It had only taken a few minutes to get a quick telegram out to the nearest courier service. In fact, the response back came just as quickly with word that one of their employees was within the area. Things were moving smoothly, all things considered. The situation, King Sombra’s confirmed return and his unknown agenda, was the only thing that mattered at this moment. Iron Shield, captain of Celestia’s branch of the royal guard, simply observed as the communication specialists worked almost tirelessly, transcribing information from mores code to Equestrian [NOTE: It just flows better] in what seemed like seconds. He felt his dark emerald eyes glance back and forth over the room.

“Look lively, fillies and colts, we will be receiving a visit from one of the princesses in a few moments,” he called out, his gruff voice commanding respect from the younger ponies. There was no reply, but the simple sound of increased work flow was all the conformation he required. The door behind him opened steadily, revealing Dawn Bringer, who stepped forward and saluted the older stallion. To which, Iron Shield saluted back. Dawn lowered his hoof and stepped to the side.

“Announcing Princess Twilight Sparkle,” he called out to the room. The room fell silent, save for the sounds of chairs scooting across the tiled floor. The 20 or so ponies in the room bowed at the arrival of the lavender Alicorn.

“As you were everyone,” she spoke in a calm and collected manner. “Captain Iron Shield, has the courier arrived yet?” she inquired. The dark brown earth stallion approached his princess as she asked her question.

“My apologies, Mi'lady, but sadly no word has been sent on the courier’s arrival time. We are still awaiting the message that will be sent as well your highness,” he said. He bowed once more in a show of apology. He raised his head and looked the princess in the eye. “Is there anything else we can do for you, your highness?” he asked. Twilight nodded and looked back at Dawn Bringer. He nodded in understanding and stepped forward. On his back hung a messenger saddle bag with Twilight’s cutie mark covering the fastener. The lavender mare’s horn began to glow, it’s magic encasing the bag in its light purple radiance. The front flap opened and folded back behind the bag, revealing a slender wooden case. Twilight’s magic grasped the case and levitated it to her side.

“Yes, this must be sent with the courier. I understand that communication with the Crystal Empire at present is not the most ideal. So I have enchanted the quill inside with a low level teleportation spell. It can transport letters and notes instantly to areas that can intercept the frequency it emits,” she explained. “It is highly important that this get to Princess Cadence,” she said sternly. Iron Shield raised his hoof at attention.

“I will see to it your highness. We will send a word via code to the Empire to let them know that the package will arrive within the next few days,” he said remaining at attention. Twilight smiled softly.

“Thank you, Captain. As for the message, I have already composed it and it is now in the case with the quill. If anything, simply attach a note that simply instructs the commander of the Wonderbolts to open the case for the message,” Twilight said. Iron Shield nodded and looked at one of the scribes.

“You heard the princess. Get to it,” he commanded. The scribe nodded and quickly drafted up a note in a manner of seconds. “Is there anything else we can do for you here, Mi' Lady?” he asked ready to continue serving.

“Actually, could you send a guard out to retrieve the seamstress Rarity? I was suppose to have tea with her today, but with the circumstances, I would like to keep her in the loop about this,” she said lowering her head. A look of worry started to creep over her face steadily. The brown stallion nodded.

“We will send for her immediately. I will get one of the rookies to get her,” he said.

“Permission to speak,” Dawn Bringer said abruptly. Both Twilight and Shield looked at the young stallion quizzically.

“Permission granted. What is it Dawn?” Twilight asked. Her eye brow slightly cocked wondering what he was going to say.

“Seeing as how Miss Rarity knows me, I would like to request retrieving her. Odds are high she will want to be informed along the way, or at the least given the gist of what has happened,” he stated. Twilight raised a hoof to her chin thinking about it.

“That is true. She dose know you, and you have been by my side all day. Alright Dawn, you will go get Rarity,” she said giving him his request. Dawn nodded and saluted. He turned to the door and headed off to Rarity’s store. No sooner had he left, a message came from the northern gate.

“Sir! We have word that the carrier has arrived. Orders?” a mare called from near the center of the room.

“Let them in. I will meet them with the package,” he said turning to the door as well. He bowed once more to Twilight and sprinted to the foyer. He stopped suddenly mid-stride, turning around quickly and going back to the communication room. Twilight was smiling a rather amused smile. Shield smiled slightly embarrassed, grabbing the case and placing it in his chest plate.

“Do me a favor your highness, never get old. You forget things a lot,” he joked. Twilight simply giggled and nodded. Once again he took off for the foyer. Her arrived shortly, slowing his sprint to a trot. The first thing he noticed was a pair of guards standing at attention. Their gold armor shining flawlessly in the light of the sun. the next thing he saw was a light gray Pegasus standing between the two. Her sandy blonde mane a mess from flight. He approached the mare steadily.

“Greetings ma’am. I am Iron Shield, captain of Princess Celestia’s guard and leader of the communications staff. Are you the courier we sent for?” he asked.

“Yup! I’m Derpy Hooves. Its nice to meet you!” she said rather loudly. Shield examined the mare in more detail. She was a slender mare, her gray fur offsetting her blonde mane. Her cutie mark consisted of several bubbles that grew larger as they raised up her flank. Hanging around her neck was a messenger bag that was currently unlatched. The last thing he looked at were her eyes, or at least the one that was focused on him. The other looking skyward. Shield felt his shoulders slump slightly at the Pegasus.

“Well Miss Hooves, as I’m sure you know, we need you to get this case to the Wonderbolt’s academy as soon as possible. With today’s weather conditions, it shouldn’t take you more then quarter of a day. The package is to go to the commanding officer of the Wonderbolts. Can you do that for me?” he asked. Derpy smiled brightly and nodded, giving the weathered stallion a salute of her own. Her foreleg extended to far, smacking the guard on her left in the snout. With the same momentum, the bag hanging around her neck swayed from the sudden movement. Another quick movement from her hoof slamming against her forehead sent the bag into the knee of the other guard.

“You can count on me!” she announced proudly. She blinked a couple times and then looked at the two guards. “Oops, my bad,” she said sheepishly. Shield lowered his head.

“Celestia help us,” he muttered. He raised his head inhaling deeply. “At any rate, Miss Hooves I can not stress the importance of this task. Please be sure to get this to the academy in a timely manner,” he said sternly. The gray mare nodded smiling. Shield handed over the case, praying to the celestial ruler that she didn't break it. Surprisingly enough, Derpy handled the wooden case with care. Sliding it into her bag and fastening the latch. She saluted him once more before taking to the sky. Shield sighed heavily looking at the recovering guards. “I'm getting too old for this shit,” he said rather bluntly.

Steadily walking through Canterlot, Dawn Bringer made his way to Rarity's home and business. He noted the large sign that read “Rare Fashions” and assumed he was in the right place. He knocked on the front door several times and stepped back. From the other side he could hear a voice call out to him.

“Just a moment please!” the voice called over what sounded like a sewing machine. The sound was silenced quite shortly after her call. Next came the sound of trotting hooves against the hard wood floor of the shop. Eventually the doorknob was enveloped in in a baby blue glow of magic, causing it to turn and the door to open inward. In the doorway stood Rarity, her eyes looking at the guest who had assailed her door with knocks. Her work glasses still placed upon her muzzle.

“Good morning Miss Rarity,” Dawn said with a light grin. Rarity returned the grin in kind and examined the guard.

“Why good morning Dawn Bringer What brings you to my door this morning?” she asked curiously. “Aren't you suppose to shadow Twilight's every move?” she joked. Dawn let a few chuckles pass his lips.

“Yeah, that dose seem to be the only thing I do nowadays. However,” he said looking at her. His expression hardened slightly to show her this was a serious matter. “Princess Sparkle has requested you to the Castle. I am your escort. So if you would please, we must go there now,” he said. His seriousness took Rarity by surprise. She remembered whenever she and Twilight would get together, Dawn would always joke and have fun with them, but this. This level of seriousness from such a laid back stallion was something to take note of. With a simple nod, Rarity stepped out of her shop and followed Dawn. The two walked in silence most of the way to the castle.

“So, what has happened? Is there something wrong with Twilight?” Rarity asked, concern laced in her speech.

“Princess Sparkle is fine. However, there was an incident that occurred in your home town of Ponyville this morning. Leaving the resident dragon in very bad physical and mental condition,” Dawn said continuing his pace. Rarity's eyes widened.

“Umm I don't suppose you mean-” she began. Her voice already trembling at the thought. Dawn Bringer looked over his shoulder at her with a serious stare

“Spike,” the stallion said. The deafening sound of glass shattering filled Rarity's ears. Hearing the name of the gentledrake she had left behind used to identify a victim of a vicious attack was way more of a blow than anypony else would know. She felt her heart stop for a few seconds. If her fur showed any color in her face, it was gone at this moment.

“What happened!? You have to tell me now!!” Rarity shouted jumping in front of Dawn. She was panting lightly, her worry in every word she said. To his credit as a guard, Dawn Bringer remained steadfast and offered her no real emotion.

“As far as I know, he saved a handful of your friends who would have been killed,” Dawn said. “Now, we need to get to the castle now. Please, let's keep moving,” he said continuing his walk. Rarity looked at him and nodded, holding in her emotions. The pair walking silently the rest of the way. Upon reaching the Castle, the two were greeted by Twilight herself. She smiled slightly, but it was quickly washed away after seeing Rarity's look of worry.

“Hello, Rarity. Dawn, thank you for bringing her here,” she said looking at the two. Dawn bowed slightly, then took his place at Twilights side. “Rarity, I know you must have a million questions, but for right now, I think seeing is the best way to answer any of them. Please, come with us,” she said. With a silent nod from the white mare, the trio now made their way to the medical wing. Once there, they saw several nurses walking out of the room with carts of medical supplies. As they passed, Rarity saw bloody bandages and gauze. As well as what looked like amethyst scales dyed a light crimson from dried blood. Her worries worsened more then before now, borderline beside herself with worry. Twilight approached the door, before opening it, she looked back at Rarity.

“He is in rough shape. Are you ready to see him?” she asked. Rarity wiped the forming tears from her eyes and nodded. Trying her best to steel herself for what she was going to see. Twilight nodded once in acknowledgment and opened the door. The light sound of grunting greeted the three as they entered. Rarity's eyes wandered the room briefly. Spotting Scootaloo and Fluttershy standing by the bed that lay in the corner of the room. On the edge of the bed, seated in a chair, sat Princess Luna. Her horn aglow with magic. Levitating a warm cloth along the forehead of the unconscious drake in the bed. His body was atop the blankets. Most likely due to the changing of his bandages. He had fresh white wrappings around his waist and chest, a thick cast wrapped around his left arm down to his claws, and both wings wrapped up in plenty of tape to keep them from getting free. Rarity, now fixated on the dragon in the bed, felt her body moving towards him.

“How...” Rarity began. Her strength and resolve seemingly melting away with each forward step she took. The mere sight of the wreaked creature before her was driving her to tears. “How did this happen to my Spikey Wikey?” she asked. Her voice was beginning to crack. Several hot tears dripped from her eyes and down her cheeks. She was now standing in front of him in the gap between Scootaloo and Luna. Her right hoof placed just in front of her mouth as she stared at the kindest, sweetest, most special dragon in the entire world lying on a bed covered in wounds.

"I know why he is injured,” Scootaloo said looking up at the older mare. She faced Rarity and began to tell her the story. How Spike had rescued her when she was falling to the ground. Risking his life fighting the Manticore. And blacking out after killing the beast.

“After we carried him back to Ponyville, that was when Twilight and Princess Celestia came and brought him here. Though,” the orange mare said looking at Spike. “His arm wasn't broken when he came here though,” she said slightly puzzled at it.

“That we can explain,” Luna said looking up. “Upon his arrival, Spike regained consciousness and leaped out the window. His wings were still taped and he couldn't fly, causing him to land on his arm to break his fall,” she explained.

“Why? Why would he do that!?” Rarity asked starting to get frantic. Luna looked back at Spike.

“Because, he saw my sister murder him,” she said deadpan. Rarity placed both her hooves over her mouth. As did Fluttershy who had remained quiet during the retelling. “Spike is currently connected to King Sombra, who has been using his dark magic to manipulate all of Spike's senses. Forcing him to see what he wills him to see, and feel what he wants him to feel,” Luna explained. Luna looked at the seamstress. More tears were falling uncontrollable from her eyes, her blurred gaze locked on the sleeping dragon. In a show of over dramatics, she threw herself onto the bed crying loudly. Luna, as well as the others, were taken aback by the display.

“My poor Spikey Wikey!” she cried over and over. She pounded her hooves against what she presumed was bedding as he wondered loudly why it had to be him. Luna raised her hooves rather cautiously trying to find the best way to approach Rarity.

“Umm Miss Rarity, we, I mean, I have to request you stop doing that,” she said politely.

“Why?!” Rarity asked whipping her head at the lunar princess. “Am I not allowed to show my frustration and pain over whats happened?!” Rarity yelled smashing both hooves into the bed. A very audible grunt of discomfort and pain cut through the theatrics. Rarity's head snapped forward. Her hooves were planted firmly in the chest of the already wounded drake. His face contorted into a look of pain.

“Ow,” he said raising himself up slowly. He hunched forward clutching his abdomen and groaned. “Well that's one way to wake up,” he said groaning. He looked around the room at the mares surrounding him. He blinked a couple times through half closed eyes. The gears in his head slowly starting to turn again.

“Spike?” Twilight asked softly breaking the silence. The tired dragon shifted his gaze to the lavender Alicorn.

“Oh, hey Twi. Is it time for me to cook breakfast already?” he asked clearly not all there. Twilight's expression softened greatly.

“No Spike. Its almost lunch time, but I want you to stay in bed, ok?” she asked sweetly. Spike smiled softly and nodded.

“Can do. Wake me if you need me,” he said yawning loudly. And with that, his tired body dropped back to the bed unceremoniously. His eyes fully closed as he drifted back into a state of sleep. The others all just looked puzzled at what just happened.

“Umm what?” Scootaloo asked. Twilight smiled knowingly.

“Give him a minute,” she said. The mares once again directed their stare at the drake. And sure enough, not a few seconds later his body shot up. His head snapping back and forth frantically trying to figure out what was going on. He pressed his body against the nearest wall as he eyed each pony in the room. His breathing was deep and panicked as her recalled the first two times he had woken up within the past few hours

“Whats going on!? Where am I!! Is this real?!?” he asked in rapid succession. A midnight blue hoof touched his claw, causing his head to snap in the direction of the feeling. He stared at Luna, who was simply smiling at him.

“Fear not young Spike, for this is not a dream, nor nightmare. You are among friends,” she said quietly. His breathing began to slow steadily, his heart also slowing to it's normal tempo.

“Thank Celestia,” he said placing his claw over his heart, feeling his heart rate slow back to normal. His face contorted into a pained wince as he felt his ribcage throb in pain. “Why dose it feel like somepony has been punching me in the chest?” he asked clutching his ribs. All eyes focused on the overly dramatic drama queen, who was smiling nervously as she backed up from the bed slowly. Spike's eyes fell onto the seamstress and his face immediately flushed deep crimson. “Oh.. hey Rarity,” he said putting on an embarrassed smile. “I didn't expect to see you here,” he rubbed the back of his neck with his good claw, removing it from Luna's grasp. Rarity's expressing softened greatly seeing he was still the adorable drake she had always known.

“Hello Spike,” she said, her cheeks burning slightly as she blushed. Her pure white coat did nothing to hide this. “Are you feeling any pain darling?” she asked looking him over. Spike pulled himself from the wall and was now sitting down. He looked himself over a couple times before answering.

“I guess I've been better. Kinda hurts all over,” he said looking behind him now. His wings still heavily tapped to his back. “Feeling a bit confined with my wings like this though,” he groaned. He laid back slowly and stared at the ceiling. “That jerk,” he muttered under his breath. Everypony frowned slightly looking at the battered up drake.

“Spike,” Twilight said breaking the silence. “I actually have a couple questions for you, if you're up for answering them,” she asked stepping forward. Spike sat back up and looked at his surrogate sister.

“Sure Twi, go ahead,” he said looking at her curiously. She smiled slightly and thought of the first question.

“Scootaloo says that you rescued everypony from a Manticore. How did you beat it?” she asked. Spike looked to away from her for a moment before answering. His face held a look of regret as he opened his mouth to speak.

“I was forced to kill it,” he said softly. The two Alicorns and Rarity's eyes opened wide.

“You what?!” Twilight asked thoroughly surprised.

“I had to. It was gonna kill them. It left me no choice!” Spike shouted. His head snapped to the direction of Twilight. His eyes never meeting her's for the shame he felt in ending the creature's life. His features softened after seeing he wasn't being scolded. “I did what I had to do to keep them safe,” he said after his outburst. He looked at his claws and closed them slowly.

“We do not mean to intrude in the questioning,” Luna started looking at Spike. His eyes shifted slowly to the lunar princess. “But we must know, how did thou defeat it? A Manticore is among the strongest of creatures in the land. Coupled with your injuries, even though thou be a dragon, thou should not have prevailed against it,” she said curiously. Spike was a bit taken by the question. She was right, he should have lost to the Manticore in a fight given the circumstances. Then, like a flash of lightning he remembered.

“Tol los ges! Zu'u nuft qo tokmaar/ That's right! I used the lightning ability,” he said aloud. Luna looked at him wide eyed, her mouth hanging open in immediate realization of the language he spoke.

“Hi vis tinvaak dovah sahkren/you can speak the dragon tongue?” she asked in response. Spike's eyes widened and he looked at her. Twilight and the others looked extremely confused at the two.

“Umm I didn't quite catch that,” Twilight said looking at them. Luna looked at the confused Twilight with a knowing expression.

“He can speak the dragon language. It has long since been lost in the passage of time,” she said. Twilight looked at spike with a cocked eyebrow.

“How in Equestria did he learn that?” she asked. All eyes once again looked to the drake in the bed.

“Umm an ancient dragon in my brain taught me. I guess I should explain all of that” he said looking confused.

Everypony gathered around him as he began to recount all he knew of the ancient dragon. As he explained, in the skies above Equestria, the gray courier was flying happily without a single care in the world, occasionally reaching into her bag to grab a muffin to keep her strength up. Her mane blew recklessly as she ascended a high mountain. Once at the peak, stood the training facility she had been looking for. The long landing stripe was the first thing she noticed, followed soon by cadets in training uniforms running aerial drills, flying through cloud hoops, stomping out larger clouds, and overall just flying as fast as their wings could carry them. On the ground were more cadets doing wing ups and wing lifts, as well as doing sprints around the track. Derpy trotted the grounds, looking at all the ponies training.

“Wow! This place is amazing! I wonder where Rainbow Dash is?” she wondered out loud. Her trot was interrupted when she walked into what felt like a brick wall. She looked up and smiled from ear to ear.

“Hi Roid! I didn't know you were in the academy!” she shouted flying around the muscle bound stallion. He looked over at her. His dirty blonde mane cut into a Mohawk that ran down his absurdly muscular neck, his eyes a subtle red as he turned to look at the mare calling to him.

“That's right. I wanted to prove myself a true Wonderbolt,” he said with a grin. His tiny wings flapping happily. Derpy smiled and landed in front of him.

“Can you tell me where the commander is? I am here with important business from the princesses” she asked, looking at the mound of meat in front of her. He raised a hoof to his chin, trying to think.

“Commander Spitfire should be in her office,” he said with a contemplative look on his face. “Her office is over there,” he said pointing to the office building. Derpy smiled and nodded.

“Thanks, Roid! I'll tell Feather Weight that you said 'hi' when I get home,” she said, cheerfully trotting past him, as if without a care in the world. He smiled. His face contorted to one of pure emotion, his eyes dilating as he released a loud scream.

“YEEEEEEEAH!!!!!” he shouted, then waved happily. The gray mare entered the office and asked around for Spitfire's office. Sure enough, she got lost in an instant.

“Hmm I thought it was over this way. I just don't know what went wrong,” she wondered looking around slightly helpless.

“Can I help you?” a stallion's voice called out. Derpy turned to see a white stallion standing behind her. His dark blue main was wild and unruly from constant flight, his lime green eyes looking over the mare in front of him. He wore a button up shirt with a tie pinned to it, his sleeves rolled up, and on his collar was the emblem of a Wonderbolt.

“Hi! Special delivery for Commander Spitfire. It's very important,” Derpy said, with a grin and saluting. The white stallion smiled.

“At ease, soldier, I got ya covered. Come this way, I was just headin' to see her right now,” the stallion said. Derpy smiled wider, and nodded following after him. They soon approached an office where the sound of a hoof against wood could be heard from the other side of the door. The stallion pushed the door open and walked in casually.

“Yo, Spitz, we got a delivery for ya” he said gesturing to the mare with the messenger bag. Behind the desk, with a stack of papers sitting next to her, was a light brilliant orange mare with a two toned mane. The first tone, a bright amber color, and the second a shade darker orange then fur. She wore a Sargent jacket, button up shirt with a black tie pined to it, several badges, and a pair of black rimmed sunglasses with lavender tinted lenses. Her orange eyes peered over her sunglasses at the two who were interrupting her work.

“Soarin, this better be important. I have a mound of paper work with your name on it here and you have been slacking off...again,” she said, a slight bit of disdain seeped from her mouth with the last word she uttered. Soarin just chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof.

“Be that as it may, I think she has something important,” he said. With that, Derpy walked up to the desk and gave Spitfire a stern salute.

“Hi ma'am, I'm here on official Canterlot business with a delivery” she said. Her hoof came down and she started digging into the bag, grabbing the sealed envelope and wooden case, and gave them to Spitfire. The orange mare eyed the items for a second, then took them. Cracking the seal, she examined the letter. Her eyes narrowed reading the letter. She then opened the wooden case to see the second letter. Reading this letter as well, Spitfire's eyes narrowed behind her sunglasses.

“Soarin, get on the P.A and get Rainbow here now,” Spitfire said looking up at Soarin. He nodded and exited the room. Spitfire got up from her desk and walked over to a glass case that sat in the corner of the room. Pulling a key from her jacket, she unlocked one of the drawers on the bottom if it. Inside was a large wooden box with a seal on it that read “For authorized use only”. Pulling the box from the draw she sat it in front of her desk. She returned to her seat and patiently waited. Over the loud speaker, Soarin's voice rang throughout the complex.

“Paging Senior Cadet Leader: Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash to the commander's office. Repeat: Senior Cadet Leader: Rainbow Dash to Commander Spitfire's office. That is all,” he said. And with that the P.A cut off. In the cadet's dorms a pair of mares looked at each other then at the sleeping sky blue mare in the bed on the far end of the room. The two looked at each other again, the pale cerulean mare trotted over and poked the sleeping Pegasus.

“Hey Rainbow, they are calling you over the P.A,” she said nudging the pony. The pony in question sat up. Her rose colored eyes scanned the area through half closed eyelids. She ran a hoof over her multi-colored mane and yawned rather loudly, stretching her wings and popping her back a couple times.

“What did you say, Cloud Chaser?” Rainbow asked.

“They called you To Commander Spitfire's office. I think its important,” Cloud Chaser said looking a little concerned. With that Rainbow flapped her wings and was off in a heart beat, out the nearest open window. Leaving nothing but a rainbow trail and dust behind her. She flew swiftly through the training ground, having enough time to not only bob and weave through ponies training, but also give some pointers in the same stride. Her flight halted once she reached the office building. Pushing the doors open, she headed straight for Spitfire's office. Raising a hoof she knocked on the door a couple of times.

“Rainbow Dash, requesting permission to enter,” she announced.

“Enter, Rainbow,” she heard Spitfire say. With that she opened the door and was immediately taken off guard by a spine crushing hug from Derpy. The gray mare's eyes closed tightly as she squeezed her rainbow maned friend.

“RAINBOW DASH!!!! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU!!!” the gray mare shouted. Rainbow grunted loudly as all the air was forced from her lungs by sheer force of Derpy's hug.

“Derpy...can't breath,” she stammered out. Derpy opened her eyes and let go.

“Oops, my bad,” she said with a smile. Rainbow rubbed her wings and checked them for damage. She smiled slightly and then looked at her commanding officer.

“You wanted to see me Ma'am?” she asked standing at attention. Spitfire slide the letter across her desk, prompting Rainbow to read it.

“Dear Commander of the Wonderbolts,
A new threat is on the horizon. King Sombra, the long defeated ruler of the Crystal Empire, has shown signs of a return. With communications to the empire sub par to say the least, we, the Princesses of Equestria, have come to you with a mission to deliver the enclosed enchanted quill to the empire. This item is very important and sadly time is of the essence. We request your fastest cadet to deliver this item to the empire in a timely manner. We patiently await word from the empire to show that you have completed this task.
Warm regards

Twilight Sparkle”

Rainbow finished reading the letter, then looked at her commanding officer. It didn't take but a second to see why the rainbow maned mare was asked to come to the office and read this message. She put on a cocky smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

“Understood ma'am. I will make the necessary preparations and head out ASAP,” Rainbow said, saluting again. She turned her back and proceeded to the door.

“That won't be needed Rainbow Dash. We already have your suit ready for you,” Spitfire said pointing her hoof at the box that sat in front of her desk.

“My 'suit'?” Rainbow asked turning back around.

“Yes. Considering this has the potential to be a dangerous mission, I am authorizing you to use the Wonderbolt Combat Suit,” she said pushing it towards her. Rainbow's face showed simply a look of acknowledgment, but her mind was screaming, 'OHMYGOSHOMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!!!'

“Inside you will find suit itself. It comes outfitted with a magically insulated interior to keep you warm, right and left flank pockets that will house your armaments as well as a side pocket on your forehooves for smaller items, and is the latest in aerodynamic design, and of course has the trademark Wonderbolt insignia and design in a dark navy for stealth flight,” Spitfire explained. Rainbow opened the box and looked at the dark navy suit. Pulling it from its box she started to put it on. As she dressed in the new attire, something the commander said caught her attention. Her head raised after a few seconds.

“Wait, weapons?” she asked slightly confused. Spitfire walked over to a safe that sat in the corner of the room. Taking a different key from her jacket, she opened it. The sound of thunder ripped through the room, catching Rainbow and Derpy off guard

“These are your weapons,” Spitfire said looking at Rainbow. Inside was several small thunderclouds, a rectangular box, and a couple of glass viles that seemed to contain the same liquid. Spitfire reached in and scooped up one of the thunderclouds. “Pocket bolts. These are small thunder clouds that you can quickly buck and discharge a rather intense lightning bolt from,” she began. She pushed the cloud over to her desk, reaching back into the safe she pulled out the box and rattled it around a couple times. “Fog pellets. These are condensed clouds that disperse quickly when you smash them with your hooves or on the ground. And lastly,” she said putting the box on her desk and then grabbing one of the glass flasks. “In case things get too rough, this is a flight stimulator. Princess Sparkle developed these with her ongoing research into the nature of Pegasus magic. It will temporarily double your current speed output at that moment. So you better be going full blast when you use it,” Spitfire said explaining the tools Rainbow would be using. Rainbow, now fully in the new suit had walked up and loaded up her flank pockets with the small arsenal and the wooden case containing the quill.

“Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you or the princesses down. Derpy, can you head back that way and let them know I'm on my way?” Rainbow asked. Derpy nodded and saluted one more time. As the sky blue mare walked towards the door she stopped and looked back with a cocky smirk. “Oh and if you see Spike flying around, tell him I'll be back in Ponyville to drill him when I get some down time,” she said exiting. Derpy nodded once more and smiled. With that, Rainbow left the room and headed to the runway. Dash stood outside the office building and inhaled deeply. She looked at a map of Equestria that was kept up to show where everything was in relation to the academy. She found her destination, north by northwest, about 600 or so miles away. She smirked and headed for the runway. She was about to take off when her head snapped to the dorms. She flew over quickly and went in. Going straight to her trunk and fishing out the one thing she couldn't seriously fly without. Clutched in her teeth was the strap to her father's old flight goggles. She smiled looking at them and wrapped them around her neck. Flying back to the runway she checked her flight path one more time.

“Fastest way from one place to another is a straight line!” she shouted snapping the goggles on over her eyes. She crouched into a fliers position. Her wings started to beat feverishly until they seemed to be transparent, kicking up massive back wind as she flapped. Her back hooves raised off the ground, her front hooves the only thing keeping her attached to the ground now, as if waiting for a signal to set her off. Her eyes narrowed and saw a single pony blocking her path. As soon as that pony moved, here eyes widened and her front hooves raised off the ground. Her body shooting forward with the total force of a hurricane. Her body screaming down the runway, leaving nothing more then a rainbow flame trail in her wake. Once the ground was cleared from under her, she nose dived, gaining more speed. Her wings pressed tightly to her body as her body plummeted at the straight shot. Her front hooves firmly stuck out in front of her as she felt the air pressure around her get more intense, soon seeing the all too familiar mach cone form in front of her, the final barrier of resistance she was looking for. She smirked and pushed faster and faster the cone becoming more and more narrow as her speed increased. As the ground grew closer and closer, streaks of multi-colored lightning shot from her mane and tail. Her body breaking the final restraint, creating a thunderous boom. From the epicenter of the sound came a wave of color that ripped through the surrounding area, the Sonic Rainboom. Her wings spread open, letting her turn on a hard 90 degree angle and shot forward just above the forest.

With this unreal speed she flew faster then some ponies could register. Flying over anything and everything earthbound. With the occasional flap she maintained her current speed with relative ease. It didn't take more then an half hour for her to enter the airspace of the Crystal Empire. The skies around the empire were crystal clear for a change. Not the usual snow storm that surrounded the area

“Please, this is a cake walk. Why where they so worried?” she asked. As if to answer her question, a dark foreboding feeling swept over her, prompting the mare to stop dead in her tracks. “OK... What was that?” she asked. At the same time, miles away in Canterlot, Spike was just finishing his explanation of what had been happening to him when a shooting pain shot through his mind. His head felt like it had exploded and was continuing to explode over and over again. He hunched over and grabbed his head hard. Luna placed her hooves on his shoulders and tried to talk to him, but he couldn't hear her over the sounds of thunderous roars in his head. His eyes clutched tightly as the all to familiar voice began to speak.

“So, you believed your friend could invade my dominion without me noticing? Cute worm. Very cute,” a voice called. Spike's eyes opened into a rage induced glare. The look not only caused the mares in the room to shudder in surprise, but also cower slightly in fear. The dragon's eyes were blood red iris' on a lime green.

“Sombra,” Spike said coldly, deep throaty growls resonating from his mouth. In his mind he was staring the unicorn king dead in the eye. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Why to show you a funny little scene that will play out quite...deliciously,” the king said licking his chops. His horn began to glow with a blood red aura. Opening a window to the snowy wasteland that Rainbow was now hovering over. Spike looked at Sombra then to the window he created. Through the window, Rainbow was hovering, steadily descending to the ground. Once close enough she began to cast a shadow. She looked back and forth and shrugged, taking flight once more to the empire. Something drew her attention though, like a whisper on the wind. Telling her to look down. With no real reason to object, Rainbow looked at the frozen ground below. Her shadow was moving just as quickly as she was, though something was off about it. Rainbow slowed and narrowed her eyes at the shadow. Examining it a bit. That was when she saw what was so off putting. It was looking at her. Where her eyes were suppose to be, were a pair of blood red orbs. Rainbow's eyes widened as the shadow shot from the ground and at her.

"WHAT THE?!” she shouted spinning to the left to avoid the creature. She looked back at it as it started to chase her down. The two leaving both a rainbow and dark trail behind them as they flew.
“Rainbow!!” Spike shouted. He was now fully focused on the window. Sombra smirked, his horn glowing once more. Through the window, Rainbow pulled every manuver she knew to dodge the creature. It slowed and seemed to back off. With a sigh, Rainbow looked behind her to check to see if it was gone. Nothing. It was gone without a trace. She breathed easier and directed her gaze forward. Her eyes widened and her pupils grew small as she watched several dark crystals break through the ground in front of her. Forcing her to attempt a stop. She slammed hard into the crystal and dropped to the ground. Her wings were sprawled out as she laid in a mound of dirt. Recovering slowly she raised her head from the snowy floor. In front of her stood the dark Pegasus. Its red eyes glaring down at her. Rainbow looked at it with a growing sense of fear. Unaware that another had started to form behind her. Creeping slowly, the new shadow bared fangs, and with the speed of a rattle snake, bit into her neck. Rainbows eyes opened wide and her scream was deafening. The shadow in front of her stepped forward and dug its own fangs into her flesh. Spike watched, screaming and pounding on the window, as one of his best friends was ripped apart and eaten by her own doppelgangers.

“What a shame, you couldn't save her,” Sombra said. He slowly began to trot towards the sobbing dragon. “What a shame indeed, that you could not witness it in person”. With that statement, something in Spike snapped. His head whipped at the dark king who was laughing like a mad mare. His deep laugh ringing through the entire dark void Spike found himself in.

“Zu'u fen Krii hi/I'll kill you,” Spike muttered. His eyes narrowed to a dark glare. The king looked at the dragon once more.

“You will what now?” he asked.

“Zu'u fen Krii hi!!” he shouted.

“One more time. I don't speak 'pathetic wretch',” Sombra said. That did it. Spike's eyes in the real world turned pale gray and his scales started to flicker with light blue sparks. His pain was gone replaced with anger. His wings burst out of their bindings and flared. He hunched forward onto all fours and screamed as his body became a living lightning bolt again.

“I'LL KILL YOU!!!!” he roared. His body lighting up like a sudden flash of lightning. Everypony in the room looked in horror as the dragon displayed raw, emotion driven power. He roared once more. This time, shaking the castle to its core. His head turned to the window. He lurched forward toward it. His progress was stopped by a combined aura of every magic user in the room. Luna, Twilight, and even Rarity were attempting to hold the wild drake back. Scootaloo was now cowering in absolute fear behind Fluttershy, who was standing with her back to Spike, attempting to protect the younger Pegasus.

“Spike! Thou must calm thyself! Sombra is playing tricks on thee!” Luna shouted.

“Spike! Try and listen to us!! Your wounded and confused!” Twilight shouted as well, trying to get some level of sense back into Spike. His head snapped to the trio holding him back.

“HE KILLED RAINBOW!!! HIS HEAD IS MINE!!!” he roared threateningly.

“Ganog/Enough!!” a new voice called over the shouting. Spike's head snapped to the direction of the new voice. It belonged to the Solar Monarch herself, Celestia. Her eyes were commanding and hardened. Her voice now using the royal whine to assert her authority. “ Stiildus hinmaar goraan dovah.Wah stig nu fund drun hin siifur dinok/Calm yourself young dragon. To act now would bring your own death,” she called to him. Spike's eyes remained glued on the Princess.

“She is correct goraan,” another voice called. Spike recognized the voice immediately as the elder dragon. “You are being fooled once more. Remember your Zov, your spark. It can reach great distances. And see what your mind can not,” the dragon called within his mind. Spike's eyes grew less feral. His body starting to relax. A rush of pain shot through him, blinding pain that he could not readily take. His consciousness faded to black. Hearing only his name be called as his senses failed him.

Ba-bumb.....ba-bumb.....ba-bumb

What? What is that? Spike thought. His world was black once more. I guess it's my heart. Makes sense I could feel it, he thought to himself. The steady thumping started to grow louder and louder. Wait...this isn't my heart...its...Zov, he said steadily opening his mind's eye. He could feel and see the waves of the planet's heart flow steadily. It was calming to say the least. He felt his and body calm greatly as he payed attention to the cascading waves of natural energy. He looked around. Seeing everything that there was to see within this realm of existence.

Wait...I can sense everything in the world like this, right? He asked himself curiously. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Releasing the breath he began to focus. The energy waves sweeping over him as he concentrated. A single name replaying over and over in his mind. Rainbow Dash. Find Rainbow Dash, he called in a mantra like state. The waves of energy ceased momentarily, replaced with the sound of beating wings. The beating grew faster and faster as if panicked. His brows frowned as he started to “see” what was going on. He saw one of his best friends and flight couch flying for her life. Her eyes bugged out as she tore through the sky, doing every maneuver in her tricktionary to evade the shadow doppelganger, the shadow matching her move for move.

“Gotta do something! Something something something, wait that's it!” she shouted. She reached a hoof around and dug into her flank pocket and tossed one of the pocket thunder clouds ahead of her. She smirked looking back and swooped over it quickly. As her body was about to pass over it, her torso lurched forward in a quick spin. Her extended back hoof bucking the cloud with an ax kick, shooting a bolt of lightning at her attacker. The bolt hit hard and the shadow dissipated almost immediately. Rainbow smiled and changed course for her original destination. Her flight quickly halted when she saw several more shadow mares shoot up from the ground.

“OH COME ON!!!” Rainbow shouted. She gritted her teeth and shot into the air, The shadow mares quickly ascending after her. The cyan speedster looked back at her pursuers and glared. “That's it! You want it? Then let's do it!” she shouted. Her wings snapped to her side, her hooves shot into her flank pockets as she began to drop. The shadows were now about 100 feet and climbing fast. Her hooves flung out of her pockets, a swarm of pocket thunderclouds accompanying the release of her hooves. The shadows past her and flew into the small clouds. Rainbow's wings flew open and halted her decent. With one swoop she flew after the shadows. The shadows barely had the time to react as she was now no less then a few feet away. Dash curled up, propelling herself into the nearest shadow, kicking off the cloud that was still on its chest. The cloud erupted with lightning, obliterating the shadow in a heartbeat. With the momentum from her kick off, she smashed her front hoof into the next cloud, resulting in another destruction of a shadow. The last had seen the first two and threw the cloud to the side. It flew towards Rainbow, fangs bared, but Rainbow had other plans. Her hoof dug into the pocket quickly and came out with a pellet. Throwing it just in front of her as the shadow was about to make contact, the pellet exploded into a very thin gray cloud and surrounded the two. The shadow stopped feeling no pony beneath its hooves. The air around it started to circle fast and violently, causing it to get swept up in the cloud. Outside the veil of fog, Rainbow continued to increase the speed of her flight, making the tornado encasing the shadow spin faster and faster. Once it was at the desired speed, Rainbow flew after the thundercloud, scooped it up, and flew to the top of the tornado. She threw it up over the rim of the tornado, she twisted her body flying after it, slamming her back hoof on the cloud hard. The resulting bolt shot into the tornado, hitting the shadow and causing the tornado to explode in a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder.

“That will learn ya!!” she shouted triumphantly. She looked to the empire again and took off at top speed. She pressed on hard, her wings now starting to burn from the stress of the fight. Her eyes remained narrowed into a glare in concentration. As she neared she felt that creeping feeling approach again. She looked back to see a wave of dark magic start seeping into the sky from the ground below, an evil bellowing accompanying the it as it started to form a massive wave. Rainbow's eyes widened in terror as she flew skyward. The wave, now a massive blob shot into the air after her, nipping at her hooves, threatening to swallow her whole. She gritted her teeth and tried manuvers once more. The blob of dark matter following just as quickly. The mass grew tired of her constant movements and shot several dozen small tendrals after her. Each rocketing after her with great percision and aim. One of which nicked her wing.

“Gahh!” she shouted in pain. Her wing started spazzing out, tired and bruised now. She looked back at the blob glaring at it. She flapped hard trying to shake off the pain. “Come on Rainbow! Come on!!” she shouted fighting through the pain. She looked forward to see another blob in front of her. She rolled to the side avoiding it by just a few feathers. She panted and forced herself to fly faster. She needed to get the empire now. She felt the pressure start to build around her again. She gritted hard and shot through the sound barrier. The blast dissipating the dark blobs momentarily with her Sonic Rainboom. She flew hard to the empire.

Along the Empire's outer perimeter a guard trotted slowly and lazily along the border. He yawned rather loudly and scratched the back of his neck.

“Yup, another boring day indeed,” he said looking out over the snow covered land. His lazy glance turned to a look of horror and panic. A sea of dark magic was washing over the landscape at an alarming rate. He reacted as one could expect. He turned back and began sprinting as fast as his hooves could carry. “ACTIVATE THE HEART!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!” he screamed at the top of his longs. Every pony in the area heard his call and made a mad dash for the crystal heart. Once enough had gathered, they began to focus their love into the heart, causing it to rotate in its resting place and stir with magic and begin to glow. The glowing grew more radiant with more love poured into it. Eventually shooting a massive coloum of light into the sky. Like a gyser, the light rained down over the city in an all purpose shield to keep anything and everything out. Rainbow saw the shield begin to form. Her eyes narrowing to a glare as the burning in her wings grew more intense.

“I'm not gonna make it!” she shouted trying desperately to fly faster. Like another bolt of lightning slapping her in the face, she remembered her last tool. She unlatched her right forehoof pocket and pulled the vile of flight stimulator from it. She inhaled sharply and downed it in a single gulp. Her eyes widened as it coursed through her body aat what felt like a god like speed. Her body shoot forward at a damn near blinding speed. A second shock wave exploding behind her as her speed once again doubled, propelling her just past the barrier as it landed on the ground. Stopping the encroaching dark blob from entering the empire. The rainbow maned flyer sped out of control until she hit the ground and skidded to a halt, her wings burning from exhaustion. Several guards had seen her crash into the city and had approached her.

“We need a medical unit now!” the lead guard shouted. Before anypony could lift her, Rainbow dragged herself to her hooves and saluted on the verge of collaps.

“Senior Wonderbolt Cadet: Rainbow Dash reporting from the Wonderbolt's academy. I have an urgent deliverly to the rulers of the Crystal Empire from the Royal Pony Sisters in Canterlot,” she said lowering her hoof. With what strength she had left, she reached into her flank pocket one last time and pulled the wooden case from it, handing it to the guard, and then collapsing, tired and worn out. The guard looked at the case and then back at Rainbow.

“Contact Princess Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor and get a stretcher. Get this pegasus to the infirmary,” he commanded. The other guards looked at each other trying to piece together what had happened with the black blob. The leader snapped his head back at the others and roared his orders. “What are you waiting for!? An engraved invitation form Celestia herself!!? Move your asses!!!” he barked.

Author's Note

chapter 6 rewrite is now live. thanks for captain nana for helping with the editing. chapter 7 may take a bit because im going to try more planning for each chapter. so please just stay with it