A prologue to the upcoming Operation Daisy Joy and Beyond Saga
Exiled into the Golden Land after Gold Banks took over all of Equestria, Wanda Young and her friends make the most of it with help from the adults who accompanied them, prior to Sunset Shimmer's reawakening.
“Now you see why I’m superior and you’re not. Your combined magic was no match for the likes of me. Even if you had the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings by your side, I will overpower you, and I will win. Now surrender each and every youngling to me.”
Gold Banks, having transformed into a human, stood over Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, deep within the vault of Canterlot Castle. A powerful amulet was wrapped around Gold Bank’s collar. Both alicorns had been knocked to the ground in front of the active ground bridge portal. Princess Celestia turned her glare towards Gold Banks as she slowly got up, only for Princess Luna to get on her four hooves and stand in front of her sister.
“Luna,” Princess Celestia cried. “What are you doing?”
Princess Luna turned her head towards Princess Celestia and said “Sister, get into the portal this instant,” Luna said. “I’ll shut off the portal and deny her any access.”
“But,” Celestia cried as Luna turned her gaze to Gold Banks. “I’ll lose you.”
Luna turned towards Celestia with a smile on her face, just as Gold Banks walked up to the two alicorns.
“I know,” Luna said. “But Equestria still needs you, dear sister. You are their last hope.”
With a flash of magic from her horn, Princess Luna picked up Princess Celestia with her magic, levitating her sister into the air. As Celestia reached out to her sister, a tear fell from her eyes as she stared helplessly.
“I love you, sister,” Luna said.
“I know,” Princess Celestia said before she turned her head away.
With one last pulse of magic, Princess Luna threw Princess Celestia towards the portal. The moment the alicorn hit the vortex, she disappeared completely. Luna turned her attention towards Gold Banks, who marched towards the last alicorn with a smirk on her face.
“You may have taken our land, Banks,” Princess Luna said. “But I will ensure you don’t ever take our loved ones away, even if I have to die to your madness.”
With that, Princess Luna turned her attention towards the ground bridge portal crystal before she lit her horn up once more. The crystal was surrounded in a magical aura before it was ripped from the arc. This caused the portal to become unstable and shrink.
“This is for you, sister,” Luna cried.
Gold Banks immediately charged towards Princess Luna, eager to tackle the alicorn princess. But at the last moment, Princess Luna threw the portal crystal through the unstable portal. Once the crystal hit the portal, it disappeared completely, all before the portal began to glow with bright light. This caused Gold Banks to stop in disbelief.
“What did you do?” Gold Banks yelled as she smashed her hoof on the ground.
“Sacrificed myself so that the others will be safe,” Luna said with a smug smile. “You’ve lost.”
“No,” Gold Banks snarled as she smashed her left foot on the ground, held her hand out and began to charge up. “This is only the beginning.”
As the portal exploded in a bright light, Princess Luna and Gold Banks charged at each other. Luna’s body was enveloped within the bright light of the portal, just as Gold Banks began to squint, catching the attention of Princess Luna.
With a massive leap, Princess Luna thrust her shoulder forward and slammed right into Gold Banks. The impact sent Gold Banks flying backwards before she crashed right into the staircase. Princess Luna landed right in front as Gold Banks slowly got herself up.
“You dare to pull a treacherous sneak attack on me?” Gold Banks yelled as she got up on her two feet and stared down Princess Luna.
“I did,” Princess Luna smirked. “After you decided to use the Alicorn Amulet on us. You’re a bigger hypocrite to call me out over fighting dirty when you just wanted to pull us down to your level.”
“Don’t you DARE QUESTION ME!” Gold Banks yelled as she pointed the palm of her hand at Luna and charged up.
Gold Banks fired off a blast of magic at Princess Luna, who’s smirk only widened as she jumped out of the way. The blast only hit a piece of the stairs behind the alicorn, leaving a small hole in its wake.
Gold Banks turned to her left, where she saw Princess Luna stand in front of a mountain of gold coins. As Gold Banks began to charge up, Luna teleported away from the mountain of gold before reappearing right behind Gold Banks, who only had time to react before she was held back by Princess Luna’s arms.
"What do you think you're doing?" Gold Banks yelled as she struggled to break free.
"Taking away your toy," Luna yelled.
Princess Luna moved her left hoof up and placed it on the Alicorn Amulet. But the moment she placed the hoof on its surface, the amulet let out an electric charge that shocked Princess Luna, causing her to release her grip from Gold Banks. Banks turned towards Luna and laughed out loud.
"You fool," Gold Banks laughed as Princess Luna recovered from the shock.
"What did you just do?" Princess Luna yelled.
"I knew you would try to remove my Alicorn Amulet,” Gold Banks said as Luna got back on her four hooves. “So I had my alchemist place a spell on it so that only I can remove it.”
Luna backed up for a bit before she said “Clever. Quite clever. But it won’t save the fact that you would make a horrible ruler of Equestria.”
Gold Banks’ left eye twitched nervously before she said “What…did you say?”
“You heard what I said,” Luna smirked. "The moment you take control of the main Equestrian monarchy, you will plunge this nation into absolute chaos. Ponies will despise you for what you've done."
"THEY WILL LEARN TO RESPECT ME!" Gold Banks shouted as she stomped her foot on the surface. "And the same can be said of you."
"You?" Luna laughed. "You're not even deserving of a trip to Tartarus, nor to be a statue."
Gold Banks marched forward towards Princess Luna, eyes turning red and steam pouring from her nose. But all Luna could do was to yawn while she charged up her horn.
"I might as well turn Tartarus into my new Daisy Joy Tech," Gold Banks snarled. "Maybe use those cages to lock up juvenile delinquents like the nieces you care about."
"Even a juvenile delinquent has more redeeming traits compared to the likes of you," Luna smirked.
Gold Banks' eyes twitched rapidly. She glared down at Luna, teeth clenched and her hands tightening into a pair of fists.
"Don't you dare compare me to a juvenile delinquent," Gold Banks snarled.
Gold Banks held her palms out before two orbs of magic formed in each of then. But the moment they fired off towards the moon alicorn, Luna smirked and formed a circle with her horn, creating a portal. The magic flew right into the portal before disappearing completely. Gold Banks just stood there, dumbfounded, as the vortex disappeared out of sight.
"Wha…what?" Gold Banks said.
"I take it back," Luna laughed. "Even a baby is far more mature than you."
“Okay….” Gold Banks said as her voice began to crack. “THAT’S IT!”
Gold Banks sprinted towards Princess Luna, holding her hands out like she was ready to grab the alicorn. But Luna smirked once more and created a portal right behind her before jumping in.
“GET BACK HERE!” Gold Banks yelled. “I’M NOT LETTING YOU EVADE MY WRATH!”
With that, Gold Banks leaped through the portal and disappeared completely before the vortex shrunk down and vanished, without a trace.
Meanwhile, in the middle of the changeling badlands, near Gold Banks’ new palace, Princess Luna emerged from a nearby portal before taking a few steps to the side. Following from behind was Gold Banks, who charged forward with her arms held out before she slid to a stop. She turned around and saw Princess Luna point her horn at her and charge up while the portal vanished completely.
“You tricked me,” Gold Banks said. “You made me lash out at you.”
“That I admit,” Luna replied. “You’re nothing more than a spoiled brat who has a lust for power. You care nothing about the ponies who suffer, only about yourself. And without that amulet around your collar, you are nothing.”
Gold Banks’ scowl flipped into a smile. She walked towards Luna and said “You’re right. I am nothing without this necklace. In fact, I wouldn’t be able to become a human without it. But who says you and your sister can be the only monopoly in terms of being the most powerful being in the world?”
“What are you talking about?” Luna asked.
“Thing is, I have been jealous about you and your sister’s alicorn powers,” Gold Banks explained. “That is your strength. Your weakness is that you both come under pressure from propaganda outlets. After I married Silver Banks, I realized that he had a number of connections to the news outlets in Equestria. That’s where I was able to acquire my power, and to press you under my heel.”
But Luna stared at Gold Banks and said “That, I’m not impressed with.”
“Aww, are you feeling upset?” Gold Banks laughed. “Because let’s face it. Even without my powers, you’re still washed up, up a river, hung out to dry. I may be nothing without this amulet. But even nothing is a force to be reckoned with. Your parents were a fool to raise you and your sister the way you both are.”
“At least my parents didn’t spoil me rotten to the core compared to yours,” Luna smirked.
Those words caused Gold Banks’ eyes to twitch once more. She threw a fist in the air and landed it next to Luna.
“You don’t know who my parents are,” Gold Banks snarled.
“It’s true,” Luna laughed. “But it won’t stop me from making judgements about them.”
“Don’t you dare,” Gold Banks seethed. “Don’t you dare speak about them.”
“I bet your parents never taught you the real right from wrong lessons our parents teach us,” Luna said as she walked away from Gold Banks. “They must have spoiled you with every gift in the world while neglecting your sister Spoiled Rich.”
“Don’t you bring up that failure of life,” Gold Banks said, scraping her shoe on the dirt.
“I do because even she distanced herself from her parents and you,” Luna said. “You don’t have the temper to denounce them.”
“TAKE THAT BACK!” Gold Banks yelled as she held her amulet close.
“Oh I intend to double down, because deep on the inside, you parents never cared for you,” Luna laughed. “All they cared about was filling your ego with lies and deceit, molding you into an exact replica of themselves, all while they chose to neglect your sister. Face it, Banks. You’re nothing more than a pawn in their own agenda. You were never your own pony, at all.”
Gold Banks shook violently. Dark magic flowed out of her Alicorn Amulet and into her body. The lower half of her body began to shapeshift into a horse body while her upper half began to bulk out.
“That’s right,” Luna said. “Get angry. That’s all you’re good for.”
Gold Banks grew in size as her body underwent a metamorphosis. Once she stopped, she stared down at Luna, now in the form of a humanoid centaur, complete with a pair of giant horns atop her head.
“You will regret the day that you besmirched me,” Gold Banks roared. “I hope you fear me with my presence.”
“Against you?” Luna said. “I’ve faced worse than that.”
“SO BE IT!” Gold Banks roared.
Gold Banks swung back before throwing a left hook at Princess Luna, who only jumped out of the way. Banks’ fist hit the ground hard, smashing the surface into a crater. She turned to Princess Luna, who only stuck her tongue out at the centaur.
“Hold still you miserable cretin,” Gold Banks shouted as she threw another punch at Luna.
“Is this the best you got?” Princess Luna shouted as she jumped away from Gold Banks’ fist. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I….Don’t….KID!” Gold Banks shouted.
The horns on Gold Banks’ forehead formed a dark fireball within the middle. Gold Banks kicked her front legs in the air before firing the blast of magic at Princess Luna, who leaped into the air and extended her wings. As the shot flew under Luna and exploded on the ground, the alicorn princess took to the skies before she stared down at the agitated Centaur Gold Banks.
“Your anger clouds you,” Luna said. “It prevents you from focusing, and it makes you an easy target.”
Gold Banks fired another blast of magic from her horns at Luna, who flew around it. Gold Banks turned to her left, where Luna flew right beside the centaur before she stood behind her.
“And this is the lesson you will learn for pushing your emotions center stage,” Princess Luna yelled as she charged up some magic in her horn.
Princess Luna charged up the magic in her horn and fired it right at Gold Banks. The moment the centaurized pony turned to face Luna, the blast of magic hit her right in the face, causing her to stagger a bit. Gold Banks looked up at Luna, her scowl becoming deeper.
“So it has come to this,” Gold Banks yelled. “Very well. I’ll show you the true power of the Alicorn Amulet.”
Gold Banks held her arms out in the air. Two sets of wings formed from her upper and lower backs, extending outwards at around four times the length of her limbs. The moment the wings reached out to their maximum extension, Gold Banks laughed before turning her attention to Luna.
“And now, Princess Luna,” Gold Banks laughed. “You will regret the day you got under my fur.”
Princess Luna immediately flew upwards into the air as Gold Banks held her wings back. With a powerful thrust, Gold Banks’ wings flapped forward, creating two wind tornadoes. She leaped into the air and flew up after Princess Luna, laughing maniacally.
“Guess I underestimated her hubris,” Luna said to herself. “Well this is it. Let’s see how long I can last.”
Immediately, Princess Luna turned her attention towards Gold Banks, who flew up to the alicorn’s level. Luna fired a blast of magic right at the alicorn amulet around Gold Banks’ collar, only for the spell to reflect off.
“Bad idea,” Luna said. “I’ll have to fight this directly.”
Gold Banks charged up the magic between her horns and fired it off at Luna, who quickly dodged out of the way. The alicorn charged up and fired a blast of magic, hitting Gold Banks right in the face.
“Laugh that off, Banks,” Princess Luna shouted.
Gold Banks directed her gaze towards Princess Luna, her smile still bare and sinister.
“Oh I will,” Gold Banks said. “Besides. Why waste my time hitting you with powerful spells, when I have other tricks up my sleeve.”
As Gold Banks’ laughter filled the skies, Princess Luna’s eyes shrunk down in fear as she flew away from the centaurized aristocrat.
"Flee all you want," Gold Banks laughed as energy formed in her palms. "You won't escape THIS!"
Gold Banks clapped her hands as hard as possible. The energy in her palms detonated, creating a shockwave that flew towards Princess Luna. Though she tried to fly faster, the shockwave of magic darted closer and closer, barely edging the Princess of the moon.
"So this is how it ends," Princess Lina said as the Shockwave flew towards her.
Princess Luna closed her eyes as the shockwave hit her directly. The impact sent a surge of electricity through her body, causing Luna to scream in pain before she fell towards the ground. As the alicorn fell, Gold Banks looked up and laughed out loud.
“Princesses are a bit a bunch,” Gold Banks said. “What we need is an empress.”
Gold Banks flew right towards Princess Luna before grabbing her by the chest. She looked down at the broken alicorn with glee.
“I’ve waited a long time to do this,” Gold Banks laughed.
With a powerful throw, Gold Banks threw Princess Luna into the air. She charged up the magic between her horns and fired it at the moon princess. Upon impact, the magic exploded and knocked Luna out of the sky.
“How does it feel to know that you’ve lost, Princess Luna?” Gold Banks laughed.
As Gold Banks landed her hooves on the ground, Princess Luna free fell from the impact of the magic, badly hurt. She looked down at the surface below and smiled.
"I've….done my part," Luna said to herself as she free fell towards the surface. "It's all up to my sister now."
Princess Luna crashed right into the ground with a loud boom, causing a dust cloud to emit from the collision. Gold Banks walked up to the dust cloud as it disappeared, where she saw a weakened Luna struggle to get up.
"Well played, Banks," Luna grinned. "You won this fight."
As Gold Banks landed in front of Princess Luna, she shape-shifted back into a human before approaching the fallen alicorn with a confused look on her face.
"I did not expect to see you like this," Gold Banks said. "Is it because you knew you were no match for me?"
"Yeah," Luna said, her smile still bright. "I knew I would lose to you. So I had to go all out with getting under your skin, calling you out for your own failures. I could have retreated and fought another day. But knowing how you operate, you would easily lure me out of hiding by endangering an innocent civilian or an entire town."
"You're right on that," Gold Banks said as she picked up Luna by the collar. “I would have done so just to lure you out and take you down. A shame that the same can’t be said of your sister.”
“So what is my fate going to be?” Luna asked. “Am I to be turned to stone? Locked away in Tartarus? Put out of my misery?”
“No on the former, and especially no on the latter,” Gold Banks said as she placed a magic horn on Princess Luna’s horn. “If I end your life, I end your suffering. And I want you to suffer as much as possible for what grief you gave me, Princess Luna.”
As Gold Banks cuffed down Princess Luna’s wings and even placed some metal gloves on her hooves, a portal formed from right behind the duo. Princess Luna looked over Gold Banks’ shoulder to see Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff emerge from the portal before it disappeared.
“That’s the alchemist you hired alongside a total moron?” Luna smirked.
“Master Trench Gruff may not look bright,” Gold Banks said. “But he’s one warrior that you don’t want to mess with on the battlefield.”
Gold Banks transformed back into a pony before turning her attention towards Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff, who came to a stop and bowed before the aristocrat.
“Well that’s a disappointment,” Master Trench Gruff said. “I actually liked your new human form, my lady.”
Immediately, Grand Philosopher bonked Master Trench Gruff on the forehead with his staff, causing the crazed earth pony to yelp in pain.
“Will you knock it off with that unnecessary complement?” Grand Philosopher scowled. “We’re here to receive orders, not appear as if we’re at a fan convention.”
Gold Banks grabbed Princess Luna by the hair with her magic and yanked her up before dragging her to Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff.
“Still can’t believe you took down Princess Luna,” Master Trench Gruff said. “You are one tough pony.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Master Trench Gruff,” Gold Banks said. “But that being said, I have managed to capture Princess Luna and I need you and Grand Philosopher to escort her to her new cell in Tartarus, and to introduce her to her new cellmates.”
Gold Banks tossed Princess Luna on the ground, who did nothing more than stare at the aristocrat with a smug look on her face. Master Trench Gruff picked up Princess Luna with his arms while Grand Philosopher opened a second portal behind him.
“It will be done, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said. “Right in the one near your soon-to-be former husband and your former mentor.”
Master Trench Gruff carried Princess Luna towards the portal, all while Luna glared at Gold Banks with that smirk on her face. As soon as Master Trench Gruff disappeared with Luna, Grand Philosopher followed from behind before he vanished into the portal. As the vortex disappeared, Gold Banks stood there with a satisfying smirk on her face.
“Laugh all you want, Princess Luna,” Gold Banks laughed. “For soon, I will have your sister, and all of Equestria will bow before me: Gold Banks, Empress of all that you see.”
With that, Gold Banks laughed out loud as she walked off towards her palace.
But deep in Tartarus, Silver Banks sat all by himself in one cell while a second cell next to him sat former Magistrate Creme Dream and his daughter Majesty.
Immediately, a portal formed out of nowhere as Master Trench Gruff emerged, carrying Princess Luna on his back without breaking a sweat. Right behind him was Grand Philosopher, who stepped out of the portal before it disappeared behind him.
“PRINCESS!” Silver Banks yelled. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Princess Luna said as Master Trench Gruff carried her towards the cell.
“How could you say something like that, knowing that you’ll share my fate?” Silver Banks yelled.
“I’m fine because at least my sister and my nieces are safe in the Golden Land,” Princess Luna winked. “Along with your daughter.”
Silver Banks breathed a sigh of relief as Master Trench Gruff carried Princess Luna on his back. Once Master Trench Gruff approached the empty jail cell, Grand Philosopher opened up the door with his magic.
“Here’s your new home, your majesty,” Master Trench Gruff said as he threw Princess Luna into the cell. “Enjoy it for a long time.”
Immediately, Master Trench Gruff closed the cell door as Princess Luna immediately gripped the bars with her hooves. Grand Philosopher looked down at the Princess with a smirk on his face.
“So how do you intend on getting into the Golden Land when I have blocked it off completely?” Princess Luna asked.
“Do not underestimate the power of alchemy, Princess Luna,” Grand Philosopher explained. “After all, your ground bridge portal was the work of my arch rival Starswirl the Bearded.”
“That I am aware of,” Princess Luna said. “After all, you were once the husband of Hydia the Horrible.”
“I’d say horrible is a rather weak description,” Magistrate Creme Dream said, catching the attention of everyone in the vicinity. “The proper words you would refer to on the subject of Hydia would include revolting, despicable, irredeemable, and monster.”
Princess Luna and Silver Banks just looked at Magistrate Creme Dream with an awkward look on their faces, all while Grand Philosopher nodded in agreement.
“Using that kind of harsh criticism as a complement,” Princess Luna said. “That’s expected of someone like you.”
“Those are exactly the words that describe my late wife Hydia,” Grand Philosopher said. “And she took them as something to be proud of. But enough about her. I have my own plans to exceed Starswirl the Bearded and his ground bridge alchemy.”
“And there’s no way you’re letting me put that to use,” Master Trench Gruff shouted. “Last I recall, you tricked me into drinking a potion that turned me into a poodle.”
“And you’ll do it again, every time,” Grand Philosopher laughed. “You’re like a little kid in the candy store.”
“Ooooh,” Master Trench Gruff growled. “I’ll wipe that smirk off your face, you old coot.”
“I’d like to see you try,” Grand Philosopher replied.
“That’s enough,” Luna yelled as she banged on the bars of her cell with her metal gloves wrapped around her hooves. “Just because I’m your prisoner doesn’t mean you can argue in front of me.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Grand Philosopher said, stepping away from Master Trench Gruff. “In fact, that did distract me from what I was going to explain: I have managed to reverse engineer the crystals that power the ground bridge portal.”
“Say what?” Princess Luna said.
“It’s quite simple,” Grand Philosopher said. “Starswirl could figure out how to trap the power of a portal within two crystals, and have them intertwine only with each other. But I figured out how to trap the power and knowledge of these portals into a single crystal. It would be as if one would have the ability to go anywhere he or she pleases.”
“And you’re going to do that just for Gold Banks?” Princess Luna asked.
“We are,” Grand Philosopher said. “But it’s more of a trap for Gold Banks.”
Princess Luna looked at Grand Philosopher, confused by the alchemist’s words.
“Since you haven’t the slightest clue, I’ll fill him in,” Master Trench Gruff said. “We’re only pretending to be working for Gold Banks. But in reality, we were really working for one of the prisoners of Gold Banks.”
Princess Luna paused for a moment before she turned towards Magistrate Creme Dream, who nodded back towards the alicorn.
“Wait a minute,” Princess Luna said. “You’re the one who gave them the orders to side with Gold Banks?”
“And I let them arrest me,” Creme Dream said. “Since the moment Gold Banks took your daughters and her friends to Daisy Joy Tech, I decided to put her skills to the test to see how dangerous she would be if I were to cut her loose. And judging by how far she’s come, she’s exceeded my expectations. In fact, I’m counting on her to discover where the Golden Land is so that Princess Celestia can bring her down with this Golden Magic of Light.”
“Wait,” Princess Luna said. “How do you know about the Golden Magic of Light?”
“Oh dear,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with a laugh. “I’m afraid you know too much.”
Magistrate Creme Dream clapped her hooves together. Grand Philosopher responded by pointing his staff at Princess Luna and firing off rings of magic. Upon impact, Princess Luna became drowsy and collapsed on the floor, falling into a deep sleep.
“It won’t be long until she forgets everything she’s heard from you, Magistrate,” Grand Philosopher said. “After all, this spell great for wiping memories.”
“Excellent work, Grand Philosopher,” Magistrate Creme Dream said. “Now I want you and Master Trench Gruff to keep a close eye on Gold Banks. Furthermore, I have learned that you have discovered the very magic I asked you to gather.”
“Precisely,” Grand Philosopher said before pulling out a vial of a green, murky liquid. “It is a gloomy essence that will give her an edge until Princess Celestia is fully powered up. After all, you know about its strengths and weaknesses.”
“Exactly. When Gold Banks is not looking, apply that magic to her alicorn amulet,” Magistrate Creme Dream explained. “This will make things far more interesting. And furthermore, until Princess Celestia unleashes the Golden Magic of Light, keep the knowledge of your new portal crystal away from the so-called Empress of Equestria. Understood?”
“At once, Magistrate,” Grand Philosopher said as he and Master Trench Gruff bowed to Creme Dream before he placed his vial back into his robe.
“Oh please,” Creme Dream laughed. “After all, I’ve known you since I went under that name.”
Grand Philosopher raised his head and said “Indeed you do.”
In the Golden Land, a number of ponies looked around the bright world that surrounded them. One group that was rather curious about their surroundings were Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz, who had Pinkie Pie, Maud Pie, Limestone Pie and Marble Pie by their side.
“What is this place?” Igneous Rock asked.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” Cloudy Quartz said, bedazzled by the golden hue that surrounded the grass, the trees, the water and even the castle.
“This is the Golden Land,” Pinkie Pie said. “We came here a few months back to help with Wanda and Sunset, and to keep ourselves warm from the winter storm that came by.”
“Well I’ll be,” Igneous Rock said, amazed by his surroundings. “I have never seen a land like this before. It reminds us of the time when gold sprouted up in our rock farm unexpectedly.”
“I’ll never forget that, papa,” Limestone Pie said. “We all had a blast moving the gold off of the fields.”
“It’s supposed to be a once in a blue moon scenario,” Maud Pie explained. “No one knows why gold will pop up on a rock farm. But it always seems to happen.”
But Limestone looked at the active ground bridge portal and said “Octavio would have loved to see this land. Too bad he’s back at our farm, looking after our crops.”
“Mmmhmm,” Marble nodded.
“It’s a good point to bring up,” Cloudy Quartz said. “I wonder how Octavio will be thriving without us.”
Suddenly, Princess Celestia emerged from the portal and landed belly first on the ground. King Sombra, Eleanor Young, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch all approached Princess Celestia, who slowly got up.
But before Princess Celestia could speak, the portal behind the alicorn began to shrink down. Immediately, a portal crystal flew out from the portal, to which Eleanor Young was able to grab it in the air with her magic and bring it down to her hands.
“I think I know what happened,” Eleanor Young explained. “Princess Luna wanted to ensure our safety. So she was able to separate the ground bridge portal crystal from the other side and get it here.”
“You mean to tell us that….Princess Luna was taken?” King Sombra asked.
“I’m afraid so,” Eleanor Young explained. “She threw her own freedom away just so we could all remain free.”
As the portal disappeared, Princess Celestia turned towards the arch and began hitting her hooves on the structure at a frantic pace.
“SISTER!” Princess Celestia cried. “SISTER, COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK!”
As Princess Celestia helplessly banged on the arch, Chancellor Cinch ran up to the Princess and held onto her.
“Princess,” Chancellor Cinch said. “I know you miss Princess Luna. But you need to snap out of it and be strong for your people, and for her.”
“How could you say something like that?” Princess Celestia snapped as she got up. “I lost my sister, and you’re telling me to be strong? I am not in any position to be strong.”
With that, Princess Celestia ran through the crowd of ponies, crying her eyes out. As she ran, Wanda was nearby, holding an unconscious Sunset Shimmer next to her with Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Misty Brightdawn next to her. The sound of Celestia crying caught Wanda’s attention.
“Mommy?” Wanda said as she saw Celestia run towards the castle.
As Wanda watched on, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Eleanor Young ran up to the man’s cub, who still held the unconscious Sunset Shimmer close to her.
“Wanda,” Princess Cadance said. “Go check up on mother. See if she’s okay.”
“But what about Sunset?” Wanda asked.
“We’ll look after her,” Shining Armor said. “And don’t worry. She’ll be fine with us by her side.”
Wanda slowly placed Sunset down on the grass as Princess Cadance and Shining Armor approached the unconscious unicorn filly. Turning her attention towards the castle, Wanda ran off with Eleanor and Abigail following from behind. Immediately, Chancellor Cinch walked up to the group with a sense of regret in her eyes.
“This is my fault,” Chancellor Cinch said. “I shouldn’t have said those words to her.”
“It’s not your fault,” Princess Cadance said. “Mother’s going to go through a hard time without Aunt Luna by our side. I can only hope she’ll be able to gather the courage to lead us through these tough times. And if she can’t, then I’ll have to do so.”
“That I can agree on,” Igneous Rock said as he and Cloudy Quartz approached Princess Cadance. “I don’t know who this Gold Banks thinks she is. But one thing’s for certain, she’s put us all in this predicament. And the fact she broke Princess Celestia says a whole lot.”
“It does,” Princess Cadance said as she held Sunset Shimmer close to her. “It does.”
But as Princess Cadance held Sunset Shimmer close to her, Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Spike the Dragon and Misty Brightdawn watched as Wanda and Eleanor ran into the Golden Palace.
“What do you think is going to happen?” Starlight asked.
“I don’t know,” Golden Lace said. “After what my mother did, I don't even have any hope for this future.”
“Hopeless,” Spike said in a sad tone.
Deep inside the golden palace, Princess Celestia ran down the hallway and up the staircase, crying loudly. She ran down the upper halls of the castle before she ran through a large doorway and shut the doors tight.
At the opposite end of the hall, Queen Eleanor, Princess Wanda, and Abigail Albright ran down towards the far end of the hall, where the twin doors blocked their way.
“Mommy,” Wanda said as she knocked on the door. “Mommy, are you okay?”
“Go away,” Princess Celestia shouted from behind the door.
“Princess Celestia,” Eleanor yelled. “Your daughter needs you right now. And you have the audacity to lock her out?”
“I said go away,” Celestia shouted. “I don’t want to be around anyone.”
“Princess, please reconsider,” Eleanor Young yelled. “What would your sister say if you chose to give up?”
“DO NOT BRING HER UP!” Princess Celestia roared as the foundation of the castle shook violently.
A loud boom from behind the doorway followed the quake, causing Wanda to scream in fear. The loud scream caused the shaking to come to a stop as Wanda looked like she was in tears.
“What has….happened to…mommy?” Wanda cried.
With that, Wanda turned around and ran down the hallway, crying loudly. Eleanor looked at her daughter and followed from behind with Abigail by her side.
“Wanda, come back,” Eleanor yelled. “COME BACK!”
But as Eleanor and Abigail chased Wanda down the hall, the main door opened up and Princess Celestia stuck her head out. She watched as Wanda, Eleanor and Abigail ran down the hallway and disappeared without a trace.
“What have I done?” Celestia cried. “First I lost my sister, and now I caused my own daughter to drift away. I…I don’t deserve to be a princess.”
Princess Celestia pulled her crown off from the top of her head and tossed it out the door before closing it shut.
Downstairs, Wanda ran as fast as she could, ignoring everyone that was in the hallway, all while Eleanor and Abigail chased her down.
“Wanda,” Eleanor said. “Princess Celestia didn’t mean to. She’s having a major fallout and it’s my fault that I caused her to lose it.”
“I don’t care,” Wanda cried. “I have no mommy. Not her, and not you.”
Eleanor came to a stop as she watched Wanda run out of the castle, crying her eyes out. Abigail slid next to Eleanor, confused. The older Evevanyian slumped down and began to walk away with Abigail walking alongside her.
“What am I doing?” Eleanor said. “We were this close to returning Wanda to Evevanya and now we’re all exiled to the Golden Land. Maybe Wanda’s right. She has no mommy. Not Celestia, and not me.”
“No mommy?” Abigail asked.
“Yes,” Eleanor said. “Celestia and I failed to address the needs of our Wanda. And now look at her. She’s given up on life. What am I going to do now?”
“Now come on. You’re going to let that squirt down because we all got our butts handed to us by Gold Banks?” Eleanor Young turned around to see the Dazzlings approach her. All three of them had a disappointed, and yet eager, look on their faces.
“Yes,” Eleanor said as she sat down at a nearby bench with Abigail leaping onto her lap. “Today was supposed to be the day where you would all leave Equestria for Evevanya. To give you all a new sense of freedom. Some day it turned out to be. Not only did I fail to get you all to my home, but I put you all and even Wanda in danger. After all of the dangers that came to Earth, Evevanya, and Equestria, sometimes I wish I never brought Wanda into my life at all.”
“And you’re going to give up on her like that?” Adagio Dazzle asked. “Like I once gave up on myself after pushing Sunset Shimmer out for my own selfish views?”
Eleanor just sighed before she said “That’s something I can’t forget, after what Princess Celestia told me. Besides, I also heard what Gold Banks tried to do to you when she tore down the orphanage ruins.”
Adagio Dazzle walked up to Eleanor Young and sat right next to her, all while Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk approached the Evevanyian queen.
“We’re aware of what Sunset’s going through,” Aria Blaze said. “And what we’re all going through. Right now, we know that Princess Luna was able to keep us safe in this world thanks to her decision to seal us away from Gold Banks.”
“Yeah,” Sonata Dusk said. “And because of that, we don’t have to see her ugly mug again.”
“Is that why you still have hope in your hearts?” Eleanor asked.
“It’s because we’ve been through this scenario before,” Adagio Dazzle said. “And being experienced with these kinds of hard times, we know how to relate to those who need it the most.”
“But I still take those words of my daughter to heart,” Eleanor said.
“Hogwash,” Adagio said. “Like Princess Celestia, Wanda’s having a hard time adapting to what that witch did to us. What she needs is someone to comfort her.”
“Big sis,” Sonata Dusk said. “That’s something that I never thought you would say.”
“Of course,” Adagio Dazzle said as she grabbed Sonata and gave her a big hug. “I was stupid enough to block you out of my life. I’m not going to do that again.”
“Thanks,” Sonata Dusk said, gasping for air. “But I think that hug is too much for me.”
Eleanor turned her attention away from Adagio Dazzle and Sonata Dusk before gazing up at the ceiling, all while Abigail leaped off her lap. A tear formed in her left eye before it slid down her cheek.
“I don’t know,” Eleanor said. “Unlike you, I brought Wanda willingly into this world to escape the dangers of my world, and of planet Earth. To give her a good life.”
“And you did succeed in doing that,” Aria Blaze said. “Who cares if some self-centered narcissist wants to take control of her life. What matters is to at least keep her happy and content with her life. And that’s saying a lot considering what me and my sisters went through.”
“But I,” Eleanor said before Aria Blaze got up on the bench and covered the Evevanyian woman’s mouth with her hoof.
“No butts on that,” Aria Blaze said. “Go to her. Give her a chance.”
As Aria Blaze removed her hoof from Eleanor’s mouth, the Evevanyian queen was about to speak when Queen Novo ran into the building in a hurry.
“Queen Eleanor,” Queen Novo said. “I just saw Wanda run out of the castle and into the Emerald Woods. She looked distraught.”
“It’s because she had a fallout with me and Princess Celestia,” Eleanor said as she got up. “And all that we’ve been going through.”
Eleanor picked up Abigail and began to walk towards the door, only to be stopped when Queen Novo placed her claw on her shoulder.
“Are you really okay with wanting to help her out right now?” Queen Novo asked.
“I am,” Eleanor said. “Wanda may not realize it. But she’s hurting emotionally, and she needs someone to help lift her back up.”
Queen Novo lifted her claw from Eleanor’s shoulder before she said “Go to her. She needs a mommy now more than ever.”
Eleanor nodded before she held Abigail tight and ran out of the front gate, leaving Queen Novo and the Dazzlings behind. Adagio Dazzle and Sonata Dusk got up and walked towards Queen Novo, who looked slightly worried.
“I take it you worry for Princess Wanda as well,” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“I worry for the well-being of smallfry,” Queen Novo said. “After what she went through, she needs all the tender loving care in the world.”
Outside, Eleanor Young and Abigail Albright ran through the golden field as fast as possible before making their way towards the Emerald Forest. Princess Cadance watched from afar as she held the unconscious Sunset Shimmer by her side. Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn and Golden Lace stood by Princess Cadance, with Spike standing next to the teen alicorn mare.
“What do you think happened with Miss Eleanor?” Starlight asked.
“I think I know why,” Princess Cadance said. “Something happened to Wanda. We saw her run out of the castle earlier.”
“Do you think we should go check up on Wanda?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Yes, please do,” Princess Cadance said. “I wish I had intervened, but I wanna keep Sunset comfortable until she wakes up.”
“But I’m afraid of the pigs who dwell in that area,” Starlight cried.
“I’ll keep you protected,” Golden Lace said, standing next to Starlight. “Any pig who comes near me, I’ll scare 'em off.”
Starlight immediately grabbed onto Golden Lace, holding her tight. Lace looked down and just laughed a bit.
“You don’t need to be that close to me,” Golden Lace said, causing Starlight to slowly release her grip from the golden filly.
As the group of fillies directed their attention towards the forest, Misty Brightdawn turned her attention back towards Princess Cadance.
“Tell my brother I’ll be back,” Misty said.
“I will,” Princess Cadance said.
With that, Golden Lace ran towards the forest with Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn by her side, leaving Princess Cadance holding Sunset Shimmer close to her, all while Spike looked down at Sunset.
“Hurt?” Spike asked.
“We’re all hurt on the inside, Spike,” Princess Cadance said. “I only wish I could help my little sister Wanda. But I also have Sunset to worry about. I knew it would be hard to take responsibility for everyone’s well being. But not like this.”
Meanwhile, deep within Lost in the Emerald Woods, Wanda Young ran as fast as she could through the forest, crying loudly as she ran past the animals. She only stopped when she tripped over a branch and fell on her face, staying still for a moment.
“What am I doing?” Wanda cried. “Why did I say those awful words to my Evevanyian mommy?”
Wanda slowly got up and walked towards the nearby log bench. She sat down before placing her hands on her face.
“This is my fault,” Wanda cried. “I shouldn’t have been that harsh. Maybe I don’t really deserve a mommy at all. Maybe I don’t deserve any friends. Maybe I don’t deserve to be anywhere.”
As Wanda cried on the bench, a number of animals looked up at the man’s cub, whose tears filled the air. Some of the animals began to shed tears of their own as a few of them approached Wanda, who paid no attention to them.
“Sometimes I wish I was never born,” Wanda cried. “I wish I never existed. At least no one would be able to mourn me when I’m gone.”
“Now why give up so easily, my daughter?” Wanda looked up and saw Eleanor Young approach her with a warm smile on her face, with Abigail walking up next to her. But Wanda’s tears only grew as she saw the eyes of her biological mother.
“I’M SORRY I SAID THOSE WORDS TO YOU!” Wanda cried as she grabbed onto Eleanor’s legs and sobbed right on her gown.
“It’s okay,” Eleanor said as she patted Wanda on the head. “You were having a hard time because of what Gold Banks did.”
Eleanor Young slowly reached down and picked Wanda up before holding her close. Wanda continued to cry as Eleanor sat down, holding her daughter close.
“What am I going to do?” Wanda cried. “I feel hopeless and lost.”
“So do I, my daughter,” Eleanor said. “In fact, it’s not the first time I’ve felt this before.”
“It’s not?” Wanda asked.
“No,” Eleanor said. “Around the time after you were born, there was a great war going on in Evevanya. A number of renegade humans from planet Earth invaded our kingdom with the intent of conquering us. It started some time after the death of the husband of Queen Lillian, who was a close friend of mine.”
“Who was he?” Wanda asked.
“King Vorak,” Eleanor replied. “The son of Sendak the Elder, and the Grandson of the late Sari the Chieftess. He was a part of a tribe of centaurs who were our allies for centuries long before your time. Many Evevanyans, both the Dawn and the Dusk, saw King Vorak as a proud and respectful leader. Queen Lillian saw him as a loving husband and a caring father who vowed to raise his son Tirek to be a proud leader as well.”
“So what happened when this King Vorak died?” Wanda asked.
“That was what started the war between our people and the armies of planet Earth,” Eleanor explained. “They vowed to conquer us with weapons unlike anything we have ever seen, and we feared that they would lead our planet to ruin. Furthermore, I feared that the war would have taken your life if this rogue Earthen military succeeded. I was going to take you to a land called Dream Valley. But I also feared that they could reach across the world and wipe us all out.”
“So you were hopeless like I am?” Wanda asked.
“I was,” Eleanor replied. “But it was Queen Lillian who suggested that I take you to Equestria where you’ll be safe. To be honest, I was so distraught that I forgot about this world, this kingdom, the various ponies who lived here, and its rulers Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. It was far from the perfect place. But it was enough to give you a means to be happy, to make friends with the other ponies, and to have a life that Evevanya may not have given you during the war.”
Wanda dried her eyes and looked up at her biological mother.
“Evevanyian mommy,” Wanda said. “Do you think we’ll get through this?”
“Even if we don’t,” Eleanor laughed, “At least you will be safe from Gold Banks. If we have to make the Golden Land our new kingdom, then I’m up for it.”
With that, Wanda reached out and gave Eleanor a big hug, all while Abigail leaped next to Eleanor and rubbed her head against the Evevanyian’s body.
“I owe my Alicorn mommy an apology for those nasty words I said,” Wanda said.
“No you don’t,” Eleanor said. “I think we should give Princess Celestia some time before we cheer her up.”
Suddenly, the sound of a filly screaming in the distance went off, catching the attention of Wanda, Eleanor and Abigail.
“That sounded like Starlight Glimmer,” Wanda said before she jumped off Eleanor’s lap. “Did some pigs scare her?”
“No,” Eleanor said. “That sounded more distressing than a mere phobia. I think something bad happened to her.”
“Oh no,” Wanda said. “That can’t be good.”
Immediately, Wanda, Eleanor and Abigail paused for a moment as they heard the sound of leaves rustling nearby. The trio turned towards the south, where Cozy Glow emerged from the bushes with her mane covered in leaves.
“Cozy Glow?” Wanda said. “What are you doing here?”
“We came here to check and make sure you’re alright,” Cozy Glow said as she brushed the leaves out of her mane. “But I’m afraid we have some bad news for you. Starlight fell into a hole and she’s stuck down there.”
“Not Starlight,” Wanda shouted.
“Can you take us there?” Eleanor asked.
“I shall,” Cozy Glow said. “Follow me.”
Cozy Glow revved up her wings as she turned back towards the south and flew off. Wanda, Eleanor and Abigail followed Cozy Glow from behind, running as frantically as possible.
“Wanda,” Eleanor said. “Now would be a good time to take to the air.”
“Oh right,” Wanda giggled. “Forgot I had my wings.”
In a flash of light, Wanda’s insect-like wings sprouted from her back. Wanda flapped her wings as fast as possible before she took to the air and took off after Cozy Glow. Eleanor quickly scooped up Abigail and followed suit.
“Come on,” Eleanor said, holding Abigail close. “We have a filly to rescue.”
Deep within the Emerald Forest, Golden Lace and Misty Brightdawn looked down a newly made hole in the ground, horrified and helpless. Deep within the hole, Starlight Glimmer sat there, waiting patiently. Her eyes were somehow glued to a nearby corner.
“Are you alright down there?” Misty yelled.
“I’m fine,” Starlight replied. “But you guys need to come down here.”
“I’m not going down there,” Golden Lace said. “In fact, you need to come up here.”
“But guys,” Starlight yelled. “I discovered something down here that is so amazing.”
“Starlight, are you going to be that stubborn?” Golden Lace shouted.
“I’m not kidding,” Starlight yelled. “I see something on the wall that looks like some kind of lizard people.”
“Lizard people?” Misty yelled. “What do you mean by that?”
“I can barely tell,” Starlight yelled. “But there is some kind of text down here that even I can’t seem to read.”
Golden Lace paced back and forth frantically as Misty kept her eyes down the hole. The shifting of Golden Lace’s hooves were enough to catch Misty’s attention.
“Lace, are you alright?” Misty asked.
“No,” Golden Lace said. “I’m concerned about Starlight. But at the same time, if what she says is true, then this might be a discovery of a lifetime.”
Suddenly, the sound of someone shouting “HEY GUYS! HELP IS ON THE WAY” caught the ears of Golden Lace and Misty Brightdawn. The duo turned towards the north where Cozy Glow and Wanda Young flew through the woods and landed nearby. Once Wanda’s wings disappeared, she and Cozy Glow ran up to Misty and Lace.
“Wanda, are you alright?” Golden Lace asked.
“I was, until I heard Starlight scream,” Wanda explained.
“She fell down this hole,” Misty said. “Any chance you can get her out of there?”
Wanda looked down into the hole, where Starlight Glimmer got herself up and began to walk away.
“Starlight,” Wanda yelled. “Where are you going?”
Immediately, Starlight came to a stop and said “Wanda. Is that you?”
“It’s me, alright,” Wanda yelled. “Hang on. I’ll try to get you out of there.”
“Take your time,” Starlight said. “I found something that caught my eyes.”
Wanda pulled her head up and turned towards Golden Lace and Misty Brightdawn, shaking her head left and right in disbelief.
“So she’s that stubborn?” Golden Lace asked.
“I’m afraid so,” Wanda said. “What is it that caught her eye?”
“She said something about a wall consisting of lizard people, and some text she doesn’t understand,” Misty said. “But I can’t put my hoof to what that means.”
“Neither can I,” Wanda said. “Guess I’ll have to wait for my Evevanyian mommy to come back and convince her otherwise.”
“It shouldn’t take long,” Cozy Glow said. “After all, she was right behind me.”
But as Cozy Glow finished speaking, Misty and Lace heard the sound of leaves rustling. They looked north to see Eleanor Young walk on in, holding Abigail to her chest.
“Eleanor, was it?” Golden Lace said. “Any chance you could help us get Starlight out of there?”
“Is she hurt down there?” Eleanor asked.
“She’s not,” Golden Lace said. “But she mentioned something about a wall consisting of lizard people, alongside some text she doesn’t understand.”
Eleanor paused for a bit and said “Wait. Lizard people, right?”
“That’s what I said,” Golden Lace replied.
“I think what you mean is the Drakians,” Eleanor replied.
“The Drakians?” Wanda asked. “What are the Drakians?”
“That’s a question we’ll discover if we go down the hole that Starlight fell in,” Eleanor explained.
“Wait,” Golden Lace said. “We’re going down there?”
“Starlight did state that she found a wall consisting of those lizard people and text she can’t understand,” Misty said.
Wanda nodded to Eleanor before directing her face towards the hole.
“Starlight,” Wanda shouted. “Hang on. We’re coming down there.”
“I was wondering when you would say that,” Starlight shouted from the hole. “I’m waiting.”
Abigail leaped onto Eleanor’s back as the adult Evevanyian picked up Misty Brightdawn. Misty closed her eyes as Eleanor jumped down into the hole, going through without any trouble. Golden Lace looked down and gulped loudly.
“I don’t know,” Golden Lace said. “I don’t want to get myself hurt from that.”
“It’ll be okay,” Wanda said as her wings formed once more. “I won’t let you go. I promise.”
Reluctantly, Golden Lace got on her hind legs and said “I hope so. The last thing I need is to be stuck down there for the rest of my life.”
Wanda held Golden Lace as close to her as possible. With a flap of her wings, Wanda flew up into the air before she slowly descended into the hold, gripping Golden Lace as tight as possible. Cozy Glow watched as Wanda and Lace disappeared.
“I don’t want to go down there, I don’t want to go down there, I don’t want to go down there,” Cozy Glow chanted.
But Cozy Glow’s head began to sweat nervously. Her legs shook. She looked down at the hole that Wanda and Lace went down and her teeth began to chatter.
“Ahhhhh heck with it,” Cozy Glow shouted. “I’m going after them.”
Flapping her wings as fast as she could, Cozy Glow leaped into the air before she flew down into the hole, pursuing after Wanda Young and Golden Lace.
Under the hole, a bright underground area showed its way for Wanda Young and Golden Lace, the former who descended slowly while keeping her hold onto the latter. Golden Lace looked around and was amazed by her surroundings.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said. “I heard the underground can be scary. But at the same time, I’m bedazzled by it.”
“So am I,” Wanda said as she descended slowly.
When Wanda’s two feet touched the ground, the man’s cub released her hold on Golden Lace, who dropped down to her four hooves. The two turned to their right, where Eleanor Young, Abigail Albright, Misty Brightdawn and Starlight Glimmer awaited them. As the two stepped forward, Cozy Glow flew down from the ceiling and landed next to them. Starlight looked at Wanda and her face beamed with excitement.
“Wanda,” Starlight cried as she ran up and hugged Wanda. “I was worried about you.”
“I was worried about you as well when I heard your scream,” Wanda said as she held Starlight tight. “I’m just glad nothing bad happened to you.”
But as Wanda and Starlight hugged each other tightly, Cozy Glow flew up behind Wanda and tickled her on the back. Wanda’s eyes popped out and she started to laugh loudly.
“COZY GLOW!” Wanda chuckled. “YOU JUST RUINED MY MOMENT!”
“Well I had to,” Cozy Glow smiled as she backed off a bit from Wanda. “Starlight mentioned that wall decoration involving the Dracians, or Drakians, or whatever those lizard people are.”
Starlight released her hold on Wanda before getting back down on her four hooves. She walked towards a nearby wall and pointed directed at the carvings embedded within the stone, where it showcased groups of lizard-like humanoids alongside a variety of dinosaurs.
“That’s what you found?” Golden Lace said. “Interesting.”
“For the more than a thousand years I’ve spent on this planet,” Misty Brightdawn said, “Even I never imagined something like this.”
“I have,” Eleanor said, walking up to the wall mural. “I’ve seen this kind of design back in Evevanya. The creatures that you see are called Drakians.”
“What are Drakians?” Wanda asked.
“They’re said to be the ancestral race of all three planets, back when it was one superplanet,” Eleanor explained.
“Don’t they look a bit like dragons?” Golden Lace asked.
“They do,” Eleanor said. “But they’re not even their ancestors. In fact, the Drakians are said to have had a hand in creating the races of today.”
“They did?” Cozy Glow asked.
“They actually did,” Eleanor said, pointing to a carving on the wall consisting of a pair of Drakians with orbs that consisted of various species. “Some say it was the Drakians that created the modern races across the three worlds, like the humans of Earth, the Evevanyians of Evevanyia and the ponies of Equestria. Though some say the ponies came from Evevanya.”
“So we were made by these Drakians?” Misty asked.
“It appears so,” Starlight replied. “Even I don’t seem to believe it.”
“Not just humans, Evevanyians and ponies,” Eleanor explained. “There were other species made by the Drakians like the yaks, griffins, hippogriffs, abyssians, dragons, kirin, changelings, centaurs, moochicks, bushwoolies, raptorians, glosects, satyrs, and many more that we may not know of.”
Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn, Abigail and Wanda all approached the stone mural and reached out to it in awe.
“Amazing,” Golden Lace said. “To think, we were created by these Drakians. Though I wonder why they had dinosaurs by their side.”
“Because the dinosaurs were companions of the Drakians,” Eleanor explained. “They stood by their human-like counterparts as allies, protecting the planet and its creations from outsiders. Once the Drakians disappeared from existence, so did the dinosaurs.”
“Do you think they may have gone extinct?” Starlight asked.
“Even I don’t know the fate of the Drakians and the dinosaurs,” Eleanor said.
But as Starlight Glimmer, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn and Abigail Albright continued to observe the images on the mural, Wanda’s eyes were fixated on the writing beneath it, observing it curiously.
“Wanda,” Eleanor said, noticing Wanda’s gaze was fixated on the text. “I’m surprised that you’ve taken notice of the wording of the Drakians.”
“I do, Evevanyian mommy,” Wanda said. “Because for some reason, I can understand what this all means.”
“You do?” Starlight asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said, pointing to a text below an image of a group of Drakians bowing to a human-like figure. “According to what I see, they mentioned about worshiping a goddess named Lily Hikari.”
“That’s absolutely right,” Eleanor said. “We’ve studied the text of the Drakians for centuries, and I’m surprised you’re quick to understand it.”
“I dunno what,” Wanda said. “And yet, according to the text, they see Lily Hikari as the creator of this universe, and the Drakians see themselves as her servant.”
“Right you are, my daughter,” Eleanor replied. “The Drakians saw themselves carrying out Lily Hikari’s will, and chose the planet Ancient Terra to forge what is called the center of the universe. Some say it was also her who created the cosmic cores as a means of creating life across the universe, but sent the most amount of these orbs to the planet. It was there that the Drakians were able to create life using the cosmic cores and the organic materials of this planet.”
“Maybe that’s why we were all created,” Cozy Glow said. “This Lily Hikari, whoever she was, saw this planet as where we would all come from.”
But Wanda’s gaze shifted to another wall mural that showed the Drakians defending the number of creatures from a dragon-like monster above. She looked down at the text and placed her finger on it.
“But there is more,” Wanda said. “It was said that the Drakians had to protect their own creations from a powerful dark dragon named Oblivion.”
“A dark dragon?” Misty said. “I thought the Drakians created the dragons.”
“They did,” Eleanor said. “But this is the first time that I’ve heard of a dark dragon named Oblivion.”
“There is more,” Wanda said, pointing to the text. “The Drakians saw Oblivion as everything that goes against the will of Lily Hikari. Dark Dragon Oblivion wanted nothing more than to wipe out all life across the universe, and consume every cosmic core in existence. The Drakians saw Oblivion as the hated foe of Lily Hikari.”
“I don’t like this Oblivion monster,” Starlight cried. “He sounds mean.”
“But whatever happened to Oblivion?” Misty asked.
Wanda turned her gaze towards another set of text that was directed below the human goddess and the dark dragon fighting each other.
“It was said that Lily Hikari fought the Dark Dragon Oblivion in an attempt to protect planet Terra from the dragon’s vicious appetite for all existence,” Wanda read. “The conflict lasted for a short while that placed the existence of her new universe in grave danger. In the end, Oblivion was defeated and his original form was destroyed….but at a horrible cost.”
Wanda turned her gaze towards another mural, where it looked like the goddess disappeared with a crystal set in the center, and a number of Drakians appeared to be in mourning. Her eyes directed towards the text beneath the stone mural.
“Lily Hikari used up all of her magic to destroy Oblivion,” Wanda read. “The goddess passed on following her victory against the Dark Dragon. The Drakians mourned the loss of their goddess and chose to finish the task of creating the species of this planet. But in her death, the Heart of the Universe was created: A powerful crystal that contains the powers of the goddess. This crystal landed on Planet Terra, where it would remain so that she may be reincarnated.”
“So in the end,” Cozy Glow said. “This Heart of the Universe was Lily Hikari.”
“It appears so,” Eleanor said. “No one has ever seen the Heart of the Universe before. Especially not in this era.”
Wanda’s eyes quickly shifted to one more mural, which showed the Drakians disappearing, and another dragon-like creature standing above the Heart of the Universe. She looked down at the text and placed her finger on it.
“This last piece told us that the Drakians would one day depart this world, and this universe,” Wanda explained. “That they, along with the dinosaurs, would not see the true results of their work, and that their creations would have to run the planet without them. They also foresaw the future reincarnation of Oblivion journeying back to the past to acquire the Heart of the Universe.”
Eleanor approached the mural and said “I believe there is a saying that goes ‘Though evil can be diminished, it can never be vanquished.’ What that means is that evil will always find a way to come back and strike fear into the hearts of good folks.”
“Like with my mother Gold Banks,” Golden Lace said.
But Starlight Glimmer noticed a figure right next to the second dragon-like creature that looked familiar. She walked up and placed her hoof on it.
“Wanda,” Starlight said. “Notice something about what I’m pointing at?”
Wanda looked at the figure and said “That looks almost like…me. But…what am I doing in there?”
“I don’t know,” Starlight replied. “I find it surprising that you would even be in this mural.”
“This is a rather curious predicament,” Eleanor said. “Everything that we’ve discovered in this secret cavern tells more of the tales of the Drakians, but it also brings in more questions than answers. What happened to the Heart of the Universe? Did this reincarnation of Oblivion acquire it? And why would a figure that resembles Wanda appear opposite to this incarnation of Oblivion?”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of someone shouting “Smallfry? Are you down here?”
Wanda looked up at the hole and shouted “Is that you, Aunt Novo?”
Queen Novo looked down from the hole in the ceiling and said “We’ve been worried about you and Queen Eleanor since you ran off into this forest.”
“She’s fine,” Eleanor yelled. “But by accident, Starlight Glimmer made a discovery that lines up with the ruins from Evevanya, connecting our races together.”
“She did that?” Queen Novo replied. “That sounds amazing. But that’s not why I came here. Princess Celesita wanted to see you.”
“Alicorn mommy wanted to?” Wanda asked.
“It’s to apologize for her tone early on,” Queen Novo said. “And to let you know about what’s going to happen at this point.”
Wanda turned to Eleanor and her friends and said “Sorry guys. Looks like we have to leave.”
“It’s okay, Wanda,” Eleanor said. “We’ll talk more about this another time. Right now, it’s time we made our way back to the Golden Palace.”
Eleanor picked up Golden Lace as Abigail hopped on her shoulder. In a flash of light, a large pair of insect wings formed on Eleanor Young’s back.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said. “You can fly like Wanda can?”
“It’s a trait of the Evevanyian Dawns,” Eleanor said. “Now come. Princess Celestia awaits.”
Eleanor held Golden Lace tight as she flapped her wings. Jumping into the air, Eleanor flew upwards towards the hole in the ceiling, flying through with Golden Lace in her arms and Abigail on her shoulder. As Eleanor, Golden Lace and Abigail disappeared, Cozy Glow picked up Misty Brightdawn while Wanda held Starlight Glimmer tight.
“Meet ya at the top, Wanda,” Cozy Glow said as she flapped her wings.
Misty held onto Cozy Glow as tight as possible as the alicorn filly flew upwards towards the hole before going through it. Once Cozy Glow and Misty were gone, Wanda and Starlight held each other tight.
“So what do you think Celestia wants with you, Wanda?” Starlight asked.
“I still feel upset about some of the words I mentioned towards my Evevanyian mommy,” Wanda said. “About how I had no mommies.”
“That’s horrible,” Starlight said.
“And I want to make sure my alicorn mommy is alright,” Wanda said as her wings formed once more and Starlight held onto her.
With a flap of her insect wings, Wanda Young flew upwards towards the hole with Starlight clinging on for dear life. They flew upwards until they went out of the hole.
Back above ground, Wanda Young landed next to Eleanor with Starlight still holding on. Once Wanda touched the ground, Starlight released her grip from Wanda. Next to Eleanor, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Abigail Albright and Misty Brightdawn were gathered around Queen Novo.
“So that must be some adventure to discover something like that,” Queen Novo said.
“It was, Aunt Novo,” Wanda replied.
Starlight raised her hoof and said “Actually, I was the one who discovered the secret of the Drakians.”
“It was you who discovered it?” Novo asked.
“It was,” Eleanor explained. “If it weren’t for Starlight’s scream, we wouldn’t have known about this place.”
“Well with that being said, we must get you all to the palace,” Queen Novo explained. “Princess Celestia wishes to apologize for her harsh tone early ago.”
Wanda nodded to Queen Novo as she flapped her wings again and hovered into the air. She flew up and landed on top of Queen Novo’s back before her wings disappeared. Queen Novo raised herself into the air before riding off with Wanda atop her back.
“Come on,” Eleanor Young said. “Let’s head back to the palace this instant.”
With that, Eleanor flew up into the air and took off after Queen Novo and Wanda Young. Behind her, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn and Abigail Albright followed after Eleanor.
But nearby in the bushes, Princess Chrysalis II, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator emerged from their hiding place, watching as Wanda and her friends disappeared from plain sight before directing their gaze towards the hole.
“Did you hear that?” Quickstrike asked. “A secret mural about the Drakians and this Oblivion guy.”
“Waspinator rather curious,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator wants to see this mural.”
“I’m not sure of this,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Queen Chrysalis ordered us to spy on Princess Celestia and her entitled brats.”
“It can wait for now,” Inferno explained. “What we heard about this Oblivion dragon catches our interest, and we must see for ourselves.”
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flapped their wings as fast as possible before they leaped into the air and flew down the hole, leaving an annoyed Princess Chrysalis II behind.
“Why do I even bother?” Princess Chrysalis II said.
Princess Chrysalis II ran towards the hole before she leaped into the air and flew into it, pursuing after the Predacon brothers.
Back underground, Princess Chrysalis II flew downwards through the underground cavern as Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator observed the murals that surrounded them. Princess Chrysalis II landed next to the Predacons before looking up at the carvings on the wall.
“I don’t see anything interesting about these,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Are you sure about this hogwash?”
“It’s more than hogwash,” Quickstrike said. “We overheard those softskins explain about the Drakians and that the changelings were created by them.”
“That’s something I don’t completely buy,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “WHy would we consider the ponies along with the other creatures of Equestria creations of a group of ancient reptiles?”
“There’s a lot we don’t know about our origins, Princess,” Inferno explained. “The Queen will be fascinated by this discovery.”
But as Waspinator turned to his right, his eyes caught the glimpse of the mural with the figure of the girl resembling Wanda and the dragon-like creature that wanted the Heart of the Universe.
“Something about that painting brings back odd memories for Waspinator,” Waspinator said as he walked towards the mural on his right.
“No,” Waspinator said as he stopped in front of the mural. “The more Waspinator looks at this, the more Waspinator seems to remember.”
Inferno and Quickstrike got a good look at the mural before walking up to Waspinator.
“You’re right on that,” Inferno said, pointing to the dragon-like creature. “That so-called incarnation of Oblivion reminds me of someone I feel like I knew.”
“Yeah,” Quickstrike said. “But how come we can remember being with him when we’re changelings?”
“That’s something even I don’t buy,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “I don’t see what’s so great about this Oblivion guy to begin with. It’s not like you once served him in a previous life.”
“It may be possible,” Inferno said. “And yet, for some reason, I felt like we knew who his name was.”
“And what that might be?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator turned towards Princess Chrysalis II and said “Megatron.”
Princess Celestia ran through the ruins of what appeared to be Canterlot City. She looked frantically left and right as if she were trying to locate anyone in sight. But the city appeared to be empty and devoid of a single pony.
But as Princess Celestia ran through, she came to a stop, and gasped hard. In front of here appeared to be nearly everyone she knew lying on the ground with their color completely desaturated.
“No,” Celestia cried. “It can’t be.”
Princess Celestia ran up to Sunset Shimmer and picked her up. She looked down as saw Sunset’s eyes were not only barely open, but they no longer had any irises or pupils.
“Sunset,” Celestia said as she held Sunset close. “Sunset, wake up. Please wake up.”
Celestia placed Sunset Shimmer down and turned towards her right. She gasped even louder as she approached a desaturated and unconscious Wanda Young. Next to her lay Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon, who looked like they held hands together.
“Wanda,” Celestia cried as she picked up Wanda. “Not my darling Wanda. Say it isn’t so.”
As Princess Celestia held Wanda close to her, tears flowed down her cheeks. Celestia held the man’s cub as close as possible before opening her eyes to her surroundings.
“They’re all gone,” Princess Celestia said, looking around in despair. “Princess Cadance. Shining Armor. Queen Novo. Chancellor Cinch. My sister Luna. Even…Twilight Sparkle.”
Princess Celestia placed Wanda down before walking up towards Twilight Sparkle, who laid down on the ground, desaturated like everyone else. Celestia picked up Twilight and held her close.
“Twilight, please don’t leave me,” Celestia cried. “You’re as important to me as my daughters. Please come back to me.”
As Celestia cried while holding Twilight Sparkle, she looked up among the fallen ponies of Canterlot. Her eyes immediately saw Queen Chrysalis, Coldnelius Snap, Magistrate Creme Dream, Majesty and even Cozy Glow laying down completely unconscious and with their coats and manes desaturated. But nearby, Gold Banks laid next to them, except her color was still intact.
“Gold Banks,” Celestia said as she laid Twilight down on the ground. “What happened?”
Celestia walked up to Gold Banks and picked up her fallen foe with her hooves. Gold Banks looked up at Celestia, looking completely weak. The Alicorn Amulet around her neck had been shattered completely.
“Banks,” Celestia said. “What did you do?”
“It’s your fault,” Gold Banks said in a weak tone. “We’re all….doomed….because of you….Daybreaker.”
Gold Banks closed her eyes as her head slumped down to her left. Her coat and mane desaturated completely as her cosmic core ejected from her body before flying upwards towards the sky.
“BANKS, COME BACK!” Celestia cried. “DON’T LEAVE ME ALL ALONE! PLEASE COME BACK!”
Princess Celestia collapsed onto the ground and cried on the ground. Her tears fell at a rapid pace, generating a puddle on the pavement.
“This is my fault,” Princess Celestia cried. “I shouldn’t have said those horrible words to Wanda. Banks is right. I am still Daybreaker.”
“No you’re not, sister.” Princess Celestia slowly raised her head and saw Princess Luna walk towards her. Despite the sadness in Celestia’s eyes, Luna bare a smile on her face.
“Luna,” Celestia cried. “Luna. You’re alive. I didn’t end your life.”
“You didn’t, dear sister,” Luna said. “In fact, I am far more real than the Luna you saw lying dead in your dream.”
Celestia slowly got up, keeping her eyes on her younger sister. Luna reached out and hugged her elder sister.
“I’m just glad to see you again,” Celestia cried.
“Even in the dream world, I am still able to see you as well,” Luna said. “As I speak, Gold Banks has captured me and locked me away in Tartarus. But you already know that my spirit can project into this world.”
“That’s why you were able to communicate with me,” Princess Celestia said. “You’ve done this many times. How could I have forgotten?”
“It happens to all of us,” Princess Luna said. “Even I’ve had my dark days. But right now, I have my own concern for Sunset Shimmer.”
“Sunset Shimmer?” Princess Celestia said as she wiped the tears from her eyes and got up on her four hooves. “Is she alright?”
“She is,” Princess Luna said. “But as I speak, Sunset, and the very demon pony she reincarnated from, have suffered badly over their loss to Gold Banks”
“Even I was surprised when I peeked into her cosmic core,” Princess Luna said. “But Sunset Shimmer is the reincarnation of what I believe is an extinct species of pony. Her previous incarnation was called Taiyou no Arashi Kijo. But to simplify things: Sunstorm Demona. She was the Jotei, or Empress, of the demon ponies of Megijima Island.”
“I’ve barely heard about this species of pony,” Princess Celestia said. “All I know is that they disappeared from this land a thousand years ago, and I don’t know where they went.”
“I’m afraid there may be more than we realize,” Princess Luna said. “By tapping into Sunset Shimmer’s cosmic core and into the memories of Sunstorm Demona, I learned that an alicorn that claimed to be Queen of Equestria was the one who may have been responsible for the fate of the demon ponies.”
“Queen of Equestria?” Celestia said. “It can’t be Queen Eternia or Queen Icelina. Could it?”
“No,” Princess Luna said. “And unfortunately, I recognize the pony who did this: Hydia the Horrible.”
“Hydia,” Celestia snarled. “Even though she’s no more, she still haunts my soul to this day because of the crimes she committed. But the total extinction of a species of pony? That’s gone too far.”
“It is,” Luna said. “That being said, my main concern is waking up Sunset Shimmer.”
“And that’s the reason why she hasn’t opened her eyes,” Princess Celestia said. “All this time, she feared her own demon form. And to see her fall after being transformed into a demon really hurt her pride.”
“Right now, I’m having a problem with contacting Sunset Shimmer through the dream realm,” Princess Luna explained. “No matter how much I try to reach out, her wish to see her demon form again is pushing me back.”
“Is there anything I can do?” Princess Celestia asked.
“No,” Princess Luna replied as she created a vortex. “Right now, you must tend to little Wanda.”
As the vortex formed, an image of Queen Eleanor comforting Wanda appeared in the center. Celestia looked down for a moment before tears formed in her eyes.
“This is my fault,” Celestia said. “If I wasn’t so harsh, if I didn’t throw my own life away, Wanda wouldn’t have hated me for this.”
“She doesn’t,” Luna said. “I may not be able to enter her dream, yet. But even in this form, I can still observe what’s going on in the Golden Land. I believe she’ll be heading towards a secret cavern in the ground that contains a secret of this planet’s past.”
“But I,” Celestia said before Luna placed her hoof on her sister’s mouth.
“Trust me, dear sister,” Luna said with a smile. “She needs her mommies more than ever. I will alert Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch, and ask them to help look after Sunset Shimmer and the rest of the ponies in the Golden Land. Do what you can to comfort Wanda for the night. She’ll need all the help she can get.”
“My physical form may be trapped in a prison,” Princess Luna said. “But at least we will never be separated again.”
Celestia smiled for a moment before she reached out and hugged her sister as the dream world was surrounded in a bright light.
Immediately, Princess Celestia woke up in her bedroom within the golden palace. She got up out of bed and shook her head.
“Luna,” Princess Celestia said. “One moment, you were here to give me advice, and the next moment, you’re gone. But what if what you said was true? I only hope that in the dream world, you can make things right.”
Immediately, Celesita heard a knock on the door before she heard the sound of Queen Novo’s voice.
“Princess Celestia,” Queen Novo shouted from behind the door. “Are you alright in there?”
“I’m fine,” Celestia shouted. “Except I have one request.”
“Go ahead,” Queen Novo replied.
“Can you call Wanda to my room this instant?” Celestia asked. “I believe she’s within the Emerald Forest and she might be in a hole in the ground along with Eleanor and her friends.”
“Are you sure?” Queen Novo asked.
“I am,” Princess Celestia said. “Let’s say a dream told me about it.”
“That sounds rather odd,” Queen Novo said. “But I’ll go check it out.”
As the sound of claws running through the floor echoed through the castle, Princess Celestia climbed back onto her bed and looked out the window.
“I don’t know if I deserve any forgiveness,” Celestia said. “Not after I drove my darling Wanda off.”
Later that evening, Wanda Young rode on Queen Novo’s back as the hippogriff ran through the plains of the Golden Land. Behind them, Eleanor Young flew in with Cozy Glow by her side, while Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn and Golden Lace ran next to them. Wanda held on tight as Queen Novo ran into the building, bypassing the ponies who waited nervously.
“Do you really think mommy wants to see me after what happened?” Wanda asked.
“She does,” Queen Novo said as she ran up the staircase. “But it also sounded like she was remorseful.”
“I know why,” Wanda said. “And unfortunately, I may have said some horrible things about her and my other mommy.”
“No need to be sad, smallfry,” Queen Novo said. “We’re all here for your support, and for your mommies’ support.”
Queen Novo ran down the hallway through the palace while Wanda held on tight. The hippogriff queen slowed down her running before she came to a stop outside of Princess Celestia’s bedroom. Wanda looked at the door and noticed it was slightly open.
“Does this mean,” Wanda said as she got off of Queen Novo.
“It is,” Queen Novo said. “I believe Princess Celestia wishes to speak with you.”
Wanda swallowed hard as she placed her hand on the door handle. She slowly pushed the door open and began to go inside before turning back towards Queen Novo.
“It’s okay,” Queen Novo said. “You can do this.”
Wanda nodded to Queen Novo before she went inside the room.
But as Wanda disappeared, Eleanor Young, Cozy Glow, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn and Golden Lace ran down the hall before they came to a stop next to Queen Novo.
“Queen Novo,” Eleanor said. “Did Wanda go in there?”
“She did,” Queen Novo said. “I only hope that Wanda can break through Celestia’s depression.”
“And what if she can’t?” Misty Brightdawn asked.
“It is something I don’t want to think about,” Queen Novo responded. “We need her more than ever in these dark times.”
Golden Lace walked up to the doorway and looked in between the crack. Inside, she saw Wanda walk up to Princess Celestia, both of which had a sad frown on their face.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said. “I’ve never seen Princess Celestia this sad at all. Not even after I humiliated Ditzy Doo at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“Right now, it would be best if we let them be,” Queen Novo said. “Princess Celestia’s going through some tough times, and it may be a long time until she recovers.”
“I wish I could do something about it,” Golden Lace said.
“I don’t think any of us can help her out,” Misty Brightdawn said. “I dunno if even my big brother can snap her out of it.”
“Misty’s right,” Eleanor said before she turned towards Queen Novo. “In fact, I think you should go check up on your daughter Princess Skystar.”
“Will you be okay?” Queen Novo asked.
“Don’t worry,” Eleanor Young said. “I’m also an effective babysitter.”
Queen Novo nodded to Eleanor before she turned around and walked down the hallway, leaving Eleanor with Starlight, Abigail, Cozy Glow, Misty and Lace.
“Do you think Wanda will be able to bond once more with Princess Celestia?” Starlight asked.
“She will,” Eleanor replied. “The bond of mothers and a daughter is far stronger than we realize.”
Inside Celestia’s room, Wanda sat down next to Princess Celestia, whose eyes were shifted towards the setting sun. As Wanda barely turned her head towards her adopted mother, Celestia reached out and placed her hoof on Wanda’s shoulder.
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “There’s something I….I need to…tell you.”
“No Wanda,” Celestia said, turning towards Wanda. “I shouldn’t have said those words to you. I was so distraught over losing my sister, that I took it out on you. For that, I’m sorry.”
“But mommy,” Wanda said before Celestia gently placed her hoof on Wanda’ mouth.
“If you were going to mention about having no mommies, I actually deserved that,” Celestia said. “So you’re forgiven for that remark.”
As Celestia removed her hoof from Wanda’s face, Wanda looked up at her and said “No fair. I wanted to confess and you took it away.”
As Wanda pouted on the bed and crossed her arms in disgust, Celestia rubbed her adopted daughter on the head and giggled, causing Wanda to let out a slight chuckle.
“You never cease to make me laugh,” Celestia giggled.
“Mommy, will you knock it off?” Wanda growled.
“Only when you stop being a pouty pants,” Celestia said with a smirk on her face.
With that, Celestia placed her hoof on Wanda’s belly and rubbed it. The little girl fell onto her back and laughed uncontrollably.
“I’M SORRY MOMMY!” Wanda giggled. “I DIDN’T MEAN TO! PLEASE KNOCK IT OFF!”
“Oh alright,” Celestia joked before removing her hoof from Wanda’s belly.
As Wanda sat back up, she looked at Princess Celestia’s face, who despite her smile, still shed some tears from her eyes.
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “Are you still sad?”
“I am,” Princess Celestia explained. “But not just because of Princess Luna.”
“It’s because of Sunset,” Wanda said. “It is?”
“Princess Luna was able to speak to me in my dreams,” Princess Celestia said. “She told me that your sister was troubled since her demon form was defeated by Gold Banks. Furthermore, any attempt at trying to contact her in the dream world has failed.”
“Is that why Sunset is still asleep?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Celestia said, placing her wing on Wanda’s back. “Until Sunset Shimmer wakes up, I’m going to be stuck in this room for quite a while. During that time, Chancellor Cinch and Princess Cadance may be asked by my sister in the dream realm to lead our people during these hard times. Promise you’ll be on your best behavior?”
“I will,” Wanda nodded before she climbed out from under Celestia’s wing.
Wanda climbed down from the bed and began to walk away, only to stop when Celestia said “Wait.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said, turning back towards her adopted mother.
“I wasn’t done speaking,” Celestia said. “Since this time away will cripple my spirit, could I ask you a favor?”
“What favor?” Wanda asked.
Celestia lifted her wing up and said “Could you stay with me for the night? After what you’ve been through today, you deserve some form of comfort.”
Wanda’s eyes began to tear up. She took her shoes off and tossed them to the side before climbing back up on the bed.
“I will, mommy,” Wanda cried as she hugged Princess Celestia. “I will.”
“That’s the spirit,” Celestia laughed.
But Wanda opened her eyes for a moment and said “Wait. What happened to my luggage?”
Celestia immediately rubbed Wanda on her head, messing up her hair, before she said “Go tell the others that you need your luggage. I think they’ll help you look for it.”
Wanda jumped off the bed and ran towards the doorway, ignoring her shoes that were tossed nearby. Celestia watched as Wanda opened the door and reached her head out as if she were whispering something.
“I’m not going to be the same after today,” Celestia said. “But at least I have Wanda to give me one last reason to smile.”
Meanwhile, in another room, Princess Skystar laid on her bed, looking out at the sun setting in the west. Nearby sat her wheelchair, completely motionless. She let out a sigh before turning her head towards the ceiling.
“We were this close to leaving Equestria for a new land, and now we’re stuck in the Golden Land once more,” Princess Skystar sighed. “Here I thought losing Seaquestria and Mount Aris was bad enough.”
“Now what happened to the daughter that used to enjoy life to its fullest?” Princess Skystar slowly turned her head towards the doorway and saw Queen Novo approach her. But Skystar shifted her eyes back up at the ceiling.
“Hi mom,” Skystar said in a depressed mood.
“You’ve been down since early ago today, correct?” Queen Novo asked.
“I have,” Skystar said, keeping her eyes on the ceiling. “It’s not fair. How come someone as wicked and vile as Gold Banks can take our kingdom, and take Princess Celestia’s kingdom?”
“My dear,” Queen Novo said. “That is an example of an extremely selfish individual who wants power at any cost. While the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings have terrorized us before, they do not put selfishness over their own people.”
“How do you know that?” Skystar asked, barely raising her head.
“I’ve fought them for many a century,” Queen Novo said. “Like Gold Banks, they do desire to conquer us. But unlike Gold Banks, they are not one to throw their own kind under the bridge for their own personal gains, even if they do lose their temper and get agitated, like I do.”
“And yet, this Gold Banks is willing to throw others under the bridge for her own gain?” Princess Skystar asked.
“Yes,” Queen Novo said. “In fact, before she decided to lock Wanda away in Daisy Joy Tech with her friends, rumor has it that Gold Banks was the one who purposefully botched up Princess Wanda Young’s hay fever vaccine so that it would not be as effective when she caught the virus. Some say she wanted Wanda to die because she doesn’t like the presence of a human in Equestria. Even Chancellor Cinch thought that was going too far.”
“Geez,” Princess Skystar said. “I know that Gold Banks is a bad, bad pony. But I didn’t expect her to be that bad.”
“Gold Banks had yet to confirm or deny this accusation,” Queen Novo said. “Though Princess Celestia began to suspect it more after the Daisy Joy Tech incident. No doubt that she's an irredeemable monster."
"Maybe if her mommy and daddy treated her right, none of this would have happened," Princess Skystar said.
"And you might be right," Queen Novo replied. "Some say that the parents influence what their child becomes. I believe that her parents either neglected her, treated her horribly, or far worse. Though I also believed that her sister may have been mistreated, Spoiled Rich came out as a far better pony than Gold Banks became."
Princess Skystar just sighed before she said "I wish we could get out of this mess. Until then, I don't think I'm up for any more adventures."
"You don't have to if you don't want to," Queen Novo said. "If you are fine with being here, that is your choice. But know that I will always be by your side, no matter what."
Queen Novo reached over and kissed Princess Skystar on the forehead. Skystar just looked at her mother and giggled slightly.
“Thanks mom,” Princess Skystar said. “I think after what has happened, I’m glad you’re by my side.”
As the sun began to set in the distance, Queen Novo sat on the bed next to Princess Skystar and stroked her forehead gently. Skystar yawned as she felt the tip of her mother’s claws atop her forehead before she fell asleep. Queen Novo looked down at her daughter before she got off the bed and pulled up a chair.
“Like I said,” Queen Novo said before she sat down. “I will always be by your side, even after you lost your father long ago.”
Later that night in Celestia’s Golden bedroom, the moon shone down into the room as Wanda and Celetia looked out through the window. An open luggage case sat next to a chair with a light blue/white dress lying next to it, with her shoes parked right next to it. Wanda was wearing her pajamas as she laid under Celestia’s wing.
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “Is it true that the sun and the moon shine down on the Golden Land like they do in Canterlot?”
“Now that’s a question even you would be surprised at,” Princess Celestia said. “But believe it or not, the Golden Land is one of the many sacred lands that lay beneath the surface of this planet.”
“It does?” Wanda said, a little surprised.
“It does,” Celestia replied. “But for some reason, there is a kind of magic above us that allows the atmosphere of our planet to be projected into the sacred lands. A magic that even Starswirl the Bearded and my mother Queen Eternia couldn’t understand.”
Wanda reached out to the moon outside of the castle, which had the image of the Pony of Shadows embedded on the surface. She turned towards Celestia, who cracked a smile despite a tear from her left eye.
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “Why do you look a bit sad?”
“Well truth be told,” Celestia explained, “I’m not looking forward to being alone for some time. In fact, it’s not the first time I’ve isolated myself in a room and allowed my mind to shatter.”
“When did that happen?” Wanda asked.
“Sometime after you, Princess Luna and Misty Brightdawn freed me from the Pony of Shadows, I began to have nightmares from my experience,” Celestia said. “It was as if my mind was being tormented by the very monster that took hold of me. I feared that I would become Daybreaker once more. So I barricaded myself within my room of the old castle for a month.”
“Barricaded?” Wanda said, surprised. “Was it that horrible?”
“It was,” Celestia replied. “To make matters worse, everyone was concerned for my own well-being. My sister, Misty Brightdawn, and some friends that she made while she lived at the castle. In fact, all of Equestria wanted to make sure I was alright. When Luna found me, I was an emotionless wreck, unable to speak to anyone due to how much weight was placed on my cosmic core.”
“That must have been a sad experience,” Wanda said.
“It was, and I know I’ll be suffering this again,” Princess Celestia said. “And it’s because I still worry for Sunset Shimmer, and for everyone else’s well-being.”
“Mommy,” Wanda yawned. “Sometime tomorrow, I want to watch my sister Sunset Shimmer while she’s still asleep.
“And you won’t be alone in that,” Princess Celestia said. “Tomorrow morning, while I isolate myself in this room, speak with Princess Cadance. She will be able to help you in this time of need.. You should also get your friends to pitch in.”
“I will,” Wanda yawned. “I will.”
With that, Wanda’s head lowered down onto the surface of the bed as she fell fast asleep. Princess Celestia used her magic to pull the blanket over Wanda, leaving her head exposed to the moonlight.
“I’m going to miss you, my daughter,” Princess Celestia said as her eyes watered up. “I’m not going to be myself for who knows how long. But I know you will stay strong for all of us, and for your sister. We’re living through hard times. But as long as we have each other, we won’t be broken. I promise you that.”
With that, Princess Celestia lowered her head and fell asleep next to Princess Wanda.
The moon shined down on Wanda and Celestia, who were sleeping peacefully. Nearby, a crystal sat on a golden mount, placed atop the surface of a dresser, shining brightly by the light of the moon.
Wanda Young woke up that beautiful morning in the Golden Land, atop Princess Celestia’s bed. She slid herself off the bed before touching the floor. Looking down, she saw a pair of shoes that stood out in front of her. Wanda grabbed each shoe and placed them on her respective feet. Immediately, she looked to her right and saw her luggage and her dress. Immediately, she reached out and grabbed both items, placing the luggage on the floor and the dress on her shoulder. But as she began to make her way towards the door, she heard the sound of Princess Celestia calling her name.
“Mommy,” Wanda said, turning towards Princess Celestia.
“Are you heading out already?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Yes,” Wanda said before bowing to Princess Celestia. “I want to check up on my sisters before I go explore the Golden Land once more.”
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said before she placed her hoof on Wanda's face. “As much as I want for you to stay here and keep me comfortable, I know you also desire to explore the now smaller world that you and what's left of your family and friends have become a prisoner in. And you have every right to do so.”
“Mommy, I,.” Wanda said before Celestia placed her hoof on Wanda's mouth.
“I will try to make it without you or the others, even if it does take a toll on my well-being,” Princess Celestia said. “There are two promises that I ask of you.”
As Princess Celestia pulled her hoof away, Wanda looked up to her adopted mother with a tear in her left eye.
“What are these promises?” Wanda asked.
“The first promise is to listen to your eldest sister Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch, Queen Novo, Argyle Starshine or your own biological mother while I recover from this fallout,” Princess Celestia explained.
“And what's the other promise?” Wanda asked.
“To at least be happy, even in these tough times,” Princess Celestia responded. “Even if I am not with you, even when I do fall into a depression, just remember to be optimistic for your friends, and for your sisters’ sake. You will feel some form of sadness. But that is apart of who we are.”
Wanda looked up at Princess Celestia as her own eyes became watery. She dropped her luggage and placed her dress on top of it before she reached out and gave Princess Celestia a hug.
“I will, mommy,” Wanda cried. “I will.”
“That's the spirit “ Princess Celestia said, her eyes filled with tears. “Now the world that you live in awaits your presence once more. But you will not be alone, I promise you that.”
As Princess Celestia cradled Wanda closely, Wanda looked up at her adopted mother, her eyes even more watery as tears rolled down her cheek. She nuzzled her face on Celestia’s fur pelt for the moment before pulling herself away.
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “I promise I’ll behave, and to at least be happy.”
“Then the world is now yours to explore, my darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said as she placed her hoof on Wanda’s head and gently rubbed it. “But you won’t have to explore it alone, as long as your friends remain by your side.”
“I will, mommy,” Wanda said before she grabbed her luggage and her dress. “And thank you.”
Wanda Young bowed to Princess Celestia before she turned around and walked towards the door, pulling her luggage and carrying her dress on her shoulder. She opened the door leading out of the bedroom before walking through. Immediately, the door slammed shut behind her, leaving Princess Celestia all by herself.
Princess Celestia let out a depressed sigh before she used her magic to lock the front door. She turned her attention towards the window leading out to the balcony. Noticing the lock that kept the window shut, Princess Celestia used her magic to pick the lock before opening the window up.
“As much as I don’t wish to be bothered right now,” Princess Celestia said, “There will be a time where I need some fresh air for the moment. Maybe Luna will one day come back to me.”
Princess Celestia immediately turned towards the crystal on the golden mount atop the dresser. She looked at the crystal before her horn lit up.
“Maybe I should look at the message that our father left us before he disappeared for good,” Princess Celestia said.
Princess Celestia’s horn lit up as an aura of magic surrounded the crystal on the dresser. She used her magic to pick it up and pull it closer to her. But just as the crystal was nearing the bed, Celestia dropped her head down and lowered the crystal until it landed gently on the floor before the magic disappeared.
“Maybe now might not be the time to do so,” Princess Celestia said. “It’s true that my depression will return, only because I still worry for Sunset Shimmer’s well being and to see the eyes of my sister once more. But at least, I know my darling Wanda will try to be happy, even if it’s for the sake of her friends.”
Princess Celestia looked up at the window and just stared right at it as a burst of magic emitted from her horn, surrounding the room in a powerful aura.
Outside, Wanda Young walked through the hallway, pulling her luggage and carrying her dress on her shoulder. She looked back at the moment, seeing the locked door that led to Princess Celestia’s bedroom.
“Mommy is going to be alone for a while,” Wanda said. “And…I am going to miss her. I just hope she can make it through these next few days, especially that we lost Aunt Woona yesterday. And there’s still my sister Sunset Shimmer. Oh Sunset. I wish you weren’t in this condition.”
As Wanda let out a deep sigh, she turned away from the door and towards the hall. Immediately, she noticed Starlight Glimmer walking down the hallway, looking slightly content, but with a tiny hint of worry in her eyes.
Starlight turned towards Wanda before running up to her.
“Morning Wanda,” Starlight said. “Are you going to check up on Sunset Shimmer?”
“I am,” Wanda said. “In fact, I’m hoping she could wake up.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for as well,” Starlight said. “I still remember yesterday when she turned into her she-demon form and attacked Gold Banks, only to later lose to her.”
“Why don’t we check up on her together?” Wanda said. “That way, we’ll know she’s okay.”
Starlight nodded before she turned towards a nearby door. With a burst of magic, she opened the doorway leading into a room.
“This is where she is, right?” Wanda asked.
“That’s right,” Starlight said. “Come with me.”
Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer walked through the doorway and into the room. Inside, Sunset Shimmer slept peacefully on the bed with a blanket covering her torso and legs. Next to her were Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Spike the Dragon, Karen the Bulldog and Abigail Albright. A nervous Wanda released her hold on her luggage and placed her dress on top before she approached Sunset Shimmer.
“Sunset,” Wanda said. “I’m sorry for abandoning you when I lost it. I don’t think I deserve any forgiveness after what I pulled.”
Wanda’s words attracted everyone next to Sunset, especially Princess Cadance who walked up to Wanda and gently rubbed her on the head.
“It’s okay, my little sister,” Princess Cadance said. “And good morning to you two.”
“Last night, we chose to stay by Sunset Shimmer’s side while you chose to stay by Princess Celestia’s side,” Shining Armor explained. “So how was she?”
“Well, she was okay,” Wanda said. “And yet, not okay. Mommy still misses Aunt Woona, even though they can both communicate with each other in the dream realm.”
“That resourceful alicorn,” Princess Cadance laughed. “I had a feeling that she would do this, even in captivity.”
“So why haven't I spoke with her in the dream realm?” Wanda asked.
“That's a good question,” Shining Armor responded. “Did Princess Celestia bring that up to you?”
“She did,” Wanda said. “She said something about trying to break into Sunset's dream world, but is unable to. She also mentioned Aunt Woona telling you and Miss Cinch to lead us.”
“Funny you should say that,” Princess Cadance said. “Because Princess Luna spoke with me in the dream realm, asking me and Chancellor Cinch to look after the ponies of the Golden Land. But I let her know that I plan on letting Queen Novo, King Sombra and your biological mother help out while I look after your sister.”
“That’s amazing,” Wanda said. “I hope she can speak with me in the dream realm.”
But before Wanda could say anything, Karen the Bulldog leaped onto Wanda’s chest and began to lick her on the face. Wanda laughed out loud as she struggled to push Karen back.
“Knock it out, Karen,” Wanda giggled. “That tickles.”
Shining Armor laughed as he picked up Karen with his magic and pulled her close.
“That’s enough from you, Karen,” Shining Armor chortled. “Besides, Wanda has a big adventure to go through until Sunset Shimmer awakens.”
Those words caused Wanda and Starlight to turn towards Sunset Shimmer, watching as the filly slept deeply, paying no attention to any sounds whatsoever.
“Sunset,” Starlight cried. “I wish she didn’t have to end up like this.”
“I wish for that as well,” Wanda said. “I also wish Gold Banks never did this to her.”
“Wanda,” Princess Cadance said. “I know what you’re thinking. You want to look after Sunset Shimmer while she’s asleep.”
“I do,” Wanda said, turning to Princess Cadance. “I want to make sure she’s alright.”
“And she will be alright,” Princess Cadance said. “Shining Armor and I will watch over Sunset Shimmer. You and Starlight Glimmer should go and explore with your friends.”
“But big sis,” Wanda said. “What if something horrible happens to Sunset?”
“Don’t you worry,” Shining Armor said as he sat Karen down. “I’ll make sure nothing horrible happens to my future sister-in-law.”
“They’re right on that point, Man’s Cub. They are more than capable of looking after Sunset Shimmer until she awakens.” Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer turned around and saw Chancellor Abacus Cinch make her way through the doorway and approach the two younglings.
“Miss Cinch,” Wanda said, nervously before she bowed to her.
“At ease,” Cinch said, raising her hoof in her. “I came in here to also check up on Sunset Shimmer and to ensure that she is comfortable until she awakens.”
“So you know about Sunset Shimmer’s condition?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“You may not know this, but I also spoke with Princess Luna in the dream realm,” Chancellor Cinch said. “She told me that she was taken captive after she sealed us within the Golden Realm, and the condition Sunset Shimmer is going through. She also told me and Princess Cadance to take command of the rulership until further notice.”
“All while mommy is unable to do so?” Wanda asked.
“That’s exactly right,” Princess Cadance said as she gently rubbed Wanda on the head. “Besides, it’s not the first time that I’ve done this.”
“And this time, I will be by her side as co-ruler,” Chancellor Cinch said. “For now, you and your friends should spend some time together just to boost your own morale. Do this for your adopted mother’s sake.”
Wanda looked at Chancellor Cinch square in the eyes, her forehead began to sweat as her eyes twitched a bit.
“I will, Miss Cinch,” Wanda said before she bowed once more.
“Very good,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Now you and Ms Glimmer should meet up with your friends at the foyer of this golden palace. We’ll look after her from here.”
Wanda Young turned towards Starlight Glimmer before she allowed the twin-tailed filly to place her right front hoof into the palm of Wanda’s right hand. But as the two made their way to the doorway…
“Wait,” Shining Armor shouted, causing Wanda and Starlight to pause and turn their heads towards the teen stallion and Princess Cadance.
“Shining?” Wanda asked. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” Shining Armor said before he picked up Spike the Dragon with his magic. “Take Spikey Wikey with you, along with Abigail. They both want to hang out with you, Wanda.”
Wanda released her hold on Starlight’s hoof before she turned towards Spike and Abigail. The baby dragon and kitten up to Wanda and Starlight. Abigail leaped into Wanda’s arms while the Spike approached Starlight Glimmer, allowing the filly to pet the baby dragon on the forehead.
“Don’t worry, big sister and big future brother-in-law,” Wanda said as Abigail hugged her. “We got this.”
“You definitely got this together,” Shining Armor said. “Now go break a leg and have some fun.”
With Abigail in her arms, Wanda Young walked towards the doorway and exited with Spike and Starlight following her from behind. As soon as they were out, Princess Cadance closed the door with her magic before turning back towards Chancellor Cinch and Shining Armor.
“Now that Wanda and Starlight can worry a little less,” Princess Cadance said, “I think we should get down to business about our meeting with Princess Luna last night.”
“How could I forget, when you dragged me into that dream last night?” Shining Armor laughed.
“It was because we didn't want you left out,” Princess Cadance laughed.
“Well as much as I want to continue this comedy charade,” Chancellor Cinch said, “We should get to the point of our meeting with Princess Luna last night.”
“Point taken, chancellor,” Shining Armor said. “It's one thing to be glad that Princess Luna is safe. But….why just us three?”
“Well, Aunt Luna only wished to speak with me and the chancellor last night in our sleep,” Princess Cadance said. “But she made an exception with you, Shining. But there's also the matter with Gold Bank's new power from her Alicorn Amulet.”
“It was the reason why we wanted your sister to return to Evevanya,” Chancellor Cinch explained. “This world had become too dangerous for her own good, from being forced to attend Daisy Joy Tech to being caught in a major conflict on Mount Aris.”
“But before we could get Wanda to safety, Gold Banks threatened to invade Evevanya and capture every youngling there,” Princess Cadance said. “It’s a shame she couldn’t get to go home.”
“And as horrifying as it was that we had to seal ourselves away in the Golden Land, we may have made the right choice,” Chancellor Cinch added. “Had Queen Eleanor opened the gateway to Evevanya, we would have allowed Gold Banks to enter that land and take every child from there away. We would have unintentionally aided an invasion against her people.”
“And resorted to a massive kidnapping of Evevanyian children, be it Dawn or Dusk,” Shining Armor said. “Sometimes I wonder if Wanda is safe in our world, in her world, or at all.”
“That is not a question you’ll find a good answer to,” Chancellor Cinch said, directing her eyes towards the unconscious Sunset Shimmer. “Judging by how Gold Banks has been one step ahead of all of us, the Man’s Cub may not be safe, regardless where she goes.”
Shining Armor walked up to Sunset Shimmer before placing his right hoof on her forehead. The filly dreamed a deep sleep, slowly breathing in and out before Shining Armor took his hoof off and directed his eyes back to Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch.
“So what can we do about it?” Shining Armor asked.
“I’ve already spoken with some of the other adults who are willing to pitch in,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Argyle Starshine, Queen Novo, Queen Eleanor Young, and especially a certain king of the Crystal Empire.”
“Wait,” Shining Armor said with a smirk on his face. “You’re talking about King Sombra, aren’t you?”
“Exactly,” Chancellor Cinch said. “In fact, he should be here, any second now.”
Immediately, everyone’s ears perked up as they heard someone say “I heard someone mention my name.” Chancellor Cinch stepped to the side as Princess Cadance and Shining Armor turned their heads towards the entrance. Immediately, King Sombra Brightdawn made his way inside with his little sister Misty by his side.
“King Sombra,” Princess Cadance said, bowing to the half-pony, half-umbrum heroic scoundrel.
“At ease, Princess,” King Sombra chuckled. “You know I prefer to be humble than majestic.”
“Oh, sorry,” Princess Cadance laughed as she lifted her head back up. “Just a common habit.”
As King Sombra walked up to Chancellor Cinch, Misty ran towards the bed and stood on her hind legs, looking at the unconscious Sunset Shimmer.
“Poor Sunset,” Misty Brightdawn said. “I wish she didn’t end up like that.”
“My youngest sister and I agree on that statement, Misty,” Princess Cadance said. “She pushed herself hard with her demon form, only to lose the fight in the end.”
“All that struggle, and her loss only wrecked her spirit,” Misty said, placing her hoof on Sunset’s head. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I’m afraid not,” Princess Cadance said. “But Princess Luna, despite her capture, can still aid us in the dream realm. She will try to break Sunset Shimmer free from her nightmare. And I have faith in her.”
“I hope so,” Misty Brightdawn said, taking her hoof off of Sunset’s forehead. “Besides, I remember when Sunny Starscout was in that same condition as Sunset Shimmer is. Princess Luna knew how to break into her mind and free her from her own nightmare.”
Princess Cadance looked down at Misty with a warm smile on her face before she reached out and hugged Misty Brightdawn. Nearby, King Sombra stood in front of Chancellor Cinch as Shining Armor walked around the bed and approached the duo.
“So Princess Luna is still able to tap into the dream realm,” King Sombra said. “Clever girl.”
“As clever as she is, we are down by two princesses for the moment,” Chancellor Cinch said. “While Luna’s physical form was locked away in Tartarus, Princess Celestia has locked herself away in her room within these golden halls. We are, but the few remaining adults left to look after the surviving citizens.”
“Not just us,” Shining Armor said. “But others like Queen Novo, Queen Eleanor and Argyle Starshine are available to help out.”
“What about the heads of the Pie family?” King Sombra asked.
“They’re going through some hard times since they were forced into this land,” Chancellor Cinch said. “I would recommend against asking for any help.”
“Noted,” King Sombra said. “And the same can be said for Mr and Mrs Cake.”
“They’ve already pitched in for baking goods for everyone,” Shining Armor said. “Even Pinkie Pie is eager to bake for the ponies of the Golden Land.”
“Seems everyone is eager to play their part in these dark times,” King Sombra said. “Guess I better start pulling my weight as well while we’re absent from the Crystal Empire.”
“One question is how to help push Wanda and her remaining friends’ morale up,” Shining Armor pondered.
“I have an idea,” King Sombra said. “One day, you should consider camping at the place known as Lost within the Emerald Forest, take the young’uns with you. That would be a sweet idea, don’t you think?”
“It would be,” Shining Armor said. “But I’m also aware of Starlight Glimmer’s swinophobia. Last time she was there, the pigs scared her like crazy.”
“Then maybe I should accompany you,” King Sombra said, placing his arm around Shining Armor’s back. “Give the little one a guardian to keep those porkers at bay. Wadda say?”
Shining Armor looked at King Sombra before he said “Sounds like a good idea, you smart scoundrel.”
“At least it’s better than being called a spoony bard,” King Sombra laughed. “But that being said, I think Princess Cadance should go with us.”
“Are….are you sure about that?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Go with them,” Chancellor Cinch said. “I’ll look after Sunset Shimmer and make sure she’s alright.”
But as Princess Cadance pondered the words of Chancellor Cinch, Misty got down from the bed and turned around. She immediately noticed Wanda’s luggage with her dress on top and walked up to it.
“Hey big brother,” Misty said, placing her hoof on the dress. “Isn’t this Wanda’s stuff?”
King Sombra took his arm off of Shining Armor’s back before he walked up to Misty, who took her hoof off the dress and looked up at her brother.
“Why it is,” King Sombra said. “She must have left it behind for some reason.”
“Tell you what,” Misty said. “I’ll catch up to her and deliver her stuff. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like a good idea,” King Sombra said before he rubbed Misty on her mane. “Besides, we’ll need all the fillies so far to keep her content until we can get out of this mess.”
“Thanks, big brother,” Misty said, bowing to King Sombra. “I’ll get to it, right away.”
Misty Brightdawn grabbed Wanda’s shirt and placed it on her back. Using her magic, Misty picked up the luggage before walking towards the doorway. King Sombra stood there, watching as his little sister made her way out of the room.
“She’s still exactly as I remembered her, prior to losing our mother and father,” King Sombra Brightdawn said.
“I know your mother was Princess Amore Brightdawn,” Princess Cadance said. “But who was your father?”
“A stallion with a taste for puzzles, challenges and tea making,” King Sombra said. “We lost him years before we lost our mother. His name….was Alphabittle Blossomforth.”
It was a beautiful day in the Golden Land. The sun was in the upper part of the sky, shining down on the golden horizon and the palace. Ponies were wandering about with a single care in the world. Some of them were enjoying the warm sunlight that showered on their fur and mane. Some went to the Ruby Building and checked out the books. A few explored the Emerald Woods while some enjoyed some time at the Sapphire Lake.
But inside the castle, deep within its kitchen, Pinkie Pie was hard at work mixing as many bowls full of batter, with Gummy the Baby Gator watching on, blinking his eyes once. The filly quickly moved towards the oven and opened it up before pulling out a tray full of fresh, hot cupcakes and placing them on a nearby counter. With a bag of frosting in her hooves, Pinkie Pie covered the tops of the cupcakes with a swirl of icing right on top.
But directly in the doorway of the kitchen, Mr and Mrs Cake just stood there, confused and surprised by the speed of Pinkie Pie’s tasks.
“Pinkie, dear,” Mrs Cake said. “Don’t you think you deserve a break after all you’ve done?”
“Not yet, Mrs Cake,” Pinkie Pie said as she went back to bowl mixing. “I’ve got a task to do and that involves baked goods for everyone in the Golden Land. No way are we gonna be stuck here without a tasty sweet.”
“I’m afraid she’s that stubborn, hon,” Mr Cake said, turning his head to Mrs Cup Cake. “In all my years of being a baker, I’ve never seen a pony work that fast, much less a little filly like Pinkie Pie.”
“One thing that surprises me is how she got all that flour in the Golden Land,” Mrs Cake said. “And not just the usual wheat flour, but also these gluten free flour blends.”
Pinkie Pie, overhearing Mrs Cakes’ words, stopped mixing the contents of one of the bowls and ran up to the two adults.
“Oh that’s easy,” Pinkie Pie said. “I foresaw something like this happening. So I went ahead and stacked the pantries full of various flours in advance, making sure there’s no form of cross contamination.”
As Pinkie Pie walked back towards the bowls full of batter, Cup Cake and Carrot Cake looked at each other with a worried look on their faces.
“Pinkie,” Carrot Cake asked. “Are you sure you can handle this all by yourself?”
“Oh don't you worry, Mr Cake,” Pinkie Pie said, mixing as much of the batter as possible. “I can handle all of this by myself.”
Pinkie's words only worried Cup Cake, who place her hoof on her forehead while Carrot Cake placed his arm around his wife's back.
“As much as I do appreciate Pinkie Pie’s work ethic, I think she needs all the help she can get,” Mrs Cake said.
“We’re not the only ones who agree with that,” Mr Cake said, pointing to the door leading to the dining roo . “Case in point, Pinkie’s own parents.”
But before Cup Cake, also known as Chiffon Swirl, could speak, Pinkie Pie rushed back up to the two adult ponies, holding up a tray with some cupcakes on it.
“The cupcakes are ready for my family to enjoy,” Pinkie Pie said.
“I will deliver them, Pinkie,” Cup Cake said as she took the tray from Pinkie Pie's hooves.
As Pinkie Pie made her way back to the bowls, Mrs Cake looked at her husband, holding the tray of cupcakes in her hooves.
“We should talk with her parents,” Cup Cake said. “After all, even they are concerned for Pinkie Pie's well-being.”
Carrot Cake nodded as he led Cup Cake out the kitchen and into the dining area. There were only a few ponies in the room enjoying their baked goods. But sitting in a group together were Igneous Rock Pie, Cloudy Quartz Pie, Maud Pie, Limestone Pie and Marble Pie, who sat there patiently.
“I'll go deliver these to the Pie family,” Mrs Cake said, holding her arms out. “Get some coffee, or some herbal crystal tea.”
“Understood, hon,” Carrot Cake nodded.
Carrot Cake held the tray out, allowing Cup Cake to scoop it up. Carrot Cake immediately ran back into the kitchen while Cup Cake carried the tray of desserts to the Pie Family, who eagerly awaited the goodies.
“I knew you were fast in terms of service,” Cloudy Quartz Pie said. “But I didn’t expect this to be that fast.”
“Well, it’s all thanks to Pinkie Pie,” Mrs Cake said as she sat the tray of food on the table.
“She did all of that?” Igneous Rock Pie asked, surprised and yet worried.
“Well, she did all of that by herself,” Cup Cake responded. “We wanted to pitch in. But she was just too caught up in the moment.”
Cloudy Quartz let out a sigh as she grabbed one of the cupcakes and bit into it before chewing and swallowing the piece.
“I appreciate how she dedicates herself to her craft,” Cloudy Quartz said. “But I think she's pushing herself too far.”
“You don't need to tell me that,” Cup Cake said. “Carrot and I have been trying to convince her to take it easy, but she's been a bit too stubborn about it.”
But as Cup Cake talked with Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Rock, Carrot Cake walked out of the kitchen holding a tray with two empty cups and a metal moka pot right next to it. He placed the tray right next to Igneous Rock Pie and picked up the pot before pouring coffee into the cups.
“Pinkie Pie is far from the only member of our family who's a bit overworked,” Igneous Rock explained. “We have a son who also has a knack for pushing himself. Before then, he was a real pain in the rear. Though I wish he was still with us and not stuck all alone on our rock farm.”
As Igneous Rock finished speaking, Carrot Cake picked up the cup of coffee and placed it next time the rock farmer.
“Thank you,” Igneous Rock said. “I appreciate it.”
“It's my pleasure to serve, Mr Pie,” Carrot Cake nodded.
As The Cakes continued their discussion with the heads of the La Maresa Pie Family, Limestone sat nearby, overhearing the conversation while Mrs Cake placed a cupcake each next to her, Marble and Maud.
“It was one thing for Octavio to be this overworked,” Limestone sighed. “But Pinkie Pie? She pushes herself too hard with her new job.”
“She does,” Maud Pie said. “We tried talking to her about helping out. But she declined, stating that she still has a full responsibility.”
“It's still about the loss of her branch of the Sugar Cube Corner, I take it,” Limestone asked.
“Exactly,” Maud said. “She poured her heart and soul into that place and now it's gone. I think she's only doing this to escape the pain of losing her dream.”
“How are we going to convince Pinkie to take it easy?” Limestone sighed.
But as Marble Pie looked around, she noticed Wanda Young sitting in a nearby corner, wearing her casual dress. Next to her were Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Spike the Dragon and Misty Brightdawn. Marble immediately tapped Limestone's shoulder, catching her eldest sister's attention.
“What's the word, Marble?” Limestone asked.
Marble immediately pointed to Princess Wanda Young, still sitting in that corner, waiting patiently with her friends.
“Wait,” Limestone said. “Are you really sure you want to horseshoe Princess Wanda into this?”
Marble Pie only nodded with a smile on her face.
“That might be something,” Maud Pie said. “After all, Pinkie Pie is good friends with Princess Wanda. She even planned that birthday party for her.”
“I don’t know,” Limestone Pie said with a worried look on her face. “Involve one of the Princesses in getting this mess fixed? We’re already down by three Princesses, and the other is occupied with Princess Sunset Shimmer’s well being. The last thing we need is to horseshoe the last available princess with a request.”
“It doesn't hurt to ask, sis,” Maud Pie said. “Better than doing nothing at all.”
But as Limestone Pie and Maud Pie continued to take, Marble overhead someone whistling to her. She turned around, where Misty Brightdawn signaled to the silent rock filly.
“Over here,” Misty whispered while waving at Marble.
Marble gulped quietly before she slowly climbed off of the seat and walked over to Misty Brightdawn. The rock filly looked up to also see Wanda, Starlight, Abigail and Spike look down at her, causing her to gasp silently.
But before Marble could say anything, Misty placed her hoof on Marble's nose, causing the shy rock filly to pause for a moment.
“We know what you're going to say,” Misty said. “But you don't have to say it.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “I know it sounds like they don't want to horseshoe me into solving this problem, considering what my sisters, mommy and auntie are going through. But I'm willing to do what I can to help.”
Marble Pie was at a loss for words. She turned back to her sisters, who were still talking amongst each other. She then turned to her parents, who spoke with Mr and Mrs Cake. Finally, she turned back to Wanda and nodded to the Man's Cub without any hesitation.
“That's the spirit,” Wanda said. “Now all we need to do is to take up their task.”
“Allow me,” Starlight Glimmer said as she jumped out of her seat before landing her hooves on the floor.
As Starlight Glimmer made her way up to Limestone and Maud Pie, Wanda Young, Misty Brightdawn, Spike and Abigail got out of their seats and began to follow from behind.
“This is something I didn’t expect from Glimglam,” Wanda said. “She sure is full of surprises.”
“I’m surprised she’s so upbeat right now, considering what we’re going through,” Misty responded.
“That’s true,” Wanda said. “In fact, despite that cheerful attitude, there’s a part of her that still misses Sunburst and Trixie.”
“That I can agree on,” Misty nodded.
While Limestone and Maud Pie continued to speak with each other, Starlight Glimmer approached Maud and tapped her on the shoulder, catching the monotone filly’s attention. Maud turned towards Starlight Glimmer with a smile on her face.
“Starlight,” Maud said. “I take it you heard what Limestone and I were talking about.”
“We were,” Starlight Glimmer said. “That’s why Princess Wanda wanted to address you and your sister, Maud.”
“Well to be honest, you were a bit on the loud side,” Starlight explained.
With her face blushed red, Limestone Pie covered her mouth while Starlight Glimmer giggled a bit. Even Maud could help but let out a slight chuckle.
“Alright,” Limestone said, reluctantly. “Bring her over.”
Starlight Glimmer turned to Wanda and waved her right arm into the air. Without a sense of hesitation, Wanda, Misty, Marble, Abigail and Spike walked up to Starlight Glimmer, to which Limestone and Maud Pie turned their attention to them.
“So you overheard what I was talking about,” Limestone Pie asked with an awkward tone.
“We have,” Wanda said. “Even though it’s true that the rest of my family is out of commission for the moment, I’m still able to help. And don’t you worry. Even though my mommy will be alone, my auntie Luna is out there somewhere, and my sister Sunset is out cold, I can still help out.”
“I don’t know, Princess,” Limestone Pie said, scratching the back of her head with her hoof. “To be honest, I don’t want to sound like a selfish pony by asking you to help us.”
“It’s okay, Limestone,” Wanda said, holding her hand out. “Besides, Pinkie Pie is my friend, and friends help one another.”
Limestone Pie looked up at Wanda’s hand. Though she pulled her head back for a moment, she turned back and began to reach her hoof out towards the Princess’ hand.
Suddenly, everyone came to a pause the moment a loud crash combined with a blood-curdling scream came out of the kitchen area. Everyone turned their attention towards the kitchen entrance, horrified at what was going inside.
“That sounded like Pinkie Pie,” Cup Cake said. “I hope she’s alright.”
Wanda stood next to Mr and Mrs Cake, keeping her eyes on the doorway. Marble, Maud and Limestone stood next to the human princess, with their eyes fixated on the kitchen entrance.
“Wanda,” Limestone Pie said. “Will you help Pinkie out?”
“I will,” Wanda said.
“Then come with us,” Limestone Pie nodded.
Limestone Pie ran towards the kitchen entrance with Wanda Young, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Maud Pie, Marble Pie, Igneous Rock Pie, Cloudy Quartz Pie, Mr and Mrs Cake right behind them. But when Limestone opened the door, she gasped at what she saw.
“Oh my goodness,” Limestone yelled. “Pinkie. Are you alright?”
Within the confines of the kitchen, the whole place was a mess. Cake batter was spread across the walls, floors, cabinets, counters and even on the stove. The ovens were wide open with what appears to be remnants of cakes that somehow exploded. Bowls were scattered across the room. Pinkie Pie laid on the ground with cake batter on her face, looking up at everyone else with shame in her teary eyes.
“I…I’m sorry,” Pinkie Pie said, looking as if she were on the verge of crying. “I…think I pushed myself too hard.”
But before Pinkie Pie could break out in tears, Wanda and Starlight ran up to the pink earth pony, with Starlight reaching out and hugging Pinkie Pie close. Wanda pulled a handkerchief out from the sleeve of her right glove and wiped a tear from Pinkie’s eyes before wiping some of the cake off of her.
“I think I know why you pushed yourself too hard,” Wanda said. “You miss the Sugar Cube Corner of Canterlot.”
“I…guess so,” Pinkie signed as Wanda continued to clean the pink pony’s face.
“You’re not the only one,” Starlight Glimmer said as she let go of Pinkie Pie. “We still remember when you first opened that shop in Canterlot not long ago. The desserts you made were so delicious, but the atmosphere, the energy surrounding it, and being with my friends was the best part.”
“That I can agree on,” Misty Brightdawn said as she emerged from the crowd and approached Pinkie Pie before turning her head back to Mr and Mrs Cake. “In fact, I think you have the best teachers a baker or a party planner would ever have. They taught you everything on how to make these delicious treats, and I’m glad to have paid a visit to your shop.”
“And it was too bad I missed out on the opening of your shop,” Wanda said. “I bet the first ponies who came there enjoyed every minute of it.”
“They did,” Pinkie Pie said as she wiped what’s left of her tear from her eye. “So you all missed it.”
“We do,” Misty Brightdawn said. “As much as you miss the Sugar Cube Corner.”
“We may not have a store to visit in Canterlot for the time being,” Wanda said, holding her hand out. “But we can still make great memories with your skills in cakes, cookies and brownies. And if you need any help, we’re here for you. You’re not alone on this.”
Pinkie Pie looked up at Wanda’s hand before she reached out and grabbed it with her hoof. Wanda pulled Pinkie Pie up before the pink pony reached out and hugged her.
“Thanks,” Pinkie cried. “We may not have any Sugar Cube Corner and a good load of our friends are not with us. But I’m glad you still have faith in me.”
“Pinkie, darling,” Mrs Cake said. “We’re all here for you in case you’re not up for baking.”
“Oh I am up for baking, Mrs Cake,” Pinkie Pie said before looking around at the mess in the kitchen. “But first, I think we need to take care of the mess I made.”
Starlight Glimmer looked at Pinkie Pie with a smug look on her face and said “Allow me.”
Starlight Glimmer’s horn glowed brightly as it filled the room with a bright light. When the light was gone, the cakey mess that was around the whole room was gone. The ovens were closed properly, and the bowls were placed back on the counter. Pinkie Pie looked around and smiled deeply.
“Thanks, you guys,” Pinkie Pie said. “I’m glad to have friends like you around.”
“What are friends for?” Maud said with a smile on her face. “They were only looking out for you.”
“Aww, thanks Maud,” Pinkie said before she reached out and hugged Maud close.
“Now how about we all pitch in and make some of the best cakes ever?” Wanda chanted.
As most of the other younglings cheered before they made their way to the counter, oven and the pantry, Limestone Pie approached her sister Maud with a surprised look on her face.
“I guess I was wrong,” Limestone said. “I didn’t want Princess Wanda involved because I didn’t want to overburden her. But she sounds like she’s willing to take up any task thrown at her.”
“Pinkie Pie always told us about how wonderful her friends are,” Maud Pie said. “It’s something we often take for granted. After all, friends in a way do count as family.”
Marble Pie nodded in agreement as Limestone scratched her head in embarrassment. Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz walked up to Limestone, Maud and Marble with a warm smile on their faces.
“To be honest,” Igneous Rock explained, “What Pinkie went through does remind us of Octavio’s own stubbornness when he often overworked himself. Something that I hope we can truly address when we return to our rock farm.”
“But for now, why don’t we let the kids have a little fun,” Cloudy Quartz said with a wink.
“No argument with that,” Igneous Rock laughed.
Later that day, there were a number of ponies in the dining hall as Wanda Young, Starlight Glimmer, Limestone and Marble Pie, and even Spike and Abigail made their way out, with Wanda pushing a cart that had cakes, cookies, donuts, brownies, and pie.
“Who knew taking the burden off of Pinkie Pie was so much fun,” Starlight Glimmer said as Spike grabbed a plate with a cake slice on it and placed it next to one of the pony refugees.
“Well one shouldn’t have to be given all of that burden by his or herself,” Wanda said. “After all, we work together as a team so that no one has to deal with all that stress.”
“One thing I did learn was to at least ask for your help instead of holding myself back,” Limestone Pie said.
“I know you didn’t want to burden me with this request,” Wanda said. “But it never hurts to ask. Promise?”
“Promise,” Limestone said.
Suddenly, Starlight Glimmer paused as she heard someone say “Punky Wumpkin. Is that you?” Starlight looked up to see Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer sitting at one of the tables, looking down at her.
“Uhh dad,” Starlight blushed. “I can explain. I was just…”
“Helping out a friend in need?” Starseeker interrupted.
“Yeah,” Starlight said before Firelight reached down and gently rubbed Starlight on the mane.
As Starlight giggled at her father’s touch on her mane, Wanda grabbed two plates, each with donuts on them and placed them on the table next to Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer.
“There you are, Mr and Mrs Glimmer,” Wanda said before she bowed to the two adult ponies.
“Princess,” Starseeker said before Wanda placed her hand on the cart.
“Yes, Mrs Glimmer?” Wanda asked.
“I want to thank you for at least staying by our daughter,” Starseeker Glimmer said as Firelight took his hoof off of Starlight’s head. “She’s been a bit lonely since we all arrived at the Golden Land.”
“Actually, I have Starlight to thank for staying by my side,” Wanda said. “I was devastated when we were trapped in the Golden Land. But she, along with my other friends, reminded me that I’m not alone.”
“I hope we get out of this mess that Gold Banks got us into,” Firelight Glimmer said. “I bet Starlight’s missed all her other friends. Twilight Sparkle, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and even her favorite from La Maresa. Who was her name?”
“Trixie,” Starlight cheered. “The Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“Oh yeah,” Firelight said. “And when we get out of this mess, we will make sure Starlight sees her friends again.”
“Well as much as we want to hold you up and make sure you keep smiling,” Starseeker Glimmer said. “You have others that need your attention.”
“That’s right,” Limestone Pie said. “Everyone is in the mood to have their spirits lifted up.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Wanda cheered. “Let’s continue on.”
As Wanda grabbed the cart, she passed Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer by, nodding to the parents of Starlight Glimmer. Starlight waved at her folks before she followed Wanda from behind. Limestone, Marble, Abigail and Spike stood there with a smile on their face.
“As much as I appreciate those two, there’s still a lot of work to do,” Limestone said. “Besides. No work means total boredom.”
Marble nodded in agreement as she and Limestone followed Wanda and Starlight, leaving Spike and Abigail with Firelight and Starseeker.
“Boredom?” Abigail asked.
“Well it’s how some ponies live their life,” Firelight Glimmer said. “But don’t tell my punky wumpkin. I happen to be a bit of a workaholic myself.”
Spike and Abigail couldn’t help but giggle.
But at the far end of the room, Pinkie Pie, Misty Brightdawn, Maud Pie, Mr and Mrs Cake, and Igenous Rock and Cloudy Quartz Pie watched with amusement as Wanda, Starlight, Limestone and Marble continued to deliver baked goods to the ponies within the dining hall.
“Isn’t it great to see ponies enjoying your cuisine, Pinkie?” Misty said. “I bet that calls for a celebration.”
“It does, Misty,” Pinkie Pie said. “But right now, I am going to take it easy.”
“Awww,” Misty said, disappointed. “I wanna see one of your famous Pinkie Pie parties.”
“Well, just because Pinkie Pie is supposed to be the reincarnation of Discord doesn’t mean the whole world in her hooves,” Igneous Rock Pie said. “She needs all the help she can get.”
“And that’s a lesson we all need to learn, time and time again,” Cloudy Quartz laughed.
“By the way,” Pinkie Pie said. “We have some leftover batter. Wanna bake up a cake for a post-dining party?”
But Pinkie Pie’s words only made her parents, along with Mr and Mrs Cake, laugh.
“Pinkie,” Cup Cake laughed. “That’s just like you. Wanting to throw random parties out of nowhere.”
“Well it is my destiny, and it is what my cutie mark is telling me,” Pinkie Pie giggled.
“Well what are we waiting for?” Misty said. “Let’s go take care of that.”
With that, Pinkie Pie, Maud Pie and Misty Brightdawn made their way into the kitchen area, leaving the Pie and Cake adults behind.
“Mr Carrot Cake,” Igneous Rock Pie said, taking off his hat. “Thanks for teaching our daughter the ways of the cake.”
“It’s been an honor, Mr Pie,” Carrot Cake said. “And I hope you get to see your son, once more.”
“I know we’re not parting on any terms,” Igneous Rock said. “But there is always one thing I always say…May providence fare thee well.”
The dining room and the kitchen was empty, save for Pinkie Pie, Mr and Mrs Cake and Gummy. Pinkie Pie was pulling the cloth from the table and placing them in a bin while Mr Cake pished the cart towards the back door. Gummy just stood on one of the bare tables, blinking randomly.
“What a busy morning,” Pinkie Pie said. “And it would have been a disaster had I did it all by myself.”
“Well it’s a lesson learned from experience, Pinkie Pie,” Mrs Cake said. “Reminds me of when I started out at the Sugar Cube Corner at La Maresa.”
“You went though the same thing as I had?” Pinkie asked.
“Oh I did,” Cup Cake giggled. “Back when I was called Chiffon Swirl, I had a horrible first day of the Sugar Cube Corner, and I felt as if I had to close up shop after that same disaster.”
“So how come you didn't?” Pinkie Pie asked as she took some plates off the table and placed them in another cart.
“Oh it was because there were ponies who understood what I was going through,” Cup Cake explained. “Like with what you went through, some of them pitched in to make sure I wasn't stressed out from my first day. One of them was Applejack's mother: Buttercup.”
“Wow,” Pinkie Pie said. “I didn't even know.”
But before Mrs Cake could speak further, she took notice of a mare with a cloak over her body. Cup Cake tapped Pinkie Pie before pointing her to the mare in the cloak.
“Oooh, some pony who wants some cake,” Pinkie Pie said.
Pinkie Pie bounced over to the cloaked mare as the latter made her way through the dining room. Pinkie's ecstatic bouncing caused the mare to be a bit uneasy.
“Can I help you with something?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Oh….I'm just an ordinary pony just…getting use to this place,” the Cloaked Mare said.
“That makes two of us,” Pinkie Pie said. “Now how about some cake? Or maybe a slice of pie?”
“I don't know,” the Cloaked Mare said. “I had a bit of a big breakfast.”
“Oh, but we insist,” Mrs Cake said, approaching the mare. “Surprisingly, we still have a lot of baked goods left from today that we need to get rid of. How about we leave you with some?”
But before the Cloaked Mare could say anything, Pinkie Pie immediately dashed towards the kitchen. Within mere seconds, she was back with a tray full of containers, each with a baked good inside.
“Take your pick or just take 'em all,” Pinkie Pie said.
The Cloaked Mare looked down at all of the cardboard containers of cakes, pies, donuts and other pasties. Her eyes looked uneasy as she took a bit of a gulp.
“Ahhh I'll take it all,” The Cloaked Mare said.
“We were hoping you would say that,” Mrs Cake laughed.
Pinkie Pie placed the tray on the table and pulled a cloth bag from her mane. She closed the containers full of baked goods and placed each and every one in a saddlebag before holding it out for the Cloaked Mare.
“Here you are,” Pinkie Pie said.
The Cloaked Mare reached into the pocket of her cloak and pulled out a small wallet. But before she could open it, Mrs Cup Cake placed her hoof on the wallet and pushed it back.
“Don't you worry,” Cup Cake said. “It's on the house. Besides, money is worthless right now while we're all in exile. I insist.”
The Cloaked Mare placed her wallet back into her cloak before taking the bag of pastries from Pinkie Pie with her magic, and placing them on her back. She bowed to Mrs Cake with a hint of humbleness in her eyes.
“Thank you,” The Cloaked Mare said. “I will not forget this.”
“Well you have yourself a nice day,” Mrs. Cake said. “And take care of yourself.”
As the Cloaked Mare turned around and walked off with the saddlebag of pastries on her back, Cup Cake and Pinkie Pie watched on with smiles on their faces, while Gummy stood on the table, blinking once.
“What a nice mare,” Cup Cake said. “Though I do worry about her well-being.”
Pinkie Pie immediately turned to the reader with a smug look on her face.
“Don’t tell the others,” Pinkie Pie whispered to the reader. “But that’s Crystal Snow, the daughter of Coldnelius Snap.”
Meanwhile, it was a quiet day in the Emerald Forest. Light shined deep into the hole near Lost. Deep within, the underground chamber glowed brightly as the light bathed the carved walls. The carvings of the Drakians, Lilly-Hikari the goddess and the Dark Dragon Oblivion were laid bare.
But nearby, Princess Chrysalis II, along with Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator slept soundly on the floor. The sound of Quickstrike’s stomach growling caused everyone to wake up.
“Uggh,” Quickstrike groaned. “Hungry already?”
Princess Chrysalis II opened her eyes and yawned, stretching her arms and legs out. She rolled herself onto her hooves and stood up.
“If it weren’t for the fact that we’re without a kingdom, we would have had some food right now,” Princess Chrysalis II groaned before she shook her head.
“Waspinator feeling famished,” Waspinator whined. “Waspinator wants something to eat.”
“Well unfortunately, we don’t have anything to eat at this moment,” Quickstrike shouted.
“But Waspinator wants a nice juicy steak,” Waspinator groaned. “Waspinator wants potatoes with sour cream and chives on top. Even haggis would do fine for Waspinator.”
“Do I look like a five star chef to you, brother?” Quickstrike snarled.
“That’s enough, you two,” Princess Chrysalis II shouted, causing both Predacons to turn towards the youngling. “The last thing we need are changelings fighting each other.”
“Princess,” Inferno saluted before Princess Chrysalis II turned to him. “I have enough strength to gather anything edible. Point me in the direction and I will comply.”
“I know we’re going to grow tired of eating mushrooms,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “But we’re going to need as much as possible. Full bellies are our first priority. If you think you’re being spotted, disguise yourself this instant.”
“At once,” Inferno said. “For the glory of the royalty.”
Inferno flapped his wings as fast as possible before he leaped into the air and flew towards the hole above. As he disappeared out of sight, Princess Chrysalis II, Quickstrike and Waspinator watched on from below.
“There goes one brave changeling,” Quickstrike said. “I hope he brings us something back that’s decent.”
“Waspinator will take anything,” Waspinator said. “Even disgusting mushrooms.”
“Right now, while we wait for Inferno to bring some grub back,” Princess Chrysalis II explained as she pulled out an orb from her mane, “I believe I should contact my mother about the recent updates.”
As Quickstrike and Waspinator gathered Princess Chrysalis II, the interior of the orb began to swirl for a bit before Queen Chrysalis appeared within.
“My daughter,” Queen Chrysalis said. “I see you are within the confines of the Golden Land.”
“We are, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “But I wish we had some food to keep us sustained.”
“The same can be said of my changelings and Coldnelius Snap’s Windigo’s Guild,” Queen Chrysalis said. “I assume you’ve sent one of your own minions to locate some nourishment.”
“We have,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “But why can’t we just simply feed on the love of those miserable ponies?”
“That is something even I can’t seem to figure out,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Ever since we were driven out of our own kingdom, love has become too unappetizing to us.”
“I bet it was that blasted Gold Banks with the way she took our way of life,” Quickstrike said, clutching his hooves together. “If I ever see that cowardly, tin-horned varmint again, I’ll give her a good kick in the keister that she won’t forget.”
“Until we extend our truce with Princess Celestia and the ponies of Equestria, that is out of the question,” Queen Chrysalis said. “I am not going to risk any more of my people for Gold Banks’ own sadistic empire, and neither will my partner.”
As Queen Chrysalis disappeared from the orb, Coldnelius Snap’s image appeared out of nowhere, much to the disappointment of Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“Coldnelius Snap,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “What brings you to our attention?”
“I just want to inform you that my daughter Crystal Snow is already within the confines of the Golden Land,” Coldnelius Snap explained.
“Well,” Quickstrike said. “If you want me to find and escort her here, I’ll be happy to do that, Mr Snap.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Coldnelius Snap said. “She told me that Princess Celestia is out of commission and Princess Cadance is looking after an unconscious Princess Sunset Shimmer.”
“And what about Princess Luna?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Taken captive by Gold Banks,” Coldnelius Snap said. “That leaves Princess Wanda Young as the only active Equestria Princess remaining. However, she alerted me of the presence of other powerful creatures like King Sombra and Queen Novo.”
“So how is ice princess supposed to get to our location?” Waspinator asked.
“I have already triangulated the coordinates of your communications orb with her,” Coldnelius Snap said. “She will be arriving at your location within a few moments. Wait there until she arrives.”
“I think that might be a little difficult with our food supply running low,” Princess Chrysalis II responded.
“That I was also made aware of,” Coldnelius Snap said. “Should the predacon Inferno fail in his mission to gather up food, my daughter has managed to acquire some of her own. You won’t be going hungry during your time at the Golden Land. Now stay put until she gets back. Understood?”
”That should be a piece of cake,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“Very well,” Coldnelius Snap said. “I will turn this back over to your queen.”
In an instant, Coldnelius Snap’s face disappeared from the orb before Queen Chrysalis re-emerged from the interior of the crystal sphere.
“You got all of that, I take it?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“We have, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “And we await the ice princesses arrival.”
“Wait,” Quickstrike said as his ears began to perk up. “There's someone approaching the entrance.”
“Well don't just stand there,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Hide out of plain sight, and observe these intruders.”
Waspinator quickly looked around the vicinity and noticed a set of boulders lined up neatly.
“Waspinator found hiding place,” Waspinator said. “Come. We hide and observe.”
Waspinator let Princess Chrysalis II and Quickstrike to the boulders, to which all three changelings jump over. Once they landed their hooves on the ground, the trio peeked their heads up at the hole above while Queen Chrysalis observed everything from the orb positioned next to her daughter.
“Are you sure someone is coming this way?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Oh I can hear it very well,” Quickstrike said. “Two varmints. One that sounds like a male stallion, and the other like the warm voice of a mare. Maybe it's Princess Celestia.”
“Ridiculous,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “You remember the word about Princess Celestia barricading herself in her room. She's out of commission. Same for Princess Luna after she got herself taken captive by Gold Banks.”
“Waspinator thinks that was human bug's biological mother,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator knows her name: Eleanor Young.”
Princess Chrysalis II paused for a moment, reflecting on Waspinator's word.
“You have a point there,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “I think we encountered her while on Mount Aris and…”
“Keep your voices down,” Queen Chrysalis said. “They're coming.”
As the changelings looked up, a rope ladder rolled down the hole before dangling ear the ground. Following from above was Argyle Starshine, climbing down the ladder, with Queen Eleanor Young following from behind.
“So this must be the cavern that Wanda and her friends discovered,” Argyle said. “What a fascinating place.”
“It's like the ruins beneath Equinox City of Evevanya,” Eleanor explained. “There are many parallels between this place and my home.”
“Do you suppose Equestria and Evevanya were once one planet?” Argyle asked as he jumped off the rope ladder?”
“Not just those two planets,” Eleanor said as she reached the bottom. “Earth may have also been a part of this super planet that it used to be.”
As Eleanor placed her feet on the ground, Argyle Starshine walked up to the carved mural on the wall and took a look at the carving of the lizard-like humanoids.
“So these are the Drakians that you told me about,” Argyle Starshine asked.
“They are,” Eleanor responded. “It was said that they were responsible for all life on the three planets.”
“To think, I only studied about the very dinosaurs that once roamed Equestria,” Argyle Starshine said. “Though I am surprised about these carvings that show Drakians alongside the dinosaurs.”
But as Argyle scanned his eyes around the carving, he noticed the illustration of the Drakians bowing to the human-like creature, causing his eyes to pop with excitement.
“I think I recognize her for some reason,” Argyle Starshine said. “Lily Hikari, correct?”
“So you know about the legend of Lily Hikari,” Eleanor responded.
“The ancient goddess who was responsible for creating our universe,” Argyle Starshine responded. “Back when I first studied in college for my teaching degree, we were taught all about our ancient past, which includes the legend of Lily Hikari. That being said, there is a carving on this wall that I have never seen before. And yet, I somehow recognize it.”
“Recognize it?” Eleanor said, curious about Argyle’s words. “And what would that be?”
Immediately, Argyle Starshine pointed to the carving of the dragon that Lily Hikari faced off against.
“I don’t know why,” Argyle Starshine said. “But for some reason, I recognize this figure as Oblivion the Dark Dragon. And it’s the first time I’ve heard of him.”
“Same here when my biological daughter Wanda recognized him,” Eleanor said.
“It’s strange,” Argyle Starshine said. “As I look deeper into these drawings, they feel…familiar. Like I’ve seen them before. I’m not so sure why.”
“It’s a rather interesting phenomenon,” Elenor said. “Our cosmic cores contain knowledge of our previous lives. Perhaps they may include…the Drakians who existed…on this planet first.”
But Eleanor began to drift away from the stone mural towards the hole that they came in. Argyle took quick notice at Eleanor’s posteur as she let out a depressed sigh.
“There is,” Eleanor said. “You remember what happened that day when we were supposed to send Wanda back to Evevanya.”
“I do,” Argyle said. “And it wasn’t a pretty sight.”
“Wanda was supposed to be safe at home in Equinox City along with her friends,” Eleanor said. “But Gold Banks threatened to invade our home and take all of our younglings away if I opened the gate to Evevanya. And as a result, we’re all stuck here. Some mother I turned out to be if I can’t get my daughter home safe and sound.”
“It’s not your fault,” Argyle Starshine said, walking up to Eleanor and placing his hoof on Eleanor’s back. “None of us foresaw Gold Banks launching an invasion into Canterlot on what was supposed to be Wanda Young’s final day in Equestria. And even though you were unable to open the gate back home, you did the right thing by keeping the other younglings safe.”
“Are you sure about that?” Eleanor asked.
“I am,” Argyle said. “Right now, Gold Banks has no idea on how to leap between worlds, even with the power of the Alicorn Amulet. And as long as she is unable to do so, your own people are safe. You have my word.”
As Argyle Starshine took his hoof away, Eleanor Young turned her head towards the earth pony stallion with a smile on her face.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Eleanor said. “Thanks.”
Suddenly, Argyle’s stomach began to growl as he chuckled a bit.
“I don’t think I can continue to study these carvings without a bit of grub,” Argyle laughed. “Maybe it’s time we took a break and head back to the castle.”
“Agreed,” Eleanor nodded. “Let’s head out.”
With that, Argyle Starshine climbed up the rope ladder with Eleanor Young following him from behind, making their way up towards the hole. But Eleanor came to a stop before looking behind her.
“Should I tell Argyle that we have guests down here?” Eleanor said to herself. “Naaaah. Maybe not.”
With that, Eleanor continued her climb up the ladder and towards the hole in the ceiling. Once both the Evevanyian Queen and the earth pony teacher went through the hole, the ladder was pulled up until it disappeared.
Immediately, Princess Chrysalis II, Quickstrike and Waspinator peeked their heads out with the changeling youngling levitating the orb with Queen Chrysalis’ visage looking up at the hole.
“They’re gone,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “What a relief.”
“You never really did tell me about those carvings,” Queen Chrysalis said, turning towards her daughter.
“I didn’t,” Princess Chrysalis I said. “And I think I owe you and Coldnelius Snap an explanation.”
“But I did overhear them mention these…Drakians,” Queen Chrysalis pondered. “Along with this….Lily Hikari and this Dark Dragon Oblivion.”
“I don’t know why, boss bug,” Quickstrike said. “But the more I see that dark dragon and that figure who resembles it on that wall, it reminds me of….Megatron.”
“Megatron?” Queen Chrysalis responded, curious of Quickstrike’s words. “I recall on Earth that there is a leader of a group of rogue, gigantic robots called the Deceptions who goes under the name of Megatron.”
“Well did this so-called Decepticon Megatron have purple or red scales?” Quickstrike asked.
“Not that I know of,” Queen Chrysalis said. “From what I understand, he was more silver-ish compared to the Megatron you describe. Perhaps one who took his name for his own gain.”
“Wait,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator remembers something. We Predacons once saw a Beast Wars figure resembling the Megatron that was in our minds. Do you suppose this Megatron was in our past?”
But before Queen Chrysalis could respond, everyone overheard the sound of insect wings buzzing from above, followed by the sound of an innocent mare.
“Hold it,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “I think there are two more individuals above us, and I think I recognize them.”
“Sounds like Inferno was able to locate Princess Crystal Snow,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Coldnelius Snap will be pleased to know that his daughter is safe.”
And in an instant, Inferno flew in from the top of the hole, holding the very same cloaked mare with him. Her back had a saddlebag full of containers.
“Princess Crystal Snow,” Princess Chrysalis II waved. “Down here.”
Immediately, the cloaked mare took off her hood, revealing herself to be Crystal Snow, just as Inferno landed on the ground and placed the Winterian Princess down.
“I apologize for not being here sooner,” Crystal Snow said. “I wanted to make sure you have your fill of food for the next few days.”
“Well I’m hoping it’s better than mere mushrooms,” Quickstrike said. “That’s some of the blandest stuff I’ve ever tasted.”
“I think you’ll find it to be better than mushrooms,” Crystal Snow said as she took her saddlebag off with her magic.
Crystal Snow placed the saddlebag on the group and opened it. As soon as she pulled one of the containers out and opened the lid, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator looked down and began to salivate over it.
“Is that…what I think it is?” Inferno said, glaring down at the contents.
Inside the cardboard box was a piece of chocolate cake with buttercream frosting on it. Crystal Snow held the box towards Inferno with a warm smile on her face.
“It is,” Crystal Snow said. “And since you helped me get here, you get first dibs.”
Crystal Snow placed the box with the chocolate cake in Inferno’s hooves. The only thing the Predacon could do was look down at the cake with a warm smile on his face.
“Oh I will never forget your kindness, daughter of Coldnelius Snap,” Inferno cried with a smile on his face. “PRAISE THE ROYALTY!”
With that, Inferno munched down on the chocolate cake, enjoying every bite. Crystal Snow pulled out two more boxes and gave them to Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“And these are for you,” Crystal Snow said. “Enjoy.”
As Quickstrike and Waspinator opened their box, they looked down with tears of joy. Inside each box contained a cream-filled donut and a frosted brownie.
“Miss Snow,” Quickstrike said. “I will never forget your kindness.”
“Waspinator appreciate food from ice princess,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator will not forget this moment.”
As Quickstrike and Waspinator began to eat their desserts, Crystal Snow turned to Princess Chrysalis II and brought a cardboard box out for her before opening it. Inside was a mini-torte cake with a raspberry on top. Princess Chrysalis II looked up at Crystal Snow with a smile on her face and tears falling from her eye.
“My favorite,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Thank you.”
Princess Chrysalis II reached over and hugged Crystal Snow. The older Winterian looked down at the changeling filly and placed her hoof on her head.
“Anything to keep our morale high,” Crystal Snow said.
“That reminds me,” Princess Chrysalis II said as she pulled herself away and pulled up the orb. “Someone wants to talk with you.”
Crystal Snow traded the box with the cake to Princess Chrysalis II, who gave her the orb with Queen Chrysalis’ face on it. Crystal Snow held the orb in her hooves as Queen Chrysalis looked up at her, all while Princess Chrysalis II began to enjoy her torte cake.
“I’m glad to see you’re in one piece, Princess Crystal Snow,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“The pony folk seem content, and yet a bit glum,” Crystal Snow said.
“No doubt about it,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Gold Banks wrecked their confidence after that attack on Canterlot.”
“I also take it my father is with you,” Crystal Snow asked.
“He is,” Queen Chrysalis explained. “And he wishes to speak with you.”
In an instant, Queen Chrysalis disappeared from the orb as Coldnelius Snap appeared once more. The leader of the Windigo’s Guild looked up at Crystal Snow with a warm smile on his face.
“My daughter,” Coldnelius Snap said. “Words cannot describe the joy upon seeing your face again.”
“The feeling’s mutual, my father,” Crystal Snow said. “I only wish mother was here to see us once more.”
“That I only wish was true,” Coldnelius Snap said. “That being said, we need to go over the alliance we plan on forming with the Equestrian Alliance.”
“I don’t think it will be easy,” Crystal Snow said.
“I know,” Coldnelius Snap said. “I got word about Princess Celestia locking herself away deep within the Golden Palace. Until she is out of her slump and has rekindled her bond with her allies, we cannot form that alliance with her or anyone of Equestria. Princess Celestia is our key to bringing down Gold Banks and ending this madness.”
“Do not worry, father,” Crystal Snow said. “As long as I can keep Queen Chrysalis’ daughter and her Predacon guardians happy, we will get that alliance and we will end Gold Banks’ agenda.”
“That’s my girl,” Coldnelius Snap said. “You don’t know when to give up, and that’s what makes you special. Never forget that.”
“I won’t, father,” Crystal Snow said as Princess Chrysalis II, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator continued to enjoy their baked goods.
“Are you really sure it’s going to be safe out here at night? I don’t want those nasty piggies coming at me like last time.”
Those words came from a nervous Starlight Glimmer, who hid behind the front flap of her sleeping bag as she kept her eyes out around the location known as Lost, deep within the Emerald Woods. Next to her were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Misty Brightdawn, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Around the encampment was a wooden wall that was twice as high as Shining Armor’s height. A camp fire was set up in the middle while marshmallows and other goodies were cooking next to it.
“Sure it will be,” Shining Armor said. “We ain’t letting those porkers get through this fence. And when dawn breaks, we’ll take it down and be back towards the Golden Palace.”
“Yeah, but couldn't you bring Karen the alicorn bulldog to help keep them at bay?” Starlight asked.
“As much as I wanted to, Starlight,” Shining Armor said as he rubbed Starlight on the top of her head, “Queen Novo wanted to look after the beast while we're out here. After all, they've handled bigger beasts like this giant shark called a megalodon.”
“He’s got a point there,” Pinkie Pie said as she walked up to Starlight, picked her up while she was tucked into her sleeping bag, and gave her a big hug. “Besides, we got another guard dog who’s gonna keep them at bay.”
As Pinkie Pie pointed to Golden Lace, the gold filly glared at the pink pony in a huff.
“Excuse me?” Golden Lace said. “My curse is that of a wolf. Not a mere dog.”
“Well sure,” Pinkie Pie said as she placed Starlight Glimmer down. “But dogs and wolves are canines.”
“Ahh forget it,” Golden Lace sighed. “Reasoning with you is like reasoning with chaos itself.”
As the other younglings laughed out loud, Wanda looked up at Princess Cadance, who looked preoccupied with getting more food out.
“Big sis,” Wanda said. “Are you alright?”
“No, Wanda,” Princess Cadance sighed. “I’m still worried for Sunset Shimmer’s sake, even if the chancellor is looking after her.”
“I’m worried as well,” Wanda said. “I hope she can wake up and enjoy the activities that we’re doing.”
“Well you need not to worry. I went and checked up on Sunset Shimmer for the moment before I came back here.” Princess Cadance, Misty Brightdawn and Wanda Young turned towards the southeast, where King Sombra stood atop the wall with a saddlebag of food before leaping down on the ground next to the group.
“BIG BROTHER!” Misty Brightdawn yelled as she ran up and hugged King Sombra.
“I wasn’t gone that long, little Misty,” King Sombra laughed. “All I did was collect a small bit of food for tonight’s campout.”
As Misty hugged her brother tight, King Sombra used his magic to levitate the saddlebag off his back and onto the ground. Wanda walked up to the bag and opened it to see inside bars of chocolate, graham crackers and more marshmallows. Misty looked down to see Wanda look into King Sombra's saddlebag while she held onto her big brother.
“That does look like a scrumptious add on to the marshmallow,” Misty asked.
“It sure does, sis,” King Sombra said. Though, knowing Wanda, she us rather curious about our supplies.”
“And you're right, Mr Sombra,,” Wanda said as she pulled out a box of graham crackers. “I always wonder how we have so much food to feed all of us, even though we’re trapped in the Golden Realm.”
Princess Cadance’s smile became a bit more smug as she walked up to her human-ish sister and rubbed her on the head.
“That food was originally meant for all of you when you were supposed to go back to Evevanya,” Princess Cadance explained. “But since we’re all stuck here, we might as well put it to use.”
“Well that and Princess Cadance’s duplication spell also works wonders,” Shining Armor laughed.
“Oh Shining,” Princess Cadance laughed as she gave Shining Armor a hoof noogie. “You weren’t supposed to tell Wanda about that little secret.”
“What?” Shining Armor laughed. “That little monkey would have found out about our secret.”
“Well monkey this, darling,” Princess Cadance said as she proceeded to tickle Shining Armor with the feather of her wings.
As Shining Armor was at the mercy of Princess Cadance’s tickle torture, Wanda stood by, looking like she was going to giggle, just as Cozy Glow flew up to her.
“Wanda,” Cozy Glow asked. “You seem amused at being called a monkey.”
“Why not?” Wanda responded. “After all, I know what a monkey is, and I wish I were one. They look cute and resourceful with that tail of theirs, and at least I wouldn’t have to wear clothes to keep myself warm.”
As Wanda giggled out loud, Cozy Glow just looked at her, concerned by her choice of words.
“It’s not just that,” Cozy Glow said. “Have you ever considered the idea of words that can hurt you, emotionally?”
Wanda paused for a moment. She looked down at her hands with a slightly depressed sigh.”
“Actually, there is,” Wanda said. “I don’t mind being called a monkey. But there are two words that do hurt me: Mary Sue.”
“That’s right,” Golden Lace said, walking up to Wanda and Cozy Glow. “I used to tease Wanda by calling her a Mary Sue. And mom always encouraged this kind of behavior by stating that it proves how superior you are to others.”
“And to be honest, this is another reason why I like being called a monkey,” Wanda said with a smile on her face. “A monkey feels free, while a Mary Sue feels bogged down.”
“I…understand,” Cozy Glow said with a hint of guilt in her body.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Wanda said. “I know you’re just curious, and I was happy to provide answers.”
“Speaking of happy,” Pinkie Pie said, walking up to Wanda, Golden Lace and Cozy Glow, “The marshmallows should be done, and I know King Sombra brought the graham crackers and chocolate.”
“I always wondered what it’s like to enjoy a smore,” Golden Lace said. “And I’m happy to dig in.”
Later that night, everyone was gathered around the campfire, placing their marshmallow and chocolate bar in between two graham crackers. Pinkie Pie slammed three marshmallows between two bars of chocolate and three graham crackers, much to the other younglings’ amusement.
“That Pinkie Pie,” Misty laughed. “Always willing to go the extra mile when it comes to smores.”
“Well it was her idea,” Golden Lace laughed. “After all, she goes all out when it comes to sweets.”
“And I'm glad big brother was able to get more s’more supplies for all of us,” Misty Brightdawn said.
“Well that makes two of us,” Pinkie Pie said, pulling Misty close to her as she held her smores in the air. “After all, friends enjoy every little moment together, regardless if it's camping out with delicious stores, swimming in the Emerald Lake, or playing on Shining Armor's private Ogres and Oubliettes server.”
But as Pinkie Pie said those words, everyone sans Starlight Glimmer, Princess Cadance and Wanda Young turned to Shining Armor, who just blush with embarrassment.
“What?” Shining Armor said, embarrassed. “It's just a small hobby that me, 8-Bit, Gaffe and Poindexter like to do.”
“A small hobby that you invite your marefriend and her sisters to,” Princess Cadance said smugly as he nudged Shining Armor playfully.
“Okay, okay, it's true,” Shining Armor said. “I do invite Wanda and Sunset into the game just so they don't have to deal with griefers and trolls. Just ask Princess Celestia when she's back on her four hooves.”
“It's okay, Shining,” Wanda said, patting Shining Armor on the back. “When we get out of this mess, we should invite them to the private server and have fun.”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said as he became a bit depressed. “Especially Twili. She loved jumping onto the server and enjoying every moment.”
Wanda looked up at Shining Armor, who directed his gaze towards the moon. A tear fell from his eye and dropped harmlessly onto the ground. Spike and Abigail gathered around Wanda, keeping their view on Shining Armor.
“I also miss Twilight as well,” Wanda said. “She, along with our other friends should be with us, singing songs around the campfire, enjoying smores and just having a good time.”
“That, I agree with, little monkey,” Shining Armor said with a sad smile on his face. “Twili is a special sister of a special pony. She keeps me smiling when my mood is down, and she has an optimistic view of the world, despite sometimes going Twilinanas. And not just her, but also the friends that are not here.”
“That's right,” Golden Lace said. “Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, and even Sunset Shimmer. Along with Sure she's in the Golden Land. But it's not fair that my mother knocked her out. She should be awake and with us, demon form or no demon form. And I have to say the same about our friends from La Maresa. Including the pony whose feelings I did hurt….Ditzy Doo.”
“It’s not your fault, Lace,” Pinkie Pie said, placing her arm around Golden Lace’s back. “You’ve already proven to be a sweeter pony compared to that party crasher that is your mom. But I guarantee we’ll see our friends again.”
“I dunno,” Shining Armor said, keeping his eyes on the moon. “I just wanna see my family again. Mom, dad, Twili. I missed them so much.”
As Shining Armor kept his sight on the night sky, he felt dragon scales brush up on his fur. Shining Armor looked to his right, where Spike stood next to the stallion, looking up at him.
“Twilight,’ Spike said.
Shining Armor picked up Spike and held him close. The baby dragon reached out and hugged Shining Armor.
“You also miss Twili as well, Spike,” Shining Armor said. “I guess we're two brothers who want to see their sister again. And I hope we do.”
As Shining Armor gently tickles Spike, Misty Brightdawn, Princess Cadance and King Sombra watch closely. Despite the smile on her face, a tear rolls down Misty's cheek.
“Poor Shining Armor,” Misty Brightdawn said. “He and Spike lost their little sister and parents. I wish there was a way to cheer them up.”
Hearing the words of Misty Brightdawn, Princess Cadance turned to King Sombra and whispered in his ear. King Sombra nodded at Princess Cadance before he placed his hoof on his little sister's shoulder.
“Misty,” King Sombra said. “I have a suggestion: Why not stay by Shining Armor and Spike's side for the night?”
“Me?” Misty said. “But I'm no Twilight Sparkle.”
“I know,” King Sombra said. “But at the very least, you can remind him that he's not alone in this world. Besides, it wasn't my idea.”
Misty Brightdawn turned her head towards Princess Cadance, who nodded in agreement.
“Alright,” Misty said. “I'll do it.”
Misty Brightdawn walked up to Shining Armor and tapped him on the back, catching his attention.
“Hey Misty,” Shining Armor said. “I overheard you and King Sombra talking about comforting me for the night.
“Well, yeah,” Misty said as he rubbed her from right hoof on the ground. “I'm no Twilight Sparkle and…”
But before she could speak further, Shining Armor placed his hoof on Misty's mouth, silencing her. The stallion cracked a smile on his face despite his depression.
“I know you're not Twili,” Shining Armor said. “But I would be willing to let you comfort me, tonight. What do you say?”
As Shining Armor moved his hoof back, Misty Brightdawn bowed to the older teen stallion with gratitude.
“It would be an honor, Mr Armor,” Misty said.
Shining Armor held his arms out as Misty Brightdawn leaped towards the teen stallion and gave him a big hug. Spike leaped upwards before hugging Misty close.
Princess Cadance watched nearby as Wanda walked up to her. The two sisters breathed a sigh of comfort before Wanda placed her hand on Cadance’s hoof.
“It’s good that Shining Armor knows he’s not alone in this world,” Princess Cadance said. “Even if we are separated from family and friends.”
“I remember long ago when I was separated from little Misty,” King Sombra said. “We lost a good number of ponies from the Crystal Empire, including our mother Amore Brightdawn. The worst part was when Misty and I had to flee the Crystal Empire, and our mother died allowing us to escape. Even more so, we got separated moments after we left.”
“Mr Sombra,” Wanda asked. “What was this Amore like? Before you lost her?”
“You know, it’s funny that I’m saying this, and even I don’t understand it,” King Sombra said. “But you somehow remind me of my late mother.”
“Your late mother?” Wanda asked. “It is a bit funny. Because when I look at Misty, it’s as if she…”
“Reminds you of someone you haven't even met,” King Sombra said. “Interesting. Come to think of it, it does feel like a coincidence.”
“I know, Mr Sombra,” Wanda said. “I’ve known your sister far longer than I’ve known you. And yet, I look at you, and I felt like I've known you before.”
But before King Sombra could say anything, Pinkie Pie immediately jumped eight in between Wanda and Sombra.
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie said. “Hold on a second. You're telling me that Wanda Young and King Sombra are tied together because….” “That's a tale for another time, Pinkie,” Cozy Glow interrupted before shoving a s’more into Pinkie Pie's mouth. “Besides. It's starting to get late.”
As Pinkie Pie munched on the s'more in her mouth, the others, especially Starlight Glimmer, giggled at Pinkie's circumstance.
“I think Cozy Glow's right,” Princess Cadance said. “We better get ready to hit the hay, and I don't mean literally.”
“Very well,” King Sombra said as he took a bow. “I thank you, Shining Armor, and the rest of the youngsters for inviting me to this campout.”
“Oh you don't need to be formal,” Shining Armor said as Misty and Spike perched on his back. “After all, we are a family, even in these hard times.”
Everyone giggled and nodded as the campfire began to burn out.
Later that night, everyone sans Wanda Young, Abigail Abright and Starlight Glimmer were fast asleep. As Starlight sighed, glaring up at the stars in the sky, Wanda pulled her sleeping bag next to the twin-tailed filly before lying down next to her, with Abigail walking up to the two younglings.
“You okay?” Wanda asked.
“No,” Starlight said. “I've been reflecting on what Shining Armor said about how he misses Twilight Sparkle.”
“I know,” Wanda said. “And by looking in your eyes, there are two special friends that should be with us.”
“Sunburst and Trixie,” Starlight said. “You also miss them?”
“Big time,” Wanda said. “Trixie was a fun entertainer with her magic tricks. And to be honest, I wish you and I could go with her on a road trip, and just entertain the entire world. Give them something to smile about. On the other hand, Sunburst was heavily booksmart. In fact, he could put Twilight Sparkle to shame when it came to books.”
“Yeah,” Starlight giggled. “Sunburst loved to hang out at not just the Canterlot Library, but also the small one in Sire’s Hollow. It was a fun hangout place before we came to Canterlot. Sunburst and I used to get in trouble with our folks by being at that place, though they understood why. A shame that our library is now in ice, thanks to the Windigo’s Guild.”
“I’m sorry about what happened on that day,” Wanda said. “Though I heard that the library was being thawed out for some reason.”
“Really?” Starlight responded, causing Wanda to unexpectedly blush.
“Oops,” Wanda said, covering her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. Your daddy asked me to keep it a secret.”
“Oh, I see,” Starlight said. “I guess you weren’t supposed to tell me that.”
Wanda let out a sigh as she climbed into the sleeping back, laid back and looked up at the stars while Abigail leaped on top of the bag and tucked her arms beneath her body.
“Well with what we’re going through, I don’t know if we’ll see that library again, frozen or not,” Wanda said.
“Maybe that's why you accidentally told me about the Sire's Hollow Library,” Starlight giggled. “You're unsure if we're going to be returning home, or if we'll be stuck here for the rest of our lives.”
“Exactly,” Wanda said.
Wanda and Starlight giggled as they looked up at the night sky, all while Abigail curled herself into a ball and fell asleep.
“Hey Wanda,” Starlight said. “Do you imagine what Twilight and her coltfriend are doing by looking up at the night sky? The one that she nicknamed Mordecai?”
“Are you talking about Flash Sentry?” Wanda asked.
“That's him,” Starlight responded. “I'm surprised that you remembered.”
“How can I forget, when Twilight keeps talking about how she and Flash kept imagining airplanes in the night sky as shooting stars?” Wanda giggled.
“That's a pretty silly concept,” Starlight giggled back. “But I still wonder what they're up to while we're stuck here?”
“Well, I bet they're still imagining airplanes in the night sky as shooting stars,” Wanda said. “And although we might not see any airplanes, the night sky can be pretty, like diamonds.”
“That I agree on,” Starlight Glimmer said. “They do look so pretty.”
“Maybe one day, we'll be back together with our friends and look up at that night sky,” Wanda said. “And reflect on how beautiful it truly is.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said as she yawned. “It truly is.”
With that, Starlight closed her eyes and fell asleep. Wanda turned to Starlight and placed the cover of the twin-tailed filly's sleeping bag up to her shoulders before rubbing her on the head.
“Goodnight, Starlight,” Wanda said. “May our time in the Golden Land keep ourselves happy.”
Meanwhile, up in Vanhoover, Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry laid on the roof of Twilight’s house, looking up at the night sky.
“Do you see any airplanes, Mordecai?” Twilight asked.
“No,” Flash Sentry said. “Ever since that day when Gold Banks successfully attacked Canterlot and overthrew the princesses, not a single plane has flown over the sky.”
Twilight Sparkle let out a sigh as she stared at the night sky.
“It doesn’t feel right, Mordecai,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Nearly all of my friends are gone, and now we can’t pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.”
“You’re right,” Flash Sentry said. “But we could definitely use a wish right now. And all I see are the stars in the sky standing there like they’re shining down at us.”
“You think making a wish on one star will help?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” Flash Sentry said.
Twilight Sparkle looked up at the night sky, where the stars shined brightly. She looked at one star in the corner that shined the brightest.
“Star light, star bright,” Twilight chanted. “First star that I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish that I wish tonight. I wish….we could see all of our friends once more.”
As Twilight Sparkle finished her chant, a small star shot across the night sky, much to hers and Flash Sentry’s amazement.
“Did you see that?” Flash Sentry asked.
“I did,” Twilight Sparkle said. “A shooting star. It means, our wish may come true.”
“It sure does,” Flash Sentry said.
As the two younglings laid on their back, Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle looked up at the stars in the sky with a twinkle in their eyes and a smile on their mouths. They turned to each other, giggling with joy.
“Guess we don’t need to pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars, when you can have the real thing,” Twilight said.
“Yeah,” Flash Sentry said. “But still, I always wonder what it sounds like when doves cry.”
“I think we already know,” Twilight Sparkle laughed.
“Twilight, Flash, it’s starting to get late.” Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry looked down to see Twilight Velvet look up at them from the window.
“Coming, mom,” Twilight Sparkle said. “We were just observing the night sky and we saw a shooting star.”
“A shooting star, eh?” Twilight Velvet giggled. “That must mean that a miracle will arrive soon. Now come on you two.”
Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry got up on their four hooves before they leaped off the roof and landed on the balcony next to Twilight Velvet, who opened the window up.
“Thanks for keeping us safe, Mrs Velvet,” Flash Sentry said.
“It’s been an honor to do so,” Twilight Velvet said. “And I don’t mind being called that, considering that Twilight Sparkle and I have the same first name.”
With that, Twilight Velvet stood at the side while Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry made their way inside. Immediately, Twilight Velvet reached out to close the window, only to pause as her eyes got a glimpse at the stars in the sky.
“They say that when one wishes upon a star, their dreams will come true,” Twilight Velvet said. “I used to believe in those kinds of fairy tales when I was a filly.”
But her eyes paused for a moment as she saw a shooting star fly through the sky. Twilight Velvet looked up and her eyes beamed with joy.
“Maybe believing in fairy tales is the hope we need to get us through these hard times,” Twilight Velvet said. “After all, it’s what I would want for my Twili.”
“Mom,” Twilight Sparkle shouted. “You okay up there?”
“Give me a second, Twilight,” Twilight Velvet said. “I’ll be down.”
With that, Twilight Velvet directed her gaze back at the stars as they twinkled in the night.
“If I had one wish,” Twilight Velvet said, “I wish that we were all together again. Shining Armor, Spike, and all of Twilight Sparkle’s friends. That is the wish I am willing to make.”
Twilight Velvet looked up at the night sky as they twinkled like diamonds, shining their light down at the town of Vanhoover.
“I don't like wandering through these woods. Especially if there are pigs around.”
Those words came from a worried Starlight Glimmer, who walked on her two legs while holding her arms with her front hooves. Walking alongside her were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Misty Brightdawn, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and King Sombra.
“Relax, Starlight,” Wanda said. “Besides, we didn't see any pigs when we first discovered the ruins of the Drakians.”
“That's right,” Pinkie Pie said as she hopped up next to Starlight. “Besides, if we see any pigs, we’ve got Golden Lace here to scare them off.”
“Oh come on,” Golden Lace said. “I shouldn't abuse my Wolf's Breath Curse like that.”
But all King Sombra did was chuckle at the sight of Pinkie Pie and Golden Lace, much to the annoyance of the latter.
“Oh come on,” Golden Lace said. “Don’t tell me you think I should use my Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
“Now that won’t be necessary,” King Sombra said with a hearty laugh. “While I did come with you just to see the carving, I’m willing to protect all of you from any harm that comes our way.”
But the only thing Golden Lace could do was sigh.
“It’s okay, Lace,” Wanda said. “You don’t need to protect Starlight with your Wolf’s Breath curse. Besides, I’m capable of doing just that.”
“I know,” Golden Lace said. “But sometimes, I wish Pinkie Pie could just quit teasing me about my curse. It’s not for practical use.”
“Oh come on,” Pinkie Pie said. “It’s not like there’s some kind of danger lurking in the Emerald Woods and all.”
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie stopped hoping for a moment as her mane began to shake violently.
“Pinkie Pie?” Starlight said. “Is something up?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Pinkie Pie said, looking at her shaking mane. “I think there’s danger around these parts.”
“Oh no,” Starlight cried. “There’s pigs around here.”
Immediately, Starlight ran on two legs up to Wanda and hid behind her.
“Wanda,” Starlight cried. “Keep those pigs away from me. I beg of you.”
Wanda just giggled before turning towards Pinkie Pie, whose mane continued to shake.
“Pinkie,” Wanda said. “You don’t suppose that mane is detecting pigs nearby.”
“No, this man doesn't consider pigs as a threat,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Then if it’s not the pigs, then what?” Wanda asked.
But before Pinkie Pie could answer, she immediately faced forward, her eyes shrunk down and her jaw dropped.
“Pinkie?” Wanda said. “Are you alright?”
“I am,” Pinkie Pie said before pointing forward. “But you might as well ask that question to them.”
Wanda, Starlight, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn, Abigail and King Sombra immediately looked in the direction where Pinkie Pie is pointing. Starlight and Misty looked like they were about to freak out, King Sombra took a defensive stance, while Wanda, Cozy Glow and Golden Lace just stood there, either confused or unmoved.
“That….that’s worse than pigs,” Starlight cried.
Right in front of everyone was Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator, who stood still, staring at the group.
“I knew it was a bad idea to come out in these here parts,” Quickstrike said.
“Don’t do anything rash,” Inferno said. “You don’t want them to warn the others.”
But as Quickstrike stood perfectly still, Waspinator slowly walked up to the group with a friendly smile on his face.
“Uhhh….hello?” Waspinator said.
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn and Pinkie Pie screamed loudly, startling all three Predacons.
“GEEZ, THAT’S LOUD!” Quickstrike yelled.
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn ran from the group and backed themselves into a tree while King Sombra threw himself out in front of the group and glared down at the three Predacons.
“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t vaporize you three,” King Sombra snarled.
“FOOL!” Inferno yelled. “You dare to raise your magic against the most loyal of Queen Chrysalis’ hive? Allow me to teach you a lesson. INFERNO, TERRORIZE!”
Immediately, Inferno shapeshifted into his robotic beast form, dodging a magic shot that came out of King Sombra’s horn, before pulling out a giant blaster and aiming it at Sombra’s head.
“Give me one good reason why you shouldn’t burn, King Sombra,” Inferno said.
“You wanna get nuts?” Inferno shouted. “COME ON, LET’S GET NUTS!”
But as Inferno and King Sombra stared each other down, Wanda Young immediately ran up and got in between the two.
“Enough,” Wanda shouted. “We shouldn’t be fighting like this.”
“Wanda, are you out of your mind?” King Sombra said. “He’s hostile towards us.”
“And he has the audacity to challenge the royalty,” Inferno responded.
But as Inferno and King Sombra grumbled at each other, Wanda became clearly agitated, and took a deep breath.
“THIS IS WHAT GOLD BANKS WANTS US TO DO!” Wanda shouted. “BESIDES, WASN’T IT YOUR QUEEN WHO ALLIED HERSELF WITH MY MOMMY?”
Inferno and King Sombra paused for a moment. The former held his blaster back while the latter raised his head as they both stared at each other.
“I’m afraid the man’s cub has a point there,” Inferno said. “We do share a common enemy.”
“Something we’re all quick to forget,” King Sombra said. “But just because we have a common enemy doesn’t mean we see eye to eye.”
“Agreed,” Inferno said.
Suddenly, both Inferno and King Sombra were startled by Pinkie Pie yelling out loud. The duo glared at Pinkie, who was screaming like she was enjoying it.
“Oh for the love of the royalty,” Inferno said. “Will you please keep it down?”
Pinkie Pie paused for a moment, noticing Inferno and King Sombra glaring down at her.
“What?” Pinkie Pie said. “It’s actually fun to scream in horror.”
“Sometimes, I don't seem to get you, young lady,” King Sombra said.
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator turned away from Pinkie Pie, shaking their heads in disbelief. Wanda turned to King Sombra and whispered something in his eye.
“Good idea,” King Sombra said.
As Wanda walked away from the Predacon brothers, Golden Lace and Cozy Glow approached them.
“Don't mind Pinkie Pie,” Cozy Glow said. “She's a bit on the nuts side.”
“You're telling us,” Quickstrike said in a cold tone. “Then again, we're surprised that you're not afraid of us.”
“After what my mom put us through, I feel sorry for your species rather than being afraid,” Golden Lace said. “Besides, didn't you three work alongside Wanda?”
“Waspinator remembers what happened on Mount Aris,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator remembers changelings and Windigos attacking hippogriffs until Gold Banks launched her own attack. And then Waspinator…”
Immediately, Cozy Glow placed her hoof on Waspinator's mouth, causing the predacon to go silent.
“You need not say anything else,” Cozy Glow said. “I believe you. Besides, I think Wanda's helping someone out.”
Waspinator looked behind Cozy Glow and saw Wanda reach out to Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn, who had their eyes on all three predacons.
“It's okay,” Wanda said, directing her attention to Waspinator. “I'm not afraid of you, because I remember the good things you've done for me.”
Inferno and Quickstrike nodded to Waspinator before the youngest of the three changeling brothers flapped his wings and flew over to Princess Wanda. Starlight and Misty paused, looking at the changeling in fear.
“I do, and not just for being by my side on Mount Aris,” Wanda said as Starlight and Misty stared at Waspinator. “I remember when Gold Banks tried to take me during the wedding of Buck Withers and Lemony Gem. While my mommy and your queen fought each other, you saved me from Gold Banks when she tried to take me away.”
“Wanda, is this true?” Misty Brightdawn asked.
“It's true,” Wanda said. “I haven't forgotten the kindness he displayed on that day. And don't worry. He won't hurt you.”
“Are you…sure about that?” Starlight asked, keeping her eyes on Waspinator.
“I am,” Wanda responded with a warm smile. “And it's okay. He won't hurt you.”
Starlight Glimmer looked up at Waspinator, who reached down with his front right hoof.
Starlight Glimmer slowly reached out towards Waspinator with her front right hoof. But before she could touch Waspinator's hoof, she looked behind Waspinator, and became nervous once more.
“NOOOOOO!” Starlight screamed. “GET AWAY FROM ME!”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer turned around and climbed up a tree in horror, leav8ng Waspinator by himself.
“Waspinator did nothing wrong,” Waspinator cried. “What did Waspinator do wrong?”
“Uhh, Waspinator,” Wanda said. “Look behind you.”
Waspinator turned around and saw a pig look up at Starlight Glimmer. The pig ignored the predacon and casually walked up to Starlight, who only freaked out even more.
“Get away you big mean pig,” Starlight cried. “You scare me.”
“Why is filly bug afraid of a pig?” Waspinstor asked.
“It's a long story,” Misty said. “But I think I better take care of this.”
Misty walked up to the pig and got in between the animal and Starlight Glimmer. As the swine looked up at the scared Starlight, Misty started waving her hooves at it.
“Come on,” Misty yelled. “Get going. Scram. Leave her alone.”
As the pig tried to stare at the scared Starlight Glimmer, Misty blocked the animal with her body, yelling and waving her arms and hooves. Eventually, the pig grew frustrated and walked away from Misty before going down another path. Starlight peeked her head out and saw the pig walk off in the distance.
“Is…it leaving?” Starlight asked.
“It is,” Misty responded. “And don't worry. I won't let that pig harm you.”
Misty held Starlight close as she slowly pulled her from the side of the tree. She then turned Starlight around to Wanda and Waspinator while holding onto the twin tailed light purple fully. As Starlight opened her eyes, she turned around and saw Waspinator reached to her, once more.
“Waspinator sorry that filly bug is afraid of pigs,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator forgives folly bug.”
Starlight slowly reached out and placed her hoof on Waspinator’s hoof before gripping it tight. Misty slowly released her hold on Starlight before the twin-tailed filly stepped down, allowing Waspinator to gently pull Starlight close. Wanda walked up to Misty and stood by her side as Starlight looked up at Waspinator.
“You’re not scary,” Starlight said. “In fact, you’re…kinda fun.”
“Waspinator never got that kind of compliment from a pony,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator takes little filly bug’s compliment at face value.”
But as Wanda and Misty were laughing out loud, everyone else walked up to the group, especially King Sombra, who looked slightly eased, and Inferno, who had transformed back into his changeling form.
“Seems the youngest of the Predacon changelings have proven to be a gentlecolt towards the fillies,” King Sombra said. “Very well. As long as you three don’t cause any harm, I see no reason to do the same.”
“As a vassal of the royalty, I can assure you that no one will be attacked,” Inferno said. “You have my word.”
“Very well,” King Sombra said. “Then as long as you three are not hostile, you are free to accompany us to the underground caverns where Wanda discovered the wall carvings about the ancient goddess: Lily-Hikari.”
But in an instant, Quickstrike laughed embarrassingly.
“Well it’s funny you should say that about the underground cavern,” Quickstrike said.
“Is that the place where you and your changeling princess are camping out?” Pinkie Pie asked as she dashed towards and stood in front of Quickstrike.
“Wait,” Quickstrike said, startled. “How in the heck do you know all about that?”
“Oh just a hunch,” Pinkie Pie said. “Plus Mr and Mrs Cake and I gave your Windigo friend plenty of cake for you to eat.”
“Wait,” Waspinator said. “Pink pony bug knows we were here?”
But Waspinator’s response caused Wanda to laugh out loud as she walked up to the green changeling.
“Silly Waspinator,” Wanda said as Abigail walked along her. “That’s just Pinkie Pie. Besides, she told us about her meeting with Crystal Snow the other day.”
“So, you all knew that we were here?” Quickstrike asked.
“Truth be told, I was pulling your leg when I acted a bit hostile,” King Sombra said. “I wanted to make sure you were upholding your end of the truce that Princess Celestia implemented since the Mount Aris incident. Apologies for our deception, and for the fact that a couple of younglings were caught off guard.”
Inferno grumbled a bit. He turned around and began walking away from the group.
“Follow me,” Inferno said. “I will lead you safely to our secret colony.”
As Inferno made his way through the forest, Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn, King Sombra, Quickstrike and Waspinator followed from behind. Golden Lace and Starlight Glimmer walked up to and alongside Wanda and Abigail, whose eyes were focused on the sky.
“It was good that Pinkie told us about the Predacons’ presence here,” Golden Lace said.
“Even those three deserve sympathy for what happened to their colony,” Wanda said. “Besides, Starlight and Misty did a great job in being scared.”
“Well if it’s not a pig, I don’t mind screaming like I’m in danger,” Starlight Glimmer said. “After all, it was kinda fun.”
But all Golden Lace could do was chuckle a bit.
“Oh Starlight,” Golden Lace said. “I still wish I could take back all those mean things I said about you.”
“Lace,” Starlight said. “You already did.”
“She’s right,” Wanda said. “You’re not the same pony you were, long ago. And I’m glad you’ve shown to be a true friend. That’s something you should never forget.”
Golden Lace nodded at Wanda as the group followed Inferno through the forest. However, Pinkie Pie came to a stop and noticed some white button mushrooms growing on the ground before reaching out and pulling one of them.
“Interesting,” Pinkie Pie said. “I never realized that these kinds of mushrooms would grow here in the Golden Land.”
Meanwhile, in the underground cavern, Princess Chrysalis II and Crystal Snow looked up at the hole above, the former looking a little anxious while the latter didn’t have a care in the world.
“What is taking those three so long?” Princess Chrysalis II whined. “I’m a bit tired of cake and cookies and I have this odd craving for mushrooms.”
“Patience, princess,” Crystal Snow said. “They will return with the mushrooms.”
“Well I don’t want to be waiting this long,” Princess Chrysalis II cried. “I want my mushrooms.”
As Princess Chrysalis II buried her head in the dirt, Crystal Snow’s ears picked up the sound of ponies climbing down a rope ladder. She quickly turned to see King Sombra climbing downward.
“Princess,” Crystal Snow said as she tapped on Princess Chrysalis II’s back. “We need to hide, this instant.”
“That won’t be necessary,” King Sombra said, his voice catching the attention of Princess Chrysalis II. “I know you were camping here to serve as ambassadors for your respective mothers and fathers. And considering the honesty of the Predacons, I’ll allow it on behalf of Princess Celestia.”
As King Sombra made his way to the bottom, Princess Chrysalis II looked above him and her jaw dropped. Climbing from above King Sombra were Wanda Young, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator. As everyone touched the ground of the cavern, Princess Chrysalis II ran up to the Predacons.
“They knew we were camping here all along?” Princess Chrysalis II shouted.
“You can thank the pink one for knowing all about this,” Inferno said, pointing to Pinkie Pie.
As Crystal Snow approached Pinkie Pie, the pink filly jumped and gave the winterian princess a hug.
“How were the cakes and other goodies?” Pinkie asked.
“Well…they were fine,” Crystal Snow said, awkwardly. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Pinkie Pie said. “After all, friends share with one another.”
As Pinkie Pie hugged Crystal Snow closely, Princess Chrysalis II shook her head in disbelief as she turned towards the Predacons.
“Nevermind that,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Did you bring the mushrooms?”
“Well,” Quickstrike said, awkwardly. “We were doing just that when we ran into those ponies.”
But Pinkie Pie, overhearing Quickstrike, released herself from Crystal Snow and ran up to Princess Chrysalis II.
“That reminds me,” Pinkie Pie said as she reached into her mane. “I found these on the way here.”
With a mighty tug, Pinkie Pie pulled a pile of white button mushrooms from her mane and set them down in front of Princess Chrysalis II. The changeling filly looked down at the mushrooms and her mouth began to water.
“I…don’t believe this,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “You, an enemy of the changelings, brought these for…me?”
“Oh we’re not enemies,” Pinkie Pie cheered before she reached into her mane. “We’re friends. And friends look after each other. Besides, knowing you, you want your mushrooms cooked properly.”
Pinkie Pie pulled out a mini stove hooked to a power supply and a pan. She turned on the stove and placed the pan on top before she placed some of the mushrooms on the pan.
“It’s gonna be awhile,” Pinkie Pie said. “Why don’t you hang out with my friends?”
Princess Chrysalis II sighed for a moment as she turned towards the rest of the group. Wanda immediately walked up to Princess Chrysalis II and held her hand out.
“What do you say?” Wanda asked. “Wanna observe the carvings of the Drakians together?”
Princess Chrysalis II turned her head away before she reluctantly placed her hoof on Wanda’s hand.
“Fine, I guess,” Chrysalis II said.
Wanda held Chrysalis II close as she led her to the wall carvings that featured the image of a human goddess on it, next to a serpent-like dragon with orange-yellow coloring on its scales. Immediately, Starlight, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Misty Brightdawn walked up next to Wanda and Chrysalis II, observing the same carving as Wanda placed her finger on the image of the female human figure.
“Still obsessed with these….Drakian drawings?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“They're more than mere drawings,” Wanda said. “To me, they tell a tale of this planet's past. Of who came before the humans, the Evevaniyans and the Equestrians, and of the tale of Lily Hikari, the goddess who created this land.””
But Wanda shifted her finger from the goddess over to the dragon-like figure. But as her finger laid onto the drawing, she went blank for a moment before shaking her head.
“I don’t know why, but this feels familiar,” Wanda said. “Like it appeared to be a form of the goddess.”
“A form?” Starlight asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said as her eyes shifted to the ancient text below. “According to this, the goddess Lily Hikari could also transform into a dragon of pure gold, a representation of her pure heart. The Drakians who existed long ago saw her dragon form as her true form.”
“True form?” Starlight responded. “Does that mean the Drakians are her children?”
“That’s a good question,” Wanda responded. “I would have to talk with my Evevanyian mommy about that.”
But when Wanda turned to Princess Chrysalis II, she noticed the changeling filly observing four figures that surrounded both the sketch of Lily Hikari and the gold dragon that surrounded it.
“Chryssi,” Wanda said. “What’s that you’re looking at?”
“I’ve been studying these four carvings since arriving here,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Take a look. Above the figure of who you call Lily Hikari represents some kind of black tortoise. The one on the right appears to be a dragon similar to Lily’s Gold Dragon form, except it’s blue-greenish. The one on the left takes on the form of a white tiger. And the one on the bottom appears to be a red phoenix.”
Wanda looked at the four animals that surrounded the figures representing Lily Hikari. Her face beamed at each of the four animals as the others came up to look at them.
“The four mythical beasts,” King Sombra said. “Misty and I recall reading something like that in the Crystal Empire back when I was just the son of Princess Amore Brightdawn.”
“You have?” Golden Lace asked.
“Even after all those years, we still remember the legacy of the four mythical beasts and the center that binds it,” Misty Brightdawn said. “Each animal represents the seasons that come to Equestria. The Azure Dragon represents spring and nature that it provides. The Crimson Phoenix represents summer and the fire that keeps us warm. The White Tiger represents Autumn and the strength of Metal. And the Black Tortoise represents winter and the cool, soothing water that keeps us calm.”
“So what role does Lily Hikari, or rather the Gold Dragon play in this?” Starlight asked.
“That’s a good question,” King Sombra said. “But…I wonder if anyone else knows more about these four mythical beasts?”
Immediately, Cozy Glow raised her hoof, catching everyone’s attention.
“I do, considering that my mother kept forcing these facts into my head before I ran away,” Cozy Glow said. “The Gold Dragon represented a balance of the four mythical beasts, representing the central balance of the four, along with the very earth that carries nature, fire, steel and water. Some say that these four beasts represent the children of the gold dragon.”
“Very interesting,” King Sombra said. “We often refer to the gold dragon as the balance. But never would I imagine these four mythical beasts to be the children of the gold dragon.”
“Interesting,” Wanda said as she placed her hand on the carvings. “I’ve never seen this before, and yet I feel like I’ve known who they are.”
“You do?” King Sombra said, catching everyone’s attention.
“It’s funny,” Wanda said. “But when I look at the image of the black tortoise, it reminds me of Aunt Woona. The Azure Dragon, for some reason, reminds me of big sis Cadance. The White Tiger reminds me of my other sister, my guardian angel, Sunset Shimmer And this crimson phoenix…reminds me of….mommy.”
Everyone paused for a moment after Wanda spoke. Silence filled the room for only a few seconds. Wanda turned towards the group, all of them still puzzled by the Man’s Cub’s statement.
“They remind you….of your family?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Yes,” Wanda said. “I’m not so sure why. But the more I see of those four figures, the more I see of the pony family that took me in.”
“Waspinator never realized that human bug’s pony family is tied to the mythical beasts,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator more fascinated by this planet’s past.”
“It is a rather curious revelation,” King Sombra said. “I will have to speak with Eleanor about this when we arrive at the Ruby Building today.”
“But what about us?” Princess Chrysalis II asked nervously. “What will be our fate?”
King Sombra turned to Princess Chrysalis II and placed his hoof on the filly’s shoulder.
“Eleanor already knows that you exist down here,” King Sombra said. “As long as you refrain from attacking us, you and your kind are welcome here. When you believe you’re ready for your mother to reach out and talk about an alliance against Gold Banks, we’ll be waiting.”
“An alliance against Gold Banks?” Quickstrike cheered. “Now you’re talking. We’re gonna whip their butts and make them pay for driving us out of our homes.”
But as Quickstrike jumped up and down with a loud cheer, Pinkie Pie walked by the Predacon changeling, holding a frying pan with some saute mushrooms.
“Coming through,” Pinkie Pie said. “Got some hot mushrooms for a changeling princess.”
Pinkie Pie approached Princess Chrysalis II before setting the pan with the mushrooms down on the ground. Princess Chrysalis II looked down at the mushrooms and her mouth began to water.
“Those look so….scrumptious,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“Well, eat up,” Pinkie Pie giggled. “It's not gonna stay that way forever.”
Princess Chrysalis II picked up one of the cooked mushrooms and bit into it. As chewed slowly, her eyes popped with delight. She swallowed the food in her mouth before turning back towards the edible fungus.”
“This….this is so good,” Princess Chrysalis II cried.
With that, Princess Chrysalis II ate the rest of the mushroom in her hoof in one gulp. She turned towards the mushrooms in the pan before diving in and enjoying every morsel.
“This dish is worthy of a princess,” Princess Chrysalis II said after swallowing another mushroom. “Thank you.”
“Ohh no need to thank me,” Pinkie Pie said. “Baking isn't my only skill when it comes to food. Even the blandest of things can be made delicious if you know how to prepare it.”
As Princess Chrysalis II reached out and hugged Pinkie Pie, Crystal Snow walked up to Wanda and the other fillies while Abigail looked up at the Winterian Princess, purring loudly.
“You have a lot of great friends, Princess,” Crystal Snow said.
“Thanks,” Wanda said. “But I wish you had friends like I do.”
“I know,” Crystal Snow said. “But fate made me who I am, a mere terrorist who wants to see Equestria frozen.”
“How so?” Starlight asked.
“It's because I lost my mother, and I nearly lost my father: the pony you know as Coldnelius Snap,” Crystal Snow explained.
“I didn't know,” Starlight responded.
“I don't think any of us knew the consequences that would come from the Everfree War,” Misty explained. “Though I was only a foal, I still recall what our mother said about the fall of Everfree City, and the death of both Queen Eternia and Queen Icelina. It's a shame we only saw them a few times in our lives.”
Starlight turned her head towards Crystal Snow, whose eyes are directed to the hole leading outside.
“Miss Snow,” Starlight said. “I wish we never had to fight in the first place.”
“As much as I also wish that,” Crystal Snow said, “I'm afraid thr millenia-long hatred we had for each other kept their grip on our lives. We can't take back what we did. We must learn to atone for what we did.”
“Maybe we might,” Wanda said as she picked up Abigail and petted her. “What do you think?”
“If we can get out of this mess, then maybe,” Crystal Snow said.
Wanda Young sat in front of a book, deep within the secret wing of the Ruby Library Building. Next to her, Abigail Albright was curled up into a ball, sleeping soundly. Though the library was calm, Wanda was in deep thought.
“What is it about the four mythical beasts that intrigue me?” Wanda asked. “It’s the first I’ve heard of them. And yet, I feel as if I have this bond to them like I do with this goddess Lily Hikari.”
“Wanda? Are you alright?” Wanda turned her head around to see Eleanor Young walk up to her from the entrance.
“I’m fine, Evevanyian Mommy,” Wanda said. “Just focusing on the tales of the four mythical beasts.”
“I was wondering when you would learn about these creatures,” Eleanor laughed. “Especially from the mother closer to you.”
“You know about these four?” Wanda asked.
“I do,” Eleanor said. “The four mythical creatures are also tied to Evevanyia’s heritage, and to the four seasons. The azure dragon of the east brought forth spring, and the bloom of new flowers. The vermillion phoenix of the south brought summer, providing warmth and comfort to our people, and a reminder to tend to our crops. The white tiger of the west represented the fall, or autumn, to prepare ourselves for a long winter. And the black tortoise of the north wraps the land in the cold so that we may sleep peacefully.”
“And what about the gold dragon?” Wanda asked.
“She is the central balance that keeps the seasons in peace,” Eleanor said. “And you already know her name: Lily Hikari.”
“The very goddess who created our universe?” Wanda asked.
“That’s correct,” Eleanor responded. “And judging by the look on your face, you discovered that the goddess is connected to the four creatures. If we ever take you to Evevanya, I promise to show you the very houses connected to the four mythical beings.”
Wanda sighed for a moment before she closed her book and picked up Abigail, waking the kitty cat up.
“I don’t know if we’ll even make it to Evevanya,” Wanda said. “I know it’s relaxing to be in the Golden Land. But…I don’t want to be stuck here for the rest of my life.”
“We will find a way back,” Eleanor said as she kissed Wanda on the forehead. “We will. Along with your changeling friends and the Winterian Princess back at where you found those carvings of the Drakians.”
Those words caused Wanda to leap out of her seat, startling Abigail a bit. She turned towards her biological mother, sweating nervously, who had a smug smirk on her face.
“You know about Princess Chrysalis II and the Predacons?” Wanda asked as small beads of sweat poured down her forehead.
“I knew they were here before you discovered them by accident,” Eleanor said. “Rest assured, they are welcomed here as long as they are not hostile to us. And no, you’re not in any trouble. I just wanted to play with you for a bit.”
Wanda wiped the sweat off of her forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. She turned around towards her seat, only for Eleanor to place her hand on her shoulder, stopping her. Wanda turned towards Eleanor, whose smile went from smug to reassuring.
“Wanda, you do look a little tense,” Eleanor said. “Why not take a break from all that studying?”
“But I want to learn more about the four mythical beasts,” Wanda said. “I want to know more of their connection to every race in the world.”
“And you will, through a different means,” Eleanor said. “I’m going to tell a tale of not just the four beasts, but also of the son of my Dusk counterpart: Prince Tirek.”
“Prince Tirek?” Wanda said. “You told me about him. What was he like?”
“Well, my darling Wanda,” Eleanor said. “Come with me. It’s time you and your friends know about Prince Tirek.”
Abigail looked up at Eleanor and just meowed loudly.
“Abby,” Wanda said. “You want to hear about this tale of Tirek?”
But the only thing Abigail did was leap into Wanda’s arms before rubbing her head on Wanda’s chest.
“I guess I’ll take that as a yes,” Wanda giggled.
It was evening time at the Ruby Library. Deep within the secret wing, Queen Eleanor Young, Princess Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, and Misty Brightdawn were gathered around in a giant circle on the ground. Eleanor stood on her two legs and held a book in her right hand, while her staff laid on the ground.
“So what’s going on with Queen Eleanor?” Misty asked.
Eleanor walked into the middle of the circle where the younglings looked up at her. She held her book in the air before opening it.
“Good evening,” Eleanor said. “Tonight, I wish to tell you a tale about a prince who was once the eye of my good friend: Queen Lilian Hayden Highstaff. One whose fall from grace still broke her heart. His name….Prince Tirek.”
With that, Eleanor flung the book into the air at a high speed. The moment it reached the peak of its height, the book exploded in a blinding light, producing a number of colorful pyrotechnic explosions, until smoke formed into the shape of centaur with red and light black colors. The sound of the explosions was enough to cause Spike and Abigail to hide behind Wanda and Starlight.
“That’s Tirek?” Wanda said as Spike and Abigail peeked their heads out.
“Yes,” Eleanor said before she reached out, allowing her staff to fly into her right hand before she held it up. “Prince Tirek is the son of Queen Lilian and her previous husband: King Vorak.”
As the smoke image of Tirek ran through, another smoke cloud formed an older centaur, who the image of Tirek approached before bowing to him. In an instant, the image of Tirek transformed into a younger version of himself before the older centaur picked him up.
“As a youngling, Tirek had a high respect for his father,” Eleanor explained. “And there’s a reason for this: King Vorak saw his son as the jewel of his eye. A youngling to be proud of. All he wanted was what was best for his son.”
As the image of King Vorak and Prince Tirek hugged each other close, the image of a female human with bat wings approached the duo. Prince Tirek looked at her mother and stood still as the female human walked up to the prince and hugged him.
“And it was not just King Vorak who saw pride in his son,” Eleanor said. “Queen Lilian, my counterpart, also cared for Prince Tirek. She wanted to see her son grow up to be king of the Dusk, and to lead all of Evevanya to an era of prosperity.”
In an instant, the image of young Tirek, King Vorak and Queen Lillian disappeared. In its place, a pre-teen Tirek held his bow in the air while King Vorak watched with anticipation.
“For many years, King Vorak trained his son in many ways to prepare him for the throne,” Eleanor narrated. “Throughout his trials, Tirek proved to his father the qualities of being king.”
In an instant, pre-teen Tirek fired a shot from his arrow, where it hit the image of a target on a tree. King Vorak clapped as Tirek turned to his father and took a bow.
Immediately, the image changed into Tirek and Vorak in a duel using wooden swords, clashing at each other like their life was on the line.
“Prince Tirek was pushed to the limits by his father,” Eleanor said. “It wasn’t enough to be skilled in one talent. To be king, Tirek had to be skilled in many talents. And in some ways, he would learn the ways of failure.”
With a powerful thrust of his arms, King Vorak barged into his son Prince Tirek and knocked him down with a swipe of his sword. Tirek laid there on the ground, as if his pride was hurt.
“And although Tirek would learn to fail, it was failure that taught him his life lessons,” Eleanor said. “And it was his father who encouraged Tirek to try again.”
King Vorak reached down with his hand towards Tirek, who slowly reached out and grabbed onto his hand before the older centaur pulled him up. Once the two were back on their hooves, Tirek and Vorak drew their wooden swords and clashed again.
“It was failure that taught Tirek how to be humble, how to not be arrogant in the eyes of his people,” Eleanor said. “And failure is meant to be the most important teacher for all of us.”
The image of the pre-teen Tirek and King Vorak clashing with wooden swords disappeared, and in its place, Tirek laid on an altar, nervous but yet ready, while the image of Queen Lillian and Queen Eleanor approached the centaur prince.
“But it wasn’t just his skills, nor the lessons of his failures, that shaped Prince Tirek,” Queen Eleanor said. “Queen Lillian and I discovered that Prince Tirek was also gifted with a special kind of magic. One that bore the essence of the four mythical beasts: the Azure Dragon, the Crimson Phoenix, the White Tiger and the Black Tortoise.”
As Queen Lillian and Queen Eleanor stood above Prince Tirek, they reached their hands into the air, causing Tirek to glow blue, then red, then white and then black. Tirek relaxed as he glowed brightly.
“Since his birth, Tirek has been blessed with the magic of the four mythical beasts,” Queen Eleanor said. “It was said that anyone who was harmonized by these legendary gods would be blessed with the magic of lifegiver.”
“Lifegiver?” Starlight asked. “What do you mean by that?”
“That is a question that is worth answering, Starlight Glimmer,” Eleanor laughed.
Holding her staff in the air, Eleanor watched as the images of Tirek, Lillian and herself disappeared. In its place, her own avatar kneeled before the image of a blue ram, who approached her.
“Our guardian deity Grogar, who was a student of the four mythical beasts, knew all about life magic,” Eleanor explained. “And the words he said to me were those I keep to heart.”
As the image of Eleanor knelt, the image of Grogar came to a stop and stared down at Grogar.
“You were wise to seek my council, Queen Eleanor,” Grogar’s image said. “Queen Lillian and King Vorak’s son possess a great blessing from the four beasts. As such, he can not only control the life magic like most Evevanyians, but he also possesses the power to bring the dead back to life, even if they were reduced to ash.”
I was proud of what Grogar said to me, and the fact that Prince Tirek exceeded the expectations of both King Vorak and Queen Lillian. But what he said next shocked me to my core.
“But you must beware,” Grogar said. “Outside forces threaten to corrupt the son of Vorak and Lillian, to force him to turn against his family. You must protect him from this evil at all costs. Failure will unfortunately doom the house of Highstaff.”
Looking up at Grogar, the image of Queen Eleanor looked horrified.
“I couldn’t disregard the words of Lord Grogar,” Eleanor said. “After all, he has never faltered in his wisdom. And I knew Prince Tirek would be upset about the truth. But it was for his own well-being.”
The image of Grogar disappeared as the avatar of Queen Eleanor stood before the images of King Vorak and Queen Lillian.
“I told my counterparts about the words of Grogar, that outside forces threaten to corrupt Prince Tirek,” Eleanor said. “He took those words to heart and went to confront his son about it.”
As the avatar of Eleanor and the image of Queen Lillian disappeared, King Vorak stood above a teenage Tirek, who sounded horrified by his father’s words.
“But King Vorak had a different approach,” Eleanor said. “Under his order, Prince Tirek was confined to Everfree City, under an extreme amount of guards to ensure that no one will take the young prince. But this resulted in severing the bond between father and son.”
In an instant, Tirek turned away from his father and ran off crying, leaving King Vorak all by himself as if there were a hint of remorse in his eyes.
“Prince Tirek felt rejected by his father's command,” Eleanor said. “He grew distant from him in the coming months, as if he no longer held him on that high pedestal. And King Vorak began to realize that he may have gone too far.”
As the images of Tirek and King Vorak disappeared, the avatar of Eleanor, who appeared to be pregnant, stood there horrified.
“I wondered if telling King Tirek and Queen Lillian about the danger their son was in was a good idea,” Eleanor said. “But even Lord Grogar thought that King Vorak went too far.”
Behind the avatar of Queen Eleanor, Grogar walked up from behind the pregnant queen with a disappointed look on his face.
“What was he thinking?” Lord Grogar said. “He was supposed to protect his son, not destroy his trust.”
“I turned my head towards the guardian deity of Evevanya,” Eleanor narrated, “And I knew my own words were also of disappointment.”
“Even I didn't expect King Vorak to go that far,” the Avatar of Eleanor said. “Now the evil that threatened to corrupt Tirek could easily take him.”
“But the words that Grogar would say would have a chilling effect on my own soul,” Eleanor continued.
“I don't think it will be easy for father and son to reconnect with each other,” Grogar said. “In fact, King Vorak's own recklessness may have split the divide even further.”
“Divide?” The Avatar of Eleanor said, surprised. “Then this is my fault. I shouldn't have told them about your prediction.”
“It's not your fault,” Grogar said. “You did what you could to try to save Prince Tirek. But not all of us are capable of doing the right thing. I fear what King Vorak did could be his undoing.”
“The words of Lord Grogar began to haunt my own mind” Eleanor explained. “I wondered if things would have gone better had I not told King Vorak or Queen Lillian at all.”
As the image of Lord Grogar disappeared, the Avatar of Eleanor slimmed down before the smoke created a crib with a baby girl in it.
“In the coming months, I gave birth to a baby girl of my own,” Eleanor said. “And you all know who that is.”
As Wanda observed the images of smoke above, her face beamed with excitement.
“Why that's…..that's me,” Wanda said.
“That's correct,” Eleanor responded. “You came into this world, my darling Wanda,” Eleanor said. “You became a princess of Evevanya by birthright. But to me, you became the happiest moment of my life.”
The Avatar of Eleanor reached down and picked up the image of Baby Wanda before holding her up in the air with joy in her face. She held Baby Wanda close to her before cradling the child in her arms.
“It reminded me of when Queen Lillian gave birth to Prince Tirek back then,” Eleanor said. “To see a new life come to Evevanya, and to have a child of my own, let alone a daughter.”
But as the crib where Baby Wanda laid disappeared, Queen Lillian appeared beside the Avatar of Eleanor with a warm smile on her face, while the image of King Vorak appeared, having his back turned away from both queens.
“But while Queen Lillian shared in the same happiness that I experienced, King Vorak had not been himself,” Eleanor explained. “He did not turn to see my new daughter, nor would he face his own wife. But I could tell in his soul that he regretted driving a wedge between him and his son Prince Tirek. I felt helpless in what they were going through.”
But as the image of King Vorak and Queen Lillian disappeared, the Avatar of Eleanor carried Baby Wanda with her, slumping around in a depressed mood.
“I did what I could to raise Baby Wanda,” Queen Eleanor said. “But there was a part of me that wanted to give up Wanda to Queen Lillian and King Vorak, all just to reawaken their own passion, and to remind them of the love they gave to their son.”
But in an instant, the avatar of Eleanor came to a stop as the image of Queen Lillian appeared in front of her in a full panic.
“But one day, Queen Lillian gave me some bad news,” Eleanor explained. “And it was something I had feared would happen.”
“Prince Tirek had gone missing, and King Vorak had gone to search for him,” The image of Queen Lillian cried. “I fear for the safety of my husband and my son.”
The Avatar of Eleanor nodded to Queen Lillian as they both ran off with Eleanor's Avatar holding Baby Wanda in her arms.
“With no time to prepare, we hurried out of Equinox City and into the forest area, searching for King Vorak and Prince Tirek,” Eleanor explained. “Though in hindsight, I should have left my daughter with a caretaker. But I was too emotional to think about that.”
But as the Avatar and Lillian ran, they came to a stop and were horrified. In an instant, an image of Lord Tirek stood above King Vorak, who laid there motionless. The look on the prince's face was of remorse as he shamefully turned to face his mother and thr Avatar of Eleanor.
“Tirek confessed to killing his own father,” Eleanor said. “But we saw the look on his face, and we realized that he didn't mean for it to happen. But what he said next horrified us even more.
The image of Prince Tirek approached Queen Lillian and the Avatar of Eleanor before kneeling down with his hands held out, turning his head away.
“Lock me away in the deepest part of Midnight Castle,” Prince Tirek cried. “The ancestral home of the Dusk. What I did cannot be forgiven.”
“My counterpart was heartbroken by her son's remorseful wish,” Eleanor said as the image of Lillian reluctantly placed a magic cuff around Tirek's wrists. “She agreed to do so, knowing that she may never see her son again.”
As the image of Queen Lillian escorted Tirek away from the fallen King Vorak, everything but the Avatar of Eleanor and Baby Wanda disappeared, and a cloud of darkness began to surround them.
“But with the death of the king, and a prince locking himself away for what he did, Evevanya would fall into a despair that we didn't anticipate.”
Instantly, the darkness transformed into Dawn and Dusk Evevaniyans clashing with humans who wielded rifles and energy shields.
“Humans who have rebelled against their own planet popped out of nowhere and declared war on our people,” Eleanor said. “And we were pushed to the limit without King Vorak or Prince Tirek. Many of our brothers and sisters would be lost to this horrifying war.”
The Avatar of Eleanor held Baby Wanda close as the little one cried loudly. Humans fired lasers from their rifles at the defending Dawn and Dusk Evevaniyans. Some fell in battle. Others dodged the shots and casted .agic at the humans or lunged at them with swords, axes or pole arms, killing them in the process.
“So many lives dying in a senseless war that came out of nowhere,” Eleanor said as the younglings observe the carnage. “All because we lost a king and a prince chose to lock himself away for what he did. It felt as if all hope was lost.”
But as the younglings continued to observe the war, something within Wanda sparked in her eyes.
“It's strange,” Wanda said. “But….I feel like I've seen this before.”
Wanda looked up at the fighting going on around the Avatar of Eleanor and her baby self before the warriors of both sides disappeared in a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared, the Avatar of Eleanor kneeled to the image of Queen Lillian, all while she held her daughter.
“Because of the death of King Vorak, imprisonment of his son Prince Tirek, and the war that came to Evevanya, I had no choice but to take Wanda out of the land of her birth and heritage,” Eleanor explained. “My counterpart was reluctant to see me part with my daughter. But she understood why it had to be done. She told me of a land beyond ours that could be yoru shelter. It was called….Equestria.”
“That’s why I came here to Equestria,” Wanda said. “It was because of the war that started back in Evevanya and the death of King Vorak.”
“That’s correct, my daughter,” Eleanor said before she raised her staff into the air once more.
The Avatar of Eleanor, Baby Wanda and Queen Lillian disappeared before it formed a cage with Prince Tirek trapped inside. His back was turned away from the front of the cage, barely looking behind his shoulder.
“As for Prince Tirek, he remains in his cell in Midnight Castle, the ancestral home of the Dusk,” Queen Eleanor said. “The remorse that filled his eyes was because of his father’s death. I still don’t know if Tirek really did end his father’s life, even after his own confession. But in a way, he still carried a lot of respect for King Vorak. Maybe it wasn’t if he killed him or not. Maybe, it’s because his father is gone, and it hurts his heart the most.”
In an instant, the smoke cloud that took the form of Tirek and the cage that surrounded him disappeared before the very book that Eleanor threw into the air took shape once more and fell before Eleanor grabbed it with one swipe.
“And that is the story of Prince Tirek,” Eleanor said. “May he one day find peace.”
As the other younglings stared at Queen Eleanor, Pinkie Pie burst into tears, crying out loud and attracting the attention of everyone in the room.
“POOR TIREK!” Pinkie cried. “HE LOOKED UP TO HIS FATHER, AND NOW HE’S GONE!”
“Woah, easy there Pinkie,” Starlight said as she placed her hoof on Pinkie’s back. “It’s okay. I know what it’s like to lose a relative, and even though he lives within me, I still miss seeing my Uncle Meteor Flare in front of me.”
“No doubt about it,” Cozy Glow said. “Even if Tirek didn’t kill his own father, he still carried a lot of guilt in seeing him die. And I’ll be honest, I do sympathize with Tirek. I just wish he never had to go through that trauma.”
“So do I,” Eleanor said as she placed the book down on the table next to her. “And to be honest, I still blame myself for being the one who drove a wedge between father and son, even if it was unintentional. But I do hope that one day, Tirek will be able to forgive himself for that day, and reconnect with her mother, and with the rest of his people. Now, are there any questions you wish to ask?”
Immediately, Misty raised her hoof in the air, to which Eleanor pointed to her.
“Misty, you have a question for me?” Eleanor asked.
“I do,” Misty responded. “If you wanted to take Wanda back to Evevanya, is there war still going on there?”
“That is a good question,” Eleanor said as she reached into the pocket of her cloak.
Eleanor Young pulled out a scroll and held it up. The scroll levitated into the air and hovered towards the younglings before landing on Wanda’s hands.
“Go ahead and open it,” Eleanor said.
Wanda unraveled the scroll and looked in it as the rest of the group watched with prying eyes.
“To my best friend Eleanor Young,” Wanda read. “I bring you good news. We drove the rogue group of humans known as the True Sons of Man out of Evevanya. The war has ended after two years with minimal casualties. It is now safe for you and your daughter Wanda when you choose to come home. After all, the people of Evevanya, myself included, miss you so much. Signed, Queen Lillian Hayden.”
“That explains why Wanda is able to return home,” Misty said while the others cheered. “The war ended long ago.”
“Wow,” Wanda said. “The more we know, the more we’re surprised. I guess I was able to leave for Evevanya when I was still a toddler. Guess knowing is half the battle.”
“Don’t you worry, Wanda,” Starlight Glimmer said as she gave Wanda a hug. “We’ll get out of this madness so we can meet this Queen Lillian and this Prince Tirek.”
“Oh Starlight,” Wanda giggled.
As Misty, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Abigail gathered around Wanda and Starlight, Cozy Glow and Golden Lace walked up to Eleanor Young. The Evevanyian queen had a satisfied look on her face as she took a seat and placed her hand on her book.
“If I had known about what Wanda went through, I would have never been harsh on her,” Golden Lace said.
“It’s okay,” Eleanor said. “You’ve learned your lesson and became a better pony. Now’s not the time to be stuck in the past.”
“Still,” Golden Lace said, turning to the other younglings. “I feel bad for Wanda now. To be born in a world, only to witness the death of a great king and to be caught up in a war. She’s gone through a whole lot.”
“Oh she has,” Eleanor said, standing up and picking up her book. “And I also bet Tirek’s been going through a lot since he was locked away in Midnight Castle. Lillian has as well, as she misses both her husband King Vorak and her son Prince Tirek. I hope one day, the two can make amends with each other.”
“Speaking of Tirek,” Cozy Glow said, “I hope I get to meet him in person. He sounds like a nice guy, even after what he went through.”
“He was,” Eleanor said. “Before I accidentally severed the bond between Vorak and Tirek.”
Eleanor took a few steps away from the younglings, before turning her head back to Golden Lace and Cozy Glow.
“Oh and by the way, I only told you the basic story not just of Tirek, but also of Wanda’s early days in Evevanya,” Eleanor said. “There may be some details that I left out, so that you and your friends will discover more about Wanda’s past.”
“But why hide it from us?” Gold Banks asked.
“Because I want you all to learn through your own personal view, not just from me,” Eleanor said. “What I told you was the basic story of Tirek, Vorak and myself. If we get to Evevanya, you will learn more about our land, and about the tragedy of Prince Tirek and King Vorak. That I can assure you.”
As Eleanor walked away, Cozy Glow and Golden Lace turned towards each other, confused.
“What does he mean by that?” Cozy Glow asked.
“I think what she means is that we’ll discover the truth on our own,” Golden Lace said. “It may not be pretty. But we’ll understand when that time comes.”
“That’s a bit difficult to understand,” Cozy Glow said. “But I think I’ll understand why.”
With that, Cozy Glow and Golden Lace walked off in the opposite direction while Wanda, Abigail, Spike, Starlight, Misty and Pinkie Pie embraced each other within the middle of the secret wing of the Ruby Library.
It was a stormy night in downtown Manehattan. A mare in a black cloak ran through the streets as the rain poured on her and every pony nearby. Many of the other ponies looked at the mare before stepping back in fear. But the mare ignored them and continued her trek through.
It didn’t take long for the mare to come to a stop at a nearby fancy restaurant. She reached out and opened the door before stepping inside. As she entered the establishment, she took off her wet cloak, revealing herself to be Gold Banks. Around her neck was the alicorn amulet.
“The one time I wanted to come out to eat as empress of Equestria, a stupid storm had to show up,” Gold Banks grumbled as she looked at her soggy cloak. “I swear, the whole world is out to get me.”
As Gold Banks rolled up her cloak in a giant soggy mess, a maitre d stallion approached her with a stiff upper lip, taking the cloak off of her hooves.
“Good evening, Empress Banks,” The Maitre D said. “A guest at our establishment has arranged a special booth for you tonight.”
“A special booth, eh?” Gold Banks said, amused. “If I didn’t know better, I believed that this special booth was set up by a certain alchemist.”
“Then follow me, my lady,” The Maitre D said.
“Very well,” Gold Banks laughed. “Lead on.”
With a gentle tap of his hooves, The Maitre D led Gold Banks through the interior of the dining hall, passing by the other guests who were enjoying the finest cuisines of the luxurious establishment. Once they made their way to a wide and beautiful golden staircase in the middle of the restaurant, the Maitre D led Gold Banks upstairs, while the newly crowned empress looked down at the other guests.
“Just look at those peasants,” Gold Banks chuckled. “Gorging on hor d'oeuvres without a single care in the world. Well let them eat cake, because when Princess Celestia finally goes down for good, they will truly refer to me as Empress.”
At the top of the staircase, the Maitre D led Gold Banks towards a gold-plated private booth with cashmere cushions. Sitting in the booth with their eyes on Gold Banks were Grand Philosopher and Miss Honey Twist. Once Banks was right next to her booth, thr Maitre D bowed to her.
“I will give you some time to decide on your meal tonight, Empress,” the Maitre D said. “In the meantime, two more guests will join you tonight.”
As the Maitre D walked away, Gold Banks took a seat next to Grand Philosopher with a smug look on her face.
“I should have known you would be this bold to arrange a meeting as my favorite restaurant,” Gold Banks chuckled. “You never cease to amaze me, Grand Philosopher.”
“Well, as a wise stallion once said, spare no expense,” Grand Philosopher said. “After all, you have already ousted the princesses from their position of power, and you have made Equestria your new throne of power.”
“But I refuse to sit atop their throne when my new palace where the changelings once reside is my new throne of power,” Gold Banks said. “Maybe a new city should be built around it so that ponies will continue to worship and fear me.”
“A new Canterlot?” Miss Honey Twist said.
“Oh no,” Gold Banks laughed. “Why call it Canterlot when you can come up with something original, like….Aurictropolis.”
“Aurictropolis,” Grand Philosopher said. “A fitting name for one with your stature.”
“Oh it is,” Gold Banks said. “After all, why just settle with a drab city like Canterlot when you can have a metropolis that shines like pure gold?”
Suddenly, Gold Banks heard the sound of the Maitre D clearing his throat. She turned to her left to see the head of the restaurant stand alongside Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat.
“Ahhh, the rest of the guests,” Gold Banks said. “And just in time, too. Come. Take a seat.”
As Steel Bolt and Blue Heat sat next to Miss Honey Twist, the Maitre D pulled out five menus and placed them in front of each guest. Each of them picked up the menu and looked into it, with the exception of Gold Banks, who had her hooves on her menu with a smug look on her face, all while the Maitre D pulled out a pen and pocket notepad, ready to jolt down their orders.
“Now that everyone is present,” the Maitre D said, “I supposed you’re all ready to order your cuisine for tonight.”
“I've already made up my mind,” Gold Banks said. “I would like to have baked cauliflower with fettuccine noodles in a creamy alfrolick sauce, with a bottle of your sparkling grape juice.”
“Excellent choice,” The Maitre D said. “And for the monsieur and madame?”
“A spicy chickpea curry with a side of jasmine rice,” Grand Philosopher said. “Along with a bottle of sparkling mineral water.”
“Lentils and butternut squash in a bolognese sauce,” Miss Honey Twist said. “With a side of earl neigh tea.”
The Maitre D turned to both Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat before he said “And for the duo?”
“I prefer a more simple meal,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “So a hummus and cucumber sandwich with a side of falafel, and a simple glass of water.”
“Same here,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Very well,” The Maitre D said, jolting some notes down in his pocket notepad.
The guests gathered their menus up and placed them on the side of the table before the Maitre D took them off. He placed them to the side before turning back towards Gold Banks.
“Our top chefs will have your orders out in a jiffy,” The Maitre D said. “Enjoy your time, Empress Banks.”
As the Maitre D walked away from the table with the menus in hoof, everyone else turned back at each other, especially Gold Banks who reclined back into her seat with a satisfied look on her face.
“Normally, Maitre Ds would have the other waiters handle our order,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“That’s true,” Gold Banks said. “But I’ve been a frequent guest at this fine establishment, and the head of the restaurant ensures that I am the top priority when it comes to orders. After all, they did refer to me as the number one guest.”
“You’re one who enjoys titles very much, Gold Banks,” Grand Philosopher said.
“Oh you know me, Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks said. “I live to be number one over that foolish Princess Celestia, the annoying gnat Queen Chrysalis and the anciently old Coldnelius Snap.”
“That I agree with you on,” Grand Philosopher said. “Especially that of Coldnelius Snap. After all, he…”
“Can we keep the surprises for another time?” Gold Banks interrupted. “Besides, you’ve already told me about Coldnelius Snap.”
“Very well,” Grand Philosopher sighed. “I believe the next order of business happens to be Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Which is something that had me concerned,” Miss Honey Twist said. “I was told that you were going to shut down Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Shut down?” Gold Banks said with a slight chuckle. “Whatever do you mean?”
“I informed Miss Honey Twist about what you told me,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “About wanting to shutter the prized school of Equestia.”
But all Gold Banks could do was laugh out loud, much to the confusion of Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat.
“I don't think this is funny at all “ Miss Honey Twist said. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn't walk out on you.”
“Because I had only told the Warden part of the message,” Gold Banks said as she reached into her coat. “It's time I revealed the whole plan.”
Gold Banks pulled a parchment scroll out from her coat and unraveled it before setting it on the table. Miss Honey Twist looked down at the parchment, revealing a map of Equestria, but with various images of Daisy Joy the Cow scattered across the landscape.
“So,” Miss Honey Twist said. “You're going to open new Daisy Joy Techs across all of Equestria.”
“Exactly,” Gold Banks said, pointing to the Daisy Joy near La Maresa. “Especially in this are that was once the Coltsom Detention Facility.”
“Our old stomping grounds,” Warden Steel Bolt laughed. “Now that's a nice choice. I can’t wait to see it up and operational.”
“But what of the original?” Miss Honey Twist asked. “What will be the fate of the very Daisy Joy Tech that I run?”
“Well that’s a good question,” Gold Banks said as she rolled up the map of Equestria. “While my operatives will start building the new Daisy Joy Tech locations in secret, the original will be the bait to lure Prince Blueblood and his Manehattan Rebellion into a false sense of security. And when we bring down Princess Celestia, we will re-open that location as a new headquarters that will oversee all of the Daisy Joy Tech locations.”
“A new headquarters, eh?” Miss Honey Twist said. “I do sound skeptical on this. But, knowing how you have Princess Celestia on the run and Princess Luna in your captivity, I’ll play your game.”
“I was hoping you would see things my way,” Gold Banks said as she placed her left hoof near her Alicorn Amulet. “In case that pathetic princess decides to show her face again, I will make sure she will regret crossing my path.”
“Which brings us to our mission,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “We have discovered the whereabouts of some of the escaped Daisy Joy Tech fugitives, including the student of Princess Celestia: Twilight Sparkle.”
“You have?” Gold Banks said, Intrigued.
Warden Steel Bolt turned towards Officer Blue Heat before nodding to his partner.
“We suspect that Twilight Sparkle and a small number of the escaped students reside in Vanhoover,” Officer Blue Heat explained. “No doubt with her own parents.”
“Which begs me the question on why you didn't haul her and her friends back here,” Gold Banks asked, slightly annoyed, all while Officer Blue Heat reached into his coat.
“I believe this is your answer,” Officer Blue Heat said as he pulled out a photograph and placed it on the table.
Gold Banks picked up the photograph with her magic and took a look at it. On the surface of the picture was Queen Chrysalis with her face turned slightly away from the camera.
“So that changeling queen has taken up residence in Vanhoover,” Gold Banks said.
“Along with the changelings, Coldnelius Snap and his Windigo’s Guild cult,” Warden Steel Bolt explained.
“Very well,” Gold Banks sighed as she gave the photo back to Officer Blue Heat. “I will send a legion of my Debt Collectors to aid your mission in Vanhoover.r. But ensure that you nab that brat Twilight Sparkle and her pathetic little friends.”
“It will be done, my empress,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “I will not fail you.”
“For your sake, I hope you don’t,” Gold Banks said.
“Speaking of the opposite, I believe that is our dinner,” Grand Philosopher said, looking behind Gold Banks.
The Maitre D walked over to the group with a waiter pushing a serving cart with five plates topped with delicious food. As the cart parked in front of the table, Officer Blue Heat smelled the food and allowed its aromas to fill his nose.
“You definitely chose a fine place, Empress Banks,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Of course,” Gold Banks said. “I have fine tastes.”
The Maitre D clapped to the waiter, who proceeded to pick up the plate with the baked cauliflower before placing it in front of Gold Banks.
“For the empress, the baked cauliflower with fettuccine with alfrolick sauce,” the Maitre D said.
“Excellent,” Gold Banks said. “Just like the last couple of times.”
The waiter picked up two more plates before placing them in front of Grand Philosopher and Miss Honey Twist.
“For the monsieur, the spicy chickpea curry with a side of jasmine rice,” The Maitre D explained. “And for the madam, the lentils and butternut squash in a bolognese sauce.”
“I’ll have to say, I’m impressed,” Grand Philosopher said, looking down at his savory dish.
“This sure was worth coming down,” Miss Honey Twist chuckled.
The waiter picked up the last two plates before placing them down in front of Officer Blue Heat and Warden Steel Bolt.
“And finally, for the duo,” the Maitre D said, “Hummus and cucumber sandwiches with sides of falafel.”
“Now that’s what I call service,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“I can’t wait to taste it,” Officer Blue Heat said.
As the waiter pulled out the bottles of sparkling water, along with a metal teapot, a loud crash and a scream came from downstairs, catching everyone’s attention.
“What in the world is going on?” Gold Banks asked, surprised slightly.
“One of our guests is choosing to misbehave in this fine establishment,” The Maitre D groaned. “I was afraid this would happen.”
Intrigued, Gold Banks took off her alicorn amulet and placed it right next to Grand Philosopher.
“Whatever the commotion is, I want to see if I can show that party crasher who’s boss without my prized amulet,” Gold Banks said. “So do me a favor and watch over it.”
“Very well,” Grand Philosopher said. “But it would be unwise to part with it.”
“Oh no need to worry,” Gold Banks said. “After all, this ain’t Princess Celestia.”
Gold Banks got out of her seat and walked up to the edge of the balcony. She looked down and saw a rowdy stallion tug at a waitress by her dress, all while she held onto a barstool.
“This must be the guest you’re talking about,” Gold Banks asked.
“It is,” The Maitre D said. “We tried banning him from our establishment. But he simply won’t take no for an answer. Last night, he had the gall to drive off the local police from our establishment.”
“Wait right here,” Gold Banks said with a smirk on her face. “I’ll deal with this hooligan.”
As Gold Banks made her way towards the staircase, the rest of the group sans Grand Philosopher got out of their seats and walked over to the railing next to the Maitre D. But Grand Philosopher had his eyes on the Alicorn Amulet before scooping it up
“I believe it's time to imbue the amulet with a new kind of magic,” Grand Philosopher said.
Grand Philosopher reached into his cloak and pulled out a vial of a greenish liquid. He pulled the cork off of the vial before pouring the contents onto the Alicorn Amulet. As the liquid washed over the necklace, it glowed brightly, absorbing the green gunk until there was nothing left.
“It won't be long until she tests out her new magic,” Grand Philosopher said as he hid thr empty vial in his cloak and placed the amulet back on the table. “It's bound to bring gloom to her foes.”
Downstairs, the rowdy stallion aggressively tugs at the waitress’ dress all while she clings onto a barstool and screams in horror. The other guests just watched in horror, unable to leap from their seats or reach out to help the poor soul.
“SOME PONY HELP ME,” The Waitress screamed. “GET THIS CREEP OUT OF MY SIGHTS!”
“Now that's no way to treat someone like me,” the delinquent laughed. “After all, I'm the life of the party, and you're the guest of honor.”
“Hey bozo. Why not deal with a sweeter prize?” The rowdy stallion turned to his right as he lost his grip on the waitresses dress. As the waitress jumped over the bar and hid behind the counter, Gold Banks walked up to the stallion from the bottom of the stairs, much to the drunks amusement.
“Well, what do we have here?” the so-called party animal said with a smug grin on his face. “The legendary Gold Banks, slayer of alicorn princess.”
“I’m not here for your shallow praise, you simple-minded fool,” Gold Banks said. “I’m here for you.”
“Oh is that the case?” The rowdy stallion said.
Without breaking a sweat, the rowdy stallion grabbed Gold Banks by the wrists, picked her up and pinned her to a nearby column next to the bar. Despite the smug look on his face, Gold Banks’ smile never left her face.
“You sure live up to your so-called title,” Gold Banks said. “ But that's not enough to impress me.”
“Is that a fact?” the rowdy stallion said. “Well there are many better ways to impress you.”
“I can only think of one,” Gold Banks responded.
“Yeah?” The delinquent said. “What would that be?”
“THIS!” Gold Banks yelled.
With a swing of her right leg, Gold Banks kicked the rowdy stallion right in the crotch area. The delinquent groaned in pain as he lost his grip on Gold Banks’ wrists before collapsing on the floor. As the stubborn fool held his crotch and grunted in pain, Gold Banks got back on her four hooves as the waitress looked down from the counter.
“And that's how you deal with stallions who need to know their place,” Gold Banks said.
“Oh my,” the waitress said. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, Empress Banks.”
“Don’t mention it,” Gold Banks said. “Besides, I only did this just for a challenge. But enough talk. I have a little unfinished business with this creep.”
As the stallion looked up at Gold Banks while groaning loudly, Gold Banks looked down at him with the most devilish grin on her face.
“I think it’s time you took a trip,” Gold Banks said with a devilish grin.
Moments later, the back door of the restaurant opened widely as Gold Banks held the rowdy stallion in the air with her magic. She threw the fool forward until he crashed head first into a dumpster, with his lower torso and legs sticking out, struggling to break free from the mess. Gold Banks just looked at the miserable fool trying to kick his legs in the air before laughing out loud.
“That’s one way to take out the trash,” Gold Banks chuckled before she closed the back entrance to the restaurant.
Back inside, Gold Banks made her way up the staircase and back onto the second floor of the restaurant. The Maitre D stood there, relieved as the aristocrat made her way down before pulling out a checkbook and opened it. She pulled a pen from the checkbook before writing on the surface. Afterwards, she pulled the check out from the book before handing the piece of paper to the Maitre D.
“Consider this a little extra for allowing me to dispose of that creep,” Gold Banks said as the Maitre D looked at the check.
“I’ll keep that in mind, Empress,” The Maitre D said with a smirk on his face.
As Gold Banks approached her table, everyone else stood there with their eyes focused on the aristocrat-turned-empress. Gold Banks took her seat and stared at everyone.
“What are you all looking at?” Gold Banks said, her smile still bare.
Immediately, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat clapped their hooves together.
“That was a nice performance, Lady Banks,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“Yeah,” Officer Blue Heat agreed. “You pulled that off without the power of the alicorn amulet.”
“Oh please,” Gold Banks said. “How about we focus less on my status as empress and more on the food on our table.”
“Well the empress has a point there,” Grand Philosopher said before placing his hoof on the Alicorn Amulet. ”But that being said, I think you better put your necklace on. You do want the world to know who’s in charge.”
“I almost forgot,” Gold Banks laughed. “Thanks.”
Gold Banks lifted the Alicorn Amulet from the table before placing it around her neck once more while everyone else began to eat their food. Officer Blue Heat took a bite of his sandwich and chewed for a moment before swallowing while Miss Honey Twist tried out her lentils and butternut squash.
“Now this is delicious,” Officer Blue Heat said. “Remind me to come here, often.”
“It’s on the pricey side,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “But I’ll consider it.”
“This food is delicious,” Miss Honey Twist said after swallowing the food in her mouth.
“It’s why we often come here,” Grand Philosopher said.
Gold Banks dug her fork into her cauliflower before she placed the vegetable in her mouth and pulled the fork out. She chewed for a moment before swallowing.
“Honestly, this is why I keep coming here,” Gold Banks chuckled. “They never fail to get my food just right.”
It was a dark night in Manehattan. The rain had stopped and the moon with the image of the pony of shadows bore its face in the night sky. Gold Banks walked away from the restaurant in Manehattan with a satisfied look on her face, and the alicorn amulet around her neck. Walking next to her were Grand Philosopher, Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat. Despite the dark, gloomy nature of Manehattan with only a few street lights and some transients wandering about, the group of five looked fearless.
“Just look at these worthless bums,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “Wandering these streets without a clue in the world.”
“Yeah,” Officer Blue Heat said. “They should be made to work in factories without being paid. At least they’ll have something to do with their worthless lives.”
“Patience, you two,” Gold Banks said. “Patience. Once Princess Celestia is dealt with, we can begin rounding up these worthless bums and putting together my master plan. Especially the younglings.”
But as Gold Banks turned towards Miss Honey Twist, the head of Daisy Joy Tech had shifted her head towards the northeast as if her mind was wandering off.
“Miss Honey Twist,” Gold Banks said. “Have you not took your mind off of what Daisy Joy Tech will evolve into?”
“It’s not that,” Miss Honey Twist said. “All I want to know is if I can continue to apply my strict discipline towards those insufferable brats once every youngling in Equestria is enrolled across the new Daisy Joy Tech campuses.”
“Oh you will,” Gold Banks said. “Thanks to my master plan, you will be able to go across to any campus you want and ensure that those juvenile delinquents will respect or fear you.”
“Give her time,” Grand Philosopher said, placing her hoof on Gold Banks’ shoulder “She will come around to her new task as headmistress across every Daisy Joy Tech location. But there are other matters to deal with, my lady.”
“That’s exactly right,” Gold Banks said. “One issue that I had been made aware of was that a trident from the Manehattan branch of the Debt Collectors had been stolen a week ago.”
This caused Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat to pause for a moment, looking completely nervous.
“Uhhh, that we can explain,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“Not you two,” Gold Banks said, annoyed as she and the rest of the group came to a stop while she turned towards the duo. “This branch was located away from Daisy Joy Tech and you were not assigned to it.”
Both Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat wiped the brow from their foreheads as they sighed in relief.
“Which brings me to the question,” Miss Honey Twist said. “Did Prince Blueblood or his underground rebellion cause this?”
“I’m afraid not,” Grand Philosopher said as Gold Banks pulled out a tablet and tapped the screen a bit. “If it were Prince Blueblood, he would have taken all of the tridents.”
“And he’s right,” Gold Banks said before she turned the tablet towards Miss Honey Twist. “It wasn’t Prince Blueblood, but a mere criminal.”
Miss Honey Twist looked at the tablet’s video footage and saw the image of an earth pony stallion with a brown trench coat jacket, pants and a flat ascot cat on his head with his hoof on one of the tridents.
“Seems security was lacking on the job,” Miss Honey Twist said. “I would not be surprised if Prince Blueblood and his underground resistance moved in to swipe the rest of the tridents.”
“As foolish as it was for the incident to occur, that wasn’t the worst of it,” Grand Philosopher said.
“What exactly do you mean by that?” Miss Honey Twist asked.
“Follow me,” Grand Philosopher replied. “I will show you.”
As Grand Philosopher made his way down the street, Gold Banks, Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat followed the elderly alchemist. Miss Honey Twist gave Gold Banks back her tablet as the former became increasingly nervous.
“I do not like where this is going,” Miss Honey Twist said.
“Well, I am feeling adventurous, lately,” Gold Banks responded.
A few blocks down near a vintage theater with the words “Daring Do: The Dark Mare Begins” on its billboard, Grand Philosopher led the rest of his group down a nearby alleyway. With the exception of a small light that shone at the end, the alleyway was dark and dirty, with a sign of trash cans knocked over.
“What a dreadful place,” Miss Honey Twist said.
“Perfect spot to catch a perp,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“But why in Equestria would you take us here?” Miss Honey Twist asked.
Grand Philosopher came to a stop before he slightly turned his head to the rest of the ground.
“An incident that occurred one night after the trident was stolen,” Grand Philosopher said.
Grand Philosopher’s horn lit up as he lowered his head down to the ground. Everyone else looked down to see two tape outlines, one of a stallion and one of a mare, lying on the ground.
“What in the world?” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Oh I just remembered,” Gold Banks said as she tapped her tablet. “This was the incident where a pair of aristocrats were murdered.”
“I do as well,” Miss Honey Twist said. “It was all over the news last night.”
“Wait,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “You’re not talking about the Reins, are ya?”
“I sure am,” Gold Banks said, holding out her tablet.
Warden Steel Bolt picked up the tablet and looked down at the screen. The image showed profiles of a young stallion with a business suit, moustache and black mane on his head, and a young mare with a curly black mane, red dress and a pearl necklace.
“Their names were Trotofsky and Melissa Reins,” Gold Banks said. “Two of the finest aristocrats of Equestria. Trotofsky was a known philanthropist who wanted to end foal hunger across Equestria while the government’s hooves were tied. Melissa was once a senator from Manehattan, until she resigned more than a year ago over the congressional stalemate.”
“And a few nights ago, they were found dead within this alley,” Grand Philosopher said.
“What a horrible way to go,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “I guess whoever took the trident may have been the one who pulled the stunt. I wonder what their motive was? Political retribution? Revenge?”
Grand Philosopher reached down and picked up a single pearl with a pair of holes on each end.
“I’m afraid it was merely a robbery gone wrong,” Grand Philosopher said, holding the pearl with his hoof.
Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat looked at the single pearl on Grand Philosopher’s hoof before their minds began to jolt up.
“Wait a minute,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “Are you saying that the creep who took that trident was the one who killed Trotofsky and Melissa Rein?”
“Precisely,” Grand Philosopher said. “Or have you not been reading the news lately?”
“We’ve barely been reading the news since we were more focused on keeping those brats in line and preparing for our departure to Vanhoover,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“I haven’t had an interest in the deaths of Trotofsky and Melissa Rein,” Miss Honey Twist said. “After all, they never donated to the finest establishment of education and obedience. So it’s not my problem.”
“Then allow me to explain,” Grand Philosopher said. “The recent autopsy report indicates burn marks on many portions of both victims, suggesting that they were hit by a barrage of fire magic. While most of the shots hit both Mr and Mrs Rein, some missed their mark and flew out of the alleyway, much to the horror of the citizens of Manehattan.”
“As much as I don’t get out much, I take it that caused the creep to make a run for it,” Warden Steel Bolt asked.
“That is correct,” Grand Philosopher said as the pearl began to slide off his hoof. “By the time police arrived, both Trotofsky and Melissa Rein were dead.”
The pearl tethered on the edge of Grand Philosopher’s hoof before it fell down and landed near the tape outline of Melissa Rein before stopping at her neck area. Everyone looked down at the pearl for a moment before turning back towards Grand Philosopher.
“Two lives gone in just an instant,” Miss Honey Twist said. “Too bad no one knew who he was since he took off after icing the Reins.”
“Not quite,” Grand Philosopher said, pointing to a trash can with a slightly melted side. “There was one survivor who escaped this crook’s massacre: Billy Rein.”
“The son of Trotofsky and Melissa Rein,” Gold Banks said. “According to the police report, Billy Rein was the only one who saw the face of his parents’ murderer. And when this hooligan fired upon them with his trident, his mother Melissa pushed him behind the trash can before taking the blow for her son.”
“Just like that, huh?” Warden Steel Bolt said. “Two aristocrats died at the hooves of one criminal nutcase, and their son saw everything play out.”
“It’s too bad he couldn’t stick around,” Gold Banks said. “He would have been the perfect student of Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Wait,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “What do you mean by that?”
“Well, after attending his parents’ funeral yesterday, Billy Rein decided to move away from Manehattan,” Gold Banks explained. “His butler and maid agreed and they decided to close off the Rein Mansion in Manehattan and take the train to San Di’Neighgo. As I speak, Billy Rein and his surrogate parents are looking after him at the Rein’s summer cottage north of the main city.”
“Well that’s a darn shame for that kid,” Warden Steel Bolt said, giving the tablet back to Gold Banks. “To lose both parents to that lowlife and to have to move away to San Di’Neighgo just to escape it all.”
“But it won’t matter for the little aristocrat,” Gold Banks said before she placed the tablet in her coat. “After all, when Princess Celestia is finally kneeling before me, I’ll make sure he’ll have a good home at the Daisy Joy Tech branch of San Di’Neighgo.”
“But what about the creep who took the trident and iced the Reins?” Officer Blue Heat asked.
“Word has it that they have yet to arrest the one responsible,” Grand Philosopher said. “He’s been on the run from the law, and has yet to show his face. Police have been looking around Manehattan. But word has it that he may have fled Manehattan to go into hiding.”
“That’s a disappointment,” Gold Banks said. “I would have had a blast with this coward.”
But Miss Honey Twist looked around the alleyway nervously, hearing the sound of cars driving and honking. Her legs shook in fear as her eyes twitched abnormally.
“I don’t know about hanging around these parts, anymore,” Miss Honey Twist said. “How about we get out of this horrible place and head back to Daisy Joy Tech?”
“Very well,” Gold Banks sighed, disappointed. “Let’s get going and miss out on any creep who would try to do us in like the Reins.”
But as Gold Banks finished speaking, she heard someone nervously yell “DON’T MOVE!” Gold Banks, Grand Philosopher, Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat turned around to see a stallion with a flat cap, trench coat and pants point a trident right at them. Miss Honey Twist looked at the trident and immediately hid her face.
“You must be the very pony who took something that belonged to us, and ended the lives of the Reins family,” Gold Banks said. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
“I SAID DON’T MOVE!” The shady stallion said, his eyes twitching nervously. “Now put your hooves in the air. Otherwise, I’ll roast you.”
“Fine,” Gold Banks said sarcastically as she lifted her arms up. “We give up. We surrender.”
Grand Philosopher, Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat lifted their arms in their air. Miss Honey Twist kept her eyes on the shady stallion in total fear.
“Good,” The shady stallion said. “I’m trying to make my way out of Manehattan, and I’ll need all the cash you got. Now slowly reach for your wallets and throw them on the ground.”
As Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat looked at the stallion nervously, Gold Banks directed her eyes at them.
“You heard him, you fools,” Gold Banks said. “Do as he said.”
Reluctantly, Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat reached into their pockets and pulled out their wallets before throwing them into a pile in front of the shady stallion. During that time, Grand Philosopher reached into his robe before pulling out his wallet and throwing it into the pile.
“You’re a real daring pony, you know that?” Gold Banks said as she reached into her pocket.
“No funny business,” the shady stallion said. “Your wallet, this instant.”
“It’s a darn shame,” Gold Banks said as she pulled her wallet out. “As empress, I would be happy to wipe your slate clean and give you a fresh start. Maybe offer you a job in my ranks.”
“Forget it,” the shady stallion said. “In this city, you trust no one but yourself. And when I say no one, I even mean ponies like Princess Celestia. They’re not good for anything at all.”
“It’s your loss,” Gold Banks said as she threw her wallet onto the pile.
The shady stallion looked down at the pile of wallets before he began to pick them up with his hooves while keeping his trident pointed at the group. But as he was about to place the wallets into his pocket, he looked up and saw the Alicorn Amulet around Gold Banks’ neck.
“Wait,” the shady stallion said. “I don’t just want the money. I also want your pretty jewel.”
“My amulet?” Gold Banks said with a smug look on her face. “You’re welcome to yank it off my neck.”
With a devilish look on his face, the shady stallion dropped the wallets down on the ground as he approached Gold Banks, staring right at her Alicorn Amulet.
“No funny business,” the shady stallion said. “You pull a fast one on me, and you’ll end up like the Reins couple I burned.”
“Oh I won’t attack you when your guard is down,” Gold Banks said, holding her hooves up in the air. “If you want my necklace, come and get it.”
“With pleasure,” the shady stallion said.
With that, the shady stallion reached out and grabbed the Alicorn Amulet with his left hoof. But as soon as he touched it, the amulet let out an electrical surge, much to the horror of the shady stallion.
“Oh no,” the stallion said, helplessly.
Immediately, the amulet unleashed a surge of electricity right into the shady stallion, shocking him and causing him to scream in pain. He lost his grip on the trident as it fell out of his right hoof and onto the ground. The shady stallion lets go of the amulet before stumbling backwards, holding his hoof in agony.
“That…necklace” The stallion winced. “That was cursed.”
“You’re right on that, you simple-minded fool,” Gold Banks laughed as she got back down on her four hooves. “It was cursed.”
“You….you’re some kind of a witch,” the shady stallion said, scared out of his mind.
“Oh I’m far worse than a witch,” Gold Banks laughed as her horn began to glow with a bright green glow. “I’m the empress of Equestria. And you should have taken up my offer. But, I am willing to give you a little consolation prize: YOUR ETERNAL REWARD!”
The shady stallion screamed loudly as Gold Banks pulled her head back. He ran past the wallets and tried to make his way out of the alleyway before Gold Banks fired a blast of green magic at him. The magic hit him directly, causing him to scream in pain.
“What in the world is that?” Warden Steel Bolt said, watching helplessly.
“Observe,” Grand Philosopher said.
In an instant, the magic surrounding the shady stallion exploded in a bright light, much to the surprise of Gold Banks. When the smoke cleared, the shady stallion was gone, and in its place was a black mark on the ground. Gold Banks looked at where the shady stallion was and her eyes shrunk down in horror.
“What…just….happened?” Gold Banks said, staring in disbelief. “Why did my powers actually destroy a pony without a second thought?”
Gold Banks turned around to see Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat and Miss Honey Twist stare in disbelief at where the shady stallion once stood, barely moving a muscle. She turned towards Grand Philosopher, who stood perfectly still with a smile on his face.
“You,” Gold Banks snarled. “You did something to my amulet. Did ya?”
“Guilty as charged,” Grand Philosopher said before clapping his hooves to Gold Banks. “I merely upgraded your amulet to accommodate your new gloom magic.”
“While you were dealing with that unruly delinquent back at the restaurant, I applied some new magic to your amulet to give it more power,” Grand Philosopher said. “I was hoping you would put it to the test, and you were able to, though unexpectedly.”
Gold Banks looked down at her amulet. A powerful green glow radiated from the jewel, emitting a strange, eerie energy. Gold Banks turned towards Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat, who were in total shock from Gold Banks’ use of the amulet.
“What exactly is this magic?” Gold Banks asked, turning back towards Grand Philsopher.
“It is called Gloom Magic,” Grand Philosopher explained. “It is unlike any kind of magic that I have discovered before, and it may not even be a native magic of Equestria.”
“Gloom….magic?” Gold Banks said. “How did you discover this….Gloom magic?”
“Prior to your siege on Canterlot, I discovered this gloom magic pouring out of a portal that led to another land,” Grand Philosopher explained. “Fascinated, I chose to bottle it up as soon as I could, hoping to study this magic.”
“And what about this portal to the other land?” Gold Banks asked.
“I’m afraid the portal was too small for even a filly to enter, much less myself,” Grand Philosopher said as he pulled out a vial of liquid gloom magic. “Even more so, the portal shrunk after I collected the magic. So I was unable to determine where this other land leads to. However, it doesn’t mean that it was a total loss, as I have more than enough gloom to synthesize.”
“More than enough, eh?” Gold Banks said. “Perhaps there may be a way to weaponize this gloom into a weapon that could bring doom to Princess Celestia and her cronies.”
“There is,” Grand Philosopher said. “It will take time. But I will craft a weapon that will give the Debt Collectors an advantage. In the meantime, enjoy your new toy. You’ll need it for the final battle against Princess Celestia.”
“I shall,” Gold Banks said.
Gold Banks turned her attention back towards Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat, still horrified by the gloom magic.
“Come on,” Gold Banks shouted, stomping her hoof on the ground loudly. “There’s no time to waste. Get your wallets and let’s get going.”
The loud clap from Gold Banks stomping her hoof on the ground was enough to catch all three companions’ attention, snapping them out of their trance.
“Right, Gold Banks,” Miss Honey Twist said before she reached down and grabbed her wallet.
As everyone grabbed their wallet, Warden Steel Bolt turned to his right to see the trident that the shady stallion once held. He grabbed it before hoisting the weapon onto his shoulder.
“I’m gonna say this,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “As horrifying as what we saw with this gloom magic, I actually like it.”
“I’m….not so sure,” Miss Honey Twist said as she placed her wallet in her pocket. “Something like that rubs me off the wrong way.”
“Oh don’t be silly, boss,” Officer Blue Heat said. “You’ll learn to appreciate this gloom magic the moment Grand Philosopher weaponizes it. Besides, I think that the punk who killed Trotofsky and Melissa Rein asked for it.”
“Personally, I prefer the supersonic blaster,” Miss Honey Twist said. “It allows me to strike fear into those who deserve it, and make them scream in agony. After all, why would I want to put these juvenile delinquents out of their misery when I want them to suffer in misery? They’re no good to me when they cease to exist.”
“It’s your loss,” Warden Steel Bolt said. “Besides, I think we should thank Gold Banks for avenging Trotofsky and Melissa Rein. Too bad their son is not here in Manehattan. He would make the perfect student for Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I’ll keep that in mind if that happens,” Miss Honey Twist said. “Besides, I’ve heard stories about how some little foals whose parents were murdered would grow up to be delinquent vigilantes who claimed to be the hammers of justice. And we don’t need that, considering that these snot-nosed brats like to cling onto these….ridiculous stories about super heroes and magical fillies.”
As Gold Banks and Grand Philosopher walked away from the alleyway, their wallets tucked away, Miss Honey Twist tucked her wallet away and followed the duo, leaving Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat standing there with smug looks on their faces.
“Whatever this gloom magic is, we’re going to need it for when we finally deal with Princess Celestia,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“Or is it the other way around,” Officer Blue Heat whispered.
“Let’s not tell Gold Banks that,” Warden Steel Bolt whispered, holding the trident on his shoulder. “Let her pretend that she’s empress. When her life collapses, she’ll realize that she was nothing more than a mere puppet.”
Officer Blue Heat winked back at Warden Steel Bolt before the two followed Grand Philosopher, Gold Banks and Miss Honey Twist, pocketing their wallets as they walked away from the outline where Trotofsky and Melissa Rein fell.
It was a bright and beautiful day at the Sapphire Lake. Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace and Misty Brightdawn were playing within the beautiful, crystal clear water without a care in the world. Abigail sat on the edge, playfulling kicking the water’s surface while Spike floated next to her, observing the other fillies.
“Fun,” Abigail said. “Play.”
But as Spike observed the others, his smile turned into a frown.
“No…Twilight,” Spike said.
“Yeah,” Abigail said. “No….Twilight.”
But as Spike turned away from the other fillies, Wanda Young, wearing her magenta one piece swimsuit, emerged from behind the baby dragon, starling them. She looked down at Spike and saw the baby dragon cry.
“Oh Spike,” Wanda said. “Did I scare you? I’m sorry.”
As Baby Spike cried out loud, Wanda picked up the baby dragon and held him close. She rocked Spike in her arms, singing a soothing song that calmed the little dragon until his tears were reduced to one droplet per eye.
“It’s okay, Spike,” Wanda said. “I’m not going to scare you again.”
“And you would make a perfect mother, smallfry.” Wanda turned towards the shore of the lake, where Queen Novo laid on a lounge chair while observing the others swimming.
“Me? A mommy?” Wanda said as she held Spike close. “Oh no no no. I don’t think I would be cut out for that. Besides, I think Spike still misses Twilight.”
“Oh don’t hold yourself so back, smallfry,” Queen Novo laughed as she got off her lounge chair and walked towards Wanda. “You carry a good portion of Princess Celestia’s heart within you. Her teachings, her values, her kindness. Those are the traits that are worthy of a princess like you, and I couldn’t be more proud of that.”
“I do?” Wanda asked.
“Oh smallfry,” Queen Novo laughed as she gently rubbed Wanda on the forehead. “You are such a silly child. Sometimes, you remind me of Skystar when she was less than your age.”
Suddenly, Wanda felt a hoof tapping on her shoulder, starling the man's cub. She leaped out of the water, screaming loudly while holding onto Baby Spike, who only cheered loudly. As she landed her feet back I to the water, Wanda turned around to see Cozy Glow standing behind her.
“Cozy,” Wanda said. “You scared me.”
“My apologies, Wanda “ Cozy Glow said before pointing to her right side. “But speaking of Skystar, look who's coming in a depressed mood.”
Wanda looked to her right to see Princess Skystar slump from the castle towards an empty lounge chair. On the hippogiff's back, Baby Silverstream laid there while Baby Ocellus flew beside her. This also caught Queen Novo's attention, whose cheerful tone turned into a sad frown.
“Aunt Novo,” Wanda said. “What's with Princess Skystar? Isn't she glad to finally walk again?”
“She is, but she still carries a load of guilt,” Queen Novo said. “You remember when she kidnapped you and took you to Seaquestris against your will?”
“I have,” Wanda said. “And I have forgiven her for that. Besides, she almost died back there.”
“I think both incidents still haunt her,” Cozy Glow said.
“How come?” Wanda asked.
“Well, I best explain,” Cozy Glow said. “During the last few days here, I often flew by Princess Skystar's room, prior to her legs being fully healed. I could overhear her cursing hersel, and I think the trauma from Gold Banks invading Equestria reminded her of what happened on Mount Aris, and she still blames herself for putting you in danger.”
“Wow,” Wanda said. “I thought she was alright when we escaped into the Golden Land. But now, I never realized that she was still hurting.”
“I've noticed it as well,” Queen Novo said. “I've tried to speak with her to reassure that things will be okay. But lately she's been avoiding me out of shame. Sometimes, old wounds don't heal properly.”
“Isn't there anything I can do?” Wanda asked.
“There is,” Queen Novo said. “Go to her. Find a way to cheer her up. Remind her that she isn't alone in this pain.”
“I will,” Wanda said. “After what my Eveyanian mommy said to me when I felt down, I believe in every word she said.”
Wanda placed Baby Spike on the ground next to the lake before pulling herself out of the water. Cozy Glow jumped out and landed next to the man’s cub before they walked towards Princess Skystar. But as Spike and Abigail watched as Wanda and Cozy Glow made their way to the depressed hippogriff, the others in the lake began to take notice.
“What do you think is going on?” Golden Lace asked.
“Well, despite her being able to walk again, I’d say Princess Skystar is still upset over what she did at Mount Aris,” Pinkie Pie explained.
“To be honest, I don’t blame her,” Golden Lace said. “If I pulled a stunt like that, it would eat into my own soul.”
“Oh come on, Lace,” Misty said. “That’s no reason for you to doubt yourself.”
“I know,” Golden Lace said. “But in some ways, I still carry my own doubt, my own grief. Something I don't want to wish upon anyone.”
“We understand why,” Starlight said. “But what if it is possible for one to walk away from that kind of pain?”
“I don't think it will be that easy,” Golden Lace said.
“Maybe with a little help,” Misty said. “Why don't we see how Wanda can help Princess Skystar.”
“Very well,” Golden Lace said. “Let's do so.”
Golden Lace, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, and Pinkie Pie swam up to the edge of the water next to Spike and Abigail. They watched from afar as Wanda Young and Cozy Glow approached Princess Skystar, Baby Silverstream and Baby Ocellus.
As Skystar laid on the chair with a quiet sigh, Wanda tapped the hippogriff Princess on the shoulder. Skystar slowly turned to face Wanda and Cozy Glow before slightly turning her head away.
“Hey Wanda,” Skystar said in a gloomy tone with her eyes shifted away from the man's cub.
“Skystar,” Wanda said. “Are you alright?”
“No,” Skystar said. “First we lose our home Mount Aris to Gold Banks, and now you lose your home to her as well.”
“I know,” Wanda said. “And I wanted to throw it all away. But my Evevanyian mommy Eleanor gave me a reason not to give up.”
“I don't know,” Skystar sighed. “She's got magic that puts Celestia and Luna to shame. What hope do we have if she can best us with that alicorn amulet?”
“All I know is that we have to keep trying,” Wanda said. “Giving up means we lose the last bit of freedom we have left. At least we're safe in the Golden Land where she won't be able to catch us, and we can prepare to fight against her with all we got.”
“But what's the point of that?” Skystar whined, turning to face Wanda. “What if she finds her way into the Golden Land? What if she…”
“So what?” Cozy Glow yelled, causing Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream to hide under the lounge chair.
“Cozy, was that a good idea?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Cozy Glow said. “It's time I took the filly gloves off for this.”
Cozy Glow took off her mane ribbon from her head and rustled up her hair to the point that it was totally messy. She threw her ribbon on the ground before turning towards Princess Skystar.
“Wanda,” Baby Ocellus said, peeking her head out. “What's going on?”
“I dunno,” Wanda said as Cozy Glow stared down Skystar. “But I've never seen this side of Cozy Glow before.”
“I know what's bugging you,” Cozy Glow said. “You still carry a lot of guilt since Gold Banks invaded Mount Aris.”
“Yes. But….” Skystar said before Cozy Glow cut her off.
“And I know you felt bad for kidnapping Wanda and taking her there,” Cozy Glow responded. “Sure it was the wrong thing. But there are some good things that came out if it. First off, you taught her some experience in fighting back.”
“I…I did?” Skystar said, surprised.
“Yes,” Cozy Glow said. “She's a far better fighter now than she was before you pulled that stunt. And second off, you did something amazing that you never thought would happen. You allowed Princess Celestia and your mother Queen Novo to form a truce with Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snaps. That's an achievement onto itself.”
“It……it was?” Skystar responded.
“I think you're right,” Wanda said. “Had Skystar not pulled that stunt, we wouldn't have formed the alliance with Chrysalis and Snap. We would have still been bitter enemies if I was not involved with the battle on Mount Aris.”
“Even though we still lost, it was still amazing to finally see them come together,” Baby Ocellus said.
Princess Skystar was totally baffled. Try as she might, she couldn't get a word out from her beak.
“They're right on that.” Princess Skystar directed her attention to the edge of the Sapphire Lake. Golden Lace had emerged from the water and stood tall with her hooves on the grass. Even though she was soaking wet from the water, the daughter of Gold Banks stood proud.
“I was wondering when you would get involved,” Cozy Glow said.
Golden Lace walked up to Princess Skystar, all while water slid off the surface of her mane and dropped onto the golden grass. Wanda, Cozy Glow and Baby Ocellus took a step back while Baby Silverstream emerged from below the chair.
“Lace?” Skystar said
“It's true that I still have my own demons to deal with, and I will for a long time,” Golden Lace said. “But you have far more blessings than you realize. You helped unite us far more than you realize, even if it wasn't the wisest of ideas. And you made Wanda stronger in spirit than she was. Besides, we've been through a whole lot worse than that.”
“Than that?” Skystar said. “You're talking about Daisy Joy Tech?”
“I am,” Golden Lace said. “I went through that ordeal twice, and I'm glad you never had to go through what we all saw. In fact, I would say to you: Don't sell yourself short. We all go through hard times. But because of how strong our friendship is, we can get through this, one hundred percent.”
“But what about Gold Banks’ own amulet?” Skystar said.
“We'll find a way,” Golden Lace said, placing her hoof on Skystar's shoulder. “I want to do this to stop my own mother's madness. I know it's not easy. Nothing is. Biu I want to fight, to help atone for what she did. And don’t you worry. We’ll all be here to keep you safe.”
Skystar stared into Golden Lace's eyes as tears began to form on her own. She got up as Lace reached out and gave her a big hug, all while Skystar began crying.
“I'm not worthy of your friendship, Lace,” Skystar cried. “But I'm glad to have you as a friend.”
“And I'm glad your mother placed me on the right path,” Golden Lace said.
As Lace and Skystar embraced each other, Wanda, Cozy Glow, Ocellus and Silverstream observed the duo. Wanda wiped a tear from her eye, just as Queen Novo approached them.
“I'm glad to see my daughter smile in these dark times,” Queen Novo said. “Thanks, Wanda.”
“Don't thank me,” Wanda said. “Thank Golden Lace for breaking through to her.”
“I shall,” Queen Novo laughed. “After all, I convinced her to change her ways, and I’m proud that she chose this route to return the favor.”
But as Queen Novo finished speaking, a spark bursted in her mind. She turned back to Wanda and whispered something in her ear.
“Aunt Novo, are you sure?” Wanda asked. “Transform into a mermaid and play with her?”
“Why not?” Queen Novo responded. “After all, why not build on Skystar’s restored hope with a bit of playtime? Besides, there was a little something you left on your nightstand this morning.”
Queen Novo pulled out the necklace with a pearl fragment on it. She placed it around Wanda’s collar before securing it. Wanda picked up the pearl fragment with two fingers and looked down at it as the surface of the fragment shone in the sun.
“Go ahead, Smallfry,” Queen Novo said. “Give my daughter the time of her life.”
Wanda nodded to Queen Novo as she clutched the necklace in the palm of her hand. She turned towards Golden Lace and Princess Skystar before tapping the latter on the shoulder, causing the hippogriff princess to turn towards her.
“Hey Skystar,” Wanda said. “Check this out.”
Princess Skystar and Golden Lace released their grip on each other before they and Cozy Glow turned towards Princess Wanda Young. The Man’s Cub ran up towards the lake before leaping into the air. She held the necklace close to her as she transformed into a mermaid. Spike, Abigail, Pinkie Pie, Misty Brightdawn and Starlight Glimmer watched as mermaid Wanda flew over the group
“Woah,” Pinkie Pie said. “No wonder Wanda likes to transform into a mermaid.”
In an instant, Wanda released her grip on the necklace before diving into the water with a powerful splash. The water rained right on Starlight, Pinkie, Misty, Spike and Abigail, soaking them even further and causing them to laugh out loud. Before anyone could move an inch, Wanda emerged from the surface of the water.
“How was that?” Wanda cheered.
“Oh my gosh,” Princess Skystar yelled. “I can’t let Wanda and her friends enjoy the water by themselves.”
Princess Skystar ran towards the lake on all fours before leaping into the air. She gripped her necklace tightly before diving into the water, splashing right in front of Wanda.
“Hey,” Wanda laughed. “Not so hard, Skystar.”
Immediately, Princess Skystar leaped out of the water and atop the surface. Her legs had transformed into a seapony tail. Her beak became a simple nose and mouth. Her ears changed to the color of her mane. And her front claws became hooves.
“Aww come on,” Skystar joked. “I don’t think it was that hard.”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow and Golden Lace jumped into the air and landed into the water with a powerful splash, soaking both Wanda and Skystar. But when Wanda and Skystar turned towards where the two friends landed, Cozy Glow and Golden Lace popped up from behind them both and splashed their hooves into the water, soaking them again.
“Come on you two,” Wanda laughed. “Why do you have to be like that?”
“What?” Cozy Glow chortled. “For once, let us have some fun for once.”
“Oh we will,” Princess Skystar said. “Just as soon as we do….THIS!”
And thus, Princess Skystar and Wanda Young splashed back at Cozy Glow and Golden Lace as the two fillies counter splashed them, laughing as the sun shone down at them.
As the other fillies watched the four play, Spike and Abigail sat together on the grass, holding hand to paw. They turned towards each other for the moment before Abigail turned away from Spike and blushed for a moment.
“Awww. Now this is a puppy love moment.” Spike and Abigail turned around to see Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream approach the duo. Abby screamed for a bit, startled by their presence, only for Spike to gently hug the kitty, calming her down.
“It okay,” Spike said before Abigail turned towards Silverstream and Ocellus.
“Spike's right,” Baby Ocellus said. “I didn't mean to startle you, Abby.”
“You….speak?” Abigail asked.
“Of course,” Baby Ocellus said. “It's been something that had stuck with me before my parents and I left the changeling hive. Some say I am the youngest changeling to ever speak fluently. But then again, my mom thought getting me addicted to words was a great idea.”
In an instant, everyone began to pause when someone shouted “HEY GUYS. LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!” Everyone turned to the top of the waterfall, where Sonata Dusk, wearing a violet one piece loose swimsuit, stood tall.
But before anyone could react, Sonata Dusk leaped from the top of the waterfall and fell downwards before crashing into the surface of the water with a loud splash, drenching nearly everyone. The younglings in the water looked a bit upset while Queen Novo chuckled slightly.
“Oh come on,” Golden Lace shouted. “That's not fair to have the higher ground.”
“You said it,” Pinkie Pie responded.
Sonata Dusk emerged from the surface of the water, splashing water into the younglings once more. But as she stopped bobbing up and down, most of them look at Sonata, some embarrassingly, others struggling to hold in their laughter.
“Wha….what's so funny?” Sonata asked.
“Didn't you have on a swimsuit?” Pinkie asked.
“I did, but…..” Sonata said, only to pause for a moment.
Sonata turned to her left and saw a violet one piece swimsuit float up next to her. The little pony screamed loudly as she swiped the garment before holding it close and blushing embarrassingly.
Immediately, Cozy Glow, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace and Princess Skystar all began to laugh out loud as Sonata Dusk turned away, still blushing embarrassingly. Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn just stared at Sonata, confused.
“What's wrong with losing one's swimsuit?” Misty asked as she scratched her head in confusion. “I thought ponies don't normally wear clothes.”
“Some are an exception to the rule,” Starlight said. “I know Rarity sometimes likes to wear clothes for both fishing and a bit of decency. And I believe Wanda is like that.”
Wanda swam up to Starlight Glimmer before she reached down to the filly’s ear and whispered into it. Starlight cracked a slight smile before turning back to Wanda.
“You’re not kidding, are ya?” Starlight asked.
“I’m not,” Wanda giggled.
“Wait,” Princess Skystar said. “What’s this about…”
Wanda immediately turned to Princess Skystar’s side and whispered in her ear. Skystar’s eyes popped for a bit before she turned back to Wanda.
“Is this true?” Princess Skystar asked.
“And I ain’t kidding,” Wanda said, looking as if she were ready to slam her hands on the water. “Not as much as what I’m gonna do next.”
“Oh it is on,” Skystar giggled.
Starlight Glimmer and Princess Skystar playfully splashed water in Wanda’s face, much to her amusement. Wanda proceeded to splash back at the duo while laughing out loud.
But at the edge of the water where Queen Novo, Spike, Abigail, Baby Silverstream and Baby Ocellus were observing the younglings playing, Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze walked up to the group with the sun shining in their eyes.
“I heard Sonata’s having swimsuit problems,” Adagio Dazzle said.
“An understatement,” Queen Novo joked. “I’m surprised that a youngling like her would use a swimsuit that’s too big for her.”
“That’s because she’s not fond of swimsuits that are too tight,” Aria Blaze said. “The last one she tried, she couldn’t breathe in it. That’s why she chose a loose swimsuit.”
“Maybe when Gold Banks is taken out of power, I may ask Princess Celestia about getting her a new swimsuit that’s not tight, but not too loose,” Queen Novo said. “Maybe with that, she won’t have a humiliation like what she went through.”
Both Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze started giggling for a moment, only for Novo to turn towards the duo, causing them to hush their chortles.
“Uhh, you didn’t hear me laughing,” Adagio blushed.
“What she said,” Aria said, embarrassed.
“Good,” Queen Novo said. “Because it would be disrespectful for you both to be laughing behind your sister’s back.”
As Queen Novo turned back towards the other younglings, Wanda Young swam up to the edge of the water before wiping her head dry. She waved back at Princess Skystar and Starlight Glimmer, who waved back at the man’s cub. As Wanda sat on the edge of the land, Abigail leaped onto her legs and laid on them while Baby Silverstream stared at the youngling, cooing quietly.
“Seems you’re quite the center of attention, smallfry,” Queen Novo said.
“That’s an understatement,” Wanda said. “I’m just glad to have friends who are still by my side. But at the same time, I wonder how my other friends are doing without the rest of us.”
“I think they might be going through some hard times,” Adagio said. “They may be worried sick about you.”
“Adagio’s right,” Aria said. “We haven’t seen them in a long, long time. I hope they’re alright.”
“I hope so as well,” Wanda said. “It’s not just that I want some of my friends to join in. It’s also that I want to see all of them again. After all, there is a magic buried deep within friendship itself. A magic that not even Gold Banks can truly understand.”
“Maybe one day, we will see them again,” Queen Novo said. “And we will be able to return to an era before Gold Banks chose to take it all away from us.”
Wanda nodded to Queen Novo before she leaned her head to the hippogriff’s soft feathery pelt. Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze sat next to the duo with Baby Ocellus and Spike sitting next to them. They all observed Starlight, Misty, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Princess Skystar, Pinkie Pie and Sonata Dusk enjoying themselves at the Sapphire Lake as the warm sun shone down on them.
Wanda Young ran as fast as she could through a wasteland consisting of hardened, crack, grayish ground with a number of crumbling buildings and dead trees scattered about. There was no sign of life around the lost man’s cub.
“Sunset? Starlight? Misty? Pinkie Pie? Golden Lace? Cozy Glow?” Wanda called out. “Shining Armor? Big sis? Aunt Novo?”
“They can’t hear you anymore, no one can hear you.” Wanda came to a stop before turning around. Though there was no sign of anyone within the vicinity, a feeling of dread befell the man’s cub.
“I know who you are,” Wanda shouted. “The Pony of Shadows. I bested you a thousand years ago.”
“Yes you did,” the voice of the Pony of Shadow shouted. “But it was only a mere setback.”
“Where are you?” Wanda shouted. “Show yourself.”
“Hahahaha! Such foolish nonsense.” The laughter of the Pony of Shadows filled the air with a sense of dread. But Wanda stood there undeterred.
“That won't work on me,” Wanda shouted. “I've bested you once. I could do it again.”
“Can you?” The voice of the Pony of Shadows responded. “You have no friends, no family by your side. You were destined to be all alone.”
“So you just want me to be like you?” Wanda shouted. “A miserable, lonesome being who wants to just torment others because he has no friends?”
Suddenly, an earthquake went off beneath Wanda's feet, causing her to lose her footing and fall on her behind. As Wanda slowly picked herself up, a volcano formed from rock and dirt took shape in front of her.
“You dare to project your feelings onto me?” The voice of the Pony of Shadows shouted. “Then let me show you what TRUE DESPAIR really means.”
The ground shook once more under Princess Wanda Young. This time, she leaped into the air before the rock beneath her shifted upwards. She landed on the ground in front as the volcano erupted. Lava flowed from the tip of the mountain towards the deserted land before the Pony of Shadows emerged from the mouth of the volcano.
“It's about time,” Wanda said.
Wanda leaped out of the way as the Pony of Shadows landed right in front of her. The lava behind the giant beast split into two paths, going around the duo.
“You have changed since the last time we met,” The Pony of Shadows said. “Surely our meeting a thousand years ago proved that you contributed to my suffering.
“So what if I did,” Wanda said. “I won't forgive you for what you tried to do to mommy.”
“Oh such is the way of the avenging crybaby,” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “Your emotions only hide the true you within. Deep on the inside, you still fear being alone.”
“Even if that's true, that won't stop me from facing my fear,” Wanda said as a tear fell from her eyes. “This time, I was prepared for when you would show up.”
“Foolish Mary Sue,” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “You are not prepared.”
The Pony of Shadows raised his front hooves into the air and slammed them down on the ground. Wanda quickly leaped out of the way as shadowy spikes emerged from the ground with the intent to impale her. As she landed on the ground, the shadow spikes bent towards her before lunging at full speed. Wanda leaped to her right, dodging the spikes without a second thought.
“Hah!” The Pony of Shadows chortled with glee. “See how you can never escape your own doom and gloom.”
As the shadow spikes curved and flew towards Wanda, the man's cub quickly jumped out of the way again. Seeing an opening, the Pony of Shadows ducked down before flying right at Wanda, hitting her with his head. Wanda screamed loudly before she was knocked to the ground, rolling for a moment before stopping.
Wanda slowly got up on her hands before turning back towards the Pony of Shadows.
“Now you understand why it's futile to fight it,” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “You can only escape for so long before you succumb to your own despair. You have no friends, no family, no one to comfort you.”
“You're wrong,” Wanda said, defiant. “Even if my family and friends are not with me, I know they will always be within my heart. And there is nothing you can say that will change my mind.”
“Oh I don't need to,” The Pony of Shadows gloated as his body began to glow. “All I have to do is to wear you out.”
Instantly, shadow spikes sprouted up in front of the Pony if Shadows before it darted towards Wanda. The man's cub wasted no time leaping out of the way before running through the wasteland.
Suddenly, the spikes curved around and flew right at Wanda. Thr man's cub quickly leaped to the side in an attempt to dodge it. But the spikes curved again and aimed right at Wanda, who was caught in the path.
“I can't dodge it,” Wanda thought to herself.
The spikes hit Wanda on the side, knocking her out of the air. Wanda screamed in pain before she hit the ground once more. Before she got up, the spikes quickly dug I to the ground before they sprouted up and binded Wanda down. The Man's Cub could barely move as she was pinned down by the spikes.
“Can't….move,” Wanda thought to herself as she struggled to break free.
The Pony of Shadows walked up to Wanda, who could do nothing but struggle.
“Try as hard as you can,” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “There’s no way you will be able to escape your fate.”
“I will,” Wanda said, glaring at the Pony of Shadows. “Even if I have to push myself, I will make sure you never torment me again. And I will do the same thing to Gold Banks if necessary.”
“Gold Banks? That alicorn wannabe?” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “You have got to be joking. She only uses the Alicorn Amulet as an excuse for how weak and pathetic she truly is. Her parents never loved her. She never loved herself. In fact, even with that amulet, she’s still nothing more than a mere pawn to my former master.”
“Former…master?” Wanda said, still pinned down by the side of the spikes. “But isn’t Hydia gone from this world?”
The Pony of Shadows raised his hoof into the air as Wanda and the spikes that pinned her down were surrounded by a dark aura. He lifted the man’s cub from the ground and into the air, wrapping the spike around her. Wanda just glared at the shadowy figure while tears began to form in her eyes.
“That is what you think,” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “Hydia still lives to this day. In fact, she has total control of the Equestria government and over your own mother.”
“No,” Wanda cried. “That’s not true. That’s impossible.”
“Nothing is impossible,” The Pony of Shadows laughed. “Even though I swore I would betray and destroy her, Hydia has total control over Equestria, and over her puppet Gold Banks. And there is nothing that you, or your alicorn guardians, can do about it.”
“GUESS AGAIN!” The words that echoed through the land caught the Pony of Shadows off guard. But before he could move, he was blasted right in the face, causing him to stumble backwards before the spikes around Wanda loosened and crumbled. Immediately, Wanda pointed her feet downward as she fell towards the ground before she landed safely while the Pony of Shadow shook his head to clear his mind from the attack.
“WHO DID THAT?” The Pony of Shadows yelled. “COME OUT AND SHOW YOURSELF, YOU COWARD!”
“CAN A COWARD DO THIS?” From out of nowhere, Princess Luna flew in and tackled the Pony of Shadows at breakneck speed. The shadowy stallion could do nothing as Princess Luna slammed him into the wall. As the Pony of Shadows tried to recover, Princess Luna leaped off him before landing on the ground. The Pony of Shadows looked at Princess Luna and his eyes began to twitch in anger.
“You,” The Pony of Shadow snarled. “Not only did you best me a thousand years ago, but you have the audacity to humiliate me while your physical form is trapped in Tartarus. I should have put you out of your misery long ago.”
“Not even death can keep me from protecting my nieces,” Princess Luna said as she stared down the Pony of Shadows. “You failed to take my sister away from me, and you will fail for doing the same thing to my niece Princess Wanda.”
The Pony of Shadows snarled at Princess Luna before turning to his left and thrusting his horn into the open space. He swiped downward, creating a vortex in front of him.
“This isn’t over yet,” The Pony of Shadows said. “When I return to the material world, I will ensure that your little monkey will forever be alone.”
As the Pony of Shadows leaped into the portal, Princess Luna fired a blast of magic right at it, destroying the portal in an instant.
“Good riddance,” Princess Luna said.
Princess Luna’s ears perked up as she heard someone call out “AUNT WOONA!” Princess Luna turned around to see Wanda Young run up to her and hug her. All Luna could do was look down at her adopted niece and hug her.
“I missed you so much,” Wanda cried.
“So have I, my darling Wanda,” Princess Luna said. “My physical form may be locked away in Tartarus. But at least I can still communicate with you in the dream realm.”
Wanda looked up at Princess Luna before she wiped the tear from her eye. Before she could speak, Princess Luna placed her hoof on the man’s cub’s mouth.
“You don’t need to speak another word about the Pony of Shadows,” Princess Luna said with a warm smile. “I know what you’re going through, and I’ll always be by your side, no matter what, and you were able to put on a brave face. I’m proud of you.”
Wanda leaped down from Princess Luna’s chest and looked up at her. Despite the calmness of the vicinity, she still felt a bit depressed.
“It’s not just that,” Wanda said. “Is it true that I will be destined to be alone?”
“No,” Princess Luna said. “Because there are those who care deeply for you, who worry for you.”
“Worry for me?” Wanda asked.
Princess Luna turned around and held her head down. Magic poured from her horn before a portal formed in front of her.
“Come with me,” Princess Luna said. “I will show you.”
Wanda walked up to Princess Luna and held her arm close. Both the alicorn and the man’s cub took a deep breath before leaping into the portal. Moments later, the portal disappeared without a trace, leaving the wasteland completely deserted.
In the town of La Maresa, a transparent portal formed out of nowhere before Wanda and Princess Luna leaped out. As the portal disappeared behind them, Wanda looked down at her hands, noticing something different.
“Why am I transparent?” Wanda asked, curious. “What’s happening?”
“It is the effect of transferring from your dream world to the living world,” Princess Luna said. “A special power that I, the princess of the night, possess. But while I can explore this world freely, no one in the physical world will be able to interact with me, and vice versa.”
“So that means, I can explore this world while I’m in this dream state?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Luna nodded. “But the reason why I brought you here is because a few friends that you missed are still waiting for you.”
Up ahead in front of the ghostly forms of Princess Luna and Wanda Young, Ditzy Doo walked through the town with a sad look in her eyes.
“That’s Ditzy,” Wanda said. “What happened to her?”
“It’s what happened to the town that concerns me the most,” Princess Luna said. “Ever since that day when Gold Banks conquered Canterlot, each and every one of your friends here has been hoping not just for the safety of you and your closest friends, but also the well-being of each other.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “Ditzy. It’s too dangerous here.” Wanda looked behind her to see Danged Spell, Sunburst, Rarity and Moondancer run towards the pegasi filly in a hurry.
“There’s more of my friends,” Wanda said in a cheerful mood. “I’m glad they’re okay.”
“Indeed, Wanda,” Princess Luna said. “But while they are safe on the outside, they carry the same amount of worry as you do on the inside. Watch.”
Ditzy Doo continued to walk through town with her head hung low, just as Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer and Rarity ran up to her.
“Ditzy darling,” Rarity said. “What are you thinking? Being out in the open?”
“What’s the point?” Ditzy said. “Princess Celestia and her daughters are gone and the mean ol Gold Banks has conquered Canterlot. How long until they conquer us?”
“Now what will that serve?” Danged Spell responded. “I would sooner fight back than to let the likes of her best us.”
But all Ditzy Doo could do was sigh for a moment before walking away from the group.
“This is more serious than I thought,” Sunburst whispered to Rarity.
“I know,” Rarity whispered back. “If there was only a way to at least break through Ditzy Doo’s stupor.”
But as the group of four younglings kept their eye on the depressed Ditzy Doo, Danged Spells’ eyes looked up before they shrunk down. In front of Ditzy Doo, a pair of older stallions made their way towards the pegasi filly with a smug look on their faces.
“What do we have here,” one of them said. “A stray filly that must have lost her way.”
“Wadda say we take her to Wild Bet?” The other replied. “I bet she would be thrilled.”
As the two stallions made their way towards Ditzy Doo, Danged Spell’s eyes began to twitch nervously, catching the attention of Moondancer.
“Spell,” Moondancer said. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’ve got to help her out,” Danged Spell said.
Scratching his hoof on the ground, Danged Spell ran towards Ditzy Doo, much to Moondancer’s horror and to the attention of the two stallions.
“Don’t be a fool, Spell!” Moondancer shouted. “You’re unable to use your Wolf’s Breath Curse for the time being.”
“I know,” Danged Spell said. “But I have to try.”
Danged Spell ran in front of Ditzy Doo before turning his attention towards the two stallions, who just looked down at him and laughed.
“Well if it ain’t the little mutt,” one of them laughed.
“Except he’s unable to bark like a dog,” the other side.
“Or bite like one,” the first one said.
“Wadda say we muzzle this brat?” the second one said.
As Ditzy Doo hid behind Danged Spell, the colt glared up at the two older stallions, who prepared to reach down to him.
“I may have lost my bark,” Danged Spell said. “But I haven’t lost my bite.”
The duo lunged at Danged Spell, who proceeded to grab Ditzy Doo and dash out of the way. As a result, the two older stallions landed their heads on the ground with a loud thunk. They quickly got up and turned to face Danged Spell and Ditzy Doo, the latter who stood behind.
“That wasn’t a nice trick,” one of them said.
“We’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget,” the second one said.
But as Ditzy Doo cowered in place, Danged Spell quickly ran towards the duo as fast as possible, who looked ready to grab the little colt.
“Here we come,” one of them said.
The two stallions jumped into the air and dove right at Danged Spell, who only ran under them as they fell. The duo once again hit their head on the ground with a loud thunk before collapsing on their stomachs. As they began to recover once more, Danged Spell stopped before turning back towards the two stallions.
“Like I said,” Danged Spell said, eyeing one of the stallions’ hind legs. “I haven’t lost my bite.”
Without a second thought, Danged Spell ran up to the two with his mouth wide open. The moment he was next to them, Danged Spell bit right into the back left leg of one of the two stallions.
“YEEEOUCH!” The stallion screamed.
The stallion that Danged Spell bit jumped into the air as the colt released his grip from the stallion’s leg. As the first one hopped around, holding his leg in pain, Danged Spell quickly eyed the other stallion’s left leg and opened his mouth wide. But the second one was quick to take notice of the colt.
“Oh no you don’t,” The second stallion said.
As Danged Spell charged at the second stallion, the older pony quickly got on his four legs and leaped once more at the colt, his arms reaching out as if he were ready to grab that sly colt.
“Here I come,” the second stallion yelled.
But as that stallion was diving towards Danged Spell, the colt made a quick leap slightly under him. The second stallion tried to grab the colt, only to miss.
“What the?” the second stallion said, confused.
But before the second stallion could react, he felt some teeth bite into his back left leg. The second stallion screamed loudly before he jumped into the air. On the back of his leg, Danged Spell bit right into it.
“LEGGO YOU BLOODTHIRSTY BEAST!” the second stallion yelled.
Danged Spell opened his mouth and fell from the leg of the second stallion before landing right near Ditzy Doo. He laughed loudly as the two stallions jumped around in pain, holding their legs around the teeth marks of Danged Spell.
“What’s wrong you morons,” Danged Spell laughed. “Can’t bite the good bite?”
“You’re even more vicious without that curse of yours,” The first stallion whined.
“Yeah,” the second stallion moaned. “Let’s get out of here.”
The two stallions fell back on their four hooves before they turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction. Danged Spell stood tall with a smug look on his face, watching as the two older ponies made their way through La Maresa.
“Serves them right,” Danged Spell laughed.
Suddenly, Ditzy Doo got on her two legs and glomped Danged Spell from behind, much to the arrogant colts surprise.
“Oh thank you, Spell,” Ditzy said as she cuddled Danged Spell. “I don't know what would have happened if they took me away.”
“Hey, take it easy,” Danged Spell said. “I'm not a hug pillow, you know.”
As Danged Spell struggled to break free from Ditzy, Moondancer, Rarity and Sunburst ran up to the duo, especially Moondancer, who was a bit agitated.
“Spell, what were you thinking?” Moondancer said.
“Well I wasn't going to let her be kidnapped by a pair of creeps, curse or no curse,” Danged Spell said.
“And we would have been willing to back you up,” Moondancer said.
Moondancer's words were enough for Ditzy Doo to release her hold on Danged Spell. The two younglings got down on their four hooves before turning to the rest of the group.
“Are you really sure about that?” Danged Spell asked.
“I am,” Moondancer said. “You're very eager to jump in and protect anyone who wanted to harm our friends. But you shouldn't do this by yourself. We have your back in case you need it. Besides, what would your parents and grandmother say if they lost you?”
Spell stood there thanks to the words of Moondancer. He tried to speak, but nothing came out of the colt’s mouth.
“Moondancer’s right,” Sunburst said. “Right now, we’re just trying to hang on to any family member or friend we have left. Besides, there are so many friends that we miss, like Twilight, Sunset, Wanda, Lace, Cozy, Pinkie, Misty and especially Starlight.”
As Sunburst directed his gaze up at the moon, Rarity approached Spell with a warm smile on her face.
“Spell, darling,” Rarity said, placing her hoof on Danged Spell’s shoulder. “Know this: you will not be alone in this struggle. We’re all in this together. And that’s a promise I will keep.”
“Very well,” Danged Spell said before Rarity took her hoof off his shoulder. “But I think we better get the hay out of here. No doubt those goons will have backup.”
“That I agree with you on,” Moondancer nodded.
“Then come on,” Sunburst said, turning his head back towards the rest of the group. “Let’s head back to the ruins of Castle Everfree.”
With that, Sunburst turned tail and ran off in the opposite path. Danged Spell, Ditzy Doo, Moondancer and Rarity wasted no time following as the sun colt.
“By the way, Spell,” Ditzy said. “I’m glad you can still fight without your curse.”
“I may be stuck right now,” Danged Spell said. “But it will always be a good day to bite. Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” the others laughed.
“So worth it,” Danged Spell chuckled.
As the younglings ran through La Maresa, laughing out loud, Wanda and Princess Luna observed from afar, laughing as well.
“I'm glad they're doing fine,” Wanda chuckled.
“Yes, even though they miss us all,” Princess Luna said. “So many of our friends are still waiting for us, still hoping that we are alright.”
But as Wanda's laughter began to subside, she watched as her La Maresa friends run until they were out of sight. She let out a sigh as she reached out to them.
“But it's a shame that we may not be able to see them again,” Wanda said. “I'm still trapped in the Golden Land with my closer friends, and Gold Banks has your physical form. Even more so, Sunset Shimmer is still in a coma.”
“I wouldn't be so sure about that much longer,” Princess Luna said. “As I speak, my magic is about to break into her dream world, allowing me to communicate with her.”
“Really?” Wanda said, surprised.
“In fact, my intervention into your dream may have helped out,” Princess Luna said. “It was because of your connection to your sister that my magic was strengthened in the dream world.”
“That means you could break free from your prison as well,” Wanda said.
“Not yet,” Luna said with a smirk. “I want to keep my eye on Gold Banks for the time being and learn a whole lot on what she's planning. Know thy enemy.”
“I….see what you mean,” Wanda said, disappointed.
“But don't you worry, Wanda,” Princess Luna said. “Even when I am not physically by your side, I will always be with you and your sister. Do you understand?”
“I do, Aunt Woona,” Wanda said as a tear began to roll down her cheek.
“Then it is time I allow you to transition to the waking world,” Princess Luna said as she pointed to the horizon.
The sun was beginning to rise from the far east as day began to bathe the land in a warm light. Wanda looked up at the sun with joy in her face before turning back to Princess Luna.
“I always wonder how the sun is rising when mommy locked herself away?” Wanda asked.
“Even during the last time she locked herself away, Princess Celestia still took her job seriously,” Princess Luna said. “It’s also truly a sign that she hasn’t given up on herself, even though she’s become a shadow of her former self. But now, the time has come to awaken.”
Princess Luna extended her wings out as a bright light began to envelope the whole environment. Wanda just stood there and closed her eyes as he raised her hands in the air.
“This light feels so warm,” Wanda said.
It was a beautiful morning within the Golden Land. Wanda, wearing her pajamas, awoke within her bedroom, yawned and wiped her eyes. She looked down at the edge of the bed where Abigail slept soundly.
“Thank you Aunt Woona for giving me a reason to believe once more,” Wanda said.
Suddenly, the doors flew open, catching Wanda’s attention and awakening the kitty cat. The man’s cub turned towards the doorway where Starlight Glimmer ran up to her.
“Wanda,” Starlight said. “Good news. Sunset Shimmer’s beginning to wake up.”
“She is?” Wanda said. “Well guess that’s another reason to thank Aunt Woona.”
“Aunt Woona?” Starlight asked, confused.
“I was able to communicate with her within my dream,” Wanda said. “Even if she’s far away, she and I can still speak together.”
“That’s great,” Starlight said. “But you better get dressed and come over to Sunset’s room. She might wake up anytime.”
Wanda nodded before she pulled the sheets and got out of the bed. As Abigail leaped off the edge of the mattress, Wanda ran towards the open closet before slamming the door behind her. Moments later, Wanda emerged, now wearing her dress and shoes.
“Okay,” Wanda said. “I’m ready.”
“Great,” Starlight said. “Now come on. Let’s go see Sunset.”
Starlight Glimmer walked out of the room with Wanda Young and Abigail Albright following right behind her, leaving the bedroom empty. As the trio made their way down the hall, Wanda felt a hint of excitement within her.
“I can’t believe Sunset Shimmer is coming back,” Wanda said. “I hope she’ll be happy to see all of us again.”
“She will,” Starlight said.
Immediately, the two came to a stop as Princess Cadance and Shining Armor came out of the room. Wanda, Starlight and Abigail came to a pause, looking up at the duo.
“Good morning, little sis,” Princess Cadance said.
“Big sis, is it true?” Wanda said. “Is Sunset Shimmer waking up?”
“She is,” Shining Armor said. “And you just have to go see it.”
“What about you two?” Starlight asked.
“Right now, we have to go see Chancellor Cinch about Princess Celestia,” Princess Cadance said. “As excited as I am to see our sister again, I’m now concerned about her well-being.”
“I….understand,” Wanda said, disappointed. “But I’ll make sure she sees you as soon as possible.”
“Thanks Wanda,” Shining Armor said before he rubbed Wanda on the head and laughed. “Now you and Starlight go on in and greet Sunset Shimmer once more. But do know this: She’s lost her magic thanks to Gold Banks.”
“I see,” Wanda said. “I will tell her.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked to the side before Wanda, Starlight and Abigail walked into the room. As the two teen ponies walked away from the door, they quickly turned back just as Abigail disappeared through the doorway.
“I think our luck may be turning around,” Princess Cadance said.
“I think you might be right,” Shining Armor said before the two teen ponies ran through the hallway and away from the door.
Inside Sunset Shimmer’s room, Wanda, Starlight and Abigail approached the little filly, just as she was turning her head back and forth.
“I think this might be it,” Starlight Glimmer said. “I brought you at the right time,” Starlight Glimmer said.
Wanda looked down at Sunset Shimmer, who still turned her head back and forth. But as the sun filly came to a stop, her eyes began to open.
“She’s coming to,” Wanda said. “Thank goodness.”
As Sunset Shimmer woke up, she was quick to see Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer right next to her as Abigail Albright jumped up on the nightstand.
“Wha…” Sunset groaned. “What happened? Where am I?”
“You’re safe, Sunset,” Wanda said. “It’s been a week since we arrived at the Golden Land.”
Sunset Shimmer sat up and looked around her, noticing the golden furniture that decorated her room at the Golden Castle.
“Why did I get here?” Sunset said. “Am I dead?”
“No,” Starlight Glimmer said. “Gold Banks took your magic and your demon form away.”
Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath before she pointed her horn to the ceiling and closed her eyes, pressing as hard as possible. But no magic materialized out of the horn. Not even a spark. Sunset opened her eyes and looked up at her unicorn horn.
“You’re right,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I no longer have magic. And you said that I no longer have my demon form, anymore.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said.
“In fact, I think I might have seen her in my dreams,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Before I saw Luna.”
“You saw Aunt Luna?” Wanda yelled. “But she was taken away from us.”
“She was,” Sunset said. “But she was able to contact me through the dreamworld. She told me to find where mother is.”
That was when Wanda stepped away for a bit, turning her face towards the doorway.
“Alicorn mommy hasn’t left her room since arriving,” Wanda said. “Everyone’s worried for her. Big sis, Aunt Novo, Miss Cinch, Mr Starshine, and even King Sombra’s worried for her.”
“Then it’s worse than I thought,” Sunset Shimmer said as she jumped off her bed. “I’ve got to go contact her”
On four hooves, Sunset Shimmer ran away from the bed and out of the room. Abigail Albright jumped off the nightstand before she, Starlight Glimmer and Wanda Young followed Sunset from behind.
“Wanda,” Starlight said. “Why didn’t you tell Sunset that you saw Princess Luna in your dreams?”
“I….just didn’t have the heart to do so,” Wanda responded. “But I will once mommy is okay. Promise”
“Wow. So all of that happened while I was asleep? Guess I missed out while I was chasing Sunstorm Demona.”
Those words came from Sunset Shimmer. No longer was she a unicorn, but now an alicorn. Sitting next to her were Wanda Young, who now had an amulet around her neck. Next to them sat Abigail Albright, Karen the Bulldog, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn, Cozy Glow and Pinkie Pie. Nearby, Eleanor Young and Crystal Snow were casting magic on Waspinator, who sat up with an ice pack on his head and two volleyballs parked right next to him. Nearby, Princess Chrysalis II held her face to her hoof while Interno and Quickstrike looked down at their Predacon brother.
“After I spent that night with mommy by my side, I never saw her face again until now,” Wanda said. “She lost her mind not because she lost Aunt Woona, but also because she was worried for you. But deep on the inside, she never did give up hope, and neither did I.”
“I guess her disconnect from the outside world got to her,” Sunset Shimmer said. “And I didn’t know it wasn’t the first time she went through this. I’m just glad that she’s back.”
“At least you were able to keep Princess Celestia comfy during her first night,” Golden Lace said. “But I’m surprised that you never saw her until now.”
“It was more of an understanding why mommy was going to be broken,” Wanda replied. “And I knew I wouldn’t see her again until you woke up, sis.”
“I’ll have to be honest,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Part of this is my fault. If I knew mother was that hurt, I would have intervened as soon as possible.”
“It’s not your fault,” Wanda said, placing her hand on Sunset’s wing. “You didn’t even know that mommy was hurt. All you knew was that Gold Banks brought down you and your demon half.”
“Besides,” Cozy Glow said. “You were fighting for your own soul, and to make that demon side of yours see the error of her ways.”
“And you have a cool set of wings to boot,” Misty Brightdawn said, pointing to Sunset Shimmer’s wings.
Sunset looked down at her wings as she spread them outward. The feathers that covered her new wings shined like diamonds in the setting sun. Starlight reached out and touched them with her hoof, causing Sunset to giggle slightly.
“That tickles, Starlight,” Sunset laughed.
“Sorry,” Starlight said as she pulled her hoof away. “But I’m amazed that you became an alicorn at this age.”
“So am I,” Sunset said, folding her wing close to her and touching it with her hoof. “Sunset Demona told me that when I awoke from the Golden Magic of Light, as if it were my true form. Maybe I was intended to have been born as an alicorn, but for some reason I became a unicorn at birth.”
“Oooh, that’s a nice plot twist,” Pinkie Pie said. “Maybe I was a draconequus at birth, but I became an earth pony when I came into this world.”
Pinkie Pie’s words caused everyone to burst out into laughter.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you were masquerading as an earth pony to begin with,” Wanda laughed.
Sunset Shimmer folded her wing back into her side before turning towards her sister.
“By the way,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I also heard that you and your biological mother discovered tales about this Drakian race.”
“Not just that,” Wanda said. “For some reason, I could understand the very language that they carved on the wall.”
“Yeah,” Cozy Glow said. “Starlight, Lace, Misty and I were shocked when Wanda was able to translate the symbols of these Drakians. And she was able to learn about the four mythical beasts.”
“And to be honest, I don’t know why I can,” Wanda said, turning her eyes towards the evening sky. “I’ve never even seen that kind of language until now.”
Sunset scooted over to Wanda and said “Well there’s a lot of things we don’t know about this planet’s past at all, or even the universe.”
“That I can agree on.” Sunset and Wanda got up to see Princess Chrysalis II walk up to the group. Behind her were Inferno, Quickstrike, and a stumbling Waspinator, who had an ice pack on his forehead.
“It’s about Oblivion, right?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Ever since we snuck into that cave, the Predacon brothers had been fascinated with the form of Oblivion like they knew him in a previous life. Even my mother can’t seem to figure it out.”
“Do you suppose that your original incarnations were during the early age of this universe?” Cozy Glow asked the Predacons.
“No,” Inferno said. “In fact, the more we studied about this Oblivion, the more it reminded us of someone who went under the name….Megatron.”
“As in the leader of the Predacons during the Beast Wars?” Sunset asked.
“The funny thing is,” Quickstrike said, “The more we learn about the Beast Wars, the more we begin to remember a previous life of our own. Like we knew this Megatron fella.”
“Waspinator wants to repress these memories,” Waspinator said. “Waspinator just a Predacon working for Queen Chrysalis, not Megatron.”
Pinkie Pie turned to Princess Chrysalis II and said “What’s eating him?”
“Since the revelation, Waspinator’s been getting nightmares,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “He’s been seeing visions of this Megatron character laughing in his face, while his vision changed to what appears to be an alien ship blasting him and his brothers to smithereens.”
“That is a nightmare,” Sunset Shimmer said. “But I’m surprised that Princess Luna didn’t tell me about this.”
“I think it’s because she didn’t want to worry you,” Golden Lace explained. “Even while she’s being held by my mother, Princess Luna is still aware of the dream world and the problems that lay within. But she didn’t want to put the burden upon you while you had your own problems to worry about.”
“Speaking of which,” Wanda said. “I’d like to apologize for lying to you about not knowing about Aunt Woona’s presence.”
“You don’t need to,” Sunset laughed. “In fact, deep on the inside, you didn’t have the heart to tell me that you spoke to Aunt Luna in the dream world. And that’s okay. Even I have my own concerns, not just because of Gold Banks, but also the revelation about this Oblivion that you and the others discovered.”
“You’re right on that,” Wanda said, clutching the amulet with her hand. “And it does still bug me to the fact that this….Oblivion may have been reincarnated into this Megatron character from the Beast Wars. It would have been really scary to confront him if it did happen.”
But Sunset Shimmer was quick to notice Wanda clutching her amulet tightly.
“Wanda,” Sunset said, noticing her human sister holding her amulet. “Is something wrong?”
“What do you mean?” Wanda asked.
“Well the way you hold your new amulet,” Sunset said. “You look like you’re worried.”
“Actually, I am,” Wanda said as she looked at the amulet in her hand. “I know I was given a great power from my Evevanyian mommy, and she told me to be responsible with it. But at the same time, I feel as if this power is too much for me?”
“Too much for you?” Starlight asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “Sometimes, I fear that I could abuse my new power and become corrupted by them. While I do appreciate what my other mommy gave me, I feel like I would disappoint her by overusing this power.”
“I think that means you have some sort of responsibility towards that new power,” Sunset said. “Like you know that this power shouldn’t be used for personal gain.”
“But still, what if I do lose myself to this new armor?” Wanda asked. “What if I’m drawn into this power and become too used to it?”
Immediately, Princess Chrysalis II cleared her throat, catching Wanda’s attention.
“Listen kid,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Let me tell you one thing. You know what will prevent you from losing yourself to that power?”
“What’s that?” Wanda asked.
“It’s because that power is blessed with the Golden Magic of Light,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “My mother told me about it, about how it can restore and nurture far more than it can destroy, like other forms of magic. It is also said to give clarity to its wielder, allowing him or her to wield the magic properly.”
“But what about the fact that Starswirl warned my mother about the Golden Magic?” Sunset asked. “That it would poison anyone with evil in their heart?”
“That is why my mother won’t go near it,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “Because the magic chooses the wielder, even though Starswirl was afraid that his own you…I mean students had some evil in their hearts despite all they’ve been through.”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said. “What did you say?”
“Starswirl’s students,” Princess Chrysalis II said. “And the daughters of Queen Eternia.”
“Princess, I know about the truth of Starswirl the Bearded,” Sunset Shimmer said. “You didn’t need to hide what you just said.”
Nearly everyone went into shock over what Sunset Shimmer just said.
“Wait a minute,” Cozy Glow said. “No one told me that Starswirl the Bearded was the father of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”
“Along with the former king of Equestria,” Sunset said. “He’s gone from this world. But mother and Aunt Luna have been doing what they can to watch over the ponies of Equestria…well until now.”
Wanda just looked back down at her amulet and sighed.
“I don’t feel like listening to anything else just to know more about this amulet,” Wanda said. “I mean, as shocking as it is to know that this Starswirl was the daddy of mommy and Aunt Woona, I’m still worried about myself.”
“And that’s okay,” Sunset said. “Regardless if its the faith of your own magic, or what we’re up against, it’s okay to be worried. I’m worried as well because I don’t know if we’ll get through this nightmare.”
But in a second, Karen walked up to Wanda and licked her face once more. Wanda laughed a bit as she pushed Karen away.
“Knock it off,” Wanda giggled. “That tickles.”
“I think Karen’s been trying to cheer you up,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Cheer up,” Abigail giggled.
“I know,” Wanda said, wiping the drool off her face. “But right now, I just want to let my mind drift off for the time being.”
“Understood,” Sunset replied. “Guess we all have a lot to think about for tomorrow’s fight against Gold Banks.”
But nearby, Queen Eleanor Young and Crystal Snow were watching the group from afar, when Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor with Spike the Dragon on his back, Queen Novo, Chancellor Cinch and King Sombra walked up to her from behind.
“Are you worried about Wanda?” Celestia asked.
“I am,” Eleanor said. “I gave her new armor just so she could defend herself against the evils of Equestria. But she fears that she could lose control and become corrupted by the magic itself.”
“I have my doubts on that,” Princess Celestia said. “After all, Starswirl did say that anyone with evil in their hearts will be poisoned by the magic. I think that’s what Wanda’s really afraid of.”
“No, I think it’s far worse than being poisoned by her new magic,” Eleanor said. “I think she understands the responsibility part too well, and will refrain from using it. That would put her in grave danger.”
“And I think I know why,” Queen Novo said. “She still has nightmares about the very Debt Collector grunt whose life she accidentally took. I was there when it happened.”
“It’s not the first time that she’s been in this scenario before,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Long ago, she mistook a baby bird for a Roc and nearly killed it. She was thankful that the bird did survive, but it also scarred her mind for quite some time. It was one of those cases where I took pity on her, because she and Twilight Sparkle have a fear of Rocs since the Fall Formal Festival.”
“Poor Wanda’s been through a lot since she was the first human to be admitted into the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Princess Cadance said. “I only hope she can get through this hard time.”
“I believe she will,” Celestia explained. “Luna and I knew what it was like to have lost loved ones before. And considering what Wanda’s gone through, I believe she’ll make it out, as long as we are by her side.”
“Well as much as I wish to join you on this path,” Chancellor Cinch explained, “I’m afraid I’m needed to hold down the fort in case you all fall to Gold Banks’ minions.”
“Same here,” Queen Novo said. “Besides, my daughter has become a bit secluded after we lost Mount Aris and Seaquestria. If I leave her, she’ll freak out.”
“And that’s okay,” King Sombra said. “Sometimes, we have to be by the side of our loved ones, be it our siblings, our children, or even our parents. I guess that’s why the phrase ‘As a family, we are one together,” means a whole lot.”
Spike jumped off of Shining Armor’s back before he ran up to the teen stallion’s front. Shining picked him up and held him close.
“It does mean a whole lot,” Shining Armor said as Spike giggled loudly. “I miss my mother and father. But I definitely miss Twili. And Spike here misses her as well.”
The moment Spike heard the words from Shining Armor, his ears drooped down a bit and his smile flipped into a frown. He reached out and hugged Shining Armor, crying his eyes out. Princess Cadance reached out and rubbed Spike gently on the head.
“We all miss Twilight,” Princess Cadance said as Spike’s cries turned into coos. “If only we weren’t caught in that mess by Gold Banks, we would all see each other again.”
“That’s why I’m glad you’re going with me tomorrow, Caddy,” Shining Armor said as he handed Spike to Princess Cadance. “We’re going to see my folks and Twili again, and we’ll make sure we get them and the other younglings to the Golden Land.”
“Shining,” Princess Cadance smirked. “Just tell me who’s butt I should kick and I’ll be at your command.”
With that, Shining Armor laughed as Princess Cadance rubbed Shining Armor on his hair, all while Spike cheered loudly.
“Princess,” Chancellor Cinch said with a smirk on her face. “You didn’t teach Cadenza Mi Amore that kind of language, did ya?”
“Guilty as charged,” Princess Celestia replied. “But then again, I also taught you that.”
“Oh right,” Cinch replied. “I forgot.”
Later that night, as the moon shone in the Golden Land, Starlight Glimmer walked down the hallways of the Golden Palace that led to the bedrooms, yawning widely. She looked as if she were half-asleep.
“I dunno if I am up for tomorrow,” Starlight yawned. “So much is at stake, and it’s worn me out.”
“We could say the same thing.” Starlight’s ears caught the sound of a familiar voice. She slowly turned around, half-asleep, to see Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer approach her.
“Mom? Dad?” Starlight said with a slight yawn. “What are you doing here?”
“Truth be told, we’re concerned for your well-being, little Glimglam,” Starseeker said. “Having to leave us again just to help liberate Ponyville.”
Starlight Glimmer barely shook her head as her pig-tails rustled a bit. She wiped her eyes and opened them widely, though a small tear formed on her left eye..
“I’ll admit,” Starlight said. “I am afraid of what may happen tomorrow. What if we fail in our mission? What if Gold BAnks’ own followers defeat us? I dunno what would happen if we lost.”
“And truth be told, we wanted to tell you not to go,” Firelight Glimmer said. “It’s because we don’t want to lose you again like how you and your friends were taken to Daisy Joy Tech. But I was also reminded of how Gold Banks tried to snatch you directly away from us.”
Those words caused Starlight’s eyes to pop up a bit. She looked at her father and her tears formed wider.
“I remember that,” Starlight said. “In fact, I don’t think that will ever get out of my mind, anytime soon.”
“And it’s not just that, my little pumpky-wumpkin,” Firelight said. “I had a nightmare one night where Gold Banks marched through a portal and took you away, just as we held onto her. The words she said to us were ‘It doesn’t matter where you take your little child. I will always find her and take her away. You don’t deserve her.’”
“She said that?” Starlight replied.
“We both had that same nightmare,” Starseeker said. “And because of that, we realize that keeping you away from her won’t work anymore. If she wants to take you away, she will do it, and I fear there may be nothing stopping her from doing so.”
Firelight placed his hoof on Starlight’s shoulder and said “I don’t want to admit it, even though you’re still a filly. But you’re growing up. You’re not the same Starlight that first came to Canterlot to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns. You have friends that stand by your side, including two princesses who Celestia has mothered well. Though you still have a lot to learn about yourself, I feel you need to step away from us and help your friends out.”
Starlight cracked a smile as she wiped the tear away from her eyes. She reached out and hugged Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer.
“Thanks you two,” Starlight cried. “I’m glad to have you as my parents.”
“And we’re glad to have you as our daughter,” Starseeker said as Starlight released her grip from her parents. “Now I believe a couple of friends of yours are calling for you.”
Starlight turned around to see Wanda Young, now wearing her pajamas, Sunset Shimmer, and Abigail Albright wave to her. Starlight ran off towards her friends while Firelight and Starseeker held hooves together.
“Let us hope she can make it through these tough times,” Starseeker said.
“She will,” Firelight said. “As long as Meteor Flare is watching over her, she will.”
Inside Celestia’s room, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer and Abigail Albright ran towards the bed and climbed up, where a content Princess Celestia lay on top, watching the four reach the top of the bed.
“I was wondering when you would join me,” Celestia laughed.
“Sorry mommy,” Wanda said. “But we had to wait for Starlight to arrive.”
“But of course,” Celestia said before she yawned. “Tomorrow’s going to be the hardest day of your lives.”
“As is yours, mother,” Sunset said as she stretched out her wings.
“You know, it’s heartwarming to see Sunset Shimmer with wings like Princess Celestia does,” Starlight said.
“To think, I was the only one of the family who couldn’t fly, until now,” Sunset yawned. “Maybe, when this is all over, I want to just fly around Canterlot with my sister. After all, it was what I always….dreamed….of doing.”
With that, Sunset laid down and went to sleep. Wanda, Abigail and Starlight looked down at the sleeping Sunset, only for Celestia to pull the filly alicorn close to her.
“I think it’s time we all went to sleep,” Celestia said. “You need to be fully energized for tomorrow’s mission.”
“I will, mommy,” Wanda yawned. “Goodnight.”
Wanda laid right next to Sunset Shimmer before she closed her eyes and went to sleep. Starlight yawned deeply before she laid next to Wanda and closed her eyes. Abigail curled up and laid next to Starlight, all before Celestia placed her wing on top Sunset, Wanda, Starlight and Abigail.
“Rest well,” Celestia said. “For tomorrow is a big day.”
With that, Celestia lowered her head and closed her eyes before she fell asleep, just as the moon’s radiance shone down on the prime alicorn, the filly alicorn, the twin-tailed unicorn filly, the kitty cat, and the Man’s Cub.
It was the middle of the night in the Golden Land. Inside Princess Celesita’s bedroom within the Golden Palace, the princess of the sun slept on her bed with Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer and Wanda Young. But in an instant, Wanda’s eyes opened unexpectedly. She slowly turned her head before getting up and yawning.
“I can’t sleep,” Wanda whispered. “I don’t know why, but something has been bothering me.”
Wanda lifted her body away from the rest of the group before sliding herself off the bed. She quietly placed her feet on the ground before slowly walking away from Princess Celestia. As Wanda made her way to the exit, Starlight Glimmer slowly opened her eye, taking notice of Wanda leaving the room.
“I think she’s scared,” Starlight said to herself.
Outside of the royal bedroom, Wanda Young slowly made her way down the hallway, keeping her feet quiet as she walked down the carpet path. She turned to her right and went out through a doorway, where it led to a balcony located outside. But from a nearby room, Argyle Starshine popped his head out and noticed Princess Wanda walking towards the balcony.
“She’s worried, isn’t she?” Argyle pulled his head back in before turning his attention towards Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine.
“She is, mother,” Argyle said. “I have not seen worry in the eyes of any little one in my entire lifetime. Even when I once had Golden Lace as my pupil at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“She’s been through so much since coming to Equestria,” Sunlight Starscout said. “Since becoming apart of this pony family.”
“I’ll have to be honest,” Argyle Starshine said. “Seeing her off to La Maresa tomorrow just isn’t right. She’s been through a whole lot. But she’s also putting herself in danger.”
“Brother,” Bright-Eyes said. “What are you going to do?”
“The poor kid needs some cheering up,” Argyle Starshine said. “I’m going to go talk to her.”
“You do that,” Sunlight Starscout said. “We’ll be behind you, one hundred percent.”
“Thanks mother,” Argyle said before he and Sunlight rubbed each other on the face. “I’ll remember that.”
As Argyle Starshine made his way out of his bedroom, Bright-Eyes turned to her mother with a worried expression on her face.
“Do you think we should help cheer Wanda up?” Bright-Eyes asked.
“We will,” Sunlight Starhine said. “But for now, leave it to Argyle to have a word with her.”
On the balcony outside of the castle, Wanda Young made her way out of the doorway, waking her feet on the pavement. As soon as she approached the railing, Wanda looked up at the night sky with a sigh as she held onto her amulet.
“Tomorrow’s the big day,” Wanda said to herself. “I’m going down to La Maresa once more. But at the same time, I’m nervous.”
As Wanda looked down at her chest, she loosened her grip on the amulet before bringing it up to her eyes.
“My Evevanyian mommy gave me this trinket to help me fight bad guys,” Wanda said. “But…this power feels so overwhelming. Like it wants to dominate my mind. What am I going to do?”
“The one thing I can say is you’re not alone with this anxiety, little Wanda.” Wanda turned around to see Argyle Starshine walk out from the doorway before approaching the railing. Wanda looked up at the young, yet wise, stallion with a depressed sigh.
“Mr Starshine,” Wanda said. “I didn’t expect you to be out here.”
“Neither did I expect you, little Wanda,” Argyle Starshine said. “You’re worried about tomorrow, are you?
“I am,” Wanda nodded. “But it’s not just my fear of losing the battle at La Maresa, but also I fear that I could lose control of my mind if I let this new power control me.”
“Oh I know that kind of feeling,” Argyle laughed before pointing to Wanda’s chest. “There is a lot of anxiety within you, like there is within all of us.”
“All of us?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Argyle said. “My mother Sunlight Starscout and my sister Bright-Eyes Starshine are all worried about tomorrow as well. And to be honest, I am afraid about what you have to do tomorrow.”
“So am I, Mr Starshine,” Wanda said. “In fact, there is a part of me that wants to stay behind in the Golden Land, even if it does make both of my mommies disappointed..”
“I don’t blame you,” Argyle Starshine said. “I know what you have to do requires that you put your life in danger. If I had a say in this, I would rather you and your friends remain in the Golden Land, safe from Gold Banks and her rule.”
“But at the same time, I also worry for my friends who are stranded in La Maresa,” Wanda said.
“Along with Twilight Sparkle, who is still up in Vanhoover,” Argyle Starshine said. “As much as I don’t want you to go out there, I am also aware of why you need to be out there.”
“What do you mean, Mr Starshine?” Wanda asked.
“It’s not just to the fact that you worry for the safety of your own friends,” Argyle explained, “It’s also to the fact that you fear Gold Banks invading the Golden Land and taking all of us captive.”
“That….that’s right,” Wanda said, stunned by Argyle’s statement. “I am…afraid.”
“You’re not the only one who’s afraid, and neither am I,” Argyle Starshine said, his eye focused on the doorway behind him.
“What do you mean by that?” Wanda asked.
With that, Argyle Starshine turned around and signaled to the doorway. Immediately, Bright-Eyes Starshine and Sunlight Starscout emerged from the doorway and walked up to Argyle and Wanda.
“We’re all afraid of tomorrow, not just because you and your friends are putting yourselves in danger,” Sunlight Starscout said. “But also because we’re all still in danger, young lady.”
“Yeah,” Bright-Eyes said. “I still remember a week ago when you and your friends were supposed to leave Equestria for Evevanya, along with Princess Celestia. But then that mean ol Gold Banks ruined everything and left us stranded here.”
“I know,” Wanda said. “But why does Gold Banks hate me? What did I ever do to her?”
“I believe there was a reason why you were primarily targeted,” Argyle said. “It’s because of how different you are compared to the rest of us. She believed that a human living amongst ponies goes against everything that Equestria stands for.”
“And yet when I was going to go back to Evevanya, she stopped me and my mommies from doing so,” Wanda said. “Why is that?”
“I believe she wanted retribution towards you and everyone that cared for you,” Sunlight Starscout said. “Even if it meant stepping hoof onto the place of your origin and enslaving everyone there.”
Wanda turned her head back up to the night sky with a loud sigh, directing her gaze at the stars above.
“I just wish she would stop all of this,” Wanda sighed. “I don’t want any more of my friends and family getting hurt.”
“And neither do any of us,” Argyle Starshine said, placing his arm around Wanda’s back. “But while I do wish you didn’t have to go to La Maresa, I do understand why. We have to take back our kingdom from Gold Banks, and many of us are willing to step up to the plate Sure Gold Banks may look powerful. But the alicorn amulet she wears is nothing more than a crutch.”
Wanda looked down at her amulet that was attached to the chair around her neck. She clutched it closely with a worried look on her face.
“My only concern is that my own amulet would end up doing to me what this alicorn amulet did to Gold Banks,” Wanda said.
“But it won’t,” Argyle said. “What you possess is a magic of pure light, and pure hope. The golden magic of light. Unlike what Gold Banks possess, the magic you possess is not for a destructive purpose. And I’m not talking about the amulet you now possess.”
With that, Argyle pointed to Wanda’s chest near her amulet. The man’s cub looked down at her chest, confused, as she loosened the grip from her amulet.
“What do you mean, Argyle?” Wanda asked.
“It’s your heart,” Argyle explained. “Your heart is the most important magic of all. More than the magic you were born with, and the magic you have in that amulet. Your heart is more powerful and pure than Gold Banks’ heart. Your friends have the same pure heart as you do, and that is their most powerful magic than anything else they have.”
“My heart,” Wanda said. “I do recall mommy telling me about the power of the heart, or even the cosmic core.”
“And I recall my great grandmother telling me about my heart before she passed on,” Sunlight Starscout said. “She told me that it’s the heart that is the most powerful magic.”
“She must have been a wise pony,” Wanda asked, curious. “Who was she?”
“She was one of Princess Celestia’s finest students,” Sunlight said. “She was good friends with Misty Brightdawn and had close friends who stood by her side to the very end. And she was the last to pass on from this world. I’ll never forget her name: Sunny Starscout, Princess of the Heart.”
“Wow,” Wanda said. “She must have been a great pony.”
“She was,” Sunlight Starscout said. “She was an alicorn back then. But even alicorns don’t live forever. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were saddened by her passing long ago.”
Suddenly, Wanda’s ears twitched as she heard the sound of a filly calling her name. Wanda, Argyle, Sunlight and Bright-Eyes turned around to see Starlight Glimmer standing in the doorway.
“Glimglam,” Wanda said. “I didn’t know you were behind me.”
“I was worried for you when you got out of bed,” Starlight said. “Like you were worried for tomorrow.”
“I am,” Wanda said. “Well, I was in a way.”
“Well,” Starlight said before she walked up to Wanda. “What matters is that you’re not stressed out. After all, we may not be true sisters. But I still care for your well-being, like you cared for Sunset’s.”
“You’re right on that,” Wanda giggled.
As Wanda and Starlight laughed, the duo held onto each other with a warm and gentle hug. Argyle, Sunlight and Bright-Eyes looked at the two younglings and giggled as well.
“Well, I think it’s time you slept on this,” Argyle said. “If you’re still worried, we’ll be here to guide you.”
“Thanks, Mr Starshine,” Wanda said. “Thanks for coming out to check on me.”
“Anytime, little Wanda,” Argyle said.
“Come,” Sunlight Starscout said. “We can lead you both back to Princess Celestia’s bedroom.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said. “But I think we can go back on our own.”
As Starlight released her hold on Wanda, the two younglings made their way to the back of the balcony and the doorway before walking through, leaving Argyle Starshine, Bright-Eyes Starshine and Sunlight Starscout behind.”
“I’m glad they have each other, brother,” Bright-Eyes said.
“And that is something that they deserve,” Argyle Starshine said. “More so than any of the doom and gloom that is now widespread across Equestria.”
“I’ve taught you well, my son,” Sunlight Starscout said. “After all, without the magic of the heart, the rest of the magic within, be it our body or cosmic cores, will mean nothing.”
“Father would be proud of us,” Argyle Starshine said.
“He would, my son,” Sunlight said. “He would.”
Back inside, Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer walked down the hallway towards Princess Celestia’s room. Wanda held her hand to her mouth as she yawned.
“So Wanda,” Starlight asked. “Do you think we’ll make it tomorrow?”
“To be honest, I’m not sure,” Wanda said. “But right now, all I care about is the well-being of our friends. They haven’t seen us since we disappeared into this land.”
Suddenly, one of the doors opened and Misty Brightdawn emerged from it, wiping her eyes as she slowly opened them.
“Wanda, Starlight,” Misty said. “Are you both alright?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “I just got worried a while ago and couldn’t sleep. Mr Starshine and his family came out to remind me that I’m not the only one who was worried.”
“Sounds like my own worry as well,” Misty Brightdawn said. “I could barely get to sleep, knowing that I have to be with my brother at Vanhoover.”
“At least you’ll be seeing Twilight Sparkle once more,” Starlight Glimmer said. “It’s a shame that we won’t be seeing her in La Maresa tomorrow.”
“I’ll be sure to let Twilight know that you both miss her,” Misty said.
But Wanda walked up to Misty and asked “Misty. By any chance, have you ever heard of this alicorn named Sunny Starscout?”
Misty paused for a moment after Wanda spoke, then she choked up a bit before a tear fell from her eye.
“Yes,” Misty said. “Sunny Starscout was more than just one of the greatest students of Princess Celestia. She was a close friend of mine.”
“And not just her,” Misty Brightdawn said. “She had a number of friends that I knew back during my early days of living with Princess Celestia. Izzy Moonbow, Hitch Trailblazer, Pipp Petals, Zipp Storm, Sprout Cloverleaf, and even their little dragon friend Sparky Sparkaroni. I even got to meet her great granddaughter Sunlight Starscout back when she was a foal.”
“You must have been great friends with them, Misty,” Wanda said.
“I was,” Misty said. “But I was the only friend of hers that never aged. Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, Hitch, Sprout and Sparky all aged with her, though she was the one who aged gracefully into an alicorn. But I have remained as a youngling since I first met you many centuries ago. And when she passed away, a part of me died.”
“It must have been awful to live longer than your friends,” Wanda said.
“It was,” Misty said. “Though I am glad to have new friends, they won’t replace the ones I knew from back when I was young, back before I reunited with my brother King Sombra. Sometimes, we grow so close to the friends and family we once knew. And when they’re gone…”
“A piece of us becomes empty,” Starlight said. “Like how I lost my uncle Meteor Flare, even though a part of him lives within me.”
“Well,” Misty said as she yawned. “I am feeling a bit tired. But I’m glad to have had this talk with you.”
“You have a good night, Misty,” Wanda said. “And thanks for the talk.”
“Anytime, Wanda,” Misty said.
As Wanda and Starlight turned towards the door to Princess Celestia’s chambers and slowly opened it, they walked through before slowly shutting it tight, leaving Misty behind. The eternal filly turned towards her doorway and went inside, but not before turning towards the big door.
“Wanda,” Misty said. “I can’t wait for you to go back in time and meet my friends of the past. They would be surprised to see you.”
Back inside Princess Celestia’s bedroom, Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer slowly walked towards the bed before climbing on board. They laid down next to Princess Celestia, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright, who were still sound asleep.
“So Wanda,” Starlight whispered. “Do you think we’ll be able to best Gold Banks?”
“We will,” Wanda yawned. “I don’t know if what Argyle said is true. But I’ll try to put my trust into his words.”
“I hope so as well,” Starlight yawned. “For all of us.”
With that, Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer fell asleep once more, as the moon shined down on the duo. But immediately, Princess Celestia’s eyes opened up as she looked down at the younglings sleeping next to her.
“Your day will be hard, my little younglings,” Princess Celestia whispered. “But be assured. I believe in you. Luna believes in you as well. In fact, I think it’s time we helped you in the dream realm.”
Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer were wandering a deep, lush forest in the middle of the night with Abigail Albright following them from behind. They were in awe of the flora, from the deep green of the tree leaves, to the flowers big and small.
“What a beautiful place,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I know this is a dream world, but I can never imagine a forest like this.”
“I can,” Wanda said. “The Everfree Forest. Remember that?”
“Barely,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I think the reason why you remember that forest was because you could feel the magic surrounding it.”
“And I also believed a voice called out to me,” Wanda said. “But I don’t know why it did.”
“But that does make me wonder,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Are we truly in the Everfree Forest, even if it's just a dream?”
“It does,” Wanda said. “And yet, it feels like it doesn't. I don't know why.”
“That we can answer.” The familiar, yet gentle, voice caused Wanda, Sunset and Abigail to come to a slight stop. They looked around the vicinity of the forest, hoping to locate the source of that voice.
“That sounded like mommy,” Wanda said. “But where is she?”
“Good question,” Sunset responded. “I don't see her at all.”
“Oh how silly of us. Maybe we should show our faces to you.” Wanda, Sunset and Abigail turned around to see Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Queen Eleanor Young approached the trio. Wanda and Sunset paused for a moment before they ran up to the adults.
“Mommies, Aunt Woona,” Wanda cheered before Princess Celestia picked her up before she and Queen Eleanor cuddled her.
As Sunset walked up to Princess Luna, she reached out and hugged the alicorn of the night while Abigail rubbed her body on the side of Luna's left arm.
“We're glad you three made it,” Princess Luna said. “We've been expecting you.”
“Expecting us?” Sunset asked. “Are we deep within the Everfree Forest?”
“Not exactly,” Queen Eleanor said. “In fact, it’s not even in Equestria.”
Queen Eleanor pulled away at the foliage that was blocking the path. Wanda, Sunset and Abigail looked beyond and their jaws dropped in awe.
“Is….is this Evevanya?” Wanda asked.
“Not just Evevanya, my darling Wanda,” Queen Eleanor said. “Equinox City.”
In front of Wanda, Sunset and Abigail, was a beautiful stone city partially covered by vines that were dotted by a variety of flowers, and a river that goes through the heart of this metropolis with bridges hanging over. Human-like creatures wandered the vicinity. Some bore insect wings like Wanda while others had beast-like arms and legs and bat-like wings. While the adults had pointy ears and noses, the younglings had rounded ears and noses.
“Equinox City,” Wanda said. “The place of my birth. But….in the dream realm?”
“A taste of what you will expect once we deal with Gold Banks,” Princess Celestia said. “But I believe there is someone who can lead us through.”
“I take it Queen Eleanor will,” Sunset said.”
“Not quite,” Princess Luna said. “In fact, Queen Eleanor was able to help me get through to her.”
“Get through to who?” Sunset asked.
“Why, your new tour guide, and a close friend of your biological mother.” The words of an unknown voice caused Wanda, Sunset and Abigail to turn around. Standing above them was an Evevanyian woman with black hair, pointy ears, and a midnight blue royal dress, holding a jeweled staff in her right hand. Wanda took one good look at her and a spark filled her mind.
“Wait a minute,” Wanda said. “Are you my Evevaniyan mommy's close ally Queen Lillian?”
“You guessed right, little princess,” Queen Lillian responded. “I represent the Dusk side of Equinox City, capital city of the world of Evevanya.”
Wanda and Sunset took no time to bow to Queen Lillian, who only chuckled in amusement.
“Now now, you don't need to be that humble to me,” Queen Lillian laughed. “After all, you both are royalty in your own rights.”
Wanda and Sunset looked up at Queen Lillian and blushed embarrassingly while Abigail let out an innocent meow. The only thing Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Queen Eleanor could do was laugh.
“I'm glad to see Wanda and Sunset smiling and enjoying themselves,” Princess Celestia giggled. “Even in this dream world.”
“I can say the same thing for you, sis” Princess Luna said.
“But all that aside,” Princess Celestia said as she calmed down, “I think it's time to explore Equinox City and give you a small sample just to help boost morale for the trials ahead.”
Princess Celestia pushed her way through the leaves of the tree and made her way towards Equinox City with Queen Lillian and Queen Eleanor by her side. Princess Luna followed her sister and the Evevanyian queens from behind. Wanda turned to Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright, eager to follow from behind.
“Come on, sis,” Wanda said. “Let’s go see what Equinox City is from up close.”
With a flap of her wings, Sunset Shimmer flew over Wanda before she followed Princess Celestia from behind. Abigail jumped onto Wanda’s shoulder before following the filly alicorn from behind. They all made their way towards the streets of Equinox City.
Deep within Equinox City, Queen Lillian led Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Queen Eleanor, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young and Abigail Albright. While the buildings stood tall and proud, they are covered in vines and plants to brighten up the mood.
“What a beautiful place,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Mother, have you ever been here before?”
“Can’t say that I have,” Princess Celestia said. “After all, while the foliage around this city is familiar, everything else I have never seen before.”
“Not to mention Equinox City is not as technologically advanced as Equestria,” Princess Luna said.
“It’s true that our kind are not equipped with computers, machines, or electric-powered vehicles,” Queen Eleanor said. “But what we lack in tech, we make up for it with a more liberal use of magic.”
“It sure is pretty,” Wanda said. “But something is bugging me.”
“What is that, my darling Wanda?” Princess Celestia asked.
“It’s the people,” Wanda said. “Something is wrong with them.”
As Sunset Shimmer looked around, she noticed the Evevanyian citizens looking sad and depressed. Some had their heads hung low. Others walked as if they were weighed down by their own emotions.
“You’re right on that,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Did something happen here?”
“That I can actually answer,” Queen Lillian said. “Prior to the incident in Canterlot, I was informed that you were to return to Evevanya with your friends after a tough decision by Princess Celestia and my counterpart. When I told the citizens of Evevanya about Princess Wanda’s return home, they were excited to see her for the first time since her birth.”
“So what happened when they found out about what Gold Banks did?” Wanda asked.
“When I broke the news about the incident in Canterlot, about how Gold Banks seized control, and that you and your companions had to go into hiding, the people fell into a depression,” Queen Lillian explained. “They wanted to see their princess for the first time in twenty five years, and to hear of this news was just horrible. But as they feared that their princess was taken away for good, something horrible came from this revelation. Take a look around.”
Wanda, Sunset and Abigail looked around to see a green mist surrounding the citizens of Evevanya. Some of that mists drifted away from the city and into the forests.
“What is that?” Wanda asked.
“It is called gloom magic,” Queen Lillian explained. “Both the Dawn and the Dusk give off a powerful magic depending on the strength of their mood. When their mood is positive, it gives off a vibrant energy that radiates around. But when the mood is negative, you see this gloomy essence that surrounds them like a plague.”
“Imagine what would happen if someone were to weaponize this….gloom magic,” Sunset Shimmer said.
Looking at the Evevanyians and the mist of gloom that surrounded them, Wanda ran up to Queen Lillian, catching her attention.
“Queen Lillian,” Wanda asked. “If Evevanyians could give off that kind of magic, why can I not do so?”
“That is a good question,” Queen Lillian said. “Because even Earthling-based Evevanyians can still give off magic based on their mood. For twenty five years since your birth, I had yet to figure out why you are unable to radiate magic like the rest of us, and not to mention why you weaken when you use your magic. A defect, perhaps?”
“That also leads me to another question,” Wanda asked. “What about you and my Evevanyian mommy? How come you’re not giving off this gloom magic?”
“Now that I can answer,” Queen Lillian said. “Follow me to the castle.”
As Queen Lillian, Queen Eleanor, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna made their way through the city, Wanda paused for a moment, allowing Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright to catch up to her.
“More questions than answers, I take it,” Sunset responded.
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “The more I ask, the more I don’t even know. I didn’t even know I couldn’t radiate magic like the rest of the Evevanyians.”
“Maybe there is more to you than meets the eye,” Sunset Shimmer said. “But for now, let’s find our answers at the palace.”
Wanda nodded before she, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright followed the adults as they made their way to the central palace of Evevanya.
Inside the palace, Queen Eleanor and Queen Lillian escorted the rest of the group through the royal halls. Wanda and Sunset looked around and was amazed by the interior design. On one side, the wall's colors were as bright as the sun, while the walls on the other side had colors as beautiful as the night.
“So this is where you truly came from,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I’m both jealous and impressed.”
“I'll say,” Wanda said. “Though it has been twenty five years, it feels so familiar, like it reminds me of mommy and Aunt Woona.”
“I think I can figure out why,” Celestia said. “The Dawn and the Dusk have a connection to the sun and the moon, correct?”
“That is correct,” Queen Eleanor said. “Much like the ponies of Equestria, we Evevanyians are connected to the sun and the moon, along with the four mythical beasts.”
“The azure dragon, the red phoenix, the white tiger and the black tortoise,” Queen Lillian said. “Not only are they connected to the four seasons, but also to the morning, noon, evening and night.”
“But why do you both not radiate magic?” Wanda asked.
But both Eleanor and Lillian chuckled a bit before everyone came to a stop.
“My darling Wanda,” Eleanor said as she turned to her biological daughter. “It’s true that Evevanyians are able to radiate magic based off their moon. What separates me and my counterpart from the rest of the Evevanyians is that we can hold our magic back for days, if not years.”
“Hold your magic back?” Wanda responded.
“That is correct,” Queen Lillian said. “But every once in a while, we have to release a tiny bit of magic from our bodies. If we hold it in for too long, it could be fatal. You, as I stated, possess no ability to radiate magic, which makes me wonder if you have a defect within you.”
Wanda let out a sigh before she looked down at her hands. Queen Eleanor placed her hand on Wanda’s shoulder, causing her daughter to look up at her.
“There’s no need to worry,” Queen Eleanor said. “Come. There are people that you should get to know.”
Wanda nodded to her biological mother before she gripped her hands in anticipation. With that, Wanda made her way down the hallway with everyone else following from behind.
“The ability to withhold magic,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I never knew that could exist.”
“It does,” Princess Celestia said. “But in terms of magic, we Equestrians aren’t as powerful as the Eveyanians.”
“At times, it makes me wish I was born an Evevanyian instead of an Equestria,” Sunset joked.
“Maybe in an alternate universe, you would have,” Luna responded. “But then Wanda would have been born a pony.”
As the group made their way down the halls, they passed through an open doorway, where they noticed two human males in royal attire talking with each other. This catches the attention of Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young.
“Humans in Evevanya?” Sunset Shimmer said, curious. “Especially in the palace?”
“They are more than just humans, they are said to be the kings of Evevanya,” Princess Celestia explained.
“Looks like I taught you well on that subject,” Queen Eleanor laughed.
Queen Eleanor walked up to Wanda before directing her attention towards the brown haired human with a beard, gold armor and light gray pants, who was speaking with the other human with long black hair and beard and a dark blue and white attire.
“Do you know who that is?” Eleanor asked.
“I think I've seen him before in my dreams,” Wanda said. “But I don't know why.”
“That’s your father King Samuel Young,” Eleanor explained. “Son of Eddie Young and Molly Williams Young. The fellow opposite of him is Queen Lillian’s current husband: King Daniel Diamond.”
“What are they doing?” Wanda asked.
“Watch and learn,” Queen Eleanor responded.
As the group stood there, the two humans Samuel Young and Daniel Diamond spoke with each other with Daniel’s hand placed on what appears to be a holographic table projecting the planet of Evevanya.
“Are you really sure about that?” King Samuel Young asked. “After all, I haven’t seen my wife in a week and I don’t know if I will ever see my daughter again.”
“Right now, we have to put our faith in my wife,” King Daniel Diamond responded. “She was told that she could communicate with this Princess Luna fellow beyond the planet’s jurisdiction. Besides, the gloom magic outside won’t be able to penetrate the magic shield.”
“Even so, I do fear for our people,” Samuel said. “When word got out about what happened to my wife and daughter, it affected nearly everyone.”
“And there’s also King Vorak’s son that we have to worry about,” Daniel said. “After all, Prince Tirek is also a source of the gloom magic alongside our people.”
King Samuel paused for a moment while King Daniel took his hand off of the table.
“What’s surprising is that your son Prince Amadeus is not affected by the gloom of Prince Tirek,” Samuel said.
“Even more surprising, it’s because my son has been the last light for his half-brother up at the ruins of Midnight Castle,” Daniel said before he turned away and walked towards a window facing north. “Ever since Tirek took the blame for the death of his father, he chose to hold himself up at the once proud castle of the Dusk people. And no matter how many times we chose to forgive Tirek for his actions, he refuses to step a hoof out from those ruins.”
“Still, the fact that Prince Tirek sees Prince Amadeus as a brother says a whole lot,” Samuel Young said. “I think it’s what keeps his gloom at bay. But doesn’t that make you worry about your own son?”
“That might be an understatement,” Daniel Diamond said. “I still worry for his safety not because of Tirek, but because of the dangers that lurk around the ruins of Midnight Castle. I fear that the corruption that affected Prince Tirek could affect my son as well. May he continue to be safe.”
“Though I barely knew who you were when you came to Evevanya twenty five years ago, you’ve proven to have carried the spark of trust and friendship,” Samuel Young said. “One that proves you are a close friend of the late King Vorak. I bet he would have been proud.”
King Daniel Diamond nodded to King Samuel Young as the two looked out the window towards the north. Nearby, Sunset Shimmer’s ears perked for a bit before she turned back to Wanda, who looked surprised.
“Now I’ve heard everything,” Sunset Shimmer laughed. “This new king of Evevanya has a son named Prince Amadeus. Even more so, he’s formed a close friendship with Prince Tirek. How do you like that?”
“Wait a minute,” Wanda said. “I think I’ve heard this name before.”
Wanda turned towards Abigail, who also looked excited.
“Abby,” Wanda said. “Didn’t you know someone by the name of Amadeus?”
“Yes,” Abigail said. “Amadeus….old…friend.”
“Then you’ve figured it out,” Princess Celestia said. “Abigail, like you, came from Evevanya and she was the close companion of Prince Amadeus.”
“Oh my gosh,” Wanda said, excited. “I can’t wait to see who this Prince Amadeus truly is.”
“Oh that won’t be a problem,” Queen Lillian said. “In fact, I know a shortcut that can get you to the ruins of Midnight Castle.”
Immediately, Wanda got down on her knees before looking up at Queen Lillian.
“Oh please take me to Midnight Castle,” Wanda begged. “Pleaaaaaaase.”
But all Queen Lillian did was chuckle at Wanda’s silliness. Her laughter also caused Celestia, Luna, Eleanor, Sunset and Abigail to laugh as well.
“Oh you didn’t need to ask,” Queen Lillian said as she held her hands in the air. “In fact, I was gonna do so, anyway.”
Holding her staff in the air, Queen Lillian fired a blast of magic from the jewel of her cane. A vortex materialized out of nowhere before it opened up all the way. Princess Luna walked over to the portal before turning towards Princess Luna.
“I’m not the only one who can journey through the dream realm,” Princess Luna said. “Shall we go in?”
Wanda nodded to Princess Luna before she ran towards the portal and jumped in, disappearing without a trace.
“Hey wait,” Sunset Shimmer said as she and Abigail ran towards the portal.
Immediately, Sunset and Abigail jumped into the portal and disappeared completely, leaving the adults behind.
“Well there’s no need for me to waste any time,” Princess Celestia said, flapping her wings with excitement. “It’s time to dive right into the danger zone.”
Princess Celestia ran as fast as she could before she jumped into the portal and disappeared completely. Princess Luna jumped in after her sister, vanishing as well. But before Queen Lillian could jump through, Queen Eleanor held her hand.
“There’s no way I’m going to let you jump through without me accompanying you,” Queen Eleanor laughed.
“Well what are you waiting for?” Queen Lillian said. “Let’s do this.”
With that, Queen Eleanor and Queen Lillian took a few steps back before running towards the portal, holding their hands together. They took a giant leap and disappeared into the portal. Moments later, the vortex shrunk down and disappeared completely.
But in an instant, King Samuel and King Daniel turned around as if they had noticed something was behind them.
“What was that all about?” King Samuel said. “It was as if I could hear my wife and daughter.
“That’s just the magic of Queen Lillian,” King Daniel said. “And don’t you worry. Queen Eleanor and Princess Wanda should be alright.”
“Then it may be a sign that they are still out there,” King Samuel said. “Perhaps one day, my wife and daughter can finally return to Evevanya, and the people will welcome them with open arms.”
Wanda Young tumbled out of the portal before stumbling onto the ground. As she tried to get herself up, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright fell from the portal and landed right on top of her, pinning the man’s cub to the ground.
“Will you both get off of me?” Wanda yelled.
“Oops, sorry,” Sunset said, embarrassed.
Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright picked themselves up before backing off from Wanda. As the Evevanyian Princess picked herself up and dusted herself off, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Queen Eleanor and Queen Lillian emerged from the portal before it disappeared completely.
“Wanda, what happened to you?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Now I know what it feels like to be buried under a pony pile,” Wanda said.
“Oh come on sis,” Sunset laughed. “It was an accident.”
“Sunset’s right,” Princess Luna said. “No need to worry about one little harmless incident. Besides, I bet you weigh more than Sunset.”
In an instant, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer glared at Princess Luna, growling loudly while Abigail Albright hissed at the moon princess. Luna backed off for a bit as her eyes shrunk down in horror.
“I’m this tempted to want to wake up back in my cell at Tartarus,” Princess Luna said.
“Oh sister,” Princess Celestia laughed. “No need for this melodrama. After all, we are late for a very important date.”
“Oh right,” Princess Luna said. “The last part of our dream trip through Evevanya: Prince Tirek.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looked to the north where the moon shone down at the path in front. Standing tall in front of the entire group was an abandoned and slightly-faded castle. Though there were cracks in the foundation, it still stood as if it were occupied by numerous civilians and leaders.
“Wow,” Wanda said. “It’s almost like Castle Everfree back in Equestria.”
“But it is more than just Castle Everfree,” Queen Lillian said. “Welcome to the ruins of Midnight Castle, the origins of the Dusk tribe of Evevanya, located atop the Stardust Mountain. Its polar opposite is called Sunlight Castle, due west of Equinox City in the forest of Morning Dew.”
“But knowing you both, you’re curious to want to see this castle from the inside,” Queen Eleanor said. “Come. It’s time you got the chance to do so, and meet Prince Tirek and Prince Amadeus.”
Queen Lillian and Queen Eleanor turned towards Midnight Castle before they made their way up towards the entrance. An excited Wanda slowly began to walk towards the castle when she felt the back of a wing push her a few extra steps. She turned back and saw Princess Celestia folding her wing back.
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “I can do this.”
“I know you can,” Celestia said. “I just needed to give you the confidence to enter this place.”
Wanda giggled for a moment before she ran after Queen Eleanor and Queen Lillian. Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright were quick to follow Wanda from behind while Celestia and Luna turned towards each other.
“Shall we?” Luna asked.
“We shall,” Celestia responded.
With that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna followed Wanda, Sunset and Abgail, making their way up to the entrance into Midnight Castle.
Inside the castle, it was a dark and dreary place. Barely any light could make its way into the chambers. Queen Lillian and Queen Eleanor walked through the forsaken halls of the palace with Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Celestia and Luna following from behind.
“I thought Castle Everfree was a haunted place,” Sunset said. “This place puts that to shame.”
“Ms Lillian,” Wanda asked, catching Queen Lillian’s attention. “If this place is so great, why did you all but abandon this castle?”
“It was all about our own heritage,” Queen Lillian responded. “Though both the Dawn and the Dusk are united together in Equinox City, we can’t abandon our own past, our own origins as a race. Because of that, we have vowed to maintain both Sunlight and Midnight Castle. To remind us of our past, of where we came from.”
“And that is a lesson that will require a lot of your time,” Queen Eleanor said. “I will speak with Argyle Starshine on the matter when I can.”
Down through the hollowed halls of Midnight Castle, Queen Lillian made her way through while the rest of the group made their way through. Despite the depressing tone, Celestia, Luna, Sunset and Wanda were fascinated by the walls around them.
“Sunset's right,” Luna said. “This place puts Castle Everfree to shame.”
“Remind me to redecorate that place when Gold Banks is dealt with,” Princess Celestia joked.
Moments later, Queen Lillian led the group into the central chamber of the palace ruins. Wanda and Sunset looked up, and their jaws hung from their mouths
“Oh my gosh,” Wanda said. “That's….Tirek?”
In front of the group, a big red-skinned black-furred centaur slept soundly. Surrounding him was a giant cage that kept him in.
“Yes,” Queen Lillian said. “That is my son Tirek. You already know how my son became like this.”
“Was it because he unintentionally killed his father King Vorak?” Wanda asked.
“That is correct,” Queen Lillian said.
Sunset nodded her head before she said “I have got to get caught up more on recent events. A shame I wasn't there to hear the sad tale of Tirek.”
“You will learn much in this dream,” Queen Lillian said. “But not just from me.”
Queen Lillian pointed her staff to the side of Tirek's cage. Wanda, Sunset and Abigail turned to their left to see an Evevanyian boy sleeping outside next to the edge of the cage. He had shaggy black hair and wore a brown loincloth. Abigail got one good look at him and her face beamed with excitement before she ran towards the Evevanyian boy.
“Abby, wait,” Wanda yelled as she chased after Abigail. “Come back.”
As Abigail approached the Evevanyian boy, she reached out and tried to touch him with his paw, only for it to pass through. Abigail’s face sunk low with depression as she pulled her paw out.
“Amadeus,” Abigail said before Wanda walked up behind her.
“You know him?” Wanda asked.
Abigail turned to Wanda and nodded in agreement.
“Amadeus,” Abigail said.
“The kitty is right,” Queen Lillian said, approaching Wanda and Abigail. “That is my youngest son Amadeus Haydon Diamond, son of my current husband King Daniel Diamond. For some reason, Tirek has become attached to him like he was a true brother.”
“Almost like me and Wanda,” Sunset said as she, Celestia, Luna and Eleanor approached Wanda, Sunset, and Lillian.
“That’s correct,” Lillian said. “In fact, there is a nickname that Tirek liked to give him: Scorpan.”
“Scorpan?” Sunset responded. “Why a nickname like that?”
“From what I heard, Amadeus reminded Tirek of a small, yet deadly, arachnid called the scorpion,” Lillian said.
“Well that doesn’t make sense,” Sunset said, looking at the Evevanyian boy called Amadeus. “In fact, I would ask him why he likes that nickname.”
“And in fact, I may give you that chance,” Queen Lillian said as she approached Prince Amadeus. “After all, like Princess Luna, I possess the power to see into dreams.”
Queen Lillian pointed her staff at Prince Amadeus. A blast of magic poured from the crystal right onto his body. In an instant, a ghostly, dream-like projection of Prince Amadeus leaped from his body and landed his feet on the ground. This version of the prince opened his eyes and looked up at Queen Lillian.
“Mother, what’s going on?” Prince Amadeus asked.
“We have guests,” Queen Lillian said. “Some of whom are willing to meet you.”
But before Prince Amadenus could make a move, Abigail leaped into his arms and rubbed her head against his chest.
“Abigail,” Amadeus said. “What are you doing here? I sent you away just so you could meet Princess Wanda for me.”
“Would that be me?” Prince Amadeus looked up to see Princess Wanda Young approach him.
“You….you’re Princess Wanda Young,” Amadeus said as Abigail turned to Wanda.
“And you’re the one named Amadeus,” Wanda said. “The one who cared for Abigail long ago.”
“It’s true,” Amadeus said as he placed Abigail down on the ground. “I sent Abigail over to Equestria because I want to stay with my half-brother: Tirek.
“But why?” Wanda asked.
Amadeus’ ghostly form turned towards Prince Tirek, who slept soundly and undisturbed.
“For some reason, my presence prevents the gloom magic from expelling from his body,” Amadeus said. “I know I’m not the son of King Vorak, but for some reason he sees me that way.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer walked up to Prince Amadeus and tapped him on the shoulder, catching his attention.
“Is that the reason why you stay to look after Prince Tirek?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Yes,” Amadeus said. “I want to see my half-brother get better after he lost his father. But…he still hasn’t gotten over taking his life. My mother, my father, and everyone we all know tried to get through to Tirek. But as long as he can’t let go of what he did, he’ll never get better.”
Sunset Shimmer looked up at the sleeping Prince Tirek. Though the alicorn filly reached out to the giant centaur, she let her hoof drop to the ground before letting out a sigh.
“If I were in his hooves, I would have felt the same way,” Sunset Shimmer said. “To take the life of one’s father, even though you cared a lot for him.”
“And that would be an understatement,” Queen Lillian said. “Tirek and Vorak connected together for many decades, and it was horrifying to see him confess to killing him. When Tirek begged me to lock him here, I was heartbroken to lose both a husband and a son to that unnecessary tragedy.”
“And it was also one of the reasons why I had Wanda taken to Equestria,” Queen Eleanor said.
As Sunset Shimmer walked away from the cage surrounding Prince Tirek, the ghostly form of Prince Amadeus walked up to him.
“Your name is Sunset Shimmer, I take it,” Amadeus asked.
“Yes,” Sunset responded.
“Thanks for looking out for Wanda,” Amadeus said. “It’s too bad I can’t meet you directly in person. But I can rest easily, knowing that she’s safe.”
“Well she’s more than safe,” Princess Celestia said, causing Amadeus to turn towards her. “She’s more than willing to take up the fight.”
“Take up the fight?” Amadeus said. “Are you sure about this? I heard about what happened in Equestria, and with this Gold Banks character.”
“We're more than ready to take her on,” Princess Celestia said. “Thanks to the Golden Magic of Light, we will be able to fight back against Gold Banks and her tyranny.”
“The Golden Magic of Light?” Amadeus was surprised to hear those words come out of Princess Celestia. He turned towards Prince Tirek with a hopeful look on his face.
“Do you suppose this Golden Magic of Light will be able to save Tirek? Amadeus asked.
“I won't be able to answer that until we truly come to Evevanya,” Princess Celestia said. “But I bet it will help heal Tirek of his broken heart, and purge this gloom magic from his body.”
Prince Amadeus turned towards Princess Luna, who had a smug look on her face.
“And what about you?” Amadeus asked. “Can you help in any way?”
“Truth be told, my physical form is trapped in Tartarus thanks to Gold Banks,” Princess Luna said. “Even so, I want to keep a close eye on her in case she figures out how to breach the Golden Land. Know thy enemy.”
“Well….that makes sense,” Amadeus said, disappointed.
As Amadeus turned away, Sunset Shimmer walked up to the Evevanyian boy and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Wanda, mother and Aunt Luna are not the only ones who can fight,” Sunset Shimmer said, flapping her wings. “Thanks to clarity from the Golden Magic of Light, and the peace I formed from the demon within, I’ve ascended into an alicorn and have become more powerful than Gold Banks could imagine. And even if it's not enough, at least I was able to fight back.”
“I hope you do,” Amadeus said. “I wish I could join you. But I have a big half-brother to look after.”
“Which brings me to this question,” Sunset said. “Why does Tirek call you Scorpan?”
“Oh that's easy,” Amadeus said. “He said he reminds me of the scorpion. I dunno what that meant, but I took it to heart and kept that nickname.”
Sunset Shimmer wad at a loss for words. She tried to speak, but nothing came out of her mouth. Frustrated, Sunset Shimmer marched up to the cell and banged her head on one of the bars.
“Why….can't….this….make….ANY….SENSE?” Sunset Shimmer yelled as she banged her head against the bar.
As Amadeus looked at Sunset with a confused look on his face, Wanda and Abigail walked up to the Evevanyian prince before Turing their attention towards Sunset.
“What's eating her?” Amadeus asked.
“You don't want to know,” Wanda joked.
But the only thing Abigail could do was giggle at the sight of Sunset Shimmer.
Later in the night, as the sun barely shined down in the land of Evevanya, Queen Lillisn emerged from ruins of Midnight Castle. Behind her walked Queen Eleanor, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Abigail Albright, Prince Amadeus “Scorpan” Diamond, Princess Wanda Young, and a dizzy Sunset Shimmer, who stumbled out of the doorway and struggled to keep herself upright.
“Note to self,” Sunset Shimmer said as she grabbed onto the doorway. “Never hit my head on anything metal again, even in the dream world.”
“Oh come on, sis,” Wanda said as she held Sunset by the hoof. “You'll recover when we wake up.”
“Easy for you to say,” Sunset responded before she lost her grip and fell to the ground.
d.
As Wanda reached out and picked the dazed Sunset Shimmer up, Princess Celestia walked up to the duo before she placed her horn on Sunset’s head.
“Here,” Princess Celestia said as her horn glowed. “I’ll take care of this.”
With a flash of magic from Celestia’s horn, Sunset was quick to shake her head for a moment before she was able to pick herself up.
“Thanks, mother,” Sunset said. “I needed that.”
As Sunset Shimmer released her hoof from Wanda’s hand, she overheard someone in the distance calling for her name.
“Hey wait a minute,” Sunset Shimmer said. “I know that voice.”
“So do I,” Wanda said.
As Wanda and Sunset turned to the far end, they noticed Princess Cadance and Shining Armor running up to the group. Sprinting alongside the two lovebirds were Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Marble Pie, Limestone Pie, Maud Pie, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, and even Princess Chrysalis II. Riding atop Shining Armor’s back was Spike the Dragon.
“E….everyone?” Sunset Shimmer said as Princess Cadance’s group came to a stop. “What are you all doing here?”
“You can thank Aunt Luna for gathering us all in this spot,” Princess Cadance said. “After all, it’s not just your fight.”
But before Sunset could say anything, Pinkie Pie tackled the alicorn with a firm grip, pinning her down before cuddling her.
“Pinkie,” Sunset laughed. “Leggo.”
“Aww come on,” Pinkie Pie said. “I just came here to get us all motivated for the big one.”
As Pinkie Pie hugged Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace and Cozy Glow approached Wanda and Amadeus while Spike jumped off Shining Armor’s back and ran up to Abigail before the two hugged each other.
“So you all got to see Evevanya and Midnight Castle?” Wanda asked.
“We sure did,” Starlight Glimmer said. “And to be honest, I really want to see this place in person.”
“Well it’s an honor to meet you all,” Prince Amadeus said. “I’m Prince Amadeus Diamond. But I prefer to be called Scorpan.”
“Let me guess,” Golden Lace said. “Is it because you’re like a scorpion?”
“Well you can say that,” Amadeus responded. “But then again, the pony called Sunset Shimmer went nuts over that.”
As Amadeus and Golden Lace laughed, Cozy Glow flew up to the Evevanyian Prince and tapped him on the nose.
“By the way, I got a good look at your big half-brother,” Cozy Glow said. “And I think he looks like a swell guy.”
“That’s a lot to say about Tirek,” Amadeus said. “But I only wish he could finally be free of his prison once more. It’s really sad that he’s producing all that gloom thanks to the death of his father King Vorak.”
“Imagine if I was in his horseshoes,” Princess Chrysalis II said, shrugging almost instantly. “If my mother died, that would not be the end of it.”
“I don’t recall anyone in Equestria producing that kind of magic,” Misty said. “I know my brother was depressed when our father Alphabittle died, but it never resulted in going that far.”
“That’s because Evevanyian magic is far more powerful than Equestrian magic,” Queen Lillian said. “In the right hands, it can nourish and heal. In the wrong hands, it can become a horrible weapon.”
“I hope we don’t have to encounter anything like that,” Misty said. “If something like that were to happen, I don’t know what to do.”
As the other fillies spoke with Queen Lillian, Prince Amadeus noticed Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk from behind the group. He walked alongside the main group and approached the Dazzling sisters.
“Something up with you three?” Prince Amadeus asked.
“Well, it’s just that we’re not involved in our fight against Gold Banks,” Adagio Dazzle said. “We’re not going to La Maresa, Vanhoover or Manehattan.”
“I know how that feels,” Amadeus said. “As much as I want to pitch in, I don’t want to abandon my half-brother Tirek. After all, if I left, he could unleash a torrent of gloom magic upon all of Evevanya.”
“Though that does bring up one question,” Sonata Dusk said. “How exactly did your people hold back Tirek’s gloom magic before he met you?”
“It was my mother,” Prince Amadeus said, directing his gaze at Queen Lillian. “Prior to taking up that responsibility, my mother often went up to meet with my half-brother in hopes of keeping his magic at bay. After Tirek and I formed a bond together, I took over for our mother so that she could focus on her duties as ruler of Evevanya.”
“You have a great half-bother and a great mother,” Aria Blaze said. “Truth be told, we never knew who our mother or father was.”
“Yeah,” Sonata Dusk said. “We never even knew our lives prior to the orphanage in Canterlot. We really wish we could meet our parents.”
“Maybe you might when this is over,” Amadeus responded.
As Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk continued to talk with Prince Amadeus, Pinkie Pie released her grip from Sunset Shimmer before she made her way back to her three sisters Marble, Limestone and Maud.
“So,” Pinkie Pie said. “Are you three ready to go see our brother again?”
“Ready?” Limestone said. “Are you kidding me? I’m eager to see him again after a long time.”
“Even despite what he used to be, Octavio is family,” Maud Pie said. “And family sticks together to the very end.”
Marble said nothing, but nodded in agreement.
“Well I hope we get to see Octavio again,” Pinkie Pie said before she grabbed her sisters and hugged them together. “Then we can really have a family reunion.”
As the four Pie sisters hugged each other, Sunset Shimmer got up on her four hooves and watched from afar, all while Wanda, Abigail and Spike walked up to her and stood next to each other.
“Wanda,” Sunset said. “Are you afraid of when we have to make our final stand?”
“I am,” Wanda said. “But better that than to hold up in the Golden Land.”
“That, I agree on,” Sunset nodded.
But as everyone talked with each other, Princess Celestia stomped her hoof on the ground, catching their attention.
“I know you’re all eager to play in this dream once more,” Princess Celestia said. “But the sun is about to rise soon, and we must be ready.”
“Awww,” Amadeus said, disappointed. “It’s too bad you all have to return to Equestria.”
“I know, my son,” Queen Lillian said. “But we’ll do what we can to gather enough troops to aid them. And while I know Tirek will be lonely, I was wondering if you would join us in this final fight?”
Those words made Prince Amadeus excited. He turned towards Queen Lillian and said “I will.”
With that, Prince Amadeus leaped into his mothers arms and hugged her.
“I’ll do this for my half-brother and my new friends,” Prince Amadeus said. “I promise.”
“Very good,” Queen Lillian said. “Let’s see if your training in the wild has paid off.”
As Prince Amadeus let go of his mother, Shining Armor approached the young prince.
“It’s too bad we can’t stay,” Shining Armor said. “We finally got to meet and it happened to be a short-lived experience.”
“Maybe when we see each other in the waking world, it will be far longer than this,” Prince Amadeus said.
“Oh it will,” Shining Armor said before he rubbed Prince Amadeus on the forehead. “Tell Tirek that he has some new friends waiting for him.”
“I will,” Prince Amadeus responded.
As the fillies gathered together, Spike led Abigail to the group, holding her hand. The kitty waved good-bye to Amadeus, who waved back while a tear fell from his eye.
“Good-bye, Abigail,” Prince Amadeus said. “I hope we see each other again.”
As Spike and Abigail finally stood by the group, Abigail lowered her paw towards the ground as a tear fell from her eye.
“That…friend?” Spike asked.
“Yes,” Abigail cried.
Spike held Abigail closely as the kitty cried into his chest. The baby dragon’s eyes became watery, pouring down his cheek and onto the ground. Wanda looked down at the duo with a smile on her face.
“Don’t you both worry,” Wanda said. “We’ll be back.”
“Wanda is right,” Princess Cadance said. “In fact, I can’t wait to explore Evevanya once Gold Banks is dealt with.”
Soon, the younglings turned their attention towards Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Queen Eleanor. Prince Amadeus and Queen Lillian waved back to the rest of the group as the sun began to shine down in the land of Evevanya.
“It’s too bad I can’t join you at this moment,” Princess Luna said. “I’m going to miss you for quite a while.”
“You hang in there,” Princess Celestia said. “We’ll find a way to free you from your prison in Tartarus.”
Princess Luna nodded towards her sister before a flash of light enveloped the vicinity, covering Wanda, Sunset, Starlight, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Pinkie PIe, Misty Brightdawn, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Queen Eleanor, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Maud Pie, Marble Pie, Limestone Pie, Queen Lillian and Prince Amadeus, until there was nothing left.
It was a bright and beautiful morning in the Golden Land. The sun shone down within the bedroom of Princess Celestia, where the alicorn princess slept with Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Abigail Albright and Wanda Young. But Wanda’s eyes began to open up as she got up and looked outside of the window. She landed her feet on the ground, stretched for a moment and shook her head. Wanda looked down at her amulet before holding it close to her heart
“Gold Banks,” Wanda said. “I’m afraid of what I’m going to go through. But I will fight to save our kingdom, and truly make it to Evevanya. That…I promise you.”
