"My Queen." The Changeling minion bowed to his superior, showing his complete loyalty. "News from Equestria. 'She' is back."

Clearly, this bit of news had caught the Queen's attention. Chrysalis turned and her mouth curved into a devious smile. "That is news I like to hear." Examining the amulet she had obtained not too long ago, she felt as though this would make her unstoppable. It was only a matter of time before they encounter each other once again, and she believed that it was none other than destiny that it will happen.

"What is our plan of action? Uhm... Your Majesty."

Folding her arms, she turned to the Minion. "For now, we wait. Patience is a virtue." Learning from the failed last attempt to overthrow the Equestrian Royal family, she believed she needed to wait for an opportunity to strike. The extra waiting period will also give her the extra time to think up of a better plan than just charge in and avoid the typical 'cliche'. What she should avoid this time, is turning her back at the wrong time.

Chrysalis' personal servant entered the throne room, bowing first before he spoke. He held up a small box as he stood. "Your Majesty... The weapon you have requested of has been forged." Slowly, he removed the lid of the box and with great optimism, held it out towards his Queen. "Wildey .475 Magnum handgun, with a Chrome finish."

"Thank you..." Taking the firearm, she spun it around before examining its build in detail. It was well forged and made for her, and this is what she wanted: A powerful firearm full of character that matches its power. "Have you heard the news? About 'her'?"

The servant nodded.

Chrysalis chuckled to herself. "She will be returning soon. Begin preperations for her arrival. We will postpone our attack on Canterlot until then." She paused for a moment... A thought crossed her mind: 'Why is Celestia not a Queen when she is the primary monarch of Equestria?' Maybe Celestia is not capable of such a title, hence why there are so many Princesses and Princes in the Royal family.

If so... Then maybe rather than eradicate the Equestrians, why not take over the throne for herself instead? Queen of the Changelings... Queen of Equestria... Both titles are good in their own right but to have both is something she could only dream of when she was younger; alas the chances of achieving that dream had risen now that she had the Alicorn Amulet. Whether it drives her mad or not, she may be able to get her revenge at the end of it all... And save her people.

*****

Crystal and Erich had been talking to each other for a while, over breakfast as well. Erich shared his bottle of vodka with Crystal, who happily shared with him. Most of it had been consumed already, its surprising that neither of the two were drunk. Whatever they were talking about, none of the others were allowed in the conversation.

No other customers entered the cafe, which left Sweetie Belle an open chance to talk to Twilight. "How have you been!? A lot of the people in Ponyville miss you."

Of course they would have. Twilight had been a very important member in the town, and the first Royal member to have come from Ponyville. People who especially missed her were: Pinkie Pie, Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy. Others could be Spike and Owlowiscious. She wondered how Spike was doing without her around. He still sent and received letters from time to time, but what does he do in his spare time?

"How is Rarity? Is Spike still pestering her with his 'love'?" She chuckled.

"Not... Exactly..." Sweetie Belle said, the tone of voice almost hesitant. Her cheeks flushed red, and she tried to hide a smile.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?" She noticed the guilty look on the teenage mare's face, and very bright blush. Sweetie Belle kept herself quiet, and Twilight only continued to stare at the white furred mare. "Sweetie Belle?"

"Spike lost interest in my sister... Fell for... Someone else..." She tried to look away and immediately, Twilight knew what she meant.

"You're dating Spike!?" She gasped. Just looking at the squeeling and blushing white furred mare was priceless. "I didn't know you liked dragons." Then again, Rarity did like Spike before but she probably grew out of it. She wondered if Rarity knew about this or not. Regardless, this was interesting news that Spike had kept from her; and to think he told her everything! But, it was Spike's personal business.

Speaking of which, the purple dragon actually arrived. When he saw Twilight, his eyes widened in shock. "Twiley!?" Since Spike had matured, and that Twilight rather not be called a Princess by her friends, Spike adopted the nickname that Sparkle's brother had given her. "What are you doing here!?" Interestingly, he delivered a letter that foretold her arrival, but he never read it. It wasn't his business anyways.

"I should be on Royal duties, but we..." She pointed to the others. "Had to stop for a good breakfast in Ponyville." She smiled.

The dragon closed in on the two mares, but first approached Belle. His greeting was none other than a sweet kiss on her forehead. "Hi baby." Then he just realised his mistake when he saw a bit of a crazy smile on Twilight's mouth.

"So... Care to explain?" She was genuinely interested in how the odd couple came to be. It was also somewhat cliche: Spike at first had feelings for Rarity, but if he can't get her then he'd go for someone more closer to his reach. Sweetie Belle was nearly the same age, was just as pretty as Rarity and she was free, whilst Rarity on the other hand was starting to look for colts to help fill a gap in her life.

Spike explained to Twilight that Sweetie Belle and he accustomed to each others presence more often than not. Of course, the purple dragon was in charge of the library, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders always needed book resources to try new things. Most of them never worked out as hoped, but the dragon always gave suggestions of different habits, skills and activities they could try. Like Twilight, he knows every book in every shelf, but unlike Twilight, he knows where they are.

The purple dragon sure had matured, and had grown taller. No doubt that he's next in line as a student ever since the Princesses found out he was capable of magic. She wondered if he was eligible to become a Prince. He'd be a much better Prince than Blueblood in Twilight's opinion, as he is a consistent nagger and useless bafoon.

"As much as I know I have to leave Princess Celestia to her duties, my absence does concern me." For all they know, changelings could have already infiltrated Canterlot, and only Princess Luna and her brother, besides the guards can only be trusted. Knowing that Spike had trained with her brother, what better choice than to assign him as Celestia's personal guard? Changelings couldn't disguise themselves as dragons.

"Well. I can try. I'm still a little rusty when it comes to technique."

Sweetie Belle then gasped with an idea of opportunity: "Can I come!? Please!? I always wanted to go Canterlot!" The last visit just wasn't long enough.

At first, Twilight was hesitant about the idea. The cute smile on the younger mare's face just couldn't be resisted. "Fine. You can go." Twilight contemplated whether Rarity would be fine with the idea, but she already made a promise.

"I'm just glad you're alright. I thought you were dead or worse!" Crystal exclaimed.

"Relax, cupcake. This guy ain't going down for nothin'." He assured. "Still not feeling a buzz?" He asked the black furred green haired mare.

"Not yet." She responded, chuckling before she took another shot of Vodka. Putting the shot glass down, she pushed it towards Erich. "That's enough for me. I don't like drinking too much." She pointed out that she had drunk nearly half the bottle, whilst Erich had consumed almost the rest of it.

He took the shot glass and poured the last of the alcohol before taking it in. Putting it on the table, he smiled deviously at Crystal.

The green haired mare blushed, knowing that they just had an indirect kiss. She liked Erich very much, but didn't want to get Romantically involved with him, or anyone for that matter. It is for anyone's own good if they fell for her... "I guess I'm part of this 'task', huh?" She said out of the blue. She was part of this mission, and she can't say no, as the fate of Equestria rests of her decision as much as it does rest on Twilight's.

"So why did Celestia ask you to join us? I'm a mixed bag on the decision..."

"Honestly... I know why, but I wish she hadn't."

"Care to... Clue me in?"

Their conversation was interrupted by Twilight whom gained their attention. "We should start to get ready."

Erich shrugged. It was better to get moving, now or never. He left some bits on the table, which came from the pouch that Twilight given him. Just as he stood, he noticed that Sweetie Belle, the waitress, had removed her apron. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Who said she can come with us?" He asked Twilight.

"She's not. Spike and her and going to Canterlot. Someone has to take my place whilst I'm gone." She explained. "Plus, Spike can keep us updated with what's going on in Canterlot, if not the whole of Equestria."

Erich knew that there could already be trouble brewing in Canterlot, but whether the dragon and the young mare knew what they were getting themselves into, he didn't know. But he can't do anything about it besides ignore it for now. "You better keep track, otherwise we'd be outdated like last decade's software."

The purple dragon, almost as tall as Erich but with a fairly similar build, folded his arms. His face turned into a cocky grin. "I always do. I used to be known as the 'number one assistant'." The dragon said, as to give a pat to his own shoulder.

"And that tells me that you were the bitch of the relationship." Erich responded before turning to the door.

His comment left Spike speechless, Sweetie Belle and Twilight both with blush red faces and Erich himself had the usual grin. The grey furred colt awaited his collegues just outside the cafe, and it didn't take long for Butch, Bulleta and Twilight Sparkle to follow him. He didn't explicitly ask for the bag of equipment from Butch, but eye gestures gave the idea. Markza accepted the bag from the larger colt.

The Pegesus female clicked her fingers and stretched her arms out. "Alright! So where do we head off now, Princess!?" She asked excitedly.

"There is an underground tunnel that leads to a cave. 'The Wonders of the Everfree Forest'." One of the so-called, 'Wonders' was known as 'The legend of the miracle', which caused some mayhem among the town. It was sealed away, but the decision to explore it deeper came with great benefit. Apparently there were other miracles, but the townspeople don't venture to the Everfree forest, especially when the cave was fairly dangerous.

Crystal followed after, and she held on to her guitar case tightly. Butch offered to carry it for her but she declined. "This makes me feel safer."

The others didn't know how a heavy guitar case would make her feel safe, besides the fact she could hit something very hard but do very little other than that. The way she held on tightly to the guitar-case however was suspicious, and out of anything she could've brought, why that? Could she be hiding some sort of mystical guitar of the sort? Is the guitar-case itself mystical or some form of weapon? None of the others could tell, since it just seemed like any ordinary acoustic guitar case.

Erich himself found Crystal very mysterious. He had known her for a while, and during the time that they were frequently together, Crystal would say very little about herself, or not tell the truth. He'd just have to work the kinks and get pass that really thick concrete wall she's hiding behind: after all, concrete won't stop everything in its tracks.

They followed Twilight towards the entrance of the Everfree Forest, in which next to the entrance was Twilight's treehouse. It so happens it was still there, and everything seemed normal as usual. The last time she visited Fluttershy was when she was actually still living in Ponyville. Twilight however was glad that she could at the very least keep contact with a kind friend.

The yellow Pegasus was just busy picking apples, probably to supply her home with a little bit of fruit or for the animals. It didn't take long for her to realise that there were others within the vicinity, and one of them was none other than a very close friend. The same purple wings, purple and pinkish hair and the Unicorn horn on her forehead... "Twilight!" She gasped relatively loudly (for her standards anyways). She put aside her basket and jogged towards the Princess.

The two friends hugged each other, joyful to see each other once again. "Oh Fluttershy! It's good to see you again!!!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Twilight! I can't believe you're here!" The hug broke apart but both were still happy at the other's presence. It's been too long without Sparkle meeting the rest of the Mane-6 up front. "There were rumours that you'd returned, I didn't know whether to believe them."

"Oh they were true. I can't really stay long. I have royal duties to attend to." Much to her dismay. "But I promise, I will return home properly when I come back. Please make sure that Applejack makes a good pie for me. I miss her pies..." They were gorgeous pastries, and none of the bakers in Canterlot could compare to the Apple Family's selection of baked goods.

Fluttershy was slightly disappointed, and blatantly showed her disappointment. Since Twilight had been gone, she had tried to become more assertive but not aggressive at the same time. Though still shy, she can pull off some assertiveness when it need be. "Oh, that's okay... I guess I'm going to have to disappoint the others... They really wanted to see you again." She said with a slightly exaggeratted voice. "It's been, what... Six years since you last properly visited ponyville. Though we would visit more frequently, it's not as easy for us to come to you than it is for you to come to us..."

Whatever Fluttershy was doing seemed to be working. She couldn't delay anything, but the fact that she was starting to feel bad about not being able to properly visit the rest of the Mane-6.

Erich stepped in. "Well sweetie, she'd love to stay around for a couple of hours. 'It is' the early morning." He explained and emphasised. Particularly the message was aimed at Twilight. Even though they should be going, friendship is a thing not to leave behind.

"Oh, is this one of your colleagues?"

"Yes. This is Erichanory Markza. 'Two-Hands', as most people know him by."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Fluttershy. I heard a lot of 'great' things about you."

The emphasis on 'great' caught the yellow furred mare's attention, and she blushed. "Oh, my..." She said, appreciating the compliment.

Erich went with the others. "We won't be too far ahead. You just go have your fun Twi-Twi." He put the bag over his shoulder. "We'll look around the forest for what we need." The grey furred colt entered the Everfree Forest first, with the others following.

Fluttershy found it a bit concerning, mainly because the forest was never really safe. But the fact that the four that entered the forest looked a bit out of the ordinary, especially the larger colt who reminded her of Big Macintosh, she didn't worry as much. Big, strong Earth ponies like him can take care of themselves and others around them.

Twilight felt a little bit of relief that Erich and the others allowed her to stay a little longer. She can't outstay her welcome, but regardless, seeing her friends once again all together will be a great experience.

"This is great Pie Applejack, you've really out done yourself!" Twilight complimented happily. Whether its nostalgia or the fact that AJ really has developed her pastry making skills. Anything from Applejack seemed to overshadow what the chefs in Canterlot provide.

"Well sugar-cube, I wanted to make sure you loved it." Applejack responded. "I didn't know if it'd be as good as the fancy Canterlot stuff."

Rainbow Dash scoffed at the idea. "If Soarin loves your pie, why would the 'fancy' stuff be any better?" Interestingly enough, Soarin shared this idea. "We're just glad to have you back, even if it is for a short time we gotta make the most of it!"

"And we should celebrate!" Pinkie Pie declared, pulling out her trusty 'party cannon' from out of nowhere.

Twilight prevented her from firing it. "Oh please, don't go overboard yet!" She chuckled. She missed Pinkie's antics that make no technical or logical sense. Twilight missed the crazy pink hair and the sugar obsessed mare... Hell, she missed all of her friends!

Rarity looked stunning as usual. She asked whether any of the dresses that Canterlot offered were any good, or how she terms it: 'Fabulous'. To others, it is debatable, to Twilight, she could never turn anything from Rarity down. They were comfortable, they were beautiful, and best of all, suited the person the dress was designed for. Rarity's line of dresses recieved a lot of positive reception from critics, but the elegant mare obviously had to keep going to remain competitve and consistent.

Twilight did see Rainbow Dash, but not upfront as she wanted it to be. A few years earlier, Rainbow Dash was part of the 'Sparkle Anniversary Parade', a parade dedicated to her. Dash is a full fledged Wonderbolt, and is one of the best flyers of Equestria. She had achieved a dream she longed for, but whether she had anything else to look forward to other than that is a valid question.

New dreams and desires always pop up here and there, be it mundane and trivial things like cravings, or big things like romance. Thinking about it, Twilight wondered what else she wanted in life. Some day, it'd come to her.

"Man, so Celestia sent you on some big quest? Is it dangerous!?" The rainbow mane mare asked excitedly. "Omigosh! I seriously wanna come if it is! Adventure is my middle name!" She threw a fist out cockily and chuckled.

Twilight laughed; Dash is the same as always. "Oh Dash..."

Applejack returned with a bowl of Southern Apple Crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. "A lil' something here to top you up 'Honey-Apple'." The orange furred mare kissed Dash on the forehead.

"Applejack..." Rainbow said in an embarrassed tone, with her cheeks flushing red.

"Oh my..." Twilight thought. She had heard of homosexual relationships, but never would have expected one, or two of her friends to be in one. "I guess I have been away for a little too long."

"Don't worry, you haven't missed much." Fluttershy said, though barely audible.

AJ shrugged. "It's sorta new, even fer me."

"So... When did it happen?" Twilight asked, interested in the story.

Dash chuckled and scratched the back of her head. "Well. You know, me and AJ are competitive athletes and it sorta made us relate to each other a lot." Rainbow explained. "I started to develop feelings for 'my' Applejack. It just happened eventually." Dash was always a little embarrassed to talk about how she fell for the Earth pony. Typically, she finds 'Public Displays of Affection' a little too much, but she does have strong feelings for 'her' Applejack, as much as she does to her.

Despite this new bit of news, she still saw her friends as her friends. Nothing has changed, not by a large margin at least. "Well, you two are still my friends and we're all the Mane-6. No matter how far I am or whether I visit as much or not, I regard you my friends more than anyone else." And she meant it very much as she pulled them all to a group hug.

If only this moment could last forever...

Sweetie Belle and Spike found the room they were given for the night as the train travels to Canterlot. Sweetie Belle blushed at the idea that she'd be sleeping next to Spike for the night, but she was partially excited as well. She her bag next to the bed and dropped herself on it. The bed was comfortable and very soft. "Mmm. This bed is great."

Spike set his bag next to Sweetie Belle's. "I wonder how long it'll be before we get to Canterot. It's been a while since I went there."

"Canterlot's gonna be so awesome! Rarity told me a lot about it!" The train had only just departed, yet Sweetie was far too excited. "But I'm sure it will take a little while to get there. We should make the most of First Class, because it has everything!" She wondered how the dragon even obtained such expensive tickets, especially when he consumes gems. It'd cost a considerable amount of bits to buy two First Class tickets, or specific gems. First Class had the most facilities, the best decor and service.

The dragon adjusted his fingerless gloves and bracelet before stretching his arms out. "Hopefully the maids wheel in soon. I crave a muffin..."

"So where are we supposed to stay when we get there?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Spike explained that Rarity had a room to herself once, offered by Celestia herself. He could send a letter now just to ask for it. "Hopefully that room isn't occupied." There were other hotels and bed n' breakfasts, but in Canterlot, only the 'Sweet and Elite' can pay off for all the facilities and services provided for even a couple of days. But knowing Celestia personally to some extent gave him priveledges that other ponies would have to pay for. He'd be glad that he won't leave a hole in his pockets.

Most of the gems he had collected are for purchasing purposes. Spike had saved the most expensive ones for money, and only ate the cheaper gems like common jade and poor value crystals. Ever since he fell for Sweetie Belle, he wanted to impress her and give her the best gifts like he once gave that highly-coveted fire Ruby to Rarity. He was going to step up his game just for Sweetie Belle.

A large boulder covered a hole in the ground. It looked fairly heavy, but not impossible to remove with effort. Erich's magic isn't strong enough to lift the boulder himself, but his physical strength was relatively good. Butch, no doubtedly can budge it himself. Bulleta would be the weakest out of the three, but if they work together, they can move it. It had ropes wrapped around it for multiple ponies to pull the boulder aside to open the entrance.

"Should I help?" Crystal offered.

"Nah, we can handle it." Bulleta assured.

They all tugged at the rope like they were in a tug-of-war competition. Butch alone would be the strongest of the three, and they can take on larger teams easily. The opponent this time was just a very heavy rock, which they handled swiftly. The entrance to the 'Cave of Wonders' was open, and now they have access to whatever was down there.

Erich kneeled and looked down the hole, but he couldn't see deep into it, and so lit a flare and dropped it. It didn't fall too far, and the rock would definitely hold their weight as they rappel down. "Ladies first?"

"Sure." Bulleta took the rope first, throwing it down the hole and she rappeled down the dark hole. She reached the ground, which was more dusty than moist. Most people would expect caves to be moist in some form, but this wasn't the case, even when she slipped her fingers across some of the rocks to test the conditions of the area.

The grey furred colt and larger colt rappelled down after Bulleta. All three of them saw a strong glow of light down the end of a tunnel. "Well, there's no doubt that others had come here before."

Crystal entered last. The strong glow of light attracted her as well. "We should check it out. It could be something useful."

The group all agreed with Crystal, and so they followed her whilst she followed the source of the protruding light. The group entered a large open area of the cave, covered with glowing rocks. They weren't natural Equestrian rocks, that's for sure. "Luminite..."

"Luminite?" Erich asked.

The green mane mare picked up one of the glowing rocks and examined it. "Luminite naturally glows. They come from the Changling kingdom, as I've heard." She explained. The small rock expelled light as strong as a flashlight.

"Hmm. They naturally glow hmm? No need for batteries or anything?" The grey furred pony picked up one of the rocks. It wasn't large, and was very light. The fact it didn't need to power up by any means would be very useful. "Well at least we don't have to get flashlights." He commented before putting some away in the equipment bag.

Crystal looked left and right. "There must be some sort of portal nearby... No way someone could've brought it all the way from the Changeling kingdom and come here first." She theorised. Why would anyone travel as far as that just to hide a rock here? It'd be time wasting, pointless...

"How would you know that these rocks came from the Changeling kingdom?

Crystal halted; she didn't know how to explain. No pony had ever travelled to the Changeling kingdom and returned... At least no ordinary pony. “Celestia did travel around Equestria once, did she not?”

The others didn't know the answer to the question, but it prevented them from asking any further questions. Taking a slab of the glowing rock from the floor, Crystal led the way around the cave. “This cave is so big. I don't think we'll find a portal right now. Maybe we should wait for Twilight.” She suggested. “We start searching now, the Princess would get lost around this labyrinth.”

“You do have a point.” Erich slowly put the bag of equipment down on the floor. “Let's wait here.”

Bulleta noticed a small pond of water that gleamed with light. It was pure, and looked almost drinkable. Maybe it was, but the fact it was glowing told her that it had magical properties. Then she remembered a myth that she had heard before, but couldn't put her finger on it. “Do you think this is safe to drink?” The Pegasus asked Butch who sat beside her.

The large colt hummed. “If it wasn't glowing so mysteriously, then I'd assume it would be.”

Crystal recognised the pond. “The legend of the miracle. I've only heard stories about this.” She admitted.

“What is it exactly?” Erich asked.

The green mane black furred mare explained to the others that the legend of the Miracle was said to be able to create duplicates of whomever chants a certain rhyme or poem. She couldn't remember it herself, but Pinkie Pie knew about it very well as she had claimed she already used it once and wrecked havoc among the residents of Ponyville. But the fact that she can create an almost perfect duplicate of herself was interesting. She took note of the pond and may return to it again soon.

Twilight walked with her five best friends, the ones she had promised so many times to see in the past. Now that they were together as a group again, things felt indifferent from before and it was very relaxing. It helped to blow off some stress, because all the workload of being a Princess tends to stack up very easily. “I'm glad I was able to see you all once again.”

“Hey; we're your pals. Of course you're gonna come to see us again.” Rainbow Dash commented before pulling the Princess to a friendly hug. “We're awesome!”

“Oh Dash.” Applejack chuckled.

Twilight looked into the sky, and noticed that it seemed like sunset. The day had gone by faster than expected. “Girls... It's been too long since I last saw you all, but today felt too short...” She admitted. When she finishes her task with Chrysalis, she can then do as she pleased and visit the others as much as she wants. She missed Fluttershy, her shy attitude is what Twilight loves about her. Applejack, for her apples and free spirit, if only there were more ponies like Applejack and the Apple family. Pinkie Pie, her party antics and almost illogical behaviour was the best thing about the pink furred mare. Rainbow Dash, probably the most loyal friend she could ever ask for. Finally, Rarity, for being a glamorous friend who she can always look towards when she needs it.

“It's a shame that we'll have to leave once you go. We should come with you, like old times!” Rainbow Dash suggested.

Sparkle smiled. “I'd love that.”

"Remember when we once saved Canterlot during Cadance and Shining Armour's wedding and how we all banded together and beat a whole army of Changelings!? How I had my party cannon and how Twilight used her laser magic beams and went 'PEW PEW PEW' and how Rainbow Dash and Applejack hit and smacked every Changeling they saw and how Rarity smacked a few and how Fluttershy ducked and forced a few to trip over and how we went CRA-"

Twilight hushed Pinkie by placing a finger over her lips. "Pinkie, I think we all remember the details of that day."

The six of them laughed altogether. Pinkie Pie never ceased to impress with her fast talking mouth and very accurate memory. The eccentric pink mare would be a friend to anyone, no matter how hard someone might be. Considered by most others to be the most popular pony of all Ponyville, but Pinkie never brags about it, nor does she care about her own personal popularity. She just wants to be a friend to anyone she meets.

"Maybe we can go out for a good day at the spa and have it all to ourselves." Rarity suggested. "A good pedigree, steam bath and all would be the MOST AMAZING THING!" She exaggerated.

Twilight nodded with a smile. "Maybe add a few colts to massage us..."

The other mares all chuckled and had fun with the idea. "Ooooo, Twilight." Rarity chuckled. "That's dirty talk, and I like it!"

"I thought you're not in to 'Dirty' stuff." Applejack added.

Rainbow Dash chuckled and blushed, looking away and trying not to get involved. Like Rarity, Dash shared a secret like for 'Dirty' stuff. As elegant as Rarity is, and as professional as Rainbow Dash is, they both have the biggest secret desires out of all of them. But the desire that the rainbow maned pony had for the most part is for Applejack, and no other pony could she want as much as her. The Southern mare shared the same feeling for Rainbow Dash as well. Pure desire...

Twilight has a desire for being with her friends once again. But she wants to find other things to want as well. Celestia had admitted before that she wanted a colt or are to be with and be 'her own Prince or Princess'. Two thousand years and Celestia never had the chance to settle down with a colt or mare... Or maybe she did try but never found a suitable one to stay with... That puts a lot of things to mind as to who the 'unsuitable ponies could be'.

Thinking about it, she thought about how happy Shining and Cadance are, and how Luna and Celestia were single. The two Princesses always spoke about 'lifemates'. It was an interesting conversation, and it made love sound utterly romantic.

Lifemates apparently are a couple who become destined to be together for as long as they're living. It's much more powerful than any typical relationship, but whether a normal pony would qualify for having a lifemate is very vague. She could only assume that her brother and sister-in-law are lifemates to each other. She wondered however if she would qualify to have a lifemate in future... That could be the same for Luna and Celestia, maybe they'll find solace in the arms of another pony who would love and care for them for the entirety of existence.

The Mane-6 all traversed through the EverFree Forest: a Princess should never travel alone, especially around this dangerous area. Twilight can handle herself fine, but the company of her friends reassured that they will be okay if anything happens. It was almost dark, and usually, Timber Wolves would usually swarm the area at the darkest of nights... The best way to know if they are nearby is the-

“Did you guy's hear that!?” Fluttershy quickly squealed as she heard a loud howl. “Th-th-that can't be them, could it!?”

The whole group realised that they were in trouble when they heard more howls... “We need to get to the cave...” Twilight said quietly. She slowly led the group, and tried not to make noise or attract any unwanted attention. It didn't take long however to make a mistake when she stepped on a twig, and even the smallest sound could attract a nearby Timber Wolf. And it did... “Oh no...” The smell was distinct and the howl sounded closer.

Forced to run, the group abandoned all stealthy movement and they frantically paced towards the cave,;hopefully it would offer them safety. “Quickly!” Rarity shouted as she got sight of the entrance. Rarity was first to jump in(Ladies first), despite the fact she detested how dirty it seemed. Rainbow Dash dove in with Applejack.

“The Legend of the mira-WHOA!” Pinkie Pie was pulled down into the hole with Twilight as she jumped in. The Timber Wolves however were persistent and still continued to pursue the Mane-6.

Erichanory felt his ear twitch as he heard howling. The others heard it as well, and it only meant that Timber Wolves were nearby. Markza was first to grab one of the firearms from the bag, and it was loaded and ready to fire. Markza had picked an SMG, Butch picked a Shotgun, whilst Bulleta went for her own Assault Rifle.

When they heard screaming, they realised that there were ponies being chased. “Hold you fire until I say so.” He bolted his weapon ready, pulling the charging handle to hear the satisfying 'click' that told him a bullet was in the chambre.

It didn't take long before the said ponies had come through the cave entrance, and that they were halted by the three soldiers who readily pointed firearms. “Duck! Get down!” Bulleta ordered.

With no other choice, they all dropped to the floor. They just barely dodged a Timber Wolf about to pounce them, and allowed the soldiers to fire freely at the creatures. The bullets were treated with magic, and made very short work of the pack that attacked them. Once their weapons all clicked empty, they felt safe for the time being.

“That was a close call.” Erich said, before putting away his firearm. He rushed to the group to check on them, and it was Twilight and co. “Are you alright?” He asked.

Twilight and the others assured that they were fine, but barely made it out without a scratch. Just as Erich let down his guard, another Timber wolf pounced Markza. He was able to hold it back, but not throw it off. “Damn it!”

The others quickly panicked and moved away from the danger. They didn't know what to do and couldn't think up of any ideas in time to help him.

But luckily, Markza was able to throw the creature off. Quickly standing. The monster was about to attack once again; but a pony quickly intervened. Crystal! “Sit down!” She taunted as she used her guitar-case to suppress the wooden canine. She dodged its attack and countered again by attacking it with her guitar-case, only this time it sent the thing flying back. It recovered however and was angered.

The mare chuckled as she pointed to herself with both hands. “Come on!” She cried out. "I'm right here. Fresh meat!"

Growling, the last Timber Wolf of the pack slowly closed in on Crystal, before it fastened in pace. Crystal followed thereafter, fastening in pace in rhythm to the wild beast, but just as they were to clash, the wooden beast was slain by Markza who drew his handgun and took the opportunity to steal the show. "Sit down boy." He said as he smirked. "You come for the bullets, but you stay because you're dead."

"Always one for the spotlight?" Crystal responded as she dusted herself off from all the wood and ashes that flew onto her.

The Mane-6 were unharmed from the attack, but had they not found the others, everything would've turned for the worse. "Oh thank Celestia." Rarity said with her oh so elegant voice. "I thought we would've perished in this horrible cave."

"The only thing that will be perishing is the thought." Erich replied, unloading his handgun and refreshing its contents. Once it was loaded again, he put it away and turned to Crystal. "I've never seen anyone go hoof-to-hoof against a Timber Wolf like that. What're you? Super Mare?" He jokingly asked. No ordinary pony could do that, but then again, he was no ordinary pony himself.

Rarity scoffed at the idea. "I have no reason to believe that, but I know that a lady needs to know how to defend herself. Quite the performance however." She complimented and clapped. "Bravo."

"That was... So AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash added.

Pinkie then realised where they all were. She gasped in surprise and said aloud: "The Miracle!" Her voice echoed around the cave.

"What on Earth are you ponies doin' here?" Applejack asked.

"You'll see." Erich replied vaguely.

Author's Note

I'm not great at writing but I hope you enjoy it.
Most of the spelling is UK English just to add.