Direction

by Darth Link 22

Rating: teen
Tags: Rarity, Fluttershy, Adventure, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Rainbow Dash
Length: 69451

The Mane Six have to work to save Equestria... without Twilight

Third in the Nuptialverse...

Twilight Sparkle has done much for Equestria. If it weren't for her, Equestria would be destroyed three times over by now.

So what happens when she has to leave? What happens when she and Spike are forced to depart from Equestria in order to fulfill their duties? And what happens when there's still important things at home to do?

Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash now have to get along without the one who leads them. All of Equestria is counting on them. Can they do it?

AU only post-season 2, since the basic idea for this fic was created long before it aired. Events similar to season 3 have happened, all of which will be revealed. Strongly recommended you read Post Nuptials and Families first.

Cover art by Concier

Published 2013-11-23 01:20:05 UTC
Last updated 2020-03-15 21:29:44 UTC

Prologue

Fancypants was a rich pony, but one that never shied away from less luxurious activities. So he felt comfortable just outside Zecora's home, watching her cook in her outdoor cauldron, sitting on a hoofmade chair, even if he didn't feel right at home. Who could in the Everfree Forest, aside from the zebra herself? He adjusted his monocle as he watched his host drop a few more leaves into her cauldron.

"And you're certain this can be done?"

"It truly has been such a task,
Trying to accomplish what you ask,
But time is plenty and your need is great,
And good things come to those who wait."

"Time isn't that plentiful," Fancypants sighed. He took another sip of tea. He liked the tea, and paid Zecora a good deal for a steady supply of it.

"I understand your want for haste,
Trust that time I do not waste."

Zecora grabbed the last ingredient off the shelf, another type of herb, and with great care she sprinkled it in.

The mixture began to bubble a great deal, as if she had fed the fire burning underneath it. It changed from green to blue to a deep purple, finally giving a large bubble that popped with a gaseous sound, as if the pot had burped.

Fancypants and Zecora had both flinched at this reaction, and neither untensed their muscles for several seconds. They simply watched as the liquid emitted a strange smoke. Finally, Fancypants dared ask.

"Is it... is it a success?"

"I truly do not know,
But I sincerely hope it is so."

"We need to test it."

"We cannot test it here, I fear,
Twilight and friends are much too near."

Fancypants hated that subject. Everytime Rarity and her friends entered his brain at the same time as this dealing, he felt himself pulled two ways. He liked Rarity, he might have courted her if he wasn't spoken for, but she wouldn't understand. Twilight wouldn't understand. She was loyal to the Princess, who was a kind and wise ruler, but she might not understand. Maybe she would. It couldn't be risked.

"Then where?"

"In the deserts, wide and vast,
You can find the answers at last."

"There? But the buffalo... and the guards are still searching out there for the changelings..."

"The guards have eased up, their search has found little,
And of this plan you should not belittle.
As for the buffalo, worry not.
They migrate plenty, we won't be sought."

Fancypants thought a moment. It's true, the search for the changelings had been fruitless. The guards had pulled out except for an outpost set up there. It had been a violation of the treaty with the buffalo tribes, but they didn't complain, they knew the danger. In fact, buffalo were often seen there, reporting on any leads. But actively looking for the changelings was long over for both groups. The desert was calm.

The calm before the storm. A cliché, he knew, but very appropriate.

"Very well. I'll have some ponies here tomorrow to move. Ponies I trust, I assure you. Will you be coming."

"I fear that this time there's a need,
My curiosity I must feed.”

Leaving Everfree. She had never agreed to that, hadn't expected her to agree to it now. The offer was customary by this point.

"Truly? You don't think Ponyville will be suspicious at you leaving? No offense, my dear, but in a small town any non-pony sticks out..."

"If I make an appearance at tomorrow's noon,
I shan’t be missed at any time soon,
A request I will make for peace will sway,
Even keeping my young friend Apple Bloom away."

"Very well. Just be careful. You know what's at stake." Zecora gave him a look, and he amended his statement. "What could be at stake."

"One who fights monsters then looks in the mirror,
Might see a reflection that makes them shiver."

"I'm... aware of the saying, my dear." He rubbed his temple. He had a headache. He looked at the edge of a clearing. A timberwolf was there, growling. Just growling, never stepping forward, Zecora's wards prevented it, especially for something so unnatural.

One who fights monsters... that had been Luna once upon a time. Luna, whose defeat of Discord and Sombra had given her pride. Luna, whose battle with her sister created this horrible place.

He felt like his head would split in two. "I say, do you have any more of that headache cure?"

Dyne was shocked. After months of having his request put off by Celestia for different emergencies (the reemergence of the Crystal Empire, a mad pony who had somehow found a dangerous artifact thought to be destroyed, false leads on the Changeling Queen) and a request for their meeting to be away from Dragon Territory, and alone, he was thinking Celestia better have a good explanation for this dragon whelp.

And did she ever.

"Light... Light help us," he said, rubbing his head. "Do you know what this means? This is even worse than my idiot son... Light..."

"That's why I kept things quiet, even from you," she said. "I trust you, Dyne, but you were better off not knowing. You had deniability then. Even after all this time..."

"You think I don't know that?" He never raised his voice. He was too dazed. "This could be a disaster."

Celestia took a deep breath. "Dragons live a long time. There are plenty of them still alive that would remember, even if it was before my sister's corruption."

"What are you going to do when he grows up?"

"The plan's been to pass him off as just another dragon I've allowed to settle in pony territory."

"And what if he stays with your student's offspring?" Dyne mumbled. "He'll want to, if he really considers her his blood."

"He'll need to grow out of it," Celestia said. "It won't be easy. I've been dreading the day Twilight passes on into Paradise for more than the loss of..." She trailed off. She had nearly said, "my child", and that would have been a lie. A sweet lie.

"That egg should have been stillborn," Dyne said, more to himself than to Celestia.

"My student's just that good," Celestia said, pride creeping into her voice. Dyne couldn't help but smile. He didn't meet with the pony princess often, but whenever he did, Twilight was brought up, and no matter how brief they stayed on the subject, the pride was always there.

"Can you keep your son quiet?"

Dyne groaned. "My son thinks with his muscles." His attitude seemed a mirror flip of Celestia's, he almost laughed. "I've had to threaten him with the most grueling work possible to keep him under my thumb, and even then I don't trust him to leave his chambers. Thrash and Mumble, on the other claw, I believe will stay quiet. I think they believe Garble's crazy."

"Oh?"

"I heard them council, on one of the few occasions I've allowed it since he returned. They continue telling him he needs to forget his petty vengeance, but he..." Dyne hung his head in shame. "I... I apologize again for his antagonism," he said in a tone one would not expect to come from a dragon, let alone a king.

"You are not your son..."

"His attitude is still a reflection of my parenting," he grumbled. He looked down at Celestia, who backed up a bit. It was a disorienting experience, he realized, for her to deal with a creature bigger than she was, given how she towered over her subjects. "Does... Spike know? Twilight?"

"They are in the dark, and I intend to keep it that way," she said, her voice heavy. "Though maybe not for much longer.”

Dyne lifted an eyebrow. “And why’s that?”

Celestia took a breath. “Twilight is the one responsible for the Changelings’ defeat, the restoration of my sister, the defeat of Discord...”

Dyne shivered. He was not quite old enough to have seen Discord’s reign, but he had his father’s stories of it, and that had chilled his blood well enough.

“Twilight is ready. Ready for something she has earned a thousand times over.”

“... The Trials.” Even outside of ponies, it was known the Trials were gifts of the Source. Alicorns were marked for worship, as far as many were concerned.

“She’s ready to begin. I will be calling her up to the Crystal Empire soon to discuss it.”

“You honor Spike then, putting him in such care.”

“I appreciate that sentiment,” Celestia said, “but... I worry. Twilight’s a target, and a worry what will come next with her ascension.”

Chrysalis stumbled back into her hideout. It was inconvenient, her associate said, coming back here every evening, especially when she could live much more comfortably. The first half of that statement had been correct, of course, but the second had been an outright fabrication. Even stuck in a cave with no running water was better than the horrible confines she had been operating in the last few days.

Shivering, she went over to her washtub, filled thanks to a studious changeling, and dipped in, ignoring the pain the hot water was causing. The burn was good, it burned away the filth.

A brush and soap were worked until she nearly rubbed her coat off. She felt so filthy... but it would be worth it. Oh, how it would be worth it...

Author's Note

Well, here it is. It's just a prologue, but don't worry, the real fun will begin soon enough.

I preemptively gave this a dark tag, because I realized what I think of as dark and what my audience thinks of as dark are two separate things. It won't get too bad (I hope) but it will have several things you wouldn't see in the show. In fact, it might be a little darker than Families, but not by much.

Now, I thought this up before season three aired, but several aspects of it ended up fitting in my vision. Assume that a modified version of everything except "Magical Mystery Cure" and "Equestria Girls" happened, and this will still have elements of those stories in here. Exact details here.

Won't give anything way. In fact, what I'm setting up here might not matter yet... or will it? You don't know, that's the fun!

The Best Laid Plans

Twilight rambled off the last of the nine great wizards that formed the first teaching staff at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, along with the spells they created, the classes they taught, and the feats they had accomplished. Twilight had learned so much that she half-expected Celestia to make her list the lengths of their horns. Thankfully not, even she had her limits.

It took an hour, but she was finally finished. She welcomed the water pitcher that her teacher offered, and gulped it down, trying to soothe her sore jaw. Nearly turned her head straight up, knowing full well that the Element of Magic would remain on her head thanks to the spells Celestia had cast on it.

"That was very good, Twilight," she nodded. "Very good. I think you've memorized just about every bit of history I can teach you."

"Really?" She didn't sound pleased. "There has to be something else!"

"Oh, don't worry, Twilight," she soothed. She outstretched her wing, and Twilight took the invitation. There was plenty of room, Celestia's bed was enough for five ponies. As Twilight's purple magic floated the crown to the side of the bed, Celestia soothed her. "Even if I can't be your teacher, you know we'll always be friends. And I didn't think you'd want anymore of the hard truths that came with history."

Despite the warmth Celestia naturally radiated, Twilight felt a chill. She had learned some unpleasant things. Sombra, who had conquered the Crystal Empire and brutally destroyed the unicorn and pegasus crystal ponies in the Culling. The changelings, an entire race trapped in mindless bodies thanks to Discord. Legends of a time before the Age of the Three Tribes, when humans walked the land, and threats like Tirek, and Catrina, and the Smooze threatened the peaceful Dream Valley. Fairy tale rubbish, Twilight had dismissed, until she remembered that NightMare Moon had once been the same.

And the thought that the nightmares of foal's tales might have lived wasn't the most terrifying, it was knowing that the others certainly plotted even now.

"Any word on..." She swallowed a lump before going on. "...on Trixie? Where she is?"

"I'm sorry, Twilight, but no. You know I'd have told you first, of all ponies."

"I know. But... what she's become..."

"She doesn't have the Amulet anymore, Twilight. She won't be as powerful now."

Twilight rubbed her head. "I know. But... I'm sorry, Princess, but seeing what she turned into... she was just a showmare, but..."

The chill was back, the same chill she had felt when she first saw Trixie with the forbidden amulet around her neck, casting humiliating spells on her friends. That amulet... it had revolted her. Even locked in Zecora's box, it gave her an uneasy tinge. Even now, locked away deep in the castle vaults, she still shivered just thinking about it.

And there was Trixie herself. Oddly, those few moments of confusion when she realized she had been tricked were when she was at her most coherent. Then she seemed to go even madder than before. Twilight had tried to restrain her, of course she had, but insanity was too much of a wild card for a logical pony like her, not helped by the power boost she still had.

She had gotten away. The Everfree Forest was combed for days by the Royal Guard, but she simply was not there anymore. She was gone, added with the changelings on the list of unaccounted threats that blighted Twilight's life.

Her fear must have shown. Celestia's wing tightened around her. "You'll be able to handle it. I know you will."

Twilight gave a smile. It was weak, but at least it was there. She nestled into her mentor, as if she weren't a full grown pony with a child of her own, likely asleep in the room that he insisted they share, even in a castle full of hundreds of bedrooms.

She had been on edge since the Wedding. Nightmares of changelings roasting her on a spit still frequented, though thankfully her other series of nightmares, of her friends sneering and cheering at her death, had dropped out of the subconscious. Still, she was jumpy, and constantly looking for new ways to protect herself and her loved ones. Among these, the most radical, was asking if the Elements of Harmony could stay with their bearers at all times. After some uncertainty, Celestia agreed. Twilight had proved that she was capable. The corruption of the Element of Magic, a side effect of Luna's fall, was not likely to happen a second time.

Celestia pushed the thought out of her mind that she had once had that kind of faith in her sister as well. She returned the nuzzle, then quite against everything she wanted she pushed her away. Just a bit. "You've been learning a lot over the last year. I know I've been doubling your studies ever since the incident up at the Empire, and I've been stealing time from your friends, but it has all been for a good cause."

"I know. I trust you."

Celestia felt a familiar pain, one she had felt since that horrible day she met Discord. From her family's death, then Luna's banishment, and most recently Cadance and Twilight at the Wedding, among several other things in between, trust in her seemed to be a worse idea all the time. Or at least, she thought so.

"I think you're ready."

Silence.

"Ready?"

Celestia nodded. "Yes, Twilight. You're ready for something I've known you wanted since the day you became my student, even if you never had the nerve to flat out ask me."

Twilight held her breath. Her eyes were wide, and sparkling. It made Celestia smile. She seemed more like the filly that she had met years ago than ever.

"I think you're ready for the Trials."

Immediately a purple blur jumped from under Celestia's wing and began bouncing around her chambers, each leap punctuated with a "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Celestia laughed, using her magic to stop her in the air. “Calm yourself, do you want to wake the castle?”

“You’re really sending me?” Twilight said, a distinct squeal in her voice. “The Trials? I’m ready? Really?”

Celestia smiled and nodded. "These last three years, you more than proved yourself... I take that back, in the first two years you proved yourself, and this last year I’ve been preparing you for life as an alicorn. All the political knowledge and history you’d need... I think you’re ready.”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Twilight threw her forelegs around the neck of her mentor, burying her muzzle in her neck. Celestia felt wetness. She was crying. “I... I don’t believe...”

Celestia gave a knowing smirk. “Why not? You’ve proven you’re brave, kind, smart. You’re worthy to wield the Element of Magic, you’ve proved adversity will not erode your good will. There’s no reason you are not worthy.”

“Oh my... oh my...” Twilight looked up at her mentor. She was breathing deeply. “I... when do I leave?”

“In a few days. I’m going to announce your departure to the nobles... you’re to keep quiet of it, by the way. It won’t do if the changelings know that one of the Element Bearers is missing.”

“I... I understand.”

“You’ll set out with supplies. Alone. Not even Spike can accompany you.” Celestia tried to keep smiling, but they were getting into territory she didn’t like talking about. “It... it will be dangerous, Twilight. Or it can be. There have been tales of ponies who came back mad...”

“I’ve heard.” She didn’t sound any less excited. “But... I can do it! I’m ready.”

“I know,” she smiled, nuzzling her. “I have faith in you.”

Scootaloo yawned as she pulled the covers even further over her. It was hard, Tank had decided it was her turn to have his company that night, so he was resting on top of them, but it was far enough.

She looked around. Her room, decorated, was something she could still hardly believe, even all this time later. A poster, signed by every high ranking Wonderbolt Rainbow Dash could get an autograph from (which was plenty; nearly everypony at the camp knew the new recruit had a filly at home), was hanging on one wall, with a few models hanging from a mobile on the ceiling. A bookcase filled with Junior Daring Do novels and a few other fantasy series, with her schoolbooks on the bottom as an afterthought. A desk, the same from her old house, sat with an unlit lantern and some of her school work. A closet half-opened showed only her flowerfilly dress, since she had little need for clothes. Her scooter, still cherished even as she learned how to fly, was leaning in one corner.

It occurred to her, for the first time since she had moved in with Rainbow Dash, that this could have easily been her room when she had lived with her mother and father. Hard cloud instead of wood, yes, and a bookcase where she would have retched before, but it was still very much the same. There was just one thing different: Rainbow Dash was sleeping in the next room, not Speedy and Quick Delivery.

She flopped back onto her pillow. It felt safe. She never thought life could get this good. Rainbow Dash had taken her in, and whenever she had to go train, Soarin' himself tried to get time off to come watch her. When he could not, the Apples always had room for her, and even if it meant sharing a bed with Apple Bloom, she still loved it.

She loved this life. It was perfect, even if it was a bit different than she expected.

Rainbow Dash seemed to be three different ponies sometimes. In peaceful times, she was laid back, almost lazy. When training her, she was tough, but fair, like what she suspected a Wonderbolt drill sergeant was like.

But a third Rainbow Dash had come out. One that seemed to actually act like a grownup. One that made sure that she was maintaining a B-plus average, flight school scholarships were getting harder to get and she didn't want to beg Celestia for the money if she could help it. It was hard at first, Speedy had never cared and she had a stellar C and D grade average, but Rainbow Dash had asked Twilight to tutor her, and together they managed to help her. One that made sure she was home by sundown, in bed by eight o' clock. Alfalfa before dessert, reading every night, be sure to do the dishes and feed Tank, it's your turn today.

Even as it annoyed her, it seemed almost as good as a hug. Rainbow Dash cared, and that made all the difference. It did kind of weird her out how she could switch between the roles so effortlessly. Once, when Fluttershy was babysitting, she asked her about it. She merely shrugged and said Rainbow Dash could be counted on once you convinced her it was important, and she had decided Scootaloo was important.

Tank had noticed that his little Master wasn't asleep. He reached over and gave her a playful lick on the cheek, perhaps his first since he and the other pets caught the Crusaders proclaiming Angel the cutest thing ever. Scootaloo smiled and stroked his head.

"Still can't sleep, Tank," she whispered. "I can't wait."

Soarin' was getting some time off. The three of them would have a long day together, going to Cloudsdale and seeing the weather factories, a chance for her to use actual Wonderbolt equipment at the stadiums, dinner at a nice restaurant. Nothing could spoil her mood.

The hallways were filled with guards, and yet they didn't see the intruder.

She might as well have been a moving shadow, with how effortlessly she blended into the darkness. The lights the guards shined had to be avoided, or course, but that was easy enough.

She knew, roughly, the layout of the castle, so it didn't take long to find the room she was looking for. Waiting for the guards to move too far away to see her, she slipped in.

Twilight Sparkle was asleep. She had leapt into the room, waking Spike. She scooped him up, tossed him in the air, laughed and cheered, kissed his face several times, and told her news. He cheered too. Spike wanted to go to Donut Joe's and celebrate, and Twilight was inclined to agree, but when she layed down, her fatigue overcame her excitement, and she fell asleep with her son in her arms. He was soon asleep too, but not before taking the crown from her head and placing it on her nightstand. He didn't mind having to share a bed.

She was pleased. Her sources said everything would be this way. It was the best possible opportunity. Carefully, she made her way toward the nightstand. Then, with her magic, she lifted it.

By fate, Twilight stirred, and her eyes opened.

As it turned out, it wasn't the thief's best opportunity. If Twilight had been alone, she might have seen an unknown figure that likely had sinister intentions near her, and reacted with fear while she tried to defend herself.

Instead, she saw an unknown figure that likely had sinister intentions near Spike, and reacted with rage while she tried to defend him.

The blast from Twilight's horn just missed the mysterious pony, but it blew a rather nice hole in the wall.

Instantly there was actions. Guards shouted orders as they investigated the explosion. The thief leapt toward the hole, the Element of Magic in her magical grasp. Twilight yelled "Thief!" and leapt from the bed, her hooves barely touching the ground as she ran.

The hallway was already abuzz with activity. The thief ran down the hallway, but three Royal Guards were already standing between her and her destination, whatever it might be.

"Halt! In the name..."

The thief jumped, but not over the guards. In fact, she only gave a tiny hop, and when she hit the floor, she kept going, sinking into the shadow. That shadow passed under the baffled guards, their surprise only ending when the shadow touched their hooves. They cried in pain and fell to the floor, feeling like they'd been placed on a large skillet.

Twilight did leap over them, the sole reason she was no longer firing was to not risk hitting any guard that might try to stop her prey. As the thief rose from her shadow and looked back, Twilight edged closer, still yelling "Stop! Thief!"

She got close enough to grab onto her cloak with her teeth.

She regretted it immediately. She felt a burning sensation through her teeth, and her tongue felt like she had eaten fire. She let go almost at once, the unexpected pain too much for her.

Luckily, the snag caught the thief off guard. She stumbled forward, falling on her face. As she rose, her hood fell back, and Twilight recovered in time to get a brief look at her face.

It was a pony, the color of a setting sun, whose mane was a mix of orange and red.

That was all she had time to notice before the fire came. A large fireball was inches from Twilight's face before she got her shield up. As soon as the flames subsided, she fired. The thief wasn't struck, she ran into a wall, a shadow of her continuing to run along the wall, over decorations and pictures of past nobles.

Twilight chased after her, through the hallways. The thief didn't stay in the wall, Twilight was beginning to think she couldn't very long, but every guard that tried to stop her was sidestepped in a similar way. Twilight tried everything she could think of. She upended the rug ahead trying to trip her up, only for her to see it and leap over. She lifted up anything she could reach and threw it at her, but they were as sidestepped as easily.

Finally, they turned down a hallway that had a single door open. It was here, just after the door, that Celestia landed.

"You've made a mistake..."

And like a switch had been thrown, Celestia went from angry to shocked, as if she had seen her niece once again change into the Changeling Queen. "S-Sunset?"

The fire came again. Celestia didn't even flinch as the shield came up, she was too shocked. The thief, Sunset, Twilight supposed, turned and entered the room.

Twilight followed, jumped up and tackled the thief again.

It burned, just touching the cloak, but it had the desired effect. The thief hit the floor, and the crown flew out of her grasp, spinning through the air and toward the room's only bit of furniture, a full length mirror.

And then, in keeping with the night's theme of unexpected events, the crown didn't hit the mirror. It went through it, the glass rippling like it was a particularly thick form of water.

"No!" Sunset cried. She threw Twilight off of her, not too hard with all the pain she was in, and leapt through after it.

Twilight was torn between nursing her wounds while gaping at the mirror and wondering whether to chase after her assailant. Celestia must have seen it, because she enveloped her in a golden magic.

“Don’t follow. Not yet.”

“But... the Element of Magic...”

“You can’t recover it right now. Not until you heal... and you know more about your opponent.”

Twilight blinked. She had seen it happen, but only now just realized that Celestia had recognized the thief. She looked at her mentor, then at the mirror. “Princess... who was that?”

Celestia sighed, with a look in her eyes that Twilight had come to know over the past year, one of regret and sadness. “That was Sunset Shimmer... my last student.”

Author's Note

Yes, I'm using Equestria Girls as the excuse as to why Twilight has to leave, although the events will happen much differently in this continuity. Everything will be explained better in the next chapter.

The movie wasn't my original plan. Truth be told, it was never one hundred percent solidified. Still, it gave a good reason why Twilight had to be alone, so why not? We will not be seeing Twilight for awhile after she leaves, this is about what happens in the home front.

Departure

Scootaloo found herself being awakened several hours earlier than she would have liked.

"Uh? Wha?"

"You need to get up, kiddo," Rainbow Dash said. "Pack what you need for an overnight. You need to be dropped off at the Apples."

"Huh? Why?" Fear was beginning to chase out her weariness.

"There's been an incident in Canterlot. The Elements of Harmony are needed. Sorry, but I need to..."

"What about our day out?"

"I'm sorry, squirt, but we need to postpone it. The Wonderbolts are on high alert too, so it looks like Soarin’ can’t come visit either."

"But..."

"Scoots... look, I really don't have time to argue, Celestia wants us at the castle." She was already at the bedroom door. "But life sometimes throws things at you that you need to sacrifice for. Be ready to go in ten minutes."

She left before Scootaloo could say anything else. The filly sat on her bed for a few moments, angry at being brushed off. This faded at the remembrance of Rainbow Dash's tone. That was her business tone, the one that said that something important needed to be done. She used it when making sure she was doing her chores and grades, when giving her explicit instructions as to what to do. Whatever it was, she was serious.

She sighed, grabbing her saddlebags and putting her schoolbooks and a single reading book in them, still regretting the weekend lost.

"Sunset?"

The unicorn in question looked up from her book with an annoyed look on her face. "What?" she asked, filling the singly syllable with as much venom as she could muster.

Her fellow student seemed taken aback by the vehemence, but they went on. "Well, we're going to be putting together a study group at Donut Joe's, and..."

"Wait, don't tell me," she said, putting on a transparently fake excited tone, "you want me to come along so you can leech off of my knowledge and kiss up to Princess Celestia's star student?"

"Uh... um... well, we did want you to come, but..."

"Yeah, thanks but no thanks. If I actually went, you idiots would drag down my GPA."

She returned to her book, just listening enough to hear the mare walking away, muttering under her breath.

She had only read a few lines until a new shadow blocked her light.

"Sunset..." Celestia said in a weary tone.

"Yes, Princess?" This time, she seemed genuinely happy.

"That wasn't how I was hoping you'd respond to that."

Sunset blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I asked her to invite you along, because I was hoping you would finally open up to your classmates."

"Princess, you told me I should always be seeking new knowledge. What could I possibly learn from ponies like them?"

"You'd be surprised. Some of the richest ponies in Equestria could learn some things from the humblest farmer."

"I fail to see how."

Celestia looked at her with clear disappointment, and Sunset cringed. "I'm sorry, but I just can't see... I try, I really do, but..."

"Sunset..." she interrupted. Then she sighed. "Please come with me. I need to show you something."

Celestia didn't lead her far, merely into one of the restricted rooms in the library. A simple spell opened the door.

Inside was a single object, covered in a thick tarp. Celestia closed the door behind her and locked it. After double and triple checking the spell, soundproofing the room and all, she lifted the tarp off. It was a simple mirror, full length.

"Now, Sunset... I want you to step forward, and tell me what you see."

Sunset looked at her reflection. After a moment, she let out her breath. Her mirrored self was growing wings. A crown of fire materialized on her head. It was grinning wickedly.

"I see... I see a pony destined to do great things... a pony capable of being a princess."

"...I see." Celestia sounded disappointed. "Is anypony with you?"

"Nopony but you. Why would there be?"

"That's enough, then," Celestia said, pulling Sunset away from the mirror.

"No!" Sunset screamed, pulling against her. She reached out, her hoof touching the glass. Her reflection also reached her hoof out, touching the other side just seconds after the real thing, almost as if begging. "What is this? Does it show the future? What?"

Celestia responded first by re-applying the tarp, much to Sunset's eternal displeasure. "This was a failed venture, according to me. The mirror was supposed to show you what you truly wanted on the inside. That power topped that list worries me."

"Wh... why? Magic is power!"

"No. It isn't. Not the most special magic. You need to understand that friendship and relationships are important."

"But... the mirror..."

"Enough on the mirror. I will give you a proper lesson on it in due time. Until then, I want you spending more time outside the school. Do you understand?"

"...Yes, Princess."

"So, wait... this mirror lets ponies see their true desires?"

"That's one function," Celestia said. The small room was now filled with the Bearers, all looking particularly annoyed at the early awakening. "But as you might have guessed, there is more. But the important thing is this: when Sunset looked into it and could only see herself ruling Equestria, I was scared. I vowed not to fail her as I had my sister... but it was a vow I couldn't keep. Sunset continued pushing me about the mirror, until finally one day, she disappeared through it."

"Wait," Rainbow Dash said. "If she was so insistent about this and you noticed all the problems, why'd you keep her around?"

"I..." Celestia took a deep breath. "I loved her then as I love Twilight now. I was all she had... she had no parents, no older brother, no foalsitter, no baby dragon... I couldn't have just made her leave. She needed a parent, and... I was happy to provide. Maybe too happy.

“A few years later, Twilight became my student. I was grateful when she took to Spike so. I hoped it was enough to have her live for someone else.”

“Wait,” Twilight Sparkle said. “So... all those study groups you made me join... all those group projects you put in my curriculum...”

“An attempt to fix my mistakes. I was disappointed when you only treated them as assignments. But then, you never seemed to care much for what was done with knowledge. You just wanted to learn because you loved learning.”

"So... how did she disappear through the mirror?” It was Pinkie who voiced what was on everypony’s mind since they heard what had occurred just a few hours before. “Where does it lead?"

"I'm not sure, Twilight. I only know this: it leads to another world."

Everypony started talking at one.

"Another world? Like in Granny Pie's stories?"

"Well, tarnation, I never would have figured..."

"But those stories with humans... they simply can't be true."

Celestia silenced them all. "I don't know the exact nature of where it is. It could very well be the world the humans came from. I wouldn't know. The stories were old when I was young."

"You mean you never checked what was on the other side?"

Celestia shook her head. "I have no clue where it leads. You know I wasn't always immortal, I assume?" Everypony nodded. While neither Princess announced that fact, they did little to hide it either. "When Luna and I took the throne after defeating Discord, we were gifted the mirror by an order of unicorns that had been doing everything to keep it safe. They explained that ponies going through it could greatly upset the balance."

"Balance?" Applejack asked.

"I can't explain it fully without giving you an hour long lecture in things you've never even heard of, but as a whole worlds like to remain separate. A pony or two traveling to other worlds will do nothing. But if too many do so, it could cause disaster. That is why I am sending Twilight through alone."

"What?" Twilight couldn't help but raise her voice.

"Then why the heck are we all down here?" Applejack demanded.

"Sunset knew too much. She knew about the Elements of Harmony even when she shouldn't have. She knew where Twilight was sleeping. She knew magic I didn't teach her. I'm afraid we must take into account the possibility that she has informants and allies still in Equestria."

There was silence for a moment.

“...The changelings?” Twilight ventured.

“It’s possible,” Celestia sighed. “And that’s what your friends will be doing. I need somepony to look into this while Twilight is busy retrieving her Element.”

“You’re sending me in? Me?” Twilight’s breathing grew more rapid. “Are you sure? Why not a member of the Royal Guard?”

“Because the Element of Magic chose you, Twilight. It trusted you for its safekeeping. That means you are the one most qualified to retrieve it. It knew you would rise to any challenge given to you.”

“I... I see.” Her voice was one of disappointment, like a foal who realized she wasn’t getting out of school. “When do I leave?”

“As soon as possible. You must go alone. Not even Spike may accompany you.”

“Um, excuse me,” Fluttershy said quietly. The rest turned to her. “Um, I understand why you’re sending Twilight to get her crown, but... why are you asking us to to find out who Sunset was working for?”

“When Olive Branch made his move, he had ponies in the guard on his side. I... I suppose he’s made me paranoid. I worry who in this castle is truly loyal to me. I need ponies I can trust.”

“We won’t let you down, Princess!” Rainbow Dash said, flying up and giving her Princess a salue.

Twilight sighed. “I guess I better go pack...”

“Nothing too much,” Celestia said. “Just a few references to the Elements, and some food. Nonperishable, save it if you can’t find any other food. And... I want you to be prepared to be gone for a while.”

Twilight blinked. “Why?”

“Well... this mirror only opens up once every thirty days. Once you step through, you won’t be able to come back for a month.”

Scootaloo hadn’t slept well. Not due to having to share a bed with Apple Bloom, she had done so often enough, but due to how annoying it was to have her plans cancelled on her like this.

Now she sat at the Apple family table, eating toast and breakfast hay, and being as determined as possible to be in a bad mood.

“Well, since you’re not gunna be busy today, maybe we can be Cutie Mark Crusader Skateboarders.”

“If you’re gunna be doin’ that, stay outta Doctor Whooves’s garden. He still gives me looks in the marketplace since ya crashed inta that fancy blue lawn ornament o’ his,” Granny Smith muttered.

“I guess,” Scootaloo said. While skateboarding was fun, she made sure it sounded like she was being forced into it.

“Come on, Scoots, it ain’t like Rainbow Dash does this a lot...”

“I know...” She still refused to be any less ornery. She poked at her plate a bit more before finally giving in and asking Apple Bloom, “Where would we be skating?”

“I hear there are some good ramps in the outer fields...”

“Oh no, ya don’t,” Granny Smith said. “That there’s too close to th’ Forest!”

“Aw, Granny, we ain’t gonna go in...”

“Timberwolves still might come out. They’d eat fillies like you in a single bite. You stay outta that area.”

“But all th’ supplies are there!”

“Big Mac can haul ‘em out fer ya.”

“Um, actually, Granny, I can’t. I promised Miss Cheerilee I’d help her with something at her place.”

Big Mac realized too late the torrent he had unleashed.

“Ya mean it worked? We got Miss Cheerilee a special somepony!”

“Whowee! Finally, great-granbabies! How quick’s it movin’? You best get a bun in her oven...”

“It ain’t like that,” Big Mac said. He didn’t speak loudly, but the slight strain he was putting on his voice was enough for anypony who knew him. “She just needs a few things fixed and I’m cheaper than any carpenter.”

There was a few seconds of disappointed silence.

“Well, what about that there Princess Luna? She was eye’n ya during the Summer Wrap Up.”

“...Granny,” he mumbled as his skin turned red, much to the amusement of the two fillies.

“Are you sure you have everything?”

Twilight would have chuckled at Spike having adopted her usual state of worrisome bother if she hadn’t been so nervous. “I have the reference books on the Elements, enough food for three days, and a few ingredients if I need to brew any of the potions that Zecora showed me. I think I’ll be okay.”

Twilight looked into the mirror, her own reflection just staring back at her. The others stood around. “I’m sorry to send you into this, Twilight, but it must be done.”

“I understand, Princess.”

“Besides, I’ll bet you beat ‘Sunshine’ in minutes and spend the next thirty days just laying around.” Rainbow Dash was wearing a grin that she usually reserved for talking about herself.

“Just remember, she’ll likely know everything you do. Be prepared for anything.”

Twilight nodded at her teacher’s words. She still didn’t move.

“We’ll miss you! When you get back, we’ll throw you the super biggest party ever!”

“Good luck, Twilight!”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine, Darling!”

Twilight wished she felt half as confident as her friends did. She took a deep breath and, before she could stop herself, she dashed through the mirror.

For a few moments, everypony was stunned by the surreal nature of Twilight’s disappearance, the mirror’s shimmering the only evidence she had ever been there.

Which is why nopony noticed Spike dashing toward the mirror until it was too late.

Author's Note

Well, this was torture to write. I super Pinkie Promise no more delays for chapters.

Preparation

There was another moment of everypony just staring, this time in horror.

Then Rainbow Dash began flying toward the portal, only to be stopped by Celestia’s magic engulfing her.

"Let me go! I’m just going to get..."

"We can’t risk anypony else entering," Celestia said sternly. "Spike did something foolish... we don't know much about the other world, only that the ponies who gifted the mirror to us were adamant that we limit who goes through it."

"But... Spike..."

"Twilight can take care of him. I'm sure he’s fine. And what if you can’t get back? Scootaloo needs you."

That calmed Rainbow Dash down.

"...That idiot," she muttered.

"I’m sure Spike will be fine," Rarity said, although she hardly sounded like she believed herself. "After all, we don’t know what goes on on the other side of that portal. For all we know it could just be a nice, normal kingdom on the other side."

"The portal’s closed by now anyway," Pinkie said. It was at that point that everypony noticed she was pressing her hooves against the glass. And it was simply glass now.

Applejack sighed. "Then that’s it. No Twi fer a month."

"No time to mourn. We have work to do." Celestia was all business now. "I know it’s usually Twilight that does the research work among you, but I need you all to try and persevere."

Applejack brushed her hoof up against the side of her head. "Where do we even start?"

"I can bring you records of those who were known supporters of Olive Branch... that might be a start. The two guards we caught in his employ might have had other allies. We also have information on everypony who works in the castle. After you check them, I want you to start interviewing everypony they associate with. Ponies gossip, after all."

"Aw, research?" Pinkie kicked at the ground, looking very much like an unhappy foal. "I hope it’s not as boring as the research we had to do in the Crystal Empire."

Applejack rubbed the back of her neck. "Actually, Pink, we were gonna ask ya to help some other way."

"Really? Why?"

"Well..."

Pinkie sighed as she opened the next old book, hoping this could give some info on the crystal ponies.

This phenomena to which I have written this tome on is fascinating. The intro droned on. Ponies born in this condition may find themselves naturally pulling things out of thin air, traveling great distances without the use of a teleportation spell, and doing a number of other incredible feats. Once a pony learns to master these abilities, they could conceivably become even more powerful than the dreaded Discord. This power is not present in crystal ponies...

"Well, that’s no help," Pinkie said, placing the book on the guardrail of the third floor.

Seconds later, the book fell off and into an open flame.

“It was just one book," Pinkie muttered.

"It was irreplaceable!" Rarity said. "Honestly, Twilight was angry enough to see a book destroyed, but when she found out..."

"Enough," Celestia said. "You all need to figure things out amongst yourselves. Please, I’m counting on you."

"No worries, you can count on us!"

Celestia smiled. "I have the utmost faith. Now, all of you to the library... except you,” she pointed a hoof at Rarity.

“Me?”

“Since Twilight’s gone, I’m going to need to teach you the method for checking changelings. Now’s the time we’ll need it. I’ll also need your fireplace reference numbers. Now that Spike’s gone, I'll need to send messages that way.”

"Why are we doing this again?"

Scootaloo rolled her eyes at Sweetie Belle's question. Which was unsurprising, considering that Sweetie had asked that question several times already. "Well, Granny Smith told us we couldn’t get the lumber we needed, so we need to do something else.

"By going into Everfree!" Sweetie's voice carried through the trees. "I think that was what Granny wanted to avoid."

"Relax, I told ya, Zecora already warded this path after that run-in Twi had with the cockatree. None o’ the monsters will get us."

Sweetie Belle knew it was pointless to argue. She had been outvoted two to one, and now they were going to try and be Cutie Mark Crusader Balance Actors. They had all seen Zecora's method of meditating, balancing on her neck, and wanted to learn.

"Zecora said she show us how, an’ I come down this path all the time."

"If it’s so safe, why hasn’t Zecora put these things all around the forest?"

"It's too big, an’ too expensive," Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo suddenly stopped. "Hey, how far is the castle where Rainbow Dash and the others got the Elements of Harmony?"

Her two companions stopped and looked at her. "I... I think it’s about half a mile from Zecora's hut, why?"

"Let’s go see it!"

"What! No way!" Sweetie Belle looked like she would rather be in school.

"Come on, it’ll be great! I've been wanting Rainbow Dash to take me there, but she’s been too busy!"

"What about the manticores, and the timberwolves, and the other things that could kill us!"

"Actually, I heard Twilight ask Zecora to ward that path too, just in case they needed to go back."

Sweetie glared at Apple Bloom, who shrank back a little. "...Well, I did."

"Come on! I’ll bet the castle has all kinds of cool secret passages and stuff like that!”

The unicorn rolled her eyes. “Scoots, we don’t live in a Daring Do book. It’s just going to be a normal castle in the middle of a spooky monster-infested forest.”

“Well, it’ll be cool anyway! Come on!”

“No! Apple Bloom, help me out here!”

“Actually, I think it’d be cool.”

“...What?”

“If Applejack managed to find an Element there, imagine what we’d find!”

“No, no, no...”

“Sorry Sweetie, two to one,” Scootaloo said, not sounding sorry in the least. “Come on.”

“But...” Sweetie knew there was no point in protesting. She sighed and dragged her hooves. Then she picked them back up when she remembered what else lurked in these woods.

Rarity felt like her horn was going to split in two. She pawed at its base with her hooves, screaming in pain. She barely felt Celestia wrap a blanket around her.

“Oh my gosh, Rarity, I’m so sorry!” For once, the Princess of the Sun seemed nearly as stressed as her number one student. “I forgot...”

“Forgot?” Rarity couldn’t help but snap. Tears of pain were rolling down her cheeks.

“I’m usually working with unicorns who specialize in advanced spellcasting. I forget... not everypony is used to that level of magic.”

For once, Rarity was not as concerned with her looks. She rubbed her head, mussing up her usually pristine mane, trying to make her headache go away. Fortunately, it did seem like her pain was subsiding.

“I’m sorry, Rarity,” she repeated. “If this is too much for you, I can bring in an expert to help you.”

It took half a minute for Rarity to be able to process what the Princess said. “Wouldn’t that... be dangerous? You said...”

“I know what I said. But if you can’t perform the spell, we won’t have many other options.”

“Then I need to learn the spell,” she said.

"Are you sure?"

Rarity nodded, tossing off the blanket. "If this is as important as you say it is, then I can bear it." She stopped. "I can learn this, can’t I?"

"You can. You won’t be as efficient as Twilight, you’ll only be able to cast the spell once a day for a while... but you can get it with work. Trust me, this first headache will be as bad as it gets."

"Then we need to get back to work." She lit up her horn again, and immediately regretted it as the residual pain came up again.

Celestia brought a cup of water up to her. "Have a drink, and we’ll try again in a few minutes."

Rarity took a drink, then just looked at the cup. It was a simple plastic cup, hardly something you'd expect a Princess of Equestria to use. Then again, nothing was really all that elaborate in Celestia's sitting room. A well-read novel (horror, much to Rarity's surprise) on a simple, but still nice end table next to a seat, that day’s newspaper, still untouched, a table with a candy bowl. The most ordinate item in the room was an old grandfather clock, still ticking away the seconds even as Rarity looked around.

It was then that Rarity reminded herself that she was alone, in the presence of Celestia herself. She turned, hoping to feel the lull with some sophisticated conversation, but stopped when she saw her looking off, her eyes glazed over with thought.

"Um... Your Highness?"

"Hm? I’m sorry, Rarity... and please, call me Celestia... seeing Sunset again has simply brought up painful memories."

Rarity bit her lip. She wanted to press, she had never quite suppressed the natural gossip in her, even after the Gabby Gums incident, but doing so now...

"I'm wondering how Sunset reacted to Twilight."

Rarity blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Sunset was always so prideful. She needed to be the best at every assignment I gave her."

"Like Twilight?"

"No. When Twilight did it, she did it because she wanted the knowledge. With Sunset... Sunset seemed determined to let everypony know that she could do it. She wanted others to see her as the best." Celestia took a deep breath. "Sunset had a weak ego. I tried to fix it, but any criticism I gave her she took too badly. She promised she'd get better, but it always involved her throwing herself deeper into her work. I can’t help but wonder if maybe she did think like Twilight in one regard, though... That she thought I wouldn’t love her if she wasn’t the best."

Rarity opened her mouth, but found nothing to say.

"I’m worried... did whoever Sunset’s working with convince her that I simply replaced her with Twilight? I never meant to make her feel that way. I... I always dreamed of Sunset coming back. She could have been Twilight’s sister..."

Celestia was starting to cry. Rarity, feeling awkward, nuzzled her. This seemed to snap Celestia back to reality. "I hope Twilight can get through to her. She was a good pony... once. I know that Sunset exists."

Rarity was silent again.

Celestia shook her head. "But never you mind my daydreaming. Come on, we still have work to do."

Rarity didn’t feel quite ready, but she rose to her hooves. "I suppose." A thought occurred to her. "What if the changelings catch me? Won’t the others be left defenseless if I’m replaced?"

"My mages have finished devising some wards that can sense changelings. I’ve sent some workers to Ponyville to install them at your Boutique as we speak. I apologize, Rarity, for not discussing that with you first, but time is of the essence," she said in reply to the unicorn’s shocked expression. "If any changeling even tries to enter, they’ll be paralyzed in place."

"What about my friends? Are they getting these too?"

"They will soon. But my workers are trying to do things as discreetly as possible. Nopony outside the five of you will even know they’re there. I’ll have to arrange for the Apples and the Cakes to be away for a day. Maybe I’ll ask them to cater a royal party... but nevermind. One problem at a time. Let’s go through the process again..."

How does Twi do it?

That thought was haunting Applejack as she shifted through yet another set of files. The four remaining ponies had split into two groups, each taking half the stack of ponies Celestia wanted them to investigate. She had partnered with Rainbow Dash, while Pinkie and Fluttershy conducted their work at the next table. She opened the top one up. Another Canterlot citizen, who lived in one of the poorer districts, who was seen attending several of Olive Branch's rallies.

"Let’s see... works at a restaurant in town. We better interview him, his boss... maybe I better make a list."

Rainbow Dash arched an eyebrow. "Applejack... Twilight’s only gone for a month. You don’t need to start acting like her."

"I am not actin’ like Twi! I never act like Twi!"

"Really? Big Mac says you got pretty crazy organizing the Apple Family reunion."

"Well... kinda..."

"’Kinda’? I heard the whole family had to practically tie you down to stop you from turning Granny Smith’s quilting into some sort of sweat shop."

Applejack felt the heat rising in her cheeks. "Yeah, well, Twi’s never steered us wrong yet. I reckon we try ta do things her way."

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Whatever." Despite her disinterested tone, she pulled a piece of parchment in front of her and picked up a quill with her teeth. "What’s this guy’s name?"

"Silver Tray," Applejack said. "Home address is..."

Three minutes later all the pony's basic details and a list of the ponies they would interrogate were written down. Rainbow Dash let out a groan, making sure it sounded extra obnoxious, a skill she had spent a considerable amount of time honing. "How many of these are there?"

"Including the ones Pinkie an’ Fluttershy have? ‘Bout fifty. An’ that’s just th’ supporters. I think another hundred and fifty were th’ workers in the castle. If we don’t get anything from them, there are another six hundred an’ fifty to..."

"And we have to look into all of these guys?" She buried her head in her hooves. "This is going to take forever!"

"Not all of ‘em, just until one gives us a lead." Applejack sighed. "If any of ‘em leads."

Rainbow Dash blinked. "You mean we might be doing this for nothing? Then why are we wasting our time?"

"Well, you gotta better idea?"

"...No," Rainbow Dash said, crossing her forelegs and kicking at the ground.

"Come on, Dash, don’t be like that. I’m gonna need you to be doin’ most of these."

"What? Why aren’t you doing it?"

"Dash, I gotta farm to run. Even with two perfectly fit ponies, me an’ Big Mac have our hooves full this time o’ year."

"Well, why me?" Rainbow Dash was in the air now, flying back and forth, trying to burn off some of this angry energy.

"Rare’s work schedule gets pretty unpredictable and you know it. She might be able to help ya, and might not. I think Fluttershy’s too meek to be doin’ this on her own, and Pinkie is too... Pinkie. Ya can get yer work done quick, so yer gonna have more free time. Sides, you can get ta Canterlot an’ back quick with no chariot or train."

"Come on, Applejack, I’ve got a foal to take care of!"

That caused Applejack to stop and look at her. It was easy to forget, even after all this time, that her friend was now, for all intents and purpose, a mother. "Well, it can’t be that hard to get somepony to watch her. Granny and Big Mac can..."

"AJ, I’m already canceling time with her to be here. I want to see her more than an hour a day, which is about all the time we’ll have together if I'm doing all the work."

"I know, but..." Applejack stopped, then sighed. "Look, Dash, this is important. Not sayin’ that Scoots ain’t important too, but she won’t be safe until whoever Sunset was workin’ for gets caught. Ya know that."

Rainbow Dash had the distinct feeling she was being guilt tripped into something, but she couldn’t argue with Applejack's logic. Still...

"Do you have to be there the whole harvest? Can't you..."

"I’ll be taking as much time off as I can, I promise. But I’m gonna be countin' on ya."

She scoffed. "Fine."

"Good, now let’s get these written up. Sooner we do, th’ sooner you can get back ta Scootaloo."

Consequences

Rainbow Dash grumbled as she walked along the Royal Gardens. “Stupid Applejack, making me do all the work. Phe."

Even as she said the words, she knew Applejack was making the best sense. There was no hope getting help on the farm from Celestia, if they wanted to keep ponies from knowing what they were doing. But why her? She had a foal, a coltfriend, important work in Ponyville...

She was suddenly spun around, a pair of lips crashing into hers. Her eyes widened, but before long she felt herself kissing back.

As their lips broke apart, she spoke, "You know, one of these days I'm going to hurt you for that."

"Promises, promises."

"You seem to have gotten your part of the problem under control."

Soarin sighed, and in a flash he went from his usual self to looking very tired. "I wish. Spitfire just got finished running changeling checks on every single Wonderbolt, from her to the new recruits, and having wards installed in every facility. Soon we're going to be interviewing every member."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "I'm glad to see you're above suspicion, at least."

Soarin actually laughed. "I wish. As soon as it happened, Celestia pulled all the top leaders of the EUP into the palace. She grilled us all so hard, I thought my brain was going to snap in two." He rubbed his head, as if some pain had just sprung up again. "Whatever's going on, Celestia isn't taking any chances."

"After what happened, I can't say that I blame her." Rainbow Dash looked out over the garden when she noticed two more ponies coming toward them. One was a Royal Guard, but the other seemed like a broken stallion. His red coat was covered in dust, and he was looking down at the cobblestones.

"Who's that?"

"Hm. Looks like his walk was earlier today."

Rainbow Dash blinked. "His walk? Wha..." She trailed off. The pony was a unicorn, she could see now, one that was wearing a horn ring. As he got close enough, he looked up at the pair of pegasi, and gave a look of contempt. "Well... if it isn't one of the lapdogs." His words came out in barely distinguishable mumbles.

"What are you talking about..." And then, she saw his cutie mark. A spring of Olives...

"You're Olive Branch?"

"My reputation precedes me," he said.

Rainbow Dash just gaped. She had never met Olive Branch in person, but everything she had heard about him was in sharp contrast to what she was seeing. He has been a boogiepony, a monster who had orchestrated all the problems Scootaloo had been through. He held his head high until he was caught, then he was a comically blubbering loser. But this...

"They let you out for your daily walk early, did they?"

Olive Branch barely shifted his head to look at him. "They could at least do that. They still won't let me near the kitchens. Afraid I might find a knife." At Rainbow Dash's shocked expression, he added, "For me, my dear. For me."

"Come on, you only get an hour of exercise time." The tone was authoritarian, but surprisingly gentle. Olive Branch didn't fight it as he was led away.

"What happened to him?"

"Bad bookkeeping."

She shot Soarin a look. "Huh?"

Soarin looked around. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Yeah..."

"Celestia put Luna in charge of his punishment. She ended up using something called a reformation spell. It's something harsh... apparently, it made him feel all the pain he caused. Celestia freaked out when she found out exactly what she had done."

Rainbow looked at the form slowly trotting away. "Luna was allowed to do that?"

“About two hundred years before Luna got banished, it got restricted to just the princesses. When Luna left, Celestia just stopped using it. She never bothered to criminalize it, so it just sat there. Luna saw it was on the books and figured it was still game..."

Rainbow Dash looked at Olive Branch once more, not sure of what to think. "I heard what happened to Rabble Rouser... he got life for treason. Scoots’s parents apparently got off lightly since they signed Scoots away to me."

"You heard right," Soarin said. "Olive Branch had his sentence reduced to five years. They figure with the spell that's long enough. It'll be taken off of him... assuming the palace psychologist says he isn't a danger to himself or anypony else."

"Does... Twilight know that?"

Soarin shrugged. "We were told to keep it to the higher levels of the military... that includes you, since you're a Bearer. I guess Twilight knows, though I can't imagine she's happy with it."

"...I think we would have heard something if she knew." There was no way Twilight would keep quiet if the pony who nearly got her son killed was going to be walking free so soon. "I just hope she's staying out of trouble..."

"I told you this would be cool," Scootaloo said smugly as they walked into the main antechamber. This had been where the Elements of Harmony had been found here, from what all three knew, and it had been a natural place to start.

"Great... so what are we supposed to be looking for?"

Scootaloo rolled her eyes at Sweetie’s comment. “Something cool, obviously! Come on, the Princesses used to live here! There’s bound to be something good.”

“Like what?” Sweetie was suddenly shouting. “The Princesses moved out of here centuries ago! They took everything with them! There’s going to be nothing here! Nothing! Nothing!”

Both of her friends were caught off guard by this sudden outburst. Apple Bloom dared to speak. “Sweetie... come on, calm down...”

“No! You dragged me off into this spooky castle! We could have done something nice and quiet in town, but you just had to come out here were there are cockatrees, and manticores, and...”

“Hey, it’s not that bad...” Scootaloo was now sounding angry, but it did little to get Sweetie to back down.

“Yes it is! We’re right where everything bad happened and... and... urg!”

She stomped her hoof down. And then she stumbled. Because the stone she struck on the floor suddenly caved in.

She realized she had stomped a button only a split second before she realized that she could no longer see her friends. But she could hear them, their cries of surprise and fear getting further away.

She realized they had each fallen down their own separate trap door.

Rarity finally left the Princess's chambers, feeling like her horn was going to fall off but confident that she could cast the spell that Celestia had taught her. She passed Fluttershy, who made an effort to enter the chamber before Rarity could realize she was there. She worried a little, as her friend was in a good deal of pain and likely wouldn’t have noticed Discord dancing under her muzzle.

"Fluttershy?" Celestia had been just lifting herself up when the pegasus entered. "Can I help you?"

"Um, yes. I'm sorry, but... I really want to talk to you about something."

Celestia motioned to one of the cushions. Fluttershy took her seat. "How can I help you?"

Fluttershy shifted. "Um, well... this has been bothering me since... since Discord."

Celestia tensed. "Fluttershy, did you talk with the therapists about this?"

"Yes, but... they couldn't help me. I need to talk to somepony who knew Discord... Oh, I'm sorry, Princess. I shouldn't have brought this up, I know it can be painful for you..."

"Fluttershy," Celestia said, being as gentle as she could while still making sure that her subject stopped, "I understand your needs. I suffered under Discord. I can share your pain. Whatever you wish to ask me, do so."

Fluttershy looked at the Princess a moment, then took a deep breath. "Would it ever be possible to redeem Discord?"

Celestia had been expecting many questions. That had not been one of them. Her eyes actually widened, which hadn't happened since Chrysalis’s disguise had melted away nearly a year ago.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I knew I shouldn't..."

"No, no, it's okay. It's just... you're the first pony that's ever asked me that."

"Oh, I hope I didn't offend you. You told me what Discord did to you..."

Celestia placed a hoof on her head. "Do not fret. I have wondered the same thing you have."

Fluttershy blinked. "Really?"

Celestia nodded. "Two or three millennia gives you a lot of time for thinking. I have wondered of Discord's nature in that time. Especially once my sister was banished. I spent many nights looking at the moon in pain, hoping the Elements would free her. I counted the days until I was told it would happen. And I wondered that if my sister deserved freedom even after her crimes, why not him? He killed everypony I cared about save my sister, true. But NightMare Moon likely did the same for some family, or would have if she had been allowed."

Fluttershy nodded. "Discord is the embodiment of chaos, isn't he? Doesn't that mean he can't help but be the way he is?"

Celestia shook her head. "Saying that any creature is the pure embodiment of anything is a bit of a misnomer. True, Discord was born from the Darkness and crawled from Tartarus. But the moment that Darkness gave him sentience, it gave him the ability to make a choice. Any creature who can choose can't truly embody anything. Discord is who he is because he chose to be.”

"Have you ever considered giving him another chance?"

"...Once or twice," she admitted. "You'd be surprised what a thousand years of thinking gets you to consider. But every time, I've decided against it. Discord may deserve a second chance, but not at the risk of condemning the rest of the world to his rule. And even if I had decided that it was worth it, Luna always said no, and once she left, I couldn't touch the Elements.”

"Um... are you saying it's hopeless for him?"

"The Creator is a perplexing being, Fluttershy," Celestia smiled. "If She wills, perhaps. Perhaps the Elements will see fit to set him free in due time."

Fluttershy blinked. “How did you know that his last escape wasn’t his time?”

Celestia was silent for a moment. "Let's just say... a friend told me."

“Who...”

“Never you mind.” Celestia was firm this time. “You needn’t worry about it. Just be assured that I refuse to find out. Knowing too much about the future is tricky. That’s why there are limits on time travel spells and the like.”

“Oh, I see...”

“I do not know how long the Elements will hold him, and I fear if I did, I would keep him locked up too long and ruin any chance of redemption he has... if he truly has one.”

Fluttershy nodded. She swallowed and found the nerve to speak again. “I’ve... been wanting to try, Your Highness. After it happened, I... needed to know there was good in everypony.”

Celestia put a hoof on her. “Fluttershy, listen. Do you remember what happened when you confronted Discord for the final time?”

“...He didn’t think we fixed the Elements. He thought they’d fail.”

“And do you remember what the Changeling Queen said about Cadance and Shining Armor’s love being a strength?”

“She thought it was foolish... even though she fed off of it. I never understood that.”

“You will soon. Do you know what Olive Branch believed? That I must know how to give immortality, or know the secret to it. He thought I must have had done this to myself.”

“Um, okay. Why are you telling me this?”

“To illustrate a point to you. NightMare Moon thought she could defeat the Elements by shattering them. Discord thought he could do the same by causing petty squabbling. The Changeling Queen was surprised when Twilight returned after we... walked out on her.” Fluttershy winced with her. They doubted that would ever stop thinking of that as a painful memory. “She saw love as a food source only she could access. And Olive Branch assumed that there was no true benevolence in us.

“Fluttershy, the Elements of Harmony are powerful because love is what keeps the world running. It exists in every creature of sentience. Yes, even in Discord, somewhere. The truly evil ones are the ones that try to deny the world is the way it is. They see everypony as being every bit as cruel and power-hungry as they are. That is why they fail. They refuse to see love for what it is, and they always bring about their own destruction doing so.”

“I...see,” Fluttershy said. “So you’re saying that Discord is where he is because of his own choices?”

“That’s right. Don’t burden yourself with Discord’s fate. The best you can do is put on a brave face if he ever gets free and try to convince him of the truth. In the meantime, you have more pressing matters.”

Scootaloo skidded to a halt on the stone tiles. She checked herself over first. Nothing was broken, and nothing serious was scraped. The trapdoor had led to a slide. Good.

She glanced around. She was in a strange room. Old, half-decayed banners of various house insignias were decorating it, and some old pieces of armor laid across the ground.

At first, it looked cool. Then, she remembered that she was alone in a section of an unknown castle. Then she was scared.

She gulped. “I think we should have stuck with Zecora...”

Castle-Mania Crusaders

Scootaloo wandered through that dark corridor. Trying to fly up the trapdoor had been fruitless, the shaft resealed itself almost immediately after it had deposited her into darkness. She repeated to herself over and over again, "There's nothing else here, there's nothing else here, there's nothing else here..."

Her mind knew that was logical. The Palace was given wards to keep dangerous creatures out when Celestia left it, but her terror was overriding her common sense.

"Sweetie? Apple Bloom? Come on, if you're there, answer!"

Nothing. She let out a sigh. The corridor was only getting darker, and she couldn't see another way out. That meant she was stuck going through pitch blankness. Not an appealing thought to anypony.

Giving a gulp, she tried to think what Rainbow Dash and Soarin would do in this situation. They'd push ahead. Rainbow Dash would charge straight in. Yes. She would be brave. She'd push on. The sooner she ran through, the sooner she'd be out of there.

Before she could give her brain time to object, she shot off, going through the hall at a great speed. She pushed through the darkness, smiling boldly. She was fast, anything here in the dark couldn't catch her. And even if it did, she was the apprentice of the great Rainbow Dash, she could handle anything! She couldn't be stopped! She...

Pain suddenly erupted in her head. It felt like her skull was being split in two as she flew back. She skidded on her back, losing a few feathers on her wings. A warm stickiness was felt on her mane.

"Ow," she moaned, not really feeling motivated for a more creative reaction. She felt her scalp. She was bleeding... but thankfully only a bit.

After a moment, she got to her hooves and trotted forward, one hoof outstretched. Soon it came to a wall, the same she had run into.

Scootaloo shivered. She had given herself time to think, and now the blackness seemed darker than ever. She pressed her hooves on the stone and began to feel to her left. She needed to find the hallway out.

Then, suddenly, her hoof sank into the wall.

She was spun around. She lost her balance and stumbled back, falling rump first on the carpeted floor.

She stopped at that revelation. Carpet... and she could see it.

Another hidden passage, she realized. Now she was in a well-lit hallway. There were strange orbs hanging on the ceiling, powered by some awesome magic. Scootaloo was surprised they still went. Even living as royalty, she didn't know any unicorn that could make a light last a millennium. She made a note to ask Twilight when she saw her next.

It seemed to be a simple hallway, only a brilliant red carpet decorated it. Scootaloo looked to either side. On both, there was a simple wooden door, each with doorhandles that looked like they were in pristine condition.

Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo went to the door on her left. She pushed it open.

There was a near identical hallway on the other side.

"Oh, come on!"

Sweetie Belle was scared to death. She had no clue where her two best friends were, other than that it was somewhere within a castle she had never wanted to come within a hundred feet of. She wanted nothing more than to run back to Ponyville and hide under her covers.

But she couldn't abandon her friends. So she put on a brave face and decided to go looking in the other chambers. For a split second she thought about jumping down after them, but she decided against it. If they were trapped, she wouldn't help them getting stuck herself. Maybe she could find something to lower down and pull them out.

The room she chose was a hallway, it looked enough like a servant's quarters to have supplies. She traveled down it a bit, opening the first door that looked promising. It was a room filled with what appeared to be weapons. Spears, swords, and armor were strewn all over, dusty and rusted. She poked around a bit but could not find anything to be used as rope.

She checked the next room. These were barracks, bowls caked with fossilized broth still on the floor.

The next room was the kitchen across the hall. Here was something besides cookware.

Old, broken crystals were on the floor. Some were whole, but dulled with age. She knew what they were, vaguely. She remembered Miss Cheerilee telling them that before more efficient storage was perfected, unicorns would place magic in crystals that could be accessed by other ponies, but for not much more than bringing on heat. They were used by cooks for heating and cooking food, starting fires in a fireplace, lighting rooms, and sending warning flares.

All of these crystals had since leaked out, if they hadn't been broken during Celestia and Luna's battle. She didn't explore the area beyond this. She doubted the kitchen would have what she needed.

The next few doors on the kitchen's side were simply more doors to the kitchen. On the opposite were several break rooms and supply rooms. She poked around each of them, but they had nothing to help her.

It was in another room that she found something interesting. Here, there were thousands of shattered crystals, enough to give the floor an entire carpeting of shards. But even this Sweetie noticed second, because among the sea of grey, there was red. A few crystals were still whole, and still showing their glow. But they were blinking, as if holding onto their charge.

They are, she realized. There must have been a scarce few that lived on to this day. But how?

She shook her head, making a mental note to ask Twilight later. Then she decided that was stupid, because she'd want to know why she wanted to know, and then she'd find out she was here, she'd tell Rarity, and Rarity might get mad enough to take a manebrush to her flank. She had never done so before, but given how often she talked to Applejack about raising their younger sisters, she just might try it.

Instead, she tried picking one up with her magic. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she risked clutching one in her teeth. She needed the light.

The next few rooms dug up more of the same. She was getting away from the castle wall, which meant no windows, but her new found light source was providing all the light she needed.

She came to another room. Setting the crystal down on the ground, she turned the knob with her teeth.

There was another crystal inside still holding a charge. But Sweetie only saw it for a moment before its light suddenly brightened to a blinding flash.

And then, just as quickly as it had come, it faded.

Sweetie felt shivers go up her spine despite the fact that she was sweating in every other regard. She stumbled forward, her legs still feeling weak from the shock. She ended up stopping in front of something, catching a front hoof on it.

A crate. And on it... an unlit crystal. She blinked. That must have been it. A crystal, finally losing its grip and letting what little pent-up energy it had left all out in one final flash. She laughed as her heart struggled to keep up with her body. Then she threw up.

She felt sick. What was she doing here? This was Apple Bloom and Scootaloo's fault. She should just run off and leave them here.

Immediately she regretted thinking that. She was just angry. She just needed to get her bearings together.

She took a few deep breaths before she remembered the crate. Maybe this would be it. She swept the now dead crystal off it and lifted the lid. After a moment of feeling around, she felt it.

A rope.

She bit down on one end and pulled it out, then ran out of the room, the rope untangling behind her.

Apple Bloom had found herself in a library filled to the brim with books that would likely impress even the Princesses with their age. The filly was really starting to wonder why Celestia had chosen to leave them behind when the castle was abandoned. Did she really not want any reminder of her sister during her banishment?

She passed by another row of books, and stopped when she saw something. It was a bookstand with a rather large tome open across it, and it was open to a picture that she recognized.

It was Discord, being turned to stone by Celestia and Luna. Apple Bloom walked up to the book and just looked at it. This page was near the end. She flipped it back a bit. It was the first Hearth's Warming Eve, with the Founders creating the Fire of Friendship. She flipped farther back. The time of the Three Tribes. She flipped farther back.

She blinked. She hadn't had any history lessons on this one, but every schoolyard foal knew the stories. It was Megan, the warrior from another world, who was said to return home once the greatest evils had been eradicated. According to legend, without common foes to unite them, the three Tribes had fallen back on hating each other.

Apple Bloom tried to read the text, but it seemed to be in a foreign language. No... it was Equestrian, it must be. Twilight mentioned once that languages change over time, so if this was a millennium old...

She shook her head. She was sounding more and more like the nerd that Diamond Tiara kept calling her. She shut the book and began to move away.

She stopped. She went and checked the cover. Most of it was unintelligible, but she recognized a large V on the cover. That was the old symbol for five, wasn't it?

There could be other volumes like that, history even Celestia didn't know about. Apple Bloom may have been just a country filly, but she knew how valuable that would be to Twilight and the Princesses.

Maybe I can tell her when I get back, she thought. Then she looked around. If I ever find my way out.

Grumbling, Apple Bloom began backing away from the book. When she turned, she accidentally bumped one of the shelves. Dust flew everywhere. She ended up coughing quite a bit.

She looked at the books on the shelf she bumped into. It looked the same as any other. Still, just looking at those spines, she felt a chill.

She shook her head and began walking again. When she got to the next row, she looked down it. There, to her relief, as a stairway that led up. Her way out.

Scootaloo opened the next door. It was another hallway.

"What. Is. This?!"

Scootaloo wanted to tear her mane out. She had been going on for what seemed like hours, and all she found in either direction was hallways! What was this, some kind of joke?

Then she stopped. Was it? She came down here by trap door, and that sounded like an excuse to get rid of somepony. Maybe this was all a trap... this hallway was much too well lit...

She looked up at the orbs, still glowing. Maybe...

She crouched down and, pushing with all the strength her little legs could muster, she leapt into the air and began flapping her wings. Her flying lessons had left her with enough skill to manage this much. Huffing and puffing, she reached up and grabbed an orb.

There was a large flash, and she fell onto her back and hit the ground. She let out a yell and bit her lip, tears coming out of her from the pain.

When she came to, she was no longer in a hallway. In fact, she could hardly tell where she was. It was dark, and she could hardly make out anything. Steadily, she felt around a bit until she felt something. It was wood, a door. Carefully, she pushed it open.

It was a hallway with windows high up, allowing light to pour in. She realized where she was now. She was in a dungeon, the room she had just been in had been a prison cell.

She blinked. It was a trick... some kind of illusion. But how long had she been in it? Had it been the minute she fell down the trapdoor? Or... was it still going on?

She looked around. At the end of the hallway, there was another door. She hesitated only a moment before running forward. Or at least, she tried to run. In her current state, it was more like a quick hobble.

She pushed the door open. It was a stairway, her way out.

As Celestia lowered the sun, a pair of chariots whisked the remaining Bearers of the Element of Harmony back to Ponyville. She sighed before returning to the castle. Instead of her chambers, she entered the room with the mirror.

She looked at it again, her reflection looking back at her. Then, on one side, a young Sunset Shimmer, with wings to accompany her horn, appeared on the reflection’s right. Then Twilight Sparkle on its left, with the same upgrade. Her reflection bent down and kissed them both.

“Sister?”

Celestia looked away. Luna was standing in the room’s entrance way. “I’ve made all the arrangements necessary in case of another invasion. This isn’t going to go over well with the population.

Luna walked up beside her sister. Celestia sighed. “I know. With everything going on. Ever since the Elements have returned, dangers keep popping up.”

Luna looked into the mirror a bit. “I have faith that Twilight Sparkle will bring in Sunset Shimmer. And in that time, the other Bearers will find her conspirators. Do you have any idea how they are communicating between the worlds?”

“I have my theories, though each is more absurd than the last. Perhaps there’s another mirror...”

“Was there ever any word from the ponies who gave it to us?”

“I’m afraid not... not that I looked very hard after you left. I was... too distraught over the whole mess. Perhaps I should have...”

And then she stopped. It was like something had entered her brain in the most abrupt manner possible and was demanding all her attention. “Luna...”

“I feel it too,” she said. “I didn’t think... how is it still holding?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll tell the guards we’re leaving immediately.” She sighed. “Now on top of everything else, something is setting off the securities of our old castle. Then again, this could be the lead we’re looking for...”

A Sour Homecoming

Sweetie was covered in filth and sweat and just wanted to go home, but she still managed to make her way back to the pit that her friends had fallen down. She looked into the abyss, squinting to try and see into the darkness. “Apple Bloom? Scootaloo? Are you still down there?”

“No.”

The small unicorn jumped in the air and whirled around. Indeed, to her immense relief, her two friends were there, looking dirty but otherwise none the worse for wear.

"You're okay!" she cried, throwing her forelegs around Apple Bloom. Then she did the same to Scootaloo.

The pegasus rolled her eyes. "Ugh, yeah, can we just..."

And then Sweetie's hoof collided with Scootaloo's jaw. She went back, stunned by surprise and pain.

"It was your idea to come here! Do you know how much I've been worried?”

"...Sweetie..." Apple Bloom was stunned.

"Hey, you're not the one who had her head split open," Scootaloo muttered.

"Well, that's what you get for bringing us here."

"Hey, you didn't have to follow us!"

"Oh, so you were ready to just abandon me to come here!"

"Alright, knock it off!" Apple Bloom said as she moved between them. "Look, we're all worn out, why don't we get home?"

"Well, that's the first smart thing you two have said all day."

"Hey, watch it!"

“Will you two quit it!” Apple Bloom said again, the strain clear in her voice. “Now look, comin’ here was a mistake... don’t,” she said, shooting her evil eye at both of them. “Let’s just go home. This’ll seem better when we’ve all had a nap.”

Sweetie and Scootaloo continued to stare for a while. Then, they broke apart and just walked out, with Apple Bloom trailing behind.

They just missed Celestia and Luna flying in.

Rainbow Dash made a quick stop by Sugarcube Corner to pick up a dozen cupcakes for Scootaloo. Chocolate with red icing and sprinkles, her favorite. Hopefully, this would make things a bit better after having to leave her behind.

Soarin wouldn't be visiting until this crisis was resolved. Or at least, it was likely he wouldn't. This whole thing was keeping the military busy. She might be able to visit him over the next month, but she couldn't bring Scootaloo. Too dangerous.

She analyzed this statement. Surely it wasn't true. She had to be safer in the Palace than in Ponyville... but then again, Cadance wasn't, was she? But they have security now...

Rainbow Dash shook her head. She remembered Twilight and Applejack telling her that having a foal to take care of would cause her neverending worrying, but she hadn't really believed it.

"Dashie? Dashie?"

Rainbow Dash came out of her thoughts to see Pinkie standing in front of her with her order. "You spaced out, silly!"

Rainbow Dash shook her head. "Sorry, I was thinking."

Pinkie giggled. "Of course you were. Everypony thinks. 'I think, therefore I am', remember? What were you thinking about?"

"Scootaloo... I guess I was kind of all business this morning. She was really looking forward to what me and Soarin had planned, and I guess I wasn't nice enough about it. I just wanted her to learn that you don't always get what you want."

"And that's a good lesson. I'm sure she'll be fine if you just talk to her."

"That's what I'm hoping for," she said, putting the cupcakes on her back. "And I hope she understands that me and Soarin will be busy."

"Oh, she will. And you just wait, once this is over, the three of you can be family again. Scoots is going to make such a cute flowerfilly at your wedding."

Rainbow Dash blushed. "Isn't it a little early to be thinking about that?"

"Are you kidding? I've got it all figured out: you can have a double wedding with Twilight and Applejack, so the Crusaders can be flowerfillies while Spike can be ringbearer, like at the Royal Wedding, but hopefully with no changelings..."

"Uh, Pinkie? I thought Applejack and Twilight made it clear there's nothing going on between them..."

"Well, they're just in denial."

"Uh-huh. Well, look, I appreciate you being prepared, but can you not plan my wedding until one of us actually proposes?"

"Oh relax, I'm just being prepared. I can change to whatever you need."

"Right... well, I better get home. It looks like Applejack's making me head to Canterlot all the time."

"Well, of course, silly. You're the only one..."

"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash waved her off. "But can't one of you give me a day off? I'd like to spend some time with Scoots."

"Well sure. As soon as the Cakes can give me a day off, I can go down. Ooh!" She dived under the counter and came up with her deerstalker cap. "I can play detective again! Maybe Fluttershy can be my assistant."

Rainbow Dash blinked. She thought back to the incident in the train. Pinkie as a detective...

"Uh... maybe you better take Rarity instead..."

Once they had arrived at the castle, Celestia immediately went toward the library, with Luna just behind her.

"What makes you so sure the intruders would be down here?"

"These books are just about the only thing of value left in the castle," Celestia said. "I took out anything I thought was worth keeping out of enemy hooves, but..." The Princess took a deep breath. "I didn't want to see any of these books. It was... too painful. And I hoped that by leaving the historical records behind, historians would spend their time chronicling the past rather than writing about you. I was... mistaken, obviously."

"But if you took anything harmful from here, what would a thief want from here?"

"Historical information, I presume. It still has the largest and most accurate archive of history. You forget, dear sister, that not everypony remembers the past quite as well as we do."

"I suppose so. So you believe they're looking for an older artifact? Something like the Amulet?"

"Perhaps. Maybe something like that escaped my notice. I thought the Amulet would be the last thing that would slip through after we took it from Sombra..."

They had arrived in the library at that moment. It was still covered in dust, like nothing had been moved since it was abandoned.

"I do not think anypony was here, sister."

"At least not for long... Look around, try to make sure nothing was disturbed."

Luna obeyed her sister's command, and the two spread out and began combing through the shelves. Old encyclopedias, travel logs, and the like littered the information sections. Luna drifted into the fiction section, figuring checking there couldn't hurt.

"I presume you removed any of Star Swirl's research?" Luna called.

"Yes. My school used it as the basis for our teachings. Every professor has built upon..." Celestria trailed off. "Luna! Something has been disturbed."

In a flash, Luna was by her sister's side. "Look, this history book... it doesn't have the same layer of dust the other books have."

"History book?" Luna looked at the picture present. Megan, the golden-haired warrior, raising a sword against some gruesome depictions of demons and monsters, while the Rainbow of Light shone overhead. Behind her were several other ponies.

"Dear sisters, these are foal's tales."

"NightMare Moon was a foal's tale." She checked the cover. Volume 5... "Sister, I want to round these up."

"But... why?"

"...I'm not sure," she said, studying the picture. "Call it an instinct, but I have a feeling we'll need them."

For a long moment, she studied the picture. Not Megan, every foal knew her image, highly romanticized she guessed. It was the ponies behind her.

They weren't familiar, she was sure. Doubtless she had met several ponies that looked a lot like each of them throughout the two and a half millennia she had lived, any memories they stirred up could be attributed to them. But still... these ponies seemed to jump out at her.

Suddenly, there was a thump. Both sisters jumped, and Luna lit her horn. "Who goes there?"

Scurrying was heard in the distance.

Immediately Luna shot off like a rocket.

"Luna, wait!" Celestia tried to stop her, but she was in the distance to quick. Then, a shrill wail was heard.

"Luna!" And she darted after her sister.

She was stopped by a grey ball of fur with eyes being shoved in her face. "Look at it! Oh, Tia, look at it! Is it not adorable?"

Celestia blinked. It took her a few seconds to realize the wail was really a squeal, emitted by her sister. "Um... I suppose."

Lune held the creature in front of her. It looked at the princess, it's long nose sniffing the air. "What do they call this creature?"

"That's a possum."

"Possum... such a fascinating creature." She smiled, rubbing her muzzle against his. "And up so late..."

"Well, they're nocturnal..."

Luna looked like it was Hearth's Warming Morning. "Adorable and they love the night? Why have I not seen these around Canterlot?"

"Well, sister, many ponies see them as pests..."

"Pests? This creature? Nonsense!" She sat the possum on the ground. "Little one, I offer you the role of pet. Come live in the palace and be my familiar!"

The possum brightened. Immediately it ran up Luna's leg and onto her back.

"Excellent! I shall name you Tiberius, and you shall be my ickle diddy widdle Tibble-kins!"

Celestia just blinked.

The three Cutie Mark Crusaders emerged from the Everfree Forest just as the sun was setting, unaware of how close they had come to being caught by the highest authority in Equestria.

As soon as they were out of the woods, Sweetie made a beeline for her home.

"Sweetie, wait, what are you doing?"

The unicorn filly glared at Scootaloo. "I'm going home."

"Are you still being a wuss? I told you..."

A swift hoof from Apple Bloom silenced her. "Sweetie... just go home an' get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow."

"But..." Scootaloo was silenced again.

Sweetie turned and left without another word, making sure to swish her tail in a snobbish manner.

Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom. "Why'd you let her go?"

"Because she was feelin' bad. It wasn't a good idea goin' there."

"Well, yeah, but did she have to act like that?"

"Maybe not, but I'm feelin' a bit ornery mahself. Just go home, Scoots. You, me an' her can talk about it tomorrow."

Scootaloo opened her mouth to protest, but Apple Bloom's glare silenced her. "...Fine."

Apple Bloom nodded with a stern look on her face. Then she walked toward her home as well.

Scootaloo scoffed and walked off. First Rainbow and Soarin, now this. This was not her day.

"Yogurt and strawberries are good for them, and be sure he gets exercise," Fluttershy said, giddiness in her voice. She certainly hadn't been expecting Princess Luna on her doorstep so soon, but the news that she was adopting a possum made her happy. The poor things were misunderstood, they were gentle and frightened creatures. Maybe a princess keeping one as a pet would get more ponies to like them. "Here are some combs for brushing, and a flea and tick bath formula if it comes to that."

"We thank thee, dear Fluttershy. Tibbles will be well taken care of with thine assistance."

"Oh, it's no problem." She had Tibbles on her coffee table and was giving him a quick flea and tick inspection. "So, um, was anything taken from the castle?"

"Nothing we can find," Luna admitted. "My sister and I looked through everything and found no sign of anything being stolen, though something was there. We are beginning to think it was simply a wild animal that snuck in. Perhaps Tibbles himself."

"Um, there aren't wards to keep the animals out?"

"We installed them when we lived there, but that was long ago. I think they simply wore out. Regardless, they'll be reinstated tomorrow."

"Oh, well... okay then."

"But at least Tia found something she thinks is of interest."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Old archived history books. I think they're merely legends, but Tia seems drawn to them. I do not know what she expects to find, perhaps some key to where the mirror came from. Whatever it is, I do hope it's worth the trouble."

Fluttershy nodded. "Well, this little guy's all checked out. He's happy and healthy as can be."

"Excellent! Come, Tibbles, a feast of fruit awaits you at the Palace!"

Scootaloo trudged up the cloud steps to her home. Rainbow Dash lowered it and put in some stairs, at least until she learned to fly.

She opened the door and was immediately granted by two things: Rainbow Dash calling her name, and Tank flying towards her for a playful nuzzle.

Scootaloo nuzzled back, then walked to the kitchen. "Yeah, Rainbow, I'm home. I... hey, cupcakes!"

"I thought this might help make up for..." she trailed off as she really looked at her and noticed how dirty she was. "What were you three doing today?"

"Oh, just... typical crusading." She made a mental note to yell at Sweetie for walking off before they could come up with a cover story.

Luckily, Dash just smiled. "A little firecracker, huh? Figures." She rubbed her head.

This caused Scootaloo to yelp as she got a painful reminder of her injury.

"What? Scoots, did I pull your... Scoots! What happened to your head?"

"Huh? Uh... I don't know. I got banged up a bit riding on my scooter. I guess I got it worse than I thought."

"Weren't you wearing your helmet?"

"Oh, uh... maybe it was when I fell out of that tree." She reached for a cupcake, but Rainbow Dash grabbed her foreleg and dragged her toward the bathroom.

"I've been there, Scoots. When I was your age, I had days when I wouldn't remember how I got messed up. Come on, let me treat that."

"Aw, it's not that bad..."

"I don't care." She pulled out some band-aids and some iodine.

Immediately Scootaloo freaked out. "No, no, Rainbow, please, it's not that bad..."

Rainbow Dash arched an eyebrow. "You can handle being banged up so many times, but freak out over a little medicine?"

Scootaloo shuffled. "Well... I... ow, ow, ow!"

Rainbow Dash dabbled the iodine on, then placed the bandage. A quick kiss completed the care.

"There we go."

"Thanks, Mom," she muttered.

"I am the closest thing you have to one."

Scootaloo was silent for a moment. "I tried having a mom. I don't really want one anymore."

Rainbow Dash shook her head. "You didn't have a mom. You had a bimbo who squeezed you out of..." She caught herself. "Well, she made you, but she wasn't a mom."

"I don't need a mom, I have you."

Rainbow kissed her again. "Indeed you do."

A Long Night

Rarity came home to her boutique around the time Celestia had lowered the sun. When she opened the door, she paused to scrutinize the doorframe. There would be wards, Celestia said. Could she spot them?

She looked carefully, and found that she couldn't find anything. Whoever Celestia had hired to install them had done a great job.

The sound of water splashing took her mind off of things. "Sweetie? Are you here?" She trotted up the stairs, a bit of a weary sigh escaping her lips. If she was here this late it likely meant she would be staying the night rather than heading to their parent's home, and while she loved her sister she really didn't want to put up with her antics on a night like tonight.

"I'm… in here, Rarity," Sweetie's voice called.

Rarity nearly stopped dead in her canter. Sweetie did not sound like herself. "Is everything alright?"

She opened the bathroom door to find Sweetie in the tub, bubbles forming everywhere, her mane currently white with shampoo. "I'm fine. It's just… we got worn out today."

Rarity couldn't help but smile. "As opposed to any other day you three are running around?" She moved to the tub and began rinsing her sister's mane. As she did she noticed the water, which was grimy. "My goodness, you really were filthy. What did you get up to?"

Sweetie shifted. "I don't want to talk about it."

Rarity washed the last of the shampoo off. "Did you wash your coat?"

"Yes."

"Behind your ears?"

"Yes."

With a flick of her horn, Rarity removed the bathtub stopper and let the water drain out. The tub had a layer of grime, but the cleaning ponies were coming in tomorrow anyway. As she dried her sister off, she asked, "Are you staying for dinner? I could whip up a nice…"

"I'm not hungry," Sweetie said. "I just want to go to bed."

Rarity blinked. She felt Sweetie's forehead, just below the horn. "You seem warm… but that could just be the bath you had." She levitated her sister onto her back. "Why don't we put you to bed and I'll take your temperature before you fall asleep."

Sweetie didn't argue, or even make a peep the entire trip to what was supposedly the guest bedroom, but it was Sweetie's room in practice. Rarity gently lay her sister on the bed. "Don't go to sleep yet, let me go get the thermometer and..."

A loud bang had Rarity and Sweetie jumping three feet in the air. Immediately the younger Unicorn jumped into her older sister's embrace. "Wh-what was that?"

Rarity, shaking herself, took a few deep breaths. "It might just be a raccoon knocking around the trashcans outside." She didn't believe it, but needed to calm Sweetie down. "I'll go see what it is."

After convincing Sweetie to let go of her, she trotted down the steps, wishing she had something blunt to use as a weapon. She almost wished Sweetie had inherited their father's love of sports. Carefully, she opened the door.

What she saw, four feet away from her, was a familiar gray Pegasus picking garbage off of her.

"Derpy? What happened?"

Derpy jumped and whirled around. "Uh, sorry Rarity," she said. She was breathing heavily. "I was flying and I lost control. I crashed into your garbage cans. I just don't know what went wrong…"

The Unicorn just sighed, looking at her wrecked garbage. "It's fine," she said, lighting her horn to upright the cans. It seemed most of the spill landed on Derpy, and there seemed to be little in the way of a dent. "But you gave me and Sweetie quite a scare. Well, nevermind. Would you like to come in and wash off?"

"That's alright, I was heading home anyway," she waved off. "Thanks!"

Derpy bolted away before Rarity could say anything else. The white Unicorn just sighed. That poor mare was always bumping into things, at that speed she'd probably end up crashing when she reached home.

Closing the door, she went to the downstairs bathroom to fish out her thermometer, then went back upstairs.

"It's nothing to worry about Sweetie, Derpy… just…"

Her sister was out of bed, but not because she was walking or standing. She was laying next to the wastebasket, looking green.

A lump formed in Rarity's throat. She trotted over and took a peek in.

"Ew! …Well… you got it all in the basket, at least."

"Sister, shouldn't you get to bed?"

Luna had waltzed into her sister's bedroom with Tiberius on her back, munching on a few strawberries. Celestia peeled up from the book she had been reading.

"I'm sorry, Luna. It's just… I haven't read these tales in so long. I think it was before you were banished. I suppose the nostalgia got to me."

Luna sat, placing Tiberius on the floor. "I suppose so." Luna snickered. "We always fought over who would play Megan."

"We used to dream about visiting the human world. Can you imagine? No monsters or chaos forces. Just garden-variety politicians to deal with. It would be paradise. And the things their machines could do…"

Luna giggled. "Do you truly believe they exist?"

"I think so. Maybe not in the capacity that everypony is convinced they do, but perhaps."

"And do you believe Twilight Sparkle truly fell into their world?"

"…I don't know."

"You seem awfully invested in those books for a pony who isn't sure."

"It has nothing to do with the world Twilight visited. At least, I don't believe so. But… something tells me that I need to read these. Call it a sign from the Creator."

There was silence for a moment.

"The nobles are pulling their manes out over Twilight Sparkle's disappearance," Luna said at last. "They issued a complete blackout on the media outlets on it. If the populace knew that an Element and its Bearer were missing…"

"I'm… well aware," Celestia said, rubbing her head. "Changelings, Trixie, Sunset… Equestria's problems are many." She took a deep breath. "Still no word from the patrols?"

"Not on the Changelings, I'm afraid. However, I do have some good news. The workers from Ponyville returned. The wards were installed successfully without notice. Rarity is safe, and the other homes will be installed over the next few days."

"Well, that's a relief. Once they’re done, I think I'll have them ward our old castle, under the protection of the Royal Guard, of course. Maybe it's time we refurbished it..."

"Perhaps. We'll talk in the morning. Please don't stay up too late, sister, you have duties of your own to attend to."

Celestia nodded, returning to her book. Luna looked at her a moment longer, but turned and left without another word.

Lightning Dust turned her bottle upright, downing the last few drops in quick order. Putting it aside, she signaled the barkeep. "'Nother cider."

"That's your fifteenth one. I'm sorry, lady, but I'm cuttin' you off."

"Hey, don't you tell me what… what I shouldn't be drinkin'," Lightning tried to protest, but her words came out so slurred that they only increased the stallion's resolve.

"Nothing doing. Now go home, you've had enough."

In a flash Lightning was up, her hoof hitting the bartender in the side. "Listen, you stupid gelding, you're not telling me what…"

The bouncer was on her at that, and even if he didn't, it wouldn't have mattered. Lightning had drank so much that her hitting her target had been entirely due to how unexpected it was. Before she knew it she was face first in the cobblestone streets. "And stay out."

Lightning was half-tempted to lay there and let the next carriage run her over, but she got up.

"Stupid… like that Spitfire bitch… stupid."

Why her? All her life she knew she was destined for the Wonderbolts. Then she got kicked out because of that Rainbow Dash. All because of her stupid friends. Shouldn't have even been there anyway.

Now she had nowhere to go. Her grades in school were so abysmal she was stuck pushing clouds for bits again. It was bearable when she was working towards her goal, but now.

"Stupid… I was born to fly… stupid."

"Apparently, there is hope for Equestria's military after all."

"…Huh? Who's there?" Lightning looked around in the dark.

"I mean, if the Wonderbolts actually rejected you, maybe they have some brains.”

"Alright, I'm going to grind your bones into dust, you stupid…"

Suddenly, Lightning was upside-down and pinned against a wall. It took her a few seconds to clear her mind enough to see.

"Hey… You’re that Unicorn… the one that tore up that hick town a while back."

"Yes, indeed. I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, have hit a bit of…"

Lighning threw her forelegs out and struck Trixie square in the muzzle. Not prepared for the attack, the Unicorn let go and staggered back. Lightning, quick even while drunk, tackled her against the opposing wall of the alley.

"You’re my ticket out of this mess! I turn in one of Equestria's Most Wanted, they'll have to let me…"

Lightning was in the air again, though not by her wings. She was enveloped in a blue aura, and she felt a tugging at her wings. "Trixie will rip your wings out of your sockets if you interrupt her again!"

Lightning Dust was threatened enough to keep quiet. That little threat had reminded her that as bad as her situation was, it could always be worse.

"Now then, you're pretty pathetic now, but the Great and Powerful Trixie has always been a miracle worker. You could be of some use to her."

"Uh… what do you want from me?"

"Trixie has some things planned, and those things involve Twilight Sparkle. And since they involve Twilight Sparkle, they will involve Rainbow Dash."

At the mention of that name, Lightning was filled with anger. "That… stupid… she's the reason I'm like this."

"Believe what you will," Trixie said, "it only benefits me. Trixie can handle Twilight, she has powerful enough magic to match her even in this state, but a speedy Pegasus can prove problematic. She needs somepony who can match her. And since you have a score to settle with her, that will ensure you will perform to your fullest."

"If it takes down Rainbow…" she trailed off a bit, "…Dash, then I'm in."

At that, Trixie set her gently on the ground. "Very good. Now listen. Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash will give us the most trouble, but Applejack can be problematic with her strength. But the Great and Powerful Trixie has a plan…"

Author's Note

I apologize for how little happened, I kind of wrote myself into a corner when I realized other things needed to happen the same night. Next chapter will be longer, and I promise, more will happen.

Sweetie Catches a Bug

“Sweetie,” Rarity said, in between tapping on her bedroom door in three knock intervals. “It’s not that I don’t enjoy having you over, but Mother and Father are probably going to be worried about you.”

Still no answer.

Rarity was starting to get worried. This wasn’t like her sister at all. She usually had a boundless amount of energy, late to bed and early to rise, usually to cook her a breakfast that was getting slightly more edible with each attempt. She knocked on the door once more. “Sweetie?”

She finally opened the door again.

What she saw gripped her heart.

She was laying in bed, sweat making her mane absolutely unkempt, sticking around her horn. The odor that reached her told her that the bucket beside her bed had gotten filled once more during the night.

“Sweetie!” She galloped over to the bed. She placed a hoof on her forehead, which told her what she already knew: a fever.

“Uhh... Rarity?”

Sweetie had stirred.

“Shh. Stay put. I’m going to go get the thermometer and some medicine. I know it’s yucky, but you need to take some.”

“...Okay.”

Rarity raced downstairs, as quickly as she could both run and carry the bucket filled with Sweetie’s half-digested food without spilling it. If her sister wasn’t whining about something unpleasant, it was time to worry.

“So far, there’s been no sightings of any changeling activity,” Spitfire reported. “The desert has been combed by all three branches of the EUP, and the Buffalo have scouts all over the area.”

Celestia nodded. “And Everfree?”

“It is still being searched. After the break-in yesterday we re-warded the castle, and are currently using it as a base of operations.”

Celestia nodded. “And any word on Trixie Lulamoon?”

“Her whereabouts are still unknown,” Captain Onyx Stone spoke up. “All of the unicorns under my command have been taught the skills necessary to purge the Amulet’s remaining influence from her.”

Celestia nodded. “And you remember your instructions?”

“Yes, yes,” the Unicorn nodded, “she’s to be unharmed. It’s been hammered into my soldier’s heads that she won’t be herself until purged.”

Celestia nodded, looking over at the two commanders. The heads of two-thirds of the EUP were present, but it seemed the third, Captain Hickory, was still absent. She sighed. “I want patrols stepped up. Whatever’s going on, nopony’s going to slip by me this time.”

The two captains saluted. “I’ll go over things with Soarin. The Wonderbolts will be at every corner of the kingdom by morning tomorrow.”

“I’ll have enough anti-changeling badges ready by the end of the week. I will pin them on you personally, after another changeling check, and then you will personally distribute them to every member of your ranks.”

The two nodded, and before they could continue, the doors to the throne room opened once more.

“Your Highness, Captain Hickory has arrived.”

The Captain walked in, getting a quick changeling check in the process, and took his place at the table. “My apologies, Your Highness, but I received a lead I felt I must look into.”

“On the changelings?” the princess asked hopefully.

Hickory shook his head. “No, on Trixie Lulamoon. Reports say she was sighted in Manehattan.”

“Well, that’s almost as good. What can you report?”

“She was seen in an alleyway, talking to an as-of-yet still unidentified Pegasus. We have soldiers there scouting the area with local police.”

“And on the Pegasus? What did she look like?”

“I have a sketch here, it arrived by fireplace this morning,” He noted, sticking his muzzle in his saddlebag and pulling out the evidence. “It’s a bit crude, but I think we can...”

“Wait,” Spitfire said suddenly, grabbing the sketch, “I think… yes, I know this pony!”

“Do you?” Onyx asked.

“Yes. Her name is Lightning Dust. She was a recruit at the Academy… started the same day as Rainbow Dash. She was talented, but she was far too reckless and self-centered, so she ended up dishonorably discharged.”

“Is she a threat?” Celestia asked.

“I’d say so,” Spitfire nodded. “She is skilled. She even earned wingleader. But she’s reckless. Even if we can catch her, she’ll end up damaging things if we’re not careful.”

“Add her to the Wanted List, though remember she’s wanted for questioning at this point and nothing else.”

All three nodded.

“Excellent. Now then, onto the patrols…”

The meeting lasted another hour before Celestia dismissed them. Picking herself up, she glanced at a nearby clock. She had finished twenty minutes ahead of schedule, meaning she had some time to read through some more of her novel before she had to hear petitions from the Elite.

Sighing, she teleported into her room. The newest Daring Do book sat on her end table with a bookmark near its middle. She had been hoping to finish this before Daring Do and the Volcano of Destiny was out. She might make it, even with everything on her plate, but she regretted the changelings took her wizards away from the not important but very much appreciated anti-spoiler wards they were developing.

She picked up her book and turned to the chapter she was on.

She hadn’t read but three sentences before she found herself peering above the pages to her desk.

The books were still there, still open to the scene of Megan slaying evil.

Forget it, Tia, her common sense said. You stared at that picture all night and you remembered nothing.

She stuck her muzzle back in the pages, but every three paragraphs she found herself looking back at the old tome.

She eventually marked her place again, then went back to staring at the picture.

Those ponies... it drove her mad. Why were they so familiar?”

A familiar knock came at the door. “Your Highness? Are you in there.”

Celestia sighed. “Yes, Kibitz?”

“Princess, you must come quickly. Chief Thunderhooves has arrived, and wishes to petition a few grievances with you.”

Celestia sighed. If the Buffalo were starting to get upset, that would make things about ten times harder than they had to be. “Very well, I’ll be right there.”

Sweetie could barely eat the soup that sat in front of her, and wouldn’t have bothered if Rarity hadn’t insisted, stating that she needed to eat something, and soup is good for a sickness. Rarity ended up feeding her, then kissing her forehead and letting her sleep.

She had been working at her sewing machine when Scootaloo and Apple Bloom had shown up. She had informed them of her sister’s sickness, and then politely but firmly refused their offers to try for cutie marks in nursing.

As soon as the two left disappointed, Applejack was next at her door.

“Sorry ta bust in on ya like this, Rare, but do ya think ya can go with Rainbow today when she’s interviewin’ those guys?”

Rarity shook her head. “I’m sorry, dear. Yesterday I would have said yes, but poor Sweetie fell ill and I must stay and take care of her.”

“Ya sure? Can’t yer parents do it? This is important.”

“Applejack, please. If it was Apple Bloom that got sick, you’d want to be the one to stay and take care of her.”

Applejack opened her mouth, stopped, then sighed. “Yeah, I would. But this is kind of important."

Rarity was working on a dress at this point, but was still keeping one ear on the conversation. "I know, Dearie. Still, I must say you seem to be taking this very seriously. Are you really that worried?"

Applejack was silent for a moment. "I suppose. I guess… what, with no Twi around, I figure somepony's gotta pick up her slack."

"Then why don't you go with Rainbow Dash today?"

"I was plannin' to. But…" Applejack gave a groan, pressing her hat over her eyes. "Derpy crashed into mah fence yesterday. I gotta stay home an' fix it."

Rarity placed a hoof on her forehead. "That poor mare... she ended up crashing into my trashcans last night."

"That filly would lose her brain if it wasn't in her head." Applejack shook her head. "Well, then I'm outta ideas. I don't think Pinkie or Fluttershy would be good fits."

"Aww, why not?"

Both mares jumped ten feet in the air as Pinkie popped out from behind a curtain.

"Gah! Pinkie, what are you doing here?"

"That's a good question. Anyway, why don't you think I'd do a good job?"

Applejack kicked at the ground. "Well, Pink… it's just, you're a little too excitable with whatever you try. I don't want you to freak anybody out."

Pinkie scoffed. "I can be real calm! Really! I'll have everypony talking…"

"Pinkie, remember when ya tried gettin' info outta Spike!"

"Oh, but that was so long ago! Please, Applejack? Please, please, please, please, please…"

Rarity rubbed her temples. "Applejack, perhaps she should go with Rainbow Dash. Just to see how she does?" There was an unspoken, "And to make her stop," that Applejack heard crystal clear.

'Well… I guess it couldn't hurt too bad…"

"Yay!" She put a foreleg around both of her friends and pulled them into a bonecrushing hug. "You won't live to regret this!"

Both of the ponies in question just looked at each other.

Peewee tapped his beak against Fluttershy’s window, chirping sadly.

“Peewee, I told you before, Spike can’t come back until next month.”

The baby phoenix just looked at at Fluttershy, then back to the window.

“Why don’t you have another flying lesson? Owlowiscious would be happy to give you one.”

Peewee didn’t even look this time. He simply gave his pitiful chirp.

Fluttershy felt like crying. It hurt to see a baby so sad, longing for the dragon he likely believed was his parent. True, his mentor was still here, but the one who usually fed and cared for him was gone.

“Please, Peewee… I know! I can make you that dish listed in the Guide! Princess Celestia made it herself, it’s fit for a royal phoenix!”

Still nothing.

Owlowiscious wrapped a wing around his charge. He didn’t resist, but he didn’t really react either.

Fluttershy sighed. She understood Peewee’s feelings, she had her stomach in knots worrying about what horrible things Twilight and Spike were facing. She glanced out the window.

A tugging at her tail interrupted her. She turned around to see Angel looking impatient.

“Oh, Angel. I’m sorry, today’s your tail fluffing, isn’t it?”

The bunny nodded.

“Well, I suppose I’m not getting anywhere with Peewee… okay.”

“R-Rarity?”

At that moment, the Unicorn was “in the zone”, as it were. In the next moment, she was practically gliding up the steps into the bedroom. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”

“C-can I have a glass of water?” She sounded like she was about to cry.

Rarity didn’t remember answering. The next thing she remembered, she had the glass, and was gently tipping it into her sister’s mouth.

“How are you feeling?”

“I... I feel too hot... like I’m going to die!”

“Don’t talk like that, Sweetie. Let’s take your temperature again.” She levitated the thermometer into her mouth. As her sister clamped down, she brushed her mane off her forehead and gave her a gentle kiss.

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine…” she sang, gently brushing her sister’s mane. Sweetie just moaned.

She took the thermometer out. “…One Hundred and Six! That does it, I’m taking you to the doctor.”

“I don’t wanna get out of bed.”

“Shh, shh, don’t worry, I’ll make everything better,” Rarity soothed. She ran downstairs, and returned with her softest blanket. She wrapped her sister in it before placing the load on her back. “Don’t worry, Sweetie. You big sister will take care of everything.”

Celestia looked at the mirror again. Not at the glass this time, she didn’t think she could bear seeing her tucking two Alicorn fillies into bed again. It was at the frame.

The mirror was a strange mix. Even decorated with rubies, it seemed almost plain. The sleek silver trim didn’t sparkle, so even with the decorations nopony would likely notice it.

Celestia studied every detail. There was something here... Something familiar. Since she had heard Thunderhooves’s grievances (merely that the buffalo working with the guards needed bigger rations, thank goodness) and held court, she had been studying the mirror intently.

It was why she was finding the book so familiar. She was sure of it.

“Sister?”

Celestia perked up. Luna had walked into the room, and was looking at her.

“Luna… you’re up early.”

“…Tia, it’s seven.”

Celestia blinked, looking at a nearby wall clock for confirmation. “…So it is…”

“Tia, I know the mirror’s tempting, and don’t think I don’t know what you’re seeing, but you must resist it. Twilight simply isn’t…”

“It’s not that, Luna, really. It’s… I think this mirror’s connected to Megan.”

Silence.

“Are you telling me you think this mirror leads to Megan’s world?”

“I’m saying it’s possible. I think… I think the ponies who gave it to us might be the ponies from the old stories. I know that sounds crazy, Luna, but…”

“Do you have any evidence for this?”

“I’m not sure. That’s why I’ve been waiting for you to get up. Will you go back to the Castle with me? The ponies that left us the mirror left us their symbol, but I don’t remember where.”

“Sister…” Luna began, but then sighed. “Very well. I trust you. Let’s be off, if we leave now we'll be done by midnight.”

Author's Note

Okay, I clarified Trixie a bit since I apparently didn't clarify it enough earlier. Anyway, things will be a bit more personal for a while, with Rarity and Sweetie on one end, and Celestia and Luna on another. Hope you enjoy.

Sick Days

Sweetie was swaying and struggling to keep upright. This wasn’t a good sign. She had voiced her displeasure at being pulled out of bed, but was too weak to do much more than moan, then fall asleep on Rarity’s back.

Now they were waiting patiently for the doctor to finish his analysis.

“Well, I have some good news,” the stallion said at last.

“Yes?”

“She’s not a dragon!”

“…Ah yes, Twilight told me about you,” she said, shaking her head. “Can you please tell me what’s wrong with my sister?”

“It seems to be a simple case of the flu… a rather strong one, though. She’ll need bed rest and plenty of liquids.”

“…That’s it? Shouldn’t she be getting some medicine?”

The doctor slapped his forehead. “Oh right, medicine! I keep forgetting that part!”

“…Look, can I talk to somepony else?”

“Young lady, I assure you, I’m an expert on medicine,” the doctor said, pointing to his degree on the wall. There it was, Dr. Malpractice of Stable University.

“…Did you… pick that name when you got your cutie mark?”

"Oh yes, I thought it sounded cool." He began to write out a prescription. "Now you'll need to give her about a teaspoon of what I'm perscribing every hour... or was it tablespoon? Eh, Nurse Redheart can sort that out.”

Rarity, praying the nurse was more competent than the doctor, lifted her sister back onto her back. "Don't worry, I'm taking you straight home, and you can get some sleep."

The smaller Unicorn shivered against her sister's back. "I'm scared."

"Don't worry, Sweetie, big sister's going to take care of you, everything's going to be just fine."

“I feel so… cold…”

Sweetie pressed her face into Rarity’s back, wettening her mane with sweat and tears. Rarity felt her heart sink.

“Cold? You were burning up this morning…”

“I’m sure that’s nothing to worry about,” Malpractice waved a hoof. “Foals usually exaggerate things when they’re that sick. She’ll be fine.”

“But look at her!”

“Well, is she used to being sick?”

“…Well, no.”

“See? It’s simply a new experience for her. She’ll be fine with a little rest.”

Once again, Celestia and Luna were back in their old home, looking through the catacombs they used to wander.

“What exactly are we looking for?’

“When those ponies left us the mirror, they left behind a bundle of other things, remember?” Celestia poked her head in another door, then shut it after seeing another food storage room.. “After I left, I only took the mirror. My mind was… preoccupied.”

Luna nodded. “And where did you keep them?”

“In a storage room on this level. I know it was down here… I just can’t remember which one.” She opened another door. “Well… this is storage. We might as well start looking.”

The two sisters went in different directions. Luna reached a crate, prying the top off with one swift motion. There was nothing but rotten strands of rope and moldy old cloth.

“Do you really think that we’ll find anything there we wouldn’t have noticed when we received it? Or that the ponies we employed to archive it would not have?”

“I’m not sure, but I need to keep looking. I…” she stopped, wondering if she should really go on.

“You’re too worried about Twilight Sparkle, aren’t you?”

Celestia stopped searching through her own crate. Then she hung her head. “Twilight’s Creator-knows-where and likely in terrible danger, and I’m here, still living comfortably.”

“You call this living comfortably? We’re having to keep thousands of nobles from killing each other.”

Despite herself, Celestia couldn’t help but smile. “Perhaps... I just miss the old days, when we were the forefront whenever there was a threat...”

“You aren’t the only one. I remember hating it, but now... I suppose I wouldn’t mind staying behind a desk, if there weren’t other ponies on the front lines.”

“I know… Twilight being gone… it’s driving me crazy. I know I shouldn’t worry, but…”

Before she knew it, Luna had draped her wing over her sister. “You worry because you care. I know nothing I say can change that. But you’ll be doing everything you can for her until she returns. That includes keeping Equestria running smoothly, and perhaps finding where this mirror came from. Maybe you’ll find something, and maybe you won’t, but either way, have faith that she’ll return to you unharmed.”

Celestia, who was starting to tear up, nodded. “I will.”

Luna sighed with relief that her sister was so agreeable. “Now then, I hope you’ll be content with turning over whatever we find to historians and leaving the work to them. You have a kingdom to run.”

“I will, Luna, I promise.”

The chariot ride back from Canterlot was a tense affair.

“Dashie? Come on, I said I was sorry.”

“That doesn’t make everything better!”

“It wasn’t so bad…”

“You took out that entire table! I’ll bet that one guy is going to limp for life!”

“Well, the waiter was acting suspicious. Did you see how much he was sweating…”

“That’s because you were shining that bright light in his face! And yelling at him! And shaking him while vowing that you would get the information you needed!”

“Hmmm… maybe I did come on too strong…”

“You think?” Dash rubbed her head. Taking another deep breath, she spoke. “Pinkie, these ponies aren’t criminals, they’re suspects. You need to cool yourself down, they might not have done anything wrong.”

“But you talked that way to Twilight when you met her.”

Rainbow Dash actually stopped at that. Then she grimaced. In retrospect, there was no way Twilight could have been a spy, even knowing as little as she did.

“Yeah, well, I shouldn’t have. Remember what happened with the MMMM?”

Now Pinkie seemed to deflate at that. “Oh yeah. I guess… I guess I got a little too excited…”

Rainbow Dash rubbed her head. “Tomorrow I’m getting Applejack to come with me. I don’t care what excuse she gives me, if I have to hogtie her and drag her there, she’s coming.”

“I don’t think Applejack would like that…”

“I don’t care!” Rainbow Dash’s calm was gone, and she was throwing her forelegs in the air in exasperation. “She can take a day off to come help me! If she needs work done, she can hire help!”

“But aren’t the Apples against that? The whole ‘we depend on ourselves’ and…”

“And it’s led to nothing but trouble, hasn’t it?” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “Remember Applebuck season? Or the Flim Flam incident? I don’t care what Applejack says, I’m going to send a message to Canterlot tonight. Tomorrow there’s going to be workers at Sweet Apple Acres, and Applejack is coming to Canterlot.”

Pinkie shifted. “I don’t know… Applejack can be as stubborn as Cranky.”

“Well, she better. Speaking of which, I haven’t seen Cranky around lately…”

”Matilda, I’m going out for a walk,” Cranky said. The smile on his face brightened as he opened his front door.

He was treated to hundreds of Mirror Pool clones hopping around Ponyville.

“Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!”

“Run! I mean, fun!”

Cranky calmly closed the door. Then, turning on one heel, he walked into his bedroom.

“Cranky?” Matilda called.

He failed to react. He simply crawled under his bed and assumed the fetal position, his smile never leaving his face.

“Eh, I’m sure he’ll turn up.”

Nurse Redheart, thankfully, was more competent. After checking the prescription, she rewrote it for the correct amount and dosage.

Rarity took her sister home and tucked her in, promising a glass of milk and some soup before she went to sleep. She reached her kitchen and ended up stopping at her refrigerator, seeing a horn written note that wasn’t there this morning.

We won tickets for a tour of Manehattan. Take care of your sister until we get back

- Mom & Dad

Rarity nearly bent her refrigerator door handle in half after reading the note. Sweetie wasn’t home last night and they hardly seemed to care.

Despite how unlady like it was, she couldn’t help but growl. Here she was, still a young mare, having to act like a parent because her real parents decided they deserved to live up their retirement, nevermind their children.

She opened her fridge and grabbed what she needed. She did her work in silent anger, trying not to think of her parents.

Sweetie wasn’t hungry, but Rarity made her eat anyway. Then she gave her another bath. The younger sibling moaned once about it, then stayed silent while Rarity lathered her mane and coat.

She was out the moment she hit the pillow. As she dozed, Rarity covered her and kissed her goodnight.

She was halfway out the door when she heard it. A faint muttering, coming from her little sister.

She approached her, leaning close to hear.

“Mu… mom…”

It was like another dagger through her heart. She kissed her sister again. “Mother and Father can’t be here, Sweetie. I’m doing the best I can.”

Sweetie squirmed under the covers, then seemed to calm down. Rarity gave her one more kiss, then left her to her sleep.

Then she headed for the work area. With all the work she missed, it looked to be a long night.

Gilda opened the door to her apartment. Her muscles ached and her wings were sore, but wearing heavy armor and patrolling all day did that to anygriffon.

She had taken two steps into her home when she realized somepony was already there.

“Ah, you’re back…” Trixie said. She was sitting on Gilda’s couch, reading a magazine as if it were her home. “And thank goodness, you Griffons have the most boring tastes.”

“Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?”

In response to this, Trixie put the magazine down and got to her hooves. “Nothing much, I just thought you might like to hear my offer…”

Gilda went forward, but hit an invisible wall. As she stepped back, rubbing her beak, the door behind her closed, locking in place.

“Forgive Trixie, but after that last encounter she’s not taking any chances. I wouldn’t bother calling for help, either…”

“Who are you?”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

“Never heard of you, get out!”

“Aw, you’re not even going to hit Trixie out?” She tilted her head in a coy pose.

“You broke into my house, you crazy…”

Suddenly Gilda felt her beak being forced shut.

“I’m sorry, but that squawking was giving Trixie a headache. Now then, Trixie has come to offer you the chance for revenge.”

Gilda actually arched an eyebrow at this. “Whut?”

Trixie actually released Gilda’s beak to allow her to talk again. “Revenge against Rainbow Dash.”

“…Why?”

Trixie was shocked at that answer. “Why? She abandoned you! Don’t you want to make her pay for her disloyalty?”

“I don’t care.” Gilda’s voice waivered a bit. Just the slightest bit. “I really don’t care if Rainbow Dash decided she’d rather hang out with those ponies than me. She’s not worth my time.”

Trixie was silent for a moment. “Is that your final answer?”

“What are you, deaf? Yes!”

Trixie was silent for a few more moments. Then, she lit up her horn. A ball of dark energy formed in front of her, which quickly formed itself into a black coin bearing Trixie’s cutie mark.

“When you change your mind, and it is a question of when, simply clutch the coin and say your name. Trixie will be with you shortly afterward.” She lowered the coin onto the nearby kitchen counter. “And don’t try telling anyone Trixie was here. Don’t think she doesn’t have her ways of keeping her eyes on you.”

With that, Trixie lit up her horn again. With a flash of dark energy, she was gone.

Gilda sat there for a good five minutes, making sure she was gone. Then she grabbed the coin, opened her door, and gave it a toss. Being a good throw, it sailed far out of sight.

This is why it came as a surprise when she turned and saw the coin still sitting on her counter.

She felt her heart race at this. She had been planning to run and tell the police about what happened. Not because she cared about Rainbow Dash, she told herself, but because Trixie could be a threat to her personally. But… this coin… was this how Trixie was going to keep an eye on her?

Finally, she picked up the coin again and dropped it in a silverware drawer. She needed to think about what to do.”

Celestia had found it.

Laying across the crate in front of them was what the ponies had left behind. A simple bronze amulet featuring a rainbow… the Rainbow of Light, likely… an old book, written in a language older than old Equestrian, and a sketch of a strange creature. It looked like a human, though the proportions were off. It was too short, and it had the longest, whitest beard they had ever seen on anyone.

“We had the scholars look this over,” Luna pointed out. “The book was never translated. What makes you think it can be translated now?”

“We’ve had advancements in understanding the time before the three tribes since you left. Maybe it will be enough.”

“I surely hope so,” Luna nodded. Her eyes glanced over the sketch. “I presume you still think this is the Moochick?”

Celestia nodded. “It has to be. The legends describe him as looking vaguely human-like.”

Both sisters still found looking at the sketch surreal. This was supposedly the same being that gifted the Rainbow of Light onto Megan, and the one who built Paradise Estates. To see him looking so… plain, was baffling. Still…

“The legends say he was immortal. Do you suppose that’s true?”

“Perhaps… but it hardly matters. I doubt he’d show up now, and we can’t spare any resources looking for him.”

“Then let’s get this back to the castle. If our historians find something, maybe it will lead to something that can help Twilight Sparkle.”

Lightning Dust had been reading through the newspaper when Trixie teleported in. She looked up just long enough to lift her eyebrow. “Well? Where is she?”

“She said no,” said Trixie, unconcerned. She simply trotted to the fridge to fetch a drink. It seemed with the Amulet, a few hypnosis spells were enough for a night’s stay in a hotel, provided it was far enough out of the way.

“Then what are we going to do? You said we needed something to match the Earth Pony.”

“Indeed we do, but the griffon was only my first choice. It won’t be too hard to find a thug or two to take her place. Believe we, we’ll be ready to move soon enough.”

Author's Note

New chapter next week, I swear.

There's a Storm Coming

As intense as the chariot ride last night was, the one this morning was even more unbearable. Even when she was annoying, Pinkie was friendly. Applejack, on the other hoof, was more ornery than ever at being dragged away from her work.

“I still can’t believe you…”

“Talked you into this,” Rainbow Dash said, with a roll of her eyes. “I know, but you’re the only one that can help me with Twilight and Spike gone.” She took a deep breath as she watched the landscape roll by. “I’m never going to laugh at Twilight being an egghead again. She did us a favor doing all the boring stuff.”

“Well, maybe you’ll appreciate that more now,” the Earth Pony said, paying more attention to the scenery herself.

“You’re one to talk,” Rainbow Dash said. That got the conversation back in place.

“What?”

“You’re. One. To. Talk.”

The Pegasi flying the chariot were employing all their training to pretending not to notice, while at the same time preparing in case the conversation turned more confrontational.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Gee, how about the fact that, even after all this time, you still refuse to take those business classes that…”

“Oh, fer Celestia’s sake, now you’re going to go off on me? I get that from Rare enough…”

“Yeah, you do, because you’re stupid about the way you spend money!” Rainbow Dash rubbed her temples. “You have two products that sell out every year… usually without me getting any, I might add… and you still barely make your bills every month! You’d be right up there with Filthy Rich if you had any sense of how to save money.”

“Oh, now you’re trying to play ‘Miss Responsible’?”

“Considering ‘Miss Responsible’ has managed to afford a big house on a weather mare’s salary, yes.”

Applejack gritted her teeth. Rainbow Dash continued.

“You never have enough of anything because you won’t let anypony besides us help you. You nearly got run out by Flim and Flam because of that. You sell record crops, but instead of really improving anything you just use it to fix some supplies and keep things as they are. You refuse to upgrade anything, and still do everything by hoof.”

“Th’ stuff tastes better…”

“No, don’t even try that. Don’t think I didn’t notice Granny Smith after she tasted that cider. That machine made it just as well until those idiots screwed up.”

“Yeah, well…”

“You know, Rarity and Twilight have been trying to get you to just go take a business class and learn how to save money. Do something about it!”

“Rainbow, I can’t afford that.”

“Both of them offered to lend you the money. And, need we forget, Princess Celestia? The one that offered us free health care, tax breaks, scholarships for any foals we might have, all that stuff since we got the Elements…”

“I ain’t gonna be no charity case…”

“For crying out loud, it’s not charity!” That outburst startled Applejack. The pegasi also shook, but in the argument it was barely noticed. “For Celestia’s sake, we all want you to stop this! Ever since Twi left, you’ve been trying to be a leader, but you can barely lead yourself. You’re barely getting by, even with all four of you working. Apple Bloom might need bits for secondary school, and Celestia knows how long Granny Smith will last before she needs to be taken care of. You’ve already nearly had to leave town once, and who knows what would have happened without us together. You could fix everything if you’d just accept the money and go enroll in something that would let you run the farm better. Are you going to do it, or are you going to have to poison half the town again before you admit you need help?”

“What did you say?”

“Are. You. Going. To. Have. To. Poison. The. Town. Again.”

There was a long uncomfortable silence.

“Why don’t we just stay quiet until we get there?” Every syllable was dripping with anger.

The rest of the trip was done in silence.

Fluttershy spread some bread crumbs out for the ducks. As they nipped them up, occasionally quacking a thanks, Fluttershy smiled.

Peewee, on the other hoof, stayed silent. She scanned the horizon. Despite how often Fluttershy explained it to him, he kept expecting to see his master come up and scoop him up.

As Fluttershy continued her duties, she kept wishing one of her friends wasn't busy. With Rainbow Dash and Applejack gone, Rarity caring for her sister, and Pinkie working, she was getting pretty lonely, even with Owlowiscious and Peewee to care for.

After finishing her duties, she gathered up her basket and returned to her cottage. What she saw when she got there was three ponies being growled at by Harry.

"Goodness, what's going on here?"

One of the stallions, a Pegasus with a hammer and nail cutie mark, answered. "Y-you're Fluttershy? Please, tell your bear here to calm down."

"Simmer down, Harry," Fluttershy said gently. The bear complied, but still kept his eyes on the newcomers. "I'm sorry, he gets nervous around strangers."

"Yes, well… we're the work crew Princess Celestia hired. We're here to install anti-changeling wards on your house."

"Oh, yes. Well then, you best get to it. Let them by, Harry."

Harry complied without further complaint. As the workers, stepping slowly as to not enrage the bear, went to work. Fluttershy went inside and found Owlowiscious. She scribbled out a quick note and gave it to her. "Go get Rarity and tell her I need her."

After all, she wasn’t going to let the three leave without a changeling check.

“Hmmm..... nnnmmmm,,,,, uuuughhh…”

Sweetie had been moaning all morning. Rarity had fed her and gave her her medicine, but her temperature didn’t drop the slightest.

“Oh, I wish I knew what was wrong with you. Shh, big sister’s here.” She kissed her forehead again.

Sweetie quieted down. Within five minutes, she was asleep again.

Sighing, Rarity kissed her again. She needed to get back to work. Which is why it was inconvenient that a certain owl came in moments later.

Lightning Dust was a bit uneasy, and not for the first time since meeting Trixie. She gave off an unpleasant enough vibe, but this new guy…

He was a stallion, an Earth Pony, big enough that he would likely give a manticore a run for its money. He had a dusty brown and a black mane, tied into dreadlocks all the way down. Perhaps the most worrying was his cutie mark, which depicted a red horseshoe with stars around it. She had a pretty good idea what he got it for.

He hardly seemed to move. Ever since he had been brought in, he had simply sat in his chair and read the newspaper Trixie had given him, with only a slight nod to his other teammate. He was not only built like a mountain, he seemed to act like one too. It wasn’t just sitting still, it was almost like a statue. Even with his size, one might not notice he was there.

As Trixie fumbled with a few papers, Lightning whispered in her ear, “Are you sure about this guy?”

“Trixie assures you, she knows what she’s doing. He might not have the personal grudge the griffon had, but he’s as good as they come.”

“Where’d you hear about him?”

“When Trixie became a fugitive, she got entangled in criminal affairs. She heard rumors of him. It wasn’t until she began looking for allies that she truly learned of him. She ignored it, at first, but with Gilda saying no…”

“Why pick Gilda over him?”

“Surely you’ve deduced?” When Lightning shook her head, she continued. “When I… was humiliated by Twilight Sparkle, I felt a rage… something eating away at me. It drove me for months, months of humiliating work that was beneath me. Then when I put that Amulet on… it was clearer than ever. And it allowed me to do great things. I wanted that in my allies. Somepony who would feel the same burning desire I did. And I know you’ve felt it. You’ve been ruined, as I have.”

“I… have…” she said. “But not the way you’re talking about. I always thought of a way to show up Dash, but…”

“Yes! You haven’t felt the Amulet!”

Trixie’s look was starting to scare Lightning Dust. She was grinning ear to ear, and her breath was shortening.

“I felt it… all those emotions, pushing me… it was… amazing! It gave me such power! I… I took over, and it felt good.” Then, realizing how she was acting, she composed herself. “Once you feel that feeling, you’ll never want to go back. You’ll be the best of the best.”

“Well… I guess…”

“Trust me. You’ll be great, and even if Red Hoof isn’t as driven, he’ll do well. And it’s only a few hours away.”

Lightning Dust blinked. “A few hours? I thought we were going to get more…”

“No need. Trixie can match Twilight Sparkle’s magic, you can do the same for Rainbow Dash’s speed, and Red Hoof will handle Applejack’s strength. That’s all we need to worry about. The other Bearers, they’re nothing special. Still, we need to get them first.”

“What? Why?”

“If they contact Princess Celestia, we’re stuck. They’ll put tons of the security around Ponyville and we’ll never get another chance. We need to attack swift and mercilessly. Get them all before they can get the word out. Once they’re gone it doesn’t matter if Celestia is told. In fact, I’m counting on it.”

“Really?”

“Trixie know Celestia has Trixie’s Amulet. She’ll get it back and take her rightful place!”

Lightning (the weather, not the pony) flashed at Trixie’s statement.

Red Hoof turned a page of his newspaper.

“K.... b.... n...”

Those mumbles greeted Rarity as she walked back in from checking the workers. Her head felt like it was going to split in two, but it had to be done.

When she approached her sister, the mumblings stopped. “That’s right, Sweetie, I’m back, you can calm down.” She felt her sister’s forehead again. “Still up… if you’re not better by tomorrow, I’m going to send a message for Princess Celestia. You need a better doctor.”

Sweetie didn’t answer. She just moaned.

“Alright, you can drop us off here.”

The two Pegasi stopped out in a field, letting Applejack and Rainbow Dash out. They flew off rather quickly, having sensed the tension between them.

As Applejack watched them do, she turned to her friend, who was balancing the entire stack of notes the two had made that day. “Well, that’s it. And good thing to. I’m gonna need to work overtime tomorrow to make up for everything you made me miss…”

“Actually, Applejack…”

The Earth Pony looked at her friend incredulously. “Oh, no, no, I’m not coming back tomorrow!”

“Come on, AJ, I haven’t spent time with Scootaloo in days! I just want one day to spend with her…”

“But I need…”

“Get Celestia to send you a few workers. Come on!”

“No, no, I…”

“Come on, I already had to cancel that day out with…”

“I said no!”

There was silence.

“You know, Twilight would sacrifice her pride for her friends,” Rainbow Dash said, before she flew off, heading toward her home.

Applejack just gritted her teeth. After a moment, she turned and began trotting to Sweet Apple Acres.

Attack

The next day looked slightly better for the group, but only slightly.

Applejack was up at dawn, determined to get as much work done as possible before she and Rainbow Dash went off on their daily work. Over the years she had gotten quite good at working while thinking heavily, which was a skill that was coming in handy now that her thoughts were a jumbled mess.

Half of her was looking for a way to talk Rainbow Dash down, while the other half was wondering if she was right. The farm made a good living, not big money but enough to afford a luxury item or two.

But Rainbow Dash had been right: she couldn’t afford to send Apple Bloom to any secondary education. The thought had never entered her head. Apple Bloom would get her cutie mark in farming and live in the farmhouse for life, is how she always figured.

But, she remembered her fillyhood, when she wanted to go to Manehattan. While she regretted that trip, it was a reminder of the possibility that Apple Bloom’s path could take her off the farm, and while she would love her sister if it came to that, she hadn’t been saving any money for that possibility.

“Big Mac?”

Her brother perked up, surprised at hearing her talk in the middle of applebucking, which was mostly a silent affair. “Yup?”

“How much extra bits do we have saved?”

Big Mac blinked. “Ah think we have about three thousand in th’ bank… why?”

The cowpony rubbed her temple a bit. “I’s… just wonderin’. You know Apple Bloom ‘ell be gettin’ her cutie mark ‘fore long… what if she needs schoolin’?”

“Then we ask th’ Princess or Filthy Rich fer help. They’re bound to know a pony they can ask fer an apprenticeship.”

“What if whatever it is needs a degree? Can we afford it?”

Big Mac shrugged. “We’ll figure somethin’ out. We always do.”

“Yeah, I guess…” Her thoughts went back to Flim and Flam, and how they didn’t figure anything out. Blind luck had saved them that time. “I guess.”

Fluttershy carefully flapped her way to Twilight’s library. She needed a book on bear dentistry to help Harry with a sore tooth. A rather unusual challenge, but she always loved expanding her knowledge of animal care.

She had been humming as she approached the library, but a pony entering her line of sight stopped her. She hated even humming in front of an audience.

That fear might have saved her life.

She was about to open the door when she heard a loud thud from inside, followed by a muffled voice.

“Be careful!”

She froze.

“Whatever, it was just a dumb book.”

“We’re trying to be quiet here!”

Fluttershy’s mind raced. Twilight and Spike were gone, and none of her other friends had any reason to be quiet. Somepony was in Twilight’s house uninvited.

She strained her ears, hoping to hear them again, but they weren’t speaking.

Carefully and quietly as she could, she crawled under one of the ground floor windows. Then, refusing to even breathe for fear of making too much noise, she lifted her head, just enough to see inside without exposing her head.

It took her three seconds to recognize a figure and pull her head back in.

Trixie. Trixie was in Twilight’s house.

She could hardly move.

“How long do we have to wait?”

“Twilight Sparkle has to come home sooner or later. It’ll be a simple matter of jumping her. Once we subdue her, her friends will be easy.”

The other voice, which gave Fluttershy a nagging feeling of recognition, just sighed in a way deliberately meant to be obnoxious. “Whatever.”

Finally finding her strength, she inched to the front door again. Carefully, she flew away, slowly at first, then breaking into the midair equivalent of a sprint toward Carousel Boutique.

“Well… your temperature’s actually down today,” Rarity said, relief in her voice. “Maybe another doctor isn’t necessary after all.”

“Mmmmmmmmmmm…”

“But maybe a second opinion wouldn’t be such a bad idea,” she sighed. “I’ll get on the phone with…”

“Rarity!”

Said Unicorn jumped a foot in the air. It instantly registered that she had heard Fluttershy screaming, which she rarely did unless she was truly scared.

“Fluttershy, what…”

“Do you have the changeling wards installed?”

“Yes, why…”

“We need to get the others together. Right now.”

Rainbow Dash was often seen as lazy, but she never dragged her hooves when she had something to do. At least, she tried not to. If she couldn’t do it quickly anyway, at least. But applying that in practice was a lot harder than thinking about it.

But then again, she had already done this under much worse circumstances. Admitting she was wrong to a friend was hard, but the wedding was the peak of that. Still, this was a challenge of a different flavor. She needed to admit she was wrong for snapping while trying to get the most stubborn pony in town that she was right that she needed to change.

She had just arrived at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres when Applejack had been leaving to go to market. The pair stopped in their track and looked at each other.

“…Hey.”

“Hey.”

Silence.

“Okay, look, I know I was a bit… pushy about things yesterday…”

Applejack held up a hoof to stop her. “I understand. I think we’re all a little on edge, what with Twi gone an’ them changelings everywhere. It makes sense we’d say things we don’t mean. I say forgive an’ forget. Now, I need ta get these to mar…”

Rainbow Dash flew in front of her. “See, that’s just it. I might have gone too far yesterday, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t right. You need to start…”

“No…”

“No, really…”

“N-no,” Applejack held up a hoof again. “Not right now, okay?”

“But…”

“Rainbow, look,” Applejack said with a deep breath. “Not right now. We’re all on edge right now. We can talk later, really. When this whole mess is over, I’ll listen to whatever, but I don’t really think now is the best time.”

There was silence.

“You’ve always said you’ll think about it, but that never…”

“Well, I mean it,” Applejack started, then caught herself. She took a deep breath, then went on, more calm. “See? We’re all on edge. Let’s just put it aside for right now, okay?”

Rainbow Dash looked at her friend for a few moments. Inside her brain, the two ideas waged war for dominance. “Well…”

And then Fluttershy entered the scene.

Taking a few deep breaths, she began speaking in a quick voice that was so unlike her. “You’re both here! Thank Celestia! You need to get to Carousel Boutique right now!”

Both ponies looked at her with momentary awe.

“Fluttershy? You’re sounding like Pinkie talking that fast…”

“Pinkie!” Fluttershy cut her friend off. “Is Pinkie here too?”

“Nah, she’s at the bakery…”

“Good, then Rarity will get her. We need to meet up, now!”

Lightning Dust took another book from the shelf and flipped through it. “Pfth. Lame.” She set it aside, the only reason she hadn’t tossed it was Trixie’s insistence at staying silent, and grabbed another. “Lame,” she set it aside. Had Twilight been there, she’d have likely had a fit at how she was treating her books like trivial items.

Red Hoof sat at a table, almost completely motionless, flipping through a dictionary. He had gotten all the way to “aero” at this point, and he seemed willing to read all the way to the end, invested in it as he would any novel.

Trixie sat with her eyes closed. She had been closing them for nearly half a minute and then keeping them open the other half for the past thirty minutes. Lightning Dust thought about asking, then decided she really didn’t want to get Trixie started on another rant.

She pulled another book down. “Art of the Checklist? What a dweeb.” She tossed it into the ever growing pile. “Seriously, how much longer?”

And then Trixie’s eyes opened. And she grinned.

“Good news, it’s not any longer now.”

“Now, here’s a fresh washcloth,” Rarity said as she applied the rag to Sweetie’s forehead. “Your fever’s gone down, but no need for unnecessary risks. Now you just wait while we go downstairs to discuss what to do.”

Sweetie moaned. Rarity kissed her on the forehead before leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

By the time she had gotten down to her workroom, Fluttershy was finishing up her story about what she had seen.

“So, let’s go over there and whup her. She’s not as powerful without the Amulet on.”

“Don’t you remember the other pony there? Might be more than one,” Applejack said.

Fluttershy spoke next. “Um, shouldn’t we call the guards? This isn’t like when Trixie had her shield up…”

“I sent Celestia word through my fireplace as soon as you told me. But there’s no telling how long they’ll take to get here, and they could get up to anything in that time.”

“They can’t even leave the library. Won’t somepony recognize them?”

Rarity shook her head at Rainbow Dash’s suggestion. “We can’t rely on that. Trixie could change the forms of things with the Amulet. I think we best assume she can now too.”

“Then what do we do?” the cyan pegasus threw up her hooves.

“Ooh! Ooh! I know, I know!” Pinkie hopped up and down. “Didn’t Twilight say once that the Princess sent her something to help with Trixie?”

“That’s right,” Rarity said, her face brightening. “Twilight even showed me how to use it. It takes Unicorn magic, but… it should drain the rest of the Amulet’s magic from Trixie.”

“Great, so where is it?”

At Applejack’s question, she grimaced. “In Twilight’s house.”

“So, no problem,” Rainbow Dash said. “Do you know where in her house it is?”

“In her lab. That might stop Trixie from finding it, but we can’t get to it.”

“Yes we can, easily. We all make a distraction while you sneak in and get it.”

“Rainbow, we don’t know how powerful Trixie is, or who she’s got workin’ fer her.”

“We don’t need to. Even with that Amulet, she wasn’t everywhere at once. And who could she have possibly gotten? A few thugs? We took an army of changelings and an angry mob, Trixie should be the only real threat. We only need to keep her busy for a few minutes.”

Applejack rubbed her chin. “I guess so,” she muttered. “I think it’s as good a plan as we’ll think of ‘fore they get here.”

“Grrrrreat! Now let’s go!” She jumped in the air. “We can get going, and stop Trixie, and Twilight will have a nice present when she gets home and…”

Pinkie’s words were cut off, and the reason took a few seconds to register why.

One moment, she was there.

And the next moment, she was stone.

The change was so sudden, that it took a few seconds for it to register in the confounded ponies’ brains.

Rarity screamed in horror. Both at Pinkie, and at what else she saw.

Sweetie was standing at the foot of her steps. Her eyes were wide and vacant, with dark energy dancing around them and the tip of her horn. Her mouth was open and her tongue was hanging out.

And Trixie Lulamoon was standing right behind her.

Trio

The rest of the crew only had a split second to take in everything. Then, Lightning Dust, in a flash of green, tackled Rainbow Dash. The two of them went sprawling into Rarity’s window, hitting it with a loud collision. Cracks appeared in the glass, but it held.

Applejack and Rarity both ended up reacting at the same time, making a move toward Trixie simultaneously. Red Hoof, remembering who he was paid to take on, stood in the cowpony’s way.

Before she knew it, she had run right into him. Her head rang, the pony felt like a brick wall. Before she could collect herself, the stallion put a hoof under her stomach and lifted her up. He rose onto his hind legs and wrapped his forelegs around her and began to squeeze.

Applejack was sure she would have cried in pain if she could have gotten air in her lungs. He was squeezing so hard she was sure her ribs would crack. Her mind raced. The only pony who wasn’t distracted was Fluttershy, and she didn’t have the strength to stop this beast.

But the yellow pony had brains. And in a flash a piece of cloth was wrapped around his head, and Fluttershy pulled back on it hard.

Red stopped and dropped Applejack out of surprise. He reached back and tried to pull the cloth off, but only for a split second. Then he fell forward on his front hooves and subsequently pulled the cloth from Fluttershy’s grip.

As he pulled it off, Applejack ran in and, with a leap, kicked the side of the stallion’s head. Unfortunately, Red Hoof had seen it coming and, not having time to block, turned to his side to let his body absorb most of the damage.

He stumbled a bit, but recovered quickly. Applejack, however, was in pain. The stallion was pure muscle, attacking him anywhere but the face would be a mistake.

Red Hoof, seeing Applejack was temporarily stunned, turned and swung at Fluttershy. The Pegasus dodged, being quick when danger was involved, and his hoof hit a wall, leaving cracks in it.

In the air, Fluttershy was paralyzed with indecision. Should she stay? She wouldn’t do much good. Then again, she had helped Applejack.

It was the cowpony that answered for her. Merely leaning her head toward the door was the instruction.

Get the device.

She flew toward the door, but something blocked her way.

You see, after Rainbow Dash had been plowed into the window, she had been stunned long enough for Lightning Dust to begin punching and tugging at her mane. When she realized what was happening, she began punching and tugging back, trying anything to get her opponent to ease up enough to make an escape.

By the time Fluttershy reached them, they were in front of Rarity’s door, Lightning Dust trying everything in her power to keep the mare that she blamed from getting away.

Fluttershy spaused, considering. Then, when she saw an opening, she reached in and bit Lightning Dust as hard as she could on the base of her wing.

She screamed, surprise at a sneak attack amplifying the pain, and stopped long enough for Rainbow Dash to land a punch that pushed her off.

Fluttershy was out the door in a flash, heading towards Twilight’s library, while Rainbow Dash stumbled out, getting to her hooves and trying to collect herself.

Inside, Trixie grabbed Rarity by the throat, lifting her in the air. “And now, the Great and Powerful Trixie will...”

Then she realized who she was holding.

“You aren’t Twilight Sparkle!” She tossed her to the floor. “Where is she?”

“What have you done to my sister?” Rarity screeched. Anger put aside any [pain screaming after Trixie’s choke might have had.

“Where. Is. Twil-”

A large blast of energy hit her. She stumbled back, but the dark energy kept her protected. As she regained her balance, she saw a frantic Rarity talking to her sister.

“Sweetie? Sweetie? Please, what’s wrong?”

“She can’t hear you,” Trixie said. At Rarity’s glare, she continued. “Trixie’s strongest magic has been flowing through her for days. She’s nothing more than her puppet at this point.”

“A few days?

Trixie grinned. “It was easy to get naughty foals who wander into the Everfree Forest.”

“Everfree? Well, why did you make her sick?”

“A side effect as her body got used to the magic. Pretty soon, she’ll be Trixie’s puppet permanently. Of course, Trixie won’t need her now that she did her job spying on you, but maybe Trixie will keep her any...”

Another blow, this one Trixie blocked. A powerful wave of black magic sent Rarity back. “Enough gloating. Where is Twilight Sparkle?”

“Gone,” Rarity said, getting to her hooves. Immediately she found herself pinned by her hooves against the wall.

“Lies! Where is Twilight Sparkle?”

“She’s gone! She left Equestria. We can’t even contact her for nearly a month!”

Trixie stopped a moment. Her face turned to a look of considering. Rarity was afraid, and her face showed it. She wasn’t likely thinking rationally...

“No... Trixie won’t stand for this!” She dropped Rarity in her anger, but dark magic brimmed from her. “This was Trixie’s moment to shine! She will not have that robbed from her again!”

While Trixie ranted, Rarity went over to Sweetie and shook her. “Sweetie? Sweetie? Please, it’s me, your big sister...”

Suddenly the back of Rarity’s neck was grabbed and she was lifted into the air once more.

“Where did she go? Griffon country? Among the dragons?”

Rarity kicked and tried to escape, but after Trixie shook her violently, she answered. “To another world. The only portal is in the Grand Palace, and not even Celestia can open it for another month.”

Trixie gritted her teeth, her face turning red. For a moment, Rarity was afraid that she might explode in her rage.

And then, she calmed herself. “It’s no matter, because Trixie is going to make Twilight Sparkle come to her- ahh!”

Rarity, deciding now was as good a time as any, lit up her horn, and set out a bright flash. It blinded the showmare, who dropped her in surprise and pain. As she hit the ground, she saw that Trixie had summoned a shield around herself as she collected herself.

Trixie readjusted her eyes, and after a moment threw down her shield to fire at Rarity. However, she was nowhere to be seen.

At least at first. But within moments Rarity’s hoof had struck her cheek.

Many wrote Rarity off as dainty, which was partially her intention, as she preferred to be seen as a lady than a ruffian. But not many realized that her figure came from constant exercise, and she had a good deal of muscle, maybe not to the level of Applejack or Rainbow Dash, but she was still not a pony to be taken lightly.

Trixie had, and because of that she had received a powerful buck to the face. It sent her back, stunning her as much through surprise as through pain. She stumbled back, and just before she was to try and counter Rarity was on her, striking her as hard as she could. The ferocity once again caught her off guard, and she was unable to even gather herself.

"Turn my sister back! I know you can, turn her back!"

"Stop!"

A bright flash of red brought Rarity to a hault. As she stood rigid, Trixie collected herself, rising to her hooves. "Well, congratulations, you just made Trixie all too eager to carry out her plan."

Rarity felt herself going cold. “What do you mean?”

“Twilight Sparkle will come if her friends are in some way affected."

Rarity felt her heart stop. "You're going to kidnap us?"

"Actually, that would be too much trouble. Trixie's just going to kill you. She'll come for revenge."

While all that was going on, Rainbow Dash was interrupted from catching her breath by Lightning Dust, who was relentless in her pursuit. The cyan pony managed to stay a step ahead of her.

It actually took Rainbow Dash a few moments to recognize her attacker. "...You! What? ...Why are you doing this?”

Lightning Dust didn’t answer, at least not at first. She continued lunging at her hated opponent, all while Rainbow Dash continued flying just out of her reach. It wasn’t until when one of her lunges was answered with a hoof to the face that she felt like answering.

“Why are you doing this?”

“What else can I do? You made me!”

“I made you? I get that you’re mad, but was it worth turning Pinkie to stone? Or whatever you did to Sweetie?”

This actually got Lightning Dust to stop. “I... I didn’t think she’d go that far.” For the first time since Rainbow Dash had met her, she sounded unsure. “I thought she was just going to rough Twilight Sparkle up...”

“You’re still here, though.”

“I don’t have a choice now! Trixie’s pulled me in!”

“Yeah, and whose fault is that?”

“Yours!”

In a flash Lightning was on Rainbow again. The two were tumbling through the air, pulling at each other’s manes and tails, biting wings, and throwing hooves. “You turned Spitfire against me! You got me kicked out! You drove me to everything!”

“Wow... the foal that lives with me sounds more adult than you.” And with that, she knocked her across the face. Lightning wasn’t distracted, even for a moment, she just kept coming.

Rainbow Dash’s words were as calm as she could manage, but the truth was she was worried. Lightning had proven just how determined she was to punish Rainbow Dash, and it didn’t look like pain was going to be much of a deterrent.

She ran down her options. Should she lead her on a chase? Maybe the dangers of the Everfree Forest or Ghastly Gorge? No, there was too much that could go wrong, and she wanted to be able to return and help her friends as soon as Lightning was taken care of. Should she try leading her to the police station? No, that wouldn’t do. Chief Book ‘Em was good, but anypony with military training would be too much.

Rainbow Dash kicked Lightning in the stomach. This knocked the wind out of her enough for Rainbow to pull away. Still, it was only after half a second that Lightning lunged again, while still trying to get air in her lungs.

Rainbow couldn’t believe it. She wasn’t stopping for anything.

And then it hit her. She’s not stopping... for anything. She’s putting everything she has into it...

The next time Rainbow dodged, she put on the cockiest smile she could manage. “You shouldn’t blame me for getting kicked out.”

Lightning Dust glared at her.”What?”

“You can’t even catch me, can you? I’ve raced birds that flew faster than you.”

Lightning gritted her teeth. “You...” Another lunge, which Rainbow Dash dodged. But just barely. Rainbow knew that if Lightning caught her now it might mean the end, but she didn’t let the worry show. It would ruin everything.

“Yes, me. The real Wonderbolt recruit. The one who's actually going to be the greatest flyer Equestria’s ever seen, and not some loser who was kicked out because she was a sociopath.”

She lunged and miss.

“I don’t know why, but I thought you’d actually have improved your flying since you left.”

She lunged and missed.

“Tell you what. How about I fly backwards? That might give you a fighting chance.”

She lunged and missed.

“Aww, it’s cute that you’re trying to to act so tough.”

She lunged and missed. And then she finally started breathing so hard she needed to stop and rest, only for a moment.

That was what Rainbow Dash was waiting for.

She tacked Lightning Dust and wrapped her forelegs around her. Then she flew up, going faster and faster.

“Hey! What!? --”

She kept flying. When she was high enough, she took a dive and began flying at an angle to the ground.

“You think you’re extreme? Let’s see you handle this!”

Mentally, she was thinking Please don’t let her slow me down, please don’t let her slow me down...

She flew. Her speed increased. Her eyes watered. She couldn’t even hear Lightning Dust screaming anymore. Air started to form in a cone around her.

And then, like she had flown into a rubber band, she slowed to a halt, and sprung back.

Carrying Lightning had added too many variables. The Sonic Rainboom had failed.

At least, to put on a show. As she regained her bearings, she saw Lightning was falling to the ground. A quick swoop and she caught her. She also confirmed her suspicions: her rival was out cold.

“Too many Gs. That’s what happens when you let yourself get out of practice.”

She landed and laid her body on the grass. She was right outside Carousel Boutique, and judging by the noise inside there was something serious going on, but she had to do this first. She put an ear to Lightning’s chest.

“Fast heartbeat, but normal breathing. You should be fine.”

Then, without another moment's hesitation, she flew into the nearest window.

Red Hoof was like a mountain. But Applejack knew that everypony had a weak spot. She just needed to find it.

Red Hoof looked at her. Applejack’s first thought was that he looked like a cobra, but realized almost immediately that wasn’t a good simile. Cobra’s had malice in their eyes, this pony had... patience. He was waiting. Waiting to see what his opponent would do before doing anything himself.

Applejack realized that he had the upper hoof. Whatever she tried, he’d see coming and counter. If she tried to run, he’d catch her. And if she just waited, he’d catch her the first moment she was distracted.

Finally, she ran to her left. When she saw Red Hoof make a move toward her, she changed directions. Now she could get to his side...

A large foreleg struck her, sending her flying back and into Rarity’s work table. She moaned in pain, and just as she was beginning to get up, a large hoof pressed on her chest and forced her down. Red Hoof had been too quick.

The large pony looked down at her. He pressed his hoof down, squeezing Applejack into the floor. She struggled, smashing the side of his hoof with her forelegs, though it was hard to tell if he was even feeling it.

Realizing that she wasn't getting anywhere, she began pawing around her, looking for anything that could get her out of this mess. Finally, her hoof hit something cold and metallic. Scissors, she realized. Carefully, she pushed the item towards her, until it was close to grab in her teeth.

When she saw Red Hoof's shadow move, she knew she had to be quick. She picked the scissors up just in time to miss stabbing his foreleg, which he had removed the moment he realized what she was up to.

Applejack rolled onto her hooves. This was it, she knew it. The strongest muscles couldn't block a blade, even a small one like this. Gritting her teeth, she took a step forward to stab.

And then hesitated. For two reasons. First, she had never stabbed anypony before. Even her worst fights had largely bloodless, at least on her part.

And secondly, Red Hoof was just looking at her again, completely unaffected. At least, until she stopped.

Applejack was quick enough to get out of the way of the first strike, but not the second.

Her head rang as she hit the floor. The pain bounced in her skull, and her vision blurred. Too stunned to even moan in pain, she just lay there. At least, until Red Hoof kicked her in the stomach.

As she skidded across the floor, fear hit Applejack. What could she do now? Red Hoof wasn't about to let her get another chance to try anything. Pinkie was stone, Fluttershy was gone, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash had their hooves full. This looked to be it.

And then Rainbow Dash suddenly appeared. With a long bit of red cloth, she had wrapped a noose around Red Hoof's throat and began pulling hard.

Red Hoof was caught off guard, but not as badly as Fluttershy's sneak attack. After a moment he tried bucking her off, but Rainbow Dash was much more suited for this than Fluttershy had been and held her grip.

When he realized his attacker wasn't getting off, Red Hoof began to panic. He kicked and bucked, putting up a fight, but almost immediately he lost strength. With a few heavy breaths, the large pony fell over.

Rainbow Dash continued for a few seconds afterward, not about to take chances with this opponent. Once she was sure he was down for the count, she stopped and flew to Applejack.

"AJ! AJ! Are you..."

"I'm fine," Applejack said, her voice barely coming out. She tried to stand, but her head spun too much and she was sitting down again before she even realized it.

"You don't look fine."

"I'm just banged up. Go help Rarity, she needs it more."

Rainbow Dash only considered for a split second, then rushed to where the Unicorns were doing battle.

Rarity really wished she had taken up Twilight's offer to teach her more advanced spells, because Trixie was glaring at her with the most malicious look she had seen since that horrible meeting with the Changeling Queen.

"Trixie is not heartless. She gives you one final request. Name it, but if you try to use it to be free, your death will be even more painful."

Rarity racked her brain trying to think of anyway she could use this to her advantage. But only for a split second. There was something more important.

"Free my sister, and don't hurt her."

Rarity expected Trixie to laugh in her face, or react violently to the request, or to laugh at her gullibility that she would honestly grant a last request. What she hadn’t expected was the showmare to actually look surprised at what was said.

“That’s it? No begging for your life? No attempt to trick me?”

“No. Just... let my sister go. And send her away. I don’t want her to see.”

Trixie was silent for a moment. Then, she turned her head to the filly who was still standing there, eyes covered in dark energy.

She lit up her horn, and dark energy came flowing out of Sweetie and into her horn. The process lasted a few seconds, but it eventually ended. Even so, Sweetie still had dark energy dancing in her eyes.

“Walk to a field outside town and wait five minutes. Then, pull the rest of your dark energy into your horn and fire it.” Trixie looked at Rarity, then added, “Somewhere where you won’t hit anypony.”

Sweetie moved like clockwork toward the door.

Both Trixie and Rarity had turned to watch her go, and were just in time to see Rainbow Dash charging toward them.

Trixie yelped and tried to get her shield up, but she was a split second too slow, and Rainbow Dash plowed into her, slamming both against the wall.

Trixie kicked and screamed. “Release Trixie!` Release her! Release her!”

Rainbow Dash did release her, but not by choice. The wave of dark energy that Trixie released in her rage threw her back. She hit the wall, and felt a pain in her wing. She had hit it wrong.

“Enough! Trixie will finish you off now and...”

Then something covered Trixie’s horn.

Fluttershy was on her back, and was holding the device over her horn. It was a strange rod with what looked like a clay pot on one end, one perfectly sized to fit a horn, with a glass orb on the other.

“What th- AHH!”

Trixie’s cry came from surprise, as she felt a sensation that wasn’t quite pain, but still trembled through her body. As she did, sparks popped out of the base of her horn, and the clear orb began to fill with dark magic.

When it was over, Fluttershy removed the device. Trixie stumbled a bit before falling to the ground.

There was a dead silence. For a full ten seconds, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash just looked at each other, then at the fallen bodies of Red Hoof and Trixie. The stallion was out cold, but Trixie looked like she was still conscious.

“Is it over?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, I think,” Rainbow Dash said. “Lightning and that stallion are out, and Trixie...”

Something stopped them, something that got all of them to turn and look at Trixie.

They heard crying. Sobbing. And they realized it was coming from the showmare herself.

Before anypony could comment, another noise was heard. A loud clop.

Applejack yelled in horror as she realized Red Hoof was rising to his hooves. As she tried to crawl out of the way, the others looked as he rose. His expression was still blank, with no malice or rage. He just looked at them.

Rainbow Dash thought to charge, but knew it wouldn’t do any good. She flapped her wings, only to wince in pain. She was hurt, and it would be no good for any serious flying. She was wondering how to signal the others for a distraction when the final member of Trixie’s team stumbled in.

“Forget them! The Royal Guards are almost here! I saw them coming! We have to move!”

Hearing this, the four ponies brightened up. “That’s right, we win!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Next time,” Lightning promised. ‘Come on, Trixie, let’s go!”

“...No.”

All eyes fell on her in shock. Even Red Hoof lifted an eyebrow at this.

Trixie was on her hooves now. She looked a far cry from the pony she had been just moments ago. Her mane was disheveled and her her body sagged. Her eyes were wet with tears. But her voice remained steady.

“I will not run. I won’t be a criminal.”

Lightning's jaw dropped, as if her former employer had just spontaneously sprouted wings. "Are you mental?"

Trixie looked at her. "No. I'm thinking clearly for the first time since I put that Amulet on." She considered a moment. "Actually, I think I'm thinking clearer than I have since long before. I can't run. I couldn't live with myself if I ran."

“What? You idiot, don’t you get it? You’ll be locked up for life! They aren’t just going to forget everything!”

“Then so be it.” Trixie made a slow walk over to where Pinkie still stood.

“Why? You can get away, they’re all to injured to chase us!”

“Please be quiet, I need to remember how to reverse this.”

Lightning Dust just gaped. “Fine! Whatever, I knew you were crazy, but... come on!”

Then Red Hoof charged forward. In one swift motion she knocked Fluttershy aside. The device went flying from her hoof, but he caught it in his teeth with no problem.

Then he turned and was out the door. Lightning was stunned by this, but only for a moment as she soon followed.

Rainbow Dash started to follow, but true to Lightning’s words she faltered in her flying when the pain in her wing rose up again. As she fell to the ground, she muttered. “Darn... they got away.”

There was a flash of white light.

“...we can all have a party with cake and cookies and my new party cannon!” Pinkie stopped and looked around. “Did I miss something fun?”

And then Trixie collapsed into a sobbing mess.

Punishment

Trixie didn’t struggle when the guards placed a horn ring on her, or when they put shackles around her hooves and began escorting her to an armored chariot with a steel box behind it.

She did, however, hurdle closer to the guards when she realized her escapades had drawn attention. Plenty of townponies had seen the brawl in the sky between Rainbow and Lightning, and Roseluck had seen the pair exit Carousel Boutique. This meant what could only be described as a mob without torches and pitchforks had surrounded the building by the time Trixie had been escorted out.

Needless to say, seeing their former captor hadn’t done anything to improve their mood. Several ponies began trying to push past the guards, despite all of them and Chief Book ‘Em attempting to calm them.

The cries ended when Rarity stepped forward. “Stop this at once! You aren’t barbarians! Trixie has been arrested and will face her punishment in due time.”

“But she banished Twilight!”

“She tried to kill her!”

Several other voices were raised in agreement.

“So, you’re doing this for Twilight?”

There were several cries of agreement.

“Okay then. Is that really what you think Twilight would want? If you can honestly picture Twilight asking you to do this, then go ahead.”

There was a silence. Then, the entire crowd dismissed themselves, some muttering about the situation being handled.

Trixie stood stiff another few moments before taking a deep breath, relieved. She turned to thank Rarity, but she was already trotting off, away from her. The blue Unicorn didn’t get much of a chance to think about this before the guards began leading her again. She didn’t put up a fight.

Rainbow Dash watched Applejack and Sweetie Belle being loaded onto an ambulance as another doctor bandaged her up. Luckily her injuries weren’t serious enough for a trip to the emergency room.

When Rarity reached her, she spoke. “That was… well, I wasn’t expecting you to be in such a hurry to stand up for Trixie.”

Rarity was silent for a moment. “…I wasn’t. I don’t know if I’ll ever be.” She sighed. “But what I said was true. Twilight wouldn’t want Trixie to get beaten by that mob.” She looked at the ambulance speeding off. She’d be following them if the guards hadn’t asked her to stay and answer some questions.

“…I wish she was here too,” Rainbow Dash said. “She’d never have let Trixie surprise her like that.”

“Are you sure?”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “What?”

“Are you sure? Twilight is clever, but not even she can be alert all the time. What if those three had just jumped her when she came home?”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “Uh… well, wasn’t she worried about Trixie? I…” she sighed. “I don’t know. All I know is we never got beat up this bad when she was around. Even those dragons went down without sending one of us to the hospital.”

“Well… I’m wondering if Twilight would have done any better against that Earth Pony. There was just… something about him. It wasn’t normal.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “I totally get what you’re saying. I guess…”

“Rainbow Dash!”

Both ponies jumped. They hadn’t noticed Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. The Pegasus portion of the Cutie Mark Crusaders was talking in a kind of scared excitement. “We heard what happened Trixie was here and you guys stopped her and it was cool and… and…”

Scootaloo stopped and wilted when she saw Rainbow Dash was looking at her angrily.

“Uh…”

“You went in the Everfree Forest!”

Both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom tensed up in fright.

“Honestly, the one place I told you not to go. Really? Do you think you’re being brave or something? Because going and looking for trouble isn’t brave, it’s just...” Rainbow Dash trailed off. "Stupid" was the word she had been thinking of, but she didn't want to call her that.

The two shrunk down.

“Scoots… go home. Now. You better be in your room when I get home, because you’re already in enough trouble.”

“But…”

“I don’t have time to discuss it now. Go home and wait.”

Scootaloo timidly backed away before turning and running. Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and immediately began analyzing is she handled that well enough.

Rarity spoke to the remaining filly. “Now, Apple Bloom, I’m afraid your sister got banged up a bit and had to be taken to the hospital. We were given instructions to take you there, but we were to remind you that you are in just as much trouble. Do you understand?”

Apple Bloom gulped and nodded. Tonight was not going to be fun.

When the group arrived at the hospital, they were greeted to quite the cathartic site of Dr. Malpractice following a supervisor into a side room to get chewed out. It seemed that, once word got out that Sweetie had been brought there days before, everypony wondered how anypony could have missed so much dark magic. Later the Chief of Medicine would inform Rarity that he was being sent back to medical school for some extended reeducation.

Most ponies went in to visit Applejack. Rarity intended to do so as well, but she had another, more important stop first.

She opened the door to her sister's room to find her crying. She had bags under her bloodshot eyes, which were sticking up from the covers she had wrapped herself in.

"Sweetie?" She trotted over to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"…It hurts," she said. "But… not really. It's… I don’t know…”

Rarity stroked her sister’s mane. “Shh, shh, there there… it’s over.”

“I hope they lock Trixie up forever,” Sweetie said with tears in her eyes, burying her face in her sister’s chest.

Rarity bit her lip. She was debating how to respond when Sweetie spoke again. “What’s going to happen to her?”

Rarity sighed. “Well, I don’t know for sure, but Trixie did a lot of the things she did because of the Amulet. Celestia will probably pardon her for a lot of it…”

“What? But… what she did to me… she put a spell on me…”

“Sweetie, yes, I understand how you feel, but...”

“Why would they just let her get away with everything?”

Rarity waited a bit to make sure her sister wouldn’t interrupt her before going on. “Sweetie… I’m not going to act like I’m ready to forgive Trixie, not yet. I think it’s important we do so eventually. She wasn’t herself…”

“She brainwashed me…”

“So did Twilight once, and you still love her. You and your friends brainwashed Miss Cheerilee and Big Macintosh, and they still love you.”

“Yeah, but… they’re friends, and Trixie…”

“Is a pony who made some bad decisions,” Rarity answered. “She turned herself over willingly and is getting help.”

“…I don’t know if I can…”

“I know, I know, it will be hard. It can be hard to forgive somepony who hurt you, but we need to try.”

Sweetie just cried some more. Rarity held her for a good five minutes.

“You shouldn’t have gone into Everfree,” Rarity said.

“I… I know. Am I grounded?”

Rarity smiled. “I think this whole mess is punishment enough,” she said. “Besides, you’re going to be in bed for at least a week recovering, according to the doctor.”

“...Doctor Malpractice, or a real doctor?”

“A real doctor, don’t worry.”

Rainbow Dash paced her living room. She needed to do this now. Scootaloo was upstairs, miserable, and it would be cruel to keep her in suspense about her punishment.

Still, Rainbow Dash needed to make sure she was ready. This was it, the defining moment, the one she had known was coming since she decided to take Scootaloo under her wing. The first time she was actually going to have to punish her.

Rainbow Dash had asked her friends for advice a week after she had gained custody, but they weren’t much help. Spike was so well behaved Twilight had no advice, and she couldn’t take Applejack’s advice and try corporal punishment, not with what she had already been through.

Taking a deep breath, she moved herself upstairs, but felt herself lose her nerve almost immediately. Had she already messed it up by callously sending her home earlier? Maybe she should have let her visit Sweetie in the hospital…

She steeled herself again, moving up the stairs. Before she knew it she was in front of the door to Scootaloo’s room. Not delaying any longer, she opened up.

Scootaloo lifted her head off the bed. She had been crying, at least when she had first arrived home. She looked up at Rainbow Dash, guilt still in her eyes.

The elder Pegasus steeled herself. She needed to be firm here. “The Everfree Forest. Really, Scoots? The one place in town that you’re told is dangerous, and you just go there?”

Scootaloo said nothing, so she went on.

“I did not go through all that trouble to get you just so you could wind up timberwolf food. Honestly, why did you even consider disobeying me?”

“…Well, we were just going to visit Zecora, but we thought… it would be…” Scootaloo couldn’t finish.

“I think what you mean is, you weren’t thinking at all. What you did was stupid, dangerous, it… I don’t even know how it got in your mind! I already fought off somepony to get you, I don’t want to add a few wild creatures to the mix.”

“I know.” Scootaloo’s voice was a bit more steady. “We already agreed it was a mistake… we’ve been wanting to talk to Sweetie about it.”

“Well, you’ll get your chance tomorrow when I take you to visit her and Applejack in the hospital, right before I drop you off at Sweet Apple Acres.”

Scootaloo nodded as if expecting this. “My punishment?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Applejack wasn’t hurt too bad, just three days of bed rest, then she’ll be sore for a week. In that time, you’ll be doing all her chores, and then some. In fact, you better be clearing your schedule.”

Scootaloo gulped. “You mean I’ll be working there all summer?”

“Yes… but not as hard as you will be next week. Just a couple of days a week while Applejack does some work for the princesses. You and Apple Bloom can pick up her slack. Maybe Sweetie will help you, if she’s feeling nice.”

Now Scootaloo looked angry. “You mean Sweetie’s not getting in trouble? Why?”

Rainbow Dash glared at her charge… but only for a split second before realizing Scootaloo hadn’t been told the full story. So she told her the full story.

“…I guess that makes sense.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Besides, from what Rarity told me, Sweetie had symptoms worse than the flu. Now then, there’s another part of your punishment.”

Scootaloo was angry once more. “What? But aren’t I getting… ahh!”

The foal shrieked as Rainbow Dash pounced on her, sending her on her back. Instantly her wings were at her sides, the feathers dancing on her ribs.

“Hahahahaha! No! R-Rainbow D-Dash, please! Please! …Hehahahaha!” Scootaloo kicked and squirmed, but her caretaker was too big for her to even hope escaping.

“You’ve got to take it like a champ, kid!” Rainbow Dash said before bringing her face down and blowing on her stomach. Every raspberry caused the young foal to shriek.

Finally she relented and released her. Scootaloo breathed heavily, trying to get air back in her diaphragm. Rainbow Dash lay next to her, wrapping her forelegs around her charge and pulling her close. She gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“I love you, Scootaloo.”

“I love you too. I’m sorry I went into Everfree.”

“Well, I hope you’ll get the message. Now, why don’t we get some sleep? We’ve had a hard day.”

Trixie had spent a few hours in a dungeon cell before receiving a horrible summons. She was to go straight to Princess Celestia.

Her legs shook the entire time the guards led her. Luckily they didn’t hurry her, helping her like an invalid walk.

Eventually they brought her to two large double doors. Immediately Trixie noticed something off. This didn’t seem like the entrance to a throne room. It seemed too… cozy.

Then the doors opened, and Trixie saw why: this was a bedroom. The Princess had her brought to her own living area.

The guards had trouble undoing her shackles because her shaking got ten times worse. Eventually they left her in just her horn ring, gently pushing her through the door.

Celestia was sitting on a mound of cushions. She looked at Trixie with a neutral expression, one that she developed over centuries of putting up with stupid requests. “Stand before me.”

Trixie had never been so scared. She moved slowly toward Celestia. After a few moments, she practically ran, dropped to her knees in a bow.

“Please, Your Highness, I’m sorry, I…”

“Be silent.”

It wasn’t said harshly, but it was enough to cause Trixie to stop.

“Rise.”

Still trembling, Trixie obeyed.

“Trixie Lulamoon… I have spent the last few months reading up on you. And the last few hours hearing about what you’ve done since your takeover of Ponyville. You’ve caused quite a bit of trouble while wearing that Amulet.”

Trixie didn’t dare speak, so Celestia continued.

“There will be consequences for your actions, which will be decided in due time. However… I’ve gone over what happened earlier today, and I feel something must be done first.”

Trixie was crying at this point.

“Trixie… do you want a hug?”

The Unicorn gaped. Had she heard her correctly? She just looked at the Princess in disbelief. Just when she was about to ask if she had misheard her, Celestia opened her wing.

After a few moments, she ran into the Princess’s embrace. The tears started to flow as the wing closed around her.

Decisions & Regrets

"This is disgraceful."

Trixie shrunk under her parents' glare. "But I got an A... second best..."

"Okay, stop. We don't do 'second best'. That's the place ponies end up when they're lazy or stupid. Are you lazy?"

"No!"

"Oh, you're just stupid?"

"No!"

"Well this grade says you're stupid!" The spelling test, marked 95 out of a hundred, floated in the dim of her mother's magic. "Princess Celestia doesn't take ponies who are second best."

Trixie opened her mouth to say something, but her father cut her off.

"We've given you every opportunity and we aren't settling on this. Get upstairs, right now, and quit being such an utter embarrassment!"

Princess Celestia just nodded as she heard Trixie's story. After the Unicorn had cried herself out, she had placed her gently on a cushion and asked her to talk about her own parents.

"Honestly, I'm not surprised," the Princess of the Sun said. "From what my network had to say about them, they didn't seem like the best ponies."

Trixie looked at the Princess, but knew she shouldn't be surprised. Of course Celestia had performed a background check on her. Of course she knew every major event in her life, or at least had it on file.

"What did my parents have to say about everything I did?" Trixie asked, trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible.

"They said simply that they had no daughter and wouldn't discuss the matter any further."

Trixie let out a breath and actually seemed to smile. Celestia felt her heart go heavy, not being able to decide what was more depressing: the fact that Trixie was relieved she'd never see her parents again, or the fact that the Princess knew she would be when she told her.

"I poked around Manehatten, where you had shows before." Celestia brought two cups, one filled with tea, the other with coffee, which Trixie preferred. She set the latter in front of Trixie before laying down herself, placing a wing around her guest. "I heard some unpleasant things about your experiences."

Trixie felt her stomach drop. Of course, the Princess knew everything. How she had struggled to stay ahead. How her parents had pushed and prodded her, until she found her special talent that gave her a cutie mark.

Her parents showed her off at her cuteceañera, but to Trixie it felt like a mark of shame. She couldn't do the true magic, not at the speed her parents demanded, but she could give the illusion of being great. She had gotten it by doing several simple tricks with grandstanding, all flash and no substance.

She knew she couldn't keep it up forever, so while her parents submitted her application to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, she quietly began sending inquiries to Manehattan about an apprenticeship. Eventually, she found one. And so, Trixie did what she would identify as the hardest thing she ever had to do, at least until she willingly allowed herself to be arrested. She told her parents.

To say it went poorly would be a massive understatement. Her parents exploded, and Trixie, old enough to fight back and fueled by years of pent-up anger, did the same. Celestia's name was used in vain a few times, and finally her parents told her to be out by noon the next day.

In Manehattan she found work in a theatre troupe willing to take her in. The first few days felt strange and foreign to her, but in the best way. Nopony was pressuring her, at least not like before. She was encouraged, and her talent appreciated. She was congratulated on her accomplishments, nopony told her she wasn't good enough.

After half a year she was put on the stage for the first time. She was shocked to find her parents in the audience. Despite that, she did the best performance she could, and had the audience applauding and cheering.

She almost bolted out of the theatre afterward, but her nerves won out and she stayed to see her parents. They apologized to her, which might have surprised her had they not forced the words out as if they were performing the world's most exhausting exercise. They took her out to dinner, which to Trixie was an endurance test. It was a couple of hours of awkward socializing before they returned to Canterlot.

That was the beginning of the routine. They'd attend one of her shows once a month, and take her out to dinner afterward. It never got any less awkward, as both parties waited for the familiar love to reignite between the three of them. It never did. They were unpleasant experiences, ones invading Trixie's newer, better life.

Not that this new life was perfect. After the first couple of years she was having trouble working with the other members of the troupe. They called her arrogant, they said she was full of herself. And why shouldn't she be? She had overcome all the abuse and brought in crowds every night.

The second point was not an argument they could win. Trixie did bring in the crowds, enough for her to live comfortable. Her spells were the talk of the city, and playing to a house that wasn't sold out was a rare occurrence.

Finally, however, she decided to leave. She was tired of sharing the headline with a bunch of amateurs, she was going to be a star on her own. So, she sunk her funds into a wagon and began a journey across Equestria to spread word on her talents.

Halfway through, on what was to be the stop before Canterlot, she came to Ponyville, and her life fell apart.

"I… it was a mistake ever leaving them," Trixie said. "They were good to me. I was happy there. But… I was too proud to go back to them, after everything…" her voice dropped. "Not that they'd take me back… not now. Especially now."

"Trixie, it was the Amulet that made you do those things."

"…I wish that was true," Trixie said. "But I was already a horrible pony before I ever put that amulet on."

"Oh?" Celestia said as she pulled Trixie in closer. "And why do you think that?"

"I was so mean… I could have just kept on with my show instead of humiliating every pony who didn't like it… I could have entertained ponies without lying about my accomplishments." She swallowed a lump in my throat. "I could have crawled back to the theatre and agreed to work from the ground up. I could have used the money I had made at the rock farm to buy a new wagon and try entertaining again.

"But I wanted revenge. I…" She looked away from the Princess, too ashamed to face her. "I didn't want to admit I had gotten myself into that mess. So I blamed Twilight. I searched out the Amulet and put it on by my own choice. Everything I felt wearing the Amulet, I felt before I had it. I can't blame the Amulet. It's my fault."

Celestia allowed a pause before she spoke. "Trixie, I think what you just said proves you are not a bad pony."

Trixie looked at her with an expression that told Celestia that she was trying to decide if she had heard her right.

"Trixie, I'm going to tell you what I told Fluttershy a few days ago: the mark of a truly evil being is that they refuse to admit that they're wrong. From the common crook all the way up to Discord himself, they deny they’re wrong. They assume that’s how ponies work. They’re baffled when somepony proves them wrong, but they refuse to learn from it. You haven’t. That’s enough to make you a good pony.”

Trixie was quiet, so Celestia went on. “That doesn’t free you from consequences, I’m afraid. You’re going to have to work for your redemption. But you’ll earn it. I see it in you, and I know you can do great things.”

Trixie blushed. She tried lifting the coffee mug to her lips to hide it, before remembering she had her horn ring on. Then she blushed all over again. Eating mouth-first was fine for Earth Ponies and Pegasi, but for a Unicorn it was a social faux pas. And in front of the High Princess…

“I’ll remove the ring so you can drink.”

It took a moment for Trixie to realize what Celestia had said. It took her longer before she understood that the Princess was serious.

“Y-you’ll do that? Why?”

Celestia smiled. “Well… I’d like to get a few measurements.”

Gilda’s body ached after her shift. She crawled home, her armor rattling with every step. She couldn’t wait to get home, read the paper and try not to think about the gift Trixie had left behind.

She had therefore been disturbed when she found her door unlocked. Clenching her body, she pulled her sword from its scabbard and pushed open the door.

She had expected Trixie, but instead she found an unknown Pegasus and Earth Pony. This caught her off guard enough that the Pegasus saw her first.

“Well, you must be Gilda.”

Gilda’s chest puffed out. “Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?”

“You mean, ‘your apartment’, and relax. I don’t know what Red here is looking for, but he doesn’t seem interested in your money.”

Red, who had been rifling through a drawer, stopped and looked at Gilda. His face was so blank that it managed to looked unnerving.

“Uh… look, who are you?”

“Let’s just say we actually took up Trixie’s offer, so apparently that stereotype that griffins are dumb isn’t so far off the mark.”

Gilda opened her mouth to instruct her on what she could shove into an uncomfortable place, but stopped. “Maybe…”

“Are you looking for that coin Trixie left here? It’s two drawers to your left.”

Red just looked at her for a few seconds. The Pegasus looked at Red, apparently equally curious about Gilda’s guess. Then, Red moved to the drawer and opened it. In seconds he had the coin in his teeth.

“Uh, look, that coin just wants to stay near me. I can’t…”

Red dropped the coin to the ground, making Gilda stop in bafflement. His companion seemed equally nonplussed. Reaching into a pack at his side, he pulled out a device that looked like a small rod with a clay pot on one end and a glass orb on the other. The glass looked full of a dark substance.

He dropped the open end on top of the coin. In seconds the dark orb became even darker. Red then lifted it and put it back in the bag.

Then he walked toward Gilda. Tensing, the griffin raised her sword. But Red stopped and looked at her with his blank expression. Then he made a shooing motion with his front hoof.

Gilda paused a moment before realizing: He wanted Gilda to move so he could leave. She was blocking the door.

The griffon considered trying to slice the pony in half for coming into her home uninvited. However, her cooler half one out for once. Something told her attacking this pony would end badly… very badly.

She moved. Red walked out the door, with the Pegasus right behind him. Apparently she noticed the look on Gilda’s face because she said, “I know. He creeps me out too.”

Gilda looked at her. “Then why are you following him?”

“He knows about the power Trixie had, and I want to know more. I’m not crazy enough to think it will be all hugs and kisses if I turned myself in like she did.”

“Turned herself in?”

“Yeah. Got all weepy, ‘I deserve to get locked up’ stuff. Crazy talk.”

“Maybe not…”

The Pegasus just stared at her before hitting her face with a hoof. “I am going to catch the crazies from hanging around you nutjobs!” And then she flew off.

Gilda stood there a moment, both making sure the ponies had truly left and thinking about what she had learned about Trixie.

When she was sure they were far enough away, she flew off towards headquarters. She needed to report this.

Trixie collapsed, her horn feeling like it was on fire. She breathed heavily, trying to catch her breath.

Even as Celestia brought her under her wing, she was smiling at what the tests showed. Levitation, force fields, and especially illusions were done powerfully. Not skillfully, true, but that’s what training was for.

“You have quite a bit of raw magic energy,” she said. “Not as much as Twilight, but still above average. It’s a shame you didn’t enroll. You could have been a star student.”

Trixie didn’t know how to feel about that. I would have been great, but with Twilight always above her, it wouldn’t have been good enough for her parents.

“I take it you want me to do something for you. In exchange for a pardon?”

“Keen observation. Yes, that’s exactly what I’m planning. You’ll go to court tomorrow, where I’ll push for this. It shouldn’t be too hard. I’ve told them of the Amulet’s effects, and the fact that you turned yourself in will make you look good.”

“What will I be doing?”

“Training, first off. The Changeling matter is looming over us, and I need powerful magic users, ones I can trust, to help in the fight.”

“You… you trust me?”

Celestia smiled. “I have to. I’m hoping you’ll prove that the trust will not be misguided.”

Trixie smiled. “So… are you going to train me?”

Now Celestia’s smile was sad. “I’m afraid not. My schedule is busy now, I simply won’t have the time… at least, not right away. Maybe after the threat is over. Until then, I have… somecreature... that I trust to train you. Though I promise, she’s quite adept, even if she doesn’t look the part.”

Author's Note

Leaving work, doing this on iPad, be home late tonight, will make any corrections then.

A Friend Returns

Two pieces of news reached Canterlot the next day that caught Celestia’s attention.

The first was a notice from the Griffon Embassy that one of their guards, Gilda, had a run-in with two ponies matching the descriptions Trixie had given her the night before. She immediately sent for her to come here, then visited Trixie in her cell to inform her that her trial was being pushed back a day. She softened the blow by allowing her whatever she wanted from the royal kitchens for her meals.

The second, and the most exciting to Princess Celestia, was news of a Pegasus who had appeared outside the gates of Canterlot, looking banged up but still moving determinedly to see the Princess. She had been eventually brought to a hospital, where she had to be sedated to stop her from resisting while they treated her.

Celestia ordered her moved to the palace’s hospital wing. As soon as court got out that day, Celestia traveled down to the wing. As soon as she entered, she heard the struggling.

“Miss, Miss… please calm down. You’re injured…”

“Look, you, I need to get this to Princes Celestia now… now! You speak Equestrian, don’t you? Now doesn’t mean, ‘After I’ve rested,’ it means now!”

“Miss, I understand your worry, but the Princess has been informed, and she will be here as soon as her duties will…”

“This is more important than whatever she’s talking about! I need to see her now!”

The doctors and their patient kept going in circles as Celestia stepped in. The pony in question certainly didn’t look like anypony you’d let into the Princess’ presence. With a wild red mane and a white coat, all frayed from her struggles. She was indeed restrained by the hooves and across the barrel, though she was still kicking greatly… or was at least trying to.

And she was indeed banged up. Her torso was wrapped in bandages, as was her left wing. Her right hind leg was in a cast, which was leveled up, though her left was still trying to kick at the doctors trying to help her.

“Enough,” Celestia said. Everypony in the room stopped and looked at her. The Pegasus smiled brightly. “Doctors, please leave us.”

If any doctor wanted to protest, they didn’t. They simply left, looking reluctant but resigned. As soon as they were out of the room, Celestia locked the door behind them. Then she lit up her horn, waiting a few moments.

“Nopony… or changeling… listening in.” Then she smiled. “Daring Do, I presume?”

The Pegasus widened her eyes. She blushed. “How could you tell?”

Smiling, the Princess nuzzled the restrained Pegasus. "No time for a greeting?" she asked, the offense in her voice so transparently false that Daring couldn't help but grin, despite her situation. Still, Celestia pointed to the mare’s flank. “You seemed to have forgotten a cutie mark.”

Daring looked at the blank flank, and blushed even deeper. “Knew I forgot something... but it’s because I have something really important to tell you.”

“Oh?” Celestia lit up her horn. In seconds a cutie mark, one of a cloak and dagger, appeared on Daring’s flank. "No time to catch up? No tales of your adventures over tea? I've seen you come here more beat up than that and still want a chess game before any treatment."

Daring stopped to look at her fake cutie mark, getting the implication of it immediately. "That sounds good, but you need to hear this now.

“Now that that’s taken care of, why don’t you tell me what that is?”

“The Changelings are down south!”

That got Celestia’s attention, and almost immediately the warmth disappeared from her face. Now, it was all business. “Are you sure?”

“They’re the ones that did this to me!”

Looking over Daring’s beat up body. “Okay… tell me what happened.”

Daring Do took a breath. “Well, after hearing about that Unicorn that attacked Ponyville a few months ago, I started looking into other powerful artifacts that could be used to counter it. I wasn’t successful for a while, but then I stumbled across a legend. It was said that the Sun Stone was still intact.”

Celestia blinked. “The Sun Stone? The same one used by the Flutter Ponies in the stories?” Her thoughts drifted back to her book. The story of the witches stealing the Sun Stone was almost as well known as the tale of Midnight Castle.

Daring nodded. “I read that there were rumors that it was found shortly after Discord’s defeat by a group of ponies of unknown intent. I read… that they gave you a magic mirror once.”

Celestia’s eyes glazed over. “Yes… a group of ponies did once. But nevermind. What were you saying?”

“Well, I heard this legend that they hid the Sun Stone far away in the South, past the Badlands, even past Equestria’s borders. They repurposed an ancient Llama temple to hide it in, deep in a dangerous jungle where nopony would dare travel. Of course, they hadn’t counted on me, so I started my research. I found the area where several temples were built in the old days, so I packed my bags and headed out.

“It took weeks of traveling, but I got there. I set up camp and began scouting the area. I went through most of the temples, but I never found anything. I finally narrowed it down to a single one, the biggest.

But when I went to go search it, I was jumped. Changelings swarmed me. I tried to fight them off but there were too many of them. After they beat me down, they searched me. When they found out I didn’t have anything, they threw me into a river nearby. I tried to swim to the shore, but the current was too strong and I was too weak. I slipped under and I blacked out.

“Then, I woke up on the shore. I hurt all over, but I was near my campsite. I found out the Changelings found it and ransacked it, but luckily they missed the bits and maps I had hidden. I pulled myself to a town and got the dye job and patched myself up, then I hired a chariot to fly me here.”

Celestia listened, never interrupting. When Daring was finished, Celestia spoke. “So… you think the Changelings are after the Sun Stone?”

“I wouldn’t doubt it. Luckily, they won’t have a clue where to look. Since they missed my maps, they won’t know which temples were duds, and they’ll have to search them all. That should give me enough time to rest up. Then, I’ll sneak back in there and…”

“No.”

Celestia’s response was spoken with her usual gentle firmness, but to Daring it was like Celestia had just spat in her face.

“You won’t be going. Time is of the essence. I’ll be sending out the only ponies I can fully trust on this in your absence.”

“What? But… Princess, I can do this! Just…”

“I have no doubt you could. But I can’t wait for you to get better… really better, not just to the point you consider better. You’re going to run yourself into the ground if you keep this up.”

“But… but this is my hunt! I’ve been working towards it!”

“This goes above your pride, Daring.”

“…This will mess up the book I’m writing!”

“Improvise. Besides, you can be more use to me here.”

“How?”

Celestia sighed, her head hanging a bit. “…The bearers of the Elements of Harmony aren’t exactly the best interrogators in Equestria.”

Daring blinked. “What?”

Celestia redid her spell to check for listeners, then told Daring what she had been having the Bearers do. After she was finished, Daring just scoffed, ”Great… I can go from dying of drowning to dying of boredom.”

“Daring,” Celestia rubbed her head. “Please. Too much is going on… far too much.”

Daring Do looked at her, then sighed. “Okay, Princess. I trust you.”

Applejack sat on the porch to Sweet Apple Acres, watching Apple Bloom and Scootaloo work. She was going to still be useful around the farm by keeping an eye on the pair and making sure they weren't too overworked. Still, they were going to be put through their paces over this next week.

She shifted her weight, then winced. Her ribs still hurt, and her legs were still sore, although thankfully she shouldn't be out of comission for more than a week. It still killed her that she couldn't do more, either on the farm or in an investigation.

She wanted Rainbow Dash to come by and talk to her, but she knew that wasn't happening. Soarin had used one of his vacation days to come down and check on her, and with Scootaloo out of the house the pair weren't likely to go out.

Taking a breath, she looked down at the book she had checked out of Twilight's library. It was a historical epic, and Applejack tried to lose herself in it, but all it got was her wondering how Twilight could get through so many so fast.

"Feelin' better?"

Big Macintosh had stepped onto the porch. Applejack sighed, but smiled too. Her big brother never lost that protective instinct. As soon as he had heard what happened he had run out to search for the pair in case they were hiding in wait. She could almost pity them if he caught them.

“As well as a banged up pony can feel,” she said, looking back over the field. “Kinda wish the others were here, though. We need ta be chattin’ more.”

“Well, who's in Canterlot right now?”

“Pinkie an’ Fluttershy.” Applejack pulled her hat over her eyes. “I don’t even wanna think ‘bout the trouble they’re getting into. I wanted somepony else ta go, but Rarity needs ta catch up on her work an’ take care of Sweetie, an’ Rainbow Dash is off with her coltfriend. Playin’ round when there’s work ta be done…”

“Don’t be so hard on them,” Big Macintosh said. “Everypony’s a little tense. Maybe yer friends need a rest.”

“We’ll have time to rest…”

Whatever Applejack was going to say, she trailed off when she saw something in the air. Squinting her eyes, she saw it was a Pegasus with a pure white coat, with a chariot trailing behind her. It took a moment to realize that said Pegasus wasn’t pulling the chariot, two others were… in golden armor.

"Wait… th' Princess!"

Applejack jumped up, and only stopped a moment in shock at her still smarting limbs. "Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, nevermin' that, get inside and get some of our best crop. We're about to have company… some important company."

The two fillies hadn't seen their ruler coming, but the work they were doing was so arduous that they were inside with great speed. By the time the Princess of the Sun had touched down, they were already outside with some candied apples and Granny Smith's newest pie. They nearly dropped it when they saw who it was for, but collected themselves admirably.

"Hello, Applejack, Big MacIntosh, children," Celestia greeted as the chariot touched down behind her. Pinkie tumbled out one side, while Fluttershy climbed out the other, murmuring a small "Thank you."

The Apple Family bowed, but Celestia quickly ordered them to rise. The two guards pulling the chariot detached themselves and flew off into town.

"Princess. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Applejack said.

"We must have a meeting. My guards went into town to fetch Rarity and Rainbow Dash. It seems the circumstances of your mission have changed."

Applejack tilted her head. "What'd ya mean?" She looked at the two ponies that had arrived with her. "Did you two do somethin'?"

"Nuh-uh," Pinkie said. "I'll have you know we did a great job."

“I swear, I only attended a few of Olive Branch’s meetings. I left long before the assault on the palace, I swear!”

“Go on, anything else?” Fluttershy said, the Stare working at full power.

“…I pick my nose when nopony’s looking.”

"It has nothing to do with their performance today, Applejack. I'll explain everything once the others are here."

"Uh… right… well, there are treats, if you want any."

Celestia looked down and, seeing the pies for the first time, cut herself a slice. As she levitated it up, she looked at Applejack. “There are no cameras around here, are there?”

Applejack smiled. “Relax, Gabby Gums is good an’ gone.”

Celestia grinned. “Excellent.” And she gulped the slice down in one bite.

By the time Rarity and Rainbow Dash had arrived, everypony was inside, gathered around the dining room table. The pies were half eaten, and the fillies were enjoying getting out of work long enough to talk to the Princess.

“Uh, Princess? Did you have to get your cutie mark like ev’rypony else?”

“Yes I did, Apple Bloom.” Celestia smiled. “Long ago, in the Age of the Three Tribes. Unfortunately, that’s a tale for another time.” She rose to her hooves. “Everypony’s here, it seems. Guards, leave us.”

The two armored ponies saluted and flew away.

“I’m sorry, but I must ask any non-Bearer to leave. Please go outside.”

“Aw, but we can be…” Scootaloo was cut off by Big MacIntosh nudging her, which was only intended to be a small push but ended up sending her tumbling a bit. Apple Bloom complied, knowing better than thinking this was an argument they could win.

Once there were inside, Celestia turned to them. “Thank you all for agreeing to meet with me on such short notice.”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to say it was no problem, but it was Applejack that spoke first. “Is this about how we’ve been handlin’ the investigation? We can do better, really…”

“Applejack, please,” Celestia said, not raising her voice. “You did… adequate.” The swallowed back a lump. “For ponies not trained in the field. But the good news is, one of the informants that I trust has returned, and she’ll be taking over that investigation.”

The five ponies just stared at her.

“Really? I thought you said we were the only ones you could trust.”

At Rainbow Dash’s question, the Princess just smiled. “The only ones I had on hoof. However, an old friend returned that I’d trust with my life. However, she brought bad tidings with her. I’m afraid I must assign all of you on a new mission. As soon as Applejack is healed, all of you must leave Ponyville.”

Almost immediately there was chaos at the table.

“Wha? But Princess, the farm needs me right now! I can’t just leave!”

“Please, your Highness, I’m far too behind on my work to be running off!”

“What about Wonderbolt training? I don’t want to end up a private forever!”

“Will we be getting travel bags? Oh! Oh! Granny Pie made the best kind of trail mix!”

“My little ponies,” Celestia said, not raising her voice but still bringing the table to silence. “I can assure you I have taken your grievances into account. I have prepared compensation from each of you. Applejack, I’ve arranged for some helping hooves to fill the void in your absence.”

“But yer Majesty, we don’t let nopony that ain’t kin work on the farm! I can’t just…”

“Applejack, please. I’m well aware of your ways. I’m the one who gave this land to your family, remember? Your family has allowed outsiders to work the farm in extreme times, and that includes when family members have been called away on military service. Well, you're performing in the services of the crown. I think you qualify.”

“…Yes, that’s true… but…”

“What?” Rainbow Dash yelled. “All this time you could have called somepony in? And you still made us go for you!"

"It ain't that simple! We weren't leavin' the homefront, an'…"

"You still could have…"

"My little ponies," Celestia repeated. This time there was force behind it, and it silenced any further word on the matter. It didn't stop Rainbow Dash from shooting another glare telling Applejack their conversation wasn't over.

"Rarity, I assume you have the designs you need to make ready?"

"Well… yes…"

"I'll have some of my seamstresses make them. I assure you, they'll follow your designs to the letter. All your orders will be filled."

"That could work… but I'd lose so much business being away…"

"Would designing dresses for three princesses compensate?" At Rarity's breath hitching, Celestia went on. "Luna, Cadance, and I will be all attending the Grand Galloping Gala this year, and we've decided to make it special. You'll be designing dresses for all three of us. I'm sure that will drum up business."

"Yes! Princess, I can't thank you enough! I…"

Celestia used her magic to gently stop her from bowing to the floor and kissing her hooves. She turned to Rainbow Dash. "As for you… I've talked things over with Commander Spitfire. If you go through this mission, it will render basic training moot. And, might I add, it will look good for future promotions."

Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin. That did sound pretty good…

"Wait… this is better military trainin' than a boot camp? What exactly are we gonna be doin'?"

That implication got all their attention.

Celestia took a deep breath. "I won't sugar-coat it. This is dangerous terrain. You'll be leaving Equestria's borders and heading into largely uncharted territory. And I'm afraid the Changelings might be waiting."

Trixie levitated another spoonful of soup up to her mouth. She had to admit, the dungeon wasn't so bad. Her cell was roomy, it had a comfortable bed, and she was given plenty of reading material. Best of all, Celestia had agreed to remove the horn ring in a show of good faith.

Dabbing her mouth with her napkin, she returned to her book, one on magical theory. After she had taken up acting, she had allowed herself, out of painful curiosity, to look through the books she would have read had her parents gotten her into Celestia's School. To her surprise, without the constant dirty looks from her parents and constant pressure to be perfect, she found herself enjoying the books she had once despised. Why had she stopped reading?

Because preening in the mirror and admiring yourself became more important.

She outwardly winced at her internal monologue. She didn't know who she hated more: her old self for being who she was, or her new self for waking her up to it.

She took another spoonful and returned to her book, and had gotten three more sentences in when a low chuckle stirred her out of her thoughts.

"I could almost believe you were a disciple of Celestia instead of a rat in a cage."

The voice was so low that for a moment Trixie wondered if it had been in her head. She lowered the book a moment, then realized where the voice was coming from.

The cell across from her, just as big but with no luxuries, was a red Unicorn. One with a cutie mark that allowed Trixie to identify him immediately. He had been in all the papers, after all.

"Olive Branch."

"My reputation precedes me," he said, still barely getting above a whisper, yet his voice carrying through the cavernous prison. "As does yours, the one with the Alicorn Amulet."

"Be quiet," the guard outside Trixie's cell said. Trixie responded by burying her muzzle into her book.

"Running and hiding. That's why you took Celestia's offer, isn't it? Being her tool allows you to pretend the past didn't happen."

"I said be quiet," the guard repeated.

"Gave you your magic back, did she? A carrot dangled in front of your nose so you'll be her lap dog."

"Another word and you go in the tank," the guard growled, "And you'll be there for a month, even if I have to petition both Princesses."

"It doesn't bother me."

The guard actually started and looked at Trixie, who was trying to look as casual as possible.

"He's just saying those things to get under my skin. If he does, it validates him."

Olive Branch chuckled. "Trying to analyze me, girl?"

"I don't need to," she said, still deliberately not looking up from the text on the page, though she wasn't reading at the moment. "I was you, once. Everything bad that happens to you is somepony deliberately out to get you. It's never your fault. Just like me before the Amulet came off. Just like Lightning Dust. You want me to be hurt because you think that will prove your point. The guard getting angry is enough. But you're wrong."

There was a silence. The guard couldn't help but smirk. Olive Branch just looked at her.

"So… they've broken you, huh? They tried to break me. But they failed. I won't be a pawn."

He looked at Trixie and saw nothing. But the guard, closer, saw. Trixie winced, ever so slightly. Olive Branch's words did hurt, even if only a little bit.

"They'll never break me."

His small audience were both listening for any further comment, but he said nothing, simply putting his head down on his pillow. Trixie had been right. Not receiving the validation he craved, he simply stayed quiet. He didn't see Trixie move.

But the guard did. The side of her face, all he could see past the book, had lips curled up. She had been validated.

The five ponies just gaped at Princess Celestia, who was keeping a neutral expression. She couldn't say she hadn't expected this.

"These temples were abandoned after Discord's reign. The Llamas hid in them, praying to their gods to save them. It failed, and after Discord's defeat the their faith was broken. And so, they simply packed up and left their old ways behind."

A silence hung in the air as he finished.

"You're tellin' me yer sendin' us right into the belly of the beast?" Applejack said. "Us versus all o' them? How are we gonna manage that?"

"Don't worry, Applejack. I have forseen your objections. First off, I do not believe the full Changeling forces are present at the Temples. Such a big number would have been noticed, even in such a remote area. Local Llama villages are close knit, they're likely to notice extras in their rank or travelers. Even an upturn in the animal population would be noticed by them."

"Then it shouldn't be a problem. We handled tons of those guys before they got us." Rainbow Dash's face had her trademark smug grin.

"Can't you take this a little more seriously?" Applejack said.

"Secondly," Celestia went on, trying to diffuse the tension, "while you will be going on the true mission alone, you will not be the only ones I'm sending. The day before, I'll be sending several soldiers to the edge of the jungle with instructions to search the outer perimeter. With any luck, the Changelings will focus their efforts on deflecting them, allowing you to slip in.

"Also, the Changelings will be spread thin looking through all the temples, as my agent said. If you're careful, you'll be able to get in and out with minimum trouble. If you look over her notes, it shouldn't be that hard to navigate the area and the temple both."

"I thought you said she didn't get a chance to search the temple?" Rarity asked.

"Perhaps not that one, but her observations of the smaller temples should give you a template."

Fluttershy spoke up next. "Um, wh-what about the Llamas? Are they going to be okay with us being there?"

"Don't worry. After the invasion, I talked it over with any foreign dignitary that would listen. All agreed to let us carry out investigations in their territory on the subject. By the time you're ready to go, the Llama Emperor will know."

"Ooh! Ooh! Will we have a Llama to help us?" It was Pinkie who spoke.

"I'm afraid not. Several nations have agreed to help us look, but the Llamas were one of many who made it clear they wanted nothing else to do with it. They fear they'll take the Changelings’ attention away from us to them."

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Cowards."

"Don't let them hear you saying that,". Celestia warned. "I don't want our relationships damaged. At any rate, not even the Emperor will know of you. I can't risk spies in his court. Fortunately, he sees why this needs to be top secret and didn't press too hard."

There was an uncomfortable silence. It was Rarity who broke it. "When do we leave?"

"In three days. Applejack should be healthy by then. Remember: your goal is to get the Sun Stone, if it exists, and get back here. Do not try to fight the Changelings unless absolutely necessary. Something tells me that even when you get back, our mission will be far from over."

Author's Note

Well, here we go.

I pictured Direction as broken into three major parts. Dealing with Trixie was the first, and this, the actual adventure, was the second, and likely longest part. We'll be having almost exclusive focus on the Mane Five for awhile, with occasional jumps to check up on Celestia and Trixie.

The major plot of the fic was seeing how the Mane Five would fare without Twilight to lead them, and while threats coming to them was okay, the full effect wouldn't be explored unless they really had to lead.

Hope you all enjoy and will stay tuned!

Preparations

Preparations

Applejack was really not looking forward to this.

After the meeting, Rainbow Dash flew off with Scootaloo in tow, hoping that the two of them could join Soarin for a family dinner. However, the look she gave Applejack indicated that their next meeting would be far from pleasant.

She had slept restlessly that night, both the knowledge of what was coming and the upcoming trip stopping sleep was coming. Winona rested on her covers, sleeping better than her master.

The next day she was out picking up some stray fallen apples in the orchard. It was against Big Mac's wishes, but she healed quickly and couldn't stand another day of sitting and watching her sister and Scootaloo trying feebly to do her work. As she was half-done, she heard the unmistakable sound of Rainbow Dash swooping down. Her body tensed. It was time.

"Yeah, you better believe I'm not done with you."

"I don't wanna hear it, Dash. I've got my pride."

"Was this the same pride that had you poison half the town? Or bet your farm on that stupid bet?"

"Don't bring that up! It was a long time ago…"

"And you haven't learned anything!"

"This comin' from the mare that still hot rods around like some basic school filly?"

"Stop it!"

Suddenly both mares shrank back. They recognized that tone, one that sent chills down their spine, even well into adulthood. After all, Granny Smith was a hard mare when angry.

The ancient mare was looking at them with an expression that turned them into fillies again, and both were acting like she had caught them stealing sweets. Rainbow Dash pushed her hoof into the dirt, not looking her in the eye, while Applejack tried hiding under her hat.

"The both a’ y’all are still actin' like yer in basic school. I remember you fightin' like this over games of catch or somethin' er other. You two have been friends for years, and I don't think either of you matured at all in that time."

Applejack opened her mouth to protest, but one glare silenced her. Rainbow Dash, however, had always had a lesser self-preservation instinct. "I'm a grown mare…"

"Until you get mad, then the two of you squeal at each other like it was years ago. Now, after a while I learned to let you two run yourselves out, since usually you didn't even remember why you were arguing. But if the Princess wants you to do somethin', I ain't letting you two go in sulking, no matter what it is."

The two younger mares looked at each other. Granny Smith knew Celestia was sending them away, but not where to or why. Not that she needed a reason if the Princess said so.

"You both have an ego on you, but you haven't let it get too far out of control before now. So either you two sort this out, or I'm gonna free the fillies from their punishments and make you do 'em fifty times."

Both winced, knowing that if Granny intended to do something, it would get done.

As she walked off, the two looked at each other awkwardly.

"…I'm sorry," Applejack said at last.

"Me too," Rainbow Dash said, somehow sounding both apologetic and like the words had a foul taste at the same time. "But you know I'm right about all this."

"The Apple Family…" the Earth Pony began, but she trailed off. "I don't like botherin' other ponies with my problems."

"Applejack, this is everypony's problem. What happens if the Changelings get past us? We got lucky at the wedding…" She swallowed the guilt that was still there. "Celestia… can you imagine how easily we could have lost?"

The cowpony shuttered. "I don't like to think about it."

"Well maybe it's time we do. We can't just keep clinging onto things. The Changelings need to be our top priority." Rainbow Dash stopped. Then she shook, almost like laughing. "I'm sounding like Twilight. She really turned me into another pony, didn't she?"

Applejack couldn't help but grin. If somepony had told her before she met Twilight that she would be the pony she is now, she'd have thought they were crazy.

"I guess you're right. We need 'ta be focusin' on this." She took a deep breath. "I think we better go see Rarity today."

Rainbow Dash blinked. "Why?"

"Remember our campin' trip?"

The cyan Pegasus thought, and it wasn't long before realization crossed her features. "She'll pack half her stuff and expect us to carry it. We better talk her out of it." It sounded like she was going to try and convince every Unicorn to give up magic.

"Well, that's something we agree on, at least."

Fluttershy picked out a few more carrots from the marketplace stall. The merchant selling them looked nervous, and for good reason. Even though Fluttershy had done everything in her power to forget Iron Will's assertiveness training, they had all remembered, and they remembered Applejack and Rainbow Dash coming around with a few choice words on how they treated her afterwards.

Picking out her food, she dropped her bits and bade a good day. She had turned and trotted a few steps before meeting another Pegasus.

"Hey, Fluttershy," Derpy said. Her words all leaned on each other, but Fluttershy had known her long enough to understand her.

"Oh. Hi Derpy. Is Dinky feeling any better?"

The grey Pegasus shook her head. "Her fever went up again. I wouldn't be away from her, but I needed to leave and get some medicine."

Fluttershy gave her a sympathetic look. "Well, I hope she gets well soon. I'll just have to ask Roseluck to watch my animals for a while."

Derpy tipped her head. "Are you going somewhere?"

Fluttershy gave a squeak, but remembered the story she was to tell quickly enough. "My friends and I are going to Canterlot for a few days to help Celestia put together the next Grand Galloping Gala. Twilight should be back from her royal business by then, and Celestia wants us to make the party for her."

"Really?"

Fluttershy nodded in earnest. "Really. We are all excited, especially Rarity. She's making some dresses to show off to the Princesses themselves. If she gets this commission, it will mean big things for her."

Derpy smiled. "That's great!"

Fluttershy couldn't help but grin. Derpy hardly knew Rarity, but she was always happy for anybody.

"When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow," Fluttershy said. "We'll be gone for a while. Will you take over for Roseluck if Dinky gets better?"

Derpy nodded. "I will, don't worry. I'm sure she'll get better soon."

"No! No, I cannot!"

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash cringed. They both knew it would be difficult, but that didn't make actually doing it any easier.

"Rarity, we ain't goin' to a gala, or a vacation. We're gonna be hikin', and Sweetie ain't gonna be around to carry everythin' for you."

"But I simply must look my best…"

"Rare, we're gonna be in th' middle of nowhere. The only ones that will see you will be us, and we won't tell nopony if you don't."

"But I'll know!" Rarity said, stretching her voice out as far as she could go without sounding like a filly. "I'll get sweaty and tired…"

"You'll get more sweaty and tired pulling all that weight," Rainbow Dash said. "Besides, you can look good after a workout. I catch Soarin staring at me."

The Pegasus snapped her mouth such as soon as the words were out of her mouth, but it was too late. Rarity now had her full attention on her.

"You never tell me how things are between you two! Oh you must tell me, is he just a dear? How's he taken to Scootaloo?"

Rarity's questions went on, and Applejack knew she'd have to intervene. The Gabby Gums incident had muted a good deal of Rarity's gossip, but old habits died hard.

"I'm sure Dash can tell you all about it on the way," Applejack said quickly, "but we need to talk about this now. Will you please leave some of this junk behind?"

"Junk? This is the finest make-up in Equestria. Why, you two should try some! I keep trying to tell you that you'd have stallions falling all over you."

"Uh-uh. I ain't wastin' time or money on that stuff."

"But AJ…"

The two argued on, but Rainbow Dash fell silent. She knew what she had to do now, but it didn't make it any easier.

"Rarity?"

The single word had enough strain to get both ponies to stop and look at her. Taking a deep breath, Rainbow Dash spoke, spitting out every word like a pack of manticores were pulling them out of her.

"If you travel light like the rest of us… I'll… letyougivemeamakeover…"

The words had dropped to below a whisper at the end, leaving her friends straining their ears. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I'll. Let. You. Give. Me. A. Make. Ov. Er."

Dead silence.

"Really?!"

Rarity was now nose to nose with her friend, her eyes glittering more fiercely than Rainbow Dash had ever seen.

The Pegasus gulped. "Yes."

"And we can style your mane?"

Teeth gritted. "Yes."

"And you'll get a facial?"

More gritting. "Yes."

"And you'll let Aloe and Lotus give you a hooficure?"

Rainbow Dash thought her teeth would be worn down to the gums. "Yes."

Rarity let loose a squeal so high-pitched her friends covered their ears. In an instant Rainbow Dash was in a hug. "Finally! I knew you'd come around eventually! Oh you're going to look so good! And Applejack will join us, right?"

The Earth Pony, who had been watching with amusement, now look terrified. She opened her mouth, but Rainbow Dash beat her to it.

"Of course she will." This promise came out a lot easier. "The three of us will have a big spa day, and afterward we can send Applejack to the biggest party in Canterlot so she can bag herself a coltfriend."

Now Applejack looked appalled. But Rarity hugging her cut her off. "Oh, I've always thought you'd look good with some flowers in your hair! Ooh, I can see it now!"

From over Rarity shoulder, Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash, who merely mouthed three words. "Misery loves company."

Mr. and Mrs. Cake tasted the treats the yellow Unicorn presented for them. After a moment they nodded.

"You do bake well," Mr. Cake said.

The Unicorn grinned. "I serve in the royal kitchens. I get a lot of practice. Celestia likes her cake and…" She blushed, scandalized by what she just revealed.

Pinkie broke into a fit of giggles, while her employers looked around nervously, as if Celestia would jump out and have them arrested for laughing.

"So she can fill in for me when I'm gone?" Pinkie said. "I'm just going to be seeing what menu the Princesses need for the Gala… and what decorations."

"Sure, of course," Mr. Cake said. "And you said Celestia's funds would cover it?"

"I'm still on a royal pension, even when I'm sent to work outside the palace," Chocolate Drop said. "And I'll cook as finely as if I were cooking for royalty."

"The Princess must think you'll all do well to go through this much trouble."

Pinkie put on a grin that was a little too big. "The Gala is supposed to celebrate Twilight coming home. What would be better for her than all of us being there?"

The Cakes hardly noticed the oddity. Pinkie could be called odd in the best of time, and in the worst there was no word to describe her.

Chocolate Drop smiled. "I remember sneaking cookies to Twilight when she was a filly. Half the time Celestia was right there with her." She colored again, realizing her slip.

Pinkie giggled. She would sneak Twilight cookies almost as often. But thinking about that made her sad. She missed her friends when they were away for a day, and Twilight was gone much longer.

Before she could comment on this, the bell that signaled the entrance of a customer rang, and Pinkie trotted out to the front room to greet the customer. To her delight, it was Fluttershy, her grocery baskets full and a confused look on her face.

"Hey, Fluttershy! You have the supplies?"

The Pegasus perked up. "Oh, yes. It should be enough for after we leave civilization. If the Llamas decide to give us something, it'll be more than enough. I just thought I'd get a box of cookies for a treat."

"No problem!" Pinkie said as she began grabbing cookies off the display case. As she filled the order, she tried to make conversation. "Did you get Derpy to watch your animals?"

"Oh, no. Poor Dinky is sick. She's taking care of her."

"That might be why I haven't seen her in a while. I don't think she's come in to get her muffins in two weeks."

Fluttershy gave a sigh. "Poor Dinky. She must be real sick if she's pulling Derpy away like that. I just saw her. She left the house to get medicine at the market. Then we were walking here she flew off, saying she needed to get back to Dinky."

Pinkie deflated. "I hope she's better by the time we get back. I'll bake them something nice."

Fluttershy nodded, a bit slowly. "…I'm scared."

Pinkie stopped. "Huh?"

"We're leaving Equestria… I've never done that. Celestia can't protect us there…"

Pinkie was silent, a testament to how much she agreed with Fluttershy. "We'll be okay." Pinkie smiled. "Celestia knows what she's doing."

There was an uneasy silence as memories of the invasion came back.

"Celestia knows what she's doing," Pinkie repeated.

As much as we know what we're doing, Pinkie couldn't help but think.

Gilda had always prided herself on not being weak. She had been a member of the griffons’ army for years and had seen battle, and had always left the battlefield in a better state than her opponents.

Still, her nerves were failing her now. Her talons shook every time she removed the quill from the parchment, which was often. She needed the words to be just right.

She was so nervous she could barely enjoy the room Celestia had given her for her overnight stay. She had arrived midday and spent all that afternoon testifying before the court trying Trixie. They had asked her to repeat her story several times, apparently hoping she would remember some important detail, for what purpose eluded her.

She was disappointed to learn Rainbow Dash would be leaving too soon to visit. At least, she felt she should be. She was also relieved, but it was only half-hearted, as it was mixed with the knowledge that a painful experience was still coming.

After she penned her signature, she placed the message in an envelope. Hopefully, there would not be much time in between Rainbow Dash receiving it and their next meeting.

Author's Note

And thus, with the next chapter there off. Gilda is the last we'll be seeing of anybody but the Mane 6 for a while, Arc 2 will be totally devoted to the adventure. See you all at BABSCon this weekend.

History

Nopony who beared an Element of Harmony had trouble getting up in the morning. Even Rainbow Dash, who listed napping as a favorite pastime, woke up early for the first of her daily workouts. So there was nopony blurry eyed when the chariots arrived.

The pair of golden chariots would carry the five of them over the Equestrian border and into foreign territory. Rainbow Dash had flown the first leg, but when the first teams of Pegasi passed the duty on to another she sat in the same chariot with Pinkie and Fluttershy.

It was a long eight-hour trip, not made easier by Pinkie, who was courteous enough not to whine out loud but was clearly having trouble staying still. Rainbow Dash flew every other time the chariots switched, but the others had to content themselves with books and simple games.

The sun was well past midday when the chariot landed at the edge of a thick jungle. There was a stone guard barrack here, with a small handful of Royal Guards going about various tasks. There were a few Llamas here as well, working in tandem with the ponies.

The Llamas were in their own armor, a silver that might have shined new but each was dulled with use. Helmets started on the tops of their heads and covered all but the tops of their faces in thick metal plates, with a barred faceplate placed over their eyes and the top of their snouts. The helmets continued down on their long necks, segmented to allow bending. Further plates guarded their chests and legs, with a green emerald in the center of their plates, signifying their rank as a hoof-soldier. Those standing guard carried spears, showing some things were the same regardless of culture.

As they dismounted they were approached by a Unicorn guard flanked by two Pegasi. "Please stand still for a Changeling check."

They had been expecting this and as such stood still as the Unicorn cast his magic over each of them, including the guards that had brought them there. Once they were finished, they spoke again. "Very good. Come, supper is being served in the mess hall."

Calling the room a mess hall seemed generous. It wasn't separated from the kitchen, for one thing, it was merely several long tables with the cooks and stove in full view. A crude gas stove was cooking a kind of stew while others were grinding peppers into hay. These were the only two choices in food, with some water to drink.

Rarity wanted to dig into their supplies, but the others talked her out of it. Best save those for the trip.

"Not the best, but it does well enough," the Unicorn said, taking a bite of his hay.

Rarity put on a smile. "We're grateful, Mr… uh…"

"Sergeant," the Unicorn said.

"Sergeant who?"

"Just Sergeant," the Unicorn said gruffly. "That's all I will say. All information at this base is under strict confidentiality until the Changeling threat is dealt with."

"Even your name?"

"The less that is known about us, the harder it is for a Changeling to impersonate us. We are tight lipped around anyone not a member of this unit."

The five visitors looked at each other. "Even from us?" Pinkie asked.

"The less ponies know a secret, the easier it is to keep," Sergeant said simply. "I trust you, I do, but you could get captured. A few brainwashing spells would get you to spill your secrets. The Llamas agreed to this, they know how dangerous our situation is."

Five sets of eyes looked at each other nervously.

Sergeant shook his head. "But that's hardly the type of conversation we should be having right now. With the trip you'll be heading out on tomorrow morning, you'll want some peace tonight."

"Tomorrow?" Applejack said. "I think we should leave tonight. This is important."

"Seriously?" Rainbow Dash began to counter the argument, but Sergeant beat her to it.

"The jungle is dangerous, especially at night. If it were up to me, you wouldn't have to spend any time camping in it, but it can't be helped. I can't stop you from doing anything once you're in there, but I cannot allow you to travel there at night as long as you're under my command."

The five of them gave curious looks. Celestia had told them it would be dangerous, and that they'd receive further instructions here, but they hadn't quite expected this.

"We've traveled through Everfree at night…"

Applejack's protest was cut off by Sergeant. "Everfree is a small area in an otherwise peaceful land. The jungle is much worse. The Llamas don't regulate nature as we do. As soon as they felt everything Discord did was undone, they requested we move out and cease occupation. None of their animals are as peaceful. Even Everfree beasts are civilized enough not to leave the forest… usually."

The five Equestrians arched eyebrows. Timberwolves and Ursa Minors didn't seem too civil when they were causing trouble.

"Timberwolves come out an' snatch any poor creature that gets too close," Applejack said. "An' we had an Ursa Minor come through once."

"Yes. Once," Sergeant said. "How many before that one? How many of you even knew what an Ursa looked like?"

That produced silence. Ursas were legendary beasts, but they were rarely seen, even as big as they were.

"What you call wild beasts are at least tame enough not to come into pony territory. Timberwolves are considered the worst, and they hardly go more than ten feet out of the thicket, and only then if they think they can get you without alerting others. They fear ponies as a whole, believe it or not. They know how they tamed the world after Discord's reign. Ponies constantly remind them, with their constant control. Here… here the beasts have forgotten. With the ponies gone, they forget what they are capable of. Even here, we only get by through not being worth the trouble."

Four ponies tensed… but only four.

"Really?" Fluttershy said, her pitch reaching that of a squeal. "I've always wanted to see real wild animals. I've read about this one snake that inhabits these jungles that can squeeze the life out of a pony before it eats it whole! And fish that eat meat that can skeletonize a pony in less than two minutes! And colonies of ants that can drag huge prey into their mounds by acting together. Oh this is so exciting! Nature is so fascinating!"

The other ponies gaped.

"We're going out in that?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Relax," Sergeant said, looking at Fluttershy with a bit of shock and what might have been interest. "The stories tend to get exaggerated. Yes, there are snakes that will squeeze and swallow, but ponies are too big for them to bother usually. And no ant here will bother with something so big when there's much easier prey. I still wouldn't recommend being around them, however, as long as you keep moving, and stick together, you should be fine.

"Just remember a few things. First off, do not let each other out of your sight. I mean it. You're even going to do your business in pairs. Wild animals may not eat ponies, but they can still be dangerous if they catch you alone. Second, no traveling at night. As soon as the sun sets, you set up camps. I'll be giving you some wards that will keep the beasts off you. Finally, you avoid any animal like the plague. I don't care how cute or majestic it looks, don't go near it."

Four of the five ponies looked at each other. This was definitely starting to sound like a trip the Princess should have assigned to somepony else.

Fluttershy gave a sigh. "The Creator made such interesting animals."

Rarity spoke up. "I don't suppose the Princesses have authorized any of you to accompany us, has she?"

"Weren't you listening?" Sergeant said. "Secrecy is the key here. I don't know what you're doing here other than you're going to the ruins, and I don't want to know. I only know that the Princess sent you here on something important, and until the Changelings are defeated that's all that's safe to know."

Rarity sighed. "Of course."

At that point, a Llama came up and whispered something in the Sergeant's ear. After listening a few moments, the burly pony nodded. "Excuse me, something needs my attention."

After watching him go, Applejack spoke up. "I don't like this… the Princess sendin' us in here with next to no idea what to do."

"Like with NightMare Moon? Or Discord?" Pinkie said. "Oh! There was the Changelings… but not even she knew about those, huh?"

There was a moment of silence. The ponies looked at each other.

"Well, we are the ones the Elements chose," Applejack said, forcing confidence into her voice. "We have to be qualified to handle everything, right? And we always have. Even without Twilight here, we can do just fine. She never did everything."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash said. "We've done a great job. We stopped Trixie, and we can stop these guys too."

"We got hurt…" Fluttershy started to say, but her friend spoke over her.

"So did Twilight when she went up against those idiots a few months ago. And remember when we fought those dragons? Twilight only fought one, we fought the rest."

"And you know," Rarity said, "Twilight doesn't know everything. Sometimes we have to keep her in line."

Pinkie giggled. "Remember her first Winter Wrap-Up?"

"So you think we're really safe from those animals?" Rarity asked.

"Who cares what's in there?" Rainbow Dash said, waving a hoof. "We'll be in and out no problem. It's just a quick hike and back."

"Uh-huh, and what if we run into the Changelings while we're there? They ain't that tough, but it'll be a bunch of them against us."

"Not all of them. Remember? Celestia said they couldn't move themselves all here without attracting attention. And we took out a lot of them just fine. As long as we watch our backs and avoid the animals like Sergeant said, we'll be fine."

"Yeah. We can do this without Twi. Sure, she'd be a help, but she'd never be doin' all the work." Applejack smiled. "So let's cheer up, huh?"

The ponies all smiled. But only for a few seconds. Then, worry started overcoming logic once more.

"Uh… quick question," Rainbow Dash said. "What's stopping any animals from entering the ruins? How do we know we won't come across something big hiding in there?"

"You won't," a voice answered.

The group gave a start and turned. Sergeant was back, and this time a Llama was with them. The stone in his chest was red, so it was clear he wasn't a mere soldier.

"The ruins are warded. Have been since before Discord, continues to be to this day. We make sure of it."

It was no surprise that the Llama spoke Equestrian, the pony's work to repair the world after Discord's antics had ensued the language had spread, but given that every other pony and Llama had ignored them since they arrived, it was still a surprise to hear one speak.

"Um, is that so, Mister… uh…" Applejack spoke.

"Captain," the Llama said simply. "Just call me Captain. No names, remember? Now then, we cannot destroy those ruins. It's one of the few pieces of architecture that survived the Reign of Discord, and afterward the ponies sent to calm the weather and tame the wilderness couldn't do anything to get rid of it. It's forbidden to travel there any further, but it's preserved anyhow."

Rainbow Dash's brow furrowed. "Wait, if you treasure it so much, why do you forbid it?"

Captain bit his lip. "Before the breaking, we used the temples to worship the Creator. But then, Discord came. While he tore the rest of the world apart, he came upon us. He said that if we were to rework our temples to worship him, he wouldn't 'flatten our village'. In desperation, we complied and began working to appease Discord. We turned our back on the Creator. When we were finished, he made entire villages lift to the stars, then let them fall, claiming that it didn't count as flattening them.

"When the Sisters banished Discord, we were too ashamed of our actions to go back to the temples, but at the same time we couldn't destroy them, Discord had made sure of that. So we left."

Rainbow Dash spoke next. "So… why would you leave the S…"

"…Anything the Changelings would want there," Applejack broke in. Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, but bit her tongue. The less anyone knew, the better.

"Discord left a lot of things there," Captain said. "Whatever you've been sent to get it's likely something of his. We don't like anything having to do with him, but if Princess Celestia says so, we'll be fine."

"Hey, how come you all know about Discord?" Pinkie asked. "We had never heard of them before he escaped."

Captain sighed. "Everyone likes to forget. After Discord's defeat everyone came together to rebuild. Celestia and Luna led the world into an era of peace, if only because no one wanted anything but peace after the chaos. But soon they forgot. Sure, they remember ponies fixing the weather and fauna, even countries that no longer have it regulated, and no country will dare go to war with Equestria, but they no longer have the respect they had. But we remember."

The five Bearers were silent. Celestia was practically worshiped in Equestria, but they weren't aware of any worship here.

"You best eat up," Captain said. "Once you go in tomorrow, there's no going back."

Author's Note

Yay, new chapter already! Well, would have been up Monday, but... BABSCon! Adventure starts next time, I swear.

Travel

It was an early start, and the five of them were ready, though it wasn't as seamless a start as the initial journey had been. While most had slept well, Rarity was already showing signs of fatigue. She was more than capable of handling herself in a quick scuffle, but endurance was a new area for her, and while she was having the sense not to complain, it was still evident she was miserable.

Applejack knew Rarity was a ticking time bomb in that area, so she kept an eye on the pocket watch Sergeant had given her. As soon as it hit ten o’clock, she spoke. “Alright ponies, next clearin’ we stop fer rest an’ water.”

It was a testament to her exhaustion that Rarity didn’t give a shout of joy. It was Rainbow Dash that spoke. “Seriously?! Come on, I can keep going! Don’t tell me you’re getting... ow!”

The cyan Pegasus rubbed her head as she saw the small stone fall to the ground. She glanced. “Who threw that?” She missed Rarity casually whistling.

Fluttershy was the first to get to a clearing. Sitting on a nearby rock, she began preening her wings. Seeing this, Rainbow Dash silently sat behind her and began doing it for her.

Rarity collapsed, not even bothering to find a good spot or tidy up her area. Breathing heavily, she pulled her water canteen out and began taking big gulps.

Applejack sat beside her and watched. “You feelin’ alright, Rare?”

“I… shall… be fine,” Rarity wheezed. She took another big gulp.

After a few more moments, the Earth Pony spoke. “Yer doin’ pretty good, Rare. Most ponies wouldn’t last this long…”

Rarity was starting to feel better, good enough to give Applejack a look. “There’s no need to patronize me. I’m quite fine, I assure you.”

“I wasn’t talkin’ down ta ya, honest.”

Rarity glared, but it melted quickly. “I know. Forgive me, I suppose this heat is getting to me.”

“I don’t blame ya. It’s hotter than a flat rock in summer.”

“You seem to be doing just fine.”

“Natural Earth Pony endurance,” she beamed. “I’m built fer this kind of thing. Addin’ in all the apple-buckin’ I do, I could run fer days without slowin’ down.” Her smile wilted. “At least back home. This heat might get me yet.”

“I seem to be the only one tired,” Rarity noted. “Even Fluttershy looks better than me.”

The Pegasus in question, now preened, was returning the favors, giving her friend the same care she had since they were schoolmates.

“It may not look like it, but Fluttershy’s in her element. She’s surrounded by all that nature she can’t get in Ponyville. Her adrenaline will keep pumpin’ until we leave.”

There was a moment of silence as they watched Pinkie stare at her reflection in the nearby river, occasionally looking at the log that was floating closer toward her.

“I… appreciate what yer doin’ Rare.”

Rarity looked at her companion. “What do you mean?”

“I know this whole mess ain’t easy fer ya. With yer sister gettin’ hurt an’ all…”

Rarity was quiet for a moment. “Applejack... will you keep what’s said between us?”

“‘Course. What’s up?”

“...After the wedding, I promised I’d put those I cared about first. I did that when Sweetie got sick and I dropped everything to take care of her. And… I failed. Trixie got as far as she did…”

Applejack was quiet for a moment, mulling over what to say. “Rare… it was that doctor. He should have been able to sense all that dark magic.”

“Yes… but I knew he was bad. I should have gotten a second opinion.”

There was silence again.

“I wonder if this is how the Princess feels.”

Rarity blinked at her friend’s statement. “What?”

“Celestia’s been princess fer’ever. Equestria’s the strongest nation in the world. But I think she took the weddin’ worse than any of us. At least we felt good enough to attend the reception.”

“I suppose.”

“The Princess had done a lot of good, but when she messes up, it’s always bad. And even though everypony but those idjits followin’ Olive Branch loves her, she always feels she’s unworthy for a while.”

“I… suppose that’s true. What’s your point?”

“I think the reason the Princess has lasted so long is because she knows how to take her failures. Whenever she messes up, it means more than a missed deadline or a lost crop. It means puttin’ ponies in danger. Even though she’s a good leader, all it takes is one mistake. I think she takes her time to cry ‘bout it, then she puts it behind her an’ moves on. No sense cryin’ over spilt milk. We just need to follow her example.”

“That’s one theory,” Rarity said. “But here’s another. What if she simply puts on a brave face in public? What if she’s just as scared as the rest of us.”

“…C-come on, you really think she coulda lasted this long by faking it?”

The cowpony didn’t seem particularly convinced.

Fluttershy finished up Rainbow Dash’s wings, then rose from the rock they were sitting on. Silently she flew toward the river, stopping only to pick up a large branch lying on the ground. Pinkie took a moment to stop watching the log floating towards her to look at Fluttershy.

“What’cha got there? Why are you carrying that stick? There’s not a piñata around… is there? Did I miss…”

A loud splash got Pinkie to look back at the river. However, all she ended up seeing was a gaping maw with two rows of razor-sharp teeth.

As Pinkie hit the ground in terror, Fluttershy shoved the branch into the crocodile's mouth. The beast, caught off guard by the intrusion, struggled to smash the branch. The Earth Pony, her heart catching up to her, realized it was the same log she had been so intently watching.

“It was just waiting for you to look away so it could try to bite you. It’s a very deadly predator if you don’t keep your guard up..”

After struggling a bit, the croc finally snapped the stick holding its mouth open. By this time, Applejack, who had recovered from any shock she had felt at the beast’s intrusion, leapt forward and jumped onto its back, wrapping her forelegs around its neck. The creature struggled, but Applejack had the superior strength.

While this was happening, Rainbow Dash flew up into the trees and grabbed a vine, ripping it away from the tree. When she had the chance, she wrapped it around the creature’s snout, tying its jaw shut.

Alarmed by this, the creature bucked Applejack off. As she landed a few feet away, Rainbow Dash was also pushed away. She attempted to move back in, Fluttershy stopped her. “Oh, don’t worry. Their jaws are strong, but once they’re tied together, they can’t get it open.”

The others looked at the crocodile and realized she was right. It was flopping around, trying desperately to free itself. Finally, it glared at the ponies before retreating back into the water.

“It just… left,” Rarity said, a bit stunned.

“Oh, yes,” Fluttershy nodded. “Wild animals aren’t malicious, they’re just hungry. It decided we weren’t worth the trouble and left.”

“...Maybe we better keep moving.”

Celestia wrote a few more signatures on the papers brought before her. Trixie’s clemency, Daring Do’s research, and the Bearer’s secret missions all bounced in her head. So much going on, it was hard to concentrate.

After signing her final document, she placed her quill on the side. She checked her watch. Almost time for Luna to lower the moon. And that meant her visitor should be here.

The doors to her office creaked open. A guard peered in. "The Shaman Zecora here to see you," he said, opening the door and allowing the zebra in question to enter.

"Ah, thank you. I'm so glad you could come on such short notice."

"A summons from you I cannot ignore
Even if the task is a bit of a chore."

"So my right-hoof pony filled you in, did he?"

Zecora nodded, and she actually seemed a bit annoyed.

"The one in questioned hurt my friend,
Though I know she wants to make amends."

Celestia nodded. "She does. Getting purged of all that dark magic changed her. She's not the pony she was before. She could be a great force for good. But at the moment, I don't have the time to teach her myself. I'm only asking you to take her for a few weeks, so she can get started while I wrap up another loose end. I understand you came to Equestria for your own research, but I hope you can take some time away to help me."

"I've been given good hospitality
I can do a favor asked of me.
Trixie Lulamoon I will teach,
And we'll see how far she'll reach."

The intrepid group kept traveling, mostly in silence. Even Rarity’s sheer displeasure at all the walking she had to do seemed to evaporate after seeing Pinkie nearly get chomped in half.

The sun set on the first day and everypony stopped to sleep and eat. Passing out supplies, Applejack noted they better eat as little of the supplies as they could. Remembering Sergeant’s words on survival, they all picked fruits out of nearby trees to supplement what they had brought.

After downing a meal, quickly and without much conversation, they slipped into their sleeping bags, with Rarity taking the first watch. It was agreed that Applejack would be the only other watcher the first night, since both were used to functioning without sleep. They were used to big workloads with not much rest between them.

After about three hours, Applejack emerged from her sleeping bag and walked over to her friend. “Alright, Rare, you go on to bed. My turn.”

Rarity blinked. “Are you sure? According to the moon I still have another hour.”

“Yeah, well, I’m up now. Come on, you deserve some rest.”

The Unicorn glared at her. “I told you earlier, you don’t need to patronize me,” Rarity said. “I can handle another hour.”

“I know ya can,” Applejack said. “I also know ya aren’t used ta all this. Come on, grab some extra shut-eye, we ain’t too far from the temple.”

“I’ll be fine. You go back to bed, you’ll need all the sleep you can get.”

“Rare, I’m fine…”

“Applejack, the last time you tried going without sleep it caused a lot of damage.”

“That was years ago!”

“And we still remember it. Twilight still keeps an eye on how much work you do.”

“That gal overanalyzes everything and you know it. Now go to bed.”

“Really Applejack, are you going to insist on doing this again? Will you let me help you?”

“…You don’t need to make anything up to anypony.”

Rarity was caught off guard by Applejack’s words. The cowpony had gotten soft, her face now looking sympathetic.

“You don’t need to work harder. It… it ain’t gonna make anythin’ better for you.”

Rarity blinked… then sighed. “You know, I’m glad you told me to leave everything behind. I… I wouldn’t have been able to carry everything.”

Now Applejack was surprised. Rarity’s eyes were misting.

“I didn’t think it through, did I?”

“Rare…” Applejack wrapped a foreleg around her friend and pulled her in. The Unicorn nuzzled into her friend. Her eyes were wet, but she wasn’t fully crying.

“It was silly of me, wasn’t it? I… guess I haven’t learned much.”

“Bad habits don’t go away right away.”

“I think they should in this case,” Rarity said. “I…” She took a deep breath. “I know I need to start putting things away when it’s time to get work done.”

“Maybe… maybe I need to quit bein’ stubborn. Rainbow nearly had my hide after she found out about that rule…”

There was silence for a moment.

“Remember back before Twilight came to town?”

Rarity looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“We hardly talked to each other. The most I ever saw you was when I came in to get some work done on my hat, or when you came to my stall to buy apples. Even then, we were all business. You didn’t seem all that interested in bein’ friends.”

“Well… yes. I never looked down on you, you understand… well, I tried not to, but I simply didn’t see anyway we could get along.”

“I know. But look at us. We’re good friends now. I never thought I’d get along with you either, until we met Twi. We’ve grown over the years, and I don’t think either of us knew it until after we changed. It just kind of… sneaks up on you."

"I… suppose. What do you mean by this."

Applejack was silent a moment longer. "Change will come naturally, over time. If you're so worried about who you are, just keep in mind the mare you want to be and focus on that."

Rarity smiled. "I suppose I will."

"I know it's hard right now, Rare, but we're on a mission. We ain't got time to wallow in everythin'. I'll help you through anythin', but right now we need ta focus, okay?"

"…I suppose you're right."

"Good. Now come on, get to bed. I can take the watch."

"I suppose that does sound good," Rarity admitted. "I'll let you. But promise me you will not take a shift tomorrow night. You let Pinkie and Rainbow take theirs."

"I will, Rare, I promise."

Author's Note

Yeah... probably a disappointment after that hiatus, but this was needed. More will happen next time.

Stealth

The next morning it was all business. No pleasantries were exchanged as the other awoke and ate breakfast while Applejack caught an extra hour of sleep. By early morning, they were on the road again.

The temple peered out through the trees after just an hour. Sergeant had said the tallest one would be the only one they were likely to see.

"I'll fly up and see how close we..."

"No!" Applejack said. "Ya wanna give our location away to every Changeling in the area? They're bound to have some of 'em flyin' around, an' the point is to get in and out without bein' seen."

"What if I just hide in the trees?"

"All that color is as good as a beacon," the cowpony said. Then she thought. "Maybe Fluttershy could blend in better."

After some debate and against Applejack's better judgement, Fluttershy flew up to get a better look.

She saw the temple, the largest one, unexplored by Equestria's best archeologist. It stood as a strange pyramid, large and blocky, with steps running up each side. It was colored in reds and yellows, though the color was faded and robbed of its brightness. Surrounding the area were smaller temples, similar in nature.

Fluttershy was so impressed by the sight she almost didn't notice the changelings. They weren't swarming the sky, but she did see several. Hundreds, maybe, all swarming over a single temple, dotting its color. It was the only one being explored.

She looked carefully. There were a few flying across the sky, no doubt on the lookout for any interlopers. After a bit more scanning, she saw several lower to the trees, all which seemed to be in a line. After a bit of thinking, she realized it was likely a perimeter.

Hoping they hadn't noticed her, she flew back down to her friends. "It's about an hour's walk until we get to where the Changelings are. I think it'll be another hour after that when we get to the temple."

Applejack nodded. "Then we better rest. We stay here th' rest of the day and go in tomorrow."

"What? Why?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We're so close, let's go in."

"It ain't that simple, Rainbow. We should be going in at full strength. It'll be hard enough sneakin' in, and what if we're caught? We'd have to run, and it'd probably have to be at least twenty miles before we'd lose 'em."

"Um... the Changelings are searching the temples one at a time," Fluttershy said. "Um, they're not on the big temple today, but by tomorrow they could find it."

Rarity nodded. “She has a point, Darling. Perhaps it’s worth the risk if the Changelings are going to be out of our way.”

Applejack considered this. “I guess that makes sense.”

“But how are we gonna sneak in?” Pinkie said. “We all have bright colors and the Changelings are going to be expecting us and if they see even a hint of pony, they’re gonna swarm us!”

“We’ll disguise ourselves,” Fluttershy said, stepping forward with a level of confidence that caused everypony to be silenced with shock. “We’re in animal territory, so we’ll use the time honored camouflage technique. It won’t be anything as intricate as they use, but if we look enough like we're not ponies, then the Changelings will just think we’re animals... or maybe won’t even see us at all.”

“Well, what do you suggest?”

“I already miss using wings,” Rainbow Dash whispered as she crawled along on the ground. “This will take forever to get out of my feathers.”

“We’re sneaking Rainbow, that means silence.” Applejack crawled beside her, mud falling off of her at every step. She looked odd, as she had elected to carry the supplies they were taking in with them, so her saddlebag was bulging out of her side as a mud covered lump. “No talking unless you have to.”

The cowpony was taking the mud coating her better than anypony except Fluttershy herself. Pinkie grimaced, but still put on a smile. Rainbow Dash took the most coaxing, not wanting to gunk up her feathers. Rarity went stiff at the idea, and while she did it, she had been remarkably silent about the whole thing.

“Can’t we go faster?” Rainbow Dash moaned.

“Rainbow, the entire point is to be stealthy,” Applejack whispered. “Now please be quiet.”

Much to Applejack’s delight, Rainbow was indeed quiet, and for a while they creeped along close to the ground.

They were at this for quite a bit before they saw it, hard as it was through the trees. It was a Changeling guard, hovering just over a point in the perimeter. A helmet on its head and a spear in a foreleg, it scanned the area. A partner was at its side, looking in the opposite direction.

The five ponies pressed their bellies against the ground, trying to blend in with the shadows. Applejack scanned around. The original pair were slightly to their left. She saw another pair to the right, about twenty feet away from their companions.

"The gap should be big enough. Come on."

At Applejack's command, the five began moving through the foliage, trying to move slowly enough not to cause any noise, yet quickly enough that they could still reach the temple before nightfall.

More than once, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy wished they could fly. But in between the risk of their ruse falling apart and their feathers being gunked with mud, they could only creep along with everypony else.

After a few minutes, they were between the two guard outposts. The thick foliage of trees provided some cover, but they could still see the two pairs, their wings beating as they hovered overhead. They all silently prayed it’d be enough to drown out the noise.

At a few more steps, there was a loud snap. Applejack pulled her hoof up off the branch she had stepped on.

The entire party froze. They didn’t even dare look over at either patrol. One second. Five. Ten. Fifteen.

Finally, Applejack dared to look. The patrols weren’t paying attention to them. They either hadn’t heard, or Fluttershy’s camouflage had worked.

Applejack began moving again. The others, relieved to see their de facto leader had continued, followed.

Once they passed the perimeter, they picked up the pace a bit, but only a bit. They didn’t dare do it any faster. Finally, when they were a few feet away, they picked up the pace.

After a bit, they stopped running in a deep part of foilage. Taking deep breaths, they started to talk.

“Okay... we’re in. Now what?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack took another breath, then turned to Rarity. “You remember where we’re supposed to go?”

Rarity had the best memory of anypony present, which is why she had been put in charge of memorizing everything in case their luggage got lost. The Unicorn nodded. “Of course. It should be a straight walk in that way, if we don’t have any surprises.”

“Not with our luck,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

It was another hour of travel. It might have been faster if Applejack hadn’t been so adamant about being slow. Sticking to the shadows and ducking at every unknown noise, and pausing whenever a Changeling patrolled too close.

Finally, they were outside the large temple where the Princesses' source said the Sun Stone waited.

They had to admire the scope of it, even if crude carvings of Discord decorated it from the spirit’s cruelty. Worn and moss covered stone stacked into a pyramid, blocky to the point where it looked like giant steps all around. But the real steps were in the front, leading up to a large opening.

“How do we get in?” Rainbow Dash said.

They all looked at her. “Uh... the stairs?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash put a hoof to her head. “Let me rephrase that. How are we going to get in without the Changelings seeing us?”

The other four looked at the temple and saw her point. The structure was huge. And it would be impossible to get up it without being seen by passing patrols.

“Maybe the mud will blend us in...” Applejack said, more to herself than anypony.

“It’s too dark, we’d stand out,” Rarity said.

“Then maybe we’d look so indistinct that the Changelings will think we’re animals.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “They might not bother to stop animals coming through the perimeter, but five of them going up to a temple is going to look strange.”

Applejack thought another moment. “Then we’ll just have to rush it.”

The others blinked at that. “Uh... AJ? Is that really such a good idea? We’re bound to be seen.”

“Maybe not. We’ll just have to hope they miss us.”

“I don’t know...”

“Do any of you have a better idea?” Applejack tried to keep her voice steady, but frustration was starting to seep through.

The four looked at each other, a little put off by Applejack’s bluntness.

“Ooh! Ooh!” Pinkie said. “Maybe Rarity can teleport us, like Twilight can!”

“Pinkie, dear, teleportation is a difficult spell. It’s a strain for me to do the Changeling detection spell, I can hardly be expected to pull off something like that.”

Rainbow Dash perked. “Hey, what about Pinkie’s teleportation?”

The pink Earth Pony looked at her. “What do you mean? I’m not a Unicorn.”

“But you teleport all the time!”

“Like when?”

“Like when you were chasing me around Ponyville before you met Gilda? Or when you were chasing me around Ponyville trying to find out about the surprise party?”

“I was just really fast then.”

“You were hopping along the first time!”

“No I wasn’t.”

“But uh... well, what about the fight we had with those dragons? One of them threw you over the horizon, and you were right behind him a minute later?”

“Like I said, I’m really fast.”

“But... it’s impossible for a pony to be that fast!”

“Well, obviously it isn’t if I was that fast.”

“Twilight says you appeared behind a mirror! And Scootaloo told me you popped out a wardrobe then popped back in.”

“That’s just me being Pinkie.”

“Wha? But... but...”

Rarity put a hoof on her shoulder. “Let it go, Rainbow. Just let it go.”

“Now, since we don’t have any other ideas, we’ll try mine,” Applejack said. “We need to just go up there and hope for the best.”

“Um... and if the Changelings see us?”

“We run an’ hope fer the best. Going in the temple would just trap us.”

“Great, we’re going in blind,” Rainbow Dash said under her breath. Applejack glared but didn’t say anything.

And so the ponies moved. They all dashed up the steps. Even Fluttershy moved fast, the fear of being spotted acting as an effective motivator. It took them only minutes to climb the large structure. At which point, they barged into the large opening.

In the dark room, all except Rainbow Dash panted, trying to get air back in their lungs. The cyan Pegasus, used to quick sprints, needed only a moment before reaching into Applejack’s saddlebags and pulling out the lanterns they had brought with them.

“Where are those matches?” she said absently, poking through the bag.

Applejack, who recovered next, poked her head into the bag and brought out a matchbook. Carefully maneuvering the matchbook in her mouth, she plucked out a match, lit it, and used it to light the two lanterns.

“Uh...” Rarity choked out between breaths. “Well, this is a relief. I don’t think we’re about to get swarmed.”

“Let’s not rest just yet. We need to find that stone and get out of here.” Applejack placed a lantern in front of Rainbow Dash, who lifted it with her hoof.

Rarity lit up her horn, illuminating her own path. Then she stopped.

Now that she was looking around the lit room, she saw it. An intricately carved picture on the wall that depicted a round object sitting atop an altar. To either side of it, in round circles, were quadrupedal figures, three on the left, two on the right. They were indescript enough that she couldn’t tell what they were.

Rarity, seeing this, looked to another wall and saw it. An empty altar, nothing truly fancy, just a simple square with some patterns carved on it. But it was empty.

“Everypony, look!”

“I see it too,” Applejack said. “Does this mean it’s already been cleared out?”

“Maybe we’re supposed to stand on these!” Pinkie said, hopping up and down.

The others looked, and recognized it immediately. On the ground was a large circle, and every time Pinkie landed on it, it pressed into the floor.

They scanned the ground and found four more just like them.

“Can’t hurt to try,” Applejack said, taking her place on one.

Rarity and Fluttershy did the same, but Rainbow Dash actually hesitated for once. “This seems way too easy.”

“Come on, Dash, we need to do this quick.”

Rainbow Dash only hesitated a moment longer before following Applejack’s command and stepping on her circle.

After it sunk, there was a loud sound that reminded Rainbow Dash of stones shifting.

And then the floor gave way beneath them.

Rainbow Dash flapped her wings, but it was no good. The mud still coating her wings gunked her feathers too badly. Still, they flapped as her stomach lurched. And they fell.

The Victor Go the Spoils

Applejack heard the rooster crowing, it was time to get up. Yawning, she rose from bed. After a few seconds, the sleepiness left her head and she ventured downstairs. On the way down, she ran into Apple Bloom going upstairs, happily skipping steps in her joy.

“Careful there, little one,” Applejack said. “I know yer excited, but a fall down the stairs is gunna put yer cuteceañera on hold real quick.”

The young filly grinned, then turned to display the single red apple on her flank for the hundredth time since she received it. “Isn’t it great, AJ? I thought I’d have to leave the farm, but I can stay right here an’ be a farmer with you an’ Big Mac!”

Applejack ruffled the filly’s hair. “Like I said before, it’s great. Now you best finish gettin’ cleaned up, we’re due for guests really soon.”

Apple Bloom smiled, then craned her head up to kiss her sister on the cheek. Then she scampered off.

Applejack smiled, then headed downstairs.

Ma and Pa were in the kitchen. They had spent the whole morning cooking, cleaning, and decorating. Through the window, Applejack could see the tables set up, balloons strung up on every seat. In a few minutes, Pinkie should arrive with their order of cakes and sweets for their youngest foal’s special day.

Pa Apple laughed, pulling her daughter into a hug. “You’re up late today, AJ. Out late with your friends?”

Applejack gave a small smile. “Yeah. Rare was askin’ me fer help on somethin’. Seems she wanted to get some dresses out that weren’t so frou-frou. Then Twi wanted to spend a few hours with me to figure out some things about Earth Pony magic.”

Pa smirked. “That mare...” he shook her head.

Ma chuckled. “She’s quite a catch. Too bad Big Mac’s already spoken for. Still, Cheerilee’s quite a mare too.” Then she gave a look to her middle child. “Speakin’ of which...”

Applejack hid under her hat. “Ma...”

“I’m just saying, you’re about that age...”

“Look, can we just drop it? I swear, you’re worse than Rarity.”

Pa chuckled. “That mare... I was worried you hangin’ ‘round with some frilly pony like that, but shoot me if it didn’t just make you happy.”

Applejack didn’t answer, because she had snuck a piece of toast off a plate. As she bit down, her father kept going. “I’m glad you’ve been making more friends, AJ. And you’ve become a Bearer... we couldn’t be more proud of you.”

The cowpony blushed, even though her father said it every day. Her mother said it every day. Her family loved her.

Her family was here.

“Um, hello?”

Twilight peeked in through the open back door. The silly mare still was nervous about entering without knocking, long after she had been declared family.

“Twi, what brings you around?”

Twilight came in, levitating a tray of uncooked hayburgers behind her. “I just thought I’d bring these by early. Judging from how many ponies are attending, I thought you’d want a head start.”

Ma took the tray while Applejack thanked her. “Thanks Twi. Say, as long as you're here, how ‘bout helpin’ me out with my chores? I need an extra hoof if I’m gonna get them done on time.”

“AJ, when have I ever said no to that?”

Rainbow Dash looked at the papers spread out on her desk. She had done the impossible, being launched up from trainee to leader of the Wonderbolts in a matter of weeks. Even Spitfire had to bow to her awesomeness. True, the role came with a lot of paperwork, but it was for a good cause.

“Let’s see, Lightning Dust’s permanent ban... official. Speedy Delivery’s exile papers... official,” she stamped each paper with her hoof. She reached for her drink, only to find it was empty. “Hey, Hoops, refill!”

Her former bully, now in a butler’s outfit, refilled her drink with a polite bow.

Rainbow Dash was about to return to her papers when her door opened. She looked up to reprimand the recruit for bursting in, but an orange blur tackled her into a hug before she could speak.

“Hey Mom,” Scootaloo said, wrapping her forelegs around her.

“Oh, hey Scoots,” Rainbow Dash said, kissing her daughter on the forehead. “You just hold up, I’m almost done.”

“You know, I could help you get done faster if I were a Wonderbolt too,” the filly said with wide eyes, being sure to turn so her cutie mark was visible.

“You’re too young, kiddo. Besides, you owe me a few years of just being my little filly.”

“Your little filly?” Soarin said, appearing in the doorway. “I thought she was our little filly.”

Rainbow Dash still couldn’t help but feel the band across her hoof every time he saw him. “Hey, I saw her first,” she teased, as her husband crossed the room and kissed her.

“Ew,” Scootaloo muttered.

“Hey, get used to it, kiddo, you’ll be finding a colt of your own one day.”

“Uh-uh, no way.”

Dash just grinned. “Well, let me sign a few more papers and we can go. Your Aunt Fluttershy and Aunt Gilda will be meeting us for dinner.”

“Cool!” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah, but you’ve got to wash up.”

“Okay Mom.” She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek before retreating to the compound’s bathroom.

Soarin grinned. “Speaking of which, I take it you got the papers ready?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. It was hard trying to pick between which of her two childhood friends would win the honor of being Scootaloo’s godmother, but in the end, Fluttershy lived in Ponyville and could raise her in familiar surroundings.

“I got it right here.”

Soarin smiled and kissed her again. Everything was awesome in Rainbow Dash’s world.

Trenderhoof took another sip of wine. “I must say, Rarity, your selection is simply divine.” He raised his glass. “Almost as divine as you yourself.”

“Oh, you charmer,” Rarity said, sipping her own glass.

A year ago, she would have never dreamed it could get this good this fast. But here she was, in Canterlot’s most exclusive club, sipping wine imported from Prance from the finest vineyards, sitting next to her fiancé. Spike was sitting across from them, but there was no longer that puppy dog look he had always given her. His eyes were on another pony.

Sweetie stood on stage, wearing a dress that tastefully showed off the music note that made her cutie mark. She sang, the youngest pony ever to ever sing at this club.

She finished, and the crowd politely clapped. Sweetie walked down the stage, sitting next to Spike. The two shared a kiss.

Rarity smiled. She was grateful Spike’s crush had faded on its own. And she was especially pleased Sweetie had been his next. The dear boy was such a gentledrake, her sister deserved no less.

Fancypants, Coloratura, and Sapphire Shores approached the table.

“Rarity, I absolutely loved your sister’s performing.” He turned to Sweetie. “You will come perform at my next party, won’t you? There will be an invitation for your sister as well.”

“And we simply must do a collaboration,” Coloratura said. “I’m sure Rarity can design the outfits...”

“Oh, no, not before I have my chance,” Sapphire Shores said. “I can get you shot to number one on the charts.”

“Please,” Sweetie said, “I can make time in my schedule for everypony... in about a few weeks. My sister and I have a previous engagement that cannot be broken.”

Rarity smiled. That “previous engagement” was Ponyville Days Festival. They might have finally made it, but they weren’t going to forget Ponyville. Ever. She’d never turn her back on anypony like she had done twice before.

She couldn’t wait. Twilight would likely be the Master of Ceremonies, Applejack would provide the food, and Rainbow Dash would have some prank planned that wouldn’t quite go the way she intended. Pinkie would laugh, and the trip would conclude with a spa date between Fluttershy and herself.

“Oh, but you simply must make a date afterward,” Coloratura said. “I guarantee it will be good for you both.”

Spike spoke up. “If you want Sweetie for anything, talk to me. I’m her manager.”

The youngest filly nodded. “He’d know my schedule better than I do.”

“Why don’t you all sit and we’ll discuss this further?” Rarity asked

The three superstars sat. After a good thirty minute chat, the topic soon turned to current events.

“I suppose you’ve heard about Prince Blueblood?” Fancypants asked.

Sapphire Shores nodded. “I sure have. It’s about time that Princess Celestia gave that spoiled brat a reality check.”

Rarity took another sip of wine to hide her grin. Celestia had formally stripped Prince Blueblood of his rank and had sent him to work in the farms as punishment for a particularly bad incident where he hit on the wrong ambassador. Maybe in a year or two, he would return to power, now with his ego deflated.

“I must say, I agree.”

Fancypants smiled. “I figured you would. It’s a shame the lineage of Clover the Clever produced that. Well, there have been weak links before.”

Coloratura took another sip, always managing to keep the veil over her face. “It’s a shame. The lineage might die off here if the Prince doesn’t get his act together.”

Rarity chuckled. “Perhaps... but the Princess has spoken to me about that.” The statement had the desired effect of getting everypony’s attention. “Over the last few months, I might have played matchmaker among the other Bearers. Each and every one now has a special somepony of their own. Even my friend Fluttershy, who I daresay was too shy to speak to a stallion, now has somepony to share it with. Seeing this, Princess Celestia has asked me, in a few years time, to find a special somepony for our... ‘good’ prince.”

“Ah, marvelous,” Fancypants nodded. He lifted his wineglass. “A toast to you, Rarity, a genius in fashion and matchmaking.”

“A toast,” the others repeated.

Fluttershy threw more feed on the ground. The animals around her all sped to gobble it up. After watching the cute little things munch for a bit, she spoke up. “You want to leave about that amount. Getting too much and the animals will get stomachaches.”

“Okay, Fluttershy,” Olive Branch said, taking the bag from her.

“Start feeding the other sections of this garden, and of Garden 15.”

“Of course, Fluttershy,” the Unicorn said, as he began his work.

Fluttershy smiled at the Unicorn’s efforts. She took to the sky, looking upon her life’s work. She now had the single largest nature preserve in Equestria. Of course, that required ponies to run it, and she had no shortage.

She surveyed her area. She saw the former King Sombra and Red Hoof feeding Harry and his fellow bears. She saw Lightning Dust instruct the birds on their singing. She saw Flim and Flam working on the patio of their headquarters, no doubt putting together the marketing campaign to get more tourists to visit. And in several areas, as he was always teleporting around, she saw Discord, tending the flora of her preserve.

She smiled at her accomplishments. Not only had she created her dream sanctuary, she had proven her view correct. All it took was kindness from her and everypony who was cruel had melted away into an upright pony. Kindness would always triumph over cruelty.

She looked over her sanctuary. She looked at Ponyville sitting next to it. It was difficult, but Everfree had been civilized. No more survival of the fittest, all could flourish under her care.

“You’ve done good, Flutters.”

Fluttershy looked to see Rainbow Dash flying next to her.

“I’m glad you like it,” Fluttershy said, hugging her friend. “We’ve almost have everything made up for ponies to come in.”

Rainbow Dash hugged back. “Derpy was delivering a letter to you. I offered to take it the rest of the way.”

Fluttershy’s heart raced. Was this it? Was this what she had been waiting for? Rainbow Dash pulled out an envelope that was marked with the return address of the Canterlot Orphanage. It was it.

She opened the envelope. As her eyes took in the words, her heart raced.

“They approved me! I can go there tomorrow and take home a foal!”

“Congratulations, Flutters,” Rainbow Dash said. “You’re going to make a good mother.”

There was a bright flash of light. As her vision started to come back, Pinkie looked around.

She seemed to be in another part of the temple. This one had an opening that was letting light in. Wait... they had fallen, hadn’t they? were they at the bottom floor now?

She looked around. As her vision cleared, she saw four vaguely pony figures. She blinked, trying to get her vision to come back into focus. She was trying not to panic. They had fallen a great distance, and the Changelings weren’t around.

While Pinkie seemed like a pony with a short attention span, she could focus when she needed to. After all, she needed to focus in order to build her party canons and flying machines. Right now her mind was focused on one point.

You need to figure out what’s going on before the Changelings find you. Panic will be bad. Stay calm.

When her focus cleared, she saw it was indeed her friends. But they were standing still, their eyes focused on nothing.

“Hey! Everypony! Rarity? Applejack? Fluttershy? Dashie?”

No reaction.

Pinkie waved her hoof over Applejack’s eyes. “Please, somepony answer me!”

No reaction.

Pinkie let out a gasp. “Rarity! There’s a pony wearing a hat that doesn’t match her coat!”

No reaction.

Pinkie started to fret. She searched around, looking for something that might help her.

That’s when she noticed it. Above each and everypony’s heads was a bright glowing orb. Each was positioned over a singly pony in particular, focusing a beam of light on top of them.

Pinkie pondered this. Shortly after they had defeated Trixie, Rainbow Dash had mentioned something about Scootaloo running into a crystal in the Castle of the Two Sisters that had trapped her in an illusion. Could this be something similar?

At any rate, the orbs were certainly the cause of her friends’ silly behavior. She needed to destroy them now, before the Changelings showed up.

Later, Pinkie would suspect that the some divine being in Paradise was watching and decided to have a little fun, because at that point two Changelings flew into the opening. Pinkie went still as the pair glanced over their captures. They smiled in contentment, until their eyes fell on Pinkie.

For a few moments, time stood still, as both sides just stared at the other.

Pinkie got over her shock first. She reached behind her.

The Changelings began charging.

Pinkie whipped out her party cannon.

The Changelings stopped in surprise at the surreal nature of the move. But only for a moment. They ran forward.

Pinkie fired her cannon. A large mass of glitter and confetti struck the pair, sending the Changelings flying out the door.

She whipped around to her friends, eying the orbs above their heads. That had to be what was causing all this, and she had to stop it before those Changelings recovered and called for reinforcements.

She aimed her party cannon at Applejack’s orb and fired.

“We have all gathered here to honor the youngest in our family finding her path,” Pa said, gesturing to Apple Bloom. “On this day, she fully becomes a mare, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Applejack smiled. Pa laid it on pretty thick, but that’s what she loved about him. Still, it made for a bit of a long winded speech. So she took to looking to the skies. Rainbow Dash made sure it would be a cloudless day, and the Sun floated high in the sky.

And then the sun split apart.

Applejack blinked, not sure if she was seeing correctly. The doubt only intensified when the sky fell apart around the now broken sun. Like glass, it all shattered around her, revealing a bright white underneath.

Then, as it reached the horizon, the land broke apart. Faster than Applejack could see, the ground broke apart, all the way up to the gathering.

“Look ou-”

Her friends shattered. Her family shattered.

“...and my daughter, Applejack, who I love deeply...”

“No!”

“Applejack? Applejack?”

Applejack’s eyes returned to focus to see Pinkie stick her face right in front of her.

“Oh, good, Applejack, you’re awake! Quick, you were trapped by a crystal... or orb, whatever you call it... that was putting you in an illusion, but I rescued you because you’re the strongest and I need your help...”

“Ma! Pa!” Applejack’s eyes filled with tears.

It was hard to render Pinkie speechless, but Applejack had done just that. “Wha? Applejack...”

The Earth Pony collapsed in a blubbering fit. “Mah... mah parents.”

Pinkie blinked. Her first thought was that she should comfort her friend. Then she remembered what was at stake, and knew she couldn’t. She needed the second strongest.

She turned her party cannon on Rainbow Dash’s orb and fired.

Rainbow Dash came out of her stooper with just as much shock. “Pinkie... wha... why is Applejack...”

“Rainbow Dash! Orbs, illusion... Applejack had her heart...”

“Wait... we were falling...” Rainbow Dash started to put the pieces together. “Oh no...”

“Changelings are here! What do we do?! What do we do?!”

Rainbow Dash looked around. “Okay, listen. Free Rarity next, she can use her magic to quickly clean us, if my feathers are clean I can fly, and we need that advantage. I’ll talk to AJ.”

Pinkie nodded and turned her cannon on Rarity’s orb.

Rainbow Dash got to Applejack and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Look, I know what that orb did. I know you, I know what you saw...”

Pinkie fired, shattering the orb.

“Ma...”

“Look, I know. I’ll let you cry into me all you want when we’re back to base. But if you don’t move it now, then the Apple family is going to lose another member. Are you going to let that happen?”

“Uh.. Rarity... why are you closing your eyes?” Pinkie asked.

“You... you’re right, Rainbow. I... I need to get it togeth...”

“Oh, Trenderhoof,” Rarity said, her voice dripping with lust. “Just nibble my neck a little higher... higher... high...”

Rarity opened her eyes and froze as her three friends just gaped. Her face turned red. “Um... what’s going...”

“Rarity, clean me,” Rainbow Dash said. “Then clean Fluttershy as soon as she’s free! We need flyers.”

The embarrassed Unicorn needed no second bidding. Like at the Sisterhooves Social so long ago, Rarity lit up her horn, dispelling the mud on her, then did the same for Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy came out in a daze, then looked around.

“Wh... what happened?”

“No time!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Rarity, clean! Pinkie, I don’t know how you carried that all this way, but focus it on the door! Rarity, Applejack, help her if any more come in! Fluttershy, look at the back wall, there might be a secret way out.”

Applejack, still looking visibly shaken, walked over to where Rarity stood.

“Okay... what happened?” Rainbow Dash asked. “The last I remember is falling.”

“It must have been a trap!” Rarity said. “I should have known. That whole thing seemed too convenient. The Changelings not being in this temple, there being the exact right number of plates for us to stand on. It worked way too well.”

“Indeed.”

The five ponies stopped dead. That was the last voice they had expected to hear.

Discord stood in the entranceway, grinning a wicked grin. The five ponies recoiled in horror.

The Spirit of Chaos gave a slow, sarcastic clap as he walked forward. “Well done, my little ponies. You managed to walk right into my trap. Celestia must be so proud of you.” He stopped. then he narrowed his eyes. “Maybe if you come quietly, I’ll only have a little fun with you, and...”

“You’re not Discord.”

Everypony and a single supposed draconequus looked at Pinkie.

“Um... of course I am...”

“You’re walking instead of floating, and you’re not even making any funny noises this time. Plus, you were able to just plow through Celestia’s defenses last time, why would you need information out of us now? Plus, we’re fighting shapeshifters, why wouldn’t we question what we see, Changeling?”

...

“Well, look at the brain on you,” Discord said, now in a familiar voice. A flash of green flame revealed the Changeling Queen.

“You,” Rainbow Dash said, looking at her with a death glare.

“Yes, me, Rainbow. Still every bit the fool as the last time I met you.”

“You uncouth beast,” Rarity growled.

She actually growled, Rainbow Dash noted. There’s hope for her yet.

“Oh, I’m uncouth? This coming from the mare who whored herself out to me for the chance to wear a frilly dress?”

The five ponies looked at her for a moment. Then, they all burst out laughing.

The Changeling Queen looked at them. “What do you find so amusing?”

“I’m... I’m sorry,” Rarity said. “It’s just... I thought you’d be a little more creative here. You thought playing that card would work on us? It’s been a year!”

“And you’ve buried your guilt so easily?”

Rarity scoffed. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Yes, the Wedding was a painful memory for all of us. I don’t think we’ll ever look back on them and be okay with how we acted. But we’ve let it inspire us to be better. We’ve grown from it, and we’ve been better to Twilight and everypony else because of it. We...”

“Ah, do you ponies ever shut up?” the Queen said. “You sound like lines from a self-help book. Well, no matter. You’re still coming with me and my army. Don’t forget, I’m still the one who defeated Celestia...”

“But you only beat her because you were powered up by Shining Armor’s love,” Pinkie said.

“...I’m still powerful...”

“Then why all the stealth?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Why not just attack us?”

“....Get them!”

In a flash Changelings started pouring in. It became a melee in seconds. Pinkie’s party cannon, Applejack and Rainbow Dash bucking every Changeling that got too close, Rarity both kicking and zapping, and Fluttershy pressing against the back wall, looking desperately for a way out.

“I still have numbers, ponies, and it’s only a matter of time. So let’s see how long you last.”

Chrysalis watched as her minions went at it. So what if she was severely weakened? They were too. No Twilight Sparkle, the freak, and without her, the rest would fall like a house of cards.

Chryssy...

Chrysalis froze. Discord?

Chryssy, you know that every Changeling they take out is one you’ll have to carry with you. The Llamas know you’re here.

Killing them will give us an advantage...

See, Chryssy, this is why you were a waste of a transformation. They're already five normal ponies. Without Twilight and the Element of Magic, they’re just fools. Besides, they’ll be a lot of fun when I get free.

No! I want them dead!

There was a sigh. It’s like my buddy says: mortals need to learn how to party. Fine, but remember what happens if you fail.

Fluttershy pressed along each brick, desperately searching for a way out. Luckily for her, the Changelings seemed to ignore her. They had remembered her poor performance at the wedding, and they had bigger fish to fry.

She hoped Rainbow Dash was right, and something came out.

Her hopes were answered when a single brick compressed at her push. She gave a nearly inaudible “yay” as a door slid open next to it.

Contrary to popular belief, Fluttershy could be loud when needed. Sometimes animals responded well to such instructions. Putting a hoof to her mouth, she blew a whistle.

Rainbow Dash recognized the whistle first. Thus, she was prepared for Chrysalis’ surprised “NO!” and was able to kick her speed into overdrive. Ricocheting like a pinball, she bounced around the room, knocking out Changelings, kicking up dust, and causing fast wind.

The momentary blindness was enough when combined with the initial panic. The five ponies managed to get into the door without much trouble.

The Changelings tried to follow, but they were one big group trying to get into a narrow doorway. A well-aimed blast from the party cannon was enough to keep them down. Following them, some well-aimed blast from Rarity sent more to the ground.

Chrysalis fumed. They had a real advantage now. That narrow way was too easy to defend.

Chryssy... you can still win, but it will take too long and cost too much. End it.

Chrysalis sighed. For the Spirit of Chaos, you’re a surprisingly good planner.

Uh, don’t remind me. I can’t wait to be free, and go back to good ol’-fashioned fun. Now, you’re on duty.

Chrysalis spoke aloud. “Congratulations, Bearers, you’re officially no longer worth my time. I have what I came here for, so I’ll bid you all farewell.”

The Bearers nearly stopped at that. They actually did when the Changelings flew away, like a large flock of birds that suddenly changed direction.

“...This has to be a trick,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well, obviously, but what shall we do?” Rarity asked.

Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack, but the farmpony still looked too dazed. “Get out the lanterns, we’ll go deeper."

Applejack, still in a daze, pulled out her own lantern. The Changelings hadn’t taken their bags, thank goodness.

While Pinkie watched the rear, they followed the hallway. After walking a few minutes, they came to it.

It was a secret entrance to a large chamber, decorated in symbols. There were a few magical orbs on the ceiling, something they had recalled the Cutie Mark Crusaders talking about during their adventure in the Castle of the Two Sisters. An important chamber to have those.

One side, across from what the ponies recognized must be the main entrance, was dominated by a large stand atop an elaborate staircase. With an image of the sun on the back, everypony guessed this was where the Sun Stone lay.

Which is why they were distressed when they found it empty.

“But... how?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The Changeling Queen!” Rarity said. “Remember? She said she had found what she was looking for here.”

“So that’s it... we’re too late.” Applejack sighed. “The Changeling Queen got the Sun Stone. She won.”

There was silence for a moment.

“...No, wait,” Rainbow Dash said, flying over to one of the walls with symbols on it. “I recognize these symbols. They’re from a Daring Do book.”

The others looked at her. “Rainbow, Darling, those books are fantasy...”

“Maybe, but A. K. Yearling goes through a lot of trouble making sure her books are as accurate as possible. This is an old Llama language, she always uses this to write hidden messages in her books. This is just one word repeated over and over: fake.”

Applejack blinked. “You tellin’ me you actually memorized the language?”

Rainbow Dash blushed. “Uh, well...”

The cowpony grinned. “Oh, I can’t wait to tell Twi about this.”

The Pegasus grumbled, but couldn’t stay mad. She’s starting to get back to herself... that’s a good sign. “As I was saying, search the pedestal. It makes sense they wouldn’t just leave the Sun Stone laying out in the middle of a room with so much announcing it.”

The other four ponies followed Rainbow Dash’s example. They reached the top of the stair and started pressing the pedestal at all sides, trying to find a switch of some kind.

It was Applejack who found it. Searching the back, her hoof pressed on a hidden switch. Rainbow Dash, who was searching the front, was rewarded with a knock to the head as a front panel fell open.

Grumbling, the cyan Pegasus looked with her friends to see it. There was solid stone under the panel, except one carved in hole where there rested the prize they had been looking for.

“The Sun Stone,” Rainbow Dash said.

“It’s so pretty,” Fluttershy commented.

“And shiny! And warm! And all-powerful!” Pinkie squealed.

Indeed, the stone, now free, was emitting a warm glow that made the ponies feel safe and protected. For a full minute, they stood, bathing in its light.

It was Rarity who snapped out of it first. “Um, perhaps we should get going before the Changelings realize they have a fake?”

Applejack nodded, slipping the Stone onto her back. “All in all, I think we can call this a success.”

Interlude: Zecora and Daring

Trixie sat on the ground, her hind legs bent in a most uncomfortable position. Crossing them in front of her while sitting on her rear was such an unnatural position for her, but Zecora had insisted.

She kept her eyes closed, trying to ignore the pain. She had to focus. Even in discomfort, she had to focus. That was the lesson.

Around her floated three orbs, little trinkets. Zecora had told her that Twilight Sparkle was able to move orbs of water and keep them in shape, all while standing on water. She wasn’t there yet, though. But she would be. She had to get good enough to help Twilight and Celestia. She had to...

Why aren’t you top of the class? Are you lazy, or just stupid?

Her mother’s words rang in her head. Instantly the three wooden trinkets fell to the ground.

Zecora, standing a few feet away, shook her head.

“You still cannot live with the pain. It’s hard to do to feel no shame.”

Trixie sighed. “It’s not that... not entirely. I... I just can’t stop thinking about my past. My parents, my bad choices...”

“The greatest pains do not show. With your past, I’d think you’d know.” The Zebra handed Trixie a cup of water, which was lapped up quickly.

“Are you saying I should ignore my past entirely?”

Zecora shook her head. “Memories can stay painful, though time makes them dull, and ignoring your feeling can take quite a toll. Live with your failures, that might sound strange, but knowing your failures is the first step to change.”

Trixie finished her drink. Zecora kept talking.

“Twilight’s friends carried a terrible guilt, and heartache and pain were slowly built. But they vowed never to err again, and on that promise they never offend. They’ve grown and they’ve learned, and are better I say, their past was a lesson, and not in their way.”

Trixie nodded. “You’re asking me to have my mistakes be lessons.”

Zecora nodded. “Try all that you can, do the best you can do, there is something that I must see to.”

Trixie nodded and returned to her meditation. Zecora re entered her house. After making absolutely sure Trixie wasn’t spying, she went to one shelf and located a simple box. She opened it and pulled out the parchment on top.

Zecora,

I have just been informed that Princess Celestia has asked you to take in a new student for her in the absence of Twilight Sparkle. It pleases me that you decided to take the job. Refusing might have aroused undue suspicion, and I trust the Princess’s judgement on character. If she says Trixie Lulamoon is deserving of a second chance, I believe her.

Hold off on your work if you don’t believe you can risk it without fear of exposure. It’s worth having to wait until Twilight returns to her duties rather than compromise everything. Who knows? Perhaps we can even get Trixie as an ally.

Fleur is adoring those herbs you gave her, she says her coat has never looked better. We’re waiting and hoping for more news. Take care of yourself.

Fancypants.

Zecora had received the letter earlier that day, from a private messenger undoubtedly paid big bits to stay quiet. She had considered responding, but had decided against it. There was always a chance it could be intercepted, and like Fancypants said, they didn’t want to risk getting caught.

She scanned the letter again, trying to figure if Fancypants had included some hidden meaning. Finding none, she slipped it back into its box, then set about making tea.

She had mixed feelings about teaching Trixie, but she knew it was what Twilight would ask of her if she were still in Equestria. The Unicorn was a pony she absolutely adored, always quick to learn more about magic.

After Trixie had run, Twilight called the Royal Guards, and with Zecora’s help, they had searched the Everfree for her. After several days they declared she had moved on, given Zecora a generous box of bits for her service, and left. Twilight had worried about her, and had kicked herself for not being able to purge her of the dark influence.

Sighing, she finished the tea. Even though she thought it had to be done, going behind Twilight’s back to work with Fancypants felt like a betrayal. And if she did as Fancypants suggested, leading Trixie astray would be a further violation of that trust.

She would leave Trixie out of it, she decided. She would train Trixie to the best of her abilities. Hopefully, Twilight and Fancypants wouldn’t ever come in conflict.

Cloak and Dagger, for that’s what she had decided to call herself at the moment, sighed as she poured over the books in the Canterlot library.

The whole mess with interviewing the ponies around Canterlot, trying to find the leak, and turned up nothing. It was a waste of time, and she was thankful she had convinced Celestia it was a dead end. Or at least, that her talents were better spent elsewhere.

Assuming the Sun Stone really did exist, and she suspected it did, then it stood to reason that she could find some more artifacts from the Age of Megan, something that might give them an advantage in the hunt for the Changelings.

“Let’s see... ‘Megan, in her wisdom, destroyed the Flashstone to prevent any other evil force from using it. It’s rumored that the evil magician Squick passed away some three hundred years later, and his race was one of many casualties of the age of Discord.’”

She sighed. That’s what every story said.

She had poked back into the history, as far back as the beginning, but nothing came up.

Nopony knew what happened to the Rainbow of Light. Some said it was now known as the Elements of Harmony. Some said the Flutter Ponies had taken it and hidden it away in some far off land, and which one varied. Still others said the Creator had deemed its purpose fulfilled in the mortal realm and had taken it back to help with the more large-scale battle against Darkness. The stories were so contradictory there was no place to start.

The spells of Catrina seemed to be lost to time. The Sun Stone might exist. And Megan had, according to every source, destroyed the Flashstone. No luck. Still, she was early in Megan’s history...

She had found a few things, a list of spells said to be devised by Princess Porcilla that she gave to Celestia’s mages for research, some diagrams that were said to be the blueprints of the Gizmonks’s otherwordly technology, and some records that indicated fossils of the Bumbles had been found, but nothing solid. Nothing that would help her.

Nothing on anything that would help Equestria.

She kicked at nothing. She liked writing, she liked adventuring, but the research required for either would be undoubtedly dull. But she had to keep looking. Maybe she could find something, anything that would help her.

She reached for another book before glancing at a large clock on the wall. She nearly gaped. It was nearly midnight.

Knowing Celestia would likely drag her to bed by the ear if she caught her putting in a late night when she was supposed to be resting and recovering, she simply took the books she had yet to read and brought them to the front desk. Too valuable to leave the library, she simply made sure nopony else would bother them, and then left.

As she treked through the hallways, deep in thought, she was surprised to run into Celestia.

“Princess? I thought you’d be in bed.”

She smiled. “I had a bit of a late night... worried for my ch... student,” she smiled. “As long as I have a free moment, would you care to join me for a spot of tea?”

Cloak and Dagger blinked. “Um... it’s kind of late.”

“I know, but we rarely spend any time together. A chess game every time we discuss your exploits, but never just friendly chats.”

Cloak and Dagger looked at her hooves. “I guess... I just don’t spend much time with anypony.”

Celestia nodded. “Daring... you remind me of my student just a few years ago. Twilight locked herself away from the world and was afraid to let anypony into her heart. I knew she had it in her, but going it alone was killing her. I see that in you. You care about me, don’t you?”

“Of course,” Daring said, blushing at how quick she answered.

“You consider me a friend?”

“Yes... but we hardly talk outside of business.”

Celestia draped her wing over her. “I know... and I aim to change that.” She motioned to her chambers. “Shall we?”

After a moment, the Pegasus nodded. “Okay.”

Open Wounds

The five ponies had walked through the jungle, Applejack straining from the weight of the Sun Stone on her back but never once complaining about it. The small band had debated traveling through the night in case Chrysalis realized her error and returned in a rage, looking for them, but a combination of common sense and sheer exhaustion ended that plan.

They set up camp and Rarity began cooking that night’s dinner. While Fluttershy and Pinkie had a chat, Rainbow Dash took the opportunity to talk to Applejack, who had elected to sit apart from the group.

“Hey, AJ,” Dash said, putting a lot more care into what she said than she usually did. With the cowpony only acknowledged her with a blank look she went on. “Look... I think I have a pretty good idea what you saw in that dream world...”

Pain flashed across Applejack’s features. Rainbow Dash stopped for a moment in a flinch, but decided to keep going. “If you... you know, what to talk about it... I can...”

“Once, when I was a filly, I got hurt so bad I needed stitches,” Applejack said. Her voice was so quiet Rainbow Dash had to strain to hear her, but it silenced the Pegasus all the same. “They told me not to do anythin’ so bad, but I didn’t listen. I went runnin’ through the fields, an’ my stitches broke. The whole thing reopened.”

The cowpony took a deep breath that Rainbow Dash heard a sob in. “The whole thing felt like that. Ma and Pa ain’t comin’ back, I made my peace with that... but then...”

Rainbow Dash put a wing around her, not even bothering to check to see if anypony could see her being sappy. But Applejack held her composure. In fact, she pushed the wing off. “No. Not yet. When we get home I can have myself a cry, but as long as we’re in trouble...”

Rainbow Dash looked at her. She opened her mouth to object, but stopped. What she said made some sense...

“Okay, but we’re not done. We’re having a better talk once we get home.”

There was silence for a moment.

“I... how do you do it, Rainbow?”

The Pegasus blinked. “Huh?”

“How could you be so together after that?”

“Oh. Well... in my dream, I was Captain of the Wonderbolts, married to Soarin. It’s all going to happen anyway. Well... maybe I’ll never patch things up with Gilda.”

Applejack nodded, and after a pause Rainbow Dash spoke. “Can you keep a secret?”

The cowpony nodded. “Sure thing.”

“In that dream... Scootaloo was calling me Mom.”

There was a silence. “Does that bother you?”

“I... I don’t know. I take care of her, I’m all she has. And...” She took a deep breath. This was definitely going to cost her some coolness points. “I do love her. But... her mother? I guess I never thought about it before. I do everything a mother does...”

Applejack grinned. “Finally settlin’ down, huh?”

“Never,” Rainbow Dash said, grinning right back. Then she frowned. “I never asked Pinkie how she got out of it...”

“Silly, it’s because my life’s going great.”

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash jumped as they realized the pink Earth Pony had suddenly appeared next to them.

“Pinkie, don’t do that!” Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie giggled. “Wow, deja vu!”

Both of her friends tilted their heads. “Huh?”

“Nothing. But anyway, there was nothing that machine could show me that I didn’t already have! My parents finally came back, and the Cakes still love me, so it’s like having two mommies and daddies, plus I have two sets of twin siblings, and they’re all so sweet, and plenty of friends in Ponyville! I guess if I want anything it’s for everypony in Equestria to be happy, but I know I can’t do that so instead of wasting time wishing I could I just do what I can!”

The others blinked.

“Wow... who would have thought Pinkie would have everything together the best?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Whatever. Come on, let’s eat. I think we earned it.”

That night Fluttershy and Rarity kept watch. They were out again by morning, where throughout the next day they had a fairly boring return trip. Any troubles with animals were dealt with quickly with Fluttershy’s Stare.

Finally, on the morning of the third day they arrived at the Llama outpost. After tying the Sun Stone in a large bundle so nopony or Llama in the outpost could tell what it was, they went in.

Sergeant and Captain greeted them, and quickly loaded them on the eight hour trip back to Canterlot. It was every bit as boring as the first trip, but somewhat calmer, since it was the most comfort they had had in days. They finally dipped into the last of the untouched rations, a small victory feast.

They arrived in Canterlot to find Celestia waiting for them. The five ponies who left the chariots bowed in respect.

“I’m thankful to see that you’re all okay,” Celestia said, motioning them to rise. “Forgive me for asking, but is the fact that you’re back a sign that the mission was successful?”

In response, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash lifted down the wrapped Sun Stone. Using her magic, Celestia unwrapped the prize.

“Yes...” Celestia grinned. “This is it... It’s really it!”

The Princess of the Sun lifted the item out a bit to gaze at it. “By the Creator... an actual artifact from the Age of Megan...” She quickly rewrapped it. Then she spoke to the Bearers. “You’ve done well. I’m very proud of you, my little ponies.”

Applejack tipped her hat. “Aw shucks, it weren’t nothing,” she said.

“Oh really?” Celestia said, her lips forming up into a sly smile. “Then I suppose you don’t want a trip to the Royal baths to clean yourself and a nice long rest before returning home? Buffet included, of course.”

“In that case, it was totally something,” Rainbow Dash said quickly, hoping to get in before Applejack’s insistence that she was just doing her duty.

Celestia’s smiled turned warmer. “Well then, while I get this to a safe place, my guards will escort you to where you can get cleaned up. I’ll meet you at dinner to discuss things further.”

The group thanked Celestia as she watched the Bearers be escorted away. Once she had stood there long enough to be polite, she lifted the Stone in her magic and began walking towards the deepest parts of the castle.

She traveled the hallways, heading to the same vault that previously housed the Elements of Harmony. After dismissing her guards, she opened the seal.

She placed the Sun Stone inside and resealed it. Then gave a smile. In just a few moments, the spells she had weaved inside that vault would transport the Sun Stone to its real resting location. Any would-be thief would attack the vault first and find nothing. Even against Discord, that might give them some time.

She strolled out of the room. She needed to have a word with Daring Do first, and the Bearers next.

“Pinkie, please, could you show some restraint?”

Rarity was angry at the moment because Pinkie was shoving another batch of hay fries down her throat. The Unicorn wanted to cringe at her friend’s disrespect of a royal hall, but Princess Celestia didn’t seem to mind. She sat in her chair, drinking tea and eating her snacks.

“Feast on, my little ponies, you’ve earned it.”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie were certainly following that advice, but the other three present were eating more calmly. Applejack’s table manners had a lot to be desired, but she wasn’t gulping down her food as she usually did.

Celestia took another sip of tea before continuing. “There is another motive I had for calling you all here.”

At that, the five ponies looked at her. All stopping except Pinkie, who was still munching on a bite of a daisy sandwich.

“What is it, Princess?”

At Rainbow Dash’s question, Celestia went on.

“First off, I’ve sent Trixie into Everfree to train under Zecora.”

“What?”

Everypony save the Princess jumped at Rarity’s outburst, though in retrospect none of them could claim to be surprised. The Unicorn stood.

“Princess, you...” Rarity stopped, took a deep breath, and continued in a more calm manner. “Princess... I know Trixie isn’t entirely to blame for her actions, but are you sure this is wise?”

Unphased by Rarity’s outburst, Celestia spoke. “Trixie has shown a willingness to change and atone. She behaved herself, even without a horn ring. I think we can give her the benefit of the doubt.”

“Yes, well... Sweetie...”

Celestia held up a hoof. “I understand your concerns, Rarity. Trixie is restricted from coming into town unless one of you is accompanying her. It will be trivial to make sure Sweetie doesn’t see her.” Celestia took another sip before continuing. “But Trixie’s your top priority for the next few days.”

The five looked at each other before turning back to Celestia. “Beg pardon?” Applejack asked.

“This is both part of Trixie’s punishment and education. She has to go into Ponyville and face the ponies she’s wronged in a public apology. I’m going to be talking with Mayor Mare about her working off the damage she caused around town in that time.”

Rarity looked nervous. “I suppose...”

Rainbow Dash nudged Rarity a bit. “Um, you said you know it wasn’t entirely Trixie’s fault...”

“I know it wasn’t,” the Unicorn said, “and I know that I should be more forgiving... but I just can’t.”

“You can, Rarity,” Celestia assured. “Maybe not yet, but you will. I agree you shouldn’t force Sweetie into anything, but I think it would be beneficial if they were to speak together. I’ll leave that entirely to your discretion.”

“I... thank you, Princess. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Celestia nodded, then returned to addressing them all. “Now then, the next order of business... I ask that you stay on call for the duration of Twilight’s absence. I have a feeling that this will not be the only mission you are called on.”

That got looks of surprise from everypony. “What?”

Celestia smiled at Rainbow Dash’s response. “I’m afraid your duty isn’t done yet. I have... researchers looking in on more artifacts. Something tells me I know what the Changelings are up to...”

“And what about looking in on the leak?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“It’s being handled as well. We’ve peeled through most of the ponies we know had a connection with Olive Branch, and with that almost over, we’re searching through official personnel. I’d say it will take a good deal of searching, but we should be able to find something soon.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “Well, that’s a relief.”

Celestia went on. “I have a feeling that we’ll know what Sunset’s source is before too long.”

“Thank goodness,” Fluttershy said.

“Now, I want you to eat up and then rest. You deserve a rest. Oh, and Rainbow Dash, I have something for you.”

The cyan Pegasus blinked. “You do?”

“It seems that there was an eyewitness who testified at Trixie’s hearing, one who knew you quite well. A Griffon named Gilda...”

“What?” Rainbow Dash yelled. At the same time, Fluttershy gave a frightened squeak and slunk down underneath the table.

“She had to go back to her post, orders from the higher-ups I’m afraid. But she wrote you a letter she asked to be delivered. I’ve left it in the room I’ve prepared for you.”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “I... I need to go...”

In a flash the Pegasus was out of the dining room.

“Rainbow...” Rarity called.

“No. Let her be alone for right now. She probably has a lot to think about.”

Rainbow Dash stepped out of the shower, feeling much better. After taking a few minutes to properly wax her feathers, she stepped up to the bedside table.

The letter was indeed from Glida, she recognized the signature. The mare had always prided herself on being a mare of action, always knowing what to do next. Even having to apologize to Twilight after the wedding hadn’t been as taxing as this, as she knew what had to be done, even if doing it would be painful.

But here... should the letter even be touched? Should she accept any apology? Gilda had run out on her for nearly three years, and had been needlessly cruel to ponies Dash liked.

Then she remembered her vision. I wanted Gilda back in my life...

She shook her head, then shoved the letter into the drawer. She’d make her decision tomorrow. Right now, there was another more worthy of her time.

She left her room, nodding to a pair of passing guards. She went right into the room next door. Taking a deep breath, she went in.

“Applejack?”

Rainbow Dash realized she could hear water running. Applejack must be taking a shower of her own. Unfettered, she simply sat in a chair and waited.

After a few minutes, the sounds stopped. A minute more and Applejack came out of the bathroom, her hair still damp and loose.

“Wha... Rainbow, what the hay are you doin’ here?”

Rainbow silently got up and put a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder. “We’re not in the jungle anymore.”

“Yeah, I know...”

“I told you. We’re going to have a talk. I’m not going to leave you hanging after all that.”

“Rainbow,” Applejack looked away. “I’m fine...”

Rainbow Dash, with a surprising amount of gentleness from her, placed a hoof under Applejack’s chin and made her friend look at her. “Look me in the eyes and tell me that you’re over what happened. If you can do that, I’ll leave.”

Applejack’s eyes locked onto Rainbow Dash and her mouth opened.

Then tears began to appear in her eyes.

Rainbow Dash wrapped her wings and forelegs around her friend and held her close as the normally stoic cowpony let her pain out.

Changes

Applejack woke up the next morning next to Rainbow Dash. Though you wouldn’t know it from looking at her, the Pegasus was an early riser, though her napping was partly compensation. She was already awake, waiting for her Earth Pony friend.

“Feeling better?” she asked.

“Yeah. I am, thanks.” She stretched.

“If there’s anything else...”

“I appreciate it, really, but there’s nothin’ you can do. Mom and Dad are gone, nothin’ can change that. I just needed to cry it out.”

Rainbow Dash tilted her head as Applejack got up. “OK... but if I even think there’s anything wrong, we’re having a talk, got it?”

To her surprise, the cowpony grinned. “Got it,” she said. Then her smile faltered. “Well... I guess there is one more thing we need to talk about.”

“Sure thing. What’s up?”

That got Applejack to smile again, if only briefly. Ever alert for her friends. Loyalty couldn’t have picked its champion better.

“Rainbow... I guess you noticed how I’ve... well, I guess I’ve been tryin’ to fill in fer Twi since she left.”

The Pegasus nodded. “Can’t blame you. Twilight was the one to keep everything straight. Somepony needs to do her job.”

Applejack nodded. “I think that somepony needs to be you.”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “What?”

“You led us all out of there while I was blubberin’ about my parents, and you kept it together better than I have. You...”

“AJ, stop it,” the Pegasus said, getting right in Applejack’s face. “I was pressed against the wall. And we got lucky that Chrysalis was a grade-A idiot. You would have done just fine if those illusions...”

“I should have been able to get things together. I...”

“Applejack, if you keep talking like that, I will hit you.”

The Earth Pony shut her mouth. As rough as Rainbow was, she never made threats like that unless she was angry.

“Applejack... look, would you agree Twilight’s a good leader?”

“Y-yeah, of course...”

“Well, is she perfect? Has she always kept it together? No, she’s messed up. You don’t need to be perfect, Applejack. Twilight didn’t either. She didn’t need to. She had us to fall back on... most of the time. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to let us be there when you need us.”

Applejack actually stared at Rainbow Dash a moment, causing the Pegasus to become a bit unnerved. Then she smiled.

“What happened to you?”

Rainbow Dash blinked. “Huh?”

“I can hardly believe this is the same mare who let her ego get the better of her. I don’t think I’ve ever heard something so level-headed come out of you.”

The Pegasus blushed. “I guess being a mom does that to you.” Then, realizing what she said, she blushed deeper. “Look... try one more mission. If it fails... I’ll take you up on your offer, okay?”

The cowpony smiled. “Come on, let’s get breakfast.”

The two mares left the room and began walking down the hallways.

“So... if you don’t mind me askin’, what was in that letter?”

Rainbow Dash nearly stopped at that. She hadn’t quite remembered. “I didn’t read it. Not yet.”

“...Are you gonna?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow Dash took a breath. “I put a lot of thought into it after you fell asleep last night, and... yeah, I think I will. I know you guys saw a bad side of Gilda, but she wasn’t always like that. She... well, back when we were going to flight school together, she was different. She would always be there for me when I messed up on the obstacle courses, or when my father had to miss my races to work. When she had to go home, I felt so alone until I met Fluttershy. When I found out what she had done in Ponyville... it was like she wasn’t her anymore.”

Applejack nodded. “I guess I can get that. I’ll be willin’ to talk to her if... wha?”

Rainbow looked ahead and saw the source of Applejack’s confusion. Big Macintosh was coming out of one of the rooms along the hallway, looking around nervously.

“Big Mac?”

The stallion whipped and looked at his sister in shock. “Applejack. Uh...”

And then Princess Luna came out and wrapped her forelegs around him. “It’s still rather early...”

Then she noticed the two mares.

“Oh. Um... Hello Lady Applejack, Lady Rainbow... Um…”

Both mares had their jaws wide open. But while Rainbow Dash looked amused, Applejack just looked shocked, her irises shrinking to the size of pinpoints.

“...Perhaps we should get breakfast,” Luna said, then dragged Big Macintosh down the hallway and away from the two shocked friends.

“...Looks like that carnival worked out better for him than we thought, huh?” Rainbow said at last.

“Huh... Wah ... Huh...”

Breakfast proved to be an awkward affair for Luna and Big Mac, as it seemed to be comprised of being stared at by everypony but Celestia, who just had a smug look on her face.

“Sister,” Luna said, sounding like she was restraining from using the Royal Canterlot Voice, “why didn’t you tell us the Bearers had returned?”

“Hmm... must have slipped my mind,” she said, taking a spoonful of oatmeal.

Applejack finally found her voice. “How... Long...”

“Since the Summer Wrap Up,” Luna said finally.

“...Does he live up to his name?”

“Rainbow!” Applejack yelled as both she and her brother blushed.

Rarity looked quite upset to. “Honestly, Rainbow Dash, Luna is a crown princess, you should know better than to ask...”

“I’m hoping.”

Rarity and Applejack’s jaws nearly hit the table while Mac just disappeared under the table, an impressive feat considering the size.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie were laughing. Fluttershy was tittering despite herself. Celestia just looked as smug as she could.

“In all seriousness, while Macintosh and I have been intimate, we haven’t crossed that line just yet.” Luna placed a wing around her coltfriend.

“Take your time, Luna,” Celestia said. “Believe me, savor it before you become bored with it.”

“Bored with it?”

“Trust me, after twelve-hundred years, it loses its charm.”

Rarity had her head in her hooves. She couldn’t believe the two most prestigious ponies in Equestria were having this conversation.

Celestia took another sip of tea before continuing. “In all seriousness, I’m glad both the elder Apple siblings are here. I have something important to tell them.”

That got the pair to pay attention. “Yes, Princess?” Applejack asked.

“While I sent some workers to help on Sweet Apple Acres, I also had a royal accountant do an audit on the property. The results were... less than pleasing.”

Applejack blinked. “Huh?”

“I’m disappointed that the family is just scraping by. With how successful your products are, it made little sense that you be just scraping by.”

“Thank you,” Rainbow Dash practically shouted, turning to Applejack. “Are you going to try and deny her on this?”

It looked like she would, as Applejack looked like an animal with her back against the wall. “Now hold on there, Princess. I don’t recall this bein’ important to the Crown...”

“It is important, Applejack. The Elements of Harmony rely on you being in synch with the others. If you were ever to lose the farm and had to leave Ponyville, that could have disastrous effects. It is imperative to Equestria that your farm remains open.”

Applejack opened her mouth to argue with this point, but found that she couldn’t. So Celestia went on.

“You have issues with how you handle money, so I’m going to do something about it. First off, I’m advancing your farm a fifty-thousand bit loan, interest free, to get your equipment up to date.” Applejack opened her mouth to object, but Celestia talked right over her, silencing the mare. “Secondly, I am assigning a financial advisor to your farm. I can’t force you to listen to him, but I’m afraid I must insist. Finally, I’m assigning you and the rest of the Bearers a stipend. It won’t be nearly as much as Twilight receives, but it should supplement your income enough to avoid any... unpleasantries.”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up. “You mean we’re going to start getting paid to be heroes?”

“Yes... though not all the same. Since you already receive money as a trainee in the Wonderbolts, you will simply get a modest increase. Rarity’s business brings in plenty of bits, and so hers will be small as well. For Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie, however, there will be enough to supplement their salary to compensate for all the time they must spend away from work.”

“Ooh! Neato! I can add that to the patent money!”

Now the table stared at Pinkie. “Um, Pinkie... what patent money?”

“Oh, somepony say that flying machine I made when I wanted to talk to Dashie while she was hanging out with Gilda and he apparently thinks I’ve revolutionized personal travel as ponies know it and now he wants to give me a whole bunch of bits and royalty for it!”

They all stared at Pinkie.

“Uh... I think you mean ‘royalties’,” Fluttershy said.

“...Maybe I better rethink your stipend,” Celestia said, her stunned expression looking rather novel on the normally calm princess.

“That wasn’t even my best invention! He didn’t even want to look at the Party Cannon Mk III.”

“Yes, well...” Celestia said, turning to Applejack. “I trust you will not object to my offer?” She glanced at Big Mac, who seemed to still be stunned at everything that had happened that morning.

Applejack was about to protest, but stayed silent. She had just been proven to herself that she was not as capable as she thought. Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad idea...

“...Alright,” she said at last. “You win, Princess.”

“About time,” Rainbow Dash said. “Thank you, Celestia.”

“Of course, my little pony,” she said. “I always look out for my subjects.”

There was a silence at the table as everypony silently chewed.

“Is this where you’ve been going on those ‘poker nights’?” Applejack finally asked her brother.

“Y-yeah,” Big Mac admitted. “I was gunna tell you soon, honest, but... well, Luna said it was a delicate matter.”

“My sister says one of us taking a consort would be rather frowned upon in today’s society,” Luna said, sighing. “I miss the royal harem.”

“Stop! Stop!” Rarity said. “I don’t want to hear anymore!”

“And that’s my point,” Celestia said. “Ponies want to see us as perfect. Taking mortal lovers seems to bring us down in their eyes.”

Perfect... Applejack thought back to her conversation with Rainbow Dash just a few days ago. Princess Celestia had failed several times in her history, she must have, yet she maintained her regal air. She thought about asking her, but thought better of it, at least right now. It wouldn’t be too hard to get a private meeting with her to ask in secrecy.

“So... yer relationship with my brother is always gonna be a secret?” she asked Luna instead.

“No. Just until we’re ready to be married. There will be a flurry of rumors, but they will not be as long lived if they follow us through the dating process.”

Celestia smiled. “But, enough on my sister. As long as I’m arranging this stipend, is there any other expenses you feel being a Bearer causes?”

There was silence for a moment.

“Well, I’d say somepony that could watch Scootaloo while I’m busy, but the Apple family can handle that well enough,” Rainbow Dash spoke at last.

Celestia nodded. “Still, having one of the servants act as a housekeeper for you might not be a bad idea.”

“I doubt I’d have enough work for her.”

“She’d be assigned to clean all your houses once a week. Consider it a small bonus among everything else. I guarantee she can care for Scootaloo if there is ever the need.”

“...Do you mind if I interview this mare first?”

Celestia smiled. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t ask.”

Author's Note

If you don't read the comics, Luna and Big Mac had kind of a date in Issues #9-10. Yeah, I'm using it. Just a background thing, not a big story line.

Visitors

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Look... I’m not good at this kind of sappy stuff, okay? I really want to see you again. I miss being friends, and I want things to go back to how they were in flight school. Well, except for those three lame-os bothering us.

I’ll do whatever. I’ll make friends with your friends if they’re willing, I’ll hang around Ponyville, whatever. Just... Can I have another chance? Please?

Rainbow Dash looked over the letter again. For once, she wasn’t flying, and was letting the Royal Chariot carry her home. She placed the letter back in her saddlebag and looked at the sky.

“You gonna give her that chance?” Applejack asked.

“I’m still thinking...” She started, but then she stopped. She gave a sigh. “Who am I kidding? Yeah, I am. We were good friends once, and... I really was hoping we could patch things up.”

“Well, she certainly didn’t leave a good impression on us,” Rarity said, “but if you’re willing to vouch for her, I suppose we can give her another chance.”

Fluttershy whimpered a little. "Gilda was always kind of, um, not nice,” Fluttershy said.

Rainbow Dash rubbed her head. “You know, I wish you had told me she was messing with you in flight school. I would have dealt with her.”

Fluttershy nodded. They had that talk after Gilda had left Ponyville. She hadn’t wanted to drive a wedge between the pair, but Rainbow Dash had shown she’d never be friends with a bully, even if they had shared a lot together.

Still, Fluttershy didn’t miss that was the first time in years Rainbow Dash had stayed with her overnight. It reminded her of the year they had been roommates and Dash had made excuses to sleep in her bed, sometimes making excuses but just as often admitting that Hoops had gotten to her that day.

“Are you willing to give her another chance?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re the one I’m really worried about.”

“Oh, well, Gilda did scare me, but if you all insist...”

“No, Fluttershy. I don’t want you agreeing to this just because it’s what we want. I want a real answer from you: are you willing to face Gilda?”

Fluttershy was silent for a moment. “Yes. I will.” Another pause. “Everypony deserves that second chance.”

Rainbow Dash smiled. “I’m going to write her back tomorrow. I’m telling her she’ll have to apologize to everypony, and pay for that apple Pinkie saw her take.”

Pinkie bounced in her seat. “Ooh! Ooh! Does this mean we can try throwing Gilda another party? I’m sure without the pranks she’ll like this one.”

She nodded. “I really wish Twilight were here. I need to figure out some kind of plan for her, and you know she’d be scheduling that out already.”

Applejack shrugged. “We’ll figure somethin’ out...”

“I’m wondering how she’ll react to Scootaloo... no telling her, I want to see the look on her face,” Rainbow Dash said quickly, a playful grin coming on her lips.

“So... when’re you gonna ask her to come?” Applejack said.

“I’m thinking right away.” That statement drew the attention of the others.

Rarity cleared her throat. “Darling... do you think that’s a good idea? With Trixie already running around...”

“That’s exactly why it’s a good idea,” Rainbow Dash said. “If we have them both together, we can get it over with quicker. Gilda will see where her bad behavior can get her, Trixie will see that she’s not alone in making stupid decisions, it will be good for both of them.”

Now everypony was really staring at her. Rarity placed a hoof on the Pegasus’s forehead.

“Hey, what th-”

“No fever,” she said, smiling at her own little joke.

“Oh, ha-ha,” Rainbow Dash said, batting her hoof away. “Seriously, is it that hard to believe I’ve matured some... don’t!”

Four mouths closed, and only Fluttershy was missing a grin.

“Seriously, though, all of you are different than before you met Twilight. I think if any of us deserves the slow-to-mature award, it’d be Applejack.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Ya think?”

At the cowpony’s question, Rainbow Dash just nodded. “You finally did what we’ve all been telling you for years. Me, Rarity, Twilight, and I’ll bet Fluttershy would have spoken up if she had been pressed hard enough. You took the longest to drop a bad habit.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, but didn’t respond, which anypony who knew her saw as an admittance.

“Oo! What was my bad habit?” Pinkie asked.

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, then stopped herself. Was this really a conversation to be having? Saying what she used to find annoying about her friends could lead to a lot of hurt feelings. Maybe she should just drop this...

“Thinkin’ ‘fore you speak? I think you really are sick.”

She glared at the grinning cowpony. “You know what, AJ? Luna’s not going to take that kind of attitude very well. I imagine your family reunions are going to get a lot livelier.”

That flustered Applejack, much to her friends’ amusement. Pinkie giggled, and Rarity just smiled. “Oh, a princess in the family! I’m so jealous!”

Applejack hid under her hat.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help herself. “Rarity... was that teasing? We’re rubbing off on you!”

Now Rarity looked flustered. Pinkie giggled again. Fluttershy was tittering behind her hooves. Applejack was laughing. Rainbow Dash started laughing. Then, despite having been the subject of the joke, Rarity started laughing too.

And so, for a while, the five just laughed, their laughing causing them to laugh even harder. And as their chariot went through the air, two Royal Guards just couldn’t help but break their stoicism and smile at the antics of their passengers.

When the laughter died down, Pinkie spoke. “I’m glad we can still laugh.”

Everypony looked at her. “Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked.

“We’ve all been through a lot. We’ve fought monsters, bad ponies, everything. But we’re still able to smile after everything.” She giggled again.

The group smiled. “I guess that’s why your Element is so important.” Fluttershy said.

Rainbow Dash looked out at the skyline. She thought of everything they had been through. Trouble with parents, terrible monsters, and their own failings. And yet after it all, life was good.

She smiled. She had to remember that for Gilda.

Rainbow Dash arrived home and was instantly greeted by an orange blur, which ran in at her at top speed. Still, used to this by now, Rainbow caught the blur in her forelegs, turned to allow for momentum, and squeezed the bundle tightly.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash.”

The older Pegasus flinched a small bit. Why was that hurting her? Scootaloo had always called her by name.

Because it’s not what you want, and now you’re aware of it, her mind told her.

“Hey squirt. I’m back, for a while even.”

“Really?” Scootaloo asked, her face lighting up.

“Yeah. In fact... you don’t have to work at Sweet Apple Acres anymore. Your punishment’s over.”

“Really?” The little filly was squealing in her grip.

“Yep. I think I might need your help with something pretty soon.”

Scootaloo released her foster parent and gave her a look. “With what?”

Rainbow Dash led her charge to the couch and they both sat down. Wrapping a wing around Scootaloo and pulling her in close, she spoke. “Did you hear about the time that Griffon came into town?”

Scootaloo nodded. “Everypony was talking about it. Nopony had seen one before except you. But I heard she was kind of a jerk.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “She was named Gilda, and I once considered her my best friend, other than Fluttershy. We had a lot of fun together, a lot like you do with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. She had visited town to see me, but I made her leave when I found out how she was acting.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“Well, she apparently had a run-in with Trixie.”

That caused the smaller Pegasus to perk up. “What happened? Did she help Trixie or anything?”

“No, no, just the opposite. She refused to help Trixie. She was called to Equestria to testify at her trial. While she was there... she wrote me a letter asking for a second chance. I’m going to be giving her one.”

Scootaloo just nodded. “Okay.”

“That means she might stay here for a little while. Would you be willing to give up your room and sleep with me a bit?”

“For a little while. But you said I could help you with this. How can I help?”

“I need you to do something simple. I just need you to try and welcome Gilda like I will. Part of the reason I broke it off with Gilda was because she couldn’t face that I had changed. I’ve changed even more since then, and I have you to thank for that.”

“Me?”

“Kid... having to take care of you has been a big responsibility, but it changed me for the better. I’m hoping maybe a little of that will rub off on Gilda.”

“Well, okay. If you think it’ll work... I’ll give it a shot.”

Rainbow Dash smiled and hugged her. “I’m glad you think so. Now, have you been practicing your flying? Let’s go outside and you can show me how far you’ve come.”

Rarity was pleased to see Sweetie had recovered nicely. That night, as she was tucking her into bed, the older Unicorn started speaking.

“I have something to tell you, Sweetie.”

“What’s up?”

Rarity actually winced as her little sister looked up at her with wide innocent eyes. Darn those eyes... she had to have them tonight, of all nights.

“Sweetie... Trixie is staying with Zecora at the moment.”

Sweetie’s face changed from curiosity to shock. Rarity held her breath, awaiting the loud screams and protests.

“Wh-why is she there?” Sweetie asked at last.

“Well... you see, since she turned herself in and was genuinely remorseful over what she had done, the Princess decided it would be in everypony’s best interest if she were to... be re-educated, as it were. So she’s staying with Zecora, learning magic, and she’s going to be in town, working off the damage she caused to Ponyville.”

Sweetie flinched a bit, and Rarity rushed with consolation. “She’ll be escorted at all times, and we’ll always be told ahead of time, so I can arrange things so that you’re nice and safe while she...”

“I want to see her.”

That had been the last thing Rarity had been expecting. She stared at her sister, too stunned to speak as her mind raced. Finally, though she dreaded the response, she still spoke, “You do?”

“I thought about what you said, and you’re right. I caused a lot of trouble messing around with magic I didn’t know anything about. Maybe Trixie was worse, but... I should give her another chance, if she means it.”

Rarity blinked. “Really?”

“I remember you telling those ponies to think about what Twilight would want. And I remember how Twilight acted after the wedding. And I heard what happened with Pinkie and her parents. That... I don’t think I ever really thought about how much it meant to the ponies that were being forgiven.”

Rarity smile, tears were beginning to well up in her eyes. She kissed her sister on the forehead. “I’m very proud of you, Sweetie. That’s a very adult decision to make, one that a lot of adults would have trouble making.”

“...I’m still scared.”

“And that’s perfectly okay. To be honest... I’m scared too. I’m worried Trixie will turn on us, even though I logically don’t think it will happen. It’s okay to be afraid, Sweetie, there’s no shame in it. Just don’t let that stop you from being a good pony.”

Sweetie smiled. “I won’t.”

The Unicorn held her sister close. She ended up holding her until she fell asleep.

Author's Note

Well, here we are. Next arc will be Trixie and Gilda's reformation. A lot of character interaction, which seems to be what people want from me anyway. After that, we move into the last arc.

Next week's update will be the premiere of Through the Mirror, the long awaited tale of Twilight in the human world.

Returns

Gilda flew over the town of Ponyville, trying her best not to be seen. Still, she ran across the occasional Pegasus who gave her a dirty look. That just reminded her of the bad situation she was in.

It figures that when that pink pest said she had invited everypony in town, she had meant everypony.

She was relieved when she actually arrived at Rainbow Dash’s house. However, that relief disappeared when she remembered it had been her that she had wronged the most. Still, she steeled herself. She wasn’t a spineless kitten like Fluttershy.

Then she mentally kicked herself. Rainbow Dash had said part of the deal was that she’d have to be nicer to Fluttershy.

Taking a deep breath, Gilda knocked on the door.

For ten long, agonizing seconds, Gilda held her breath, imagining every bad outcome she could to this scenario. It was absolute torture waiting for that door to open.

When it did, it turned into pure surprise. Instead of Rainbow Dash, a young orange Pegasi answered the door, looking up at her with wide, curious eyes. “Hello.”

“Um... hi. Uh, sorry, I think I have the wrong house. I’m looking for Rainbow Dash’s place...”

“Oh, no, you’re in the right place. You’re Gilda, right?”

Gilda’s mind nearly broke. “Um, yes?”

The small Pegasus turned to call into the house. “Mom, she’s...”

Gilda’s eyes bugged out. “Mom? What? Wait...”

Before she could finish Rainbow Dash came stumbling into the room, laughing harder than Gilda had ever seen her. “You... you should see the look on your face! Priceless!” The cyan Pegasus laughed. The orange filly was giggling too, apparently having been in on the joke.

Gilda calmed down, fuming a bit at first, but her beak quickly curled up into a smile. “Very funny Rainbow.” She turned to the squirt. “Okay, kid, you had your fun. You better run home, me and her have a lot to talk about.”

The little filly stopped laughing. “I do live here.”

“Sure you do,” the griffon said.

“No, really. Rainbow Dash isn’t my mom, but she does take care of me.”

“Okay, come on, the joke was funny, but now it’s over.”

By this time, Rainbow Dash had gotten back on her hooves and regained most of her composure. “Scootaloo, show Gilda the guest room. I’ll pull out the snacks. Come back to the den after you get her settled in.”

Without another word, Rainbow Dash turned and headed for the kitchen. Scootaloo began tugging at Gilda’s front talon. “Come on, the guest room is right next to mine.”

Gilda blinked. “Okay... really funny. This is a joke, right? Right? Rainbow?”

Dash stopped a moment to turn back and give a mischievous smile. Then she continued into the kitchen.

“Rainbow? Rainbow?”

Gilda just sat, slack-jawed, at what she had just heard. “Sweet Creator... I’d heard a lot went down after the Changeling invasion, but that...”

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “We go through a lot. I haven’t even told you about Discord, or Sombra...”

“And you took in a kid... I never would have expected that from you. What happened?”

“I grew up,” Rainbow Dash answered. “That’s the whole reason you’re here, remember?”

Gilda felt her feathers ruffle. “You... you used her to pull a prank on me! You call that growing up?”

“No, I call that breaking the ice,” the Pegasus laughed. “It really made the last hour and a half less awkward, right?”

Gilda was suddenly hit by the revelation that her friend was right. All the anxiousness had evaporated in her shock and her desire to figure out what was going on had been driving her for the last half hour.

“Wow... you did, didn’t you?” Gilda felt herself grinning. “I guess that’s you all over. Always another prank.”

“Well, not so much these days. Still, had to bring it back this time, it is how me met, remember?”

“Really? I seem to recall we met because at Junior Speedsters, and the first thing you said to me was ‘What are you supposed to be?’”

Rainbow Dash blushed, rubbing the back of her head. “Hey, everypony was thinking it, I was just the one that said it. Besides, after that you tried to trip me off our cloud. Kind of broke the ice, didn’t it?”

“No, you trying to beat me up broke the ice.”

“Try nothing. It was worth the three weeks of detention.”

Gilda smiled. “Funny, you seem to remember winning, when I recall you having two black eyes.”

“I seem to recall you having a busted beak.”

“Please, Dashie, you went down like a bit...”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Rainbow Dash said, surprising Gilda. “Scootaloo’s in the house. Watch your mouth.”

The griffon stared at Rainbow Dash for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Oh Creator, you’ve turned into your mother!”

Rainbow Dash felt her cheeks heat up. “I have not!”

“What next? Are you going to start telling me I need to eat my alfalfa and not stay out too late? I knew you had slowed down, but I didn’t expect you to go all old mare on me argh!”

Gilda was cut off by Rainbow Dash tackling her to the ground. Immediately the two were wrestling, just like old times.

“Going to make sure Scootaloo is walking upright and not say ‘awesome’ so much?”

“Quit it!”

“Going to trade in your flight goggles for an apron and a wooden spoon?”

“I said quit it!”

“Gonna...” Gilda couldn’t finish, she descended into laughter. Rainbow Dash fought a little more, but she started laughing too. Eventually the two rolled off each other and just laughed, giggling like they were back in flight school again.

“Rainbow?”

The two turned to see Scootaloo, having come into the living room having heard all the commotion. She was wearing her saddlebags, which were filled to the brim.

“Nothing. Me and Gilda were just having some fun,” she said. “It looks like you’re all packed and ready to go.”

Gilda blinked. “Go where?”

“Well, we’re not staying here tonight,” Rainbow Dash explained. “We’re going to have a cookout and campout at Sweet Apple Acres. That’s my friend’s farm.”

Gilda groaned. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Rainbow Dash said, in a tone so forceful that Gilda nearly flinched. “Remember, you’re here to make up for everything you did the last time you were here. So, I set up the party tonight. You’re going to apologize to my friends, especially Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, and you’re going to apologize to Granny Smith for that little prank. You’re going to make friends, and be polite all night, okay?”

Gilda looked at the floor, suddenly back to feeling as she did before she had met Scootaloo. “Y-yeah, okay.”

“And you’re going to pay for that apple Pinkie saw you steal. Did you steal anything else?”

“No, really, I didn’t.”

“Good. There’s also somepony else you’ll be meeting.”

Now Gilda lifted her head and looked at her oddly. “Who?”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. “That... is a long story. I’ll tell you on the way to the farm. Come on, Scoots, on my back, we better get going.”

As Scootaloo did as instructed, Gilda tilted her head. “Still riding at that age?”

Scootaloo blushed a bit. “My dad wasn’t too interested in teaching me...”

Gilda winced. “Oh, kid, I didn’t mean...”

“It’s okay. Rainbow Dash says my wings are coming in great. I’ll be able to fly as soon as I finish up my strength training.”

“Oh, that’s... good.”

Rainbow Dash decided it would be best to end the awkward moment. “Come on, let’s get going. The others are waiting for us.”

“Really, Rarity?”

“Darling, I’m sorry, but after our little trip I want some luxury today. Besides, the fillies will be staying in it was well, and we want them to be comfortable.”

Applejack sighed, looking at the Unicorn’s big tent. “Thought you’d be gettin’ rid of luxuries, after that talk we had in the jungle.”

“Applejack, there’s a difference between dragging along all this stuff on a hike and simply bringing it to an outdoor party.”

“Yeah, I guess.” The cowpony went back over to the pit and placed some more vegetables on the fire. “I just hope yer ready for this. I know out off all of us you have the biggest gripe with Trixie.”

“I do. I’m not sure Sweetie’s ready... I’m not sure I’m ready. But Celestia says she’s trying to change, and I trust her judgement. I’ll give Trixie a chance.”

Applejack nodded. “I understand what ya mean. I don’t know if I’d trust her either if it weren’t fer the Princess. Still, I’m a bit nervous.”

“You aren’t the only one. I’d much rather still be in Canterlot. I dare say, I’ve hardly sewn a dress in the past few weeks. I’m really hoping I’ll be able to catch up soon.”

“Know what you mean. I miss workin’ in the fields. Getting my hooves dirty. Know it ain’t glamorous, but I’m good at it.”

“I can understand this. There are parts of the dressmaking process that are tedious, but it gives me time to think.”

“Or dream about some fancy stallion?” the cowpony chided.

“And what if I do?” Rarity smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with a little fantasy.”

“Come on, Rare, we need ta focus. You think Twi is wastin’ time over in that mirror world over some stallion?”

“Maybe she is!” Rarity’s eyes light up. “Oh, can you imagine? Falling in love with somepony from another world? Star-crossed lovers! It would be romantic.”

“Please,” Applejack said, almost laughing. “Twi? I don’t think that girl can be attracted to anypony. The day she says she has a coltfriend’s the day I’ll eat my hat.”

“I’ll remember that... and to tell her you said that.” Rarity grinned at Applejack’s sudden fear. “But honestly, romance hasn’t been on my mind, lately. I’ve had something far more pressing in mind.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“Why, the makeover that I’m going to be giving you and Rainbow Dash, of course.”

Applejack was confused at first. Then her pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks as she remembered what she had promised the Unicorn in exchange for not packing so much.

“I’m already thinking something nice and pink and frilly,” Rarity said. If Applejack were of a sound mind, she probably would have caught Rarity’s smug tone and realized it wasn’t really going to happen.

“No...”

“I think it’ll look good in your Hearth’s Warming cards. Can you imagine, the entire Apple Family clan, all seeing your new dress?”

“No, no...”

“I think some cute little pink ribbons will really tie the whole ensemble together...”

“Rarity!”

The Unicorn finally broke down in giggles at her friend’s horror. Applejack glared at her, but eventually she smiled and laughed too.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda landed on the outskirts of the farm, and Scootaloo leapt off of the older Pegasus’s back. She immediately made a dash for the campsite, running toward where she thought her friends would be.

“Any reason this place is so far away from town?” Gilda asked.

“Farms need room to expand, duh.” Rainbow Dash said. “And if you’re wondering why we’re camping here, it’s because we think it’s best Trixie not be around the townsponies just yet. They were ready to rip her apart when she was arrested. Rarity might have calmed her down, but we thought it’d be best if she got some alone time with us.”

“Uh-huh, okay... then why am I here?”

“Because you two could learn a lot from each other. I think talking would be good for you both.”

“...Sweet Creator, you really have turned into your mom.”

Rainbow Dash laughed. “Don’t even joke about that,” she said.

“I’m not joking.”

Rainbow Dash stopped laughing and looked at her friend. Gilda was really looking at her with wide eyes. There was a heavy silence.

“What happened?”

“I grew up,” Rainbow Dash repeated herself. “And I think that’s why you need to meet Trixie and the others.” She started walking to the camping area, but stopped when she realized Gilda wasn’t following. “Nervous?”

“No... well, yeah, but that wasn’t what I was thinking about.” The Griffon looked at the campsite. “I was... well, I was thinking. I guess I considered myself an adult until I came here. I know I’m not perfect, but still... I didn’t think I was this far behind. I know that sounds weird...”

Gilda stopped when Rainbow Dash put her forelegs around her neck and hugged her. She was frozen from shock. Even as their closest times, Rainbow Dash had not been an affectionate mare, most contact between them involved playful punches and wrestling. This was just shocking.

When Rainbow Dash pulled back, she spoke. “I know exactly what you mean. I thought I was an adult until Twilight moved into town and I started hanging out with all my friends.”

“Really?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. “I learned a lot from them. From Twilight, and Rarity, and even Pinkie. I...” She stopped and thought. “I can’t think of any way to put it without being corny. But... there’s no magic thing you do to learn. You just do.”

Gilda gave a weak smile. “I guess you’d know.”

“This is your first stop,” she said, gesturing to the campsite. “You go there, apologize to everyone like you should have done at Sugarcube Corner the last time we met, then you’ll meet Trixie and we’ll all have a party. Come on, it’ll be awkward at first, then it’ll be just like old times.”

Gilda was silent, looking at the campsite.

“Gilda?”

“... Now I’m nervous, okay?” She took a deep breath.

“What happened to the old ‘rough and ready’ Gilda who didn’t care?”

Gilda grinned. “Maybe she’s growing up too.”

Author's Note

Yeah, I've finally updated this. It's going to be updated once for every two Through the Mirror until that one has caught up with this. For the record, at this point Thursday is halfway over for Twilight.

Apologies

What followed was the most awkward, miserable two hours in Gilda’s life. Even with what she went through in the months afterward, which was plenty painful, did not compare to how horrible the whole thing was.

First was apologizing to the other ponies. Thankfully, they took it in good grace. With Fluttershy, this was no surprise, given what she already knew about her from flight school. Pinkie surprised her a bit more, though in hindsight it really shouldn’t have. This was the same pony that tried to throw her a party even after finding out she was a bully.

After that was apologizing to Granny Smith. She hadn’t thought this one would be so bad, because she remembered the elderly mare as being a few apples short of a basket, but she seemed to have things more together than before. Thankfully, she had quite a forgive-and-forget attitude as well.

It was then time to set up tents. She mostly worked in silence... or tried to, anyway. Pinkie inevitably came over and tried to talk to her.

“Hey Gilda!”

Gilda cringed, but remembering her promise to Rainbow Dash, put on the best smile she could manage, which ended up being more terrifying than friendly. “Yes, Pinkie?” She was thankful that this pony’s name was easy to remember... Pinkie was pink. She hoped to catch the names of the others before it got awkward.

“Have you ever been camping before?” She asked.

“Not really. I never liked the ground too much. Fluttershy didn’t even know about it until she fell...”

Gilda had met Fluttershy shortly after she had met Rainbow Dash. She had never liked her in those old days, only barely tolerating her because of Dash’s presence. Thankfully, she didn’t have to spend much time with her, because the things they liked to do rarely overlapped. In fact, she wasn’t even sure what the two had in common to be friends.

Her resentment for Fluttershy expanded when Rainbow Dash was kicked out of flight school following an incident that Gilda never got the full details of. When that happened, Fluttershy had been on her way to her apprenticeship in Ponyville, and Dash, having nothing better to do, decided to go with her. Gilda had been angry at the time, Dash hadn’t even asked if she wanted to move to Griffonstone.

In hindsight, it was obvious why not. Rainbow Dash wouldn’t want the move to a foreign country, away from everyone she ever knew. Ponyville had Fluttershy. But at the time, a childish anger prevented her from seeing the logic, and an even more childish mindset made her blame Fluttershy.

Being caught red-clawed in her actions was an embarrassing, but eye-opening experience, even if it took awhile for the lesson to sink in. And now...

“Ooh! Ooh! We should throw you another party to make up for that icky one that happened last time. I think Dashie will avoid pranks this time. She’s a responsible mama and I don’t think Soarin would appreciate it too much.”

“Wait... Soarin?

“Yeah.”

“As in, the Wonderbolt?”

“Uh-huh. They’ve been dating since the Royal Wedding.”

“Which Royal Wedding?”

“The Royal Wedding where Twilight’s brother and foalsitter got married, and we had an absolutely emotional moment, and we fought off an evil army of shape-shifting bugs.”

“...What?”

“And then we fought off this evil group with a leader that didn’t really think things through, and Dashie and Soarin were drugged, but they managed to fight some ponies off while Twilight scared the rest by telling them all the different ways she could kill them.”

“...What?”

“And after that we vaporized an evil Shadow Pony, then stopped Trixie, and then some pony stole Twilight’s Element, so she had to go into a mirror to stop them.”

“...What?” Gilda turned and saw Applejack had trotted up to them. “Is all that true?”

“Yep. It happened sometime after Twilight took Cerberus back to Tartarus.”

“...You know, if you ponies had told me you were this hardcore, we could have been friends a long time ago.”

Applejack looked a little annoyed at the comment, but she suppressed it quickly. “Yer gonna be in a tent with Rainbow an Scootaloo, ain’t ya?”

“That’s right,” she said.

“Figures. Well, ya think you can make room fer one more? I think Trixie’s gonna be bunkin’ with you two.”

At hearing this, Gilda felt a bit of a chill run across her back. “The Unicorn that attacked the town? Is she already here?”

“She is. She’s in the barn, preparing for something else that she needs to do.”

Celestia looked at the Sun Stone. She never thought she’d see it again, this magical object, from a time before even she existed. Very few ponies knew about this even existing, and she wanted to keep it that way.

Daring Do, by now looking very much healed, was gazing at it with a reverence that was rare for her. While Daring always had a certain respect for history and understood the importance in preserving it, very rarely did that take precedence over the adventure. But here, sitting in plain sight, was the legendary artifact that Megan had used. It was breathtaking.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Daring agreed with the Princess. “Have you... ever seen it before?”

Celestia shook her head. “No, Megan was long before even my time. I remember learning, from Clover the Clever before his death, from Starswirl the Bearded after the Reign of Discord, from several others, the massive power the three artifacts held.”

Daring Do nodded. Even if they were rarely involved in the same story, the three major artifacts the legends spoke of were always mentioned together. The Sun Stone, the Flash Stone, and the Rainbow of Light. It was the dream of every archaeologist to find them...

“And I let six rookies find it instead of me,” Daring said.

Celestia put a wing over her. “Don’t feel too bad. Have you found anything in your studies?”

“...I think I have,” Daring Do said. “I’ve been looking through the records, and I found a reference of Megan being seen in what is now known as Kludgetown.”

Celestia looked at Daring, not showing any emotion. “Megan traveled the world, fighting monsters. Could it simply be another of her adventures?”

Daring shook her head. “It’s more complicated than that. This was after Megan’s little world tour and the formation of Tartarus. This record... it’s a letter, apparently written to one of the castle staff that got stuck inside one of the library books. As a result, it got preserved but would otherwise be considered unimportant. It’s written by some stallion writing to a friend in the castle. It’s mostly unimportant, but... in the middle of it, he mentions a pony he only calls the village idiot who claimed to have seen Megan. They mention the Campaign and say that not only had it ended, Megan was supposed to have departed to her world by now. They mock him as an idiot. But maybe she was there hiding the Rainbow of Light...”

“Or the Flash Stone,” Celestia said, musing.

Daring Do looked at the Princess. “The Flash Stone was destroyed,” she reminded her.

“According to the legends,” Celestia reminded. “The Legends are sometime inaccurate. Remember, King Scorpan seemed to disappear after the Legend of Midnight Castle, and... were the Grundles ever heard from again after the Story of the Smooze? I must go over the legends again.”

Daring Do saw her point. Records could lie...

“I would like permission to depart for Kludgetown as soon as possible,” Daring Do said.

“I can allow it, just be careful. Queen Novo just reported the downfall of some tyrant known as the Storm King.”

“The Storm King?”

“Apparently he started some campaign or another, but Novo found out, contacted the Dragon King Dyne, and together they ran roughshod over him.”

“They didn’t contact you?”

“No need. They handled everything. Queen Novo has an all-powerful Pearl, and it’s not like she would just go run and hide. But during the Storm King’s reign, Kludgetown became a hotbed for criminal activity. Piracy, smuggling, maybe even a slave trade, so tread carefully.”

“I will. Trust me, I can handle myself.”

This was a kind of living Tartarus for Trixie. She had never in her life felt worse, even when her parents kicked her out, even when her livelihood was destroyed, even when the Amulet’s influence was finally purged from her.

But as bad as it was for her, she couldn’t imagine it was any better for the pony she was about to meet. The pony she had wronged the most during her time under the influence of the Amulet.

Her stomach felt like it was trying to implode in on itself. She wanted to throw up, but held it in. If somepony as young as Sweetie Belle was facing this, she had no right to complain.

So she sat in the barn, waiting for the one she had been waiting for to enter. She wanted to get this over with, wanted to move on from her mistakes. But... some mistakes stick, don’t they? Her parents had shown that.

Zecora was next to her, occasionally giving her student a nuzzle. Trixie appreciated the gesture, she had appreciated having somepony... well, some zebra to confide in. Through all her solo traveling, through all her caring about herself, she had forgotten how much others could bring her life up.

The barn door opened, and Trixie’s heart started beating three times as fast. Rarity walked in, keeping her eyes on the showmare. There didn’t seem to be anger in her look, but there also didn’t seem to be any forgiveness. She looked neutral, which worried Trixie even more than an angry look would have. She suspected that Rarity’s emotions were warring with each other so much that none managed to reach her face.

After a moment, the second figure entered. It took her a full minute, because every step for the little Unicorn was slow, like each of her hooves had been weighed down.

“You don’t have to do this,” Rarity said. Her face finally showed emotion, one of motherly concern. “This is all your decision.”

Sweetie looked like she was considering it, but continued moving forward.

Trixie felt tears prick her eyes, despite her attempts to hold them back. Sweetie, this Unicorn, looked so small and afraid, afraid of her. She knew she deserved the fear, after what she had done to her. She had become a monster, and even if she wasn’t in her right mind wearing the Amulet, she had still deliberately sought it out for a petty cause.

She felt something brush against her and nearly started. Sweetie had reached her, unseen through her tears. She hadn’t even realized how badly she was hiding her emotions. The young Unicorn could barely be seen through the thick wall of tears. And she... she was nuzzling Trixie.

This small Unicorn foal that she had hurt so badly had seen how much she had been hurting and was trying to comfort her.

She felt the tears come out even more. Slowly, Trixie opened her forelegs. Very carefully, Sweetie allowed herself to be hugged.

Applejack watched the scene through the small crack in the barn door. Giving a satisfied smile, she pulled back and looked at Fluttershy, who seemed apprehensive. However, Applejack’s happy look calmed her.

“Looks like everything’s gonna work out.”

Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness,” she said.

“Now let’s hope the rest of the town is as forgivin’ as Sweetie is,” Applejack said.

There was a moment of silence before Fluttershy spoke next. “What do you think will happen next?”

“No clue. Celestia seems done with us fer a while, so maybe things will get peaceful ‘round here... but then again, whoever lured Twilight into the other world probably ain’t gonna just wait around until she gets back.” She gave a sigh. “Oh, this is bad. I hope Twi’s havin’ more luck than we are.”

“Do you think the Changeling Queen had anything to do with this?”

“I doubt she has the brains to pull this off,” Applejack said. “She ain’t too clever fer a creature that can shapeshift, if ya haven’t noticed.”

Fluttershy didn’t reply. Applejack suspected she didn’t want to concur, finding insulting even the Queen to be a bit much.

“Let’s just focus on th’ here and now. Gilda an’ Trixie are what we need to worry about. We’ll take everythin’ one step at a time.”

Trixie broke off the hug, and for a moment the two Unicorns just looked at each other.

“I... I don’t even know where to begin, trying to make everything up to you,” Trixie said. “I don’t even know if I can. But... I’ll try.” She started tripping over every world. “I... I’m... sorry, for whatever that’s worth.”

“Twilight said something like that to me once.”

Trixie started. “Twilight Sparkle? But... she...”

“She’s made mistakes,” Sweetie said. “I... I don’t think I should tell you everything. But... she made everything better eventually.”

There was silence for a moment, then Sweetie spoke again. “We should get outside. The tents are set up, and that means they’ll be making smores soon.”

Trixie felt the conversation shouldn’t be left at that, but then wondered if simply letting time pass would be best for this. So, she rose to her hooves and let Sweetie guide her out of the barn.

Camp Out

Gilda decided that she hated camping.

Okay, the part before sleeping hadn’t been too bad. At least, the part before sleeping and after apologizing to everyone. Making s’mores and telling ghost stories was enjoyable. Even the cookout, even if she was asked to eat her fish separately. She had long gotten used to the ponies and their distaste for meat, and even in flight school had eaten in a separate room.

No, it was waking up on the ground and being reminded why she preferred a bed over a sleeping bag.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo had slept soundly, and Trixie was apparently used to traveling around in her caravan, but for her, it was a nightmare. If it hadn’t been for her desire to get back in Rainbow Dash’s good graces, she probably would have flown off by now.

She woke up before the sun had truly peaked over the horizon. Looking across the tent, she saw Rainbow Dash had tossed and turned out of her sleeping bag. Scootaloo had slept with more peace, and Trixie...

Trixie was gone.

For a moment, Gilda wondered if she should be worried. She had been told of the horrifying things Trixie had done under the influence of dark magic, and had met her to see exactly how crazed she was. What if she had been acting friendly, waiting to strike? However, she immediately saw the problems with that. Much more likely, she had simply woken up and stepped outside.

Gilda left the tent. She looked around, and managed to catch sight of Trixie just as she was entering an outhouse. That solved that little mystery.

Gilda scanned the area and saw Fluttershy sitting alone, watching the sun come up. For a few moments, she wondered if she should go over and talk to her.

She had just decided it was a bad idea when Fluttershy turned and saw her. There were several things that Gilda had expected her to do next. One of those things was not for her to wave her over. But that’s exactly what Fluttershy did.

Gilda was paralyzed by shock for a few moments, but she felt her body move toward the Pegasus.

Gilda took her seat, feeling very awkward, a feeling that was alien to her. She always thought of herself as the cool one, not realizing that everyone being afraid of you didn’t make you cool. Still, being too blind to know how she was affecting others was a comfortable feeling.

When Rainbow Dash had called her out that day in Ponyville, she didn’t know how to react. She had defaulted to anger, a safe emotion when faced with something she didn’t understand, and fled. She pushed those feelings down inside her by concentrating on her anger.

Over the next few months, a new feeling arose. It was a feeling that she had permanently lost something that was important to her. She hated feeling it. She pushed it down, reminding herself that Rainbow Dash had betrayed her.

The feeling didn’t go away. That made her even angrier, and angrier, until finally, the feeling was more intense than any denials she could muster.

And then she was sad and regretful. And she didn’t know what she could do.

She had considered trying to apologize to Rainbow Dash, but how? At the party, sure, she could have been taken back. Maybe a few days later, after things had calmed down a bit. But how could she honestly go to Rainbow Dash now? “Hey, Dash, It took me months, but I managed to realize I was a jerk.” Yeah, that wouldn’t have gone over so well.

Then Trixie had come along, and tried to recruit her into her plans. She had considered going to the authorities, but a new feeling had overtaken her in that instant: fear. Who knew if she had some sort of eyes on her? She was too afraid to try and tell anyone.

And then she found Trixie’s associates come through and steal the coin back. They seemed uninterested in her. Suddenly, she felt safe. And what’s more, a feeling of excitement and dread filled her.

Now she would have an excuse to go back to Equestria, and to confront Rainbow Dash.

The initial meeting hadn’t been nearly as bad as she had thought, and it had been a relief. She had never imagined that meeting Fluttershy was a million times worse.

“Gilda?”

Gilda was brought out of her thoughts. She realized that they had been sitting for quite a while in silence. The awkward feeling was intensified.

“Yeah?”

“Why didn’t you like me in flight school?”

That had not been the question that she had been expecting, not by a long shot.

“Because you didn’t like to do anything I thought was fun and Rainbow Dash always wanted to hang out with you. There really wasn’t another reason.”

“So I didn’t do anything to upset you?”

“You existed. I really didn’t need another reason. I wasn’t... I’m not a good creature.”

“Oh, good. I was afraid that I had done something to upset you.”

Gilda looked at the pony that she had spent her flight school bullying with an expression like she had just seen her sprout an extra head. “You were worried about upsetting me?”

“Oh yes. I was really hoping that the three of us could be friends. You made Rainbow Dash so happy, so I thought...”

Well, that felt like a dagger to the gut. Guilt started rising up again. She turned away from Fluttershy and watched the sunrise. It was back to being awkward. She hated this feeling. She was beginning to remember why she never let herself become vulnerable before.

“You’re way too much of a doormat,” she said.

“That’s what everypony says,” she said. “I think Iron Will has taught me to stand up for myself.”

Gilda cocked her head. “Iron Will? That motivational speaker? You took his class?”

“Yes. I wasn’t completely satisfied, but I learned to be more assertive.”

There was another awkward moment of silence. Gilda wasn’t much for small talk.

She was grateful when she saw Trixie exit the outhouse. She walked back toward the campsite in a glaze, only noticing that Gilda and Fluttershy were watching her when she got close. Seeing this, she joined them in their circle.

“Um, hi,” Trixie said. She clearly wasn’t one for small talk either.

“Hello,” Gilda said. The two hadn’t spoken much last night. Well, they had, but it had been awkward socializing. That had been the theme of last night.

Fluttershy rose to her hooves. “I need to make sure that Angel Bunny is well fed,” Fluttershy said.

Despite her attempts to be nice, this earned an eye roll from Gilda. She had met that rabbit last night, and had immediately taken a dislike to him. He had been spoiled, constantly demanding Fluttershy’s attention. She was thankful rabbits were silent, she could only imagine the whines and wails if it could speak.

As Fluttershy walked off, Trixie and Gilda looked at each other. After a moment of silence, Gilda spoke. “So, uh... nice to meet you when you aren’t all dark magic crazy.”

Trixie winced a bit, but muttered out a “Thank you.” She looked away, but said, “It’s nice to meet you under... better circumstances.”

There was an awkward silence again. Conversation was not a strong suit of either of them, at least when they weren’t dominating the room.

“What’s Griffinstone like?”

The question caught Gilda off guard for a moment. But only for a moment. There needed to be conversation, and Trixie had just provided it.

“Really dusty and boring. Pretty military. Just about everyone has to do some kind of military service at some point.”

“I heard that things fell apart there at some point. Something about an artifact going missing?”

“That was just a rumor,” Gilda said. “No clue where everyone’s getting that from. We’re not as touchy-feely as ponies, but we’re not all in ruins either. Still, I don’t think many of the griffons care much about politics. There’s hardly any elections.”

“No elections? So you’re a dictatorship?”

“Well, I guess you could call it that,” Gildsa said. “But the thing is that no leader that tried to act as one lasted very long. There’s only one way a dictator can be removed, and every griffon not only knows it, they know that the population won’t hesitate to do it to any griffon that they don’t like.”

“Sounds dangerous,” Trixie said.

“Not really. There are calls for resignation long before it gets to that point. Despite what you ponies think, you aren’t the only civilized race around.”

“Hey, I knew that.”

“You knew that because you came from Canterlot. The first time I was here none of these yokels... uh, I mean, townsponies... even knew what a griffon was. They were still nice...”

Her words drifted off into mumbles. It was clear that she was regretting several of her choices.

“Zecora mentioned something like that,” Trixie said. When she saw that Gilda was giving her a confused look, she went on. “A zebra that lives in the Everfree Forest. Everypony here thought she was some weird pony at first...”

“Wait, there’s a zebra here?” Gilda said, suddenly sounding interested.

“Yeah. Why?”

“I’ve always wanted to meet a zebra,” Gilda said. “We learned about them in school. There was a war fought between our countries a few centuries ago, and I thought they sounded cool.”

Trixie gave her an odd look, something she was used to. With how militant that griffins were, the fascination with war that the culture pumped into every hatchling was a stark contrast to the ponies, who viewed war as an ugly necessity at the best of times. It was one of the things that had made her an outcast in flight school... except to Rainbow Dash.

“You wanted to meet one that was the enemy?”

“Centuries ago, over some political squabble that both sides eventually agreed was a stupid reason for war,” she said. “But in the academy... not Flight School, but the military academy... we learned all about their tactics and everything. The war wasn't pleasant, but it left a lot of cool stories.”

Trixie was more than a little weirded out, but tried to keep her composure. “I’m sure Zecora wouldn’t mind meeting you...”

“Thanks,” Gilda said. The word came out in an odd tone, as if Gilda had never used it before.

They sat in silence for a bit. They noticed the ponies coming out of their tents, greeting the morning. After a bit of silence, Gilda spoke up.

“Those ponies that were with you,” Gilda said at last. “You have any idea where they went?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care,” Trixie said. “I want to put that part of me in the past. I hope that I never hear from them again.”

It wasn’t hard to make Lightning Dust angry, but she was getting angrier than usual at the moment.

Red Hoof had continued non-stop on his trip to wherever he was going. Lighting was beginning to consider abandoning him, but she knew that wasn’t an option. If she left, she’d be easy pickings for the guards that had a price on her head.

She had asked Red where they were going several times. Red had only stared at her a bit before continuing on, whenever he bothered to acknowledge her at all.

They moved further north. They slept in the most out-of-the-way inns they could find. They ate whatever looked like a common order, and never ate more than anypony else. They wanted to make absolutely sure that there was nothing special or unusual that would make them stick out in their minds.

At one town, Red Hoof bought them both coats. Lightning Dust realized why not long after: they were close to the colder climates of Equestria. They were really in this trip for the long haul.

Three days later, as the snow got heavier, she finally snapped. “Where are we going? I mean it this time. Where are we going?”

“The Crystal Empire.”

Lightning Dust was stunned. She hadn’t actually been expecting an answer. In fact, now that she thought about it, this was the first time she had ever heard her companion talk.

Red Hoof kept going, and was several hoofsteps ahead before she started to gallop after him.

“Wait, why are we going there?”

Red Hoof stopped again, nearly causing Lightning Dust to hit him. She fumbled, and ended up falling on her face. When she looked up, Red Hoof answered her question.

“We’re going to meet my superiors. They’ll be willing to give you work.”

“What kind of work?”

“Does it matter? Who else will have you? You’ve already committed a crime against the Elements of Harmony, who are government officials, and jumped border while trying to escape the law. Every nation that cares about its relationship with Equestria will be after you, and you simply won’t survive in any area that doesn’t. Don’t act like you can get indignant with me.”

There was a long moment of silence as Lightning Dust turned over what he had said. She knew that the guards would be looking for her, and she knew that sticking with her mysterious companion was her best bet. But hearing her situation being put so bluntly caused all her fears to come forward. It was truly hitting her for the first time what situation she was in.

She shook herself out of her daze to find that Red Hoof had continued his trot. She sat there for a few moments, pondering what to do. Finally, she flapped her wings and followed him.

“What’s your boss’s name?”

Red Hoof didn’t answer. She knew better than to ask again.