earth Pony stallion in front of it shooed the squirrel away. Then the ponies started walking in. Rarity wasn't really prepared for a big crowd. She even said so herself.

"Oh, dear. I wasn't quite prepared for such a crowd," Rarity said, standing next to Rainbow Dash and Dusk. "How will I handle them all?"

"Yo, Blue Bobbin!" Dusk called out. "Come and help out with this stallion."

"Of course," came the blue mare that was applying for the job. "Hello there, good sir. My name's Blue Bobbin. I'll be your personal shopping assistant this evening."

"Right this way, everypony, and one of our talented salesponies can help you out!" Rainbow Dash said. The other two job seekers came up behind them. Then music from DJ Pon-3 started playing, fog machines were going off and flood lights were hung from the ceiling, lighting up certain areas of the place. Then the raccoons, who were cleaned up, were dressed up and serving some kind of delectables to some ponies.

"Ah, a blue corn reduction with shallot confit!" A blue stallion said. "But how can I possibly enjoy it without a...?"

"Spoon?" came Plaid Stripes's voice. She was showing off some gloves on her hooves with 3 spoons connected to them on each glove. She gave one of the gloves to the stallion and he ate from the bowl served by the raccoon.

"Mmm! Exquisite!" the stallion said. "This is the most whimsical and wonderfully fashionable boutique I've ever seen!"

The ponies of the place were pleased at the grand opening, making Rarity blush with pride. Rarity then looked at her friends and gave off tears of joy. Just then, a stallion came up to them.

"Excuse me, miss!" came a voice of a stallion. The group looked towards the voice and saw a reporter standing in front of them.



"I'm Buried Lede of the Manehattan Press," the stallion said. "I've come here to do a report on this amazing place, and how it all came to be."

Rarity looked at her friends, who all smiled and nodded at her.

"Of course, sir," Rarity said. Just then, the sound of a stomach growl came. Dusk blushed in embarrassment. "Perhaps we should take this interview to someplace that offers good food."

"Of course," Buried Lede said. "I know a place. Follow me, all of you."

"Hang on," Twilight said. "We need to wait for..." Just then, Daylight came up to the group. "Oh, never mind then. Let's go." Then they all headed out of the building so they could get interviewed.
> Chapter 7: Sibling Troubles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 7: Sibling Troubles






In Nyx and Daylight's bedroom, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were reading some Marvel Comics. They were looking at one character in a Spider-Man comic.

"See that?" Daylight asked.

"Wow, I can see the resemblance between that human and the reporter back in Manehattan," Nyx said.

"Hopefully, that reporter isn't too much like J Jonah Jameson," Dusk said, making Daylight snicker.

"How about we take a break and go out for some ice cream?" Daylight asked.

"Might as well tell Mom we're going out," Dusk said. Then they headed out of the room, going down the halls. They passed a room where Twilight and Fluttershy were drinking some tea. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight stopped in front of the doorway and Dusk said, "Hey, Mom."

"Oh, hey, kids," Twilight said. "You three going out?"

"Just for some ice cream," Daylight said.

"Not too much, you three," Twilight said. "We wouldn't want to spoil your dinner."

"It's 3:30," Nyx said.

"Oh, alright," Twilight said. "I'll give you kids some bits. But first, I'm gonna see how Zephyr Breeze is doing on his job."

"Who's Zephyr Breeze?" Daylight asked.

Fluttershy sighed annoyingly and said, "My younger brother. He's usually quite a slacker and a dropout of mane therapy school. Thinking he can do whatever he wants. But, he decided to move into my cottage, and I told him if he wanted to live with me, he'd have to get a job."

"Right now, he's cleaning the windows in the throne room," Twilight said. "Follow me." Then they all headed to the throne room, seeing just about all the windows cleaned. Twilight and Fluttershy were smiling, how pleased they were at the job being done. "Wow, Zephyr! This looks amazing!" They walked up to Twilight's throne, where Zephyr Breeze was playing a ukulele.

"Uh, you know, like you said, it was easy!" Zephyr Breeze said, giving a grin.

Fluttershy looked around for something and asked, "Where's Spike?"

"Up here!" came Spike's voice. Twilight, Fluttershy, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight looked up as Zephyr Breeze gave a nervous look. They saw Spike squeegeeing a window.

"You were supposed to supervise, not do all the work!" Twilight said.

Spike turned around on the ropes he made into a pulley system he made and said, "I was supervising! And then Zephyr asked me about different cleaning techniques and which one was best, and if I could..." He then realized something and got angry at Zephyr Breeze. "Hey! I did all the work!"

Twilight, Fluttershy, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight looked at Zephyr Breeze, who was backing up towards the door, saying, "Don't let him fool you. Old Spike is quite the taskmaster." He then quickly sped out of there.

Fluttershy was getting an unimpressed look from Twilight. Fluttershy grinned sheepishly as Twilight shook her head, and Spike came down with his arms crossed.

"Okay, I'm not going to slack off like that when I get older," Daylight said.

"Good call," Dusk said. "Well, we'll be out." Then Dusk, Nyx and Daylight headed out of there.





Out in the town, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight came out of the ice cream parlor. Dusk had two scoops of chocolate in a waffle cone, Nyx had a single scoop of vanilla, and Daylight had a banana split with two scoops of chocolate, one scoop of vanilla, whip cream, chocolate fudge and a cherry on top.

"I still can't believe that that slacker is Fluttershy's brother," Daylight said. "How'd Fluttershy's parents end up with a son like that?"

"Beats me," Dusk said. "That's a mystery we'll never solve." Just then, the sound of a baby crying came to their attention. "A baby?" They saw that the noise was coming from a house by their current location. They saw an earth pony colt, older than Dusk, coming out of a house where the baby crying is coming from.



Dusk, Nyx and Daylight ran over towards the older colt. Dusk then asked, "What's going on in there?"

The teenage colt sighed and said, "My newborn baby sis is making a fuss again. It's been happening for the past few months."

"Aren't you going to do something about it?" Nyx asked.

"Why should I?" the teenage colt responded. "It's not my problem anymore."

"WHAT?!" Dusk, Nyx and Daylight shouted.

"That's right," the teenage colt said. "Sandbar here is running away. No turning back."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Dusk said, getting in front of Sandbar as he started walking off. "You can't just run away. What about your family?"

"They're always spending a lot more time with the new baby," Sandbar said. "I can't even do what I used to do ever since Coral Currents was born. 'Sandbar, don't play your music so loud!' 'Sandbar, turn off the light so your sister can sleep!' 'Sandbar, watch your sister until I get back from the store!' I'm getting tired of it all!" He then sighed. "So, I'm leaving Ponyville and moving in with my aunt in Canterlot to get away from it all."

"But you can't just run away," Dusk said. "Especially if you're leaving a family that loves you."

"They don't have time for me anyway," Sandbar said. "So, I'm out." Sandbar then tried walking around Dusk, but Nyx got in the way. He then tried going the other way, but Daylight blocked the path. "Listen, I get you three are caring siblings, but nothing's gonna stop me from leaving this place."

"Your family does love you," Daylight said. "Just because they're spending time with your sister more doesn't mean they don't have time for you as well."

"And you definitely cannot run away to Canterlot," Nyx said. "You'll be around snooty ponies who think small town ponies don't belong around high class ponies."

"And how would you know that?" Sandbar asked.

"I originally came from an alternate Equestria and I met a snobby filly during dinner at a restaurant on my first Hearth's Warming," Nyx answered.

"Seriously?" Sandbar asked.

"You really should consider staying with your family," Dusk said. "Get to know your sister. After all..." Dusk then reached for Daylight and pulled her in for a hug. "...you don't know what you've got until it's gone."

"Yeah," Daylight said. "Dusk here and I used to be related by blood, but our evil aunt treated him badly and made him their personal slave."

"I got sick and they made me clean the house while they were out," Dusk said. "I was six years old."

"Wow," Sandbar said. "And your original parents didn't know that?"

"Until the day I died," Dusk said. "They came home, saw my condition, and took me to the hospital. But... it wasn't enough. I died in front of my parents, my aunt was sent to prison, my cousin was sent to boarding school for bad children and..." He then looked at Daylight. "My parents moved away to start anew."

"Time works differently between here and there," Daylight said. "Mom got killed when I was four... and my dad was offered to work on a cruise ship. Luckily there was a school for me to attend on that ship. But... my... my dad got lung cancer, and he died the day Princess Luna came and got me." She then sighed. "At least I'm here with my brother." Dusk put his wing around Daylight, and gave her a tight hug.

"Out of our original loving family, I'm all she has in this world," Dusk said. "Even though we're not related by blood anymore."

"But... I'm not so sure that I should stay," Sandbar said.

"Dusk and Nyx helped me out when I was having a hard time adjusting to this world," Daylight said. "Mostly Dusk. He's my hero. Be your sister's hero."

Sandbar then thought about what Daylight said. He then sighed and said, "I guess I do have a responsibility as a big brother." He then turned to go back towards his house. "Thanks for talking me out of running away."

"No problem," Dusk said. "Perhaps we should talk more."

"Yeah, we should," Sandbar said. He then headed back into his house.





Days have passed since then. Zephyr Breeze finally graduated from Mane Therapy training. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were hanging out with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies. They decided to go to Sugarcube Corner for some sweets, but there was a line being held up.

"What's going on?" Daylight asked.

"I don't know," Raspberry Pie said.

"There hasn't been a line this long ever," Blueberry Pie said.

"Not even back in our Equestria," Cherry Pie said. "Let's go around back." Then they all headed around the back of the building and went through the back door. When they got to the front door, they saw somepony holding up the line. It was Sandbar, along with his baby sister. Sandbar was trying to pick something out.

"Oh, deary," Mrs. Cake said. "It's been half an hour. Why don't you choose something already?"

"I don't know," Sandbar said. "They all look so good."

"Just hurry up and pick one!" came a stallion's voice from the door.

Dusk, Nyx and Daylight looked at each other, trying to hold in their laughter. But they failed and let it all out. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies joined in, laughing at what was going on.
> Chapter 8: Spice Up Your Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 8: Spice Up Your Life






In the throne room of the Castle of Friendship, the Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Starlight were all surrounding the Cutie Map as Spike was tapping the center of it.

"As you've all probably noticed, it's been quite some time since the map has sent us on a mission of friendship," Twilight said, talking about the Cutie Map.

"Yeah! Ever since Starlight messed with it to go back in time and try to change history!" Spike said.

"Spike, have you ever heard of the phrase, 'Rubbing Salt in the Wound'?" Dusk asked. Spike then recalled what he just said and remembered who else was in the room. Twilight then used her magic to take Spike off the map.

"But, as part of her studies, Starlight's been assisting me," Twilight said. "And together, we think we've come up with a spell that can get it working again!" Then everyone there started getting excited about this news. Twilight and Starlight then lit up their horns, sending their magic up to form a magenta and light blue sphere in the air, releasing six beams towards the thrones of the throne room. Then the Cutie Marks on the thrones released some light towards the Cutie Map, reactivating it.

Most of the ponies cheered as Pinkie said, "Ooh, well done!"

"Now without further ado..." Twilight said. Then the Cutie Marks started appearing and spinning above certain locations in Equestria. And Pinkie Pie was pointing them out.

"Fluttershy and Twilight in Appleloosa! No, me and Rainbow Dash in Las Pegasus! No, Rainbow Dash and Twilight in Yakyakistan! No, Twilight and Twilight in Twilight's castle!"

"That doesn't make any sense," Nyx said.

"Not unless it's Mom's counterpart from the other dimension," Dusk said, making Nyx snicker.

"Okay, I did not think of that," Nyx said.

"Oh. Me! Me!" Pinkie Pie said. Her Cutie Mark was hovering over the map, along with Rarity's. Then three more Cutie Marks appeared. The Cutie Marks of Dusk, Nyx and Daylight. "Me, Rarity, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight! Ooh!"

"What?!" Twilight asked. "The Cutie Map is calling my foals?!"

"It's never done that before," Rainbow Dash said. "Usually, it was just the six of us."

"Well, I hope it's some faraway place that nopony has gone before!" Pinkie Pie said excitedly.

Rarity chuckled nervously and said, "Well, maybe not too far away. An adventure somewhere that has modern conveniences would be preferable." Then the five Cutie Marks started spinning round an area on the map, which was Canterlot. Rarity gasped and said, "Canterlot! This is wonderful! I can check the boutique! Perhaps there'll be some social events that we can attend!" Everypony else was giving Rarity a deadpanned look. Then Rarity gasped again. "I'll have to pack extra outfits! What will I wear?!"

"Y'know, some ponies get excited about the silliest things," Pinkie Pie said amusingly.

"Oh, goodness!" Rarity said. "I need somepony to watch over Sweetie Belle while I'm out."

"Yeah, the same with the Tri-Pies," Pinkie said. "I have to warn you, they all can be a hoof full."

"Why not just have them come?" Dusk asked.

"That... wouldn't be a bad idea," Twilight said. "I guess it's okay to bring others on this Friendship Mission, as long as they don't interfere with it."

"Alright, well let's go find them and we'll be on the next train to Canterlot," Rarity said.

"Okey-dokey-lokey!" Pinkie Pie said. Then she, Rarity, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight headed out of the Throne Room.





The Friendship Express arrived at the train station in Canterlot. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Sweetie Belle, the Tri-Pies, Rarity and Pinkie Pie got off the train station.

"Wow!" the Tri-Pies said in unison.

"This place looks even more amazing every time we come!" Cherry Pie said.

"Even if we're in a different Equestria," Blueberry said.

"I wonder how much we're gonna see!" Raspberry Pie said.

"Now calm down, you three," Rarity said. "We can do some sightseeing as soon as we're done with our Friendship Problem we have to solve." She then sighed. "Now then, as far as finding a friendship problem, I suggest we start at the castle and begin to question the proper..."

Pinkie Pie interrupted Rarity by saying, "Oh, Rarity, you don't find a friendship problem. It finds you. We just need to go with the flow, and eventually, kablam!" She was standing on just her right hind leg when she said that last part. "We get friendship problem'd right between the eyes." Pinkie put her right fore hoof to her forehead.

Rarity then thought about it and said, "Well, this is a team effort, so if you feel we should go with the flow, then with the flow we shall go. But where's the flow saying we should go?"

"You know Canterlot more than any of us, Rarity," Dusk said. "Mom said you spent a lot of time here until her birthday when I first came here."

"I also know parts of Canterlot," Nyx said. "I have been around most of the place on my first Hearth's Warming. Although, I had to wear a disguise. I also... ran through other parts when that world's Shining Armor thought I ruined the Hearth's Warming Pageant when I was being chased by a news reporter pony. No doubt he was trying to make me look like I was going to attack Canterlot."

"Wow," Rarity said. "Now that must've been a shocking holiday."

"No doubt about it," Nyx said. Just then, the sound of four stomachs growling. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Rarity and Sweetie Belle looked towards Pinkie Pie and the Tri-Pies, all of their stomachs growling.

"Looks like their stomachs are saying we should flow towards some lunch," Rarity said. "I know just where to go." Then they started walking away from the Train Station, heading to another part of Canterlot.





Rarity had taken the group to Restaurant Row. There were a bunch of restaurants there that were rated 3 out of 3 hooves. But every restaurant they went to, Rarity was the only one who enjoyed the food. They walked out of the last restaurant that was rated 3 hooves.

"Those restaurants... they serve disgusting food," Dusk said. "Almost makes me wish I was still with my aunt and cousin back on Earth."

"I've tasted worse when the Cruise Ship I was on docked in Scotland," Daylight said. "A Scottish chef invited me and dad to dinner, and he prepared a Scottish Delicacy, haggis."

"Haggis?!" Dusk asked. "That's gross."

"What's haggis?" Nyx asked. Daylight then whispered what haggis is into Nyx's ears. Nyx's expression went into one of disgust, which led to her face turning green, her cheeks filling up, and she covered her mouth. She then flew over to a nearby trash can, and expelled her stomach's contents into it. "You're right, Dusk. That is gross."

"Maybe instead of trusting somepony else's hooves, I should pick the next place?" Pinkie Pie suggested.

Rarity groaned and said, "Very well." Pinkie Pie then started sniffing around. The group then started following her. When Pinkie Pie was about to pass an alley, a scent caught her attention and she gasped. She smiled and started following the scent, which led to a Hindi style restaurant.

"The Tasty Treat," Rarity said, looking at the restaurant, and was getting nervous. "It's very... rustic." She then saw the rating sign, seeing it wasn't rated. She then whispered, "It looks like it hasn't even been rated."

"Thank goodness!" Pinkie Pie said, giggling as she walked in.

"Hopefully this place has real food," Dusk said. Then he, Nyx, Daylight, Sweetie Belle and the Tri-Pies walked into the restaurant. Rarity had no choice but to go in as well.

Rarity looked around and saw that the others were sitting at a couple half booths at the right side of the restaurant. Rarity had no choice but to go to the booth where her sister, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were sitting at while Pinkie sat at the other half booth with the Tri-Pies.

"Are we sure they're open?" Rarity asked.

Pinkie Pie and the Tri-Pies sniffed around, then Pinkie said, "It smells open!" Just then, the sound of clattering came from the kitchen. Then one mare came out of the kitchen, a little angry while looking at the kitchen. She then noticed the group and smiled excitedly.



"Oh! Are you all here for lunch?" the mare asked in an Indian Accent.

"Yes, indeedy!" Pinkie Pie said, excitedly.

"Honestly, out of every restaurant on this street, this place has real food," Dusk said.

"I'm Saffron Masala, the chef here at The Tasty Treat, the most exotic cuisine in Canterlot," the mare said. "Would you like to hear about the specials?"

"We're actually in a bit of a hur-" Rarity said before being interrupted by Pinkie and the Tri-Pies.

"Yes, please!" Pinkie and the Tri-Pies said in unison. Then menus were given to the group in a purplish aura.

"We have a curried oat cake," Saffron Masala said.

"We'll take one!" Pinkie said without looking at the menu.

"Uh, and a grass sandwich that has been marinated overnight in a mustard Dijon dressing," Saffron Masala suggested.

"That actually sounds good," Sweetie Belle said.

"You're right, it does," Dusk said. "I'll have some of that."

"Me, too!" Nyx said.

"Same for me!" Daylight said.

"Four for us," Sweetie Belle said.

"Give us some of what our mom ordered!" Cherry Pie said, Blueberry and Raspberry nodding in agreement.

"A-and for you?" Saffron Masala asked, looking at Rarity, a little nervous.

"Oh, me? Oh, I'm fine. Thank you," Rarity rejected politely. Saffron Masala took the menus away and headed for the kitchen. Then Rarity leaned over to Pinkie Pie, talking to Pinkie in a sing-song voice, "No rating." Pinkie Pie sighed. Then one stallion, older than Saffron Masala, came out of the kitchen sighing and was grumbling in Hindi.



"Hiya! What's your name?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Coriander Cumin," the stallion responded, using his magic to stack the chairs onto the tables.

"Are you a chef here too?" Pinkie asked.

"My daughter cooks. I host," Coriander Cumin responds, still stacking the chairs.

"What are you doing?" Dusk asked.

"Without customers, I have nopony to host for," Coriander Cumin answered. "So I stack!" Then Saffron Masala came out of the kitchen with plates in her magical hold.

"Father, stop it!" Saffron Masala said, a little angry. "Don't close up the restaurant around our guests."

"What does it matter?!" Coriander Cumin asked. "When they leave, nopony else will be coming in!" She then placed the plates in front of her customers.

"Well, your attitude isn't going to bring anyone in!" Saffron Masala responded. "Can't you at least pretend to be positive?!" Pinkie Pie then slammed her face onto her plate, eating her food.

"So good!" Pinkie said, her eyes beaming of how good the food is. She then continued eating.

"You are doing enough pretending for the both of us," Coriander Cumin said, angrily. "Nopony here wants to try anything new! I know when to throw in the towel!"

"Um, Pinkie, kids, perhaps we should excuse ourselves," Rarity said, getting nervous about this situation.

"Wait, you said we were here to solve a Friendship Problem, right?" Daylight asked, making Rarity nod. Daylight took another bit of her food, and she hummed happily. "Well, I think we just found it." Rarity then lowered her jaw in surprise at what Daylight said.

"Oh, Rarity, try this!" Pinkie said, her mouth stuffed. She placed a piece of her food into Rarity's mouth. Rarity then started munching on the food, and then her eyes beamed.

"Ooh!" Rarity said.

"Okay, so this place has good food, but nopony wants to eat here," Dusk said. "There has to be a reason why."

"Maybe it's the fact that all the places we went to had bad food that was rated 3 hooves," Nyx said. "Which means it's the food critic's fault."

"Zesty Gourmand?" Rarity asked. "But, she has the most amazing ratings out of every restaurant here on Restaurant Row. Why would she be the reason that ponies don't want to eat at places with food as great as this?"

"One time, when I was eating at a restaurant in Canterlot back in the Equestria I came from, I ate at a restaurant she just rated three hooves," Nyx answered. "I ordered a plain salad, but instead, I got this styled up salad with things I didn't want. I tried talking to the waiter that served it, but he apologized and said, 'This is how it must be'." Nyx then groaned. "I was starting to judge Zesty's way of being a food critic."

"Now that you think about it, it does sound quite odd," Rarity responded. "Okay, let's do this."

"What would you have me do?" Coriander Cumin asked after scoffing. "We can't even get Zesty Gourmand to come to our restaurant. She took one look at how empty it was and said it wasn't even worth rating!"

Nyx walked up to the two and said, "Actually, you're better off not being rated by Zesty Gourmand, because she doesn't know what good food is. She ruins those restaurants by telling them how to properly serve their food, or else she threatens to tell ponies to avoid that restaurant at all costs."

Dusk then walked up to Nyx and said, "Then we're gonna need somepony who's willing to eat here and tell Zesty Gourmand that she's a terrible food critic." He then got an idea. "And I think I know who." He then faced the rest. "Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Daylight, you three draw in a crowd to this restaurant."

"Why us?" Rarity asked. "Why not Pinkie Pie?"

"Pinkie Pie might be good at attracting ponies from small town areas, but in fancy places, you know how to attract them better," Dusk said.

"Actually, he's got a point," Pinkie Pie said. "You know Canterlot Ponies better than I do."

"Pinkie Pie, can you and the Tri-Pies decorate this place for a Grand Reopening?" Dusk asked.

"Can we?!" Pinkie and the Tri-Pies all shouted in unison. Then they started helping out with resetting the tables.

"What are we gonna do?" Nyx asked.

"We're going to invite somepony very important to this place," Dusk said. He then started flying. "Now, c'mon." He then started flying out of the restaurant. Nyx followed Dusk, still confused about what Dusk had planned.





About an hour passed, and the Tasty Treat was full of ponies, who really enjoyed the food that was served. Even Moondancer, Fancy Pants, Fleur de Lis, and Spell Nexus were there.

"Wow," Saffron Masala said in surprise. "I've never seen so many ponies here. Not even when we first opened."

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Daylight, Sweetie Belle and the Tri-Pies walked up to Saffron Masala, and Rarity said, "I just hope Dusk and Nyx bring their special guests here before Zesty Gourmand comes." Just then, a new voice came to their attention.

"WHAT IS GOING ON IN HERE?!"

The eight ponies looked towards the door and saw a mare standing there.



"Zesty Gourmand?!" Rarity asked.

Zesty Gourmand looked around to see all the ponies of Canterlot, even the chefs of the other restaurants of Restaurant Row, eating in the Tasty Treat.

"Why are all these ponies in this restaurant that nopony should even consider eating at?" Zesty Gourmand asked. "The chef of this restaurant doesn't know how food should be prepared!"

All the ponies there started doubting about what they were eating. Rarity then stepped towards Zesty Gourmand and said, "Actually, Miss Gourmand, there is nothing wrong with this restaurant, or how they serve their food. The only problem in Restaurant Row is you!" Then all the ponies gasped.

"How dare you?!" Zesty Gourmand snapped. "You might know how do draw in a crowd of ponies here in Canterlot, but you don't know what good food really is."

"Is that so?" came a new voice. The crowd gasped and saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, along with Dusk and Nyx. Princess Celestia then said, "I suppose that I'm gonna have to try this food for myself and see if it is truly good or not."

"Oh, you don't have to, Princess," Zesty Gourmand said to her. "This place is unworthy of being rated at all, and nopony should come here ever again."

"Is that what you really think?" Dusk asked. "Just because of what the place looks like or how they serve the food? That's not what your job is. In fact... your taste is terrible. I've eaten at all the restaurants in Restaurant Row that you've ranked 3 hooves, and guess what... the food in those restaurants tastes awful."

"You wouldn't know good food even when you're staring at it, young colt!" Zesty Gourmand snapped.

"Actually, he does," Princess Celestia said. "And he's right. It's not your choice to tell the cooks of Restaurant Row what to serve their customers, or how to decorate their restaurant."

"All of the cooks were upset that they're no longer following their dream of how they cook their food," Princess Luna said. "And also, you technically threatened them."

"Which was what the former manager of Countess Coloratura was arrested for," Nyx added. "Which means you're gonna have the same fate as him."

"Nyx is right," Princess Celestia said. "From now on, the restaurants of Restaurant Row will be setting up and serving what they were originally planned on doing before you ruined them." Then all the cooks of the other restaurants cheered, surprising Zesty Gourmand.

"No!" Zesty Gourmand said. She was then levitated into the air by a couple of unicorn guards. "Release me this instant!"

"Guards, take Zesty Gourmand to the dungeon," Princess Celestia said. The guards nodded and took Zesty Gourmand away.

"I've got a headline for tomorrow's newspaper," Daylight said. "'Equestria's Food Critic Arrested for Threatening Restaurants'!"

"Ohhhhh!" most of the ponies in the Tasty Treat said. Then everypony started laughing. Then the Cutie Marks of Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Rarity and Pinkie Pie started glowing, telling the five of them that their mission is complete.

"Does that mean you're done with your mission?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Indeed it does," Rarity said. "I think we should call it a night before we head home to Ponyville."

"Might as well see places around Canterlot," Nyx said.

"And I also recall in your memories that the other version of my sister offered you to show the School for Gifted Unicorns and where Twilight used to live," Princess Luna said. "And you never got the chance. So, how about we show you around?"

Nyx gasped at that, her eyes beaming. Then Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Sweetie Belle, the Tri-Pies, Rarity and Pinkie Pie started following the Princesses.
> Chapter 9: Mirror Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 9: Mirror Magic






Twilight and her friends were packing up some stuff for another friendship mission. Starlight, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were watching them getting ready to walk out the front door to the Castle of Friendship.

"Okay, we've got everything we need," Twilight said. "I just hope you can watch over the kids while we're gone, Starlight."

"Oh, don't worry about me, Twilight," Starlight said. "I can watch over these three while you're out."

"Okay, you three," Twilight said. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Remember, when Sunset Shimmer comes, you give her the book."

"Yes, Mom/Twilight," Dusk, Nyx and Daylight said in unison. Nyx was the only one who said "Twilight" in that sentence. Then the Mane 6 headed out of there.

"Okay, so remind me," Starlight said after the door closed. "Who is Sunset Shimmer?"

"She's Sunburst's older sister," Dusk said.

"Oh, that's right," Starlight said. "Actually, I almost forgot he had a sister. Guess I'm gonna have to get ready." Just then, the sound of something whirling came from down the hall. "What is that?"

"The portal!" Dusk said. "Sunset's here!" Then the four of them started running down the hall to the library. Before they got into the library, the sound of something crashing into some books came from the door. They opened the door and saw Sunset Shimmer covered in books. Starlight then walked up to Sunset Shimmer, getting in front of her.

Sunset Shimmer was a little dazed and then she saw Starlight. She then asked, "Princess Twilight? Is that you?"

"Nope! Starlight Glimmer," Starlight responded. Sunset then, awkwardly, picked herself out, and started walking out of there, on two legs instead of four. She then kept her balance, and putting her hooves on her hips. That confused Starlight. Who looked at the three foals in confusion.

"It's a long story," Dusk said. He then looked towards Sunset. "Uh, Sunset. Pony form." Sunset then looked down at herself, and smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, right," Sunset said, getting back on four hooves. "That feels a little weird after all this time." She then looked at Starlight. "Starlight Glimmer. You're Twilight's student, right?"

"Uh-huh," Starlight responded. She then levitated the book that Twilight told her to give to Sunset in her magic. "She wanted me to give you this." She was about to levitate the book to Sunset, and just assumed that Sunset was about to take it in her magic, but Sunset reached out her left hoof to grab it, but the book fell onto the floor. Sunset then grinned sheepishly. She then tried using her hoof to pick up the book, which she was having trouble with.

"This is just embarrassing," Nyx said.

"Uh, Sunset," Daylight said. "Horn... magic? Ring a bell?"

Sunset then looked at her horn, almost forgetting that she was a unicorn. She then smiled and lit up her horn, lifting up the book in her magic.

"She wanted to give it to you herself, but then she and her friends were called away to solve a friendship problem," Starlight said. She then looked away, her ears drooping. "That happens a lot around here."

"That must be stressful, huh?" Sunset asked after putting the book into her saddlebag. "Never knowing when you might be called on to save the day. Dropping everything at a moment's notice. How does she do it?"

"Sorry," Starlight said to her. "She just told me to give you the journal."

Sunset just chuckled. She and Starlight then stood in silence and then Sunset asked, "So, are you sure she won't be back anytime soon?"

"I've been on a Friendship assignment before," Dusk said. "Along with Nyx and Daylight. I'm pretty sure it's a different amount of time every single time."

"O...kay..." Sunset said. She then started standing on her hind legs. "I guess I'll be going now." She then lost some of her balance and then went back to all fours. She then started walking towards the portal.

Starlight then wondered about something and asked, "What's it like back there?"

Sunset then turned around to look at Starlight, responding with, "It's pretty different. And not so different at the same time. It's kinda hard to explain."

Starlight chuckled and said, "Guess you kinda have to go there to really get it, huh?" She then got an idea. "I, uh, don't suppose..."

"You really think Princess Twilight would be okay with that?" Sunset asked.

"I don't know for sure that she wouldn't be okay with it," Starlight said in a sneaky tone.

"That's not a particularly compelling argument," Sunset said.

"I agree," Dusk said. "Besides, you don't know much about this world that Sunset is living in."

"Twilight wants me to learn as much as I can about friendship," Starlight said. "And I'm not learning a whole lot just hanging out here in her castle." She raised a hoof, indicating the place around the five of them.

"Well, I haven't ever seen you in that world," Sunset said. "So chances are you aren't gonna run into yourself."

"...is something you don't hear everyday," Starlight said, raising an eyebrow.

"So, just lay low," Sunset said, giving Starlight some advice. "Don't draw too much attention to your..."

Starlight scoffed and said, "You'll barely even notice I'm there!"

"Introducing you to my friends could be a nice distraction," Sunset said.

Starlight then got closer to Sunset and said, "But you'll also totally notice I'm there, and it will keep your mind off of other things that might be bothering you." Sunset was intrigued by Starlight's idea. And Starlight's eyes were beaming with so much glee. She then hopped and asked, "So? What do you think? Can I go back with you?!" Sunset then hummed thinking about it.

"Well, if you're gonna go, you're gonna need to learn a bunch of things while we're there," Dusk said.

"Don't forget, you're supposed to be watching over us," Nyx said.

"I guess you are gonna need to be watched over," Sunset said. "And since the other versions of you three are aware of you and this world, you three can come as well. Until Twilight gets back, all of you can stay in my apartment. We also should leave a note for Twilight to let her know where we are." Nyx then walked over to the table and started writing a note, and then she left it on the table.

"Let me get my enchanted glasses," Nyx said, walking out of the room.

"Enchanted glasses?" Daylight and Starlight asked.

"The glasses make her eyes look more... common," Dusk said, pointing at his eyes. "Kinda like a disguising spell. The fact is the spell lasts for a couple hours directly on the creature that's supposed to be disguised. But, if it's placed on a wearable object..."

"It won't wear off," Sunset and Starlight said in unison.

"Okay, we'll wait for Nyx, and then we'll head through the portal," Sunset said.





On the other side of the portal, the portal reacted, and Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Sunset and Starlight came out of it. Starlight was still a little woozy from the portal.

"Wow, I'm never gonna get used to that," Dusk said, getting up onto his feet. Nyx and Daylight did the same.

Starlight groaned and said, "What happened?"

Sunset then looked Starlight directly in the eye, showing her her human form, saying, "It's all pretty weird at first, but try to roll with it." Sunset then helped Starlight up to her feet. Then one other student walked by the group. "Hi."

Starlight looked at her hands and asked, "Are these...?"

"Hands," Sunset answered.

Starlight then looked down at her feet and asked, "And what happened to the rest of my hoo...?"

"Feet! Those are feet," Sunset whispered loudly, interrupting Starlight. "Remember the whole thing where I said you need to lay low? Now would be a good time to play it cool."

"Oh. Right," Starlight said. "Play it cool." She then chuckled. She was then about to get on all fours, but Dusk and Daylight prevented her from getting there. "What are you...?"

"Humans... walk on two legs," Dusk said.

"Oh, right," Starlight said. She then looked at Sunset. "You did say I'd make a good distraction."

"Yeah, I did," Sunset said. "Alright, I should call the others and tell them we're going to meet them up at the mall."

Dusk then noticed the necklace that Sunset was wearing. He pointed at it and then asked, "What's that?"

Sunset then looked at her necklace and said, "Oh, right. I haven't told you guys about this. This is a very special geode. It gave me and the rest of the girls some cool powers. With this, I can read minds and see someone's past memories."

"Okay, that's cool," Daylight said. "So basically, you and the others have super powers."

"Twilight, and I mean this world's Twilight, might say otherwise," Sunset said.

"What do you mean, 'This World's Twilight'?" Starlight asked. She then saw the human versions of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Oh, wait. Never mind. I figured it out."





A couple hours passed, and Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Sunset and Starlight were at the mall. Starlight was holding a three scoop ice cream cone. The top scoop was pink, which was obviously strawberry, the middle scoop was lime green, and the bottom one was turquoise.

Dusk, Nyx and Daylight had milkshakes, and were slowly drinking from them. Dusk had a chocolate milkshake, Nyx had vanilla, and Daylight had strawberry.

Sunset was holding her cell phone and said, "Six cell phones, all straight to voicemail."

"I'm sure they're around," Starlight said. "What's the worst that could have happened?" The pink ice cream scoop fell off the stack.

"And that's why we usually get single scoops," Dusk said, making Nyx and Daylight nod.

"Magic is on the loose here now, and it does not work the same way it does back in Equestria," Sunset said. "Any number of terrible things could have happened." She then exhaled. "And lately, I spend eighty percent of my time thinking about them." Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Starlight looked at Sunset confused. She then gave an embarrassed smile. "My friends are probably fine. I'm overreacting. But maybe not. I can't tell anymore." She then hung her head in worry.

"This is the problem you wanted to talk to Princess Twilight about, right?" Starlight asked. "Because you can still talk it over with us if you want." Sunset then brought out the journal that was given to her and started writing in it. "Or you could just journal with Princess Twilight about it. Whatever works." She then started licking the second ice cream scoop.

"It's just... I know my friends and I have been given special powers for a reason, and I want to be ready for whatever is gonna be thrown at us," Sunset said, opening up. "I guess knowing that is making me feel like I could never really relax and let my guard down, so I end up obsessing about it and can't get out of my own head."

Starlight hummed and said, "That is a toughie. Guess my advice would be to just trust things will work themselves out in the end. If you spend too much time worrying about the bad things that might happen, you'll miss out on all the good things that are happening." Starlight tipped the ice cream cone, making the second scoop fall off, landing on Daylight's head.

"Hey!" Daylight said.

"Whoops! Sorry," Starlight apologized.

Sunset chuckled and said, "Like how Princess Twilight's student is teaching me a lesson right now."

"Yup. Like that," Starlight said. She then started licking the last scoop.

Sunset laughed, grabbed Starlight's ice cream, and said, "Come on. Let's go take a look around the theater after we get Daylight cleaned up. I'm sure they're fine." Then they started walking towards the closest restroom.





After getting Daylight cleaned up, the five ponies turned humans headed into the movie theater. Sunset then saw someone she recognized in shock.  Then they started hiding behind a claw machine game.

"It's Juniper Montage!" Sunset said.

"Who?" Dusk, Nyx and Daylight asked.

"She's trouble," Sunset said. She then noticed something in Juniper Montage's reflection in the mirror that she was holding. "Huh. That's Fluttershy's barrette." She then handed Starlight her bag. "Wait here for me." She then headed for the counter.

Juniper Montage noticed Sunset in her reflection and said, "Sunset Shimmer. I was wondering if you'd show up."

"I'm, uh, looking for my friends," Sunset said. "I don't suppose you've seen them." All Juniper did in response was giggle mischievously, giving Sunset a worried look. She then angrily asked, "Where are they?"

"I'll never tell," Juniper replied, smugly.

"You don't have to," Sunset said. She then grabbed Juniper's arm, and Sunset's eyes started glowing white.

"What's happening?" Daylight asked.

"I think she's using telepathy to look into that girl's memories," Nyx responded.

Sunset then gasped as she let go of Juniper's wrist. Juniper then pulled her arm away, asking, "What?"

"I know you want people to like you," Sunset said, trying to warn Juniper about the dangers that would come. "But trust me, the magic in that mirror is only gonna make things worse for you."

"You're just saying that because you want the mirror for yourself," Juniper said, trying to keep the mirror away from Sunset.

"What I want is my friends back," Sunset said. She then started pleading. "Please, Juniper. You wished them into that mirror. Maybe there's a way you can wish them out."

Juniper Montage sneered as she started charging up the magic in the mirror, saying, "Or maybe... I wish you'd join them!" Her eyes flashed white, as she held out the mirror. The mirror then started sucking Sunset into it. Then Juniper's eyes started glowing green. Sunset screamed as she was being sucked in.

Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Starlight gasped and quietly called out, "Sunset!" Then they covered each others mouths and hid back behind the claw machine game, hoping not to be spotted by Juniper.

After a few moments of hiding, the mirror was starting to show a rainbow ring around the reflective part. Then the rainbow from the mirror started absorbing itself into Juniper, which then transformed her into what the mirror was showing her, transforming her into a huge movie star. Literally.



"Now everyone will recognize I'm a real star!" Juniper said, heading towards the exit. As she headed out, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Starlight were astonished by Juniper's transformation.

"Looks like Juniper got a power up," Dusk said.

"It must be because of the magic in the mirror combined with the magical geodes that Sunset and the other girls have," Nyx said. "Giving her all that power that's going to her head."

"It's almost like the Infinity Stones from the Marvel Comics," Daylight said. "There are probably more magical artifacts in this world that have similar abilities to the Infinity Stones."

"If that's true, we need to get that mirror," Starlight said. "So, what are these Infinity Stones, and what are their purposes?"

"There are six Infinity Stones, each controlling a different aspect," Daylight said. "Time, Space, Soul, Mind, Power and Reality."

"How will we know which one is which?" Nyx asked.

"If you hold the power stone with your bare hands, hooves or whatever for a certain amount of time, you'll explode," Dusk said, making Starlight and Nyx widen their eyes.

"Okay, if we find an artifact with that, I say we lock it up somewhere that's not even on our planet," Starlight said. "All in favor of that?" Then all four of them raised their hands. "Good call." Then they started following Juniper out the door.

When they got out the door, they saw Juniper Montage approaching people, looking at the mutated girl in fear. But Juniper wasn't seeing their scared looks.

"The magic from that mirror is messing with her head," Dusk said. Starlight then charged towards Juniper. She then tried snatching the mirror away from Juniper, but her grip was too strong. So Starlight kicked the mirror out of Juniper's hands, making the mirror head to the floor. But Daylight jumped towards where the mirror was about to crash, and she caught it, but not before the main part of the mirror started cracking.

"Oh, that's not good," Daylight said.

Starlight then grabbed Daylight and the two of them started running away from Juniper, who reached out for them, saying, "Give that back!"

Starlight and Daylight ran behind a potted plant, and Starlight said, "No! This mirror is nothing but trouble. You have to realize that."

"What I realize is that you are just like those other girls!" Juniper said. She then picked up the plant and said, "I wish you'd join them!" Starlight then pointed the reflective side of the mirror towards Juniper, hoping that the magic doesn't suck the two of them in. But nothing happened.

Starlight sighed in relief. She then started running away as she said, "Looks like you can't make that wish unless you're the one holding the mirror!" Then Juniper threw the plant towards Starlight and she tried jumping out of the way, but as she fell, the mirror hit the floor again, causing more damage to it.

"Starlight! Run!" Dusk called out. Starlight then ran towards a kiosk where sunglasses were being sold and she started hiding behind it.

Starlight then held out the mirror and said, "I wish Sunset Shimmer and her friends would come back!" But nothing happened, and it started cracking again.

"Looks like you can't use it, either!" Juniper laughed. She then chased Starlight around the kiosk. Eventually, Juniper was getting tired of it, and then she grabbed a stand full of Smart Phones, and threw it to land in front of Starlight, blocking her path. She then reached out for the mirror, demanding Starlight, "Give it back to me!"

"But my friends are trapped in there!" Starlight said. Just then, the TV screens behind Juniper started playing a music video, showing Sunset and her friends, and some students of Crystal Prep, singing and dancing together.

"Your 'friends' stole my one chance at being famous!" Juniper growled. She then turned around and started punching the TV screens behind her as Starlight got into the kiosk that sold sunglasses.

"Is fame really what you're after or are you looking for something else?" Starlight asked.

Just then, Juniper ripped the top off the kiosk and angrily asked, "Like what?!"

"Like... a friend?" Starlight suggested after cowering in terror.

Juniper was surprised by Starlight's suggestion, but she got angry and asked, "Who would want to be my friend?"

"I would," Starlight said, offering friendship.

"Why?" Juniper asked, confused.

"Because I understand you, Juniper," Starlight said. She then started pleading. "You think getting revenge is going to make you feel better, but it's not! Please, don't make a mistake that you'll end up regretting for the rest of your life."

"I've already made too many mistakes," Juniper said, throwing away the kiosk roof. "What I've done is... is... unforgivable."

Starlight stepped closer to Juniper, saying, "No, Juniper. I know they'll forgive you. But first, you have to set them free!" She held up the mirror to Juniper. Juniper then swiped it out of Starlight's hands, and started walking away from the kiosk. She then got a worried look.

With redemption coming into her, Juniper then said, "I... I wish I could make up for my mistakes." Then the mirror started glowing. The magic from the mirror started changing Juniper back to her normal form, and Sunset and her friends appeared in a flash of light, all stacked on each other. From top to bottom it was Sci-Twi, Sunset, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack. And they all fell to the floor. Eventually, they got off the ground. Some of them being sore.

Sunset noticed Starlight, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight standing in front of her and said, "You guys did it!" She hugged the four of them. Just then, the people around them looked at them in shock and awe.

"So much for laying low," Starlight said.

"I'm sure Mom would understand," Dusk said, making Nyx and Daylight nod in agreement. Then the group looked at Juniper, who was looking at the broken mirror. She then saw the group looking at her.

"I'm so sorry," Juniper apologized.

"It's okay," Sunset said, walking up to Juniper. "We've all been there."

"Really?" Juniper asked, confused.

"Manipulated an entire town into giving up their talents so they wouldn't think they were special," Starlight confessed her bad deed.

"Overpowered by a magic I couldn't control and created a rift between two worlds, almost destroying both of them in the process," Sci-Twi confessed her bad deed.

"Trapped the two leaders in the sun and moon basking the entire kingdom of a night eternal with an army of ponies corrupted from the shreds I once originated from," Nyx confessed her bad deed.

"Turned an entire school into my own personal zombie army in hopes of conquering a distant pony world," Sunset confessed her bad deed. Juniper was shocked to know she was not the only one in the group that did bad things.

" Wow! We are a really forgiving group!" Pinkie said, making the entire group laugh.





The next day came as the group, including Juniper, were all in front of the portal to Equestria. Rarity was brushing Juniper's hair as Pinkie was wearing the headband that Juniper had, making the three of them laugh.

Starlight sighed and said, "I'm so sad to leave. I haven't really had the chance to get to know all of you." Sunset then pulled the book out of her bag, and a message was written.

"Maybe you don't have to leave yet," Sunset said. She then started reading the message. "'Dear Sunset, some lessons are better learned in action, and you girls are great teachers. Starlight should stay for a few more days. Enjoy the premiere!'"

Then the group started cheering and laughing.

"Well, since Mom's back, we should get going," Dusk said. Then he, Nyx and Daylight started heading towards the portal. Daylight was holding the mirror from the previous day in her hand.

"Huh. Think you can focus on the positive?" Starlight asked, looking at Sunset with a smug look.

"Whatever happens is gonna happen," Sunset said, giving a smug look of her own. "I've just gotta live in the moment, right?"

"Right," Starlight said, wrapping an arm around Sunset's shoulders. Then the two started giggling.
> Chapter 10: Silverstream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 10: Silverstream






Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies were all playing together on a November day. Twilight was in Griffonstone for a friendship summit while Rainbow Dash was at the Daring Do Convention.

"I still can't believe the year is almost over," Daylight said.

"Yeah," Dusk said. "And it's also getting really cold," Dusk said. He then started shivering. "I should've put on some winter gear."

"You're not the only one," Nyx said, then all of them started shivering.

They came up to the lake, which was starting to freeze at the edge.

"Wow," Daylight said. "It's not even snowing, and the water is starting to freeze over."

"I'd hate to be a fish right about now," Scootaloo said. Just then, they saw ripples coming from the center of the lake. "Huh?"

"I'm not the only one who sees ripples coming from the lake, am I?" Dusk asked. The others shook their heads.

Nnngh! So cold!" came a new voice.

"Whose voice was that?" Nyx asked. Just then, something jumped out of the water, shivering.



"Why is it so cold?!" the seapony asked.

"A mermaid pony?" Daylight asked.

"Actually here, they're called seaponies," Sweetie Belle said.

"Why is it so c-c-cold here?!" the seapony asked.

"Why were you in the lake in the winter?" Nyx asked.

"Winter?" the seapony asked. "I h-h-heard that this place gets really c-c-cold during the winter season b-b-back home in Seaquestria."

"Seaquestria?" Apple Bloom asked. "Where in Equestria is that?"

"Oh, it's n-n-not in Equestria," the seapony said, shivering.

"It's not?" the nine foals asked.

"N-n-no," the seapony said. "M-m-maybe I'll be w-w-warmer... if I..." She then tapped on the seashell necklace she was wearing, causing her to transform.



She stood tall, but then she shivered again. She then said, "S-s-so... c-c-cold!"

"Okay, the reason why you're still cold is because you're wet," Dusk said. "Water and cold weather aren't that good a combo. Also, what are you?"

"O-o-oh!" the creature said. said. "Right. I'm a... H-h-hippogriff."

"A hippogriff?" Apple Bloom asked. "What's that?"

"A sp-sp-species half-pony, half-eagle," the hippogriff said.

"Well, miss..." Dusk said. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've got your name."

"Right," the hippogriff said. "My name is S-S-Silverstream."

"Listen, Silverstream," Dusk said. "You come with us, and we'll get you all nice and warm."

"I'd love that!" Silverstream said, nearly shouting. She then shivered again.





In the Castle of Friendship's family room, Silverstream was sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, and drinking some hot chocolate. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Velvet and Night Light were looking in from outside the family room.

"So, you found her in the lake? As a seapony?" Velvet asked.

"I didn't even believe in seaponies until today," Night Light said. "But how is she like that now?"

"See that seashell necklace she's wearing?" Dusk asked. Velvet and Night Light looked at Silverstream's necklace. "That thing is enchanted. It allows her to transform into a seapony."

"Wow," Night Light said. "I didn't even know that was possible." He then looked at Silverstream. "But, what is she doing here in Ponyville? And on the brink of winter no less?"

"I don't know," Dusk said. "We should ask her." Then they went back into the family room. Silverstream saw them coming back into the family room.

"Oh, hey there," Silverstream said, greeting them.

"Okay, Silverstream," Dusk said. "What brings you here to Ponyville?"

Silverstream's smile then slowly faded, making her full of regret. She then said, "It's... it's something I'm not comfortable with." She then started trembling.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Velvet said, walking up to her. She then sat on the couch. "How about we take it slow and steady? Why did you come here?"

Silverstream didn't answer instantly. She was anxious about telling them about why she came to Ponyville. She then sighed and said, "Years ago, Mount Aris was attacked by an evil monster known as the Storm King."

"The Storm King?" Daylight asked.

"He's this furry creature that wants all kinds of magic, and places it into his staff," Silverstream said. "Once he gets enough, he'll create the mother of all storms."

"Why'd he come after your people?" Dusk asked.

"He was after our most magical artifact," Silverstream said. "The Magic Pearl. My Aunt, Queen Novo, has it. It's our most precious object. But when the Storm King attacked, we had no choice to go under the water, and my aunt used it to turn all the surviving hippogriffs into seaponies."

"If that was years ago, how did you end up here?" Nyx asked.

"We accidentally came across some of the Storm Creatures at the beach," Silverstream said. "Queen Novo tried to get me out of there, but then... I got caught behind a wall of rock that I couldn't get out of, except for going up. I couldn't get out of there because the Storm Creatures were waiting for me on top of the wall. There was a small hole in the wall which was too small for me to fit through."

"How'd you get out?" Night Light asked.

"My Aunt... she had gotten the Magic Pearl, and used it to make this seashell fragment necklace," Silverstream said, her eyes starting to tear up. "I... I was told to run and don't look back. She said 'Don't come back for anything, not even family'. I really didn't have time to say goodbye. So... I flew away." She then started balling into her talons.

"Oh, you poor thing," Velvet said, sitting next to Silverstream and hugging her. Silverstream hugged her back and kept crying. "Shh. Shh. You're safe here."

"Thank you..." Silverstream said.

"We'll set up a guest room," Night Light said. "You can stay here for now."

"Once Mom and Spike get back, we'll let Princess Celestia know about you," Dusk said.

"Okay," Silverstream said.

"Alright, all of you," Velvet said. "I'm gonna be getting pizzas for all of us. So, everypony, write down what you want." She then looked at Silverstream. "What would you like on your pizza?"

"I've... haven't had pizza before," Silverstream said. "What is it?"

"You've never had pizza?" Dusk asked. "Oh, you've been missing out."

"She probably hasn't had it because pizza isn't meant to be under water," Daylight said, making Nyx nod in agreement.

"Well, I'm just gonna order Silverstream a plain cheese pizza," Velvet said.

"Okay," Silverstream said.





Days have passed since then. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight went back to the castle to check on Silverstream. Velvet and Night Light were standing outside the bathroom, looking at the closed door with sad looks.

"Is she still in there?" Dusk asked.

"Yeah," Velvet said. "It's been days since she got here, and she still feels homesick." She then knocked on the door. "Silverstream? Are you okay in there?"

"N-no..." Silverstream said from the other side of the door. "I... I miss home..." She then cried.

The family took a few seconds. Dusk then sighed and said, "We're coming in." Then he opened the door and the family walked in, seeing Silverstream, in seapony form, in the bathtub.

"Silverstream?" Daylight asked. "I know what it's like to miss family." She then sighed. "I've missed my original Mom and Dad ever since I've got here."

"Me too," Dusk said. "Ever since I've gotten here, I missed my original Mom and Dad. I wanted to be back there nearly everyday. Even after what my aunt and cousin did to me." He then sighed. "Even though I'm here now, I know my parents would want me to be happy. Even if they aren't here with me. I'm sure your family wants you to be safe."

Silverstream thought about it. She then gave a sad smile. Then a voice came from down the hall.

"Mom! Dad! Kids! We're home!" It was Twilight's voice.

"Alright, Silverstream," Velvet said. "Drain the tub, revert back to your Hippogriff form, and head to the family room. We're going to have a talk with Twilight."

Then the ponies headed out of the bathroom, and went towards the front door. Twilight and Spike were coming back in, Spike was carrying the bags.

"Whoa, Twilight," Nyx said. "Did you pack all of Griffonstone while you were getting ready to come back home?"

"Ha-ha, very funny," Twilight said. "So, I've over packed again, big deal. Anyway, I'm just gonna unpack and relax in a nice, warm bath." She then shivered. "If you thought Ponyville is cold this time of year, you shoulda felt how cold it was in Griffonstone. I'd hate to be a homeless griffon up there."

"Mom," Dusk said. "We have a guest. And she's not from Equestria."

"A guest?" Twilight asked. "Not from Equestria? Who and what is she?"

"She's a creature known as a hippogriff, and her name is Silverstream," Dusk said. "Follow us." Then they walked towards the family room of the castle. When they walked in, they saw Silverstream putting a couple logs into the fire. She turned to see the family coming in. "Mom... meet Silverstream."

"Oh... uh... hi..." Silverstream said, giving a sheepish smile. Twilight and Spike were surprised at this.





Later at night, Silverstream was in a guest room, asleep in the bed. She was struggling in her sleep. She was having a nightmare. She then woke up screaming. She opened her eyes, with tears coming out of the corners of her eyes. Just then, Twilight ran into the room.

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

Silverstream sat up and wrapped her talons around her hind legs, and started crying. She then said, "I just had a nightmare. It involved the Storm King."

Twilight walked towards Silverstream and started rubbing Silverstream's back. She then said, "It's going to be okay, Silverstream. You're safe here. The Storm King doesn't know where you are. And even if he does find out you're here, you're protected by Equestria's best guards, and the magic of Friendship. And if you need anypony to talk to, it can be me, or any of my family members. And that includes Dusk."

Silverstream then smiled at Twilight, and hugged her. She then said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Twilight said. "Well, I got to get back to sleep. And you should, too. Good night." She then headed out the door and closed it.

"Good night," Silverstream said. Silverstream then looked around the room. She then thought about her family. She was thinking of what her family was going through. But then she started remembering all the treasured memories she had. She then leaned her head back onto the pillow, and went back to sleep.
> Chapter 11: Hearth's Warming is Here Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 11: Heath's Warming is Here Again






At the Castle of Friendship, nearly everypony in Ponyville was there, setting up the castle for Hearth's Warming. In Dusk's room, Dusk was in his room, reading some Hearth's Warming stories. Just then, the door opened and in came Silverstream.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Dusk," Silverstream said.

"It's alright, Silverstream," Dusk said. "Not the first time somepony's walked into my room. Starlight's still trying to get around the castle."

"Was she the purple pony who walked into the bathroom while I was in it?" Silverstream asked.

"Lighter shade, glimmer cutie mark?" Dusk asked.

"Yep," Silverstream replied.

"That's her," Dusk said.

"What are you reading?" Silverstream asked.

"One of the Hearth's Warming stories, since it's that time of the year," Dusk said. He looked at Silverstream, who was giving him a confused look. "You don't know what Hearth's Warming is?"

"Not really," Silverstream said. "What is it?"

"It's a holiday here in Equestria," Dusk said. "Don't you guys have holidays where you're from?"

Silverstream put a claw on her chin, thinking about it. She then got a realization and said, "Aha! I getcha! We hippogriffs/seaponies do have holiday traditions." She was starting to hover. "Especially the Three Days of Freedom Celebration." She then landed back on the ground. "Although, with the Storm King attacking, we had to cut it down to one day."

"Bummer," Dusk said.

"Yeah," Silverstream said. "It's a shame." Just then, Spike's voice came from down the hall.

"Skip Hearth's Warming Eve?!"

Dusk and Silverstream looked towards each other and ran out of the room, Dusk carrying the book he was reading in his magic. When they came to where Spike was, Twilight, Nyx, Daylight and Starlight were there, and Starlight was talking about why she wasn't so interested in Hearth's Warming.

"I think what Spike means to say is Hearth's Warming is about more than presents and candy," Twilight said, pulling Spike back in her magic. "It's a time to spend with friends and family when we celebrate a very important day in Equestria's history."

"I think to most ponies, it's just an excuse for silly songs and fun, not a day to remember some old story," Starlight said, starting to walk away. Twilight then started to think of an idea. Then she saw the book in Dusk's magical hold, smiled, and teleported in front of Starlight's path.

"Maybe you just haven't heard the right Hearth's Warming Eve story yet!" Twilight said.

"Earth ponies, Pegasi, and unicorns sing songs around a hearth to fight back an eternal winter caused by the mythical windigos?" Starlight laughed. "Every foal and filly knows that story."

"Not that one," Twilight said. "My favorite holiday story, 'A Hearth's Warming Tale'. Which is what Dusk is holding in his magic."

"Oh, I love that one!" Spike said.





"Every home in Canterlot was filled with holiday spirit. Every home... except one. It was said of Snowfall that she was almost as studied as Star Swirl the Bearded. Almost, since everypony knows that Star Swirl was an expert at everything from transfiguration, dimensional calibration, teleportation..."

"We get it. Star Swirl's awesome."

"Right. The point is, Snowfall was also a powerful unicorn. She wanted to be perfect. Anything that got in the way of that was a waste of time."

In the story, ponies of Canterlot were celebrating Hearth's Warming in their own way. Chatting with one another or decorating their houses. But one house wasn't decorated. It was the house of the main character of the story, Snowfall Frost. In her house, she had a piece of coal on a scale, which she took off for her alchemy spell she had at her work station. She used her magic to check the spell she was working on. She checked it, smiled, and hovered the piece of coal over the cauldron. She was using her magic to turn the coal into gold. But then the sound of bells ringing made her lose her concentration and she dropped the coal on the floor, it breaking apart.

Snowfall walked towards the window, seeing a bunch of stallions walking through the street, ringing bells. Snowfall then said, "Well, that batch is ruined." She then called out, "Snowdash!"

"Snowdash was Snowfall's loyal assistant."

As Snowfall looked down at the streets with an angry look, a pegasus mare came flying in. The pegasus, known as Snowdash, then asked, "What do you need?"

Snowfall walked towards Snowdash with a broom and said, "Get this mess cleaned up. Those foolish ponies were ringing those blasted bells outside the window and I lost my concentration!"

Snowdash took the broom and started sweeping the floor, saying under her breath, "Whoa, ponies actually enjoying Hearth's Warming Eve. Where did they get that crazy idea?"

"Today is nothing to celebrate," Snowfall said, walking towards a table. "Hearth's Warming Eve is a menace. A dangerous day for all of Equestria."

"Dangerous?! It's awesome!" Snowdash said, getting hyped. "It's the day we remember how unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies came together in friendship to defeat the windigos!"

Snowfall was getting agitated by Snowdash's words. She then said, "That silly legend is the problem! Telling everypony that 'singing songs and being nice' will solve anything? I've spent years studying magic, and that's not how it works." She then stomped her hoof.

"I think you might be missing the point," Snowdash said. Then Snowfall teleported in front of Snowdash, surprising the mare.

"Work hard, learn, and use your skills to better Equestria," Snowfall said. "That's a worthy goal for any pony." She then walked back towards the table. And then she spoke in a sarcastic tone. "But, by all means, if you want to go home early, ignore all of the work you have, and spend the rest..."

"Sweet!" Snowdash said, flying up, and stopping her sweeping. She then flew out of the house quickly. Snowfall groaned, then walked towards the window, seeing Snowdash turning a corner.



After preparing the spell, she said, "Once the spell is cast, all of Equestria will be better off, and they'll have me to thank for it!"

"Wait a minute."





In the family room of the Castle of Friendship, Twilight, Starlight, Spike, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream were sitting on some seats or the couch while Twilight was reading the book.

"Snowfall doesn't like Hearth's Warming Eve so she decides to cast a spell to get rid of it altogether?" Starlight asked.

"I agree," Silverstream said. "I heard of creatures not celebrating certain holidays, but getting rid of the holiday sounds way too extreme."

"And yet, Starlight tried to make everypony the same by replacing their cutie marks with equal signs," Spike said before taking a sip of the hot chocolate he had in his claws.

"And didn't she try to rewrite the time by trying to stop a certain event causing seven alternate realities?" Dusk asked.

"Seven?" Spike asked. "Is that how many we went in?"

"Let's see," Twilight said. She then brought in a chalkboard and put in a dash for each reality she and Spike went through. "King Sombra's war, the Changeling takeover, the original Nightmare Moon's rein, Lord Tirek's destructive rampage, Discord's capital of chaos, Flim and Flam taking over Ponyville, and a devastating wasteland. Okay, that's seven exactly. Wait, how did you know that?"

"The Watcher told us after you three went back in time," Nyx said.

"Oh, right," Twilight said. "The 'What If...?' human-like being that lives in between every universe."

"There's a multiverse?!" Silverstream asked. "I was told it was a hoax."

"I had to chase our newborn cousin through the multiverse," Dusk said. "Apparently, she was one of the most important things to save the Crystal Empire from being turned into a frozen wasteland." That made Twilight, Starlight, Spike, Nyx and Daylight nod in agreement.

"Anyway, let's continue with the story," Twilight said. She then continued where she left off.





"tried to make everypony the same by replacing their cutie marks with equal signs when a voice from the hearth caught her attention."

Snowfall was looking away from the cauldron when a voice caught her attention.

"You sure you wanna go through with this?" the voice asked, making Snowfall surprised.

"Huh?! Who's there?!" Snowfall asked. The liquid in the cauldron started bubbling. Just then, a spirit had arisen from the cauldron. Snowfall looked towards the cauldron and she saw the spirit.



"The Spirit of Hearth's Warmin' Past, that's who," the spirit said, walking towards Snowfall. "And you and me have got to have us a little chat."

"A spirit?!" Snowfall asked. She then got suspicious. "I didn't cast any spirit summoning spell. What are you doing here?"

"You don't think a spell like that would get by without some powerful forces noticin'?" the spirit asked. She then passed right through Snowfall, making the mare surprised. "You've got our attention, Snowfall Frost, and we've got some pretty strong opinions on this spell of yours." She walked right towards the window.

"'We'?" Snowfall asked, turning around.

"They'll be along in a bit," the spirit said, facing Snowfall. "For now, it's just you and me."



Snowfall was now standing in front of the cauldron back in her house. She then realized it and turned around.

She called out, "Spirit? What am I supposed to..." She then noticed something that wasn't in the room before. A huge present. She walked towards it, and then the present burst open with confetti coming out, and another spirit appeared.



"Snowfall Frost!" the spirit said, reverberating. "It is I, the Spirit of Hearth's Warming Presents!"

"Um, don't you mean 'Present', like the time?" Snowfall asked.

"No!" the spirit said, appearing right behind Snowfall, surprising the mare. She then handed some stuff to Snowfall, from different angles. "Toys, Hearth's Warming doll... Here, want a cupcake?" Snowfall was taking the items in her magic.

"Fine, 'Presents'," Snowfall said. She then put all the stuff into a garbage can. "All of the pointless things ponies waste their time on."

"Oh, Snowfall, it's not what the gift is that matters, it's what the gift means!" the spirit said, walking towards the trash can and taking the stuff out.

"It doesn't mean anything," Snowfall said. "It's just stuff!"

"Exactly!" the spirit said. She then held up the cupcake. "Sometimes a cupcake means 'I love you!'" She then held up the toy duck. "Or a toy means 'Hi, how're you doing?'" She then held up the book. "Sometimes a book means 'Your mane looks amazing!'" She then wrapped a scarf around her neck. "And sometimes a scarf means... Well, a scarf usually means you look cold. That one's easy."

"I don't understand anything you're saying," Snowfall said.







Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream joined in with Spike's laughter.

"Wow, so far this story sounds like a Christmas Carol back on Earth," Daylight said.

"I loved that story," Dusk said. "Especially when they turned it into a movie. Multiple times." Daylight nodded in agreement.

"Wow," Twilight said. "I'm starting to think that both this world and your original world were connected a lot more than we think." She then thought about it. "Which might have made it a little more coincidental how Dusk's spirit ended up from that world to here." She then pointed at her belly. "And more precisely, here."

"Okay, that's a little too much," Starlight said. "So, what happens next?"

Twilight then looked back at the book and said, "Well, the party was..."

"Wait!" Spike said, cutting off Twilight. "Can we take a quick break? I need to refill my cocoa."

"I could use a refill myself," Dusk said. "Anyone else?" Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream held up their cups. Dusk took their cups in his magic and he and Spike headed out of there.

"You two better hurry!" Twilight said as they were running out of the room. "We're almost to the best part!"

A few minutes passed and Spike and Dusk returned, handing out the cups of hot cocoa to Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream. Spike then blew into his hot cocoa and said, "Okay, I'm ready."

Twilight then continued reading the book, saying, "The party was in full swing."





In the story, there was a Hearth's Warming Party going on. Snowdash was attending and then two mares walked up towards her.



"Snowdash!" the unicorn mare said.

"Hey, Merry," Snowdash responded.

"Why, whatever is the matter, darling?" Merry asked.

"Was it the eggnog?" the pegasus asked, a little worried. "Oh, I knew I put in too much cinnamon!"

"Oh, no, the eggnog was awesome, Flutterholly, I'm just mad at somepony who was complaining about how awful Hearth's Warming Eve is," Snowdash said.

"I don't suppose that pony's name starts with 'Snow'?" Merry asked.

"And ends with 'Frost'?" Flutterholly asked.

"She said Hearth's Warming Eve is just an excuse to party, and we would all be better off spending time working to make Equestria a better place," Snowdash said, getting the attention of the crowd. The crowd booed after what Snowdash said. Outside, Snowfall and the Spirit were looking in through the window. The spirit winked at Snowfall, who then looked back at the party in worry.

"What does Snowfall think a better Equestria looks like?" Merry asked. Just then, Snowdash styled her mane like how Snowfall styles hers.

"Ponies working hard, learning, and using their abilities for the benefit of Equestria," Snowdash responded, saying how Snowfall would say it. That made Merry and Flutterholly giggle.

Snowfall then felt ashamed of what she said to Snowdash. Just then, a snowball hit the window right next to Snowfall. Snowfall turned around and saw some foals playing in the snow. One of them was sitting on top of a snowpony, holding up the top hat.

"It looks like we've got everything on Snowfall's list right here," Merry's voice came from the other side of the window, getting Snowfall's attention.

"I think a perfect Equestria looks a lot like a Hearth's Warming Eve party," Flutterholly said as she and Merry were right at the window. Just then, the curtains closed.

"Me too!" the spirit said, directly into Snowfall's ear. She then started walking backwards towards an incoming fog bank. "Too bad it's going to be the last one ever! Ever! Ever! Ever!" Her voice was echoing as she was vanishing into the fog bank.

"Spirit? What do you mean?" Snowfall asked as she was walking into the fog bank. "What's going to happen?!" She looked around, even walking backwards, looking for the spirit. Just then, some wind started howling. She then came across a new spirit.



Snowfall covered her eyes while apologizing to the spirit, but when she uncovered them, she saw that she was back in her house. She then headed towards the window and opened it up, seeing all the ponies out there, enjoying their Hearth's Warming.

"There's still time!" Snowfall said.





At the Hearth's Warming Party, the ponies there were enjoying their time there. Merry and Flutterholly were talking to each other when there was a knocking at the door. They walked towards the door, and they opened the door. Outside, there was Snowfall.

"Oh, my," Merry said, seeing who was at the door.

"Snowfall Frost?" Flutterholly asked.

"I was hoping I wasn't too late for the party?" Snowfall asked. She then levitated a bunch of gifts. "I brought gifts."

Snowdash hovered behind Merry and Flutterholly and saw her boss at the door. She then did a spit-take and said, "Boss?!"

"I was wrong earlier, about Hearth's Warming Eve," Snowfall said, walking in. "It's not all about singing and presents. The singing and presents are all about celebrating the ponies in our lives. The ponies we should listen to more often: our friends." She then levitated the gifts she had to the ponies around her.

"Wow," Snowdash said before she unwrapped what she was given. She then looked at it, a little concerned. "Dragon toenail? Uh... thanks?"

"I was in a hurry," Snowfall said, a little embarrassed. "I'll do better next time."

"Ha. You kidding?" Snowdash asked. "No one's ever given me dragon toenail before! It's awesome! Now come get some eggnog!" She handed Snowfall some eggnog, who took it in her magic. She then started enjoying the party along with the other ponies.

"And from then on, it was always said of all the Hearth's Warming Eve celebrations, Snowfall's was the Hearth's Warmingest."





"The end," Twilight said, finishing the book. "Well, that's it!" She then got up from the seat and started walking towards the door, along with Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream. "Thanks for letting me read you the story. Guess you can call it a night. We're all heading downstairs, and if you wanted to, you'd be welcome to join us."

Starlight then started to think to herself. After thinking things over, she headed over towards the main hall. She saw all the ponies spending Hearth's Warming together. She decided to join in and started celebrating Hearth's Warming with all the ponies, the dragon and the hippogriff there. She might as well enjoy it with ponies than to be all alone for the holidays.
> Chapter 12: The Applewood Derby
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chaptee 12: The Applewood Derby






Dusk, Nyx and Daylight arrived home from school, and they headed straight into the library. They started looking up everything about the Applewood Derby.

"Okay, here are some books on Pinewood Derbies in the past," Nyx said, levitating some books to the table, one at a time. "This is gonna be interesting."

"Yeah," Dusk said. He then opened one book and saw pictures of the Applewood Derby vehicles. "Whoa. I guess these wood cars are bigger than the ones back on Earth."

"I know, right," Daylight said. "Back on earth, the carts were this big." Daylight motioned her hooves to show the length of what wood car lengths were back on Earth, at least 7 inches.

"Wow," Nyx said. "They were that small?"

"Yeah," Dusk said.

"And there wasn't anypony driving them?" Nyx asked.

"Nope," Daylight said. "They usually go down a ramp."

"Cool," Nyx said. She then started sniffling.

Dusk noticed this and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Nyx said. "I'm just... Ah... Ah..."

"She's gonna blow!" Dusk said, jumping towards Daylight right before Nyx sneezed. A blue blast came from Nyx's horn, hitting the chair in the room. The chair then started dancing around with disco music playing in the background, the music being "You Should Be Dancing" by the Bee Gees.

"Whoa!" Daylight said. "Our magic can do that?"

"I did that when I was sick," Dusk said. "And that was when I was just a normal unicorn." Just then, Twilight came into the library.

"What is going on here?" Twilight asked. She then saw the dancing chair. "Oh, no. Not again!" She then fired a blast towards the chair, having it turn back to normal. Twilight looked towards the three foals and asked, "Okay, who was it that...?"

"Sorry, Twilight," Nyx said, sniffling. "I think I might be coming down with something." Then Daylight started sniffling as well.

"Uh... I think I'm getting something too," Daylight said. "Ah... Ah..." She then sneezed and magic shot out of her horn. Twilight quickly fired a magic blast to come in contact with Daylight's magical blast.

"Oh, boy," Twilight said. "Looks like you're gonna have to call in sick tomorrow."

"But... tomorrow's the Applewood Derby!" Daylight said. "What are we gonna do?"

Night Light came in and asked, "Did I hear somepony say something about the Pinewood Derby?" He was giving off a big grin. "Oh, man. I haven't seen a Pinewood Derby since Shining Armor was a colt."

"You haven't done one, Mom?" Dusk asked, looking at Twilight.

"I was too focused on my studies during the time," Twilight said. "Plus, I really wasn't so interested in it." Just then, both Nyx and Daylight were about to sneeze. Twilight noticed and used her magic to fire two blasts at the same time right as they sneezed and fired magic from their horns. "Okay. That was tiring."

"Well, I guess we're not gonna participate in the derby, are we?" Nyx asked, her nose stuffed.

"I'm afraid not," Twilight said, putting a hoof on Nyx's forehead. "Yeah, you're warm up there. Let's get you two to bed."

"Well, Dusk, I'd be happy to help you with attending this Applewood Derby," Night Light said. "We're gonna have to leave early if we're gonna get ready in time."

"Really?" Dusk asked. "Do we have to be there early?"

"It'll take hours for the participants to get their carts ready," Velvet said. "So, you might as well get an early rest for an early rise. I'm gonna be helping out with the Applewood Derby here this year."

"Well, I gotta stay here tomorrow and take care of Nyx and Daylight," Twilight said. "Dusk, you just have fun. Make your sisters proud."

"Yeah, Dusk," Nyx said, her nose stuffed up. "Make us proud." She was then about to sneeze. She turned her head away, making sure not to sneeze all over anypony, and let it out, along with a magical blast. Twilight fired a blast to intercept the blast that came from Nyx's horn.

"It's a good thing that Princess Celestia has sent these in," Twilight said, levitating a couple rings. "In the case of unicorns, or alicorns, catching a cold, it's best if we disable their magic until they're feeling better." She then put a ring each on Nyx and Daylight's horns.

"I kinda wish we had those a lot sooner," Dusk said, Twilight nodding in agreement.





Early the next morning, Dusk, Velvet, Night Light, Spike and Silverstream were walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. Night Light was pulling a cart full of tools.

Silverstream yawned and said, "I still can't believe you ponies have to get up early for this event."

"Oh, we got up early just to prepare the carts in time," Night Light said. "It's better to do it early and get it done before the race starts than to come in later and after the race starts."

"I'm actually going to be strolling around the built up construction areas where the other students will be building their carts," Velvet said. "I'm also going to make sure that they're going to be building their carts to see what the fillies or colts are wanting them to be."

"So, what kind of cart are you wanting to do, Dusk?" Spike asked.

"I've been thinking about it all night, actually," Dusk said. "Sometimes, Pinewood Derby competitors always want to go for the fastest, or some want to go for the most cool looking. I actually want to try something that's fast, and cool looking."

"Fast and cool looking, huh?" Night Light asked. "Well, we can probably have the main part of the cart nearly shaped like a fast car, and design the outside like something cool. What do you humans find cool?"

Dusk then thought about it. He then gave a smirking look, and turned his head to look at Spike. Spike raised an eyebrow at that, and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Ah, I see," Night Light said. "Make the cart look like a dragon. Well then, you tell me how you want it to look, and we'll get started on it."

"So, are your friends competing in this race as well?" Velvet asked.

"Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are," Dusk said. "The Tri-Pies and Pinkie Pie are at Sugarcube Corner, working the shop and watching the Cake Twins while Mr. and Mrs. Cake are out of town."

"Aw, that's too bad," Velvet said. "So, did your friends say what they're going for?"

"I think so," Dusk said, thinking. "I think Apple Bloom is wanting to go for the fastest, Sweetie Belle for traditional, and Scootaloo for most creative."

"Well then, I'm gonna go to Cheerilee, and then make the rounds," Velvet said. "I'll check on you boys later. Silverstream, you want to come along?"

"Do I?!" Silverstream asked excitedly. She then started flying and followed Velvet as she was leaving.





Dusk and Night Light were finishing up the shaping of the cart while Spike was standing on all fours, leaning forward, like he was standing like a dog, which we all know he's done in the other dimension.

"Uh, Dusk, Night Light?" Spike asked. "How long do I have to keep standing like this?"

"We're almost done, Spike," Dusk said, sanding the last of the edge with sandpaper. "And... done. Okay, now you can stand up right." Spike then stood up on two legs, and pushed the bottom of his backside forward, the sound of bones cracking coming out.

"Good," Spike said. "I was almost starting to cramp. I just hope I don't end up walking on all fours the rest of my life."

"Okay, now for the color," Night Light said. "Oh, and I almost forgot." Night Light then levitated side wings that go on the sides of the cart like doors. "Dragon wing doors."

"Oh, now that's cool!" Dusk said.

"Oh, man!" Spike said. "Now that's gonna give you some extra creativity points."

"Let's do this!" Dusk said.

"Hold on, we have to paint it, first," Night Light said. "What colors are you wanting to go for?"

"I was thinking the same colors as Spike," Dusk said. "Purple, green spines, and we'll use the same color as Spike's belly for the inner wings."

"Good call," Spike said. He then cracked his knuckles. "Let's get to painting." They then headed for the paint cans they had. They then mixed the cans to exactly the same colors as Spike, and they started painting the cart.





When they finished painting the cart, Night Light was using a heat spell to carefully dry the paint on the cart. As Night Light was finishing up, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were walking up to them.

"Whoa!" Scootaloo said. "Now that's cool!"

"Oh, hey, girls," Dusk said. "What brings you over here?"

Apple Bloom sighed and said, "We were tryin' ta tell out sisters that we wanted ta go for fastest..."

"...Creative..." Scootaloo said.

"...And traditional," Sweetie Belle said. "But our sisters wouldn't listen, and started making the carts their own way."

"Isn't that against the rules?" Dusk asked.

"It actually is," Night Light said. "The choice of how the cart is supposed to be goes to the young pony, not the older one. If the cart is not made from the choice of the young pony, the cart is disqualified. It's in the rules of the Applewood Derby."

"No doubt they're too stubborn to listen," Spike said. He then chuckled and started getting goo-goo eyes. "Especially Rarity."

"Okay, Spike," Dusk said. "Anyway, we gotta tell Grandma Velvet and Miss Cheerilee about this."

"Tell us what?" came Velvet's voice. They all looked towards the voice and saw her, Cheerilee and Silverstream coming up to them.

Apple Bloom sighed and said, "Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash are building our carts in the way that they want and not listening to what we were wanting our carts to be."

"What?!" Cheerilee asked. She then sighed. "Here we go again."

"Has this happened before?" Dusk asked.

"You have no idea," Night Light said. "Even longer than I was born." Cheerilee, Velvet and Spike, the dragon being levitated in Velvet's magic, walked over towards where Applejack was building the cart.

Applejack noticed them coming up and said, "Howdy, Cheerilee. Velvet. Spike. What can Ah do ya fer?"

"Applejack, have you been building the cart the way you want and not listening to your sister?" Cheerilee asked as Velvet was putting Spike down.

"C'mon, Cheerilee," Applejack said. "The Apples have been doin' the Applewood Derby in traditional carts for as long as this tradition started. No doubt our cart's gonna lose that tradition."

"True, true," Velvet said. "Except..." She then looked down at Spike and nodded. Spike started inhaling, and then he blew out a burst of fire towards the cart. Applejack noticed, jumped out of the way, and the cart got burnt to a crisp.

"Sweet Celestia!" Applejack said. She then got angry and looked towards the three of them. "Why did ya do that?! Apple Bloom and Ah were gonna win the traditional ribbon in the race."

"Apple Bloom wanted to go for the fastest cart, and you knew it, didn't you?" Velvet asked, angrily. "You just built the cart your way and completely ignored your sister. You have two options. Build a fast car, or be disqualified from the Applewood Derby."

Applejack gasped at that and said, "Disqualified?! But Ah..." She then saw the rules of the Applewood Derby. Mostly the rule that the cart has to be made from the filly or colt's decision. "Ah, shoot. Guess Ah was too focused on what Ah wanted, Ah overlooked and ignored what Apple Bloom wanted."

"You're lucky that your family always has spares in case of this particular reason," Cheerilee said. She then looked towards Velvet and Spike. "On with the other two." Velvet and Spike nodded as the three of them headed for Rainbow Dash's area. She was finishing up on the polishing.

"There," Rainbow Dash said. "No way we're gonna lose the race. After all, we got the fastest." Just then, Spike's flames came in and burnt the cart to a crisp, Rainbow Dash leaning away from the cart as it was set ablaze. Rainbow Dash looked towards where the flames came from and saw Spike, Velvet and Cheerilee standing there. All of them were giving angry expressions. Rainbow Dash got angry herself and said, "Hey, what's the big idea?! I just finished polishing the fastest cart here!"

"We could see that," Cheerilee said. "But there's a problem." She then pointed at the rules of the Applewood Derby. "The most important rule is that the cart has to be made from the choice of the filly or colt, and not their deciding partner. Scootaloo chose you to be her partner, but you weren't listening to what she wanted. She chose to compete for the most creative cart, not the fastest."

"WHAT?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "No, that's not what I heard."

"That's the thing," Cheerilee said. "You did hear what Scootaloo wanted. You just weren't listening. Build a creative cart, or you're disqualified. Like how you were disqualified from the Sisterhooves Social for not eating the pie in that one portion of the race."

"Ouch," Rainbow Dash said. "Okay, I deserve that." She then sighed as Spike, Cheerilee and Velvet were walking away. "Guess I was too busy with what I wanted, I never got to hear what Scootaloo wanted. Guess I'm just too stubborn like a mule." Just then, the sound of a mule came from behind Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash then turned her head to face the mule that was behind her. "No offense."



"None taken," the mule, known as Cletus, said.

At the area where Rarity had her cart made, she was finishing up on polishing the cart. She then said, "Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. No way I'm gonna lose the most creative cart ribbon... this time." Spike, Velvet and Cheerilee walked up to the cart. Velvet and Cheerilee looked towards Spike, nodded, and Spike nodded as well. He then inhaled. Just before Spike was about to breathe fire, Rarity turned towards the three and said, "Oh, hello there." Spike then swallowed the inhale, and gave off goo-goo eyes.

"H-hi... Rarity," Spike said, giving a goofy smile.

"So, what brings you over here?" Rarity asked.

"Rarity, you have a bit of a problem," Cheerilee said.

"A problem?" Rarity asked. "What is it? Is my cart not creative enough? Because I can make some quick changes."

"That's the problem right there," Velvet said. "It's not your cart." Rarity raised an eyebrow in confusion. "It's supposed to be Sweetie Belle's, and she was going to compete for the traditional cart ribbon. And since you haven't listened to your sister's decision, you have two decisions, build a traditional cart, or be disqualified."

"WHAT?!" Rarity asked. "Tra... traditional? But I..."

"Spike," Cheerilee said. "Burn it."

"I... I-I..." Spike said, still dazed by Rarity's beauty.

"Looks like we're doing this the hard way," Velvet said. She then used her magic to grab something. The sound of Silverstream yelping in pain came in. Velvet had actually pulled out one of Silverstream's feathers, and she used it to tickle Spike's belly, making him laugh. That caused him to let out some fire, hitting the cart built by Rarity.

Rarity whimpered and said, "I... guess I have no choice than." She then sighed.





Since Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash had to rebuild the carts to the Crusaders's standards, the Applewood Derby race was delayed until all the carts were prepared. Which was good because Velvet noticed something about the track.

"Um, Cheerilee," Velvet said. "Don't you think that the track looping around on the same exact point might be a little too dangerous for the foals?"

"What do you mean?" Cheerilee asked.

"You see this point here?" Velvet said, pointing at a part of the track on the map. More specifically, the intersection at the center of the track. "If multiple racers collide at that same point at the same time, it could end up blocking the track, and nopony will be able to finish the race."

"Oh, yes, I see," Cheerilee said. "Well, it's a good thing we've delayed the race until Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash finish the carts the way that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo wanted them to be."

Silverstream came in, looked at the map and said, "Ooh, that could be a problem."

"Yes, it could," Cheerilee said. "Well then, we got time."





It was almost sunset. Twilight was bringing in some soup for both Nyx and Daylight. She levitated soup up to Nyx's bed on top and Daylight's on the bottom.

"There we go," Twilight said. She then saw the clock in the room. "I wonder what's taking your brothers, grandparents and Silverstream so long." Just then, the sound of an engine roaring came in. "That must be them."

Twilight then headed out of the room. When she came outside, she saw the cart that Dusk was driving with Spike in the passenger seat. Velvet, Night Light and Silverstream were walking up to Twilight.

"Whoa, is that Dusk's cart?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah," Spike said. "Even I'm impressed by it."

"Especially since Dusk not only won the ribbons for fastest cart, but most creative," Night Light said.

"I actually see it," Twilight said. "Okay, so we're gonna have to place that in one of the unoccupied rooms. Dusk, if you decide to drive it around Ponyville, make sure you're accompanied by me, your grandfather or your grandmother."

"Sure, Mom," Dusk said as Twilight was using her magic to lift the cart, which was a little heavy for her.

"Wow," Twilight said. "This is... really... heavy."

"Didn't Nyx say you lifted an Ursa Minor and a water tower full of milk through Ponyville and back to the cave it came from?" Dusk asked. "As a unicorn?"

"Touché," Twilight said. "Okay, so you won both the fastest and most creative ribbons. Who won the traditional ribbon?"

"Sweetie Belle," Dusk, Spike, Night Light, Velvet and Silverstream said in unison.

"Really?" Twilight asked. "I thought it'd be Apple Bloom."

"Originally, that's what Applejack thought," Velvet said. "Apparently, those three fillies wanted to try something. Apple Bloom wanted to go for the fastest cart, but Applejack was trying to build a traditional cart without listening to her sister. The same thing happened with Rarity and Rainbow Dash."

"Rarity was building a creative cart when Sweetie Belle wanted traditional," Spike said. "And we all know what Rainbow Dash was wanting to go for."

"Fastest over Scootaloo's creativity?" Twilight asked.

"Bingo," Velvet said. They walked into the castle doors, and closed them right as they passed through.
> Chapter 13: The Times They Are A Changeling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 13: The Times They Are A Changeling






On the Friendship Express, Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Spike, Starlight and Silverstream were in a train car as the train was heading to the Crystal Empire. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were working on their homework on the train ride.

"I hope Shining Armor and Princess Cadance don't think it's too soon for all of us to come back to the Crystal Empire for a visit," Twilight said. "But I just know Flurry Heart's grown so much already. I wonder if I'll even recognize her."

"She's the only baby they have, Twilight," Starlight said. "I think it'll be pretty easy to figure out who she is." Twilight responded with an annoyed grunt. "Sorry. I know you want to visit your niece as much as possible, and I'm excited to see Sunburst again. I just don't wanna fall behind on my friendship lessons back home."

"Starlight, your work in Ponyville isn't going anywhere," Twilight said. "Besides, I think we all know you can learn about friendship anywhere. Right, Spike?" They looked towards where Spike was sitting, which was across from them, and in the same sitting area as Dusk, Nyx and Daylight. Spike was wearing a trench coat, sunglasses and a fedora. He also had a newspaper in his hands.

"'Spike?' Who's 'Spike'?" Spike asked, making his voice deeper.

"Spike, what are you doing?" Daylight asked.

"Spike's still the hero to the eyes of the Crystal Ponies," Dusk said. "Ever since the Equestria Games."

"Which you weren't here in Equestria yet," Nyx said.

"And yet, even with Flurry Heart being born, I still got mobbed," Spike said, taking off the hat and sunglasses.

"I wouldn't say mobbed," Starlight said.

"And this is just a family visit," Spike said. " I wouldn't want the presence of Spike the Brave and Glorious to turn it into some kind of circus."

Silverstream squealed and said, "I've never been to an above sea circus!"

"We get it, Spike," Starlight said. "The Crystal Ponies adore you."

"He did save the Empire. Twice," Twilight said. "But still, I don't think your presence will turn our visit into a circus."

"Not if I find the right disguise, it won't," Spike said. They all looked at Spike, seeing not only did he have the hat and sunglasses back on, but he also had an orange afro wig under the hat.

Dusk, Nyx and Daylight laughed at Spike having the wig on under the hat.





When they arrived at the Crystal Empire Train Station, there wasn't even a single pony there. Nopony coming in, or anypony to be meeting with any arriving ponies.

"Uh, disguise or not, Spike, I don't think you need to worry about being mobbed," Starlight said. "Nopony's here."

They looked all over, seeing nothing but a tumbleweed rolling around. Dusk then said, "That's odd."

"You're telling me, Dusk," Spike said. "It's like a ghost town."

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Twilight said.

"Technically, I wasn't talking about nopony being around," Dusk said. "I was talking about that tumbleweed."

"Oh, yeah," Twilight said. "The Crystal Empire's in the frozen tundra. Why is there a tumbleweed up here?" Everypony, Spike and Silverstream shrugged their shoulders. Then they headed towards the main area of the Crystal Empire.

"Yeah, this is weird," Starlight said as they were all looking around, heading towards the castle.

"I guess I don't need the disguise after all," Spike said, taking off his hat, wig and sunglasses. But as soon as he did, they were all surrounded by Crystal Ponies, all excited to see him.

"It's Spike the Brave and Glorious!" a butter yellow crystal pony mare with a mane of blue and pink shouted.

"He's come to save us yet again!" a purple crystal pony mare with a mane that had two shades of yellow said. Then the ponies started tossing up and catching him, his disguise completely off. They were also chanting his name.

"Save you from what?" Spike asked.

Twilight, Starlight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream looked at each other in confusion. Starlight then asked, "Yeah, what's going on?"

The two crystal pony mares looked back at Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Starlight and Silverstream. One mare was very light purple with a mane that was colored with two shades of orange. The other was yellow with a red and pink mane. Both of them looked at the group nervously.

"Oh, it sure looks like Princess Twilight, her family and her pupil," the purple mare said.

"But how can we be sure?" the yellow mare asked. Then an orange crystal pony stallion with a mane with two shades of green came up.

"We can't! Either one of them could be the..." He said before facing the two mares. "...you know!" He then zoomed off. Then Twilight, Starlight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream looked at each other confused.

Then the purple crystal pony mare gasped and asked, "What if this..." She gasped again. "...isn't..." And gasped again. "...the real Spike?!"

The yellow mare looked towards the crowd, got on her hind legs, and cried out, "Everypony, run!" Then all the crystal ponies ran from that spot where Spike was looking around, while still in the air. He then fell to the ground with a painful grunt.

"Wow!" Silverstream said. "These Crystal Ponies sure like to move fast!"

"Okay. Something strange is definitely going on," Twilight said.

Spike groaned while sitting up and said, "Ya think?"

"We should go to the castle," Dusk said. "Maybe Shining and Cadance can tell us what's going on."

"Yeah, what is happening here?" Daylight asked as they all walked towards the castle. But then the Watcher appeared in the sky, making sure that no one saw them.

"Oh, Dusk Shine. You have no idea what's going on. Even something I never saw coming."





It then went back in time to the day that Thorax came to the Crystal Empire. He was flying towards the Crystal Empire, being drawn by the love from the Royal Crystalling.

"As you all know, Thorax came to the Crystal Empire being drawn in from the Royal Crystalling. All that love power attracted him there. In your universe, Thorax came to the Crystal Empire alone. But in this universe..."

Thorax arrived just outside the Crystal Empire, and looked around, making sure that nopony was looking. He then looked out at the open space.

"Okay, the coast is clear!" Thorax whispered loudly. Just then, over a hill, a younger changeling poked her head and looked towards Thorax.



She then walked towards Thorax quietly. She then asked, "Are you sure it's okay for us to be here?"

"We're only here to survive, since we can never go back to the hive again," Thorax said. "C'mon, Ocellus, we've got to find a place to camp out. Hopefully, we'll be able to survive."

"Are you really sure that befriending ponies would sustain us?" Ocellus asked. "You know what happens when we even think of doing kind things." She then started twitching. She then hissed. Thorax ran towards her, covered her mouth, and backed up to a wall, hoping that nopony would see them.

"What was that?" came the voice of a mare. Thorax and Ocellus looked towards the corner. Then they both shapeshifted into rocks, and stayed perfectly still. Then a pink Crystal Pony mare came around the corner, looking around. "Huh. Guess it was just the wind." She then headed back down the alley. Then the two changelings disguised as rocks opened up their eyes.

"Okay, maybe we should set up camp outside of the empire first, then check out the place first," Thorax said.

"That might be best," Ocellus said.

"And set up camp they did. But eventually, one of them got caught in their true forms, causing panic in the Crystal Empire. So they had to lay low for a while."





It then showed Shining and Cadance telling Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Starlight and Silverstream about what was going on.

"The Prince and Princess of the Empire, along with Sunburst, told the family, Starlight and Silverstream about what was going on. Of course, Daylight had no idea what a changeling is, and Dusk told her everything. He even told her how he came face to face with the queen of the changelings, Chrysalis. Eventually, the guards spread out to find the changeling before they thought it would be too late. Of course they think that the changelings there will attack. But we all know that they won't."

Outside of the Crystal Empire, Spike, Daylight and some of the Crystal Guards walked out through the snow, looking for any sign of changelings. There were six guards. Five of them were purple and one was yellow. Two of the purple guards and the yellow guard had green manes, two of the other guards had red manes, and the last guard had a gray mane.

"Spike the Brave and Glorious, you've faced the evil changelings before," the yellow guard said. "What can you tell us?"

Spike turned to face the guards and said, "Oh, uh, well, they are changelings, so they can... change."

"You hear that?" the yellow guard asked, looking at his fellow guards. "These monsters can look like any of us, so be on guard, guards! Even more than normal."

Spike smiled confidently, liking the fact that he was the one in charge. He then said, "And they could be anywhere." The guards there nodded while Daylight facehoofed. "So we should cover as much ground as possible." He then pointed at three of the guards, the three purple guards having one of the red maned ones, one of the green maned ones, and the gray maned one. "You, search that way!" He was pointing west, as those three guards rushed in that direction. "And you, search that way!" He pointed east, which the remaining guards went in that direction. Spike and Daylight stayed where they were.

"Uh... Spike," Daylight said. "Did you seriously send our protectors off in separate directions, and not give us any supervision?"

"Yeah, I didn't really think that through," Spike said. "But, you didn't have to come along, Daylight. You didn't even know what a Changeling was before today."

"I still can't believe that Henry encountered the queen of those things," Daylight said, heading towards a rock. "If they're as dangerous as you say, I don't think we should be out here by our..." She then fell through a hole in the snow, crying out, "SEEEEEEEEEELVES!"

"Daylight!!" Spike called out, jumping down the hole, trying to catch Daylight. But as soon as they reached the bottom of the slope, they crashed into a stalagmite near a cliff, Spike being on Daylight's back.

"Okay, that hurt," Daylight said.

"Yeah, sorry," Spike said. He then recovered, grabbed Daylight's tail, and pulled her back away from the cliff. "I think it's time for the two of us to get out of here." He then saw something and screamed, making Daylight scream as well. But then they relaxed when they saw it was their reflections. "Oh, it's just a mirror. Just our reflections."

Daylight sighed and said, "Let's get out of here." Then they started walking towards the slope, but the reflections didn't do what they did. Daylight and Spike then looked back at their reflections, seeing that they were copying their actions. Spike and Daylight then looked at each other with smirks on their faces. Then they started spinning around, their reflections doing the same.

Spike and Daylight did one pose where they were leaning back, them holding each other's right hoof/hand, the reflection doing the same with their left. Then they spun around again, then they were standing back to back, their reflections doing the same. Then they spun around again. This time, Daylight was holding Spike over her head and standing on her hind legs. But that's when the reflections got busted, because in the reflection it was Spike holding up Daylight. Spike then saw the reflection.

"What the heck?!" Spike asked, seeing the reflections in the wrong position. The reflections got nervous looks, the reflective Spike putting the reflective Daylight down, and the two of them transforming, revealing that they were changelings. Spike and Daylight screamed. "Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changelings!" He then started running away from there as Daylight slowly stepped back.

"No, wait! Come back!" the older changeling, being Thorax, called out. But neither Daylight nor Spike were listening. Just then, Spike crashed into the stalagmite, making him dizzy, and falling off the cliff.

"Spike!" Daylight said. Just then, the two changelings flew over Daylight's head, flying down the cliff side, and catching Spike. Daylight was surprised at that. "Did... not see that coming."

"This is unexpected," Spike said as the two changelings were bringing him back up. He was then dropped onto Daylight's back.

"Sorry for scaring you two," the younger changeling, being Ocellus, said.

"The ice is pretty slippery," Thorax said. "We wouldn't want the two of you to get hurt because of us."

"You... saved me?" Spike asked, still a little confused about what happened.

"It's okay. I know you don't wanna be friends," Thorax said. Then Thorax and Ocellus started walking away.

"Hold up!" Daylight said, making the two changelings stop.

"Yeah, we don't understand," Spike said. "Changelings are supposed to be evil... right?"

"Evil?" Thorax asked. "Oh, not us. All I ever wanted was a friend. From the moment I first split my egg in the nursery hive."

"Okay, ew," Daylight said. "I knew bugs came from eggs, but seeing how big you changelings can be, it just sounds very disgusting."

"Just wait until you find out where babies come from," Spike said. Thorax and Ocellus nodded in agreement.

"Anyway, I was part of the attack on Canterlot during the royal wedding, but I'd never seen true friendship like that!" Thorax continued. "And I couldn't just steal it and feed on its love. I wanted to share it! After that, I knew I couldn't live with my kind anymore. I set off looking for love to share, but..."

"But... what?" Spike asked.

"We're starving," Ocellus said. "He talked me into his idea, and when I suggested it to the queen, she banished me from the hive. He took full responsibility and took me to a different area of Equestria."

"I had to make it up for her being banished, so I ran away from the hive to take care of her," Thorax said. "It was my idea in the first place, so I had to be the one responsible. Since there's so much love in the Crystal Empire right now. It's what drew us here! But it's drivin' us crazy!" Both of the changelings were jittering.

"Maybe the Royal Crystalling drew the two of you here," Daylight said.

"She's right," Spike said. "It's pretty much a giant outpouring of light and love for a new baby." Just then, Thorax and Ocellus both hissed at the two. But then they stopped when they were realizing what they were doing.

"Oh, sorry! We're just so hungry!" Thorax apologized. "If we had some friends, maybe the love we shared could sustain us, but I don't think the Crystal Ponies want to be friends with us."

Spike was thinking of what to do. He then got an idea and asked, "What if I told you there was somepony they respect and admire so much, he could convince them to give it a try?"

"Like that's gonna happen," Ocellus said.

"Actually, Spike may be onto something," Daylight said. "He's basically a hero to the Crystal Ponies here."

"You're kidding!" Thorax said.

"No, she's not," Spike said. "It is I, Spike the Brave and Glorious! I'm sure that you two have heard of me." Thorax and Ocellus shook their heads.

"Nope," Thorax said. "But we were raised by an evil queen. I'm Thorax, and this is Ocellus."

"I still can't believe you two are willing to help us," Ocellus said.

"Why? Hasn't anypony ever just been nice to you two?" Spike asked.

Thorax and Ocellus gave genuine smiles, but they quickly faded away when they hissed at the two. They then stopped and Thorax said, "Uh! S-Sorry! Kindness like that kind of brings it out."

"Are you two still wanting to be our friends?" Ocellus asked.

"Of course! And I am one hundred percent sure we can get the whole Crystal Empire to be your friends too," Spike said. Just then, Thorax and Ocellus hissed at Spike, but then they covered their mouths. "But... maybe we should just, uh, talk to them first." Thorax and Ocellus nodded, giving muffled grunts as well.

"Maybe I should keep an eye on them until you get back," Daylight said. "If things don't go as well as you hoped and they ask where I am, just say I'm in a public restroom."

"Good call," Spike said. He then headed out of there. The Watcher then appeared over them, not being seen by any of them.

"Things did not go as well as they hoped. Spike tried convincing the Crystal Guards that they could try making friends with the Changelings, but all they did was laugh in his face. But Spike was not gonna give up, and neither was Daylight Savings. So they hatched a plan to get the ponies to be friends with Thorax and Ocellus without even realizing they were changelings."





Spike and Daylight walked into the castle, Thorax and Ocellus following. But they were disguised now.




Daylight looked at both Thorax and Ocellus and said, "Okay, we're gonna have to come up with a cover story for you two before anypony..."

"Spike! Daylight!" came Twilight's voice. They all looked towards the voice and they saw Twilight, Dusk and Nyx walking up to them. "If you two are done searching for the changeling, Starlight and I could use your help. We're working on a protection spell for Flurry Heart. And nopony takes notes like you, Spike."

"Uh, actually, Twilight, I, uh, wanted to introduce you to my friend, uh..." Spike said, trying to come up with a cover name for Thorax. "Uh, Crystal, uh... Hoof! Crystal Hoof!" He then chuckled. "My good friend, Crystal Hoof."

"Nice to meet you," Thorax said, raising a hoof.

"Oh. Well, it's, uh, nice to meet you, too," Twilight said, shaking Thorax's hoof. "How do you know Spike?"

"Oh, uh, Spike and I go way back," Thorax said, coming up with a cover story.

"To the Equestria Games!" Spike said, quickly. He was trying to hide the fact that Thorax and Ocellus didn't know that the Crystal Empire wasn't around for that long. "That's when we met. We've been pen pals ever since."

"Pen pals?" Twilight asked, getting into Spike's face. "Spike! You could have been using my pen pal quill set! Why didn't you tell me?"

"I like to brag to all my friends about my letters from Spike the Brave and Glorious," Thorax said.

"Hang on," Dusk said, inspecting Thorax's pony form. "You... look familiar."

"Hey, yeah, you're right," Nyx said. "I swear I've seen your face before."

"Oh, maybe you caught a glimpse at him during the Equestria Games," Spike said, smiling nervously and sweating.

"Yeah," Thorax said. "Maybe you've seen me around then. Surely you'll recognize this blue face."

"Yeah, and his bloodline is pretty..." Daylight said, trying to come up with something, but was cut off.

"Wait a minute, now I recognize you," Dusk said. "You were that pony that helped us out when Blueblood gathered a mob of angry ponies to try and hurt Nyx for crimes she hasn't done."

"Oh, yeah, that was him!" Nyx said.

"Uh..." Spike said before Thorax cut him off.

"Oh, yeah," Thorax said, remembering that event. "That's right, you two young alicorns were on a zeppelin cruise with your grandparents, and then that cruel-minded prince tried attacking you for crimes you didn't do."

"That was you?" Twilight asked. "Oh, I am so grateful for what you've done that day. Thank you for protecting my foals."

"No problem," Thorax said. He then saw Ocellus's pony form and said, "Oh, this is... uh..." He couldn't come up with a cover name for Ocellus.

"I'm Gentle Bug," Ocellus said, coming up with her cover name. "I, uh, ended up here by mistake. I got on the train here, and I was about to get on a train back to Manehattan, but then the Empire went under complete isolation due to the Changeling sighting."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that," Twilight said.

"Y-yeah," Thorax said. "I... I'm watching over her until the Changeling threat is over."

"That's very nice of you, Crystal Hoof," Twilight said. "Well, I'm sure Starlight and I can manage without you, Spike, if you want to spend time with your friend."

"Great!" Spike said. "Crystal Hoof promised to take me around the city." Twilight, Dusk and Nyx walked away from the group as Spike, Daylight, Thorax and Ocellus started walking down the hall.

"Oh, that was amazing!" Thorax said.

"I told ya," Spike said. "Also, nice job going along with what Dusk and Nyx said."

"Yeah, you almost had us convinced that you actually did expose that pompous prince before I got here," Daylight said. "Nyx told me about that day."

Thorax giggled and said, "That's because I actually did do that!"

"You what?!" Spike and Daylight asked.

"I've heard of Blueblood, and there's no way anypony, or any creature, would actually listen to him after exposing him for the psycho he truly is," Thorax said.

"Good call," Ocellus said. "Now, let's see the Crystal Empire."





Time has passed since then. Outside of the Empire, in the frozen tundra, Spike and Daylight were heading for the tunnel that led to where Thorax and Ocellus were hiding.

"It all went really well for all of them. But then came the chance that Thorax and Ocellus met Flurry Heart. But, that was too much love for them to even take. They eventually exposed themselves as the Changelings. Spike and Daylight tried to get them to stand down, but nopony was really listening. And so, Thorax and Ocellus were chased out of the castle, feeling betrayed that Spike didn't defend them at the end. But, there is still time for the ponies to get to know Thorax and Ocellus."

Spike and Daylight ran into the cave and were looking around.

"Thorax! Ocellus!" Spike called out. "We just want to apologize!" Daylight then smacked the back of Spike's head. Spike turned to face her, but she was giving him a death glare. Spike then said, "I just want to apologize! I should have stood up for you..." He then looked around, looking for Thorax and Ocellus. He then checked under a rock to see if he transformed into something small. "Aw, come on, Thorax! I know you and Ocellus are here!"

"Spike," Daylight said. "Neither of them trust you anymore. You called them evil in front of their faces. They could probably be moving far away from the Crystal Empire by now."

Spike sighed, sat down, leaned on the rock and said, "You're right." He then hugged his knees. "I should've stood up for them. Even if it means giving up everypony's faith in me."

"That would get them to listen," Daylight said, getting up on another rock. "If you want the ponies to actually listen to you about Thorax and Ocellus, we'll have to stick up for them. In front of the faces of Mom, Aunt Cadance, Uncle Shining, and all the guards in the throne room. And we're gonna need Thorax and Ocellus with us to do it."

"You're right," Spike said. "And I'm sure that they'll listen. Especially since Thorax actually was the pony that helped Dusk and Nyx that day."

"That was actually him?!" came Dusk's voice. Spike and Daylight looked towards the tunnel, seeing Dusk and Nyx coming into the cave. "So this is where you found the changelings? Huh."

"Yeah," Daylight said. "They weren't really here to attack. They just... wanted to make some friends."

"Make friends?" Nyx asked. She then started thinking. "Wait a minute. Changelings feed on love to sustain themselves. And Chrysalis thinks the only way for changelings to survive is to disguise themselves as a pony's loved one. But if changelings could actually make friends in their true forms..."

"They could feed off their own love, and wouldn't have to steal from other creatures," Dusk said. "And Chrysalis must not know that."

"No, she doesn't," came Ocellus's voice. The three ponies and Spike looked around, looking for Ocellus.

"Ocellus?" Daylight asked. "Where are you?" Just then, the rock that Daylight was sitting on transformed, revealing that it was Ocellus. "Whoa! Okay, that was freaky."

"Sorry," Ocellus said.

"Ocellus, I'm sorry for what I said," Spike said, standing on the rock he was standing by. "I didn't mean what I said about you or Thorax. Speaking of whom, do you know where he is?"

"You're... standing on him," Ocellus said.

"What?!" Spike asked. He then looked down. Just then, a pair of angry changeling eyes came from the rock, looking up at Spike.

"You turned your back on us, Spike!" Thorax said.

"I know, and I'm sorry," Spike apologized. He then sighed, got an angry look and started heading to the tunnel

"And where are you going?" Thorax asked.

"To the castle throne room," Spike said. "To do something I should've done. And I need both you and Ocellus to come." Thorax transformed back into his true form with a confused look. He and Ocellus looked at each other, not knowing what Spike was going with.





Spike, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Thorax and Ocellus were walking towards the Throne Room, Spike in the lead. They heard voices they all recognize coming from the throne room.

"I know it's bad that there's a changeling around, but is all this really necessary?" Starlight's voice asked.

"If there are two changelings, there may well be a whole army on the way," Princess Cadance replied.

"True. But Starlight has a point," Twilight said. "This is getting a little out of hand."

Cadance sighed and said, "I understand, but I don't know what else we can do." The group then entered the throne room.

"I do!" Spike said, getting the attention of all the ponies in the throne room. All the ponies gasped seeing Thorax and Ocellus in the room.

"Spike, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight! What are you doing?!" Shining Armor asked. "Get away from those things!"

"No!" Spike snapped. "They aren't 'things'! Their names are Thorax and Ocellus, and they're our friends!" Most of the ponies in the room gasped. Twilight was unsure of it.



The guards still gave off angry expressions towards the group that came through the door. Especially Shining Armor. But then, Twilight passed between Shining and the guard on his left with a stern look towards Spike. But it then faded when she spoke.

"Spike, I'm so proud of you," Twilight said.

"Of course!" Twilight said, nuzzling Spike's cheek. "You're a celebrity here in the Crystal Empire, and you just risked all of it for a friend! I can't imagine anything more brave than that." She then faced towards the guards, Shining Armor, Cadance, Starlight, Sunburst and Flurry Heart. "As the Princess of Friendship, I try to set an example for all of Equestria. But today, it was Spike who taught me that a new friend can come from anywhere. I guess everypony still has things to learn about friendship. Even me! And if Spike says Thorax and Ocellus are his, Dusk's, Nyx's and Daylight's friends, then they're my friends too." She turned to face Thorax and Ocellus, raising a hoof.

Thorax had tears coming from his eyes. He extended his hoof, shook Twilight's hoof and said, "Thank you." He then wiped the tears coming from his eye.

Cadance, Shining Armor, Starlight, Sunburst and Flurry Heart came up to Thorax and Ocellus. Cadance then said, "On behalf of the Crystal Empire, I would like to extend my hoof in friendship, and I'm sure all of my subjects are eager to do the same." Then all the guards cheered as Thorax and Ocellus looked up at Cadance, shedding tears of joy. Just then, Cadance held up Flurry Heart in her magic. Thorax and Ocellus were surprised at that. Flurry cooed and reached out for the two of them, making the two changelings smile.

"Welcome to the Crystal Empire, Thorax and Ocellus," Shining Armor said. "I'm sorry we didn't take the time to get to know you two. Maybe we can change that now."

"That'd be so amazing!" Thorax said. "Ocellus and I want to know all about friendship, and maybe one day we can take that knowledge back to the Changeling Kingdom! If our kind learned how to create love for one another, maybe they wouldn't have to take it from others!"

"To Spike the Brave and Glorious!" the yellow Crystal Guard said. Then the guards came in and lifted Spike, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Thorax and Ocellus up. Spike and Thorax looked at each other, and Spike gave Thorax a thumbs up.

Twilight smiled at her kids proudly as Starlight walked up to her and said, "Looks like you were right after all."

"Right about what?" Twilight asked.

"Friendship lessons can happen anywhere," Starlight responded. Then the two of them looked back at the foals, Spike, Thorax and Ocellus.

The Watcher was watching without anyone seeing him.

"Starlight Glimmer is right about that. Friendship lessons can happen anywhere. Even in other universes. The Magic of Friendship has no limits, and cannot stop at one species alone. Whether its a pony, human, changeling, hippogriff..." He then realized something. "Hold on, where is Silverstream?"

"Hey, guys!" Silverstream called out. "What's going on in...?! Are those changelings?!" She then screamed and ran back down the hall.

"Huh. Guess it'll take time for all creatures to accept them."





A couple days have passed. Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Spike, Starlight, Silverstream, Thorax, Ocellus, Cadance, Shining Armor, Sunburst and Flurry Heart were at the train station.

"Eventually, they had to head home. Thorax thought it would be a good idea for Ocellus to go with Princess Twilight and the others. Ocellus wasn't too sure, but Daylight talked her into it."

Thorax and Ocellus transformed into their pony forms just as the train whistle blew, indicating that the train was coming. Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Spike, Starlight, Silverstream and Ocellus then got onto the train.

"Ocellus will be happy with a change of scenery. And hopefully, things will be..." Just then, Flurry Heart teleported to where the Watcher was. "Gah! Flurry Heart! How do you keep doing that?! This is the twentieth time you've done this since the Crystalling!"
> Chapter 14: Journey to Yakyakistan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 14: Journey to Yakyakistan






Twilight, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and Spike were heading to the train station. Spike was the only one in the group who wasn't wearing any snow gear.

"I still can't believe we're going to Yakyakistan," Nyx said.

"How far is Yakyakistan in the first place?" Dusk asked.

"Actually, we were closer to it when we were visiting Shining, Cadance and Flurry," Twilight said. "It just up the mountain range outside the Crystal Empire."

"Okay, so we head to the Crystal Empire, and then walk up the mountains?" Daylight asked. "Sounds like we're gonna do a lot of walking."

"Especially in the cold weather," Twilight said. "It's gonna be a lot colder than Griffonstone in the colder seasons. Which is why we're wearing winter gear." Eventually, they met up with the rest of the Mane 6, the Tri-Pies, Big Mac and Discord. Big Mac and Discord weren't wearing any winter gear either.

"Ah got mah bedroll, parka, unattractive but functional hikin' boots..." Applejack said, listing off the things she had. She then looked at Pinkie Pie. "Uh, anything I forgot, Pinkie Pie? You're our resident Yakyakistan expert."

"Nope! I brought yeti food!" Pinkie Pie said, making everypony, Spike and Discord either shocked, nervous or confused. "Did I forget to mention there's a pony-eating yeti on Frost Field Glacier? We're gonna have so much fun!"

"Okay, now I'm scared to go," Nyx said.

Rainbow Dash chuckled and said, "If he messes with us, I'll turn that yeti into confetti!" Just then, the train pulled up to the station. The train stopped and the doors to the train cars opened up. Just then, Big Mac was pushing Applejack towards the train car and then stepped back.

Applejack chuckled and said, "Somepony's in an awful quick hurry to get us out of here. Don't y'all have too much fun without us." Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and the Tri-Pies headed into the train car. Rainbow Dash was flying while Pinkie and the Tri-Pies were hopping.

"I bet you boys have big plans," Twilight said with a smug look towards Spike. "Right, Spike?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," Spike said, crossing his arms and his eyes closed. Big Mac nodded while Discord rolled his eyes. Spike then got closer to Rarity and said, "Although if I did, I certainly wouldn't be allowed to discuss it with you girls." Rarity rolled her eyes and headed for the train.

"Buh-bye!" Twilight said as she, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight headed onto the train. All the ponies who were travelling were in the same train car as the train started to move. "Okay, Princess Celestia is going to meet us in the Crystal Empire. Then we'll all head up to Yakyakistan together."

"Pinkie, you weren't serious about a pony-eating yeti up there, were you?" Dusk asked.

"Oh, I was very serious about that," Pinkie said. "I'm just bringing yeti food just in case we run into him again."

"Oh... kay," Dusk said, nervously.

"I'm sure Discord is gonna be fine with Spike and Big Mac," Fluttershy said. "He almost tried to make the train track go into an active volcano that he made appear suddenly."

"Okay, guess he has some serious separation anxiety," Twilight said. "But, I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Like Silverstream and Ocellus are gonna be fine back at the castle?" Daylight asked.

"Ocellus?" Applejack asked. "Is that the name o' that changeling ya brought back from the Crystal Empire?"

"She is," Dusk said. "Apparently, Chrysalis banished her from the hive when she suggested that the changelings should give friendship a try."

"Ouch," Rainbow Dash said. "She's been through a lot, hasn't she?"

"At least she's learning about friendship," Nyx said. "Hopefully, she and Silverstream will get along."





Back in the Castle of Friendship, in the family room, Silverstream, Ocellus, Velvet and Night Light were sitting there quietly. Velvet, Night Light and Silverstream were looking at Ocellus, still a little concerned that a changeling is staying in the castle.

"So, this is awkward," Velvet said.

Ocellus raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is?"

"Seeing a changeling in the same room as us," Velvet said. "Last time we saw one in the same room, she sent a swarm to infiltrate Canterlot during my son's wedding."

"Oh, I wasn't there," Ocellus said. "I was still back at the hive. Before I was banished." There was a moment of silence as the two ponies and hippogriff were looking at Ocellus.

"Was... any-changeling watching you?" Silverstream asked.

"What?" Ocellus asked.

"Was there a changeling that stayed to watch over you?" Silverstream asked.

"No," Ocellus said. "They said I was too weak to join in the invasion."

"Oh... kay," Velvet said. They continued to sit in silence.





Walking up the path to Yakyakistan, the Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Tri-Pies, Princess Celestia and a few guards, one of the guards being Flash Sentry, were trying to push through the snowstorm.

"Wow, it is really cold," Nyx said. "I should've worn a second set of winter gear."

"We'll be there in a few minutes," Princess Celestia said. "We're just gonna have to push through this storm!"

"I just hope that these yaks can make a decent cup of hot chocolate," Dusk said. "I'm freezing my tail off. And that's something I never thought I'd say here or back on Earth in my old life."

Pinkie Pie then stopped. Her knee started feeling pinchy. She then said, "Ooh, ooh! Pinchy knee! Pinchy knee!"

"Pinchy knee?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Wait, is that one of your Pinkie Senses?"

"Uh-huh!" Pinkie Pie respond.

"What does pinchy knee mean?" Applejack asked.

"If I recall her senses from when I was trying to study her, pinchy knee means..." Twilight said before being interrupted by another voice. One not from the group.

"HELP!!"

The group looked up the path in shock. They then started running and when they turned a corner up the mountain they saw a young yak moving back towards a cliff.



"Why is that yak here all by herself?" Rarity asked.

"I don't know," Twilight said. "But I think that's why Pinkie's knee was twitching." She pointed at something that the yak girl was backing away from.



The beast roared towards the others, making the group of ponies all scream. The beast then charged towards the yak, but Princess Celestia fired a beam of magic from her horn, going across the nose of the yeti, making it stop in shock.

"Stay away from her!" Princess Celestia said. The yeti then roared and charged towards the ponies. But then Rainbow Dash came flying in, hitting the yeti with multiple attacks. Twilight then used her magic to lift up the yeti, and then she threw it into the cave that was closest to the yeti. Then Princess Celestia used her magic to fire a beam across the top of the cave, making the entry cave in, leaving a small hole on the top so the yeti has air to breathe.

"Okay, that was close," Twilight said. She then approached the young yak. "Are you okay?"

"Yak okay," the young yak replied. "Yak was outside of village, getting a look down mountain, then yak tripped on braids, and rolled right down the mountain."

"Oh, my," Rarity said. "Well, how about we escort you back up the mountain?"

"Yona would appreciate that," the yak said.

"Oh, so your name is Yona?" Twilight asked.

"How pony know that?" the yak, known as Yona, asked.

"You just said it," Twilight said. "And you yaks have kind of a broken speech pattern."

"Well, yaks still learning pony language," Yona said. They started walking up the mountain. Yona then stepped on her left braid, making her trip. "Whoa-oa-oa!" Yona was about to fall off the mountain, but Celestia caught Yona in her magic.

"Maybe it'd be best if you try looping those braids of yours," Princess Celestia said.

"Oh, I believe I can help with that," Rarity said. She then used her magic to undo the ends of the braids, brought the ends up to the beginning, and tying the ribbons to the front, turning the braid styles into monkey swing styles. "There. That should keep you from tripping on your own hair."

"Ooh!" Yona said, looking at her hair. "Yona like this!"

"Well, then, Yona," Princess Celestia said. "I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria. Prince Rutherford has invited us to attend the overnight goodwill tour in Yakyakistan."

"Oh! Yona love that tour!" Yona said. "Is one of best traditions in Yakyakistan!"

"Well, then, what are we waiting for?!" Dusk asked. Then they all continued up the mountain.





It was the middle of the night. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the Tri-Pies were sleeping in a covered wagon, all covered under three thick blankets, each. Applejack was strapped to the covered wagon. Several yaks, including Prince Rutherford, were about to see them out.

"Thank ya kindly fer letting us pull this cart until we get to the train station in the Crystal Empire," Applejack said, looking at Prince Rutherford. "Ah'm surprised ya had one in handy."

"Since ponies and yaks made alliance, we yaks believed guests should have cart to borrow to pull sleeping young ones," Prince Rutherford said. "At least until train station."

"I believe I can pull the cart back up here once the train takes these ponies home," Flash Sentry said to Prince Rutherford.

"Ponies welcome back to Yakyakistan anytime," Prince Rutherford said. "Also, one more thing." Then Yona came up to the group. "Yona has told of how ponies saved Yona's life from dreaded yeti. And since Yona kept tripping on own hair, we'd thought it best if she's in place less dangerous for her to run. With permission from parents, Yona would like to go see and live in pony town."

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah!" Yona said. "Yona really want to see place where ponies live and grow! Maybe safer than yeti on path to Yakyakistan."

"Well, we do have a hippogriff and a changeling back in the castle, and the castle does have a lot of empty rooms that we need to fill," Twilight said. "I guess we can let her stay with us."

"We might as well get going now," Princess Celestia said. "We don't want to wake the young ones." She then placed a sound blocking spell around Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the Tri-Pies so they wouldn't wake up from the loud noise from the howling winds of the mountain range of the Frozen North, and the train whistle when they reach the train station.

The Mane 6, Princess Celestia, the guards, the foals and Yona started heading down the mountain, heading back to their homes.





The Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Tri-Pies and Yona finally arrived at the Castle of Friendship. Twilight looked towards Yona.

"Listen, Yona," Twilight said. "I know you yaks really love to smash things, but this place is the home of myself, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, and a few others, including my parents. So, try not to smash anything inside the castle."

"Yona will be careful," Yona said. "Yaks best of following instructions."

"Is that true?" Daylight asked, leaning her head towards Dusk. Dusk responded by shrugging his shoulders and raising a hoof, giving the gesture that he didn't know either. As soon as Twilight opened the door, all the ponies and Yona gasped at what they saw. They saw Spike, Big Mac and Discord playing a real life version of the game, Ogres and Oubliettes.

"What the heck is going on here?!" Dusk asked, getting the attention of Spike, Big Mac and Discord. Discord looked towards Fluttershy, who nodded with pride. "I think I'll head to my room... and unpack."

"Me, too," Nyx said.

"Same here," Daylight said. Then the three of them went down one hall, taking the long way to their bedrooms.

"As for us, we should just close the door and let them finish... whatever this... is," Twilight said.

"No way!" Rainbow Dash said. Did you see Big Mac's sword? I totally want in!" She then zoomed towards the area where Spike, Big Mac and Discord were.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie said. "I don't know what it is, but it looks like super duper fun!" Then she and the Tri-Pies went towards the area, and as soon as they crossed the line of fantasy and reality, their outfits changed to match the surrounding area.

Rainbow Dash was now dressed as a Rogue, Pinkie Pie was now dressed as a Bard, and the Tri-Pies were dressed up as little knights. The armors of the Tri-Pies were colored darker than their manes.

"Guys Night!" the five of them shouted, then joined Spike, Big Mac and Discord in the imaginary fight.
> Chapter 15: Gabby and Gallus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 15: Gabby and Gallus






Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Crusaders and the Tri-Pies were walking through Sweet Apple Acres. The Crusaders were proud that they helped out the ponies who had trouble either understanding their cutie marks, or helping them get their cutie marks. For example, Bluenote, Bulk Biceps, and Tender Taps.

They almost reached the clubhouse as Sweetie Belle started talking. "Now, Scootaloo, you do know there will always be challenges? Someday, somepony might even come to us with a problem that even we can't handle. Like, say..."

Apple Bloom then noticed something and asked, "A griffon?"

"That's a good example, Apple Bloom," Daylight said. "A griffon. That's just crazy." Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.

Scootaloo looked towards where Apple Bloom was looking and saw what Apple Bloom saw. She then said, "Or not!" She then pointed at the top of the CMC Clubhouse. Standing perched on top of the clubhouse was a griffon.



"Okay, now that's gonna be interesting," Dusk said. "I don't think I've ever come across a griffon while I was here."

"Didn't we see some griffons in the Equestria Games?" Nyx asked.

"Oh, yeah," Dusk said, remembering the Equestria Games. Then all nine foals went into a nearby bush hoping not to be seen by the griffon. She then scratched herself like a cat or dog does.

Sweetie Belle poked her head out of the bush and asked, "Is that really a griffon?" The others popped their heads out of the bush.

"You're darn tootin' it is!" Apple Bloom said. "What do you think that griffon wants?"

"Perhaps we should ask her," Dusk said.

"That's not a good idea, Dusk," Nyx said. "Griffons are known for being mean and cranky."

"Everypony, looks like we've gotta step carefully," Scootaloo said. Then the nine of them stepped quietly out of the bush, hoping that none of them were seen by the griffon. How wrong they were.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders!" the griffon said, popping out of the bush the foals were coming out of. She then pounced on Daylight, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. "I can't believe it's really, really you!" She then laughed excitedly while hugging the four fillies. Dusk, Nyx and the Tri-Pies were shocked to see this griffon's expression.

Scootaloo was grunting, and through a strained voice, she said, "This... griffon's... not... cranky."

"How in the blooming apples did you know who we are?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Know who you are? Know who you are?!" Gabby asked, excitedly. She placed the Crusaders down. "Why, I've heard about you from everypony in Ponyville! I'm so excited to meet you, I could just explode! I'm Gabriella, but you can call me Gabby since we're friends now! Pleased to meet ya!" She then shook the hooves of the four fillies, shaking their entire bodies.

"Well, howdy... um... Gabby," Apple Bloom said.

Gabby squealed and said, "I'm just about the most excited anygriffon has ever been about anything!"

"Excited about what?" Daylight asked.

"This even I have to know," Dusk said.

"Everypony in town tells me of your amazing assistance!" Gabby said. "How you help ponies find their place in the world!"

"It's a calling, but..." Scootaloo said, but was then cut off by Gabby.

"And that's why I'm here," Gabby said, excitedly. "I need help, too. I want you to give me a cutie mark!"

All the foals looked at each other in confusion. But then, a new voice came in.

"Are you kidding me, Gabby?" The foals and Gabby looked towards the voice, and coming from the opening door of the clubhouse came a new griffon.



"Who is that?" Dusk asked.

Gabby sighed and said, "That's Gallus. He's..."

"Don't tell them anything!" Gallus said. "And you have got to stop your obsession with Cutie Marks. Only ponies can get Cutie Marks."

"Wow, now that's a cranky griffon," Cherry Pie said.

"What's his deal?" Raspberry Pie asked.

"You're not gonna get anything outta me," Gallus said.

Dusk got a good look at Gallus, seeing his form. How skinny he was. How unhealthy he looked. Gallus then coughed while covering his mouth. Dusk then sighed.

"Hey, you," Dusk said, looking at Gallus. "Let's talk in private."

"Why should I?" Gallus responded.

"I've been where you are, dude," Dusk answered. "Let's talk." He then started flying away. Gallus was confused and then followed Dusk in the air.





At Sugarcube Corner, Dusk went to a table where Gallus was sitting with a box full of cupcakes. Dusk put the box on the table in front of Gallus.

"Go ahead," Dusk said. "Looks like you need it."

"Seriously?" Gallus asked. "You think I'd ever take a free meal from a young alicorn colt? Which shouldn't be possible by the way."

"Yeah, I know," Dusk said. "I wasn't expecting it either." Gallus just sat in his seat, his forelegs crossed. Just then, his stomach growled and his eyes widened. Dusk nodded towards the cupcakes, indicating the griffon to eat. Gallus then sighed, took a cupcake with green frosting, and took a bite out of it. Gallus then got a look of amazement from the taste of it.

"That's... not... too awful," Gallus said. Dusk responded with a smirk. Then Gallus leaned his head back, groaned and said, "Oh, who am I kidding? It's delicious!" Gallus then started stuffing his face with cupcakes.

"So, Gallus, tell me about yourself," Dusk said.

"What's it to you?" Gallus asked, his mouth full of cupcakes.

"First of all, chew your food, and then swallow," Dusk said. "It's not really okay to talk with your mouth full."

Gallus swallowed what he had in his mouth and said, "Sorry. Guess I was really hungry."

"More like starved," Dusk said. "I know the feeling. I've been where you are. That's how I died."

"Died?" Gallus asked.

Dusk sighed and turned his head away with a sad look. He closed his eyes, remembering his last moments in his human form. He then said, "I was a different species before I woke up like this. My parents loved me. They did just about everything for me. But all that changed when my parents had to go out of the country for their work. I couldn't come along. So, I had to stay with my mom's sister, Bonnie, and her son, Devon."

"Really?" Gallus asked. "What happened?"

"They... treated me like their personal slave," Dusk said. "They made me clean the apartment, leave me home alone, make me starve, take away my toys." He then sighed. "They didn't even care if I was sick, or hurt. They made me clean up the house."

"Wow," Gallus said. "Guess... you've had it worse than I do." He then sighed. "Okay, yes. I'm homeless, and alone. I... lost my family when I was young. And I've been living on the streets ever since. I would've been sent to an orphanage if Griffonstone hadn't shut them down for Budget Cuts."

"Dude, that's just wrong," Dusk said.

"I know, right?" Gallus asked. He then sighed. "At least you got it good."

"And that was after I died and was... reborn," Dusk said.

"I guess... you did understand what I was going through," Gallus said. He then sighed. "I guess this was the real reason why Gabby brought me here. Not only to try and get a Cutie Mark, which we both know is impossible for non-pony creatures..." Dusk nodded in agreement. "You've been nice to me. All the griffons back in Griffonstone don't have the decency to help me out. So..."

"Let me guess, you steal from anyone who's not looking," Dusk said.

Gallus sighed and said, "Pretty much." He then looked out the window. "You ponies are lucky. You all have it good, but I'm outta luck."

Dusk then thought of something. He was thinking if there was something else he could do for Gallus. He then smiled and said, "Come with me. There's a few... creatures... I'd like for you to meet." Gallus responded with raising an eyebrow.





Dusk took Gallus back to the Castle of Friendship. Gallus was shocked to see different creatures. A yak, a hippogriff and a changeling.

"Gallus, meet Yona, Silverstream and Ocellus," Dusk said. "Girls, meet Gallus."

"Ooooooh!" Silverstream squealed excitedly. She then started hovering around Gallus. "An actual griffon! So interesting! I can't believe I'm actually meeting one!"

Gallus was shocked to see Silverstream hovering around him. He then said, "She seems... excited."

"You'll have to forgive her," Dusk said. "She's been underwater for years."

"Underwater?" Gallus asked.

"The Hippogriffs were attacked by a magic stealing tyrant, so they had to transform themselves into Seaponies and hide underwater," Dusk said. "See that seashell necklace she's wearing?"

Gallus looked at Silverstream's necklace, who slightly lifted it. She then said, "This allows me to transform me, or any other creature, into sea creatures." She then flew over to the couch and sat down. "Watch." She then tapped the seashell, and the magic within it transformed Silverstream into a seapony.

"Whoa!" Gallus said. "Okay, that's cool!" He then looked at Dusk. "Okay, so you got a changeling, a yak and a hippogriff-slash-seapony. What else do you got here, a dragon?"

"He's my brother by adoption," Dusk said. "In fact, he's part of the reason why Ocellus is here."

"It's true," Ocellus said. "Spike helped me and Thorax actually make friends."

"But, Spike was living with Twilight long before I was reborn," Dusk said. "He had no idea of what dragons do in their lives."

"A dragon raised by ponies, huh?" Gallus asked. "Guess he needs a dragon around his age that knows everything about dragons."

"You know it," Dusk said.

"Dusk!" came Twilight's voice. "Where are you...?" She came into the room, seeing Dusk, Gallus, Silverstream, Yona and Ocellus in the room. "Oh, you're... all in here." She then looked at Gallus. "You must be Gallus. Nyx, Daylight and the other Crusaders were just talking about you."

"I didn't tell them much," Gallus said.

"You didn't have to," Twilight said. Spike then walked in. "Spike was writing down your situation as you and Dusk were chatting at Sugarcube Corner."

"Oh, boy," Gallus said.

"Listen, Gallus," Twilight said. "You don't have to go back to Griffonstone if you don't want to. Besides, I've felt how cold it was up there during late fall. You're lucky you didn't freeze to death during the winter."

"Yeah, well," Gallus said, "...if you're offering me a place to stay, surely, there's something I can do for you."

"You've suffered enough by living on the streets," Twilight said. "Dusk was originally abused by two members of his original family, and his sister, Daylight, almost went through the same fate if Princess Luna didn't come to bring her here to Equestria. You don't deserve to starve to death."

Spike then walked into the room. He then said, "Gallus's room is prepared."

"My room?" Gallus asked.

"You're not the only one here who needs help," Twilight said. "And I know you'll be able to make a living for yourself."

Gallus then thought about it. He then started giving off a small smile. He then said, "Thank you. I'll... I'll try to be on my best behavior here."

"I'm sure of it," Twilight said. She and Spike then escorted Gallus to the room where he'll be staying.





At Sugarcube Corner, a few days later, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were sitting at a booth. The Crusaders were explaining to Dusk about what they went through with Gabby.

"Seriously?" Dusk asked. "She went through all that to try and earn a Cutie Mark?"

"I know, right?" Scootaloo asked. "She was so determined to get one."

"So, how is Gallus doing with staying with you guys in the castle?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"He's... a little difficult to work with," Nyx said. "But, at least he's learning about getting along with others."

"C'mon! Hurry up and choose!" came Gallus's voice. Dusk, Nyx, Daylight and the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked towards the line of ponies and saw Gallus standing behind, who else could hold up a line, Sandbar, trying to decide what to order.

"Oh, man," Sandbar said. "They look so good. But I can only choose one." That made Gallus groan in annoyance.

"Emphasis on trying," Daylight said. Then the six foals laughed.
> Chapter 16: Returning to the Hedge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 16: Returning to the Hedge






Twilight, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were in the dining room with Gallus, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona, Velvet and Night Light. Nyx and Daylight were talking about their day with the Crusaders.

"And so many other fillies and colts are asking us for advise about earning their Cutie Marks," Daylight said.

"Wow," Gallus said. "You fillies sure like helping out."

"You know it," Nyx said.

"Although, Apple Bloom said that the treehouse wasn't their original idea for their clubhouse," Daylight said. "What's the Hedge?"

"The Hedge?" Twilight asked. "Oh, I haven't been there since..." She then looked over at Dusk. "Since Dusk was reborn."

"What is the Hedge?" Ocellus asked.

Twilight blushed embarrassingly. She then said, "It's... actually a long story. It involves... me and my friends accidentally transporting ourselves to an alternate Equestria..."

"That doesn't sound so bad," Velvet said.

"...where everypony was born the opposite gender," Twilight continued.

"Wait, seriously?!" Night Light asked. He then got a certain thought. "Wait. Is that how you came up with the name for Dusk's name?"

"Yep," Twilight said. "I... named him after my counterpart from that world."

"That would explain it," Velvet said.

"Yona would like to see Hedge!" Yona said. "Sounds like fun place!"

"Meh, I wouldn't mind seeing it," Gallus said.

"It sounds so interesting!" Silverstream said.

"Can we all go see it?" Ocellus asked.

Twilight then thought about it. She then smiled and said, "Well, it has been a while since I've seen the Hedge. I guess I wouldn't mind showing you."

"Should we bring the Crusaders as well?" Nyx asked.

"As long as if they're okay with hanging out with a changeling," Twilight said.

"Oh, we told them about Ocellus," Daylight said.

"And Yona," Nyx added. "They already know about Gallus and Silverstream." Dusk and Daylight nodded in agreement.

"Well, okay," Twilight said. "Tomorrow, we're heading to the Hedge. Might as well pack ourselves a picnic."

"I... honestly can't remember the last time I had a picnic," Gallus said.

"Ooooh!" Silverstream squealed. "Sounds fun!"





The next morning, the Sparkle Family, Gallus, Yona, Silverstream, Ocellus and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were heading towards the Hedge. Ocellus was in her pony form. It wasn't as soon as they expected to leave, but Twilight had to talk with Applejack and Fluttershy about their Friendship Problem to solve in Las Pegasus.

"Sorry that took so long," Twilight said. "When there's a Friendship Problem to solve, we don't know how it's gonna take to understand why."

"It's a shame that they won't be able to join us," Dusk said.

"Join you guys for what?" came Rainbow Dash's voice from above them. They are all spooked by the sudden appearance. Rainbow Dash was hovering over them.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said. "You spooked us!"

"Sorry!" Rainbow Dash said. She then noticed the picnic supplies. "You guys going on a picnic?"

"We're headin' back to the Hedge," Scootaloo said.

"The Hedge?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "Oh, it's been months since I've been back there! I want in!"

"Did somepony say the Hedge?" came Rarity's voice. They looked over towards Rarity's voice and they saw her, Pinkie and the Tri-Pies coming towards them. "Oh, heavens, I haven't been there for a while!"

"Yeah, it has been a while!" Pinkie Pie said. "Should I find Applejack and Fluttershy, and they can join in, too?"

"I'm afraid you missed them, Pinkie," Twilight said. "They got called for a Friendship Problem to solve in Las Pegasus."

"Las Pegasus?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "Oh, man. That's one place that definitely doesn't suit either Applejack or Fluttershy."

"I agree," Rarity said. "Those two are gonna have a tough time finding that Friendship Problem."

Eventually, they made it to the hedge. Twilight turned around to look at Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Gallus, Yona, Silverstream and Ocellus.

"Okay, this place is spacious, but probably not enough for all of us to be in," Twilight said. "So, some of us are gonna have to take turns coming into the Hedge."

Rarity noticed something around the entrance to the hedge. There were piles of dirt outside of the hedge. And a trench was made to keep the rain from pouring into the hedge.

"Hold on a moment, darlings," Rarity said. "Look." She pointed at the piles of dirt and the trench. "Somepony has been here, and probably dug out some more space inside the hedge. And look at this. A trench has been made."

"To keep water from coming into the hedge," Twilight said. "Huh. I thought that the water would eventually flow to the tunnel that let me slide all the way to that garden."

"It's a good thing it wasn't raining when we were in the other Equestria," Pinkie Pie said. Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement.

"Let's see what's different in the hedge," Twilight said. She then started going into the Hedge. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight followed. They saw that the Hedge was bigger than it already was. "Whoa. This place has gotten a lot more space."

Dusk headed towards one area of the hedge until he tripped on something. He let out a yelp as he fell.

"Dusk, are you okay?" Twilight asked.

"I'm fine," Dusk said as he started to get up. "I just tripped on..." He then noticed what he tripped on. It was a sack full of gems. "Gems?"

"Gems?" Twilight asked. "Has Spike been...?" She then noticed the prints on the ground. They were dragon prints, but not Spike's. They were a little bigger than his. "No. These are bigger than Spike's prints."

"There's a new dragon?" Dusk asked.

"Who could be living here?" Daylight asked.

"Who's there?!" came a voice from the tunnel. Twilight, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight looked towards the tunnel. Twilight had her horn lit. Just then, a figure came out of the tunnel.



Smolder recognized the three foals. She then asked, "You three?"

"Smolder?" Dusk asked.

Twilight looked towards Dusk and asked, "You know this dragon?"

"Let's just say I kinda... crashed into her," Dusk said. He looked over at Smolder, seeing that she was giving a nervous look and was gesturing Dusk to cut it out before he says anything else. "Then we told her what we were doing there." Smolder then relaxed, relieved that he kept her secret for her.

"Okay," Twilight said. She then looked at Smolder. "So, what brings you here?"

"Meh, I've been wanting to see... other places," Smolder said. "Sometimes, a dragon's gotta go explore."

"You were sent out into the world by Dragon Lord Ember, weren't you?" Twilight asked.

"She said you left something in the Dragon Lands," Smolder said. "Well, mainly it's for Spike."

Spike then came into the hedge after he heard his name. He then asked, "Do I know you?"

"Not really," Smolder said. "But I did see you riding Ember while you were in the Gauntlet of Fire."

"Hey, I was just watching her back from incoming attacks from behind," Spike said.

"Just to let you know, I honestly didn't know which part of Equestria you guys lived in," Smolder said.

"So, why didn't you ask for help?" Nyx asked.

"Ponies often run away from dragons whenever one comes near them," Smolder said. "But, at least I was able to find you guys. Or more likely, you guys found me."

"Why did you stop here?" Twilight asked.

"I've... actually been flying a little too hard trying to find you," Smolder said. She then turned around to reveal her left wing wrapped in a bandage. "Fly too hard for several hours, your wing muscles tend to cramp."

"Ooooh," Twilight, Dusk and Nyx said in unison.

"Does that happen often?" Spike asked.

"Usually during the end of dragon migration," Smolder said. "It's not really a custom for dragons who haven't gone through the molt yet to migrate."

"The molt?" Spike asked. "What's the molt?"

"Right, you grew up with ponies your whole life," Smolder said. "The molt is actually the signs of a dragon growing up."

"And she doesn't mean like what happened the day after your first birthday in Ponyville," Dusk said. Then he and Twilight shivered.

"Basically, the molt is just dragon puberty," Daylight said.

"There are a lot more details that she left out, but yeah," Smolder said. "That is the gist of it." Just then, the sound of pounding came from the entrance.

"Yak needs help getting in," came Yona's voice. "Entrance not big enough for yak."

"Well, guess Yona's not gonna get in here," Dusk said.

"Not unless Twilight uses a 'Make-It-Mini' spell," Nyx said.

"How do you know about that spell?" Twilight asked.

"I told you about that when I was adjusting to this Equestria," Nyx said. "Remember? I said that the Twilight in my Equestria was showing me some things from the castle."

"Oh, that's right," Twilight said. She then blushed. "Guess I forgot about that." She then looked back at Smolder. "Anyway, this place isn't all that safe for a creature so... young... to be living on the edge of the Everfree Forest."

"Meh, we dragons are tough," Smolder said. "I'm sure I can handle some trouble that comes near here."

"Not in this forest," Twilight said. "There are a lot of dangerous creatures there, and fire's not gonna be a good idea to use in the forest. Even a sneeze from a dragon here can start a forest fire."

Smolder then thought about that. She then said, "Meh, guess that makes sense. But where am I gonna sleep?"

Twilight then smiled and said, "There are still plenty of rooms in my castle. But whatever you do, don't eat it."

"What do you mean 'don't eat it'?" Smolder asked.

"The castle's made of pure crystal," Nyx said. "Although, it does get cold sometimes."

Smolder then put a claw on her chin to think. She then said, "Meh, beats trying to keep rain out of this place." She reached something from the area where she was sleeping, and then handed Spike something. "This is for you."

She handed Spike a medal and Spike asked, "What is this?"

"That, by decree of Dragon Lord Ember, is an official ambassador medal, representing the alliance between the ponies and the dragons," Smolder said. "Be sure to tell the ruler of Equestria about this as soon as possible."

"Good idea," Twilight said. "So, who's up for a picnic?" Twilight then levitated the basket of food she brought.





Later that night, at the Castle of Friendship, Smolder was checking out her new bedroom as she was getting ready for bed. Smolder headed for a bedside table and put a framed photo of her and another dragon there. Then Twilight walked in.

"I see you're starting to get used to this place," Twilight said.

"Meh, this place is way shinier than all the gems in the hoard rooms we dragons have back in the Dragon Lands," Smolder said. "I hope you're prepared for when Spike starts his hoard."

"Oh, believe me, I've seen what happens," Twilight said. She then recalled when Spike became a 50-foot dragon the day after his first birthday in Ponyville. She then shuttered. "So, whatcha got there?" She pointed at the photo.

"Just a picture of me and my brother," Smolder said. "Might as well have something here to remind me of home."

"Oh, I understand the feeling," Twilight said. "In fact, some of our other guests have mementos of home. Silverstream has her magic seashell necklace and Yona has that blanket on her back that was given to her by her mother. Sure, Gallus and Ocellus haven't gotten anything to remind them of their families, mostly Gallus because he was homeless, but I'm sure they're always with him in spirit."

"Yeah, I get that," Smolder said. "A lot of dragons don't really have parents. Mostly because some of them weren't ready to be parents."

"Yeah, I get the feeling," Twilight said. She then saw the picture and went wide eyed. She then used her magic to pick up the picture. "Is that... Your brother is..."



"You know my brother, Garble?" Smolder asked.

"I'm afraid so, and not in a good way," Twilight said. "Every time Spike goes to the Dragon Lands, he always gets picked on by Garble."

"He... does... what?" Smolder said, getting angry. She then facepalmed herself. "Stupid peer pressure."

"Peer pressure?" Twilight asked. "Wait, are you saying that Garble doesn't actually want to do that stuff?"

"He's afraid of being embarrassed by what he actually wants to do in front of his friends and them laughing at him," Smolder said.

"Oh, he's afraid of being laughed at," Twilight said. "Although, Spike made him do something when he was holding the Bloodstone Scepter."

"But I thought Ember was the new Dragon Lord," Smolder said, arching an eyebrow.

"Oh, she is," Twilight said. "But apparently she and Garble forgot that the one who brings the Bloodstone Scepter back to Torch would be the next Dragon Lord."

Smolder went wide eyed and said, "Oh, that's right." She then facepalmed. "Let me guess, Spike was the one who grabbed it first."

"Spike ordered your brother to hug every dragon he saw," Twilight said.

Smolder then smiled and said, "It... was actually kinda nice."

Twilight giggled and said, "Well, I guess one good thing came out of that." She then turned to face the door. "Well, I gotta make sure my kids are tucked away. They got school tomorrow."

"Yeah, yeah," Smolder said. "Good night, Princess."

"Good night, Smolder," Twilight said. She then headed out of the room and headed down the hall. Then her mom, Velvet, came up right beside her.

"Okay, this castle has gotten some rooms occupied," Velvet said. "Which is nice of you to offer them some room."

"Yeah, some of them really needed it," Twilight said. "Especially Gallus and Ocellus. Since Gallus was homeless and Ocellus was banished from the Changeling Hive."

"Okay, so now we got a griffon, a changeling, a yak, a hippogriff, and now a dragon," Velvet said. "That's gonna take time to get used to."

"Technically, we have two dragons," Twilight said.

"Oh, that's right," Velvet said. "Spike. I almost forgot about him."

"Yeah," Twilight said. "Well, I gotta make sure Dusk, Nyx and Daylight are in bed."

"Okay," Velvet said. "I'm gonna head to bed myself. Good night, Twilight."

"Good night, Mom," Twilight said. She then headed down the halls of the Castle of Friendship to check up on her foals before heading off to bed herself.
> Chapter 17: Spring Break!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 17: Spring Break!






At the Ponyville Schoolhouse, the students were all anxious. They looked up at the clock as Cheerilee was finishing up the lesson. All except Nyx, who was the only one in class paying attention to Cheerilee. The clock was ticking while most of the students were waiting for the final bell for their section of class to be over. Just then, the clock struck 1:15 and the school bell rang.

"SPRING BREAK!!" Dusk called out, accidentally using the Royal Canterlot Voice. Then all of the students, except for Nyx, quickly got their stuff and ran out of the schoolhouse.

Cheerilee turned around to see only Nyx sitting in her seat. She then said, "Guess your brother is the most excited to get started on Spring Break."

"You have no idea," Nyx said, getting out of her seat. She then grabbed her stuff with her magic, put them into her saddlebags, and placed the saddlebags on her back. "See ya, Miss Cheerilee." She then slowly trotted out of the schoolhouse to catch up with the rest of her friends.

Nyx got out of the schoolhouse with her siblings and friends waiting for her. Dusk then said, "I still can't believe you stay behind when everypony else was getting ready for Spring Break."

"You know how much I love school work," Nyx said.

"Yeah, yeah," Apple Bloom said. "So, what's everypony gonna do fer Spring Break?"

"Actually, I don't know what we're gonna do," Dusk said. "I just hope it's not as troubling as going to another dimension just to get back one of the Elements of Harmony."

"Or stopping mind controlling sirens," Nyx added.

"Or two realities colliding with each other," Daylight said.

"You all did all that?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well, I did," Dusk said. "Nyx only got the last two, and Sam, sorry, Daylight, got the last one."

"Well, I hope you'll all find something to do," Scootaloo said. "I'm gonna be practicing tricks on my scooter."

"Apple Bloom, didn't you say that Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie are going on a boat ride?" Daylight asked.

"Oh, yeah," Apple Bloom said. "They are. Ah just hope they won't get inta too much trouble."

"You and me both," Sweetie Belle said.

"Well, we should go home," Dusk said. "See you all later." Then Dusk, Nyx and Daylight headed off towards the Castle of Friendship.





At the Castle of Friendship, Twilight was waiting for Dusk, Nyx and Daylight to come home. Then the three foals came into the castle. Dusk and Nyx were flying.

"No fair!" Daylight said. "You two have wings!"

"I earned mine in the other dimension," Dusk said.

"I was supposed to be Nightmare Moon as her own mare, and she was based on Princess Luna," Nyx said.

"Well, I'm not too sure if you're gonna become an alicorn anytime soon, Daylight," Twilight said. "Especially with you originally being... you know."

"But Dusk was human before he came here," Daylight said.

"Yes, but that was before he died in that world," Twilight said. "He was reborn here, in a new body."

"Well, I think we should figure out what to do for Spring Break," Dusk said, heading down the hall.

"Actually, Dusk, that's what I was about to tell you all," Twilight said, making Dusk stop. He then turned to face Twilight. "Mom and Dad wanted to surprise you with something." Dusk, Nyx and Daylight tilted their heads in confusion.





The next morning, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona and Gallus were on a train with Velvet and Night Light, heading off somewhere. Ocellus was in Pony form, of course, since she's not sure who would come after her in her real form.

"So, where are we headed again?" Gallus asked.

"Oh, it's a surprise," Night Light said. "You'll see when we get there."

"Ooooh!" Silverstream squealed excitedly. "I'm so excited! This just might be the most amazing thing I've ever seen!"

Velvet and Night Light giggled at Silverstream's enthusiasm. Then they saw Ocellus, she was looking out the window with worry on her disguised face. Velvet then walked over towards Ocellus.

"You still worried?" Velvet asked.

"Me?" Ocellus asked, looking at Velvet. "Well... a little." She then looked down at her disguised body. "Ever since I've been... learning friendship, I've been experiencing some... changes... to my normal form."

"Changes?" Velvet asked. "What kind of changes?"

Ocellus looked around at all the ponies in the cart. She then whispered into Velvet's ear, making her go a little surprised.

"Well... maybe when we arrive at our destination, you can show us," Velvet said.

"Okay," Ocellus said. "I just hope you all don't feel as uncomfortable as I do."

"Yona hopes this place not as dangerous as Yakyakistan," Yona said.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that, Yona," Night Light said. "So, we're gonna have a nice, relaxing vacation."

"Meh, probably some pony things," Smolder said, her arms crossed. "Probably nothing that excites us dragons."

Dusk looked towards Smolder and said, "I've seen one of grandma's relaxing vacations, and it wasn't exactly relaxing."

"What does that mean?" Smolder asked.

"She went over Neighagra Falls in a barrel," Nyx said, making Smolder go wide eyed.

Smolder looked at Velvet, who rubbed the back of her neck at Nyx's comment, and Smolder asked, "That's relaxing for you?!" Velvet nodded. "Dang. You are so hardcore. I should've come to you a lot sooner."

"Well, I don't really do it all the time, since Night Light and I help out with watching over the foals since we moved in with Twilight," Velvet said.

"And that was before Nyx and Daylight showed up," Night Light said. "Heck, it was even before our son married Princess Cadance, who was Twilight's old foal sitter."

"You really need to get time for yourself," Smolder said.

Then the train whistle started blowing, getting the attention of every creature in the cart. Then a conductor started calling out to every creature there.

"Next stop, Vanhoover!"

"That's our stop," Night Light said. "Let's go." Then they all started grabbing their stuff. Gallus and Silverstream flew up to grab the bags for those who could not reach. Mostly for Nyx, Daylight, Yona and Ocellus. Ocellus didn't want to risk changing forms in front of so many ponies.





Velvet and Night Light escorted Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, Smolder, Yona, Ocellus, Silverstream and Gallus over to the beach area, where there was a cabin.

"Well, here we are," Velvet said.

"Whoa!" Dusk, Nyx and Daylight said in unison.

"Welcome to the old family cabin," Night Light said. "We haven't been here since before Twilight started attending Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns."

"Why'd you stop coming?" Gallus asked as they approached the front door.

"Well, after Twilight got accepted, Shining Armor got recruited into Royal Guard Training," Night Light said. "It wasn't right to do this trip without Shining Armor that year, so we waited for the next year. But Twilight was too busy with her studies."

"Kinda figured," Nyx said. "Twilight does love to study."

"Yes she does," Velvet said. She then opened up the door and showed the main room of the cabin. On the other side of the cabin, there was a line of windows that had a balcony with a boat dock.

"Whoa!" Dusk, Nyx and Daylight all said in unison.

"This place... actually looks very cozy," Gallus said.

"Alright, here's how it's gonna go," Velvet said. "Dusk and Gallus will be sharing one room, Nyx, Daylight and Silverstream get the other room, Night Light and I get the master bedroom, and you three will be sleeping in the living room." She pointed a hoof at Smolder, Ocellus and Yona.

"So, this is where Mom and Uncle Shining had vacation time when they were young?" Daylight asked.

"That's right," Night Light said. Just then, Velvet used her magic to close all the curtains and closed the doors, just in case some ponies tried looking in.

"Alright, Ocellus," Velvet said. "The place is secure. Go ahead and show us."

Ocellus looked around at the others looking at her. She then sighed. She transformed back into her original form. But there was something different. Her wings were now shiny.

"Whoa!" all but Ocellus, Velvet and Night Light said in unison.

"When did this happen?" Velvet asked.

"It started when I was actually... starting to warm up," Ocellus said. "Princess Cadance told Princesses Celestia and Luna about me and Thorax. When they came to Ponyville to talk to me, I felt... a little anxious. I thought they would attack me for everything the other changelings done during the wedding in Canterlot."

"Oh, I see," Velvet said. "Well, you're opening up. It'll soon be a matter of time until all the other creatures accept changelings, and for the changelings to accept friendship."

"Although, it's gonna be tough with who's in charge of the changelings," Smolder added. "No way that Chrysalis would accept Friendship. Even us dragons know that Chrysalis is power hungry."

"That's true," Dusk said, heading towards the hallway. "She's more interested in power than friendship."

"And how would you know that?" Gallus asked.

"She teleported me to Appleloosa when I found out she was impersonating Cadance," Dusk answered. "And that was long before I got these." Dusk then unfolded his wings.

"It's true," Ocellus said. "Thorax saw him coming from outside the barrier, and climbing into Canterlot through the Gemstone Caverns."

"Oh, yeah," Nyx said. "I heard that back in my Equestria. Of course, in my Equestria, Twilight got banished down there when she thought Cadance was evil and not Chrysalis was disguised as her."

"That would make sense," Velvet said. "Okay, who's up for some time on the beach?"





On the beach, Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were making a sand castle. Ocellus, in Pony Form, was helping Daylight up so she could reach the parts she couldn't reach.

"Okay, every creature!" Night Light called out. "Lunch is served!"

All the creatures went over towards where Night Light and Velvet were setting up a lunch on the picnic table on the balcony of the cabin. Velvet then took in a breath of air.

"Ah, this is nice," Velvet said. "Nothing like a calm ocean breeze to lift your spirits."

"That depends on where you're from," Smolder said. "We dragons prefer smog filled air and nice lava pools."

"I wouldn't know about beaches," Ocellus said. "But this place is nice."

"No oceans up in Yakyakistan," Yona added. "Nothing but rocks and snow for miles."

"Griffonstone wasn't that nice either," Gallus said. "Powerful winds, and crumbling buildings. It was basically not up to code."

"You know, if you griffons could spend a fraction of your bits, you could rebuild the town into what it could have been," Nyx said.

"Huh," Gallus said, thinking about it. "Maybe you're right. But, I'm not sure that Grandpa Gruff would approve."

"What about you, Silverstream?" Ocellus asked. "I bet you don't get ocean breezes."

"Well, there aren't much breezes in Seaquestria," Silverstream said.

"What does that mean?" Gallus asked. Silverstream responded by tapping her magic seashell necklace, transforming back into a seapony. "WHOA!!"

"Oh, my!" Ocellus said.

"Okay, that's cool!" Smolder said.

"No breezes in Seaquestria because there's no air down there," Silverstream said before changing back into a Hippogriff. "Everything's underwater."

"That makes sense," Night Light said. "Alright, every creature. Dig in!"

Gallus then started grabbing some food, putting some on a paper plate that was given to him, and stuffing one handful into his mouth.

"Wow, he is really hungry," Ocellus said.

"Well, he was living alone on the streets of Griffonstone," Dusk said.

"Oh, yeah," Ocellus said. "I guess I'd be that hungry if I was alone like him."

Gallus noticed how quickly he was eating, stopped, leaned back and swallowed. He then said, "Sorry. You'd be surprised on how hungry a scrawny griffon living on the streets can get."

"Yeah, I can see that," Velvet said. "So, once every creature is done, how about we do some canoe paddling?"

"Oooh! Sounds fun!" Silverstream said, putting her talons to her cheeks. But then she got a confused look. "What's that?"

"It's when we get into a boat, and paddle it across the water," Daylight said. "Before he got sick, dad and I did it at least once a month in the summer."

"Kinda wish I had that experience before I died," Dusk said.

"Well, you might have missed out on a lot of things before coming here," Night Light said.

"No thanks to your former aunt and cousin," Velvet said, Night Light nodding in agreement. "But since you came here, you've been given so much happiness. Twilight took you in, you have made a lot of new friends, and you've become the first male alicorn in Equestrian History."

"Your original parents would be proud," Night Light said. Velvet nodded at Night Light's comment.

Dusk smiled at that. But then Yona spoke up, saying, "Purple boy pony sure did have tough life by sound of it, but back to before, Yona not sure about boat. Yaks do a lot of things, but swimming not one."

"You can't swim?" Night Light asked.

"Yaks live in snow covered mountains," Yona said. "Not much for swimming."

"Don't worry, Yona," Night Light said. "We'll be here to help you if you fall in."

"Plus, I'll turn into a seapony and carry you up if you start drowning," Silverstream said. "Although, if I'm gonna get you out, I'm gonna need some creature to help me carry you up and out."

"Oh, I can help with that," Ocellus said. She then shapeshifted into a seapony.



"Whoa!" Dusk said. "That's actually a good look on you!"

Ocellus then looked at herself and saw how colorful she was as a seapony. She then said, "Huh. I wasn't even trying to go for this color."

"You look good with colors like that," Velvet said. "Okay, now that we got that handled, we'll head over to the canoe after lunch." Ocellus then changed back into her pony form and continued eating.





In the middle of the night, Dusk and Gallus were asleep in the same room. Dusk then woke up. He used his magic to grab a glass of water for him to drink. But when he barely drank any, he decided to quietly get out of bed and head for the door.

When he came out, he saw Daylight in the kitchen, getting some milk. She then saw Dusk.

"Oh, hey, Henry," Daylight said.

"Hey, Sam," Dusk said. "Thirsty, too?"

"Yeah," Daylight said. "I always need a cup of milk at night." She then sighed. "Ever since... our old Mom died." Dusk then walked over to Daylight and gave her a wing hug.

"Yeah," Dusk said. "I miss her too. And dad."

"I'm sure they're glad that we're together," Daylight said. "Even though you're supposed to be a few years older than me."

"Guess time works differently on different worlds," Dusk said. "But at least I'm still your big brother."

"Yeah," Daylight said. "I'm glad I got to finally meet you and be a family with you again."

"Me, too, Sam," Dusk said. "Me, too." Then the two of them nuzzled each other. Then a light blue aura came from them, then it started trailing away towards Ocellus, who was still asleep. Ocellus felt it and smiled.

"Ah..." Ocellus said in her sleep. "Family love." She then rolled over and pulled the blanket closer to her head.

Dusk and Daylight looked at each other and quietly laughed. Dusk then said, "Changelings feed on love. I guess she felt that."

"Guess so," Daylight said.
> Chapter 18: In Case of Magical Emergency...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 18: In Case of Magical Emergency...






In the Castle of Friendship, Nyx was practicing her magic so she could get it back to full strength. She was also being supervised by Princess Luna. It was a little past sunset.

Nyx groaned as she was trying to lift a book that was 3 inches thick, saying, "C'mon. Hold it. Hold it." Just then, her magic popped up and the book fell. "Dang it!"

"Perhaps you're pushing yourself too hard," Princess Luna said. "Maybe you need time for your magic to build up. Although, your cousin Flurry Heart is able to do so much magic. I wonder why you're not as magical as her. Or Dusk."

"My magic was drained so I could be a filly again and stay with Twilight," Nyx said.

"Who would do that?" Luna asked.

"You did," Nyx said. "Well, the other you."

"Oh, that's right," Luna said. She then chuckled. "Well, perhaps... I'm not so sure if Twilight would agree with it, but I could share a bit of my own magic with you so you'll be able to do more magic than you did before coming here." She then smiled. "And eventually, when you get older, you can actually fulfill your special talent. Protecting your friends and loved ones."

Nyx looked down at her Cutie Mark and smiled. Nyx then said, "If that can work..."

"It might be unstable," came another voice. The two alicorns turned to see Spell Nexus coming into the room.

"Nexus? What are you doing here?" Nyx asked.

"Well, I actually came here to do something to you that could probably save your life if you lose your magic completely," Nexus said.

"What?" Nyx asked.

"The magic you have is what's keeping the shreds you're made of connected," Spell Nexus. "Which means if you lose your magic, the shreds will disassemble. So, I've found a solution."

"A solution?" Princess Luna asked. "And that is?"

"We're gonna have to merge your DNA with a pony who has been born the natural way," Spell Nexus said. "For that to happen, we're gonna need both the permission of Twilight Sparkle, and some of her DNA."

"Like what?" Nyx asked.

"A piece of her mane... and probably a feather," Nexus said. "This is a very complex spell, which you know I am a master of."

"A spell that could put a little alteration on Nyx to make her biologically related to Twilight Sparkle," Princess Luna said. "And if she loses her magic, she won't break apart."

"It might have to wait until Twilight gets back," Nyx said. "Mom left with Rainbow for Cloudsdale earlier today. Although, Rainbow Dash was complaining about how she was just there." Princess Luna and Spell Nexus laughed at that.

"That was quite inconvenient for Rainbow Dash," Princess Luna said.

"I know, right?" Nyx asked.

"Nyx!" Velvet's voice came from the hall. "It's time for bed!"

"Okay, Grandma!" Nyx said. She then headed out of the room, leaving Princess Luna and Spell Nexus in the room.

"So, have you thought this plan through?" Luna asked.

"I'm still working on the possibilities of this spell," Spell Nexus said. "We're gonna have to wait until Princess Twilight gets back."





Twilight and Rainbow Dash arrived back at the Castle of Friendship after completing their Friendship Mission. Rainbow Dash stretched in mid air while Twilight was using her magic to close the front door.

"Phew," Twilight said, wiping her forehead. "It's good to be home."

Rainbow Dash sighed and said, " You're telling me. Now we can finally catch up with some Daring Do, I can make cider with Applejack..." She was interrupted when there was knocking at the door. Twilight turned towards the door and opened it. Outside, one of the Wonderbolts, Misty Fly, was standing there.

"Dash! I've been looking all over for you!" Misty Fly said panicked. "Wonderbolt emergency! We got to get back to HQ."

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Rainbow Dash said. She then raised her forelegs. "I was just there!" She then fell on her back, sighing. Twilight and Misty Fly looked at each other. Then Twilight started laughing as Misty Fly held in her laughter but not hiding the smile.

"Okay, Dash," Twilight said. "You go do what you have to do. I'm gonna see my foals." She then headed down the halls of the castle to go and see her kids. But then she saw the time on a grandfather clock. The time was 1:30 PM. "Oh, that's right." She then headed back to the door. "They're still in school. I think I'll surprise them when I go to pick them up."





Twilight walked over towards the Ponyville Schoolhouse as the final bell was ringing. The foals of the school started running out of the schoolhouse, heading off to their homes. Dusk, Nyx and Daylight were the last ones to come out of the school. Dusk then noticed Twilight and smiled.

"Mom!" Dusk called out, making Nyx and Daylight gasp at the sight of Twilight. The two fillies smiled and ran up to Twilight as well.

"Hey, kids," Twilight said. "I'm back."

"When did you come back to Ponyville?" Nyx asked.

"Just a few minutes ago," Twilight said. "Of course, Rainbow Dash was called back to Wonderbolts HQ for some emergency."

"Seriously?" Dusk asked. "Wasn't she just there?"

"She can't catch a break, can she?" Daylight asked.

"No, she cannot," Twilight said. "So, anything else happened while I was gone?"

"Well, Princess Luna was helping me with my magic training while you were gone," Nyx said. "And then Spell Nexus came in and suggested something that might help me if I lose magic."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "Well, what is it?"





At the Castle of Friendship, Spell Nexus and Luna were there, explaining what the stallion was going to do.

"This spell requires some of your DNA, Princess Twilight," Spell Nexus explained. "Your DNA will merge with Nyx's, and she won't just be made of the shreds of Nightmare Moon anymore. It'll be like... she's actually your daughter by DNA."

"Whoa," Twilight said. "That... sounds kinda complex."

"Oh, it is," Spell Nexus said. "But you know me. It is my special talent for understanding and creating complex spells and rituals." He then looked at Nyx. "Which I'm guessing is why it was my counterpart that was chosen to be the leader of the Children of Nightmare?" Nyx nodded in response.

"I'm not too sure about this," Twilight said. "Nyx, are you sure you're up for this?"

"Yeah, Nyx," Dusk said. "This could end up being a disaster. What if after the spell is cast, you have no memory of who you were?"

"Well, I didn't have any memories of who I was when the Twilight of my Equestria found me," Nyx said.

"You won't have to worry about that, Nyx," Spell Nexus said. "This is just a DNA merging spell. As soon as it's done, it'll make you feel like you're actually Twilight's daughter."

"Really?" Nyx asked.

"Are you sure this will work?" Twilight asked.

"I've thought this through and through," Spell Nexus replied. "It'll be quite alright. You might feel some tingling, or a little pain in your body, but, it'll be worth it."

"Pain?" Nyx asked.

"Don't worry," Spell Nexus said. "It'll be alright."

Nyx looked at her family a little worried. Twilight felt worried as well for Nyx's safety. Dusk and Daylight came up to Nyx and put a hoof on Nyx's shoulders.

"Nyx, I know how you feel," Dusk said. "Even though it might hurt, it'll get better at the end."

"He's right," Daylight said. "It's like when you get a shot. It's better when it gets done than trying to avoid it. Trust me, I've tried it every physical I've had before coming here."

Nyx then looked around at the other ponies in the room. They were all concerned for Nyx. Nyx then sighed.

"Okay," Nyx said. "Let's do this."

Twilight looked towards Nexus and said, "What do we need?"

"A small amount of your mane and tail, and a feather from each wing," Nexus replied. "From there, I'll cast a spell that will merge DNA from Twilight and into Nyx. Don't worry. It won't change her appearance."

Twilight then used her magic to conjure up scissors. She used them to cut a small amount of hair from her mane and tail. Nexus moved the hair from Twilight to right in front and behind Nyx.

"Lay on your back with your wings spread out," Nexus said. Nyx nodded and did what she was told. She was now laying on her back, her wings spread out. Twilight then removed a feather from her right wing, which Nexus took in his magic and placed it right on Nyx's right wing. Twilight then removed a feather from her left wing, which Nexus did to same and placed it right on Nyx's left wing. Nexus then pushed the hair from Twilight closer to Nyx's mane and tail. "Okay, time to start this ritual. Are you nervous, Nyx?"

"A little," Nyx said.

"Don't worry," Nexus said. "It'll all be over in just about a minute."

Nexus then lit up his horn. His magical aura surrounded the cut hair and feathers from Twilight, and they started merging in with Nyx. Nyx squirmed a little from what was happening, her eyes shut tight. She was biting her lip from what she was feeling.

"Nyx, are you okay?" Dusk asked.

"It... stings!" Nyx nearly shouted.

"You're doing alright, Nyx," Luna said. "It's almost over."

The feathers from Twilight were shrinking into Nyx's wings, turning black to match Nyx's coat color. Twilight's hair started merging with Nyx's as well, turning the same color as the filly's purple hair as well. As soon as the merging was complete, Nyx was lifted up into the air, and she started glowing in a white light, nearly blinding everypony in the room. The light then went down, and Nyx was back on the floor, passed out, and she was laying on her belly.

"Nyx!" Twilight said. She ran up to Nyx and pulled her in for a hug. "Please be okay. Please... Please."

Nyx then started stirring. She opened her eyes and looked around. Dusk noticed it and smiled.

"She's awake!" Dusk said.

Twilight then pulled her away to get a good look at Nyx. Twilight then asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm... I'm fine," Nyx said. She then looked at Twilight with a confused look. "Who are you?" That made everypony in the room gasp.

"Uh oh," Nexus said. "I think I might have done something wrong."

Nyx then started laughing and said, "Gotcha!" Then everypony else started laughing with Nyx.

"Okay, Nyx," Twilight said. "Joking matters aside, how do you feel."

"Actually... I kinda feel... stronger," Nyx said. She then saw the sofa. "Let me try something." Her horn then lit up. Then the sofa started getting lifted in Nyx's magical aura, and Nyx wasn't struggling to keep it up. "My... my magic's back to full strength!"

"I'm guessing since Twilight's an alicorn, and her DNA is now mixed with yours, your magic is as strong as it used to be," Princess Luna said.

"Yes," Nexus said. "And with that, you are now able to do as much magic you can do before you became Nightmare Moon in your Equestria. Just... try not to abuse it."

"No way I'd abuse it," Nyx said. "Besides, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon aren't bullies anymore."

"Especially with Spoiled Rich in prison for embezzling," Dusk said. "It wasn't your bits, so you can't use them for your own selfish things!"

"Now that that's out of the way, how about we all go out to eat?" Twilight suggested.

"I would like to join you, Princess Twilight, but I'm afraid I have some business to take care of back in Canterlot," Princess Luna said.

"Yeah, and I've got to get back to work," Nexus said. "We shall see you all another time." Princess Luna then used her magic to teleport both her and Nexus out of the Castle and back to Canterlot.

"Okay, I guess it'll just be us, my parents, Spike and our five guests," Twilight said. Just then, Gallus, Ocellus and Smolder burst through the door.

"I just felt a strong force of magic!" Ocellus said.

"What happened in here?!" Gallus asked.

"Uh... why is that couch hovering in Nyx's magic?" Smolder asked.

Twilight looked at her foals with a smile. Then she started giggling while the foals just laughed.
> Chapter 19: To Where and Back Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 19: To Where and Back Again






In the Nexus of All Realities, the Watcher was watching adventures of the infinite universes he protects.

"I don't normally do sequels... but this sequel involves Prince Dusk Shine and his family. Or this time, at least, his sister that came from his original human parents, Samantha Calvin, now known as Daylight Savings. This sequel comes to a conclusion at the end when..."

"Watcher..." came the voice of a woman. "Are you trying to spoil the ending again?"



The Watcher chuckled and said, "You're right, Peggy. I'm getting ahead of myself. Anyway, let's move on."





Outside of the village where Starlight lived in before Twilight and her friends showed up, Starlight, Trixie and Daylight were walking away from the village after having a panic attack.

Starlight groaned and said, "I was horrible when I led that town! I was ready for them to not trust me, but... I wasn't ready for them to put me in charge again! With my past, I should never be in charge of anything!"

"So you messed up," Trixie said. "Big deal."

"I have to agree with Trixie on this, Starlight," Daylight said. "Everyone messes up once in a while. And it's okay."

Trixie then said in a hushed voice, "Don't you ever tell another pony I said this, but even Trixie's made mistakes." She then giggled. "I know! The trick is to just move on and pretend they never happened."

"I feel like that's almost good advice," Starlight said.

"I don't think pretending is gonna be helpful in this case," Daylight said.

The Watcher was watching from above without being seen by any of the ponies.

"In the main universe, Starlight and Trixie go to Starlight's village for the Sunset Festival. But in this universe, Daylight Savings joins in on the adventure by request of Twilight Sparkle, her adopted mother. Which was a good idea, otherwise she would've been taken by the changelings. The changelings know nothing about Daylight Savings in this universe, along with Starlight Glimmer. This is going to be an interesting story."





Back in Ponyville, Daylight was getting ready for bed. Just then, the sound of a sink faucet turning off came to Daylight's ears. Daylight looked towards the door and saw Nyx coming out, brushing her teeth.

"What are you doing in here?" Nyx asked.

"Same as you," Daylight said. "Getting ready for bed."

"Riiiight," Nyx said, a little overwhelmed. "I'm... just... finishing up. I'm gonna... say good night... to the rest of the family." Daylight then noticed Nyx's eyes. Instead of the dragon eyes Nyx normally had, her eyes were more common. Normal pupils, and the whites of her eyes were white. "Nyx" then went for the door, heading out of there.

Daylight looked at "Nyx" confused. She just shrugged her shoulders and headed for the bed she slept in. She was about to pull open the covers so she could climb into bed, but then she saw something under her pillow. It was a piece of paper. Daylight took the paper in her magic and saw it was a note. It read:

"Get to the hedge! The Changelings have taken your mom and the element bearers, Spike, Dusk and Nyx. Signed, Ocellus."

Daylight gasped after reading it. She then quietly ran towards the door and headed for Starlight's room. Or at least she would have if Starlight wasn't already passing the bedroom Daylight and Nyx share.

"Oof!" Daylight and Starlight said in unison.

"Daylight?" Starlight asked, noticing that Daylight was the one who bumped into her. "What are you doing?"

"We need to get out of here!" Daylight said. "That wasn't Mom or her friends. Or Spike. Or Nyx. Or Dusk. Evil changelings are in Ponyville!"

"WHAT?!" Starlight shouted. Daylight then put a hoof over Starlight's mouth. She then remembered. "Oh, that's right. Princess Luna just came to me in my dream. The changelings have gotten her and Princess Celestia, too."

"We need to get to the hedge," Daylight said.

"Hold on," Starlight said. "What about Trixie?" Then they looked at each other.

The Watcher was watching them from above without them being seen.

"They eventually caught on. They found out that Trixie wasn't one of those evil changelings. Luckily, neither was Discord. Eventually, Thorax, the reforming changeling living in the Crystal Empire, had reunited with them. Eventually, they all headed for the Hedge."





At the Hedge, Daylight, Starlight, Trixie, Thorax and Discord arrived. They heard voices coming from inside.

"Are ya sure that our sisters have been taken and replaced with evil changelings?" Apple Bloom's voice came.

"You know I can sense other changelings, Apple Bloom," Ocellus's voice came in as the three ponies, Thorax and Discord were coming in. "They've been taken."

"It's true," Daylight said, coming in. In the hedge were Smolder, Gallus, Silverstream, Yona, Ocellus, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the Tri-Pies. "I saw them change into changelings myself in the throne room. Although, one of them almost gave itself away."

"What do you mean almost?" Smolder asked.

"Nyx had normal eyes instead of dragon eyes," Daylight said. "And she wasn't wearing her enchanted glasses."

"Ohhh!" all of them, except Thorax, Starlight, Trixie and Discord, said in unison.

"So we're all gonna have to get to where the Changelings are keeping our friends and sisters," Scootaloo said. "Let's go."

"Is someone in there?" came a voice coming from outside. They all looked at each other and headed outside. When they got out they saw Sandbar outside. Thorax and Ocellus stayed in the hedge. He then asked, "What are you all doing in there?"

"Sandbar?" Daylight asked. She then thought of something. "Wait. How do we know you're the real Sandbar?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sandbar asked.

"Tell me about the day we've met," Daylight said, still skeptical.

"Uh... you should know this," Sandbar said. "My baby sister was getting more attention, so I was leaving, but you, your sister and brother stopped me from leaving them and..."

"Okay, okay," Daylight said, covering Sandbar's mouth. "It's you."

"Okay, so why are you out here?" Starlight asked.

"I was following her," Sandbar said, pointing at something over the Hedge Entrance. The group turned and was surprised on who they saw.



"Dragon Lord Ember?!" Smolder asked.

"So, you've made it here safe and sound," Ember said. "Good. Your brother wanted to make sure you were alright."

"For now," Smolder said. "Right now, all the alicorns in Equestria, along with their friends and family have been taken by evil Changelings."

"Changelings?!" Sandbar asked. "Oh, so that's why you were skeptical and asking me about... Yeah. That makes sense."

"And that's not all," came Thorax's voice. They all looked towards the hedge and saw Thorax and Ocellus coming out. "If they have all the most beloved ponies in Equestria, Chrysalis will get stronger and will rule over all of Equestria."

"WHOA!" Sandbar said.

"Relax," Starlight said. "These two changelings are good. They're on our side."

"Okay," Ember said. "Let's kick some evil changeling butts."

"Careful," Ocellus said. "They might be evil, but they're still our family."

"Right," Ember said. "So, how do we get to..." Just then, Discord snapped his talon fingers and they all vanished in a flash of light.





They appeared somewhere in Equestria, all with gear to fight off the changelings. They all looked around.

"Odd," Discord said before lifting up a rock. "I was trying to take us right to Fluttershy, but there is no Fluttershy." Discord's eyes stretched out and looked around for Fluttershy. Discord then put the rock down.

Trixie whimpered and said, "I think I have a pretty good idea where she might be..." She then pointed off somewhere. They looked where Trixie was pointing at and saw something.



"Whoa!" Daylight, the Crusaders and the Tri-Pies said in unison.

"I'd hoped never to see that place again," Thorax said. "Now what?" Everyone there looked at Starlight. All Starlight did was give off a concerned look while biting her lip.

Discord then stepped forward and said, "Oh, this is so strange. We're here and that's there, and I clearly meant for us to be there and not here."

"There's actually something we haven't told you guys," Ocellus said. "The hive is..." Discord then shushed Ocellus by putting a finger from his lion paw on the young changeling's lips.

"Tut-tut, young Ocellus," Discord said. "If at first you don't succeed..."

Starlight stopped Discord from snapping his fingers with her magic, saying, "Maybe we should come up with a plan first?"

Discord then blew the magic off of his fingers and asked, "A what?"

"You know, figuring out the best way to do something before you actually do it," Trixie said.

Discord laughed and said, "Oh, that's adorable. But you see, unlike you, I can do anything."

"Not with Chrysalis's rune throne blocking out all but Changeling Magic," Ocellus said, making everypony but Thorax go wide eyed.

"What Changeling friend talking about?" Yona asked.

"That's what we've been trying to tell you all," Thorax said. "Nothing other than changeling magic works here. Chrysalis's throne is carved from an ancient dark stone that soaks up outside magic the same way changelings soak up love. It's how she keeps the hive safe."

Starlight then walked up to the edge of a small cliff, her horn glowing. She then leaned her head in, and the magic surrounding her horn disappeared.

"So, uh, what kind of plan were you thinking?" Trixie asked, the question going to Starlight.

Starlight was thinking of something. The Watcher was watching from above the trees without being seen by the creatures below.

"Eventually, these individuals had to go in and go after Chrysalis."





In the Nexus of All Realities, the Watcher and Captain Carter were watching the events of that universe as it was going on.

"And in that time, Starlight suggested that the Cutie Mark Crusaders stay right there where they'll be safe. But they were too stubborn to not go. Eventually, all of them went into the hive to take down the changeling queen, Chrysalis. They even had to come up with code words in case one of them was taken. The chosen code words were not to Discord's pleasure."

"And those words are?" Captain Carter asked.

"Klutzy Draconequus," the Watcher answered. Just then, Discord looked towards them through the window of the universe he was in.

"I beg your pardon?!" Discord asked. He then snapped his lion paw and appeared in the Nexus of All Realities. "I was outvoted in that particular situation!"

"Whoa!" Captain Carter said. "How did you do that?!"

"He's the Lord of Chaos," the Watcher answered. "He can do anything. Basically, he could have easily taken down anyone powered up with the Infinity Stones by just snapping his own fingers."

"That is if they don't use the Space or Power Stones on me," Discord said.

"Oh, wow," Captain Carter said. "So, you'd know if anything would be going on in any universe as well?"

"How do you think I found out that Nyx was cloned and sent to that universe?" Discord said, pointing at his universe.

"That makes sense," Captain Carter said. "Speaking of which, should you..."

"Oh, right," Discord said before snapping his fingers and vanishing in a flash of light.

"Wow, that guy seems really annoying," Captain Carter said.

"Tell me about it," the Watcher said. "I get a lot more trouble from the Flurry Heart of that universe. She's always popping in here."

"Okay," Captain Carter said. "Anyway, shall we continue?"

"Right," the Watcher said. "As our heroes went into the hive, some of them were captured one by one. Discord, Trixie, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. All that was left were Daylight, Starlight, Thorax, Ember, Sandbar, Ocellus, Yona, Smolder, Gallus and Silverstream. Hopefully, they'll be able to save the day."





In the Throne Room of the Hive, Daylight, Starlight and Ember were entering it, careful not to be seen by anyone. Just then, green slime landed on top of Starlight's head. Ember was a little disgusted by that. Then both of them looked up to see cocoons. Each of them had a pony in them. Well, all but two. In the cocoons were all the alicorns, the Element Bearers, Spike, Shining Armor, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the Tri-Pies, Discord and Trixie. Just then, the sound of changelings hissing came in from all around. It was an ambush.

"Well, well, well," came Chrysalis's voice. Chrysalis was hiding from within the cocoons. She then started flying down to the throne. "Two little ponies and one dragon. One of the ponies, the adopted daughter of Princess Twilight, and the other, Princess Twilight's sole pupil. Honestly, I didn't think you two were worth replacing with one of my drones." Then the Changelings fired slime at the hooves of Daylight and Starlight, and Ember's feet, making them stuck. They were struggling to get out.

"Ew!" Daylight said. "This is gross!"

"You won't get away with this!" Starlight said.

"Yeah, we will all stop you!" Ember snapped, pointing at Chrysalis.

"Stop me?" Chrysalis asked. She then cackled. "Nopony is gonna stop me! Nopony is coming to save you. Your little squad was it. And now, there's just you."

Starlight smirked and said, "Thorax and Ocellus are still out there."

"Don't mention the names of those traitors in my kingdom!" Chrysalis snapped, flying up to the three. "That young changeling was a fool to even think about choosing friendship. And as for the other one, he was a fool to leave and even more a fool to return! When I find him, he'll learn just what happens to those who betray the hive, and I'll do it in front of the young nymph's eyes!"

Starlight whimpered, not realizing her eyes flashed, meaning it wasn't Starlight. Chrysalis noticed this. She then looked at the other two. Ember's eyes flashed as well.

"And it seems I don't have far to look, do I..." Chrysalis smirked. She then lit up her horn and then she fired a couple of beams towards Starlight and Ember, who transformed, revealing Thorax and Ocellus. "Thorax and Ocellus?" All the Changelings hissed at the three individuals that were stuck.

"Oh, shoot!" Daylight said. "Starlight, hurry!"

Then the sound of pounding came from the throne. All the changelings looked towards the throne and saw Starlight, Ember, Sandbar, Smolder, Silverstream, Gallus and Yona trying to smash the throne. Then they noticed Chrysalis. She was about to fire a blast towards them, but they jumped out of the line of fire.

"You all keep going!" Ember said. "I'll take care of this monster!" She then flew towards Chrysalis. She then grabbed Chrysalis and flew towards a wall, slamming the Changeling Queen into the wall.

"You've gotten a lot of power in you," Chrysalis said. "Maybe next, the dragons will be taken down." Just then, Chrysalis fired a beam, sending Ember back to the ground, her landing near Daylight, Thorax and Ocellus. She then got up, but was then fired at with slime and was stuck to the ground. "You dragons are nothing but hot heads."

"You're right about that," Ember smirked. She then blew flames to her feet, drying up the slime. She then broke out and started flying towards Chrysalis.

"Oh, I forgot dragons could do that!" Chrysalis said before being slammed by Ember. "You... are really starting to irritate me!"

"Do you ever... stop... talking?!" Ember asked, angrily. Just then, she was snatched up by a series of strings of slime, then got pulled back. A string of slime was then wrapped around Ember's snout, and Ember was thrown back towards Daylight, Thorax and Ocellus. Starlight, Sandbar, Gallus, Silverstream, Yona and Smolder noticed it.

"Ember!" Smolder called out.

"Very clever," Chrysalis said as the six individuals not caught to go into hiding in the holes underneath the throne. "And clearly Thorax revealed to you the secret of my throne. I can't have powerful ponies using their abilities against me. Even with your rather embarrassing little rescue attempt, everything has gone according to my plan." One by one, each one of the young ones were captured by changelings, and brought to the spot where Daylight, Thorax, Ocellus and Ember were. All that remained that wasn't captured was Starlight.

"What plan?" Starlight asked. "Why did you do all this?!"

"So I could feed, of course!" Chrysalis said, finding Starlight, getting close to her face. Starlight then started running. "By replacing the most beloved figures in Equestria, my drones will be able to store all the love meant for them and return it here to me. Everypony will do as I command, and my subjects and I will feed on their love for generations!" She then laughed maniacally.

Starlight eventually got out from under Chrysalis's throne. She then noticed the rest of the group that were captured, surrounded by changelings, who were hissing towards Starlight. Starlight then noticed Thorax's and Ocellus's wings, how they were shiny from learning so much about friendship.

"What if you didn't have to?" Starlight asked. Just then Chrysalis came in, surprising Starlight.

"Ridiculous!" Chrysalis said. Starlight tried running away, but Chrysalis bit Starlight's tail, and threw her across the room. Then Starlight got pinned down by a couple of changelings. "The hunger of changelings can never be satisfied!"

"Exactly!" Starlight said. "Thorax and Ocellus left the hive and made friends." Starlight then stood up, the changelings holding her down stepped back. "They shared love, and now they don't need to feed. You don't have to live your lives starving all the time!"

All the other changelings started looking at each other with concerned looks. Just then, Starlight was grabbed in Chrysalis's magic and brought to the queen's face.

"You know nothing of the changelings or what it takes to be their queen!" Chrysalis said before throwing Starlight towards a wall. "I decide what is best for my subjects, not some mewling grub!"

Starlight was recovering while Chrysalis was walking towards her. Starlight then said, "I know what it's like to lead by fear and intimidation! And I know what it's like to want everypony to do what you say! But I was wrong. A real leader doesn't force her subjects to deny who they are! She celebrates what makes them unique and listens when one of them finds a better way!" All the other Changelings were growing more concerned about Starlight's words.

Chrysalis then turned to look at Thorax and Ocellus while saying, "The only thing that Thorax and Ocellus have found is what happens to those who turn their back on the hive!" She then fired blasts at Thorax and Ocellus.

"No! Stop!" Starlight called out as two Changeling guards held her back.

Chrysalis then lifted Thorax up and said, "Just as soon as I drain every last ounce of love from him and show my subjects what a real leader is!" She then started draining Thorax's love, and it was hurting him.

"No, Thorax!" Ocellus called out.

"I can feel the love inside me slipping away...!" Thorax said, starting to get weaker. "I can't hold onto it much longer...!"

Starlight then got an idea. She then said, "Then don't! Sharing love is what made you different to begin with! You should share yours with Chrysalis! Give her all of it!"

Thorax then gave Chrysalis all his love, which was too much even for her. Chrysalis got sent back and slammed into the throne. Chrysalis looked towards Thorax and saw him transforming. He then changed form in front of the eyes of all the creatures there.



The changelings who were holding Starlight back let her go as she was walking up to Thorax. She then said, "This is what happens when you give love freely instead of taking it!"

The changelings looked around at each other. They started listening to Starlight. They then started sharing love with each other. All that love power was too much, even for the throne that Chrysalis was standing on. Just then, the whole Throne Room blew up from how much power there was.

After all the dust settled, there was a field of light blue magic around Starlight, Thorax, Ember, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, Silverstream and Gallus. The field dissipated revealing all of them unharmed. They looked around and saw that all of the other changelings went under metamorphosis too. Ocellus included.



"Whoa!" Smolder said, standing up. "That's a good look for you, Ocellus."

Ocellus then looked at herself and smiled. She then said, "Well, that explains the color I was during that Spring Break trip."

The other changelings started helping those who were cocooned up. Eventually, every creature recovered. Just then, the shards of Chrysalis's throne started moving. Chrysalis burst out of the debris, hissing. She then noticed that all of those who defied her were in battle position.

Starlight then started walking towards Chrysalis, saying, "When Twilight and her friends defeated me, I chose to run away and seek revenge! You don't have to! You can be the leader your subjects deserve." Starlight then reached a hoof out for Chrysalis to take. Chrysalis was concerned about it. She was about to grab and accept Starlight's friendship, but she smacked it away.

"There is no revenge you could ever conceive of that will come close to what I will exact upon you one day, Starlight Glimmer!" Chrysalis said. "After I take revenge... on the colt who foiled my last plan!" She then lit up her horn and grabbed Dusk.

"Gah!" Dusk called out in pain. "Ahhhh! She's... crushing me!"

"Dusk!" Twilight called out. She then groaned in anger. "Let my son go, Chrysalis!"

"Oh, I'll let him go!" Chrysalis said. "When I finally crush him!"

"No!" Daylight said. "I already lost my original family. I'm not gonna lose the last part of my original family I have left!" She then fired a pink beam from her horn, it hitting Chrysalis. Dusk was then release from Chrysalis's hold, and Twilight grabbed him, pulling him back to her.

"I got you, Dusk," Twilight said.

"Ow!" Dusk cried out. "I think she crushed my ribs."

"You pathetic little foal!" Chrysalis said. "This is what happens when you defy me!" She then fired a blast towards Daylight. Daylight countered with a beam of her own. But it was too much for the filly to take. "You really think you can stop me? You're just a foal!"

Daylight was struggling to keep up her magical fight, but it was too much for her.

"C'mon, Daylight!" Apple Bloom called out. "You got this!"

"We believe in you!" Sweetie Belle called out.

"Get her!" Scootaloo called out.

"We're all behind you!" Nyx said. Then the cutie marks of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Nyx started glowing, sending magic towards Daylight, making her magic stronger.

Dusk was still behind held by Twilight. He then quietly said, "You can do it, Sam." Then his Cutie Mark started glowing and releasing magic towards Daylight. Daylight then got a boost of magical power, sending Chrysalis's power back.

"What?!" Chrysalis asked.

"Stay... away... from my... family!" Daylight said. "Don't come... near us..." She then inhaled a lot, and with a burst of power, she somehow did the Royal Canterlot Voice, and started glowing in a flash of white light. "...AGAAAAAAAAAAAAIN!"

That power surprised Chrysalis, and it sent her back, far away from the hive, shouting all the way. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

All of those behind Daylight were shielding their eyes from the blinding light coming from Daylight. When the light dimmed down, they were all astonished at Daylight. Not only did she win against Chrysalis, but Daylight changed as well. Daylight now had alicorn wings with pink tips.

"Did... did I just...?" Daylight asked. She then noticed her wings. "Am I a...?"

"Daylight Savings," Princess Celestia said, walking up to the new alicorn. "You not only defeated Chrysalis, but you did so with your friends and family having your back, which also caused you to become... the newest Alicorn in Equestria."





From the Nexus of All Realities, the Watcher and Captain Carter were watching the events of that universe.

"And with that, Samantha Calvin, now known as Daylight Savings, became the newest Alicorn Princess of Equestria. And with the Changelings going under a peace treaty, Equestria has been made more safer."

"What is it with that mare having Alicorn children?" Captain Carter asked. "First she had Dusk who became an Alicorn in between universes, then there's Nyx, who was a clone from another dimension. If that dragon sprouts wings, I might lose it."

"All dragons of Equestria weren't hatched with wings," the Watcher said. "Eventually, Spike will go through the molt where he'll get his wings, but it'll take some symptoms for him to get them. Call it... Dragon Puberty."

"Oh," Captain Carter said.

"Well, on to the next universe," the Watcher said.





Later, in Our Town, Starlight was walking back into the town, all the ponies there were setting up the decorations. They then saw Starlight coming in.

"Uh, hey, Starlight," Party Favor said. "What are you doing here?"

"You left in such a hurry before, we kinda thought you didn't wanna come," Double Diamond said.

"Yeah... I guess after the way I used my magic on all of you, I wasn't sure I was somepony who should even be in charge of a baking contest," Starlight said, a little sad. "I was afraid I might go back to being the pony I used to be. But I realize that sometimes you don't have a choice. You have to step up. And I have changed! I can handle it. Whether that means saving Equestria or helping friends out with the Sunset Festival. Speaking of which, I know the Festival's almost over, but I kinda invited a few of my friends to join." She then pointed towards entrance, seeing the Mane 6, the Princesses, Shining Armor, Trixie, Discord, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the Tri-Pies, Spike and Flurry Heart looking towards the town of ponies with smiles. Dusk had bandages wrapped around his body, his wings folded over them. "Hope that's okay."

Double Diamond laughed happily and said, "Are you kidding? Of course!"

"Great!" Starlight said as she was walking deeper into the town. "Now where's that baking contest? This pony needs a cupcake!"

Discord and Trixie were talking with each other. Discord then said, "So I'm able to rip the very fabric of reality again."

"Yeah, yeah," Trixie said. "And I'm still a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist, right?"

"Actually, I was going to say a couple of those illusions were slightly above average," Discord said, admiring Trixie's work through the hive. "If you ever need a little chaos in your act, let me know."

Trixie scoffed with a laugh and said, "When pigs fly!"

"Your wish is my command!" Discord said before snapping his fingers. Then, a couple of pigasi materialized under both him and Trixie. Both of them squealed. Then they started racing through Out Town.

"Whoa! Whoooooaaaa!" Trixie shouted as the Pigasus was racing through with Discord on his Pigasus was right behind her, both of them passing the Mane 6, Dusk, Nyx, Daylight, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike.

Rainbow Dash looked towards Daylight and asked, "Daylight, you mind telling us what went down while we were trapped?"

"Okay," Daylight said. "It all started while we came right outside the area of the Changeling Hive..."






The End...