友達は魔法少女　～ＦＲＩＥＮＤＳＨＩＰ　ＩＳ　ＭＡＧＩＣＡＬ　ＧＩＲＬＳ～

by MythrilMoth

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Adventure, Sex, Violence, Alternate Universe, Human
Length: 125572

Six magical girls fight evil in Pony City.

Mysterious deaths and unexplained incidents plague Pony City.

A standoffish transfer student has a secret: she is a magical girl sent to fight evil.

She intends to complete her mission alone, but five others share her destiny...

Welcome to Pony City, where friendship is magical girls.

This story is on hiatus until after the completion of Persona EG. Sorry.

Now with its own TV Tropes page!

It is strongly recommended that you set your chapter formatting to Dark or Ultra Dark when reading this story.

A guide to the chapter titles can be found here.

(This story may contain some vocabulary unfamiliar to many readers. It is strongly recommended you open this document in another tab for reference.)

Published 2014-05-31 21:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-05-25 20:50:54 UTC

Magic 1: サッキュバス

The top third of the sun was a burning disc on the horizon, swimming in a field of orange and red; above it, the sky had already deepened into a hazy lavender twilight. Thunderlane, a senior at Umadakara High School, pounded purposefully down the school's track.

His watch beeped, and he slowed from a sprint to a brisk jog. Sweat plastered his normally stiff bangs, striped charcoal grey and pale silver, to his forehead; his thin tank top stuck to his broad chest like a second skin. His shoes left the blacktop as he trotted over to the bench where he'd left his bag; he skidded to a halt, grabbing his towel and wiping his face, hair, and neck. Slinging the towel around his neck, he picked up his water bottle and took a deep swig. Scrubbing his head again, he sat down on the bench, pulling his phone out of the pocket of his bag. A text message awaited him; he grimaced as he glanced at it.

Message from: Rainbow Dash
U R LATE! Move your butt!

"I am NOT late," he growled as he stuffed his phone into his bag along with his towel and water. He paused, pulled it back out, and fired off a reply.

Message to: Rainbow Dash
It's 5:30 & U said meet at 6! I'll be there when I get there!

With that, he put the phone back in his bag and zipped it up, then headed for the locker room.

When he walked in, a pair of slim, strong arms wrapped themselves around him from behind. "Mmmm...hello there, handsome," a female voice purred.

Thunderlane broke out of the grip and whirled around, eyes wide. A girl with raspberry eyes, wearing a bluish-grey tracksuit and a big pink bow in her long, wavy pale green hair, smiled seductively at him.

"Flitter?!" he asked, staring. "Wh-what are you doing here?! In the men's locker room?"

"Looking for you," Flitter said. Her usual light, slightly vapid voice had become rich and seductive, and her posture was completely different from the girl he was used to, the girl he'd known since third grade. With a sultry smile, she shed her track suit.

She wasn't wearing anything underneath.

Thunderlane's jaw dropped. "F-Flitter?! What—?!"

"Shhh," she said, placing a finger on his lips. "You're all sweaty. You could use a shower." She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the shower room. He followed numbly, his conscious mind having taken a vacation.

Four kilometers away, violet eyes watched from the shadows of an apartment mansion's entrance as the body of a teenage girl was zipped up in a body bag and loaded into the back of an ambulance. A woman with fading green hair stood with a police detective, sobbing into her hands. She clutched a tattered pink hair bow as though it were a life preserver.

The eyes narrowed and faded from existence.

Magic 1: サッキュバス

Rainbow Dash punched the concrete post. Then kicked it. Then punched it again. Then threw her head back and cried out in frustration.

"Aaa, mou!"

She looked down at her knuckles and sighed. She'd managed to scratch herself up. Sighing, she pulled her handkerchief out of the back pocket of her indigo jeans, wet it with the bottled water she carried in her bag, and dabbed at her scratched hands.

She leaned against the post and slid to the ground, drawing her knees up to her chest. Her miserable expression, combined with the oversized cyan-and-white T-shirt she wore which made her look even more underdeveloped than she was, gave her the overall appearance of a pitiful waif. She scrubbed her hands through her multihued bangs and sighed. "Where is that jerk?" she muttered. She'd only been dating Thunderlane for two weeks, and they weren't official yet, but she admired his earnestness, his dedication to the track team, and his easygoing sense of humor. Still, he had a habit of being late meeting up with her, and it was beginning to get on her nerves.

"Hey, Rainbow, sorry I'm late."

Rainbow looked up to see Thunderlane approaching, hands in his pockets. He was dressed in black slacks and a charcoal button-down shirt, and his spiky hair glistened with hair gel. She stared at him. "Uhh...what's with the getup? Little fancy for pizza night, don't you think?"

"Oh, I thought we might do something different tonight," he said.

Rainbow stood up, arms folded. "Oh yeah? Like what?"

Thunderlane closed the distance between them, seizing Rainbow's chin with a hand. Leaning closer, he tilted her face up. Rainbow's rose-hued eyes widened as Thunderlane seized her lips in a kiss. Her heart raced. *I'm not ready for this...!*

Rainbow felt a firm, rough hand seize her bottom. Immediately, she broke the kiss, kicking Thunderlane hard in the shin and pushing him away. "JERK!"

Thunderlane grinned lazily at her. "Oh, come on. You know you want it."

"No I don't!" Rainbow said, eyes wide and fists clenched. "I've been going out with you because you're fun to hang out with and you're not a total douchebag! I never wanted to do anything like that with you!" She snatched up her bag, turned, and stalked away.

Thunderlane seized her around the upper arm and pulled her roughly around. His eyes shone with a feverish light, and a terrible, uncharacteristic leer warped his face. "You don't understand," he said. "I'm taking what I want from you, and I'm taking it right now."

"Like HELL you are!" Rainbow shouted, punching him in the face. She followed with a kick to the groin, then wrenched her arm free and ran. Being the star of the track team, she was three blocks away before Thunderlane recovered from her kick.

Or at least, that was the plan. Panic gripped her heart as Thunderlane's manic eyes filled her vision. Somehow, not only was he in front of her, but he was running backwards at full speed. "What the—?!"

Thunderlane grinned. "Surprise!"

"There's no way...!" Rainbow broke right, sprinting across the street. Mercifully, there was little traffic; she ran to the next corner and dashed across the street there, racing up the block. She ran faster than she'd ever run in her life. Five minutes later, her burning lungs and throbbing legs forced her to stop and rest. She leaned against the front of a book store, gasping for air.

Rough fingers seized her face. "You can't get away from me that easily," Thunderlane said. His voice held contempt and menace that sent chills down Rainbow's spine.

"Please...leave me alone..." Rainbow said. "Why are you doing this? HOW are you doing this?"

Thunderlane tilted her chin up; she stared into eyes that were literally glowing. "I'm going to take everything you have," he said. "Your body, your soul, your life."

Rainbow let out a quiet gasp. "What..."

"Barrier."

A glowing violet circle, covered in strange symbols, snapped into existence between Rainbow and Thunderlane. Thunderlane hissed as he staggered away. He turned. "Who dares?!" he roared.

"You're not taking any more innocent lives today," a hard female voice said. Rainbow looked past the glowing circle, and stared, slack-jawed.

A girl, perhaps her own age, stood on the other side of the street. She had violet eyes, graceful features, and straight violet hair that fell midway down her back, with razor-straight bangs and a vertical dark pink streak. She wore the most peculiar costume Rainbow had ever seen: a lavender corset with violet trim along the sides, with five small, white six-pointed stars arranged in a 'belt' across her waist; knee-high lavender boots with gold trim at the top, inset with tiny six-pointed pink gems; elbow-length lavender gloves with ribbed violet cuffs. A violet choker adorned with a large pink gem in the shape of a six-pointed star graced her throat, and matching six-pointed earrings dangled from her earlobes. She held a slim, meter-long lavender baton in her right hand; one end was capped with a small gold six-pointed star, while the other end sported an ornate golden unicorn head with a long, tapered horn and sparkling garnet chips for eyes.

"When I'm done with this girl, I think I'll have you too!" Thunderlane snarled.

"Let's see what you really look like," the girl said. "Reveal!" She spun her baton, from which twisted ribbons of violet light streamed out, wrapping themselves around Thunderlane. He screamed, his voice becoming inhuman as the light enveloped him.

When the light faded, Thunderlane was no more. Rainbow stared in disbelief and horror at what had taken his place.

The creature was almost twice as tall as Rainbow, twisted and gnarled and covered in glittering black chitin. Its sinewy black arms and legs were disproportionate, ending in thick, sharp claws, and shot through with unsettling holes. Veined insect wings buzzed on its back. Its flat, insectlike head had large, glowing green eyes and jagged mandibles.

"What the HELL IS THAT?!" Rainbow cried, pressing herself against the wall.

"The last thing you'll ever see," the creature hissed. It rounded on her, giving a screeching cry as it opened its maw...

"CONTAIN!"

A sphere of light surrounded the charging creature, holding it in place. It spun around angrily, screeching at the lavender girl. "WHO ARE YOU?! HOW DO YOU HAVE THIS POWER?!"

"You won't live long enough for that information to do you any good," the girl said. She held her baton before her in both hands, parallel to the ground. A sudden breeze picked at her hair. "Transfigure," she whispered. Her baton glowed violet and changed shape, becoming a tapered golden rapier with a pink six-pointed star gem set in its lavender hilt.

The sphere of light warped and flickered, fading away. The creature leapt at the girl, who leapt quickly to the side. As it landed where she had been standing, she darted back in, thrusting with her rapier. It pierced the creature's abdomen; the creature roared in pain and swiped with a claw. The girl ducked, pulling her rapier out of her foe's body and using it to parry. A quick series of thrusts sent green blood splattering on the sidewalk.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" the creature roared.

"I was thinking the same thing," the girl said. Her sword began to glow. "Specimen pin!" With a quick sweep of the blade, she sent a series of golden needles flashing toward the creature. The needles pinned its hole-pocked limbs to the street; it thrashed and screeched. The girl brought her rapier over her head, glaring coldly down at the creature. "And now to put an end to this," she said.

"ERASE MAGIC!"

She brought her rapier down in a quick, whipping motion, pointing it at the creature. A wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles poured forth from the blade, enveloping the creature. It screamed and writhed in agony. Rainbow had to squeeze her eyes shut against the terrible blinding light.

When it was over, the creature was gone, leaving only a small pile of black soot. The girl sighed; her sword glowed briefly and reverted to its earlier baton form.

Rainbow stared at her. "What was that thing? What just happened?" She stepped forward shakily. "Who...who are you?" she whispered.

The girl smiled and shook her head. "This never happened. You never saw me. When you wake up tomorrow, you won't remember any of this."

"The hell I won't!" Rainbow retorted. "My boyfriend just tried to rape me, then turned into a monster, and you...whatever you are...there's no way I'm just pretending this never happened!"

The girl pointed her baton at Rainbow.

"Forget."

* * * * *

Rainbow Dash yawned as she trudged into the classroom, straightening her grey uniform blouse and weaving through her classmates until she got to her desk. She sat down, propping her head in her hands. Her head felt more full of fuzz and fog than usual for a school day, and she wanted nothing more than to be back home in her nice, warm bed...

"Do you think she knows yet?" one of her classmates whispered.

"I don't think she does. How would she, anyway? They only found him an hour ago."

"Should we tell her?"

"No...let the teachers tell her..."

Whatever they were whispering about didn't concern Rainbow, so she laid her head down for a quick nap before the teacher showed up.

A hand prodded her awake, and she looked up to see the homeroom teacher, Cheerilee, standing at the podium. "Good morning, class! We have a new student today."

Rainbow looked up detachedly as a girl walked into the room and stood beside the teacher. Her long, straight violet hair was almost the same color as her short uniform skirt, save for a dark pink streak. She wore rimless glasses and had sharp violet eyes. The only deviation from the school's uniform code were her black thigh-high stockings.

A tingling broke through the haze in Rainbow's brain. Something about this girl seemed familiar...

"Introduce yourself to the class," Cheerilee said.

"Hai," the girl replied, bowing. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm pleased to meet you."

Magic 2: リメンバー

Author's Note

Please use this glossary for any terms you may be unfamiliar with.

Magic 2: リメンバー

Twilight sighed as she trudged through the front door of her modest apartment. Stacks of books littered the floor, spillover from the overstuffed bookshelves that took up most of the wall space. The staggering collection of books in the apartment was nothing compared to the book store downstairs, but the selection in her private collection was markedly different from the titles available below.

"Tadaima," she called wearily.

"Okaeri," a young boy's voice replied. Twilight kicked off her shoes and padded into the living room. A twelve-year-old boy with spiky green hair, dressed in loose canvas shorts and a purple T-shirt that said 'DRAGON' across the front, sat on the sofa, engrossed in playing with his phone. "How was school?"

"The classes were okay, but the kids were crazy," Twilight said. "I could hardly eat my lunch because they were all over me asking questions!"

"That's school for ya," the boy said. "Glad I don't gotta put up with that."

"It'd be good for you, you know," Twilight said.

"Yeah, but one of us needs to be looking out for Changelings," the boy said. "Especially after what happened yesterday. How many people did that one kill before you tracked it down?"

Twilight sighed. "Four," she admitted. "You're right, Spike." She sat down next to him, taking off her glasses, folding them closed, and setting them on the table. "So, did you find anything today?"

"Oh, I found things," Spike said, grinning.

"Let me see," Twilight said, grabbing his phone.

"Hey!"

Twilight swiped through the photos Spike had taken throughout the day. The expression on her face grew increasingly annoyed with each new picture: a fashionable lady in her twenties bending over, an upskirt of a schoolgirl, a poster of a model in a bikini, a cosplayer in a skimpy vinyl outfit... "Spiiiiike," she growled.

Spike snatched his phone back from her; it disappeared in a burst of green flame. "So did you make any friends?" he asked.

Twilight groaned. "I am not here to make friends!" she asserted. "I don't care what Celestia-sama said, I can do this on my own!"

Spike gave her a hurt look. "You're not on your own, Neechan," he said.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I might as well be, if all you care about is taking dirty pictures," she said, poking him in the shoulder.

Spike shrugged. "Well, what did you expect? It's not like I can just wander around the city waiting for one of these to do something." In a green flash, a small gilded chest appeared in his hand; the lid opened, revealing five hexagonal gems, each a different color.

Magic 2: リメンバー

Rainbow Dash sat on a bench in the courtyard of Umadakara High School, an unopened can of apple juice in her hands, rainbow bangs obscuring her eyes.

Thunderlane was dead. She'd found out after homeroom. Coach Spitfire had come to class 2-C, pulled her aside, and told her.

"They found him in the showers this morning," she had said. "His wrists were slashed and he was lying face-down in the water. Can you think of anything...any reason he might..."

"Kill himself?" Rainbow had finished numbly. "No...it doesn't make any sense..."

It didn't make any sense. Thunderlane, kill himself? It was crazy!

Something worried at the back of her mind. A memory, or a vague impression.

Did Thunderlane really die the way they said? Because...because...

...because she had a feeling he'd died in a different way entirely.

She sat, thinking about Thunderlane, for hours. Nobody bothered her. They all knew. She opened her juice and took a sip. It was warm. She frowned. She looked up and blinked at the sky. It was dusk.

Dusk...

Twilight.

The new girl. Twilight Sparkle. Something about her had seemed familiar. Thinking about it made Rainbow's brain hurt. It also made her feel uneasy, as though...

As though even thinking about her was dangerous, somehow.

Thunderlane was dead. The new girl, Twilight Sparkle, was familiar, yet wrong. The way Thunderlane died was wrong. Everything was wrong.

Rainbow's head hurt.

She drank the rest of the warm juice, then headed home.

* * * * *

Throughout the morning, Twilight felt the pressure of eyes staring intently at her. At first, she dismissed it as her still being the new girl in class, but as the morning wore on, she snuck glances around between classes, and discovered that a girl with wildly-colored, spiky hair and brilliant rose-hued eyes was staring at her intently.

She knew it was the girl who had been attacked by the Changeling. The fact that the girl was staring at her unnerved her. *She shouldn't remember anything about that night...why is she looking at me like that?*

At lunch, Twilight was headed for the toilet when the rainbow-haired girl intercepted her. "You're the transfer student, Twilight Sparkle," the girl said.

"That's right. I didn't catch your name...?"

"Rainbow Dash."

"Nice to meet you," Twilight said. She started to walk past Rainbow.

"I feel like I know you from somewhere," Rainbow said.

Twilight shrugged. "We're both in the same class, so—"

"I mean from before that," Rainbow said. "I don't know how, but you seem familiar."

"I'm sure I just remind you of somebody you've met," Twilight said. "Sorry, but I've really gotta go to the toilet..."

"I think you had something to do with my boyfriend's death," Rainbow said, sliding past Twilight to block the door.

Twilight blinked. "Huh?" She frowned. "What are you accusing somebody you've just met of?"

"They say Thunderlane killed himself in the locker room," Rainbow said. "Thunderlane would never kill himself. And..." She looked away. "I can't really remember it clearly, but...something happened. I had a date with him that day. I feel like I met him...but something bad happened. And I think you were there."

Twilight tilted her head. "Ne, Rainbow-san...I'm sorry to hear about your boyfriend, I really am. And I know you must be angry right now. But I don't think you're thinking straight. And we've never met until I transferred into this school." She gently but firmly pushed Rainbow aside and retreated into the toilet.

Rainbow watched the door for a long time, eyes narrowed.

* * * * *

Twilight's heart hammered in her chest. "The memory spell...did something go wrong?"

Taking a calming breath and remembering her original purpose, she headed for one of the stalls. When she emerged, she gave a start and a yelp.

Spike was standing there.

"SPIKE!" she shrieked. "This is the girls' toilet!"

"Yeah, I know," Spike said.

"GET OUT!" Twilight yelled.

"Okay okay, sheesh. Just wanted to check in," Spike said before vanishing in a flash of green fire.

Cheeks burning, Twilight retrieved her handkerchief and headed for the sink. "I swear, if I find out he had his phone out just now..."

Spike suddenly appeared in the mirror in front of her. "By the way, there's a really scary girl hanging around outside the toilet." He disappeared again.

"GAAAH!" Eye twitching, Twilight finished washing her hands, dried her handkerchief with magic, then gathered her power and teleported to the roof.

* * * * *

Spike emerged from a rail station toilet, a self-satisfied grin on his face. A faint green aura enveloped him briefly; he joined the crowd of commuters leaving the station, completely unnoticed.

Three blocks away loomed Pony City's most renowned landmark and tourist attraction: Kirin Tower, an impressive edifice of glass and steel topped with a giant sculpture, made from iron and painted gloss black, that depicted a chess knight with a unicorn horn. The tower contained five floors of shops and restaurants, four floors of attractions such as the aquarium and wax museum, several floors of offices, two television studios, and an observation deck from which one could look out over the city; on a clear day, the distant Umayama could be viewed in all its majestic glory. The tower also boasted a large number of telestyles, camouflaged transmitter and base arrays for most of the television, radio, and cell providers that serviced the city.

If there was action of any kind to be found in Pony City, Kirin Tower would be the best place to start looking. Checking the smooth, round obsidian pendant hanging from his neck, Spike strolled down the street toward the tower.

* * * * *

Rainbow had finally returned to the classroom at the very end of lunch. Her suspicions about Twilight Sparkle were bolstered by the fact that the girl never emerged from the toilet, seeming bent on avoiding her.

When she reached the classroom, though, she was startled to find Twilight already seated at her desk, calmly reading. *What the huh?! How did she—?!*

As the day wore on, Rainbow's determination to extract the truth from Twilight—whether there was a truth to extract or not—festered. Although she had a club meeting to attend, as soon as classes ended, she filed out to the shoe lockers with all the members of the go-home club. She watched as Twilight exchanged her uwabaki for her shoes. She hurriedly rushed to her shoe locker and did the same, ignoring the half-dozen notes that had been crammed inside, and followed the transfer student at a discreet distance.

One fifteen minute train ride and a six block walk later, Rainbow found herself standing in front of a book store. The fog in her brain churned and swam. Jaw set, she marched forward, pushed open the door, and walked in.

The inside was a perfectly ordinary book store, with shelves upon shelves of books arranged neatly by subject matter and a large periodical rack along one wall. A smiling middle-aged woman with long, wavy purple hair shot through with white streaks stood behind the counter. "Irasshaimase!" She took in Rainbow's school uniform and tilted her head. "You must be one of Twilight's classmates!"

"Y-yeah," Rainbow affirmed, fidgeting slightly.

"That's wonderful," the older woman said. Looking more closely at her, Rainbow could see a definite family resemblance. "She just went upstairs. Follow me," she said, gesturing to the back of the counter. Rainbow followed her through a narrow hallway around a corner that led to a flight of stairs. At the top, Rainbow was let into a comfortable, if small, apartment that was overflowing with books. After removing her shoes, she followed the older woman to the living room, where Twilight Sparkle sat on the sofa, reading. "Twiley-chan!" the older woman called brightly. "Your friend from school is here to visit!"

Twilight looked up, alarm on her face. "Okaasan!" she cried. "We can't have visitors here!"

"Oh, I'm sure it's fine," Twilight's mother said with a smile. "I'll be downstairs minding the store. Have fun, girls!" With that, she left.

Rainbow stood just inside the living room, staring at Twilight.

Twilight stood up and crossed her arms. "Why did you follow me home?" she asked.

"Because I want answers. And you're not getting away from me this time," Rainbow replied.

* * * * *

Spike stood on the observation deck of Kirin Tower, leaning against the central column that contained the elevator shafts which ran the entire height of the tower. He'd dropped his Indifference charm long enough to buy a curry bread and a cola, then reapplied it once he'd found a place to people-watch. The Indifference charm was a simple spell that made people fail to notice him. While it wasn't generally necessary in a city this heavily populated, he liked the privacy it afforded him.

Especially since he could ogle cute girls all he wanted to without being yelled at or slapped.

He watched two college-aged girls, evidently foreigners on a vacation, who were standing at the observation window looking out over the city. One of them was rather plain and modestly dressed, but the other, a gorgeous tanned blonde, had on a tight top, criminally tight cutoff shorts, and spike-heeled sandals, all of which showed off her long, shapely legs and ripe derrier to the fullest effect. Spike watched her butt wiggle as she excitedly pointed things out to her friend. He was so engrossed in that tight, firm ass that he almost missed the flash of emerald fire from his pendant.

"Shimatta...! NOW, of all times?!" Quickly finishing his snack and tossing the can and wrapper into a recycling bin, he cast his gaze around, scanning intently for any signs of something that was out of place.

Less than a body's width away from him, the elevator chimed. The doors opened, and two men in heavy longcoats and sunglasses stepped out. Spike frowned. *It's the middle of spring. What are they up to?*

As soon as the men cleared the elevators, each withdrew a pair of submachine guns from his coat. Someone screamed. Everybody on the observation deck turned, and soon a mass panic ensued, with people screaming and fleeing toward the emergency stairs.

"Yare yare..." Spike groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I just had to stumble onto a mess like this..." Sighing, he pushed himself away from the center column, still cloaked by his Indifference charm, and approached the two men, who had begun firing into the ceiling. Silently thanking the hot blonde with the amazing butt, he took a deep breath and blew a billowing cloud of emerald fire. The fire engulfed their weapons, which disappeared. The two men stood there, hands empty, expressions of blank shock on their faces.

With a green flash, Spike's casual street attire was replaced by form-fitting black leather pants and boots, a sleeveless bright purple dragonscale vest over an otherwise bare torso, purple metal bracers on his forearms, and a silver headband with an emerald green reflective visor that covered the top half of his face. His combat attire in place, Spike dropped his Indifference charm and stood directly in front of the two gunmen, arms folded. "I don't know what made you two assholes decide to barge into a major tourist attraction waving guns around, but you picked the wrong day! Lie down on the ground now and wait for the police." He cracked his knuckles. "If you don't, you'll be going to the hospital instead."

The people who hadn't already fled the observation deck in panic had stopped running and screaming and were now watching with interest.

The two gunmen looked at one another, nodded, and faced Spike. Sickly green magic wrapped around them, and the gunmen were replaced by a two-meter-tall stag beetle and an equally tall rhinoceros beetle. Both were gloss black with glowing green eyes, and had warped holes in their legs.

"Shit," Spike muttered. "Bit off more than I can chew..."

The screaming and stampeding returned in full force.

* * * * *

Twilight eyed Rainbow warily, forcing herself to remain calm. "What answers do you think I have to give you, Rainbow-san?" she asked. "I've already told you. I don't know you, I never knew your boyfriend, and—"

"No, I'm not listening to that again," Rainbow said, stamping a foot. "I know something's wrong!" She took a deep breath, then continued, "Thunderlane wasn't the only student from school to die suddenly this week. The very same day, a girl named Flitter died. She was Thunderlane's best friend." She paused, looking down. "There are a lot of people saying that's why he did what they think he did. But...that doesn't make sense. None of this makes any sense!"

Twilight frowned, but said nothing.

Rainbow looked up at her, anguish in her eyes. "Something's going on here, and I'm not buying this whole suicide thing! I know something happened that night! I...I remember..."

"What do you remember?" Twilight asked calmly.

"I remember..." Rainbow began, then shook herself. "I remember that there's something I'm not remembering. Something I can't remember. It's like..." She shook her head. "I try to think and I get a headache, and..."

Twilight sighed. "Please sit down, Rainbow-san. I need a minute...before I say anything else to you."

With an annoyed look, Rainbow walked over to the sofa and sat. Twilight walked down the hall and turned into another room.

* * * * *

Twilight leaned against her dresser, took a deep, calming breath, and said, "Communication."

Her reflection in the dresser mirror was replaced by a slightly hazy image of a cavernous white marble room. In the center of this room stood a massive ivory desk with a relief of the sun carved into the front, inlaid in gold. Behind this desk, a woman sat upon a high-backed golden chair. She had a thin, pale face with large, soft magenta eyes. Her long hair fanned out behind her, its distinctive ribbons of cerulean, turquoise, blue, and pink gleaming in the brightness of the room. She wore a pristine white dress with gold trim at the bustline, with a matching gold choker adorned with a single rhombus-cut amethyst.

"Good afternoon, Twilight Sparkle," the woman said in a melodic voice. "How may I help you?"

"Celestia-sama," Twilight said, "I think I have a problem. The other night, when I disposed of that Changeling, I had to use a memory spell on a witness."

"A spell you have performed flawlessly in the past," Celestia said calmly.

"Well...this time, it failed. She...she recognizes me. She was...very close to the last victim, and doesn't accept that he killed himself. She doesn't remember the events of that night clearly, but there's something there."

"Oh dear," Celestia said, concern in her eyes. "It's troubling her quite a bit, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," Twilight said. "I...I don't know what to do. Do I try another memory spell on her, or...?"

"No," Celestia said, shaking her head. "Compounding a memory spell on top of one that has already proven faulty will do more harm than good. Also, the very fact that your spell failed at all..." She drummed her fingers on the desk. "At your level, spells don't fail without reason. There is more to this matter than it would seem."

"Then...what should I do?" Twilight asked. "She's determined to get answers from me. She followed me home! She's in my living room right now!"

"Then there's only one thing you can do, my student," Celestia said. "You must remove the memory spell...and tell her everything."

Twilight winced. "I was afraid of that," she said with a sigh.

"This may be a blessing in disguise," Celestia said. "I must go now. Take good care of this new friend of yours...she's going to need your support."

As Celestia's office faded and was replaced with Twilight's own reflection, Twilight muttered, "Friend? Yeah, right..."

* * * * *

Spike backed away as the two Changelings advanced on him, hissing menacingly.

"GET OUT OF HERE!" he bellowed to the screaming, panicking crowd.

"Are you the one?" the stag beetle hissed. "The one who hunts our kind?"

"And what if I am?" Spike challenged.

"Then we're going to kill you," the rhinoceros beetle said.

Spike gulped. "And...and what if I'm not?"

"Then we're going to kill you anyway," the stag beetle hissed menacingly.

"Yeah, I figured as much," Spike muttered. He extended his hands and a gelatinous yellowish-green ball appeared before him. "Hope you like slime!" he cried, throwing the orb at them. It expanded, engulfing the Changelings in a sticky mass of viscous slime. They screeched as they tried to break free, their limbs moving slowly.

"That ought to hold you until I can get help," Spike muttered. Drawing forth every ounce of power he had, he teleported away.

* * * * *

Rainbow looked up as Twilight walked back into the living room. "Are you ready to tell me what's going on now?" she asked.

Twilight sighed. "Yes. But first, there's something I have to do." Before Rainbow could ask, Twilight moved to stand in front of her.

"Remember."

A flash of magenta light flooded the room, and the fog in Rainbow's mind blew away. Her eyes widened.

Thunderlane trying to...

And running...and he caught up...

And then turned into a monster...

She stared at Twilight in shock. "What—?!"

Twilight sat down across from her. "You remember everything now?"

"I—yeah, I..." Rainbow clutched her head. "I remember, but...it doesn't make any SENSE! What WAS that thing? Why did it look like Thunderlane? What ARE you?"

Twilight sighed. "I'm a mahoushoujo," she said. "I came to Pony City to hunt evil creatures called Changelings."

"Changelings?" Rainbow asked.

"They come from another world," Twilight said. "A realm of dark magic. They feed on the...essence of other living things. The life energy, the soul...all of it. They prefer to target humans because humans have more essence than any other living thing. When they feed, they drain everything that makes their victims unique—everything they are, everything they feel, everything they've ever been—and then they transform into a perfect copy of that person. The person they've copied..." She sighed. "The Changeling disposes of the soulless body in a way that looks like an accident, or suicide, or a random murder."

"A suicide...?" Rainbow asked.

"Your boyfriend...he was attacked by a Changeling," Twilight said. "It must have gotten to him in the locker room. It fed on him, then made his death look like a suicide...and then it went after you."

"Why me?" Rainbow asked.

"Changelings are drawn to people close to their victims," Twilight explained. "Once a Changeling has fed, its next victim will be somebody close to the person it just killed. And...the Changelings often exhibit the darkest impulses of their victims. Secret desires, hidden feelings...things the victim probably wasn't even aware of, lurking deep within their heart."

Rainbow slumped forward, face pale. "Thunderlane wanted to...?"

"Some part of him may have wanted to," Twilight said gently. "It doesn't mean he would have, or that he was even capable of something like that. Like I said, Changelings act on dark impulses that the victim probably didn't even know they had inside them." Twilight took a deep breath. "You said the girl who died was your boyfriend's best friend?"

"Since we were little," Rainbow said, nodding. She paused. "Wait. Was she...?"

Twilight nodded. "I was at her house, watching them take her body away, a short while before you were attacked. The Changeling probably attacked your boyfriend while I was there." She sighed. "I'm sorry. It's my fault."

"It's your fault?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head.

"The Changeling got a head start on me. If I hadn't lingered at the murder scene, I might have found it again before it killed your boyfriend." She sighed. "My detection spell has a short range. Less than a hundred meters. I was expecting the Changeling to still be around. I thought it might go after the girl's mother. I should've known better." She stood and bowed deeply to Rainbow. "I'm so sorry. Please..."

A ball of green fire exploded in the center of the room, disgorging a young boy with green hair. "NEECHAN!" he bellowed. "Big trouble! TWO Changelings!"

Twilight whirled around. "TWO?!" she gasped.

Rainbow stared at the boy. "Wh-what the hell?!"

"Rainbow-san, this is Spike. Spike, this is Rainbow Dash." Twilight's face had shifted from soft and apologetic to hard and focused. "We'll talk more later. I have to take care of this." She looked at Spike. "Where are they?"

"Kirin Tower," Spike said.

Twilight bit off a curse. "I can't teleport that far. You're going to have to take me."

"I'm out of power," Spike said.

Twilight's face reddened. "Are you sure you can't—?"

"Neechan, I just immobilized two Changelings and teleported halfway across the city," Spike said. "There are still a lot of people in that tower, and those Changelings will break out of my slime bomb any second. We don't have time!"

Twilight sighed. "Alright..." Rainbow watched in curiosity and confusion as Twilight, face flaming, lifted her skirt, flashing her pale lavender panties.

A faint green aura surrounded Spike. "I'm gonna need more than that," he said.

Twilight groaned. "Spiiiike..."

"What's going on?" Rainbow asked.

Spike walked over to Twilight and reached out. She flinched away. "You'd better not do anything I'm going to want to kill you for," she warned.

"Trust me, Neechan," Spike said. He placed his hand on the bare part of Twilight's thigh and gave it a gentle rub. Twilight squirmed. Rainbow stared, jaw dropping.

The aura around Spike grew brighter.

He stepped away after almost twenty seconds of rubbing Twilight's thigh. "Okay, I'm good," he said. "Let's go."

Still blushing, Twilight let her skirt fall, then grabbed hold of Spike...by the ear, twisting it HARD.

"ITE!" Spike hissed. "NEECHAN!"

"Just teleport, pervert," Twilight snapped.

"Hai, hai..."

As a bright green glow engulfed them, Rainbow leapt off the sofa and grabbed hold of Twilight's wrist. The fire swelled to surround her, and her world disappeared in searing emerald fire...

Magic 4: スマイル

"Minna HIIIIII!! Atashi SMILE desu! ARE YOU SMILING?!

"Smile-chan is so happy you're all here today! Did everybody vote for Smile-chan in the Idol Poll? Smile-chan wants to be the number one Net Idol, but she can't do it without all of you!

"Oh! Smile-chan almost forgot! The results of the cosplay vote for next week...hehehe, looks like a lot of the naughty boys out there voted this time, because you want Smile-chan's sexy service! Well...Smile-chan doesn't mind, since it's for you. Look forward to it!

"Smile-chan has some UNSMILING news. Smile-chan caught some of you trying to trace her IP again. Naughty! Smile-chan wants to make everyone SMILE, but she doesn't want her fans showing up on her doorstep. That would make Smile-chan very UNSMILE. So let Smile-chan have her secrets, ne?

"Smile-chan will be back in a little while! Here's Smile-chan's favorite video of the week. Enjoy! And...SMILE!"

Magic 4: スマイル

Rainbow spent the night at Twilight's house. Twilight was excited because it was her first ever sleepover; Spike had been threatened, on pain of emasculation, to steer clear. The two girls spent most of the night just talking; Rainbow told Twilight all about herself, while Twilight told Rainbow all about Sun Island, Celestia, and growing up as a mage.

When they arrived at school the following morning, Twilight noticed a large number of boys gathered at the back of their classroom, staring down at their phones and tablets with vacant, drooling expressions. "What's up with them?" she asked.

Rainbow shrugged. "I'll find out," she said. She walked over to the throng of boys, reached in, and grabbed a phone at random.

"Hey!" its owner cried.

Ignoring him, Rainbow walked back over to Twilight and showed her the phone. "Eh, they're pervin' on one of those Net Idols."

The owner of the phone marched over and seized it back. "We are not PERVING!" he said, storming off angrily.

"It isn't just the boys who love Smile-chan, you know," a girl sitting on her desk said. She brushed a lock of shiny spearmint-colored hair out of her eyes. Her own tablet, propped up on her desk, showed a strangely-dressed girl with enormous curly pink hair that looked for all the world like cotton candy. "She makes lots of people happy."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Whatever," she said.

Twilight looked down at the video with interest. "Who is she?"

Rainbow shrugged. "There's a bunch of these Net Idols," she said. "Girls who wear crazy costumes and put up videos where they sing obnoxious pop songs or dance or just act silly. They're really popular." She glanced at the tablet, frowned, and rolled her eyes. "It's kinda dumb if you ask me."

"Yeah, well, nobody asked you," the spearmint-haired girl said, snatching up her tablet and turning away.

"Don't mind her," a blond girl with a drifting right eye said cheerfully. "Smile-chan's fans can be pretty UNSMILE sometimes. Which is kinda silly, since it goes against Smile-chan's ALWAYS SMILE message!" She skipped merrily to her seat, whistling a happy tune.

"...'Unsmile'?" Twilight asked. "Is that even a word?"

"Forget it," Rainbow said, settling into her desk. "Net Idol groupies have a language all their own..."

* * * * *

"You wanted to see us, noso?"

"Yes. I've decided to set a trap for our little mahoushoujo friends."

"What kind of a trap choki?"

"I'm summoning a particularly powerful Changeling tonight. I need to stage a very public trap...lots of bystanders. I have a hunch that they'll put the lives of the pathetic peons of this city above their own. The only piece of the puzzle missing is...love. My Changeling needs to impersonate someone everybody in Pony City loves."

"How about Smile-chan choki?"

"Smile-chan?"

"Yeah, she's a really popular Net Idol, noso."

"And nobody knows who she really is choki!"

"Yeah...just show the Changeling all her videos and stuff and nobody'll know the difference noso!"

"Hmm...interesting. Very well. I'll leave training the Changeling to impersonate this Net Idol to the two of you."

* * * * *

A girl with limp pink hair slumped into the chair at her study desk, tossing her bookbag against the wall. Chipped fingernails drummed rapidly on the keys of a well-worn laptop. Her mail client opened and her inbox rapidly began filling with new messages.

With speed borne of long practice, she read most of them, replied to a few, deleted a few more, and sent the majority of them to her auto-responder.

A soft knock sounded on her door. It opened slightly, and a dull face framed by dull grey hair peeked in. "I'm making dinner," a dull, flat voice said. "What do you want with your plain white rice?"

"It doesn't matter," the girl at the computer said absently. "Whatever you want to make is fine."

"I don't really want to make anything but plain white rice," the dull girl said. "Maybe some plain miso soup."

"Wow, you're in a frisky mood tonight."

"I don't even know what that means," the dull girl said before closing the door.

The pink-haired girl sighed, her hair drooping a little more. Her blue eyes, dull and glassy, stared at the still-growing pile of mail. "How unsmile."

* * * * *

Twilight collapsed onto a bench, chest heaving. Sweat plastered her gym shirt to her body.

Rainbow sat down next to her, barely sweating, a smirk on her face as she handed Twilight a liter of sports drink. "Man, you ARE outta shape, Twilight."

Twilight stared at her. "Out of sh—you just made me run FIVE! LAPS! of the school track!" She snatched the sports drink, took a deep breath, then chugged a third of it.

"Yeah, and after you catch your breath, we're gonna hit the weights," Rainbow said.

Twilight shot her a dirty look. "No thanks," she said.

"But you need to get stronger to fight Changelings!" Rainbow insisted.

"Umm...I use magic to fight Changelings," Twilight pointed out. "I don't mind a little running to stay in shape, but I'm not going overboard. I'm not an athlete. I don't really need to train like one."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, sheesh." She grinned. "Then I'll just have to work on helping you make more friends, like that Celestia lady wants."

Twilight grimaced. "Not you too," she groaned.

Rainbow patted her on the shoulder. "What've you got against making friends? Having friends is awesome. Being alone sucks." She frowned. "I guess...I need to make a few new friends too. Since..." She sighed and looked down.

Twilight's face fell. "Rainbow-san...I'm sorry..." She took another swig of sports drink. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I should...I mean, I don't want to disappoint Celestia-sama..."

Rainbow turned Twilight to face her, and pierced her gaze with stern rose-hued eyes. "Don't make friends to please your teacher," she said seriously. "Make friends because you don't want to be alone." She eased up, her face relaxing into a smile. "Besides, doing stuff with friends is way more fun than doing it by yourself!" She looked out at the sun, which was just beginning to set. "Come on, let's go shower and change and get outta here."

* * * * *

She picked at her rice with a frown, staring into the murky depths of her plain miso soup. "Anou...Oneesan?"

"What is it?"

"I think...I'm gonna head out for a bit."

"Without finishing dinner?"

"I think I've had all I really want."

"Okay, that's fine. Do whatever you want. Be home before it gets too late."

"Hai! Ittekimasu!"

* * * * *

Rainbow had decided to treat Twilight to dinner. After Twilight had called home to clear it with her mother, she'd followed Rainbow to a yakiniku restaurant in a more careworn part of Pony City.

Twilight stared at the charcoal grill in the center of the table. "What...?"

Rainbow blinked at her. "You've never had yakiniku?"

Twilight shook her head. "We don't really have meat on Sun Island, except for fish. We pretty much eat fruits and vegetables. We only even have milk because we can make it with magic."

"Wow," Rainbow said. "That sucks." She shook her head. "Well, anyway...you order raw meats and vegetables here, and whatever else you want with them, and then you grill your own food right at the table."

Twilight tilted her head. "So they make you cook it...yourself?"

"Yeah, and it's a lot of fun, especially in groups," Rainbow said.

The second she said that, a girl with limp pink hair and a blank expression was seated at the table adjacent to theirs. She gave her server her drink order, then studied her menu with dull blue eyes and a weary sigh.

Twilight stared at her. "More fun in groups, huh?"

Rainbow looked over at the other table. "Hey, I've seen her before. Yeah, she goes to Umadakara! She's in a different class than us, though."

"She looks...depressed," Twilight said.

"Yeah...come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen her look happy. Not that I really see her that much."

Twilight stood up and walked over to the other table. "Hello, excuse me," she said.

The pink-haired girl looked up, a faint expression of alarm on her face. "Y-yes?"

Twilight smiled at her. "My friend and I just got here too, we haven't ordered yet. Would you like to join us?"

The girl frowned. "I...don't want to be a bother," she said.

"Oh, you won't be a bother," Twilight said. "Besides, Rainbow-san said these places are more fun in groups...do you really want to eat all by yourself?"

The girl pondered that for a moment. "Well...I guess..."

Twilight hauled her to her feet and dragged her over to their table. When the server came with the drinks, she blinked. "She's joining us," Twilight said.

"H-hai," the server hedged, redirecting the pink-haired girl's drink order to the new table. "Well...I'll take your orders in just a minute," she said.

Twilight and Rainbow looked at their dinner guest, who looked between the two of them, then bowed her head. "Thank you for inviting me to your table," she said.

"Don't sweat it," Rainbow said. "Say, what's your name anyway? I've seen you around school, but I don't really know who you are."

"Oh, um...Pinkamena Pie."

"Pie, huh? I'm Rainbow Dash, and this is Twilight Sparkle."

"Pleased to meet you," Twilight said with a smile.

Pinkamena looked up at them, then ducked her eyes to her menu.

Twilight and Rainbow exchanged a glance, then turned to their own menus.

"So, what should I order?" Twilight asked. "I don't really have any experience with meat."

Pinkamena looked up at her. "Are you a vegetarian?"

Twilight shrugged. "Not really. I just moved here from an island where we don't have meat very often," she said.

"Oh," Pinkamena said. "Then you should really mix up your order with meat and vegetables. If you eat too much meat when your body isn't ready for it, you'll—" She trailed off, a shocked expression on her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say too much."

"You don't need to apologize," Twilight said gently. "You can say whatever you want. What were you about to say? It might be important."

Pinkamena gave a small, hesitant smile. "Oh! Well...it might give you the squirts really bad," she said.

Twilight blushed furiously. "That's...good to know," she said.

"Oh, and don't order horumon. REALLY don't order horumon." Pinkamena pulled a face. "Stick with the actual meat."

"I hear that!" Rainbow said. "I'm all about the short ribs! And chicken wings." She snickered. "Eh, Twilight? Wings? Wings?"

Twilight poked her sharply in the shoulder. "I get it, now stop," she said.

Pinkamena looked between the two of them in confusion.

Twilight rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Private joke," she said. "You had to be there."

"Oh...kay..." Pinkamena drawled.

Twilight turned her attention to the menu. "Hmm...I think I'm going to get some skirt steak, some daikon...what's kimchi?"

"Really spicy," Rainbow said. "It's fermented cabbage."

"I like kimchi," Pinkamena said. "I almost never get to have any, because my family..." She trailed off.

"Because your family...?" Twilight prompted.

"They...don't like spicy things," Pinkamena said. "Or tasty things."

Rainbow blinked. "They don't like tasty things?"

"Everyone in my family...they have really bland tastes," Pinkamena said. "Everyone but me."

"Is that why you came here all by yourself?" Twilight asked.

Pinkamena nodded.

Twilight smiled. "I think I'll try the kimchi. If I don't like it, you can have mine."

Pinkamena gave her a small smile. "Thanks. I'll order some too...I'm pretty sure you'll like it."

Rainbow chuckled. "What the heck, I'll get some too."

The server returned for their orders.

As they waited, Pinkamena looked at Rainbow. "Umm..." She cast her eyes down. "You were friends with those two seniors that died, weren't you?"

Rainbow sighed. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry," Pinkamena said. "I mean, I just met you, and I never met them...I only know of you from the school meets and stuff..."

Rainbow smiled gently. "Thanks."

Pinkamena turned her gaze to Twilight. "So...you just transferred here?"

Twilight nodded. "I'm from a pretty small island. I don't know much about Pony City yet. Or even Neighpon for that matter." She looked at Pinkamena. "What about you? Are you in any clubs?"

"Oh...well...no," Pinkamena admitted. "My parents don't want me to do school clubs."

"Why not?" Rainbow asked.

"Because if it doesn't have anything to do with rocks and minerals, it isn't worth wasting time on as far as they're concerned." Pinkamena blew an errant strand of hair from her face. "My whole family's like that. All three of my sisters, both of my parents..." She sighed. "Everybody but me."

"Rocks?" Twilight asked. "Are they geologists or something?"

"Mama is," Pinkamena said. "Papa owns a quarry. He's grooming my older sister Maud to take over. Right now, Maud and my other sisters run our mineral shop downtown. We sell rare rocks and minerals and geodes, as well as rock hammers, geology books...anything related to rocks, really."

"Well...geology is pretty fascinating," Twilight said. "But they don't want you to have any other interests? At all?"

"Uh-uh," Pinkamena said, shaking her head. "They want me to be as dull and boring and plain as they are." She sighed. "It's so stupid."

"Wow...that sucks," Rainbow said. "Don't you at least have any friends?"

"Every time I try to make a friend, my family's rock obsession gets in the way," Pinkamena said, sipping her cola.

Twilight smiled. "Well...we don't care about that," she said. "Rainbow-san and I...we'll be your friends."

The server returned with their food, and they set to the task of grilling the meats and vegetables. "Itadakimasu!" they chorused as they placed their first servings on their plates, while moving more meat onto the grill.

Twilight picked up a bite of steak in her chopsticks, dipped it in the house sauce, and tasted it. "Oh...! That's pretty good." She savored it for a moment. "I bet Spike would like this."

"Spike?" Pinkamena asked.

"My uhh...little brother," Twilight said.

"Her pervy little brother," Rainbow amended as she picked apart a chicken wing and dipped it in teriyaki sauce.

Pinkamena dug into her kimchi. "I wouldn't mind having a little brother. Even a pervy one. Just to break up the monotony a little."

"What do you think, Twilight? Is Pie here his type?"

Twilight grimaced. "That's not funny, Rainbow-san!"

"Sorry," Rainbow said, grinning. "So anyway...now you've got two friends, but why stop there?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Rainbow-san has decided it's her personal mission in life to help me make a lot of friends here," she explained to Pinkamena.

Pinkamena smiled slightly, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's nice. You're lucky to have a good friend."

"Hey, I'm your friend too now," Rainbow pointed out. "Maybe I can get you to work out with me! This lightweight refuses to do weights."

Pinkamena waved a hand in front of her face. "Pass. Lifting weights makes your chest smaller, and I like mine the way it is."

Rainbow blinked. "Makes your...chest smaller..."

Twilight snickered as she snatched one of Rainbow's chicken wings off the grill. This led to a good-natured free-for-all and much swapping of food, which even Pinkamena engaged in. Once all the food had been eaten, Pinkamena exchanged phone numbers with her new friends, then bid them goodnight.

"Well, she needs to unclench a little, but I could get to like her," Rainbow said as they walked to the bus stop, arms folded behind her head.

"Pinkamena-san's reserved demeanor probably has to do with her upbringing," Twilight said thoughtfully. "It sounds to me like her family's strictness and singleminded focus has left her...well...emotionally stunted."

"So we'll have to work extra hard to loosen her up?"

"It seems that way."

Rainbow grunted. "She's not the only one who needs to loosen up, you know," she said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Twilight demanded.

"I wonder..." Rainbow replied with a cheeky grin before sprinting ahead.

"RAINBOW-SAN!" Twilight cried, chasing after her. "Aaa, mou!!"

* * * * *

Maud Pie sat in the living room, working quietly on updating the invoicing system for the family quarry, when a notification popped up in the corner of her screen.

Smile-chan! @smilesmilesmile
Had yummy yakiniku with two amazing new friends tonight! VERY SMILE!

The corners of Maud's lips turned upward a micrometer, and she went back to typing.

* * * * *

The following morning, many of the students in 2-C were in an uproar. Wincing at the noise level, Twilight headed for Rainbow's desk. "What's going on now?" she asked.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "There's some kind of big announcement on the net," she said. "A big event at Hoshigusa Park this afternoon. One of those Net Idols is giving a surprise public appearance, apparently."

"I thought Net Idols didn't do things like that?" Twilight asked.

"They usually don't," Rainbow said. "That's why it's such a big deal."

"I see," Twilight said. "So which one is it?"

"It's Smile-chan!" the spearmint-haired girl from the previous day exclaimed, appearing in between them. "It has to be!" Her golden eyes shone brightly.

"It could be G.P.T," a stringy-haired boy said. "She's got the biggest ego of all the popular Net Idols."

Rainbow sighed. "Whatever. It's got nothing to do with us, so just ignore it." She pulled Twilight away from their now-bickering classmates and whispered, "Wanna go up to the roof for lunch? We can invite Pie."

"Sounds good, especially if this is still going on."

"It will be," Rainbow said with a grimace.

* * * * *

At lunch, Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkamena sat on the roof. Twilight had a bento, while Rainbow had a curry bread roll and several onigiri, and Pinkamena had two bread rolls and three chocolate bars, the latter of which she shared with her new friends.

"That's all you eat, bread rolls?" Twilight asked.

Pinkamena shrugged. "If I brought a bento from home, it'd just be plain white rice," she said. "Better to buy my lunch here, or at the convenience store on the way to school."

"And my dad forgot to do the grocery shopping last night," Rainbow said. "I usually bring a bento, but I didn't really have anything to work with." She shrugged. "No big deal, I like curry bread once in a while. What kind of bread you got, Pie?"

"Anpan and melon bread," Pinkamena said. "I felt like something sweet today after all that spicy kimchi last night."

As the girls ate, Twilight asked, "Pie-san, are your classmates worked up about that announcement too?"

Pinkamena frowned. "Yeah, they are. It bothers me."

"Yeah, it got on our nerves too, that's why we came up here to eat," Rainbow said.

"Not that," Pinkamena said dismissively. "The blogs are saying things that...don't make sense."

"You follow this Net Idol stuff?" Rainbow asked.

"Well...sort of," Pinkamena said. "I just...think something's not right about all this. It's just a feeling I have."

"What, like a premonition?" Twilight asked.

Pinkamena shrugged. "I get them from time to time," she said. "They're usually right."

Twilight considered pursuing that subject further, but her phone interrupted her. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen. She frowned.

"What's up?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh...just a text from Spike," Twilight replied. "He wants to know if we're going to Hoshigusa Park this afternoon."

Rainbow snorted. "Yeah...no."

"I told him we'll be there," Twilight said. She shot Rainbow a serious glance, reached up to the collar of her blouse, and fingered the slender silver chain there.

Rainbow's eyes widened. "Oh. Oh...well...yeah. I guess we should probably go. Just to keep the little perv outta trouble."

"Then I'll probably meet up with you there," Pinkamena said. She finished off her melon bread, crumpled up the wrapper, and stood. "Thanks for inviting me to eat with you."

"Of course!" Twilight replied cheerfully. As Pinkamena left to return to her classroom, Rainbow leaned closer and whispered, "What's up?"

"Spike's picking up something really weird happening in that park," Twilight said. "There might be another Changeling attack."

Rainbow sighed. "Well, if there is one, I hope it doesn't kill anybody before we can get there."

"Me too..."

* * * * *

Twilight and Rainbow arrived to find a large crowd, comprised primarily of teenagers, gathered around a gaudily-decorated stage that had been erected in the center of the park. Two boys who looked to be about junior high age were performing various equipment checks on stage, while a large electronic backdrop flashed eye-searing pink and white patterns seemingly at random. Police struggled to hold the crowd behind the cordon around the stage. Spike suddenly appeared between the two girls. "Some crowd, huh?"

"Have you found the Changeling?" Twilight asked.

"Not yet," Spike said. "There's definitely one here, though. But something's not right. The detector's going completely crazy."

The two stagehands disappeared behind the pink curtains which hung on the edges of the stage. The electronic backdrop suddenly went still. The crowd noise abated slightly.

"MINNA...ARE YOU SMILING?!"

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. A perky teenage girl skipped onto the stage. She wore a bubblegum pink miniskirt, a pink-and-white striped tube top which accentuated her rather generous bust, bright pink thigh-high stockings, darker pink hi-tops, and shoulder-length fingerless bubblegum pink gloves. Her hair was a mass of pink curls that looked like cotton candy, and every inch of visible skin was dusted with glitter. She held a pink microphone in her left hand, and waved to the crowd with her right. "I'm so happy to see you all! Welcome to Smile-chan's Special Stage!" Cheerful pop music began to pour from massive speakers. "I want to see a BIG SMILE on every face here!"

"SU-MAI-RU! SU-MAI-RU!" the crowd chanted.

"Hai! Smile-chan is going to sing now!" Smile raised her microphone to her mouth, and...

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Several loud grunts and cries of protest rang out from the front of the crowd, and a girl with limp pink hair jumped onto the stage, propelling herself by using a police officer's head as a springboard. She held a megaphone in one hand, and anger burned in her blue eyes.

Twilight and Rainbow stared at the stage, then at one another, jaws agape. "What is she doing??" Rainbow asked.

"Getting herself arrested," Twilight muttered.

"You know that girl?" Spike asked.

"That's Pie-san, the girl we met last night," Twilight said.

Smile turned to Pinkamena. "Why are you acting so UNSMILE?" she asked, pouting.

"Don't you DARE use that word, you FAKE!" Pinkamena hissed.

The crowd gasped.

Smile laughed. "Silly! I'm no fake! I'm everyone's favorite ALWAYS SMILING Net Idol—"

Pinkamena blasted a squeal of feedback right in Smile's face. "YOU. ARE. NOT. SMILE!"

The crowd began to boo. A few people threw things at Pinkamena, but she ignored them.

Twilight frowned. "This is bad."

"What's gotten into her?" Rainbow wondered. "I mean, this is a totally different person than the girl we met last night!"

"She looks really pissed," Spike said.

Pinkamena turned to the crowd. "Please! You have to believe me! This person is not Smile! I know it looks and sounds like her, but...but...I promise you it's not her!"

Smile laughed, long and loud. "You poor, delusional girl. You must be a fan of one of the other Net Idols. G.P.T perhaps? Trying to upstage me? Trying to make me look foolish? How UNSMI—"

Pinkamena clocked Smile in the head with her megaphone, then tackled her to the stage.

"Whoa," Rainbow said, eyes wide.

Police began to climb onto the stage, but the girls were rolling all over the stage as they struggled with one another, and the police hesitated, unsure as to how best to separate them.

Twilight frowned. "Spike...cover us."

"Got it," Spike said. A faint green shimmer enveloped the three of them.

"Twilight, you're not thinking—" Rainbow began.

Twilight already had her locket and Element out. "Element of Harmony...MAGIC!"

Rainbow stared at her transformed friend and sighed. "And you are. Alright then... Element of Harmony...LOYALTY!"

Rainbow flew toward the stage, while Twilight teleported directly next to the brawling girls. The audience gasped at the appearance of the two mahoushoujo. The police began to back away, suddenly unsure as to whether there was a real fight, or if this was a staged event. Spike appeared next to Twilight, already in his own battle attire.

Twilight leveled her baton at Pinkamena and Smile. "BARRIER!" A violet magical circle appeared between the two girls, separating them. Pinkamena was pinned to the stage, while Smile was flung against the backdrop.

"One of them is the Changeling!" Spike said. "I'm sure of it!"

"Right," Twilight said, nodding. She traced a broad magenta circle in the air with her baton. "REVEAL!"

A wave of violet light washed over the two girls on the stage. As it struck Smile, she let out an inhuman screech and changed into a black-skinned, humanoid Changeling with a distinctly feminine figure, slit-pupiled green eyes, gleaming fangs, and large, luminous blue butterfly wings.

Then the light hit Pinkamena...and the lank-haired schoolgirl changed into Smile.

Rainbow's jaw dropped. "What the HUH?!"

Twilight dispelled her barrier. Pinkamena sat up, rubbing her head. "Oooh...what happened? I feel REALLY unsmile." She blinked at herself. "Wait...how did I get in..." She looked up at the two mahoushoujo. "...Twilight? Rainbow?"

"Pie-san?" Twilight asked hesitantly. "Are you...are you the real Smile?"

Pinkamena stood up, dusting herself off. "Ah...heheh...yeah, kinda," she admitted.

"What the HELL just happened?" Rainbow asked.

"My Reveal spell...it's supposed to reveal the true nature of whatever I cast it on," Twilight explained. "I only use it to unmask Changelings, but...I guess in this case, it revealed Pie-san's true nature. It revealed that she's really the Net Idol Smile."

The crowd began to cheer, and Pinkamena waved sheepishly at them. She picked her megaphone back up. "Um...hi, minna. I'm the real Smile. Sorry about this."

"Ahem."

The three girls turned as one. The Changeling regarded them with a cold, deadly stare, arms folded.

"This is my stage," she said.

"Your charade is through, demon!" Twilight declared. She twirled her baton in front of her, then pointed the unicorn head at the Changeling. "You will not use these people's devotion to Net Idols to prey upon them! Bearing the Element of Magic, I will destroy you in the name of the Sun!"

Rainbow landed beside Twilight, feet planted in a wide stance, and held her lance upright in front of her. "We're sick of you bug freaks messing with our home! Bearing the Element of Loyalty, I've got a storm with your name on it!"

Pinkamena tilted her head and blinked at them. "Huh? I thought this was a Net Idol show. Are we doing tokusatsu now?"

"Stay back, Pie-san," Twilight said. "This creature is dangerous!"

"Oh, you have NO idea," the Changeling laughed. She rose into the air, fluttering her butterfly wings impressively. "Invited here by the magic of hate, I'm—"

"ZAP!" Lightning arced from Rainbow's lance, snapping and crackling along the Changeling's wings. Cut off in mid-speech, she screamed and fell to the stage.

"Now, Twilight!" Rainbow cried.

"Right!" Twilight transfigured her baton into a rapier, which she pointed at the Changeling. "Specimen pin!"

The Changeling laughed and shot into the air. "As if such a puny attack could damage my glorious wings!" she jeered. "Now, it's my turn!" She flapped her wings harder, and a storm of glowing blue scales enveloped the two mahoushoujo. Rainbow dropped to one knee, coughing; Twilight collapsed to the stage.

A cloud of green fire billowed forth, burning away the blue scales. "Are you girls alright?" Spike asked.

"STAY OUT OF THIS!" the Changeling roared, divebombing Spike. He vanished in a burst of green fire and reappeared beside Pinkamena.

"What's going on here?" Pinkamena asked, blue eyes wide.

"That thing that impersonated you is a demon from another world and it has to die before it kills those girls and everybody else here," Spike muttered.

"So...this isn't a tokusatsu show?"

"It's the real thing," Spike said.

Rainbow struggled to her feet. "Not...going down...so easy...!" she grunted.

Twilight struggled to stand, but couldn't move. "Rainbow-san...it's up to you..."

Pinkamena ran over to Twilight, fishing a chocolate bar out of her top. "Here, eat this!" she said, unwrapping it, breaking off a piece, and shoving it into Twilight's mouth.

Twilight chewed the chocolate. She moaned softly, looking up at Pinkamena. "You...keep chocolate...there?"

"A girl never knows when she's going to have a chocolate emergency," Pinkamena replied with a smile. "Feel better?"

Twilight blinked. "Actually...a little," she said. She managed to sit up. Pinkamena handed her more chocolate, which she ate. "How...?"

"I just had a feeling chocolate might help." She looked up into the air. "Wow. Rainbow-chan's wings are really pretty." She blinked, then giggled, snorting. "Wings! I get it now!"

Twilight looked up. Rainbow and the Changeling were flying above the crowd, trading blows. The Changeling was hurling globs of sickly green magic at Rainbow, who returned fire with wind and lightning. The crowd below had begun to disperse once they started to realize how dangerous the situation really was, though there were still far too many people in the vicinity of the stage. She pushed herself to her feet. "Get to safety," she said, clutching her shoulder and trying to massage feeling back into it.

"Are you crazy?!" Pinkamena asked. "I owe that big dumb bug...lady...thing big-time for pretending to be me!" She found the discarded microphone, picked it up, and walked to the front of the stage.

"HEY! YOU BIG FAKE!"

Rainbow and the Changeling paused in mid-air, looking down at her. The remaining spectators turned as well.

Pinkamena stared defiantly up at the Changeling. "I'm Pinkamena Diane Pie, also known as Net Idol Smile-chan! And THIS! IS! MY! STAGE!"

And with that, she pulled a silver locket from her cleavage, as well as a bright blue gem shaped like a balloon.

Twilight's jaw dropped. "What?!"

Spike blinked, then summoned the gilded chest containing the Elements. He opened it, and saw only three hexagonal gems inside. "But...how the...when...wait...WHAT?!"

A trio of balloons engraved themselves into the cover of the locket as Pinkamena opened it. "Element of Harmony..."

"No way," Rainbow breathed, staring down at her.

Pinkamena thumbed the balloon-shaped gem into the matching recess inside the locket.

"LAUGHTER!"

Her clothes exploded away from her body as her skin began to glow bright pink. A new skirt, dark pink satin with white lace trim, formed, followed by a light pink strapless top that left her midriff bare. Pearl pink spike-heeled sandals with satin straps formed on her feet, while elbow-length dark pink satin gloves appeared on her arms. A large, bright yellow bow appeared on the back of her skirt, trailing tightly-coiled streamers of ribbon; similar bows, light blue instead of yellow, appeared near the tops of her gloves. A jaunty hat shaped like a frosted cupcake formed atop her mass of cotton candy hair, and a bubblegum pink choker appeared upon her throat, with a charm that depicted three ballons, two blue and one yellow.

As the pink glow faded from her skin, a pink bazooka appeared in her hands.

"Whoa," Spike said.

Pinkamena hefted the bazooka onto her shoulder and pointed a gloved finger at the Changeling. "Bearing the Element of Laughter...I'm gonna SMILE you straight to Hell!"

Twilight teleported over to Spike. "When did you—"

"I didn't!" Spike cried. "I have no idea how she got one of the Elements! Or the henshin locket!"

The Changeling stared down at Pinkamena in disbelief. "IMPOSSIBLE!" she roared. "They said there were only two of you!"

"They were wrong, then, weren't they?" Pinkamena retorted with a laugh.

Rainbow put on a burst of speed and flew up above the Changeling. With a thrust of her lance, she paralyzed the butterfly-woman with her lightning. "Hey newbie! Wanna do the honors?" she called as she pulled her weapon free and flew clear.

"With pleasure!" Pinkamena replied with a savage grin, taking aim with her bazooka.

"SMILE CONFETTI VAGINA!"

With a tremendous BOOM and a cloud of pink smoke, a blast of confetti, streamers, balloons, cupcakes, party hats, and birthday candles exploded out of Pinkamena's bazooka, impacting the paralyzed Changeling. Arcs of pink electricity coursed over her body; she screamed as she exploded in a huge pink fireball that rained confetti on the park below.

The remaining spectators cheered wildly.

"SU-MAI-RU! SU-MAI-RU! SU-MAI-RU!"

Pinkamena giggled cutely and blew kisses to her fans.

Rainbow flew down to the stage, landing beside her. Twilight walked up next to her, reverting her sword to its baton form. "We need to get out of here," she whispered.

"Aww, do we have to?" Pinkamena whined.

"Yes," Twilight hissed, grabbing her wrist, then Rainbow's.

In a flash of light, they were gone, leaving an empty stage...

...save for two young boys standing behind the curtain, who glanced at one another with worried expressions.

* * * * *

The three mahoushoujo reappeared in the ladies' toilet on the other side of Hoshigusa Park. Twilight and Rainbow transformed back into their school uniforms; a minute later, Pinkamena did likewise, though her hair remained puffy and curly. She blinked. "Hey, how am I back in my school uniform? That spell you did—"

"Wore off once I changed back to normal," Twilight said.

"Well, at least I'm not naked," Pinkamena said. "Though I guess if I was, I could just change back into Magical Idol Smile—"

"We're not naming our mahoushoujo forms!" Twilight snapped.

"Awww, why not? It's more fun."

"I'm with Pie on this one," Rainbow said. "But, uhh...about that attack name..."

"How did you even get an Element of Harmony?" Twilight demanded, hands on her hips and staring at Pinkamena. "Spike still had the chest in his pocket dimension! And he's the only one who can summon it!"

Pinkamena shrugged. "I dunno. Sometimes when I really really need something really bad, I can just reach down between my boobies and it's there. I don't even put it there, it's just...there." She put a finger to her lips. "Funny, I've never found a magical element that turns me into a mahoushoujo there before..."

Twilight stared at her, jaw agape. "You...are...impossible," she said.

Rainbow snickered. "Well, whatever just happened, I'm glad it did."

"Me too!" Pinkamena said. "Not only did I make two awesome new friends, but now I get to fight nasty icky UNSMILE monsters with them too!"

Twilight sighed. "Yeah, okay, fine." She frowned. "Pinkamena-san...about your secret being exposed..."

Pinkamena waved a hand dismissively. "Eh, I'll deal with it somehow," she said. "I don't really mind coming out. This is gonna be really hard to explain to my family though." She smiled. "Oh well! Oh, and by the way? Just call me Pinkie."

* * * * *

Screens illuminated the room, displaying the battle between the butterfly Changeling and the three mahoushoujo.

"I can NOT BELIEVE THIS!!"

The two boys groveled before their mistress.

"It's not our fault choki!"

"Yeah...we did everything just like we were supposed to noso!"

"That third mahoushoujo just came outta nowhere choki!"

"Quiet! Both of you!"

The cowering boys instantly fell silent.

"I should have known this was Celestia's doing," she said, pacing back and forth. "I had my suspicions, but...seeing Twilight Sparkle here in this city..." She paused. "This is getting out of hand. If my plans for this wretched city are to succeed, I need to get rid of those mahoushoujo." She grinned evilly. "Twilight Sparkle has to die. And I need to do it...personally."

Author's Note

The crowd chant ("SU-MAI-RU!") is how the English word "smile" actually sounds in Japanese.

Pinkie's bizarre attack name is a play on the infamous "Star Gentle Uterus" attack used by Sailor Star Maker, which is the most bizarrely-named attack in...anything. Just as that attack does not involve an actual uterus, Pinkie's Smile Confetti Vagina does not involve an actual vagina.

Magic 5: ウィッチ

Pinkie hummed lightly to herself as she skipped home. Her secret was out, she had new friends, and now she was a mahoushoujo!

She opened the front door, stepped out of her shoes, walked into the living room...

...and saw her parents and sisters staring stonily at her.

Her hair deflated. "Uh-oh."

Magic 5: ウィッチ

Rainbow followed Twilight into the bookstore, which was mercifully empty except for Twilight's mother. As soon as she saw them, she locked the register, beckoned for them to follow her, and headed into the back. Twilight flipped the open sign to 'closed', locked the door, and followed, Rainbow behind her.

"Are we in trouble?" Rainbow whispered.

"I don't think so," Twilight replied, "but what just happened is pretty serious."

Once they were upstairs in the apartment, Twilight's mother turned on the television. Video of the battle at the park was playing out, with news anchors commenting over it.

"Oh crap," Rainbow muttered. "I didn't notice the cameras."

"Neither did I," Twilight admitted. "With everything else happening..."

"You both lucked out," Twilight's mother said. "Everyone thinks the whole thing was staged. Special effects. It helps that the Changeling decided to impersonate a Net Idol."

"Hey...don't Changelings kill the people they impersonate?" Rainbow asked. "So how did—"

"That was no ordinary Changeling," a new voice intruded. Twilight and Rainbow whirled around.

Celestia stood behind them, arms folded and face unreadable.

"Celestia-sama!" Twilight cried.

Twilight's mother bowed. "Welcome to our humble home, Great Sage."

Celestia nodded to her. "A pleasure, Twilight Velvet." She studied the two girls before her. "Everything that happened today...I've never seen such a bizarre string of luck. If that Changeling had chosen to impersonate anyone else..."

"Yeah...it's lucky for us we met Pinkie last night and made friends with her," Rainbow said. "Hey, wait...that means we're friends with somebody famous! Sorta."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "After what happened this afternoon, the two of you are going to attract far more attention than I'm comfortable with."

Twilight visibly wilted. "Celestia-sama...I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault," Celestia said. "What happened this afternoon was unavoidable." She walked over to the sofa and sat primly, crossing her legs. "Of more importance is the Changeling which was summoned. As I said, that was no ordinary Changeling."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.

"Now that you mention it," Rainbow said, "she was a whole lot less...well...buggy than the others."

"That's correct," Celestia said. "Most Changelings are simple, instinctual creatures, barely capable of mimicking intelligence, driven by hunger. The creature you fought today was a higher order of Changeling. Everything I know of these creatures suggests that there are less than a dozen of this type of Changeling at any given time. They help the Queen keep the swarm in line." She frowned. "It worries me that our unknown foe is capable of summoning such a dangerous creature." She looked at the two girls. "Please...be careful. This situation may be more dangerous than even I anticipated."

"Of course, Celestia-sama."

"The remaining three Elements of Harmony...you must find those worthy of bearing them quickly. You will need all the help you can get." Celestia began to shine as brightly as the sun, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the light faded, she was gone.

Velvet looked at the two girls. "So...tea?" she asked.

* * * * *

"Explain yourself, young lady."

Pinkie looked at her father, whose arms were folded. His heavy grey sideburns were caked with rock dust, as usual, and he had a rough, slender shard of rock in his mouth. Her mother sat beside him, hair tied up in a severe bun, glowering disapprovingly over her pince-nez spectacles. Her younger twin sisters were frowning at her. Maud's expression was unreadable.

"What were you doing prancing around in some ridiculous outfit, playing some silly make-believe game in the middle of the park? Well?"

Pinkie flinched. All her life, her father had disapproved of everything she ever wanted to do. She'd never had friends because of him, because of her sisters, because everything about her family was boring. Her entire life had been nothing but dull, dreary grey. Even the fact that she had pink hair instead of the shades of grey the rest of the family had seemed to annoy him.

The only thing she'd ever had, the one joy in her dreary life, was her secret second life as Smile. She dreaded the day her family...her father...would learn the truth. She dreaded having that one thing taken away from her.

"I raised you to be a responsible, down-to-earth girl. I didn't raise some silly, flighty—"

"That's enough, Papa."

Everyone blinked. As one, the Pies turned to stare at Maud, who had fixed her father with a glare as hard as granite.

"Excuse me?" Papa Pie asked.

"Let Pinkie do whatever she wants," Maud said. "You have four daughters. Three of us want to take over the family business. Isn't that enough? Pinkie doesn't care about rocks. Just...let her do what makes her happy."

Maud looked at Pinkie...and smiled.

Papa blinked rapidly. Mama's pince-nez fell to her lap. The twins stared at Maud in shock.

"My Reveal spell...it's supposed to reveal the true nature of whatever I cast it on. I only use it to unmask Changelings, but...I guess in this case, it revealed Pie-san's true nature. It revealed that she's really the Net Idol Smile."

My true nature...

Pinkie looked at her father, staring defiantly into his eyes. "Papa...I love you, and I love Mama, and I love my sisters. But I don't love rocks. I love making people happy. Singing, dancing, or just...just being myself. I just want to make people smile. And...that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to be me, and do what I want to do."

Papa was silent for a long time.

"Did I mention I've made two million yen so far as a Net Idol?"

Every jaw dropped.

"...well dang," Papa said. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Okay...you win."

"Yay!" Pinkie's hair exploded into a poofy cotton candy mess, and she jumped up and down. "I love you, Papa!"

Papa grunted. "Well, I've got things to do. Come along, girls...I'll drive you to the shop..."

Once Papa and the twins had left, Pinkie headed up to her room. She flopped back on her bed, letting out a happy sigh.

A moment later, her door opened. She looked up to see Maud standing in the doorway. "Oneesan...thank you for standing up for me," Pinkie said.

"Papa can be a little hard-headed," Maud said. "I just want to see you live your own life and be happy." She tilted her head. "So were those the girls you had yakiniku with last night?"

"Yeah, they—" Pinkie's eyes widened. "Wait, how did you—?"

Maud smirked and walked away, whistling one of Smile's songs.

Pinkie stared after her, jaw agape. "Oneesan..."

* * * * *

Rainbow stayed over at Twilight's place again. Her dad had seen the news report; when she'd spoken to him on the phone, he'd laughed his ass off. "And here I thought you were only interested in sports," he'd said. "Never thought I'd see you flying around on wires wearing some silly costume!"

When they arrived at school, there was a sizeable crowd gathered in the courtyard. "Uhh, girls? A little help here?" Pinkie called to them in a strained voice, waving frantically. All around her, students were screaming and squealing and trying to get to her. When they saw Twilight and Rainbow, some of the crowd broke away and surrounded them.

"Oh crap," Rainbow said, eyes wide.

"This is bad," Twilight muttered, retreating a half step from the advancing crowd. The students were clamoring excitedly; she could barely make out anything they were saying among the sea of screams and shouts.

"What's your idol name?" someone asked.

"Do you sing?"

"Weren't you just saying you thought Net Idols were dumb?" the spearmint-haired girl from their class said to Rainbow.

"Mou, Lyra-chan!" the wall-eyed blond said, tugging on the former's sleeve. "It's called a cover story! Leave Rainbow-chan alone!"

"Hai, minna-san!" a high, clear voice rang through the crowd. "You've bothered these girls enough, it's time for everyone to get to class!"

The crowd showed no signs of parting.

"I said..."

Rainbow, Pinkie, and Twilight could only stare as bodies were tossed left and right.

"GET TO CLASS!"

The crowd of students quickly parted, revealing a tall girl with incredibly long legs, the bustline of a bikini model, pale, smooth skin, perfectly manicured, polished nails, and long, vibrant purple hair, styled in flowing waves and elegant curls. The skirt of her uniform was almost obscenely short, and she wore a tasteful amount of makeup, with soft violet eyeshadow and thick mascara that accentuated her sapphire eyes. Her chest heaved; from her stance, it was clear that she had just bodily thrown a boy across the yard. She stood, smoothing her skirt and straightening her blouse, and glared around at the remaining students. They wilted under her glare and quickly shuffled toward the building.

"Whoa," Rainbow said.

Twilight walked up to the girl and bowed. "Thank you very much," she said.

The girl examined her with a haughty gaze. "You are new here, are you not?"

"Hai," Twilight said. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, from Class 2-C..."

"That costume you were wearing on television was trashy and ridiculous," the tall girl said. "If you want something more fashionable, see me after school. I'll be in the Fashion Club room." She turned and marched away.

Pinkie skipped over to Twilight as Rainbow walked up alongside her.

"Trashy and ridiculous?" Twilight asked, frowning.

"Well...it IS kinda...umm..." Pinkie said. "Oh, not that I'm judging or anything! I mean I've worn some pretty silly stuff on the Net..."

"Who was that?" Twilight asked, ignoring Pinkie.

"That was Rarity-senpai," Rainbow said. "She's the president of the Fashion Club and captain of the Judo Club." She shuddered. "I'd heard she could be scary, but I've never actually seen it before."

"We'd better get to class," Pinkie said, looking around nervously at the thrown students who were getting up. "Meet you girls on the roof for lunch?"

"If your adoring fans don't tear you apart first," Rainbow said.

* * * * *

When Twilight and Rainbow reached their class, the questioning resumed. Even the appearance of Miss Cheerilee didn't do much to settle things down, mostly because she was as curious as everybody else. Twilight and Rainbow resigned themselves to having to spend the rest of the day pretending to be junior Net Idols and Smile's new sidekicks.

Pinkie fared worse, predictably. Not only did she face questions, squealing fans, and far less savory attention from every angle, she endured a full-force death glare from her dour, sullen homeroom teacher, Mr. Doodle. He seemed to take it as a personal affront that one of his homeroom students was a Net Idol.

When lunch came around, the three girls tried to have lunch on the roof, only to be swarmed at the roof access stairs. They spent several minutes frantically trying to evade pursuit; at length, they were forced to retreat into a restroom, from which Twilight teleported them to an empty, disused classroom on the first floor. It was dusty and stifling, but it was preferable to being mobbed.

"Funny, I didn't think revealing my identity would be this unsmile," Pinkie said. "They're crazy!"

"Eh, it'll probably die down," Rainbow said. "Once they get used to the idea, they'll leave us alone."

"Do I really look trashy and ridiculous as a mahoushoujo?" Twilight asked, frowning at her pickle.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Does it really matter? I mean, yesterday was a fluke, right? Usually only gross bug monsters are gonna see us in those outfits."

"Maybe if your costume had a skirt," Pinkie mused. "Then it wouldn't look so dominatrixy."

Twilight turned red. "I do not look like a dominatrix!" she cried. "...do I?"

"Welllll..."

Lunch was over far too soon for the three girls' liking, and they were forced to rejoin the other students. The rest of the day was almost as hectic as the morning had been, and all three were relieved when the final bell rang.

It took considerable effort to evade the screaming throngs of students, but Twilight and Rainbow managed to join up with Pinkie, and the three of them gave their fans the slip with some assistance from Spike, who showed up right at the final bell. Within minutes, they were outside the bookstore.

Twilight Velvet smiled at the three of them as they walked in. "You must be Twiley-chan's new friend!" she said to Pinkie.

Pinkie giggled. "Yep, that's me!"

"Come on upstairs," Twilight said. "I need to fill you in on a few things."

"Oooh, goodie!" Pinkie said happily. "We didn't really get to talk about why we're mahoushoujo and all that stuff yesterday..."

* * * * *

"Irasshaimase!" Twilight Velvet called as the bell over the door jingled. Two boys, somewhat younger than her daughter, entered. The shorter of the two had thick, heavy eyebrows, a sloping forehead, beady black eyes, and short, messy light brown hair. His skin had an unhealthy gray pallor, and he wore a black T-shirt and jeans. The other, taller boy had tanned skin, freckles, and dull, stupid eyes. He wore his short seafoam-green hair in a bowl cut with a massive cowlick at the back, and wore a green sweater-vest and khakis.

The shorter boy walked up to the counter. "Are you Twilight Velvet choki?" he asked in a raspy voice.

"Hai," she replied.

The short boy nodded to his companion, who snapped his fingers. A thick, foul mist filled the shop.

"Now...scream as loud as you can noso," the tall boy said, pulling a roll of duct tape out of his sweater.

* * * * *

Twilight was just setting out snacks in the living room when her mother screamed downstairs. The three girls looked around at one another and bolted for the door. In the downstairs hall, they collided with Spike. "What's going on?" Twilight asked frantically.

"What's that smell?" Rainbow asked, coughing and waving a hand in front of her face.

"It's Chaos Mist," Spike said, covering his mouth with his shirt.

"Chaos Mist?!" Twilight gasped. "But...that's...!"

"Impossible, I know!" Spike said. "The only place they could've gotten it is..."

"...the secure vault on Sun Island," Twilight finished. "This is bad..."

"What's Chaos Mist?" Rainbow asked.

"A weapon from an ancient war," Twilight said. "It disrupts magic."

"Meaning your mom is defenseless," Spike said. "My powers won't be very effective in this, Twilight can't use magic at all, and you girls can't transform."

"Crap!" Rainbow said, pushing past Spike and rushing out into the mist, coughing.

"Rainbow-san!" Twilight cried, raising a hand, then letting it fall to her side. "Okaasan..." Shaking her head, she followed Rainbow into the bookstore, Pinkie hot on her heels. Spike followed a moment later.

Two boys stood in the doorway, holding a bound Velvet between them. Her eyes were wide and pleading as she saw her daughter.

"Let her go!" Rainbow cried.

"Not so fast choki," the shorter boy said. He pulled a large, wicked knife out of his pocket. "You don't wanna do anything hasty choki."

"Yeah, especially when you can't use magic noso," the other boy said.

"What do you want?" Twilight demanded. "How do you know who we are? How do you have Chaos Mist?"

"Ehh...we're just here to deliver a message noso," the taller boy said. "If you want to see your mother again, come to the abandoned Kuregata Factory at sunset."

"Don't be late choki," the other boy said.

"Wait—!" Twilight cried.

A swirling black vortex opened behind the two boys, and they stepped back into it. Before any of the girls or Spike could react, the boys and Twilight Velvet were gone, and the vortex had vanished.

Twilight sank to her knees. "Okaasan..."

Pinkie knelt beside her and placed her hands on Twilight's shoulders. "We'll get her back," she said.

"It's a half hour until sunset," Rainbow said. "We'd better hurry."

Twilight stood and nodded. "We'll have to take the train," she said. "Not even Spike can teleport after being exposed to Chaos Mist."

"What about..." Pinkie began. "Will we...?"

"The effects should wear off by the time we get there," Twilight said shakily.

"Then we'd best get out of here now," Rainbow said, headed for the door. Twilight and Pinkie followed.

"I'll stay here and try to do something about this mist," Spike said. "Then I'll call Celestia-sama."

"Good idea," Twilight said.

"Good luck!" Spike called at their retreating backs.

* * * * *

The sun was just beginning to set when the girls stepped off the train in a part of Pony City none of them had ever set foot in. "We'd better hurry," Twilight said.

Rainbow looked at her phone. "It's two blocks that way."

After a two-block walk, they came upon the Kuregata Factory: a large industrial complex that had definitely seen better days. Its chain-link fence was rusted and torn in places, many of its grimy windows were cracked and broken or boarded up, and faded graffiti was spray-painted all over its walls.

"Creepy place," Twilight said nervously.

"Yeah, it was condemned about six years ago," Rainbow said. "There was like, a meth lab or something. I don't really remember it too well."

"Perfect place for an evil lair," Pinkie said.

"Stay alert, girls," Twilight said as she pulled out her henshin locket. The others followed suit; the three girls transformed, then entered the factory.

The inside was empty, filthy, and quiet. The dull, dusty windows strained the dull, orange-reddish light, bathing the factory floor in a blood-red glow.

"This place is really unsmile," Pinkie said, looking around nervously.

"You'd think the bad guys could at least tidy up a bit," Rainbow said.

"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle," a voice called from all around them. "So good of you to accept my invitation."

Twilight's eyes widened and her face went pale. "No..." she breathed. "It...it can't be...!"

The click of heels echoed through the cavernous factory. With a series of thunderous snaps, the factory lights turned on, shedding a powerful halogen glow on the dusty floor, revealing a girl approximately Twilight's age. She was slightly taller than Twilight, with tanned skin and a beautiful but cruel face with dark, malicious teal eyes. Gleaming copper hair shot through with glistening gold streaks cascaded down her back. She wore glossy knee-high black leather boots with stiletto heels, a dangerously short orange pleather miniskirt with a double yellow and purple stripe along the right hip, shoulder-length black leather gloves, and a black leather cape which left her shoulders bare, but covered the top halves of her ample breasts; the cape was fastened across her otherwise-bare torso with thin gold chains secured by a clasp in the shape of a two-tone red and gold sun.

"It's been a very long time," the girl said.

"Now that's a trashy outfit," Pinkie commented.

"Who's THIS skank?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight stared, face pale. "Sunset Shimmer," she whispered in shock.

Sunset Shimmer folded her arms, a cold smirk on her face. "Hello, cousin," she said. "Surprised to see me? I thought for certain the Great Sun Bitch sent you to hunt me down."

Twilight's eyes hardened. In a flash, she was in front of Sunset; her baton had transformed into a rapier, and she had impaled Sunset through a kidney.

Sunset rolled her eyes and teleported three paces to the left. Pinkie and Rainbow watched in stunned silence as the bleeding wound sealed itself up with a burst of crimson light.

"That wasn't very nice, Twilight," Sunset said, examining her fingernails.

"Where's my mother?!" Twilight snarled.

Sunset rolled her eyes again. "Oh, please," she said. "I just needed to get your attention. I wouldn't dream of hurting Auntie Velvet."

"You expect me to believe that after you killed Aunt Satin?"

"I didn't kill my dear mother," Sunset said. "I sacrificed her. It was necessary. I needed her power."

Rainbow's jaw dropped. "Whoa. You killed your own mother?!"

"That's the most unsmile thing I've ever heard!" Pinkie said.

Twilight's jaw hardened. "Sunset Shimmer murdered her own mother and drank every drop of her blood," she said.

Pinkie's eyes bugged out. "Ewww! You mean she's a vampire?"

"No...it was part of a ritual to steal her mother's magical power," Twilight said. "She wanted to become immortal."

"So...she's a vampire," Rainbow said.

Ignoring her, Twilight continued, "Celestia-sama ordered her imprisoned, but she escaped. She fled Sun Island, and Celestia-sama was never able to track her. That was two years ago." She leveled her rapier at Sunset. "In the name of the Sun, I'm going to punish you for your crimes and deliver you to Celestia-sama!"

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy killing you and your pathetic little friends..." Sunset smiled darkly and extended her right arm out to her side. In a flash of crimson fire, a scythe with a black lacquered shaft and a two-tone copper and gold blade appeared. She grabbed it and swung it in a wide arc in front of her. "Prepare to DIE, Twilight Sparkle!"

* * * * *

Spike hauled the large, heavy vacuum cleaner out of the closet in the back of the shop, found the heavy-duty extension cord, and plugged it in. Assembling the hose, he dragged the vacuum into the center of the store and turned it on, holding the end of the nozzle up into the air. Slowly, the thick, foul mist began to thin slightly as it was drawn towards the vacuum.

Frowning, he threw open the front door, then headed back into the supply closet and dragged out a large box fan, which he plugged in behind the counter and pointed it at the door.

Several minutes later, the combined efforts of the box fan and the vacuum had mostly dispelled the Chaos Mist.

Nodding with satisfaction, he raced upstairs, threw open the door to Twilight's bedroom, and rifled through her hamper, hauling out a double handful of bras and panties. He held them up to his nose and inhaled deeply, rubbing his cheek against them, then dropped them back in the hamper and headed downstairs, stopping just short of the counter. He took a deep breath and exhaled a broad, pale fan of emerald flames that spread to every corner of the shop.

Once he stopped for breath, the shop was clear of Chaos Mist; fortunately for him, nothing was burned. "Lucky for me Twilight forgot to do her laundry," he muttered. Turning off the vacuum and the fan and closing the door, he headed back upstairs and returned to Twilight's room. "Communication!"

A dimly-lit bedroom with a large, ornate four-poster canopy bed draped in exquisite white satin sheets faded into view. Celestia walked past the bed in her underwear.

"Celestia-sama!" Spike called.

Celestia turned to the mirror and yelped, covering herself. "Gah! SPIKE!"

"Sorry!" Spike said. "But this is important! Aunt Velvet was kidnapped by the enemy!"

Celestia gasped. She made a gesture, quickly covering herself in a flowing silk nightgown. "This is terrible! Is my student—"

"On her way," Spike said. "She was called out. Her and the others." He swallowed. "The guys who took Aunt Velvet used Chaos Mist."

Celestia inhaled sharply. "Chaos Mist? But..." She frowned. "There hasn't been a break-in down in the vaults in...years...where could they have—"

"I don't know, but I just spent the last fifteen minutes cleaning up after them," Spike said. "The ones who took Aunt Velvet were kids about my age, two boys. I don't think they're the ones behind all the Changelings, though." He frowned. "Celestia-sama, couldn't you—"

"Even if I could leave Sun Island," Celestia said, "I can't do anything once the sun sets. I can't even observe the situation." She sighed. "If only..." She shook her head. "We're just going to have to trust that Twilight Sparkle and the others can handle the situation."

Spike sighed. "Yeah." He frowned. "The Chaos Mist thing bothers me. Are you sure—"

"The God of Chaos remains imprisoned within the Kokoroseki," Celestia said firmly. "The only source of Chaos Mist is the vaults here on Sun Island."

Spike nodded. "Then whoever we're dealing with—"

"—is from Sun Island," Celestia said grimly. "Have Twilight Sparkle contact me at sunrise." With that, her bedroom faded from the mirror.

Spike sighed. "If she's still..."

In a flash, Spike's combat attire appeared. He rounded up as much of Twilight's dirty underwear as he could, stuffed them into his pocket dimension, and teleported to the factory.

* * * * *

"FLARE!"

The three mahoushoujo leapt away as a massive crimson and orange fireball ripped through the spot where they'd been standing. Rainbow took to the air, wings beating powerfully as she flew at Sunset, spinning her lance. "TORNADO!" A glowing wind funnel ripped through the stagnant, dusty factory air, lifting Sunset off the ground, spinning her violently in the air, and throwing her into the broken base of some long-missing factory machine.

"Nice shot, Rainbow-chan!" Pinkie called. "My turn! "SMILE CONFETTI VAGINA!" With a tremendous BOOM and a cloud of pink smoke, a blast of confetti, streamers, balloons, cupcakes, party hats, and birthday candles exploded out of Pinkie's bazooka, slamming into Sunset as she pushed herself to her feet. Arcs of pink electricity coursed over Sunset's body; she smirked and swung her scythe at Pinkie. The energy of Pinkie's attack was redirected, striking Pinkie with a tremendous explosion that flung her into the front wall of the factory.

"PINKIE!" Rainbow cried, flying over.

Pinkie slumped against the wall, groaning. "That was super-unsmile," she said woozily.

"Specimen pin!" Twilight called, pointing her rapier at Sunset. Golden needles streaked forth, lancing Sunset through the right arm, left leg, and abdomen. She grunted as she braced herself against her scythe.

"You know," Sunset said, gritting her teeth as the magic needles disappeared and the various scrapes and burns on her body healed themselves, "I might be immortal, but that still hurts."

"Good," Twilight said, reverting her rapier to its baton form. "REPEL!" She aimed her baton at Sunset and unleashed a powerful bolt of violet magic.

Sunset rolled her eyes and waved her scythe. "REPEL!" A shaft of crimson magic intercepted Twilight's attack; the two blasts exploded, spraying dust and chunks of factory floor in all directions. She teleported behind Twilight and struck with her scythe, slashing Twilight across the back of her leg. Twilight screamed and went down, clutching her wounded leg.

Rainbow dropped out of the sky and slammed the spikes of her lance into Sunset's head, burying them deep in her skull. "ZAP!" Sunset screamed as blue lightning coursed through her body; her bones glowed through her skin. With a tremendous thunderclap, she was blown clear across the factory and lay in a smoking, bleeding heap.

"Twilight! Are you okay?" Rainbow asked, landing next to her. Pinkie rushed over.

Twilight grimaced and laid her hands on her wounded leg, bathing it in a lavender aura. A moment later, she gingerly stood, testing her leg. "I'll be alright," she said.

Sunset laughed. "Not for long," she said, teleporting into the air and readying a massive fireball.

"Chikushou...!" Rainbow spat. "That attack should have killed her!"

"I don't think anything can kill her," Twilight said, worry in her eyes. "BARRIER!" she added, twirling her baton quickly and erecting a magical barrier in front of the three girls. It shuddered as Sunset's spell impacted against it, but held. She frowned. "I've got an idea. You need to attack her simultaneously."

"Got it," Rainbow said, taking wing.

"You can count on me!" Pinkie said, kneeling beside Twilight and bracing her bazooka.

Twilight transfigured her baton into a rapier again and began concentrating, eyes fixed on Sunset.

Sunset landed on the factory floor, leaning against her scythe, an amused smirk on her face. "Really," she said derisively. "Do you think a combined attack is going to work? I'm immortal."

"We'll see about that!" Rainbow cried. "ZAP!"

"SMILE ELECTRIC VAGINA!"

Blue lightning combined with pink lightning, becoming a shaft of bright lavender electricity. The combined attack hit Sunset, who gritted her teeth and braced herself, straining against the agony of the strike.

Twilight raised her rapier above her head. "ERASE MAGIC!" She brought her rapier down in a quick, whipping motion, pointing it at Sunset Shimmer. A wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles poured forth from the blade, enveloping her...

...and scattering harmlessly as Sunset swung her scythe, unleashing another deadly crimson fireball, which struck Twilight and Pinkie. She leapt into the air and drove the blunt back of the scythe into Rainbow's abdomen, then delivered a spinning kick to her head, sending her crashing to the floor in a heap.

Sunset laughed coldly as she landed. "As I said before," she said, "I'm immortal. You girls are...amusing...but it's time for you to die now."

* * * * *

Spike crept through the loading bay entrance at the rear of the factory, cloaked in his Indifference charm. Despite the factory being abandoned, the electricity seemed to be on. He prowled around the complex of offices and break rooms at the rear of the factory, and eventually found the two boys who had kidnapped Twilight Velvet sitting in a break room, eating chips and drinking sodas as they watched a monitor in the corner. There was no sign of their captive; frowning, he kept exploring.

He heard muffled noises from the employees' toilet. He tried the door, but it was locked. With a grim smile, he cast a Remove Lock spell. The door swung open easily. There was no light inside; he produced a flashlight from his pocket dimension and shone it inside.

Twilight Velvet sat on the old, dirty toilet, bound and gagged with duct tape. She tensed up, eyes wide and terrified.

"Aunt Velvet, it's me," Spike said, dropping his Indifference charm. Velvet visibly sagged. Spike drew his dagger from his pocket dimension and set to work cutting her free.

As he removed the tape gagging her, she said, "The girls are in trouble. Those boys...they're working for—"

A jolt of electricity struck her. She twitched and slumped over.

Spike turned to see the two kidnappers standing behind him. The tall one held a gleaming silver wand in one hand, while the shorter one held a pair of knives.

"Big mistake choki," the short boy said.

Spike smiled grimly. "You have no idea how hard I'm gonna kick your butts." His dagger began to burn with emerald flames, and he charged forward, slashing the taller boy in the wrist and forcing him to drop the wand. He ducked low and swept the shorter boy's legs, then expelled a cloud of green fire, banishing the boy's knives. He hauled the tall boy up by the throat and pinned him to the wall, pressing the burning blade of his dagger against the boy's cheek.

The tall boy gasped for breath. "You're...you're from the Emerald Flame Clan?"

"That's right," Spike said, grinning savagely. "And you know what we do to people who hurt our loved ones?"

The short boy let out a bellow as he rose to his feet and headbutted Spike in the stomach, sending him crashing into the insensate Twilight Velvet. He cracked his knuckles. "Hey Snails, who's afraid of the big bad Dragon choki?"

Snails laughed. "Yeah, good one Snips! He's not so tough noso!"

Spike smiled as he stood up. "Wanna bet?" His eyes began to glow...

...and he transformed into a nine-foot-tall dragon.

Snips and Snails stared up at the angry purple dragon, eyes shrunken to pinpricks. "Screw this choki!" Snips turned and ran as fast as his short, thick legs would carry him.

"Uhhh...yeah...right behind you noso!" Snails stammered, nearly tripping over himself as he dashed off after Snips.

The dragon disappeared in a burst of flame, replaced by Spike. "Whew..." he said, wiping his brow with his arm.

"Nice illusion spell," Twilight Velvet said weakly as she struggled to sit up. She frowned at the duct tape still confining her. Her eyes glowed softly, and the tape vanished.

"Good thing they're idiots," Spike said. "Are they from Sun Island?"

"I think so," Velvet said. "More importantly, they're working for Sunset Shimmer."

Spike's eyes widened. "You...you can't be serious!"

"I saw her," Velvet said.

"Oh man..." Spike said. "Neechan's in trouble!" He stood in the doorway, jogging indecisively in place.

"Go help the girls," Velvet said. "I can manage." With that, she disappeared in a soft burst of pale lavender-white light.

Spike sighed and charged out into the factory, calling forth his dagger again. *Neechan...please be alright...*

* * * * *

Spell after spell battered against Twilight's shield; she cried out in pain as the effort to maintain her barrier brought tears to her eyes. She had already been driven to her knees; Rainbow and Pinkie knelt beside her, arms around her in support. They watched Sunset Shimmer fearfully as she cast wave after wave of magic.

"Give...up...and...DIE!" Sunset grunted.

"We're...not...giving...up!" Twilight hissed out between breaths, straining to hold up her shield.

"How can we fight this bitch?" Rainbow asked.

"I don't know," Twilight said. Her shield began to flicker.

Sunset let out a long, loud, triumphant evil laugh. "You're running out of power!" she called. "It ends now! INFERNO—"

"RYUUTATE NO JUTSU!"

A massive wall of green magic appeared between Sunset and the trio of mahoushoujo. Her spell collided with it and was absorbed; the wall warped, transforming into a giant green dragon, which roared and spat Sunset's magic back at her as a column of crimson flames flecked with green. Sunset screamed as her own spell engulfed her, setting her ablaze. The green dragon vanished as abruptly as it had appeared.

"Are you girls alright?"

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie looked up and let out a sigh of relief. Twilight's barrier fell. "Spike!" she cried happily, pushing herself to her feet.

Spike ran over to the mahoushoujo. "Wow, you girls look terrible," he said.

"How did you—?" Rainbow asked, jaw agape.

Spike snorted. "Are you kidding? Did you SEE those tits?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Anyway, it's a good thing you showed up when you did. Is—"

"Aunt Velvet's fine. She's already gone home."

Twilight let out a sigh of relief. "Good. Let's—"

"THAT. REALLY. HURT!"

"Oh crap," Rainbow said in a small voice.

Towering crimson flames engulfed half the factory as Sunset Shimmer stalked toward them, completely unharmed. She waved her scythe at Spike; he crumpled like an aluminum can.

"SPIKE!" Twilight gasped, kneeling beside him.

"Gonna...take a nap now..." Spike said, closing his eyes.

Twilight stood, eyes blazing. "Sunset Shimmer! I won't let you hurt anyone else!"

"Oh? And how do you intend to stop me?" Sunset asked. Flames wreathed her scythe.

"I'll find a way!" Twilight declared.

"We'll find a way!" Rainbow amended, standing beside Twilight.

"Yeah! The three of us are friends! We fight together...and we're not gonna die just because some unsmile vampire skank says so!"

Twilight looked at them, tears shining in her eyes. "Rainbow Dash...Pinkie Pie...my friends..." Her breath caught in her throat. "My...friends..."

A soft lavender glow began to spread outward from Twilight's heart, enveloping her entire body.

"Yes...we're your friends," Rainbow said. A soft sky-blue glow spread from her heart, covering her body.

"Friends forever!" Pinkie declared happily as a bright pink glow spread from her heart, covering her body.

Twilight opened her eyes, which glowed with a pure, bright white light. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, bearer of the Element of...MAGIC!"

"I'm Rainbow Dash, bearer of the Element of...LOYALTY!"

"I'm Pinkie Pie, bearer of the Element of...LAUGHTER!"

"Our friendship can overcome anything! Even in the face of death, we'll always be friends...and our friendship IS magic!"

A wave of pure white light poured forth from the three girls, gentle and warm, filling the air with a soft, serene chime. As it washed over Sunset Shimmer, her flawless skin began to change. Scars, burns, bruises, and puckered, bleeding wounds covered most of her body. She screamed in agony. "What...what did you DO TO ME?!"

The glow of magic faded from the three girls. Their transformations reversed, leaving them in their school uniforms. They stared at the scarred, burned, bleeding Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset's teal eyes burned with fury. "This isn't over, Twilight Sparkle!" she cried in rage and anguish. Crimson flames engulfed her, and she was gone.

"What just happened?" Pinkie asked.

"Did...did we win?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight sighed. "For now," she said. "But I don't think we finished her off. If she had enough strength to teleport away...she'll be back." She looked at her friends and wiped tears from her eyes. "Let's go home." She leaned down and gently slapped Spike's cheek. "Spike, wake up."

Spike groaned and looked up. "Neechan? Is it over?"

"Arigatou, Spike," Twilight said. "You really saved us."

"Yeah you did!" Rainbow said. "You rock, little dude!"

Spike smiled. "Glad I could help." He stood up shakily. "Sunset Shimmer sure filled out, didn't she?"

Twilight gently slapped him upside the head. "Perv," she said fondly. "Come on, we're going home."

* * * * *

Sunset materialized in the dark room and collapsed onto her favorite chair. Every inch of her body hurt. "What the HELL did they do to me? I'm immortal!"

She looked down at her scarred, bleeding hands, flexing them and hissing in pain. A very dim crimson glow surrounded them, and the bleeding slowly stopped.

Sunset let out a sigh. "This sucks..."

* * * * *

"Okaasan!" Twilight cried, throwing herself at her mother. The other girls collapsed wearily on the sofa.

"We have a lot to talk about," Twilight said. "But...we'll talk about it tomorrow."

"Agreed," Velvet said. She looked over the two girls on the sofa and grimaced. "Let me heal you girls up so your families won't freak out," she said.

After a round of healing magic, Rainbow and Pinkie left, and Twilight crawled into her own bed, exhausted.

At dawn, Twilight awoke to find Celestia sitting beside her bed. "Good morning, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said.

Twilight sat up sharply. "Celestia-sama!" She winced and clutched her shoulder.

"Are you alright, my student?"

"Just...tired and sore," Twilight said. "Celestia-sama...it's Sunset Shimmer. She's the one summoning the Changelings."

Celestia's face paled. "No..." she whispered.

"She's made herself immortal," Twilight said. "We couldn't even scratch her, until..."

"Until?" Celestia asked.

Twilight frowned. "I think...the Elements of Harmony are the only thing that can hurt her now."

Celestia sighed. "Then she is still a threat," she said.

Twilight nodded. "We won't be able to finish her off until we have the power of all six, will we?"

"I'm afraid not," Celestia said. "So you must continue to seek out friends here in Pony City...and remain vigilant for whatever new threats Sunset Shimmer unleashes."

"My friends and I won't let her hurt anyone else," Twilight said. "I promise."

Celestia smiled. "Then I leave everything in your capable hands," she said. She faded away into the golden morning light. Twilight flopped onto her back in bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"Friends..." she sighed. "Can I really make new friends, knowing I'll just be putting them in danger?"

Author's Note

Two million yen is a little over $19,000 US.

There's one thing in this chapter which may look like an error, but it's not: When Celestia appears at Twilight's apartment, she isn't there in the flesh. It's a projection. Celestia cannot physically leave Sun Island.

You may have noticed that certain things like place and object names which are in Japanese don't appear in the glossary. That's because knowing what these things mean isn't strictly necessary...assuming they mean anything at all. If you want to find out whether they do or not, it's on you to find it. :raritywink: (The lone exception is the "Kokoroseki" mentioned in this chapter. That's going to be important...much, MUCH later. Some of you have doubtless already figured out what it is...)

Magic 6: ﾊﾟﾗｽﾌﾟﾗｲﾄ

"You wanted to see us noso?"

Sunset Shimmer sat in her usual chair, but the room was darker than usual; Snips and Snails couldn't see her at all. "I need the two of you to keep Twilight Sparkle and her little friends busy," she said.

The boys looked at one another. "Uhh...you want us to kidnap their families choki?"

"We can't go after Twilight Velvet again noso. We used up all the Chaos Mist we stole—"

"No more attacks on their families," Sunset said. "Using Twilight Velvet as bait was the most direct way to draw out Twilight Sparkle, but it's better to keep a low profile for now. The less attention we attract, the better." She sighed. "Celestia knows I'm in this city now. No doubt she'll send hunters."

"But...you're immortal noso," Snails said. "You're one of the most notorious criminals in the history of Sun Island! You're seriously worried about—"

A fireball slammed into Snails, knocking him across the room.

"I can't afford any pointless battles with Celestia's soldiers!" Sunset roared. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends...weakened me somehow. My regeneration magic is..." She sighed and snapped her fingers. The lights came up.

Snips and Snails stared at the scarred, battered form of Sunset Shimmer.

"Holy shit noso."

"You look like hell choki."

"No, really? I hadn't noticed," Sunset said venomously. "Until I'm able to recover from my battle with those girls...I'm not taking any chances. Until I'm back at full strength, with my beauty restored, I'd rather not have any unwelcome visits."

The boys looked at one another. "So...what do you want us to do noso?"

Sunset's hand glowed, and a jagged black crystal appeared. She tossed it to Snips, who caught it easily. "You two washouts should have enough magic between you to keep summoning low-level Changelings using this. Just...keep that little bitch and her friends worn out." She smirked. "If you can, try to kill at least one of them."

Snips grinned. "You can count on us choki."

Sunset snorted. "Count on you? Please. You two are pathetic. But you're all I've got to work with. Now get out of here." The room plunged into darkness again.

Magic 6: ﾊﾟﾗｽﾌﾟﾗｲﾄ

To the relief of the three exhausted mahoushoujo, Saturday was a half-day of school.

"Man, I tellya," Rainbow said, arms crossed behind her head as she left the building with Twilight and Pinkie, "a boring Classical Lit lecture after what we went through last night? Not my idea of fun."

"Is a Classical Lit lecture ever your idea of fun?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow made a show of thinking about it. "Nah."

"Me neither," Pinkie said.

"Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," Twilight said. "I found it rather fascinating! In fact, most of the literary works referenced in the text are books I've never read! I'm sure they're in stock at the bookstore..." She adjusted her glasses. "Maybe I'll spend some time reading this weekend."

"Shouldn't you be on, like, patrol or somethin'?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight waved a hand dismissively. "Something tells me we won't be hearing from Sunset Shimmer for a while. You saw what happened to her after the fight. That impossibly fast healing of hers...broke somehow."

"Yeah, she did look...kinda like somebody who shouldn't be walking around half-naked," Pinkie said, shuddering.

"Unless I miss my guess, she's going to need time to recover, and probably isn't going to come after us again until then." Twilight smiled. "So I'm going to spend this weekend relaxing. Of course, if something does come up...we'll be ready. Right?"

"Yeah we will!" Rainbow cheered. "We're awesome!"

"We could be more awesome," Pinkie said. "My Pinkie Sense is telling me we got really lucky last night." She frowned. "Funny, it's also telling me Twilight-chan should hide right now—"

"Sparkle-san!" a voice called out. A long, silky-smooth arm with perfectly manicured fingernails coiled itself around Twilight's neck. "Could I have a moment of your time, please?"

"—and I was right," Pinkie said.

Twilight jerked free from the arm, spun around...and saw Rarity. She straightened, smoothed her skirt, and cleared her throat. "Senpai," she greeted cordially.

"I didn't see you after school yesterday," Rarity said in a lightly scolding, singsong tone. "Trust me, you really do want my assistance in improving your performing costume..."

Twilight blanched. "Anou..."

"She'll have to pass," Rainbow said. "Our, uh, manager's pretty strict about wardrobe."

"Yeah," Pinkie said, nodding rapidly. "Twilight-chan has a very specific role in our group."

"She does?" Rarity asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Well yeah! Can't you tell?" Pinkie asked. "I mean, look at her!" She seized Twilight's arms, waving them up and down, then pulled a lock of her hair out to the side, and finally pointed to her glasses. "She's the shy, withdrawn bookworm who doesn't say much and spends all her time studying, but she's secretly a sexy closet dominatrix!" Pinkie nodded frantically, arms folded. "She's very important fanservice for people who like sexy nerd girls."

Twilight blushed furiously. "Pinkie-san! Mou...!"

"I see," Rarity said with a small, mildly disapproving frown. "Well then. If you should ever change your mind...my door is always open, as it were..." She marched stiffly past the three girls, tossing her hair.

"Yikes," Rainbow said.

Twilight grabbed Pinkie's hair and tugged on it. "I'm what now?" she hissed.

"Calm down, Twilight-chan!" Pinkie said. "It was just to get rid of nosy Rarity!"

"But did you have to take it that far? That was humiliating!"

Pinkie giggled and stuck out her tongue. "There's nothing wrong with being fanservice! I do it for a living!" She bounced on her heels to emphasize her statement (as well as her impressive bust).

Twilight facepalmed. "Just...no," she said.

Rainbow snickered. "Well, I'm off. You girls wanna do something later?"

"I have to do a podcast this afternoon, but I'm free tomorrow," Pinkie said. "Maybe we could do karaoke?"

"Pass," Rainbow said. "I'm not a big fan of singing."

Pinkie shrugged. "Well, if you think of something, just call me." She waved and walked off.

"Seeya later Twi," Rainbow said, walking in a different direction.

Once they were gone, Twilight giggled and walked lightly home. "Okay, they're weird, but I'm glad I met them...my friends." With a warm, sunny smile, Twilight returned to the bookstore.

* * * * *

Snips looked down at the tiny, pathetic creature that sat in the middle of the summoning circle. "What the choki?!"

Snails picked up a black book engraved with archaic blood-red runes and skimmed through it. "Hmm...it's..." His eyes widened. He peered at the creature they'd summoned, then back at the book. An evil grin split his face. "Hey Snips...check this out noso."

Snips snatched the book and skimmed the passage Snails had been reading. His bushy eyebrows drew together. He let out a sinister chuckle. "This is perfect choki!"

"Yeah, just wait until Sunset Shimmer sees what's about to happen to Pony City noso..."

The boys chuckled darkly as the creature in the circle looked back and forth between them, a politely puzzled expression on its face, its tiny wings buzzing.

* * * * *

Twilight had just finished changing clothes and headed down to the bookstore to look for something new to read when Spike walked in through the front door. "Hey Spike, have a good day?"

"Eh, I guess," Spike said with a shrug. "So, are we doing anything with titless and the cute pink girl this weekend?"

"Spike! Stop calling Rainbow-san that!" Twilight chided. "And we might be doing something tomorrow...I don't really know yet."

"Cool. I wanna come with. I haven't really had much of a chance to talk to that pink girl yet, and she's really cute. I hope you make more friends with boobs as awesome as hers."

Twilight sighed. "You know, if you ever actually want to get anywhere with a girl, you've got to stop being so...you," she said.

"Get anywhere?" Spike said, frowning. "I'm not looking to get anywhere with a girl, I just want to ogle. And maybe cop a feel."

"If you feel up Pinkie-san, I will erase your hands from existence. And possibly something else," Twilight threatened.

"Yeah, yeah," Spike said dismissively. "So have you made any more new friends?"

"I was too tired to think about making friends today," Twilight said. "Besides, it was a half day. The only girl I even talked to other than Rainbow-san and Pinkie-san was..."

"Yes?" Spike asked, leaning forward with interest.

"A ridiculously prissy girl obsessed with clothes who thinks my mahoushoujo outfit looks trashy," Twilight said.

"Trashy?" Spike asked incredulously. "Heck no! You look so incredibly hot in that." He started to drool slightly.

"UGH!" Twilight groaned, throwing her hands up in frustration. "Must you constantly creep me out?!"

Spike grinned. "Making you squirm is my favorite hobby," he said. "You're just so cute when you're all flustered, I can't help myself!"

Twilight blushed. "Will you just...be somewhere else? Anywhere else?"

Spike chuckled. "Yeah yeah. I'm gonna grab a snack, I'm starving." He headed into the back and upstairs.

Twilight groaned. "One of these days, I'm gonna kill that little pervert," she muttered.

A light laugh made her turn around. Her mother smiled at her, eyes twinkling. "He wouldn't go out of his way to annoy you if he didn't care. You're his most important person in the world." She patted Twilight on the shoulder. "You may not be his sister by birth, but not even blood could make you closer. And you know you love him like a little brother."

Twilight sighed. "Yeah, I know," she said. "It's the only reason I put up with his obnoxious perverted habits." She clenched her fists and bowed her head. "WHY did he have to pick such a stupid vice to power his magic?"

Velvet smirked. "You mean you don't know? He picked it because of you."

Twilight's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

Velvet chuckled. "Spike's always looked up to you as a big sister, but...he's also always had a crush on you. And once you began to blossom into the beautiful young woman you are now, well...he noticed." She smiled. "His feelings for you are what made him choose the vice of lust. You make him strong in many ways. With your love and support as a sister, with the way you work together as a team, and even with your beautiful body to give him the strength to protect you."

Twilight stared at her mother, mouth slightly open. "Are you serious?" At her mother's nod, she looked down. "I...don't know how to feel about that."

"Feel loved," Velvet said, hugging her daughter. "Just feel loved." She paused, tilted her head, and added, "And I guess a little creeped out. I mean, he does sniff your underwear an awful lot."

Twilight turned green. "Gaaaaaah."

* * * * *

A tall, willowy girl with blue-green eyes and a long, lush wave of cherry blossom pink hair walked through the door of a small shop. The bell above the door jingled merrily.

"Irasshaimase, welcome to Li—oh, hello Fluttershy dear!"

"Good afternoon, Obaasama." Fluttershy tugged at the hem of her oversized yellow sweater. "Do you need any help today?"

The silver-haired woman behind the counter smiled. "Not especially, but it's so kind of you to always ask."

"Oh. Well, in that case, I'll just pick up Angel and be on my way."

As Fluttershy headed into the day camp area of the shop, her grandmother smirked. She knew Fluttershy would be in there until closing time.

Almost an hour later, Fluttershy left the day camp area, her pet white rabbit perched on her shoulder. Halfway between the pet store and her house, she spotted a tiny creature lying on the sidewalk. "Oh? Hello?"

She knelt down and examined the creature. It was a powder blue puffball with gossamer wings, roughly the size of a chicken egg. It had no discernible legs. As she leaned close, it opened a pair of bright green eyes and peered at her curiously.

"Maa, kawaii!" Fluttershy squealed, gently scooping it up in her hands. "I've never seen anything like you before. Are you lost? Oh, are you hurt or hungry?"

The creature let out a tiny 'meep', and Fluttershy giggled. "I'll take you to my house and take care of you," she said.

Angel began hissing at the puffball. It shook and shuddered. "Angel! Stop scaring the poor thing!" Fluttershy chided. As she walked the rest of the way home, the little puffball cupped protectively in her hands, Angel glared at it hatefully from his perch.

* * * * *

As she walked home, Rainbow Dash thought about everything that had happened recently. In just a few days' time, she'd found out magic was real, had her boyfriend taken from her by a monster, become a mahoushoujo, and befriended a transfer student and a Net Idol.

"Strangest week ever," she muttered to herself as she walked.

Without warning, she was knocked flat on her face. She looked wildly around, hand halfway to her locket.

An orange blur bounced away from her, landing on the sidewalk a meter in front of her. Her attacker was a ten-year-old girl with purple eyes and short, messy fuschia hair. She wore a dark orange track suit and a black headband. She had a mop handle strapped to her back, and held a pair of oversized rubber kunai as she smirked at Rainbow. "I've got you now, Rainbowmaru!"

Rainbow picked herself up with a groan. "Really, Scootaloo? You're playing Ramen Ninja now?"

"I'm not playing!" Scootaloo insisted. "I'm an elite ninja from the Village Hidden in the Ramen!" She ran at Rainbow, her toy weapons flailing wildly.

Rainbow yawned, took a step to the side, and caught Scootaloo in the gut with a foot as she passed. Scootaloo yelped, dropping her kunai as she crashed to the ground.

"I win," Rainbow said cheerfully.

Scootaloo picked herself up, groaning. "Your skills are impressive, Rainbowmaru! I see I'll need to use my secret technique to defeat you."

"Secret technique?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head.

Scootaloo pressed her hands together, index fingers extended. She pelted forward, feinting to the right and skidding past Rainbow. She spun on one toe, fingers aimed at Rainbow's rear.

"If you even try to kancho me, I'll beat the crap out of you for real, squirt," Rainbow warned without bothering to turn around.

Scootaloo froze, fingers trembling.

Rainbow turned around, smirked, and thumped Scootaloo in the forehead. "I win."

Scootaloo flailed around comically before taking a deliberate pratfall. "C-curse you...Rainbowmaru..."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "You've got to find some friends your own age," she said, reaching out a hand to help Scootaloo up.

Scootaloo sighed as she took Rainbow's hand. "Yeah, I know," she said. "It's just...really hard. They laugh at me for being such a tomboy."

Rainbow snorted. "Hey, I'm a tomboy, and nobody laughs at me. Just don't let it get to you and they'll stop."

"I guess..." Scootaloo said. "But even if I did have friends my own age...I still like playing with you! You're like, the coolest person I know!"

Rainbow chuckled. "Darn right I am!" She mussed Scootaloo's hair. "I gotta get home now. I've got homework. Later, Scootaloo!"

* * * * *

Fluttershy expertly flipped a hot cake, humming idly to herself. Once it was finished, she lifted it onto a small plate and sat down at the breakfast nook. She drizzled a bit of syrup onto it.

Ever since she had been a little girl, Fluttershy had enjoyed having a hot cake as a late evening snack. She whistled as she divided it into small bits with her fork, then took a bite.

On the table next to her, the puffball gave her a pleading, watery look. "Oh, goodness," she said. "Did...did you want a bite?" She frowned. "But...I don't even know if it's safe to give you this. Or what you eat."

The creature meeped plaintively.

"Oh...alright," Fluttershy said, cutting one of her pre-measured bites in half and placing it on her napkin. The creatured meeped cheerfully and devoured the morsel. Fluttershy giggled. "Maa...you were hungry, weren't you?"

After her snack, Fluttershy went about her evening routine. She checked to make sure Angel had eaten his dinner; he often neglected to eat when he was irritated, and his jealousy of the puffball was obvious. She washed her plate, then changed into her pajamas. She made a small nest out of a pillowcase and placed it on her nightstand, then set the puffball on it. It chirruped and closed its eyes. With a smile, Fluttershy picked Angel up from her desk and got into bed, cuddling him. "Don't worry, Angel. Our new little friend isn't going to take your place. I have plenty of love for both of you!" She turned off her bedside lamp; soon, she was fast asleep.

In the dim starlight from the window, the tiny creature's luminous green eyes glittered. A second, then a third puffball split away from its body and flew out the open window.

* * * * *

Tuesday morning, Pinkie walked into Class 2-C and headed for Twilight's desk, atop which Rainbow was sitting. Her appearance caused a stir, but she ignored the excited murmuring. "Hey, girls? I think something weird's going on."

"What's up, Pinkie?" Rainbow asked.

"It's just...have you noticed anybody carrying around these really strange pets?"

Twilight shrugged. "Not really, why?"

"Yeah, what's strange about that?"

Pinkie reached down her blouse and fished out a tiny orange puffball with huge green eyes and tiny fairy wings. She held it by one wing and waved it around. "These things just creep me out."

Rainbow blinked. "And yet, you're carrying one around in your bra," she said slowly.

"Not the point," Pinkie said dismissively. "I've never seen an animal like this before. Something about it just gives me a really unsmile feeling."

Twilight adjusted her glasses, studying the struggling puffball. "Hmm..."

"Ah! Smile-chan! Where'd you get that cute little thing!"

"Don't hold it like that! You're hurting it!"

"Yeah, be gentle with little animals, Smile-chan!"

Pinkie twitched, but released the creature's wing, letting it fall into Rainbow's lap. It nuzzled her leg and looked up at her pleadingly.

Rainbow shuddered. "Yech. I don't do fuzzy little critters. Shoo!"

"Well if you don't want him, I'll take him," Lyra said, plucking the puffball off Rainbow's lap and cradling it. "Is it okay if I hold it, Smile-chan?"

Pinkie waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah yeah, do whatever you want with it." She looked at Twilight. "I think this is something we should look into," she said quietly.

"Pinkie, I don't think that's the kind of thing we're needed for," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes.

Cheerilee walked up to them. "Excuse me, Smile-san...could you please return to your own classroom? I won't be able to start homeroom with you here. Ah! Not that I don't want you here! It's just you should only be in here...at lunch, maybe?"

"Ah! Sorry. I should get to class. Later, girls!"

Throughout homeroom, Twilight pondered Pinkie's concerns about the puffball. The spread of a new fad pet seemed harmless enough to her.

*Still...maybe I should ask around about those animals, just in case...*

* * * * *

Fluttershy yawned and laid her head down on her desk. For some reason, the morning's classes had been very tiring, and she wanted nothing more than a nice long nap.

As she dozed off, the puffball she carried in her school bag wiggled its way out, landing on her desk. It spat out a mint green duplicate of itself, which flew unnoticed out the classroom window. The tiny creature flew up to the roof, where it observed three girls eating lunch.

Its sparkling green eyes burned red for a moment, returning to normal as it flew closer.

"I'm just saying they're not normal," Pinkie said. "I mean, have you ever seen anything like that?"

"Well...no...but that doesn't necessarily mean—"

Twilight sighed as her friends argued. She ate a strip of grilled chicken from her bento, then looked up.

"Hey...girls...look."

The others stopped arguing and joined her in staring at the puffball that was watching them.

Pinkie shuddered. "Why's that thing looking at us?"

The puffball's eyes began to glow. It vibrated as green lightning crackled around its body.

"What the hell?" Rainbow wondered.

The puffball doubled in size, its wings turning black and leathery as it flew directly at Twilight.

Twilight's eyes widened. She cupped her hands together and pointed them at the creature. A shaft of magical energy lanced forth, slicing through the creature, which exploded into greenish-black smoke.

"What the hell WAS that thing?" Rainbow asked, eyes wide.

"You can do magic without transforming?" Pinkie asked, gasping.

"Only because I was born a mage," Twilight replied. "More importantly, we've got a problem. Those little fuzzball animals? They're Changelings." She frowned. "Not very powerful ones, though. Still...they could be dangerous."

"Yeah, but we can't exactly just go around killing peoples' pets," Rainbow said.

"Rainbow-chan is right. No matter how unsmile these things are, we can't really do anything until—"

"Until it's too late," Twilight said, sighing. "Yeah. This could be a problem."

* * * * *

Over the next few days, Twilight and her friends were randomly attacked by several more of the small Changelings. They were weak and easy to defeat; Twilight used magic, but Pinkie and Rainbow had found that a good whack with a solid object would kill them.

Friday morning, as Twilight was walking to school, she heard nearby students gossiping.

"Hey...did you hear about that pet shop girl?"

"You mean the girl in 2-B?"

"Yeah. I hear she had to go to the hospital."

"Really?!"

"Yeah. She's gone anemic or something."

"That's too bad. I was hoping I could find out where she got that cute little puffball pet from..."

"I thought maybe she got it at the pet shop, but...it turns out they don't actually sell pets."

After school, Twilight met up with Rainbow and Pinkie. "A girl in class 2-B has been hospitalized," she said.

"Fluttershy-san?" Pinkie said. "I heard about that. Anemia or something, wasn't it?"

"I don't think it's anemia," Twilight said. "From what I hear, she's somehow connected to those Changelings we've been dealing with."

"Connected as in she's summoning them?" Rainbow asked.

"I don't think so," Twilight replied. "It sounds more like she's the one they're feeding off of to reproduce."

"Reproduce?" Pinkie asked.

"That's right," Twilight said. "I think we're dealing with one parent Changeling that can reproduce. We've been fighting its children while it stays safely hidden away and feeds off that girl."

"What makes you think that?" Pinkie asked.

"Well, the things we've been fighting have been too easy to kill," Twilight said. "If they had any real power of their own, they'd be more dangerous."

Rainbow pounded a fist into an open palm. "They're like soup clones!"

"Soup clones?" Twilight asked, blinking.

"Yeah, you know, from that Ramen Ninja anime!" At Twilight's blank look, she explained, "It's a silly shounen anime. A couple kids in my neighborhood are really into it. The Ramen Ninjas make soup clones to distract enemies. They look like the real thing, but if you hit them, they turn into a big splash of ramen broth."

"Hmmm," Twilight mused. "Well...as...silly as that sounds...it really does sound like what we're dealing with here. Except for the soup part." She frowned. "Which means we need to find the parent creature."

"Well, if that girl's in the hospital, it's gonna need to find another food source, right?" Rainbow asked.

"Probably," Twilight said. "The first thing we should do is check out...what was her name again?"

"Fluttershy."

"We should check out Fluttershy-san's place." She frowned. "Do either of you know where she lives?"

"We could ask her granny," Pinkie said. "She runs a pet shop a few blocks from here."

The girls headed to the pet shop, where they were greeted by a haggard-looking silver-haired woman. "Excuse me," Twilight said as she approached the counter. "You're Fluttershy-san's grandmother, right?"

"Yes." The old woman sighed. "Are you friends of hers?"

"Actually, we don't really know her," Twilight said. "But we were wondering about a strange pet she acquired recently."

The old woman frowned. "Oh, you're here about that. I'm sorry, dears. We don't sell pets here, and I have no idea where she got that thing."

"That's not why we're here," Twilight said. "We're here because we think that animal may be the reason she's sick."

"It could be carrying a rare disease," Pinkie supplied.

The old woman gasped. "A rare disease?" She frowned. "Come to think of it, she only got sick after she found that thing..."

"Where is the animal now?" Twilight asked.

"It's at our house," the old woman answered. "I tried keeping it here at the day camp, but the other pets...didn't seem to like it very much."

"If you want, we can take it to the hospital for you," Twilight offered. "The doctors may need it to help figure out what's wrong with your granddaughter."

The old woman smiled. "That's very kind of you," she said. She dug a key out of her pocket and wrote an address down on a memo pad. "Remember to lock up!" she said, handing the key and the top sheet of the memo pad to Twilight.

"We will," Twilight said. Then, her eyes glowed a soft lavender. "Forget," she whispered. The girls quickly left.

* * * * *

"Was that really necessary?" Rainbow asked.

"It's better if she doesn't remember we were ever there," Twilight said.

Rainbow snorted. "Yeah right, because your little memory spell worked so well on me."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "You're a special case," she said. "That spell is usually foolproof."

"So it doesn't work on special fools?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight grinned. "Exactly!"

"HEY!" Rainbow cried indignantly.

They soon reached the modest house that matched the address. They unlocked the front door, taking their shoes off at the genkan before entering.

"Something smells really funky in here," Rainbow said.

They searched the house, finding a closed bedroom door at the end of the hall. Twilight looked at her friends, who nodded resolutely at her. Bracing herself, she opened the door.

Ten seconds later, the three girls charged back out into the street. A veritable torrent of chittering puffballs exploded out of the house behind them.

"Holy CRAP!" Rainbow shouted, staggering as she hop-skipped her way into her shoes.

"UNSMILE! UN! SMILE!" Pinkie cried.

The swarm chased the girls for several blocks; all around them, people stopped and stared in confusion and horror. As they reached the shopping district, Twilight led them through a random door. They collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath; the swarm pressed in against the glass, eyes glowing red.

"That thing had a LOT of babies," Pinkie wheezed.

"If that Changeling has been feeding off this Fluttershy girl, I'm surprised there's anything left of her!" Rainbow said.

"Changelings feed on emotional energy, not flesh," Twilight said. She frowned. "She must have shown it a lot of love and kindness."

"Ahem," a frosty voice said. The girls looked up to see Rarity, wearing an elegant white silk blouse and flowing black skirt which still had tags attached to them, glaring down at them. "This is a clothing store. If you want to put on one of your silly little stage shows, kindly take it someplace else." Behind her, a store clerk looked confused and upset.

The girls picked themselves up. "Does THAT look like a stage show to you?" Rainbow demanded hotly, pointing at the multicolored swarm pressing against the shop windows.

Rarity seemed taken aback. "Are...are those...those odd little pets people have been collecting lately?"

"Hai," Twilight said. "Only they're very dangerous creatures."

"And they're after us," Pinkie said.

Rarity blinked. "They're...after you?" she asked. "What, did you disturb their nest or something?"

"Something like that," Twilight said.

The shop windows began to creak and groan.

"Oh crap...they're gonna break through!" Rainbow said, eyes wide.

"You can go out the back," the clerk said, pointing through the 'Employees Only' door behind her. "Just get out of here!"

"Thank you," Twilight said, bowing. The girls beat a hasty exit. The swarm peeled away from the front of the shop.

Rarity stood still for a moment, staring at the swinging door the three girls had gone through. Finally, she nodded solemnly. She ducked into the changing room, returning with her school uniform and bag. She took a roll of cash from her bag and peeled off several bills, which she slapped on the counter. "That should be enough," she said to the clerk, before dashing out the back entrance after the three girls.

The clerk stared stupidly at the back entrance. "But...those were on sale..."

* * * * *

Rarity quickly caught sight of the swarm and sprinted after it, thankful for her excellent physical condition. She hated to get brand new clothes sweaty, but whatever was happening was too strange for her to simply ignore.

The chase soon led to Hoshigusa Park. People who had been enjoying an afternoon in the park screamed and ran as soon as they saw the swarm, which spread out to surround the three girls. Rarity dove through an opening in the swarm and crouched behind a bush.

In the center of the park, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie stood resolutely. "We make our stand here," Twilight said.

"Do you think the parent is somewhere in the middle of all this?" Rainbow asked.

"I don't think so, but I texted Spike. He's searching for it." She withdrew a silver locket from her uniform blouse; beside her, the others did the same thing. The girls nodded at one another, and a brightly-colored gem appeared in each girl's other hand.

"Element of Harmony...MAGIC!"

"Element of Harmony...LOYALTY!"

"Element of Harmony...LAUGHTER!"

Rarity watched, eyes wide, as the three girls' school uniforms exploded away from their bodies, which glowed with bright pastel light. The strange costumes she'd seen them wearing on television formed on their bodies out of nothing, and weapons appeared in their hands.

*Wh-what is going on here...?*

A buzzing sound ripped through the swarm. The colorful little creatures suddenly turned into a mass of hideous black bat-like things with burning red eyes.

Twilight twirled her baton in front of her, then pointed the unicorn head at the swarm. "Bearing the Element of Magic, I will destroy you in the name of the Sun!"

Rainbow landed beside Twilight, feet planted in a wide stance, and held her lance upright in front of her. "Bearing the Element of Loyalty, I've got a storm with your name on it!"

Pinkie posed beside Twilight, holding her bazooka at an angle. "Bearing the Element of Laughter, I'm Magical Idol Smile-chan! I came here to chew bubblegum and kick evil butt! I've got lots of bubblegum, and you've got lots of evil butt!" She blew a huge pink bubble and popped it.

Twilight fell over. "Pinkie-san..."

Rarity's eye twitched.

"Okay, let's do this thing," Rainbow said. She beat her wings and rose into the air, then began spinning her lance rapidly. "TORNADO!" A funnel of glowing wind ripped through the swarm, destroying dozens of the creatures.

"Twilight, you might wanna get down," Pinkie said. She hoisted her bazooka onto her shoulder, stood on the toes of one foot, and began to spin. "SMILE BURNING VAGINA!" Pink flames billowed from the barrel of the bazooka, torching creatures in a wide, sweeping arc. Piles of black ash fell to the ground.

"Uh...good one, Pinkie. I think," Twilight said. As the pink flames died down, less than half the swarm remained. Twilight raised her baton over her head. "PULSE!" The unicorn head of the baton glowed, and with a high, ringing chime, a violet energy wave spread out around her. The rest of the swarm was destroyed.

As Twilight sighed and relaxed, a young boy with green hair appeared out of nowhere, holding a squirming, struggling powder blue puffball in one hand. "I found it, Neechan!" he said.

"You're sure that's the original?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. It was looking for a new host," the boy said. "It was using so much power to send that swarm after you I could've found it from the moon."

"Good work, Spike," Twilight said. Her baton glowed and changed into a golden rapier. "Can you pin it down for me?"

"Sure thing," the boy, who was apparently named Spike, said. He pulled a disgusting green glob of goo from...somewhere, and planted the little blue puffball into it, then dropped it on the grass and backed away.

Twilight pointed her rapier at it. "ERASE MAGIC!" A wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles poured forth from the blade, enveloping the creature. It screamed and writhed in agony, before it and the goo glob ceased to exist.

"Well, that's the end of that," Rainbow said as she landed next to Twilight. In a blue flash, she was an ordinary schoolgirl again. A moment later, Twilight and Pinkie flashed lavender and pink, respectively, and their outlandish costumes were replaced by their school uniforms. Twilight took her glasses out of her skirt pocket and put them on. "Come on, Spike. Let's go home. See you at school tomorrow, girls," she said.

As Spike and Twilight left in one direction, and Pinkie and Rainbow left in different directions, Rarity emerged from her hiding place, smoothing out her brand new skirt and picking leaves from her blouse and hair. The fact that she'd just ruined a brand new outfit didn't even register in the face of what she'd just seen.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends weren't stage performers.

They were real live mahoushoujo.

Rarity smiled. "My, this is certainly interesting..."

* * * * *

"A Parasprite? THAT was your plan?"

"Uhh...give us a break, noso!"

"Yeah, it was our first try choki!"

"Well it was PATHETIC!" Sunset Shimmer roared.

A cold, feminine laugh echoed from all around them.

"It would seem you could use a little help," a haughty voice said.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Sunset demanded, snapping her fingers to turn on all the lights.

A cloud of glittery blue smoke exploded in the middle of the room. A teenage girl appeared, wearing a midnight blue tunic over shimmery light blue tights that showed off her lithe figure. Midnight blue tabi and gloves and a midnight blue mask that covered the lower half of her face completed her ensemble. She brushed an errant strand of long platinum hair from her face and bowed mockingly.

"The Legendary Kunoichi Trixie can take care of your mahoushoujo problem...for the right price."

Magic 7: ラリチ

Rarity's brow furrowed as she watched the video of the "performance" in the park.

After what she'd witnessed with her own eyes, she now saw the strange "stage show" for what it truly was: three girls with impossible magical abilities battling a foul, demonic creature.

"It's not any of my business, of course," she muttered to herself as she restarted the video. "Still...I can't help but be curious about this whole thing." She tapped a manicured fingernail against her bottom lip. "But however can I learn more about this whole mahoushoujo silliness? It's not as if I can simply interrogate them."

She heard a soft knock at her bedroom door, which opened quietly. She turned to see her sister, Sweetie Belle, wrapped in a fluffy towel, hair damp and unkempt. "Oneesan, aren't you taking a bath tonight?"

Rarity blinked. "Oh! Oh, yes, of course." She frowned. "You already bathed without me?"

Sweetie Belle snorted. "It's almost ten o'clock," she said. "I'm up later than I'm supposed to be as it is."

Rarity gasped, glancing back at the clock on her laptop. "Oh, goodness! I'm so sorry, Sweetie Belle. I let the time slip away from me...!"

"Yeah, well...I'm off to bed," Sweetie Belle said, padding down the hall.

Rarity shook her head. "I'm entirely too fixated on this business with Sparkle-san and her friends," she said. She rounded up her bathrobe and headed for the bath.

"Still," she mused as she walked down the hall, "perhaps tomorrow I'll think of a way to find out more about those girls..."

Magic 7: ラリチ

After the bell on Saturday, Twilight and Rainbow found Pinkie waiting for them outside their classroom.

"I want to do something this afternoon," Pinkie said without preamble.

Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other. "I'm free," Rainbow said.

"Sure, sounds good to me," Twilight agreed. "What do you have in mind?"

"There's this cake shop I really love," Pinkie said. "Patissiere ~CARROT CUP~. They have the yummiest treats in Pony City!"

"A cake shop, huh?" Rainbow asked. "Sure, I guess. I like cake."

"Come to think of it, I haven't had any good cake in a while," Twilight said.

Pinkie beamed. "Yay! It'll be my treat."

"Oh, you don't have to—"

Pinkie made a dismissive sound and waved her hand airily. "The least I can do with all my Net Idol money is treat my bestest friends to cakes."

"Well then, what're we waitin' for?" Rainbow asked. "Let's go eat cake!"

The three girls headed for the stairs. They failed to notice Rarity peel away from the wall by the classroom door and trail behind them.

* * * * *

A girl with platinum hair and pale violet eyes stood across the street from Umadakara High School, watching the gates intently. She wore a seifuku with a pale blue blouse, a black skirt and collar flap, a silver neckerchief, white knee-high socks, and black shoes.

An Umadakara student approached her. "Excuse me...I don't recognize your uniform. What school are you from?"

The girl fixed her with an imperious glare. She quickly formed a series of hand seals. "Torimai no jutsu!"

The Umadakara student's body slackened, her eyes becoming dull. She began to flap her arms and cluck like a chicken, strutting awkwardly up the street.

As Twilight Sparkle emerged from the school with two other girls, the kunoichi leapt to the top of a utility pole and silently followed them. She idly noted that a fourth girl from Umadakara was following the girls at a distance, but dismissed it as unimportant.

* * * * *

Patissiere ~CARROT CUP~ sat on a corner. The front door was set into a diagonal cutaway wall, above which was mounted the shop's eye-pleasing, decorative sign.

Through the windows, the girls could see a well-lit, tasteful cafe area. A few tables were occupied, and several people stood at the counter. Most of the customers were schoolgirls or housewives. "Wow, this place looks kinda...fancy," Rainbow said.

Pinkie giggled. "The owners are really nice, down-to-earth people. They remodeled the shop a few years ago when fancy cake shops got really popular. Don't worry though, their cakes are super-yummy!"

"How long have you been a customer here?" Twilight asked curiously.

"Oh...since about sixth grade," Pinkie said. "Back then all they did were birthday and party cakes. Now they do fancy cakes and wedding cakes and all sorts of tasty Stirrupean stuff." She led the way into the shop. Twilight and Rainbow followed her to the counter, where a middle-aged man with a kind face and a sharp chin was ringing up orders. He saw her and smiled. "Pinkie-chan! It's been a while." He tilted his head. "What happened to your hair?"

"Oh, I just started wearing it like this," Pinkie said. "These are my friends Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. Girls, this is Cake-san."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "Pinkie-san, you should introduce people by their actual names. Just because he's—"

"Actually, that is my name," Mr. Cake replied with a chuckle.

Twilight froze, mouth agape, and blushed. "Aa...sumimasen," she said, bowing.

Rainbow snickered.

"My wife and I get that all the time," Mr. Cake said with a grin. "Our first names make it even worse. I'm Carrot, and she's Cup."

Twilight's left eye twitched. "Uh...huh..." She placed her right hand to her chest, took a deep breath, and extended her hand straight out as she exhaled. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Mr. Cake chuckled. "So, what can I get for you girls today?"

The girls turned their attention to the rows of desserts in the display case. The selection ranged from simple cakes to sublime confections that spoke of years of dedication to creating delectable gourmet pastries. "So many choices," Rainbow said. "I don't even know what to get..."

"Green tea tiramisu?" Twilight wondered aloud, studying said dessert.

"If you want something sweet, don't get that," Pinkie said absently. She studied the desserts with a critical eye. "I think I'll have the mille-feuille today," she said.

"This raspberry one looks good," Rainbow said. "I think I'll try that."

"I'll go with the strawberry shortcake," Twilight decided.

Mr. Cake plated their selections, and Pinkie paid. As the three girls wandered to an isolated table, Rarity stepped up to the counter, selected a mont blanc, then wandered circuitously around the cafe area, keeping an eye on the girls. Once she was certain none of them had noticed her, she sat down directly behind Twilight.

"Celestia-sama would love this," Twilight said. "I wish there was a way to send her some."

"Send?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head. "Couldn't she just come here and—"

"Celestia-sama can't leave Sun Island," Twilight said.

"I think they can get by without her for five minutes while she pops over to Pony City for cake," Rainbow said. "I mean, she was at your place almost that long after that mess at the park."

Twilight shook her head. "Celestia-sama was never physically there," she said. "When I say she can't leave Sun Island, I mean she's literally incapable of leaving Sun Island."

Rainbow blinked. "Wait, what?"

"What you saw in my apartment that afternoon was a projection," Twilight explained. "Celestia-sama can create an image of herself anywhere the light of the sun reaches. You can see her, you can speak to her, but she isn't really there."

"Huh. Weird."

"Why can't she leave?" Pinkie asked.

"Among other things, her magic is an integral component of the fields protecting Sun Island from the rest of the world," Twilight explained. At their confused looks, she furrowed her brow. "I've never actually told you much about Sun Island, have I?"

"All I really know is you, Spike, your mom, and Sunset Shimmer are all from there, and this Celestia lady is in charge there," Rainbow said.

Twilight took a deep breath. "Sun Island lies directly on what you call the International Date Line. Powerful magic has hidden the island from the outside world for thousands of years. Celestia-sama, the Great Sun Sage, is several thousand years old, and her magic is the core of the protection spells that hide Sun Island. Without her, we would be vulnerable to the outside world.

"Every single person born on Sun Island possesses magical power. Some are only capable of low-level magic, while others wield tremendous magical power."

"Like you and Sunset Shimmer?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight nodded. "Sunset Shimmer and I were equal in power before she killed her mother and drained her power. Her mother was a high-level mage. With her mother's power added to her own, combined with the dark power gained from the forbidden ritual she used to drain Sunset Satin's magic, Sunset Shimmer has become more powerful than even our strongest battle mages. The immortality doesn't help matters." Twilight grimaced.

"Yeah, it's no fun shooting lightning and stuff at somebody who's not gonna play nice and die," Pinkie said.

"Whoa," Rainbow said, staring at Pinkie. "That was a little...dark for you."

Pinkie blinked. "Huh? What do you mean? Aren't we supposed to kill Sunset Shimmer?"

Rainbow frowned. "Good point."

Twilight sighed. "Even though I tried to kill her when she kidnapped Okaasan, I'd rather capture her and return her to Sun Island if at all possible. She deserves to rot in the dungeon for however long she lives. But...I don't really see any way for that to happen. Once all six Elements of Harmony are active...all we can do is hope it's enough to bring her down."

Twilight picked morosely at her cake. Pinkie bowed her head. Rainbow furrowed her brow, casting about for a change of subject. "Okay so, what, girls on your island are all mahoushoujo, and guys are...magic ninja, like Spike?"

Twilight shook her head. "It doesn't work that way," she said. "It isn't about gender, it's about clan and alignment. Really explaining it would take hours, but..." She took a bite of cake. "Basically, you've got pure magic, virtue magic, and vice magic. The pure magic clans, like mine, are generally the strongest mages. We're usually the lorekeepers, the teachers, the guardians of the island's secrets, that sort of thing. The virtue mages are healers. The vice mages...well, you've both seen Spike in action. They're pretty much all ninja, and train as hard in physical combat as they do in magic."

"But they're not all perverts like Spike, right?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight laughed. "No, no. Like I told you, Spike's clan traditionally chooses greed as their vice. Spike's whole lust thing...that's just him." She paused. "The other clans use other vices to power their magic. Pride, envy, gluttony...you get the idea." She turned her fork over in her hand. "More often than not, the vice clans spread their influence to the outside world, because the environment of Sun Island isn't really very hospitable to them. Their schools and clan estates are on Sun Island, but typically, once they've completed their training, they leave the island to pursue their dreams and ambitions elsewhere. Only the clan elders and the traditionalists really stay put."

"So these vice guys are the ninja, and the virtue guys are white mages, and everybody else are mahoushoujo? Or mahoushounen, I guess?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight frowned. "You're still overgeneralizing it," she said. "Sun Island is just as diverse as Neighpon, or anywhere else in the world." She paused, then added, "Also, mahoushoujo aren't normally a thing on Sun Island. Not like what we've been doing here. Sunset Shimmer made herself over as some kind of dark mahoushoujo, and I honestly don't know or care what's up with that, but I wasn't a mahoushoujo like you see in manga and anime until the Element of Magic resonated with me." Twilight looked down at her empty plate. "I think I should buy some cake to take home for Okaasan and Spike. Do you girls want to come back to the bookstore with me?"

"Sure," Pinkie chirped.

"Yeah, that sounds good," Rainbow said.

As the girls stood and headed back to the counter, Rarity's brow creased thoughtfully.

* * * * *

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie walked toward the bus stop. Twilight held a small cardboard box with the cake shop's logo printed brightly on the side.

"So are we ever gonna talk about Rarity-senpai eavesdropping on us back at the cake shop?" Pinkie asked lightly.

"Yeah, what was up with that?" Rainbow asked. "Did she really think we didn't notice her following us?"

"Oh, I'm not worried about it," Twilight said. "After what she overheard, she either thinks we're crazy, or she's going to corner me at school. First chance I get, I'll use my memory spell, and that'll be that."

"But why was she spying on us?" Pinkie wondered.

"Maybe because she saw us running from a swarm of supernatural creatures?" Rainbow suggested.

"Oh yeah," Pinkie said, nodding.

"Twilight, are you sure that memory spell will work?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight groaned. "Yes, Rainbow-san, it's going to work this time. It usually works. In fact, the only time it's ever not worked was on you."

"Yeah, but—"

A manticore landed right in front of the three girls, roaring and snapping its venomous tail like a whip. Passersby screamed in alarm and began running in all directions. The ones who didn't run in terror pulled out their phones and began snapping photos.

"—what the—?!"

Pinkie's hair stood on end as she jumped back three feet, pointing a shaking finger at the beast. "BIG MONSTER! BIG! MONSTER!"

Twilight frowned. "Okay, I have no idea how Sunset Shimmer managed to bring a manticore here, but..." The cake box and her bag vanished in twin bursts of magenta magic, and she pulled her henshin locket out of her blouse. The others followed suit.

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

As the girls' Elements appeared in their free hands, three thin gleaming silver streaks struck them, knocking them out of their owners' hands and sending them skittering across the pavement.

"...what just happened?" Rainbow asked.

A blue shape descended from above, landing by the dropped Elements. "I'll be taking these, thank you." A kunoichi clad in blue swept up the Elements and tucked them into her tunic.

"Hey! Give those back!" Rainbow yelled.

"Yeah! Stealing is unsmile!"

Twilight frowned and extended her hands. "Contain!" With a flash of magenta light, a violet magical bubble snapped into place around...

...a glittering blue cloud of smoke, which faded to reveal nothing.

"Where'd she go?" Rainbow asked.

"She's got the Elements!" Twilight cried. "And we still have to deal with the—" She turned around, only to find the sidewalk empty. "—manticore?"

"...what just happened?" Pinkie asked, her hair falling limp.

A small blue card fluttered to the ground in front of Twilight. She picked it up and studied it, frowning. The others crowded her, looking down.

The only thing on the card was a drawing of a magic wand with a star-shaped tip and a crescent-shaped wisp of glittery smoke.

"I recognize this mark," Twilight said in a flat, irritated tone. She pulled out her phone with a frustrated sigh. "Spike? We need your help..."

* * * * *

Spike frowned as he studied the calling card. "Lulamoon Clan? The hell are they doing here?"

"Stealing the Elements of Harmony, for starters," Twilight said. "You can track her, right?"

"Probably," Spike said. "But I might need some—"

"Excuse me," a voice intruded. "Is there anything I might be able to do to help?"

The girls and Spike turned to see Rarity standing behind them. Spike's jaw dropped.

"Senpai," Twilight began, "now isn't the best—"

"I saw that badly-dressed ninja girl steal your magic jewel thingies," Rarity said. "You need those to become mahoushoujo, right? They're important, right?"

Spike's jaw dropped. "How does she know all that?"

"She's been spying on us all afternoon," Rainbow said crossly, arms folded.

"And I do apologize, spying is very unladylike," Rarity said in an offhanded tone, "but that isn't important right now." She cracked her knuckles and popped her neck. "I'm more than happy to help you recover your stolen property."

"Well, as much as I appreciate your offer, Senpai," Twilight said, "this is a little bit out of your league, and—" She trailed off, a thoughtful look on her face. "Actually, maybe there is something you can do to help." She walked up to Rarity, leaned close, and said quietly, "Tell Spike your measurements."

Rarity blinked. "What?" she gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. "Sparkle-san, that's—"

"It's the best way you can help us right now," Twilight insisted. "You did listen in on our conversation at the cake shop, right?"

Rarity blinked. "You were serious about that?" At Twilight's nod, Rarity paled. "Well...if it will help..." She walked over to Spike, leaned close, and, face red with embarrassment, whispered in his ear.

Spike's eyes widened. A pale green aura flared around his body, humming faintly with power. Abruptly, his street clothes were replaced by form-fitting black leather pants and boots, a sleeveless bright purple dragonscale vest over an otherwise bare torso, purple metal bracers on his forearms, and a silver headband with an emerald green reflective visor that covered the top half of his face. Numbers and directional vectors flashed along the inside of his visor. "One point seven kilometers east-southeast," Spike said. "Everyone grab hold of me."

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie reached out and took hold of Spike's arms. As he began to glow more brightly, Rarity reached out and clasped her hand on his shoulder.

"Wait!" Twilight cried. "Senpai, you're not comi—"

* * * * *

"—ng with us," Twilight finished as the scenery around them changed. The group blinked as their eyes adjusted to the decreased light level; they had teleported into a parking garage.

"She's close," Spike said.

"Why'd you have to come with us?" Rainbow demanded hotly of Rarity. "This is none of your business!"

Rarity gasped in mock offense. "Really! I made a tremendous personal sacrifice to help this adorable if lecherous little boy track down that unfashionable thief! Besides, without those trinkets, you and Pie-san are essentially useless at the moment, are you not?"

"I'll show you useless," Rainbow growled.

"Uh, Rainbow-chan? Do you really want to pick a fight with the captain of the Judo team right now?" Pinkie asked.

Spike perked up. "You're a martial artist?" he asked Rarity.

"The pride of Umadakara High," Rarity said.

Spike formed a seal with his hands. "Kawari no jutsu!" Rarity's school uniform was replaced with a black silk gi with gold lamé trim.

Rarity blinked and looked down at herself. "How did—what..." She trailed off. "Actually, this is very comfortable and stylish. Thank you!"

Twilight groaned. "SPIKE! Focus here!"

"Oh, the thief's headed right this way. Really fast, too," he added.

Pinkie's head whipped around. "Hey, do you hear that?"

Everyone turned to stare in the same direction Pinkie was facing. A faint sound was growing closer.

"Is that a motorcycle engine?" Rainbow asked.

"Well, we are in a parking garage," Rarity pointed out.

The headlight of a motorcycle emerged from the ramp, heading straight toward them.

"That's her!" Spike declared. A kunai appeared in his hand. "Get back, everyone!"

As the others moved out of the way, Spike took aim. The motorcycle was only a few meters away when he threw the kunai, which buried itself in the bike's front tire. The wheel wobbled, and the bike swerved and collided with a pylon. The rider leapt free at the last possible second, and a hailstorm of shuriken forced Spike to retreat.

The kunoichi removed her helmet and threw it aside angrily. "Who DARES?" she thundered. "The Legendary Kunoichi Trixie will have your name before she kills you!"

"I'm Spike of the Emerald Flame Dragon Clan," Spike declared. "And if you had nicer tits, I'd think twice about killing you."

Trixie blinked. "Emerald Flame?" She smirked. "Then this needn't end in bloodshed. Trixie is being paid quite handsomely to deliver the Elements of Harmony and their owners to her employer. Trixie might be persuaded to share her reward..."

Spike's eyes hardened. "Don't even think about touching Neechan," he said dangerously. "Now, give back the Elements of Harmony before this gets messy."

A straight-bladed short sword appeared in Trixie's hand. "Don't say Trixie didn't warn you." She charged toward Spike and struck low. He leapt over her and threw three shuriken, two of which found their marks in her back. Trixie grunted and turned, throwing a kunai at Spike. Spike caught it and returned fire; it ripped through Trixie's tunic as she turned, and the Elements of Harmony fell out, landing on the pavement.

Pinkie dived into the fray, snatching the Elements before Trixie could recover.

"UNHAND THOSE!" Trixie roared. She threw a shuriken at Pinkie—

—which was caught and returned by Rarity, who had moved with surprising speed. The shuriken grazed Trixie's shoulder, but served as enough of a distraction for Pinkie to put the Elements down her blouse and hide behind Twilight.

"Contain!"

Trixie found herself caught in Twilight's spell. Spike and Rarity closed ranks on her. She hesitated, looking left, then right. "N-no...s-stay back...Trixie is warning you...!"

Twilight marched up to Trixie. "Did Sunset Shimmer hire you?" she demanded.

"H-hai..."

"If I let you go, will you tell me where she's hiding?"

"H-hai..."

"Twilight...this is a bad idea..." Spike warned.

Twilight released her spell. Trixie smirked haughtily and flipped her hair. "Very well, Trixie will tell you what you want to know." She pulled out a notebook and pen and wrote something down. She tore off a page, then handed it to Twilight.

Twilight looked at the paper, blinked, and scowled. "Why, you...!"

"Perhaps we will meet again, Twilight Sparkle!" With that, Trixie vanished in a cloud of glittering blue smoke.

Twilight threw back her head and screamed. "That little...!"

"What's it say?" Pinkie asked, looking over Twilight's shoulder. She blinked. "Wow, that's really rude."

"What is?" Rainbow asked, snatching the paper away. Spike and Rarity looked over her shoulder and read what Trixie had written:

Up your fat butt!

Rarity's eye twitched. "Why that ill-mannered...!"

"What does she mean 'fat'?" Spike asked. "Neechan's butt is perfect!"

Twilight sighed. "Well, at any rate, we got the Elements of Harmony back," she said. "That's all that matters." She turned to Rarity. "Senpai...thank you for your help."

"It was my pleasure," Rarity said.

"And I'm really sorry about this," Twilight said, "but I have to erase your memory now."

Rarity took a hesitant step away from Twilight. "What...?"

"No!" Spike said. "I won't let you!"

"Spike," Twilight said, "you know Celestia-sama wouldn't—"

"Senpai actually kinda rocks," Rainbow said. "I don't even care about her spying on us anymore."

"Yeah, I'm starting to like her," Pinkie said. "Twilight-chan, why can't Senpai be our friend instead?"

Twilight sighed. "Alright, fine," she said. "I won't use the memory spell on her." She raised a warning finger. "But I have to tell Celestia-sama about what happened here. If she orders me to erase Senpai's memory, I will."

"Yosh'!" Spike handed Rarity a silver locket and one of the inert Elements of Harmony. "Here," he said. "With this, you can fight alongside the other girls as a mahoushoujo."

"That's not how it works and you know it!" Twilight snapped. "She hasn't been chosen by the Elements of Harmony!"

"But I want this beautiful goddess on our team!" Spike whined.

Rarity blinked. "Anou...I...I'm flattered, truly, but I have no intention of playing dress-up and fighting ugly monsters." She handed the locket and Element back to Spike. "I'm sorry, but I can't accept." She paused, then added, "Although I would like to keep this lovely gi, if that's alright."

"It's yours, my lady," Spike said. "Oh, and here's your school uniform back." Rarity's uniform appeared in a burst of green flame, neatly folded. As he handed it back to her, he added, "If you change your mind about joining us, just say the word."

Rarity bowed. "Well then, I'll take my leave." She picked up her school bag, which she'd dropped at the start of the fight, then headed for the elevator.

"I guess we should be getting home then," Twilight said. "As soon as we figure out where the nearest bus stop is."

* * * * *

Rarity searched the ground floor until she found a toilet, then stopped to change clothes before heading home.

As she removed the exquisite gi Spike had given her, she realized something was missing. In all the excitement, she hadn't noticed it, but now...

She picked up her folded uniform and searched through it, fearing what she wouldn't find. She gritted her teeth, one eye twitching furiously. "Why that little..."

Face flaming, Rarity folded the gi into her bag, then put on her uniform. She prayed she wouldn't encounter any wind gusts, schoolmates, or gropers on the way home.

* * * * *

Spike lovingly smoothed out the newest additions to his collection and put them in his special secret drawer. "Until we meet again, Rarity-sama," he said with a happy sigh.

Author's Note

The error in the name and signage of the cake shop is deliberate. It should, of course, be called Pâtisserie, but in the fine tradition of Japanese using loanwords incorrectly, I chose "Patissiere", which is at least still technically applicable...to Mrs. Cake.

Magic 8: アイドル

Trixie fumed angrily as she threw shuriken at a practice dummy.

"That stupid little Emerald Flame brat..." she muttered.

Across the room, her television gave a melodic chime. //NetIdol Week is starting now.//

She turned as the screen displayed a colorful, eye-searing graphic, followed by a girl in her early twenties who had been a popular idol singer when she was sixteen. //Hiiii~! Honey Voice here, bringing you the latest news in the world of Net Idols!

//This week's top-rated Net Idol is of course Smile-chan! Her popularity has never been higher, and her surprise stage show at Hoshigusa Park made sure she'll be the most talked-about Net Idol for a long time!

//Before we talk about this week's Smile Time, we have sad news. G.P.T's popularity numbers have dropped. Once riding a strong second, she slipped to third two weeks ago, and this week, she's fallen to number six. So sad! Of course, it's to be expected. G.P.T has become stale and predictable lately, and hasn't released a new song in forever. I don't doubt that next week, we won't even be mentioning her on—//

"TV off," Trixie snarled, throwing a kunai at the training dummy with enough force to embed it to the ring. "Bad enough to fail a mission, but to have to hear about how popular that Smile bitch is on top of that?" She sighed. "Trixie will complete her mission...and Trixie will claim her rightful place as the number one Net Idol in Neighpon!"

She paused, staring at her training dummy.

"...Trixie needs to write a new song."

Magic 8: アイドル

"...that's rather disturbing," Celestia said.

"I know," Twilight sighed. "It'll disappoint the others, but I warned them I'd probably have to erase Senpai's memory—"

"No, not that," Celestia said dismissively. "It's fine with me that this girl Rarity knows what's going on. In fact, I'd like to meet her sometime. No, what bothers me is that yet another of my subjects has cast her lot with Sunset Shimmer."

Twilight shrugged. "Well, the Lulamoon clan are mercenaries," she pointed out. "Even putting aside that little parting shot at me, this Trixie is still just hired help. And, frankly, she didn't strike me as being much of a threat. I mean, Spike can handle her if she shows up again."

"Yes, but you should never underestimate your opponents," Celestia said with a frown. "Perhaps if I attempt to outbid Sunset Shimmer, you won't have to worry about Trixie again..."

Twilight shook her head. "They're a pride clan, remember?"

Celestia sighed. "Yes, of course. Pity it isn't an Emerald Flame Dragon that's after you."

Twilight laughed. "Well, that's all I have to report."

"Very well. Continue seeking those who can wield the remaining Elements of Harmony."

"Hai, Celestia-sama."

* * * * *

Monday saw Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie meeting up for lunch as usual on the roof. It had taken some time for the attention the three girls received from their classmates to die down, and they still occasionally had to deal with one or more of Smile's fans, but for the most part, they were left alone at school.

Twilight and Rainbow knew something was up when Pinkie handed them wrapped cupcakes with bright pink frosting.

"I need a huge huge super favor from you girls," Pinkie said.

Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other. "Should I be worried?" Twilight asked.

"Everything Pinkie says worries me," Rainbow said.

Pinkie pouted. "Rainbow-chan! Don't be like that."

"So, what's this favor?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie beamed at them. "I need you girls to form a unit with me!"

"A unit?" Twilight echoed, tilting her head.

Rainbow groaned. "We're not Net Idols, Pinkie."

"Oh, I know," Pinkie said. "I just really really super need you girls to do a video with me. My fans are BEGGING for it!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Pinkie-san...please don't drag us into your Net Idol business."

Pinkie frowned. "Twilight-chan...I'm not asking much. Just a little of your time to make one video. You have no idea how popular you and Rainbow-chan are."

"I don't want to be popular!" Twilight declared.

"I do!" Rainbow said. "Just not for that."

Tears welled up in Pinkie's eyes. "But...friends do stuff for each other...right?"

After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Twilight sighed. "What do we need to do, exactly?"

Pinkie's tears dried up instantly. "I just need you to be in a PV with me for my new song! All you have to do is wear an idol costume and dance. It's an easy routine, I can teach it to you in two days." She clasped her hands together. "I promise it's easy and fun. Please?"

Twilight and Rainbow looked at one another. Rainbow shrugged. "I guess it's not that bad..."

Twilight smiled at Pinkie. "Alright. We'll do it." She held up a finger. "But don't make me wear anything too embarrassing, okay?"

"Same here," Rainbow said.

"Don't worry, I won't!" Pinkie promised, clapping her hands and giggling. "Yay! Idol Unit STD is born!"

Twilight spat out a mouthful of rice. "Absolute NO to that name," she said.

Pinkie blinked. "Huh? What's wrong with that? It stands for Smile - Twilight - Dash..."

"That's not all it stands for," Rainbow muttered.

"We'll work on the name," Twilight said.

Pinkie scratched her head. "I don't get the problem..."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'll make a list of better names," she said.

"And now that we're friends with Rarity-senpai, maybe I can get her to help design our costumes!" Pinkie declared brightly. "After all, I could use a new look. I don't want to get stale like G.P.T..."

"Well, the Fashion Club meets on Tuesdays," Rainbow said. "We can drop by then."

"Awesome!"

* * * * *

As soon as the three girls crossed the threshold, the Fashion Club erupted in squeals.

"It's Smile-chan!" someone shrieked.

Pinkie raised her hands and waved. "Hiiiiii~!" she giggled. "Don't mind us, we're just here to see Rarity-senpai."

"Senpai, you're friends with Smile?" someone cried. "That's amazing!"

"Just as you'd expect from Senpai!"

Rarity smiled and tossed her hair. "Good afternoon, girls," she said. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm about to make a new PV," Pinkie said. She gestured to Twilight and Rainbow, and added, "With my idol unit." The room erupted in gasps and squeals. Ignoring them, Pinkie said, "My friends need idol costumes, and I'd like something new as well. We were hoping you might have some ideas."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Hmm..."

"Senpai is designing outfits for Net Idols now? So cool!"

"We can't wait to see what you come up with, Senpai!"

"Let us help, Senpai!"

Rarity clapped her hands twice, briskly, to silence her clubmates. "Alright," she said. "The three of you, come to my house this evening so we can discuss this in private." She smiled. "Everyone else, you can certainly help with the creation of the new costumes!"

"Great!" Pinkie exclaimed. "You're the best, Senpai!"

Rarity wrote her address down, then handed it to Pinkie. "I'll see you in...three hours?"

Twilight clasped her hands in front of her and bowed slightly to Rarity. "Thank you for your help, Senpai."

Rarity waved a hand dismissively. "Friends help one another, ne?"

* * * * *

Rainbow and Pinkie stared in awe at the house the trio had walked up to. "Whoa," Rainbow breathed.

Beyond the polished, freshly-painted iron gate and white brick fence lay a pristine, immaculate yard, a walkway of washed flagstones, and an austere three-story mansion with bright white walls and gleaming copper roof tiles. Indigo curtains hung in elegant round-topped windows, and the mahogany double front doors were carved with intricate, eye-catching patterns.

"Wow, Senpai's family must be loaded," Pinkie said.

Twilight pressed the gate intercom bell. After several seconds, the face of a young girl with bright green eyes and curly lavender and pink hair appeared on the intercom screen. "Hai, moshi-moshi!"

"Ah...hello," Twilight said. "We're here to see Rarity-senpai?"

"Hai! Oneesan told me to let you in. Just a moment, please!" The intercom turned off.

"Senpai has a cute little sister!" Pinkie said as they waited.

The front door opened, and the young girl walked out to the gate, pointing a small keychain button at it. The gate ground to life and retracted into the fence. "Sorry," the girl said. "The gate release inside the house is broken. They're coming out to fix it tomorrow."

"That's...alright," Twilight said, examining the gate with a curious tilt to her head.

"Come on in!" the young girl said. "Oh, by the way, my name is Sweetie Belle." She bowed. "Pleased to meet you."

"I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Rainbow Dash, and this is—"

"SMILE-CHAN!" Sweetie Belle cried as she zoomed up the walk and latched onto Pinkie. "Awesome! I didn't know you were friends with Oneesan! I'm a huge fan!"

Pinkie smiled down at Sweetie Belle. "Really? Then I'm glad to meet you." She crouched down to look Sweetie Belle in the eyes. "Your sister is helping Smile-chan and her idol unit with costumes for my new PV!"

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened. "Sugoi!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Come on, Pinkie-san, Senpai is probably waiting for us."

The girls followed Sweetie Belle inside, where they removed their shoes and exchanged them for guest slippers. "Fancy shoe cupboard," Rainbow Dash remarked as she put away her shoes.

"It was Oneesan's idea," Sweetie Belle said. "She doesn't like the idea of shoes littering the genkan, even if it's more convenient." She led them through the foyer, which was richly appointed with expensive furniture and ornamentation. The highly polished oak floors gleamed in the light from overhead chandeliers. They followed Sweetie Belle to a sitting room with a wide sectional sofa, three comfortable chairs, a lacquered coffee table, a small, packed bookshelf, and a medium-sized television mounted on the wall. "I'll go get Oneesan, then I'll bring in some refreshments," she said as she left the room again.

Rainbow blinked. "What is she, Senpai's servant?"

"I think she's a very polite and well-mannered little sister," Twilight said.

A moment later, Rarity entered, wearing a simple yet elegant loose white satin blouse and deep purple skirt. "Hello, ladies," she said with a smile. She sat down across from them. "Do you mind terribly if we sit and chat for a moment before we get started?"

"That would be lovely," a voice that didn't belong to any of the girls said.

Rarity blinked and looked to one of the other easy chairs, which was now occupied with the most elegant woman she had ever seen. "Who...? How did...?"

Twilight facepalmed. "Celestia-sama, no disrespect, but your timing..."

"Just keeping you on your toes, my student," Celestia said lightly. She inclined her head to Rarity. "I hear you helped my student and her friends in a moment of need," she said. "I wanted to thank you, and to introduce myself. I am Celestia, the Great Sun Sage."

Rarity blinked repeatedly. "Ah...yes, of course. A pleasure." She tilted her head. "How...? You know, nevermind. My name is Rarity."

Sweetie Belle entered, pushing a service cart with a selection of bottled drinks and snacks. "Please help yourselves," she said. She blinked as she registered the presence of the older woman in the room. "Oh, hello..." she said uncertainly.

Celestia smiled. "Hello." She gave a small wave.

"Thank you, Sweetie Belle. Run along and do your homework now," Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle hovered for a moment, then sighed and left.

"You make your sister wait on you and your guests?" Rainbow asked.

"I've taken it upon myself to refine her," Rarity corrected. "Without my guidance, I'm afraid she lapses into rather unladylike behavior. Learning to be a proper hostess builds character. It's also helping to correct certain...grace and tidiness issues she has." She smiled. "Now, do help yourselves!"

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie looked uncertainly at one another, then shrugged and moved to the cart, selecting drinks and snacks. Rarity glanced at Celestia. "Nothing for you?"

"I'm not physically here," Celestia said. "Which is a shame, some of the items on that cart look quite delicious."

"Oh...yes, that's right. I remember Sparkle-san saying something to that effect," Rarity said. "You cannot leave Sun Island, yes?"

"That's correct," Celestia said. She paused. "I would love to talk more, but a matter has just emerged which demands my full attention."

"Trouble on Sun Island?" Twilight asked, concerned. "Is it—"

"Nothing for you to concern yourself with," Celestia said. With a smirk, she leaned forward and whispered, "I'm being pestered by two of my aides about preparations for the Gala. It's hard to concentrate on long-distance communication with them nattering away at me." Her projection faded into warm golden light and vanished.

"Goodness," Rarity said, blinking. "So...anyway..."

The girls sat for half an hour talking, after which Rarity ushered them, one at a time, to her studio to take their measurements. After all three girls had every inch of their bodies measured (and much blushing had ensued), they spent a while longer discussing what Pinkie had in mind for their new costumes. The sun had set by the time the three girls left Rarity's house and went their separate ways.

"Welcome home, dear," Twilight Velvet said as Twilight walked into the apartment. "Dinner's almost ready. Did you do anything fun after school?"

Twilight sighed. "Pinkie-san roped me and Rainbow-san into dancing with her in an idol video," she said.

"Oh, that sounds like fun!" Velvet said. "I look forward to seeing it."

"Heh, Neechan the Net Idol," Spike said. "This should be fun."

"By the way," Twilight said, "Rarity-senpai had a message for you, Spike."

"Oh, really?" Spike asked eagerly.

Twilight leaned close. "She says if you ever steal her underwear again, she'll cut your you-know-what off with fabric shears." She smiled sweetly and patted Spike on the head, then headed for her room.

* * * * *

Trixie stared in disbelief at the television, which was replaying the video of the "stage show" at Hoshigusa Park.

Over the video, a perky announcer spoke.

//Smile has announced via social media that she's working on a new PV with her idol unit.//

Trixie muted the television and sat back, contemplative.

Until she saw the video again, she hadn't realized that one of her targets was, in fact, Smile.

"Well this is just perfect," she said with a tight, wicked grin.

* * * * *

After school on Wednesday, Pinkie took Twilight and Rainbow to a small, vacant dance studio halfway across Pony City. "This is where I practice for all my PVs," Pinkie said. "My producer finished mixing my new song last night; he's meeting us here. You brought your gym uniforms, right?"

The girls nodded. "Producer?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie giggled. "Silly! You didn't think I do everything myself, did you?" She tilted her head. "I mean, sure, at first I did, but once I became popular, I had to step up my game. I still do my weekly webcast and podcast and deal with all the social media stuff on my own, but I've got people that help me with everything else. A producer, two promotions guys, a session band for recording my songs...being a super-popular Net Idol is a lot of hard work!"

The girls went to the changing room and changed into their gym clothes; when they returned to the practice room, they were greeted by a tall, lanky man with long, curly brown hair wearing a loud yellow shirt. Pinkie broke into a wide grin. "Cheese!"

"Hey there, Pinkie," the man greeted. "Hey there, Pinkie's new friends she didn't bother to tell me about before she put on that crazy stage show without telling me!"

Pinkie giggled nervously. "Eheh...hee...girls, this is Cheese Sandwich, my producer."

Twilight and Rainbow introduced themselves. Cheese walked over to a stereo setup in the corner and slipped a CD into it. "The mix came out great," he said.

"It always does!" Pinkie said with a grin. "Okay girls, watch carefully, I'm going to show you the routine for this song."

A pop song with a fast, heavy beat filled the studio, and Pinkie began dancing. Twilight and Rainbow watched her movements with mounting dread. "Oh crap, I don't know if I can do this," Rainbow muttered.

Twilight stared at Pinkie. "That's...we're supposed to memorize that?!"

"You've...never danced in a PV before, have you?" Cheese asked from behind them.

"I've never danced at all before," Twilight said.

"I've only played Dance Pants Evolution," Rainbow said.

Cheese shrugged. "Eh. You'll figure it out."

When the song ended, Pinkie bounced to a stop. "So, did you get all that?" she asked.

"Uhh...maybe a little slower?" Rainbow suggested, laughing shakily.

* * * * *

Trixie growled in frustration at her notebook, scratching out a line. "Why is this so hard?"

Her phone rang. Grumbling, she pulled it out and answered. "Moshi-moshi."

//What is taking so long?//

Trixie scowled. "You failed to inform me Twilight Sparkle had her own ninja," she said. "That adds an element of complication. Also, Trixie has her own affairs to attend to. She is not one of your minions. You will have the Elements of Harmony, as well as the head of Twilight Sparkle. Trixie does not fail her missions."

//No, Trixie just takes forever,// Sunset Shimmer said acidly. //I suggest you hurry. If my minions take care of Twilight Sparkle first, you don't get paid.//

Sunset Shimmer hung up. Trixie frowned at her phone. "Kiss Trixie's butt, you hideous bitch," she said. With a frustrated sigh, she returned her attention to her notebook.

* * * * *

"Alright, you simpletons, I want you to listen carefully," Sunset Shimmer said to Snips and Snails. "Against my better judgment, I am giving you a second chance."

The young mages saluted. "We won't fail you choki!" Snips pledged.

"See to it that you don't, because I'm taking a huge risk trusting you again," Sunset muttered. She used her magic to tie a latex tourniquet around her bare arm, then plunged a thick needle into the vein at the crook of her elbow. She filled four vials with her own blood, placing them inside a plastic jar, then bandaged her arm. "I'm giving you a diagram for a summoning circle. You're to use my blood to create the circle. Be careful, and don't waste it. This is as much blood as I can afford to use right now. Once you've summoned the Changeling, instruct it to kill Twilight Sparkle, her two allies, and that Emerald Dragon brat."

"What do we do about Trixie noso?" Snails asked.

"I don't really care," Sunset said dismissively. "Now go!"

* * * * *

Thursday and Friday, Pinkie worked with Rarity on designs for the new costumes, while Cheese Sandwich worked with Twilight and Rainbow to teach them the dance routine. By Friday, he'd developed a novel teaching tool, using computer software that generated character models and choreographed dance routines to create digital facsimiles of Pinkie, Twilight, and Rainbow, performing the dance for the PV. Twilight and Rainbow struggled to dance along with the computer models, and by the time they went home, they had made some progress.

After school on Saturday, the three girls headed to the studio to practice. "Rarity's going to have our outfits done by Monday," Pinkie said. "I think you're really gonna love these designs."

"So all this costume design and dancing stuff...you do this all the time?" Rainbow asked. "Because this is more exhausting than practicing for a track meet!"

Pinkie giggled. "Yeah, I guess it's pretty hard work. But it's so much fun!"

"Enjoy it while you can," a voice called out from above them. A cloud of glittery blue smoke exploded in front of them, revealing Trixie.

"Because your little video will be the farewell performance of Smile...and friends."

"You again?" Rainbow groaned.

"Yes, me again," Trixie said. "Trixie came to tell you that she is going to kill you as soon as you finish making your little video."

"Why aren't you gonna kill us now?" Pinkie asked, confused.

"Because if your video is never finished, G.P.T will not be able to defeat you fairly in the Net Idol rankings," Trixie said. "Trixie's pride will not stand for a victory by treachery!"

The girls blinked at her.

"Anou...what does G.P.T have to do with you killing us?" Pinkie asked.

Trixie removed her mask. "Do you not recognize your greatest rival, Smile?"

Pinkie gasped. "YOU'RE G.P.T?!"

"That's right," Trixie said. "And before Trixie ends your life, she WILL reclaim her rightful place on top of the Net Idol rankings!"

"Anou...you never have been at the top," Pinkie pointed out. "You made number two once, and that was only because you did that nude webcast..."

"Trixie did not intend to do a nude webcast!" Trixie screeched, face flaming. "Trixie simply forgot to wear clothes that day!"

"How do you forget to wear clothes? Especially with a camera in your face?" Rainbow wondered.

"Accidents happen when one is refilling one's supply of hallucinogenic powders," Trixie said.

"Wait a second," Rainbow said. "You mean she couldn't knock you off the top even when she posted a nude video of herself?"

Pinkie giggled. "Smile in a waitress uniform is sexier than G.P.T naked. At least, that's what the idol forums say!"

"ENOUGH!" Trixie roared. "Your days are numbered, Smile! Yours as well, Twilight Sparkle! And other girl! Enjoy your final days as the number one Net Idol...they will be your last days on this Earth!"

"Actually," a new voice intruded, "this will be your last day on Earth. All of you."

The girls turned to stare at the speaker: a tall, insectoid woman, every inch of her body covered with glossy black and mottled green chitin, save for her hands, which ended in three-inch-long black lacquered nails, and her disturbingly human face. Her cold blue eyes regarded them frostily over a disapproving frown. Long wings of glossy black chitin hung behind her back, and a helmet with a shiny black domed crown and two tall, speckled green vertical protusions on the sides encased her head.

"Anou...Twilight-chan? Is that...is that one of those rare Changelings? Like we fought the day I joined you girls?"

Twilight swallowed. "H-hai..."

The Changeling laughed a cold, haughty laugh. "Allow me to introduce myself," she said. "I am Pupa, eldest daughter of Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings. Know that I bear you no personal animosity, even if you did murder my sister. But I have been summoned to this human world to end your lives..." She narrowed her eyes. "And that is precisely what I will do."

Author's Note

I'd like to apologize for the lengthy hiatus on this story. I'm hoping to return to the weekly update schedule from this point forward, but I'm not going to make any promises. After all, I have a LOT of stories to work on, and other things going on in my life besides just writing.

Epic fight chapter next time!

Magic 9: ジェネロシティ

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie stood, tense and wary, between Trixie, who blocked their way into the dance studio, and the Changeling princess, Pupa, who blocked their way back to the street.

Pupa crossed her arms and regarded the group of girls coldly. "Transform," she said. "And summon your other companion. I was told there is a young male human that aids you in battle."

"We don't need Spike's help to fight you!" Rainbow insisted.

"My orders were to eliminate all of you," Pupa said. "That includes your male companion. There will be no battle until all of you are present."

"That's not your decision to make!" Twilight said.

"Oh, but it is," Pupa replied.

Rainbow growled. "If she wants to get her ass kicked by all of us, I say fine. Call Spike."

Twilight grimaced. "Alright, fine," she said, pulling out her phone and sending a text.

Trixie frowned. "There's one more missing."

"No there isn't!" Pinkie said. "There's me, Twilight-chan, and Rainbow-chan. We're the only three mahoushoujo."

"There were more of you when Trixie fought you in the parking garage. A fourth girl," Trixie recalled. "The over-primped vamp in the black gi."

Pupa frowned. "Then summon her as well."

"She's not one of us!" Twilight cried. "She's a friend of ours, but she isn't involved in—"

"She seemed pretty involved to Trixie," Trixie said.

"I will fight all of you, and I will fight all of you at the same time," Pupa insisted.

"And I'm telling you, there's just the three of us and Spike!" Twilight shouted, waving her arms emphatically.

The front door to the dance studio opened, and Cheese Sandwich poked his head out. "Hey Pinkie-chan, that friend of yours who's making your costumes is here, she WHOA! What the heck's going on out here?"

The girls turned, horrified, as Rarity stuck her head out next to Cheese. She blinked repeatedly. "Oh dear. You seem to be rather occupied...have I come at a bad time?"

"THAT'S HER!" Trixie cried, jumping up and down and pointing. "That's the fourth member of their little group!"

Pupa smiled coldly. "Excellent. Then we can begin." And with that, she disappeared, reappeared behind Trixie, and buried her knee in the kunoichi's back with a sickening crack, then clubbed her over the head with her fists. Trixie's eyes rolled back in her head, and she slumped to the ground.

Magic 9: ジェネロシティ

"What the—?!" Twilight cried. "Why did you attack her?!"

"Orders," Pupa said simply, hauling the unconscious Trixie up by the hair like a rag doll.

"Uhh...what's...what's going on here?" Cheese asked, blinking.

A purple-and-green blur dropped down from the roof. "I'm here," Spike panted. "What's...holy crap."

"Anou...Pinkie-chan..." Cheese said hesitantly. "If you're filming a surprise stunt show out here...I mean, that's cool and all, even if you totally should've told me, but...you do have stunt doubles...right?"

"Silence this imbecile or I'll kill him," Pupa said as she threw Trixie's limp body against the front wall of the studio.

"Ahem...Sandwich-san...this would be an excellent time to...lock ourselves inside the building and pray..." Rarity said nervously, gently but firmly pushing Cheese back inside.

"YOU will not be going anywhere," Pupa said. She disappeared again, then reappeared by the door. She grabbed Rarity by the arm and threw her bodily at the group of girls.

"RARITY-SAMA!" Spike cried. He leapt into the air, catching Rarity and landing in a crouch, cradling her.

"How many times do I have to tell you? She's NOT INVOLVED!" Twilight shouted.

"Oh, I think she is," Pupa said. "Now, are you going to transform so we can get on with this?"

"Not until you let Rarity leave!"

"Tch...this grows tiresome." Pupa extended a hand, which glowed black; a half dozen creatures that looked like crosses between insects and miniature horses appeared, hissing and snarling, thick strands of gore dripping from their fangs. "The price I pay for offering you a fair fight instead of simply executing you."

Twilight summoned her Element and gripped her locket. "Looks like we've got no choice...Element of Harmony...MAGIC!"

"Element of Harmony...LOYALTY!"

"Element of Harmony...LAUGHTER!"

Cheese, who had just poked his head back outside, yelped, "Wh-WHAAAA?!"

"Cheese," Pinkie said in a firm, hard tone, "get back inside and lock that door. It isn't safe to be here right now."

"Pinkie-chan, what's going on here?" Cheese asked, eyes wide.

Pinkie blew on her curly forelock in irritation. "My friends and I are mahoushoujo, these icky bugpony things are evil monsters that want to kill us, and that big bug lady is an assassin. And so is that ninja girl. Basically everyone wants to kill us. Now will you PLEASE go back inside and let us worry about not dying?"

Cheese paled. "Should I...call the police?"

"The police will only get in our way," Twilight said, spinning her baton. "We can handle this."

"Well...a-alright..." Cheese retreated into the studio.

"Hey, what about Rarity-sama?" Spike asked.

"Get her to safety," Twilight said. "And watch where you put your hands."

"I wasn't gonna—" Spike grumbled.

"Neither of you will be leaving," Pupa said. "If you try, I will kill the girl."

"Set her down, Spike," Twilight said. As Spike did so, she aimed her baton at Rarity. "Protect." A magenta forcefield popped into existence around Rarity. Twilight turned her attention to Pupa and the six summoned Changelings, pointing her baton dramatically. "Bearing the Element of Magic, I will destroy you in the name of the Sun!"

Rainbow twirled her lance. "Bearing the Element of Loyalty, I've got a storm with your name on it!"

Pinkie balanced her bazooka on her shoulder. "Bearing the Element of Laughter, I'm Magical Idol Smile-chan! I came here to chew bubblegum and kick evil butt! I've got lots of bubblegum, and you've got lots of evil butt!"

Spike summoned his dagger, which burned with emerald flames. "Representing the Emerald Flame Dragons, I'll burn you to the ground with the fires of passion!"

Pinkie blinked. "Wait. Why's Spike doing a speech?"

"What, just because I'm not a mahoushoujo, I can't get in on some speech action?" Spike protested.

Pupa narrowed her eyes. "You humans are ridiculous."

"Your FACE is ridiculous!" Rainbow retorted, taking wing and spinning her lance. A glowing funnel of wind formed around the weapon. "TORNADO!" Rainbow thrust her lance out, sending the roaring column of wind ripping through the Changelings. The six lesser creatures were tossed around; Pupa held firm, arms crossed, refusing to even flinch.

Spike leapt into the rush of wind, dagger and feet lashing out, striking each Changeling. They rocketed to the ground, colliding with loud, satisfying cracks.

Twilight raised her baton above her head. "PULSE!" Six magenta beams lanced out from the head of the baton, striking each of the weaker Changelings directly in the face. The monsters evaporated into oily black and green mist.

"Tch," Pupa grunted. "Your powers are impressive. Perhaps this will be an enjoyable battle."

She suddenly blurred into motion. Spike felt a kick to his back which knocked him flat on his face. Twilight felt a rock-hard fist slam into her abdomen; she cried out in pain as she landed painfully on her rear, clutching her stomach. A kick to Rainbow's side sent her spinning wildly in midair; a blow to the back of Pinkie's head staggered her, sending black spots and stars dancing across her vision.

Pupa returned to her original position, crossing her arms. "Do you now understand?" she asked calmly. "You are going to die here."

"Not...gonna...give...UP!" Rainbow grunted. She recovered from her spin and went into a dive, slashing at Pupa with her lance. As her strike was casually blocked with a forearm, she grinned. "ZAP!"

Lightning danced over Pupa's body. She grimaced and took an involuntary step back. Rainbow smirked and drove the blunt head of her lance into Pupa's stomach. "TORNADO!"

The point-blank, full-force tornado lifted Pupa off her feet and slammed her into the front of the building across the street. As Dash recovered, leaning against her lance, Pinkie darted forward and crouched low, bazooka trained on Pupa. "You look like you need a bath!" she taunted. "SMILE GUSHING VAGINA!"

A torrent of water exploded out of the bazooka, slamming into Pupa and pinning her to the wall.

A nauseated expression crossed Rainbow's face. "That's your worst one yet," she grumbled. Sighing, she leaned forward and placed the head of her lance into the torrent. "Zap," she muttered halfheartedly. Electricity crackled wildly along the stream of water, exploding in snapping arcs as it struck Pupa. The Changeling princess screamed and twitched, fighting to protect herself from the onslaught.

As Pinkie's attack dwindled to a trickle, Twilight stepped forward. Her baton transfigured into a golden rapier, which she pointed at the Changeling. "Specimen pin!" Dozens of golden needles streamed forth from Twilight's rapier, penetrating Pupa's limbs and torso.

Pupa smirked and disappeared.

"What—?!"

With one kick, Pupa laid all three girls flat.

"I'm impressed," Pupa said as she kicked their weapons away. "You actually managed to injure me. Slightly." She stared coldly down at the three mahoushoujo. "But I'm afraid you won't live to attack again." She extended a hand, palm open, and pointed it at the girls. Sickly dark green energy coalesced into a swirling, pulsing ball.

"RYUUTATE NO JUTSU!"

A bubble of green magic snapped into place over the fallen girls. Several shuriken buried themselves into Pupa's open palm. Spike appeared directly in front of Pupa in a flash of green flame, slashing her face with his flaming dagger.

"ARGH!" Pupa roared, staggering. Her attack dispelled as she clutched her face, from which greenish-black blood flowed.

Spike dropped his shield and popped small tablets into each girl's mouth. They groaned and sat up. Twilight's hand glowed, and their weapons returned to them. "Thanks, Spike," she said.

"Yeah little dude, you rock!" Pinkie said.

Rainbow rubbed her stomach and rolled her neck. "What was that pill?" she asked. "You didn't just slip us roofies, did you?"

Spike rolled his eyes. "It's a recovery pill," he said. "Concentrated healing magic. I wouldn't screw around like that in the middle of a fight."

A flurry of green-black fireballs pelted toward them; Twilight reverted her rapier to a baton. "BARRIER!" she cried. A glowing magenta barrier spun into place in front of them, absorbing the fireballs. She dropped the barrier in time to see Pupa's foot flying at her face; she ducked. Rainbow, at her side, grabbed Pupa's ankle and twisted; as Pupa spun wide, Pinkie jammed the business end of her bazooka into the small of the Changeling's back.

"SMILE JUST DIE ALREADY VAGINA!"

A column of pure pink force lanced through the Changeling, driving her into the air. Rainbow took wing, soaring up and above the airborne Changeling. She drove her lance into the gaping hole in Pupa's torso and wrenched the spikes around inside her, then began spinning in midair. With a ferocious battle cry, she hurled Pupa toward the ground; trails of black ichor clung to her lance.

"REPEL!" A magenta blast knocked Pupa back into the air before she could land, sending her once more into the wall of the opposing building. She crashed into the wall hard enough to leave a dent, and slid to the ground with a meaty thump. Spike produced a massive glob of green slime out of nowhere and lobbed it at Pupa, pinning her to the pavement.

Rainbow landed next to Pinkie, panting slightly. "Nice shot!" she said. She tilted her head. "I gotta ask...what's up with all the random attack names?" She frowned. "For that matter, how do you keep changing what comes outta that thing?"

Pinkie shrugged. "I dunno. I just think of what I want it to do, and it does it."

"Empathic weapon," Twilight said. "And I have to admit, I'm impressed by how versatile Pinkie's abilities are." She frowned. "Even though that whole 'Vagina' thing is...wrong on so many levels..."

"Uhh...guys? Should we really be ignoring the really powerful Changeling right now?" Spike asked.

"Relax, Spike! She's toast," Rainbow said.

"Nooooot so much," Spike said, pointing. The girls looked at Pupa and gasped.

Pupa erupted from Spike's goo trap and stood, arms folded across her chest, glaring at them. The hole in her abdomen was slowly knitting closed, and the gash Spike had carved into her face was no more than a faint scar.

"What the HELL?!" Rainbow cried.

Pupa smirked. "I was summoned using the blood of an immortal," she said. "Do you understand now? You cannot win. No matter how many times you strike, I will not fall, and you will tire, and you will falter, and I will strike you down."

"Un...smile," Pinkie whimpered.

Twilight frowned. "If Sunset Shimmer's blood was used to summon you..." Without warning, her baton transformed into a rapier again, which she whipped sharply at Pupa. "ERASE MAGIC!"

Pupa made no move to dodge; the wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles that poured from Twilight's blade enveloped her.

Her healing slowly ground to a halt.

"Tch," Pupa grunted, clutching a hand to her still-damaged, bleeding abdomen. "I didn't expect you to be able to suspend my regeneration."

"Sunset Shimmer is weakened," Twilight said. "My strongest magic is dangerous to her...and anything drawing power from her blood."

"So it would seem," Pupa said. "Still...even without the ability to regenerate, the fact remains..."

Pupa disappeared and reappeared in Twilight's face, which she seized in one hand. "You are no match for me." She lifted Twilight by the face, then powerbombed her into the pavement.

"TWILIGHT!" Pinkie, Rainbow, and Spike cried.

Spike rushed Pupa, slashing with his dagger even as a kunai appeared in his free hand. Rainbow flew up and around Pupa, swinging her lance at the back of the Changeling's head. Pinkie retreated from the melee, bracing her bazooka and waiting for a clear shot.

With a straightarm thrust, Pupa knocked the wind out of Spike. She grabbed him by his vest and threw him at the force bubble protecting Rarity. She tilted her head to the side, allowing Rainbow's strike to sail harmlessly past. She performed an impossible standing backflip axe kick, catching Rainbow in the abdomen, then disappeared, reappeared behind Rainbow, and sent her crashing to the ground with a spinning kick. Disappearing again, she appeared behind Pinkie, grabbing her by her hair and lifting her off the ground. A punch to the chest that nearly fractured Pinkie's sternum, and Pinkie's barely-conscious, limp form was flung mercilessly atop Rainbow.

"It's time to end this," Pupa said as she stood at the center of the fallen, wounded warriors.

Twilight gingerly levered herself up into a crouch. She had one eye closed tightly as she glared hatefully at Pupa. "We're...we're not...finished..."

Pupa smirked coldly. "Yes...you are," she said. "Your magic is impressive, but even your young friend is no match for my physical prowess. This is a fight you cannot win. Give in to death...I'll be merciful..."

"NEVER!" Rainbow cried defiantly.

"Hn. As you wish..."

"Sparkle-san."

All eyes turned to Rarity.

"Senpai..." Twilight sighed. "I...I'm sorry you—"

"Let me out of this thing," Rarity said. "I'm going to fight."

Twilight groaned. "Senpai...I know you're strong...but this...this is..."

"I simply cannot stand idly by and watch this beastly creature murder you all," Rarity said.

"We're not gonna die!" Rainbow snarled.

"ENOUGH!" Rarity roared, stamping a foot. "Release me at once!" She took a deep breath. "You've protected me long enough. Let me protect you now."

"Senpai, you can't—"

Spike's onyx pendant suddenly began to glow a blinding white. His eyes widened.

Pupa raised an eyebrow. "What's this?" she asked.

"Neechan?" Spike said softly. "Drop the shield."

Twilight looked from Spike to Rarity, uncertainty on her face. Then, with a sigh, she released her protection spell.

Spike pulled a silver locket out of thin air, tossing it to Rarity. She caught it easily. He then pulled out the gilded chest containing the remaining Elements of Harmony. A deep amethyst gem floated out, flashing brilliantly. It floated toward Rarity, who plucked it from midair, eyes full of wonder.

The gem changed shape, becoming a diamond.

The cover of the locket glowed a soft, soothing white, and three diamonds engraved themselves on the front.

Twilight's eyes widened.

Rarity looked at the gem, then the locket, a faintly puzzled frown on her face. Then, with a nod of sudden understanding, she opened the locket. "Element of Harmony..."

She inserted the gem into the locket.

"GENEROSITY!"

Rarity's clothes exploded away from her body, which began to glow white. The white glow concentrated itself on her torso, coalescing into a striking white qipao with a high collar, no sleeves, amethyst trim, and an almost indecent hemline, with splits along the sides that went all the way to her hips. White pearl spike-heeled slippers graced her feet, and dark purple bracers that matched her hair formed on her forearms. A pattern of three shining diamonds appeared on her dress near her left hip. Matching earrings dangled from her ears. A white lotus blossom formed in her hair, trailing white silk ribbons that intertwined with her styled curls. She extended her right arm straight to the side, and a white silk fan with gold lacquered ribbing appeared in her hand.

She looked down at herself.

"A qipao?" she asked flatly. "Really? I do judo, not kung fu." She sighed dramatically. "Oh well, fashion before function, I suppose."

"You look amazing," Spike breathed.

"Thank you, Spike-kun," Rarity said primly. She focused her attention on Pupa. "Now, shall we?"

"Interesting," Pupa said. She blurred into motion and reappeared in front of Rarity, driving a fist into her solar plexus...

A fist that never connected, as Rarity sidestepped, seized Pupa's wrist, and pulled, slamming the Changeling into the front wall of the dance studio. Rarity dance-jogged three steps back, stance firm, and folded her fan, which began to glow a faint blue. "Fashion Wave!" She thrust the fan forward and snapped it sharply open; a broad blue arc of power erupted from the fan, striking Pupa in the back.

Pupa turned slowly, staggering slightly. Her eyes were wide, almost fearful. "You..." With a snarl, she charged, lashing out with a roundhouse kick. Rarity caught her leg, wrenched it out of its socket, then with a pivot of her hips, threw Pupa to the ground.

"Sugoi..." Rainbow breathed.

"I will NOT be bested by the likes of you!" Pupa roared, extending a hand which pulsed with green-black power. She unleashed a blast of force.

"Senpai! Look out!" Twilight cried.

Rarity raised an eyebrow and unfolded her fan. "Elegant Reflection!" Her fan began to glow; Rarity swatted the force blast with it. The blast careened back at Pupa, whose eyes widened. It slammed into her still-damaged midsection; she screamed as she collapsed to the ground.

Rarity smirked and flipped her hair haughtily as she stalked toward the Changeling and, with a vicious grin, stabbed Pupa through the back of her left hand with the heel of her shoe. "I'm afraid you've overstayed your welcome, darling," she said lightly. "Sparkle-san? I believe you have some sort of finishing attack?"

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie stood stock-still, staring at Rarity with stunned, slack-jawed expressions.

Pupa struggled on the ground. "You...insolent...human...witch!"

Rarity grimaced. "Ahem. Now would be lovely, Sparkle-san."

"Huh? Ah...hai!" Shaking herself, Twilight raised her rapier above her head. "ERASE MAGIC!" She brought her rapier down in a quick, whipping motion, pointing it at Pupa. A wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles poured forth from the blade, enveloping her. Rarity pulled her heel out of Pupa's hand and leapt away as the attack struck.

Pupa writhed on the ground, screaming in agony. "This...is not...possible!" she screeched. Her armor began to chip away, dissolving into oily green-blask wisps of smoke.

When the light from Twilight's attack subsided, Pupa remained on the ground, smoke curling from her body. She had a melted, warped appearance, and many parts of her body were oozing...

...but she was still very much alive. She staggered to her feet, thick strands of black gore dripping from her flesh. Her human features were gone, replaced by angular black chitin. Huge, distorted holes had appeared in her limbs. Her elegant human hands had become malformed, serrated claws. Her wings fell off. Her helmet split open, falling away to reveal jagged black spikes of chitin. Her eyes were now iridescent green orbs with slit pupils.

"That...really hurt," Pupa seethed.

Twilight stared in horrified shock. "It's...not possible..."

"Oh man," Rainbow groaned. "You gotta be kiddin' me!"

Pinkie's hair collapsed, becoming a limp, stringy mess. "This sucks so hard," she whimpered.

"You said it," Spike agreed, shifting into a defensive stance.

Pupa issued a wet, rasping chuckle. "I...am going to peel the flesh from your bones...slowly..." She advanced a step toward the girls. "I...am going to make you watch...as I eat you alive..."

A short sword slashed through her neck, sending her head tumbling across the pavement.

Trixie crouched in a follow-through motion halfway between Pupa and the rolling head. Her chest heaved as she gasped for breath. She glared up at Twilight. "Quickly," she grunted. "Finish her."

"Trixie?!" Twilight gasped. "But...why?"

"FINISH HER NOW!" Trixie snarled.

"ERASE MAGIC!" Twilight once again brought her rapier down in a quick, whipping motion, pointing it at Pupa. A wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles poured forth from the blade, enveloping both the still-standing body and the severed head. Within seconds, there was nothing left of Pupa but ash drifting on the breeze.

Twilight dropped her rapier and gasped for air, clutching at her chest with one hand while bracing the other against her knees. She looked up at Trixie. "Why...why did you help us?"

"Trixie did not help you," Trixie said as she stood tall, tossing her hair and turning up her nose. "Trixie helped herself. If Trixie allowed that monster to destroy you, then Trixie would not be paid for her services." Trixie paused, then looked slightly away. "Besides...Trixie's pride will not allow anyone but Trixie to defeat you."

Rainbow scowled. "Well that's great an' all, but if you think we're just gonna stand around and let you kill us all after what we just went through..."

Trixie snorted. "Trixie...is not in the mood to end this today. Rest assured...you will see Trixie again." She threw a smoke bomb at the ground, which erupted in a billowing, glittery blue cloud. When it dispersed, she was gone.

Twilight sighed. "Come on, girls," she said wearily. "Let's get inside. I'm too tired to go anywhere else right now."

"Me too," Pinkie said. "This is the most unsmile day I've ever had." She looked at Rarity. "Well...it had its good points."

"Boy, I'll say," Rainbow said with a grin.

With a lavender glow, Twilight returned to normal. She limped over to Rarity. "Senpai..." she said tiredly.

Rarity tilted her head. "Sparkle-san?"

Rolling her eyes, Twilight grabbed Rarity and pulled her into a hug. "Arigatou," she whispered. "And...I'm happy to call you my friend."

Rarity smiled, tears misting in her eyes as she returned Twilight's embrace.

Rainbow and Pinkie reversed their transformations. Spike's battle attire was replaced by his street clothes in a flash of green. After Twilight released Rarity, the older girl's body flashed white, reversing her transformation.

As the four girls and Spike headed into the studio, Spike mused, "I wonder if we can get pizza delivery here." The girls giggled. "What?" Spike asked. "I'm starving after all that!"

Twilight laughed. "Sure, we'll order something," she said.

"I wonder..." Rarity said. "Is there any way to alter our...costumes?"

"I don't think so," Twilight said. "You'd have to ask Celestia-sama about that."

"I believe I shall," Rarity said.

"What, you don't like wearing a qipao?" Pinkie asked. "It really does look good on you."

"Oh, I'm perfectly fine with my outfit," Rarity said. "I just want to know if we can do something about Sparkle-san's..."

"Not THIS again!" Twilight cried. "Mou..."

* * * * *

Fluttershy sat on the edge of her hospital bed. A nurse checked her vitals.

"Well, you're going home today," the nurse said. "Aren't you excited?"

"Oh, yes," Fluttershy said as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I haven't seen my poor sweet Angel Bunny in days. He must be so sad and lonely..."

"I bet you're looking forward to seeing your friends again too," the nurse said.

"Friends?" Fluttershy asked. "I...I don't have any friends..."

The nurse frowned. "Really? Because three girls came to check up on you a couple days after you were admitted." She tapped a finger on her cheek. "Though it's kind of strange...they haven't been back since..."

Fluttershy shook her head. "I..."

"Well, they were all wearing the same school uniform," the nurse said. "Maybe a teacher sent them to check on you." She smiled. "They did seem awfully worried about you, though."

"Oh," Fluttershy said softly. "That's...nice."

Magic 10: シューター

"Now there are FOUR OF THEM?!"

Snips and Snails cowered before Sunset Shimmer. "Yeah, and they killed that Changeling we summoned choki."

"They...killed...the crown princess of the Changelings?" Sunset asked softly. There was a note of fear in her voice.

"Just barely noso."

Sunset closed her eyes and let out a slow hiss of breath. "This is bad," she whispered. "This is very, very bad..."

The two boys looked at one another. "Uhh...we have a plan noso."

Sunset's eyes snapped open, full of fire. "You two. Have a plan."

Snails glanced at Snips, who shrugged and reached into his pocket, pulling out a handgun. "I stole this off a bank robber a few days ago choki."

Sunset blinked.

"We think if we can just...you know..." Snails mimed firing a gun. "Bang bang noso."

"They sure won't be expecting it choki."

Sunset frowned. "I don't like it," she said. "I hate to think that after everything I've done, everything I've been through, I'm willing to resort to using a stupid contraption from the outside world to end my enemies." She sighed. "And I really hate to admit that...you two might have actually come up with a decent plan for once." She nodded. "Get it done. And bring me the Elements of Harmony." She glared at them. "This is your last chance. If you screw this up, I'll do to the two of you what I did to my mother."

Snips and Snails looked at one another, swallowed nervously, and left Sunset's chamber.

Less than a minute later, a pair of slit-pupiled green eyes, limned in a sickly green aura, appeared in midair before Sunset. "We have much to discuss, you human piece of filth..."

Sunset paled.

Magic 10: シューター

"So...let me get this straight," Cheese Sandwich said. "You girls...are real mahoushoujo. Like, you transform and have superpowers and fight monsters. For real. It's not fake."

"We're as real as it gets," Twilight said as she focused her magic on Pinkie, healing the damage to her sternum. Each of the other girls lay on a mat, as did Spike; he had his phone out and was using it to order pizza.

"Rarity-sama, what do you want on yours?" he asked.

"Oh, I'll just have the margherita," she said.

"I want Aloha barbecue," Rainbow called.

"Ooh, that sounds good," Pinkie said. "But I think I'll have the Aloha quarter. Cheese rim, please."

"I have...no idea what I want," Twilight said. "Just order me whatever. I trust you, Spike."

"Order me a four quarters rim," Cheese said. "Oh, I'll pay for mine. And the drinks."

"How very gracious of you," Rarity said. "Then I'll pay for the rest of the orders."

"Senpai, you don't have to—"

"Oh, but I insist," Rarity said.

As Twilight finished working on Pinkie, she gasped. "Shimatta! I need to call my mother..." She pulled out her own phone and called home. "Okaasan? We ran into another of those really strong Changelings. This one would've wiped us out, but we found the fourth mahoushoujo. Hai. We're at the dance studio, resting up. We just ordered a whole bunch of pizza and we're...pretty much gonna stay here the rest of the day." She paused. "It's okay, I can call Celestia-sama. There's plenty of mirrors here. Hai. Don't worry, we're all fine...well, we will be. I'll tell you all about it later." She hung up, put her phone away, and walked over to one of the mirrors arrayed around the studio. "Communication."

The image of Celestia's office appeared in the mirror. Cheese Sandwich stared. "How the heck?!"

"Twilight," Celestia said with a nod. "You look exhausted."

"We were attacked," Twilight said. "Another Changeling. She said she was the eldest daughter of the Changeling Queen."

Celestia gasped. "You're extremely lucky to be alive!" she cried.

"Tell me about it," Twilight replied. "If Senpai hadn't been there..." She shuddered. "It's a good thing I didn't erase her memory. She turned out to be the next bearer of an Element of Harmony."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "How interesting." She looked over Twilight's shoulder. "I see there is another person present..."

Twilight grimaced. "Hai. Sandwich-san saw everything. I'm not even bothering with the memory spell. I think we need all the allies we can get in this city."

"I'll trust your judgment," Celestia said. "Good sir," she called more loudly, "I trust you will remain...discreet regarding what you have seen and heard?"

Cheese snorted. "Who'd believe me?" He paused. "Uhh...your...highness? Majesty? What am I...what am I supposed to—"

Celestia laughed. "There is no need for formality, sir," she said. "I am merely a humble immortal mage." She looked back at Twilight. "And what of the other problem?"

"Trixie showed up," Twilight said. "She confronted us, then the Changeling appeared..." She paused. "Then after my finishing attack didn't...quite finish off the Changeling..."

"Trixie cut that stupid bug bitch's head off while she was distracted," Rainbow said. "Then she said some crap about 'I'm the only one allowed to defeat you' and ran away."

Celestia blinked. "Goodness." She sighed. "There are two more to find, Twilight. Hurry."

"We will, Celestia-sama." The image in the mirror vanished, and Twilight collapsed to one of the mats.

"Pizza's on the way," Spike said.

Cheese looked around at the group of tired, listless girls. "I don't know about all of you, but I could use some music or...or something. Anything."

"Hey, why don't you play some of those parody songs you used to write?" Pinkie suggested. "We could all use a good laugh right now."

* * * * *

"It's so good to finally have you home, dearie," Fluttershy's grandmother said. "I've missed you terribly. So has your little bunny." She chuckled. "Honestly, I don't know how you handle him so well. He's an absolute terror!"

"Angel can be a handful," Fluttershy said as she slipped off her shoes and stepped into her own home for the first time in over a week. "You just have to have the right touch..."

"Well, I'm sure you're starving for some real food, so I'll get dinner started."

Fluttershy padded back to her room, where she saw her favorite fluffy bunny curled up in his little basket. She smiled and crept close. "A~ngel," she whispered. "Mama's home."

Angel's ears twitched. He sat up, looking up at Fluttershy. He hopped into her arms; she giggled and sat on the bed, snuggling him. "Did you miss me?"

Angel nodded. Fluttershy grabbed a brush and lay flat on her bed, brushing Angel's tail. "They never did find out what was wrong with me," she said. She looked over at her nightstand, frowning. There was a pillowcase folded there. "Now how did that get there?" she wondered.

Angel's ears twitched and he peered curiously at her.

"Did you do that, Angel?" Fluttershy asked. She sat up, picking up the pillowcase. Her nose wrinkled. She lifted it to her face and smelled it. "Ugh! It stinks!" Grimacing, she held it by one corner as she walked to the bathroom and tossed it in the hamper, then washed her hands. She wore a faint, puzzled frown as she returned to her bedroom and resumed her grooming of Angel. "What was that smell? I mean, I know every smell that comes out of you, and that..." She frowned. "It smelled like..." She shook her head. "Oh well. I'm sure it's not important." She smiled and scratched Angel between the ears. "I'm just happy to be home."

* * * * *

//Hiiii~! Honey Voice here, bringing you the latest news in the world of Net Idols!

//This week's top-rated Net Idol is of course Smile-chan! We do have some sad news, however: Smile-chan announced last night that her new PV has been delayed. Smile-chan and her idol unit were involved in an accident yesterday! So scary! Smile-chan said everyone's okay, but they're shaken up and need time to rest and recover before they can get back to work. We here at NetIdol Week wish Smile-chan the very best!

//We've also learned that G.P.T is preparing to release a new song soon. Does anybody really even care?//

Pinkie frowned and changed the channel. "They should really stop picking on G.P.T like that, even if she is a meanie-pants ninja who wants to kill us all..."

//—urging citizens to donate blood, as local hospitals are in crisis. Hospitals and blood banks are in short supply, and are currently using approximately 70% more blood per week than is being donated.//

Pinkie sighed and changed the channel again. "I wonder if anything good is on—ooh, Ramen Ninja!"

* * * * *

//L-Lady Sashimi! Why...why are you...?//

//Shh...rest now. Udonmaru's strike was deep...you're losing a great deal of blood...lie still while I heal you...//

Sweetie Belle sat in front of the television in the breakfast nook, munching on sugary cereal.

//But...Lady Sashimi...why would you help me? The Ramen Village and the Village Hidden in the Sushi are not allies...//

//I don't care about such things...I would help any brave shinobi who stands against the tyranny of Udonmaru...//

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called. Her head poked around the corner. "Good morning, dear little s—are you watching that ghastly anime again?"

"It's not ghastly, it's fun!" Sweetie Belle said. "And I can watch whatever I want."

Rarity sniffed delicately. "If you must," she said with a sigh. "I wanted to tell you I'll be busy in my work room all day, so..."

"I won't get in your way," Sweetie said. She shoved a spoonful of cereal in her mouth and crunched it venomously.

Rarity frowned mildly. "Yes...well...perhaps we can have lunch together..." She walked away, leaving Sweetie to her breakfast and her cartoon.

//Thank you, Lady Sashimi. Your kindness knows no bounds...//

* * * * *

"Rainbow-chan! Twilight-chan! We heard about the accident!"

"Are you okay?"

Lyra and Derpy hovered over Twilight and Rainbow's desks, faces tense and anxious. Twilight waved them off. "We're fine," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, Pinkie's producer is just overreacting," Rainbow said.

"Well, she did get the worst of it," Twilight said. "Almost fracturing your sternum is nothing to sneeze at."

Several people gasped at that. Lyra screamed. "Almost fractured her WHAT?!" She looked around wildly. "Oh my gosh, you guys! We need to run over to her class right now and cheer her up!"

Several students stampeded for the door.

At the front of the class, Cheerilee sighed. "Why am I even here?" she muttered.

* * * * *

"Goodness, 2-B certainly is noisy today," Fluttershy's homeroom teacher said. "Anyway...everyone, Fluttershy-san is back! Let's welcome her back, and do our best to help her get caught up, alright?" She looked at her podium, frowned, then searched her desk. "Oh no, I left my notebook in the teacher's lounge..." She frowned. "Excuse me for a moment, class." She left the room.

"What's going on over there, I wonder?" Fluttershy mused as a loud tumult erupted from the neighboring class.

Beside her, a girl named Daisy rolled her eyes. "There was an announcement yesterday that that Smile girl got hurt over the weekend."

"Smile? The Net Idol?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah. Didn't you know? She goes to this school. She's in 2-B."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "I didn't know that!"

"Yeesh, where've you be—" Daisy trailed off. "Ah, gomen!"

Another girl snorted. "The thing at the park happened before Fluttershy got sick," she said.

"Oh yeah!" Daisy frowned at Fluttershy. "You really don't have a clue, do you?"

Fluttershy ducked her head. "I-I'm sorry..."

"Lay off," another girl said. "Anyway, that noise is probably just a lot of her fans crowding her."

"I see..."

* * * * *

The remainder of the day had been chaotic. Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie hadn't been able to find any refuge from the other students, and had been forced to endure questions and give carefully rehearsed answers. By the end of the day, Twilight was too tired to think, and trudged home in a weary fog, wanting nothing more than some chocolate and a nap. Rainbow had track practice, and Pinkie went home with Rarity to work on the costumes.

"A little peace and quiet would be nice," she muttered to herself. "Just some time to relax..."

* * * * *

Snips lurked in an alley halfway between Umadakara High School and the bookstore where Twilight Sparkle and her mother lived. Having observed her for some time, he knew she walked home, and he knew this stretch of road was the most deserted part of her route. He hoped she was with one or more of the other mahoushoujo today; if he could take out more than one at the same time, it would undoubtedly please Sunset Shimmer.

He tensed when he saw a girl in an Umadakara uniform walk past, then relaxed; she wasn't familiar. The girl with the long pale pink hair disappeared into a convenience store.

A few minutes later, Twilight Sparkle walked by. Snips pulled the gun out of his pocket, thumbing off the safety. He cast a silencing spell on the gun and its ammunition. He stepped out of the alley, took aim, and fired.

Twilight dropped to the pavement.

Snips walked calmly out of the alley. One more shot to the head, then he could steal her Element of Harmony and be on his way. Without her, the others would be helpless. It was really too easy.

The pink-haired girl stepped out of the convenience store. He froze.

She saw the gun in his hand. She started screaming. Heads poked out of doors and windows all up and down the street.

Snips looked around wildly, uncertain. He could shoot the screaming girl, finish off Twilight, and run...

A few large, muscular men emerged from shop doors and started bellowing at him. If he took the time to finish the job, there'd be no escape; he didn't have enough magical power to fight off a crowd, he certainly didn't have enough bullets, and he couldn't teleport away.

Cursing, Snips turned and ran like hell.

* * * * *

A hot, terrible pain exploded in Twilight's side. Her eyes dilated as she dropped to the ground, having lost the strength to remain on her feet. Confusion jumbled her thoughts: What had just happened? Why did she fall? She hadn't seen or sensed anything strange...there was just pain, pain unlike anything she had ever experienced...

Through the red-black haze of pain, she saw feet approaching. She took a shallow, ragged breath, trying to summon her magic, but the pain wracking her body made it impossible to concentrate.

She heard a loud, high-pitched scream. The feet approaching her stopped, turning.

The screaming continued. She heard more noises. The feet that were so close turned haltingly, faltering momentarily before running away.

A warm, gentle hand laid itself upon her face. "Are...are you..." a soft voice whispered. Fingers pressed against her neck. "Thank goodness," the voice said with a sigh. A moment later, Twilight heard that same voice, as though through gallons of murky water, say, "Hai...a girl has been shot...yes, I said shot...the shooter ran..."

The voice became indistinct as Twilight's senses failed her, enveloping her in darkness.

* * * * *

Fluttershy's first day back to school was not going at all like she'd hoped.

First, there had been half her class making her feel stupid for not knowing a Net Idol went to their school.

Then, she'd spent most of the day frantically trying to catch up; very few of her classmates were willing to lend her notes.

At lunch, one of her classmates had stolen her fried shrimp. That really upset her, because her grandmother worked so hard to make those, but she wasn't able to work up the nerve to protest before it was too late.

After school, she decided to stop by a convenience store and buy a sweet bread roll before heading to the pet shop. She'd just emerged from the store when she saw something absolutely terrifying:

A girl, wearing an Umadakara uniform, lay bleeding on the sidewalk.

A boy, a couple of years younger than her, was walking toward the bleeding girl, holding a gun.

Fluttershy dropped her bag and started screaming. The boy looked right at her, frowning. She tried to run, but she was rooted to the spot. All she could do was keep screaming.

Doors started opening up and down the block, heads poking out.

"Who's making all that racket?"

"What's going on out here?"

"OH MY GOD, THAT BOY HAS A GUN!"

"SOMEONE'S BEEN SHOT! CALL THE POLICE!"

"YOU LITTLE PUNK! DON'T YOU KNOW GUNS ARE ILLEGAL IN THIS COUNTRY?!"

Several burly middle-aged men advanced out into the street. The boy with the gun looked around indecisively, then turned on his heel and ran. The men followed him, bellowing at him all the way.

Once the boy and his deadly weapon were removed from the equation, Fluttershy stopped screaming and started thinking. Numbly, she picked up her bag, then walked over to the wounded girl. She knelt and gently touched the girl's cheek. "Are...are you...?" She felt the girl's neck for a pulse, and found one. "Thank goodness..." She pulled out her phone and dialed 119. "Hai...a girl has been shot...yes, I said shot...the shooter ran..." She gave the operator the address. "Hai...I'll wait with her...I don't know who she is...she goes to my school but I've never...alright..." She disconnected, then called 110 and gave the same information to the police dispatch.

As she waited for the ambulance, Fluttershy sat beside the girl, heart hammering in her chest. She fumbled through the girl's bag, finding her student ID. "Twilight Sparkle...2-C..." She swallowed. "You're going to be alright, Sparkle-san...they're coming...oh..." She saw Twilight's phone sticking out of the side pocket of her bag and reached for it, scrolling through the contact list. Finding a number labeled "Okaasan", she dialed it and waited.

//Hello Twiley-chan! Are you on the way home?//

"Anou...sumimasen...are you the mother of Twilight Sparkle?"

The voice on the other end faltered. //H-hai...who is—?//

"I...I'm with her...waiting for an ambulance. Somebody just shot her."

//WHAT?!//

"I...I got a good look at him...I screamed until he ran away...I called an ambulance, I'm with her...I'm waiting...I thought I should try calling you..."

//Where is she? Where are you?// Fluttershy rattled off the address for the third time that afternoon. //Stay with her...please...I'll be at the hospital as soon as I can...//

The call ended, and Fluttershy put Twilight's phone and student ID back in her bag. She rubbed circles on Twilight's back, heedless of the blood staining her own uniform. And there was so much blood...ever so much...

Fluttershy was terrified. Every instinct was telling her to run and hide, to lock herself in her room and cry. But...

This girl needed her. This girl she'd never met in her life...at this moment, Fluttershy was all she had.

And so she sat in the spreading pool of Twilight Sparkle's blood and waited.

The police arrived seconds behind the ambulance. While Twilight was attended by paramedics, a police officer pulled Fluttershy aside. "You witnessed the shooting?"

"Yes. Well...not exactly. She'd already been shot when I came outside. I was in that store over there."

The officer frowned. "And you didn't hear the gunshot?"

"I don't think anybody did," Fluttershy said. "Nobody else came out into the street until I started screaming." She shook her head. "What I saw was her lying on the ground bleeding, and a boy with a gun walking toward her."

The officer nodded. "I'd like to take you to the kouban and ask more questions..."

"Anou...a-actually..." Fluttershy watched the ambulance as it drove off, siren wailing. "Is...is it alright if we follow them to the hospital?" She toyed with her hair. "I...I saw on...on Sparkle-san's student ID...we have the same blood type. She...she might need blood..."

The officer nodded. "Alright. It's against procedure, but saving her life is more important, and I can finish asking you what I need to know at the hospital..."

* * * * *

Twilight Velvet paced nervously in the hospital waiting room. She'd been there several minutes when Spike arrived with Pinkie, Rainbow, and even Rarity in tow. She looked around at them and took a shaky breath. "I...I don't know all the details yet. I don't even know who...who it was who called me, but..."

A uniformed police officer walked into the emergency room. "Excuse me," he called. "Is anyone here related to Twilight Sparkle-san?"

"I'm her mother," Velvet said immediately.

The officer nodded. His face was grim. "Ma'am...your daughter was shot."

The girls gasped. Spike's face hardened. Velvet sank into a chair, face pale. "So she really was...oh God..."

"I just saw them take her into surgery. The girl who called the ambulance is with her...the doctor says it's a miracle she was found by someone with the same blood type." The officer sighed. "It's a good thing she talked me into bringing her here instead of the kouban."

"Who shot Neechan?" Spike asked. His voice was cold.

"We don't know," the officer said. "I've reported the incident to headquarters. Detectives will be searching the area, speaking to witnesses. The best witness we have is the girl who called, and she's needed in the operating room right now."

The officer spoke with Velvet for several minutes, then left. Rainbow ran a hand through her hair. "Twilight was...shot?" she squeaked. "This...this can't be real, right? This is some trick, right?"

"Do you suppose that ninja girl is responsible?" Rarity asked.

Spike shook his head. "You saw the way she was the other day," he said. "She's too proud to do something this cowardly."

"Yeah, she seemed like she wanted some big epic showdown," Pinkie said.

After what had to have been hours, a doctor walked into the waiting room. Velvet leapt to her feet. "My daughter, is she...?"

"You're the mother of Twilight Sparkle-san?" At Velvet's nod, the doctor continued, "She's stable. She's still unconscious. The damage could have been much worse. It's going to take a while for her to recover."

"Can I...can I see her?" Velvet asked.

The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry," he said. "I'm afraid she can't have any visitors until tomorrow." He paused, then said, "But the girl who saved her life...she's in the recovery room. You probably want to talk to her." The entire group stood up, and he frowned. "I'm sorry, I can only let two of you go back..."

"You and Spike go," Rainbow said. "We'll wait."

* * * * *

Velvet and Spike followed the doctor into a long room full of leather recliners separated by partitions, with rolling tables and a portable rack of electronic equipment stationed near each chair. The room was mostly empty; at the very back, a frail-looking girl with long pink hair sat in one of the chairs, drinking a can of juice and nibbling on a muffin.

Velvet approached her. "You...you're the one who saved my daughter's life?" she asked.

The girl looked up. "You're Sparkle-san's mother?" At Velvet's nod, she smiled. "They say she's going to be fine." She set her muffin down. "I'm Fluttershy. I'm sorry I can't stand up right now—"

"That's perfectly alright, dear," Velvet said. "I just wanted to thank you...thank you so much..."

"They almost didn't let me give blood," Fluttershy said. "I just got out of the hospital myself two days ago."

"Oh dear. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. They never did find out what was wrong with me." Fluttershy frowned. "But they didn't have any blood of my type on hand, so..."

"Well, I can't begin to tell you how lucky we all are that you were there," Velvet said.

Spike stepped forward. "Did you see the bastard that shot Neechan?"

Fluttershy blinked. "Oh my...are you Sparkle-san's brother?"

"More or less," Spike said. "Well?"

"Spike! Don't interrogate the poor girl!" Velvet chided.

"N-no, it's alright," Fluttershy said. "I saw him, but...everything happened so fast. He was young...about your age, maybe older...he was short, kind of pudgy...his eyes were really evil-looking..." She frowned. "That's about all I really remember." She bowed her head. "Gomen nasai. I'm tired..."

"That's alright. You rest now, dear," Velvet said. "We'll talk more later." Her eyes glowed softly as she laid a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. Fluttershy's eyes fluttered closed and she drifted off to sleep. With a frown, Velvet placed her hand on the side of Fluttershy's head. Her own eyes rolled back in their sockets as her hand glowed. A moment later, she broke contact, stepping away with a curse.

"Well?" Spike asked.

"It's one of those two boys," Velvet said. "The ones who kidnapped me."

"Sunset Shimmer's stooges?"

"Hai. The shorter one."

Spike snarled. "I'll be back later," he said. He vanished in a burst of red fire.

Velvet gasped. "Spike..."

* * * * *

The girls looked up anxiously when Velvet returned. "Where's Spike-kun?" Rarity asked.

Velvet's eyes looked troubled. "It was one of Sunset Shimmer's minions that shot Twilight," she said. "Spike...he's already gone. He's...he's absolutely furious."

"I don't blame him," Rainbow said. "I say we—"

"No," Velvet said, shaking her head. "I'm not letting you girls out of my sight until those boys are off the streets." She sighed. "Which may be very soon. I'm pretty sure Spike intends to kill them."

Pinkie gasped. "Spike-kun's going to—?!"

"I've never seen Spike's flames turn red before," Velvet said. "It's...not a good sign."

"Oh dear..." Rarity said, clutching a hand to her chest. "Do you really think he'd—?"

Velvet nodded grimly. "If he finds them, I don't for an instant believe he'll let them live."

Rarity paled.

"So the girl recognized them?" Rainbow asked.

Velvet shook her head. "I had to read her mind after I cast a mild sleep spell on her," she said.

"You can do that?" Pinkie asked, eyes wide.

Velvet smiled. "A little bit. Enough that neither of my children ever got away with anything growing up." She chuckled. "I don't use it on Spike, though. I don't particularly want to go into his mind." She sighed. "At any rate, we're going to have to do something very nice for Fluttershy-san. If not for her, Twiley-chan would be...would be..." She trailed off as she caught the shocked expressions on Rainbow's and Pinkie's faces. "Girls?"

"Fluttershy?!" Rainbow cried. "Seriously?!"

"Wow, that's a heck of a coincidence," Pinkie said.

"Am I missing something?" Rarity asked.

"Remember those icky fuzzy things that were chasing us that one day?" Pinkie asked.

Rarity nodded. "The creatures I saw the three of you fight in the park, yes."

"Fluttershy's the one they were feeding off of," Pinkie said.

Velvet's eyes widened. "She did say she just got out of the hospital two days ago. So that's—"

Rainbow nodded. "A Changeling drained her until she collapsed."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "And now she's repaid you girls without even knowing it, by saving Sparkle-san's life." She pulled her henshin locket out of her blouse and ran her fingers over it. "Girls, I believe we need to get to know this Fluttershy-san..."

* * * * *

Twilight opened her eyes and saw nothing but blurry white. A dull ache throbbed in her head. She groaned; her mouth was dry and cottony.

"She's waking up," she heard Rainbow say.

She tried to sit up, but gentle hands pressed her against the bed. "Pinkie-chan, get the doctor," her mother said.

"On it!"

Twilight licked her lips. "What...happened? Where—"

"Shh," a gentle voice said. "You need to rest."

Twilight turned her head. Her vision cleared slightly; she saw a fuzzy blob of pink hanging over her. That same quiet voice said, "Some horrible boy shot you. You're in the hospital."

"Sh-shot me?" Twilight rasped.

"It was one of Sunset Shimmer's lackeys," her mother said, firm steel in her voice. "Spike is hunting him now. Him and the other one. We haven't seen him since yesterday."

"It's a good thing 'Shy here came along when she did. She saved your life twice!"

Twilight blinked stupidly. "I...what?"

The gentle voice spoke again, full of embarrassment. "Umm...I'm Fluttershy," she said. "I...I was there when..."

"You owe Fluttershy-san your life, Sparkle-san," a new, male voice intruded. She felt firm hands poke and prod her, heard a pen scratching on paper. "She saw you get shot, she called the ambulance and the police, then she stayed with you until the ambulance came. And then she gave you a blood transfusion."

Twilight blinked. Someone shoved her glasses onto her face. The pink blur resolved itself into a pale, kind face with blue-green eyes, framed by cherry blossom pink hair. The girl smiled at her. "You're...Fluttershy...san?" Twilight asked.

The girl nodded. "Hai."

Twilight tried to smile, but didn't have the strength. "A...arigatou," she rasped.

"She needs her rest now," the doctor said. "She's going to be fine."

* * * * *

Spike knelt on the corner of a rooftop, looking out over the streets below. A cold red fire burned around him, fed by his rage.

He heard a soft sound behind him and spun around, throwing a kunai.

"Calm yourself, Emerald Flame boy," Trixie said, deflecting his kunai in mid-air. "I didn't come here to fight."

"Then get lost," Spike growled. "I'm busy."

"Oh, I know you are," Trixie said. She tossed a squirming bundle to the rooftop. Spike's eyes widened.

It was Snips, bound shoulder to toe in duct tape, muffled screams and curses issuing forth through a cloth gag.

"What's he worth to you?" Trixie asked.

Author's Note

I used the online menu for Pizza-La, Japan's most famous pizza chain, for the pizza ordering scene.

Cultural notes: In Japan, fire and ambulance services have a separate emergency number from police emergency services. Fire and ambulance are 119, and police are 110. A kouban, or Japanese police box, is essentially a small office where an officer is usually stationed that services a district.

Magic 11: レッド・ファイヤー

"What's he worth to you?"

Spike stared down at the duct-taped, writhing form of Snips. His beady eyes were wide with terror, and he shook his head frantically.

"Trixie knows you've been hunting this little weasel," Trixie said. "I'm prepared to give him to you...for the right price."

A pulse of intense heat was Trixie's only warning before she found herself flying across the roof. She rolled to her feet, readying several shuriken...

Spike, his body enveloped in blazing red flames, stood over Snips, glaring hatefully into his eyes. A kunai appeared in his hand. With a terrifying roar, he plunged it into Snips' throat. Snips gurgled wetly through his gag, across which blood stains began to blossom. His eyes rolled back in his head, and his struggles ceased.

Trixie stared at the dead body, eyes wide. After a moment, her normal disaffected, superior air returned. "Tch," she spat. "Trixie didn't think you had the balls to do that."

"He tried to murder the most important person in my life," Spike said. He pulled another kunai, which glowed with red flames. "Remember this the next time you show your face around Neechan."

"Oh? Why don't you just kill me right now then?" Trixie asked. "If you can."

Spike's chest heaved; his pupils seemed to turn slitted for a fraction of a second. After a moment of tense silence, he sighed. The burning aura around Spike and his weapon vanished. "No." He looked down at the dead body of Snips. His eyes widened slightly, his face becoming slack.

Trixie tilted her head. "You've never killed before, have you?"

Spike looked down at his feet. He balled his hands into trembling fists. Without another word, he teleported away.

Trixie sighed. "Well...it was worth a try..."

Magic 11: レッド・ファイヤー

Twilight Velvet was buying a drink in the hospital lobby when Spike shambled listlessly through the main entrance. His eyes were dull; he didn't seem to see anything around him, and his arms hung limp at his sides. She rushed over. "Spike!" she cried. "Twiley-chan's awake." She looked him over. "Did you...did you find him?"

Spike said nothing.

Velvet frowned worriedly. "Come with me...I was just heading back to Twiley-chan's room..."

Spike still remained silent, following Velvet mechanically to Twilight's room.

Twilight lay in bed, still pale and fragile-looking, but wide awake; the head of the bed was inclined slightly, and she was reading. She looked up as they walked in. "Spike!" she said happily; her voice was weak. "I was wondering when...you'd..."

Spike sat down beside Twilight's bed, dropping his face in his hands. His shoulders shook, and heaving sobs issued forth.

Twilight frowned, setting her book down in her lap. "Spike?"

"Spike, what's wrong?" Velvet asked.

Spike looked up, tears streaming from his eyes. "Neechan," he sobbed, sniffling. "I...I..."

"It's okay, Spike," Twilight said, reaching out and taking his hand. "It's okay."

"N-no, it's n-not..." Spike whimpered. "I...I killed him. I killed...in cold blood..."

Twilight gasped. "You...?"

"Trixie...caught him. Tried to...wanted to t-trade him..." Spike's breath hitched, and he shuddered.

"She wanted to trade him for the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight prompted gently.

Spike nodded. "I...saw him...and all I could think about was you, covered in blood..." He bowed his head. "I killed him. I killed him. Oh God, I killed him..."

Velvet frowned and laid a hand on Spike's shoulder. "Spike..."

Twilight's eyes clouded with pain and horror. "Okaasan...maybe you should...take Spike home..."

"He tried to take you away from me!" Spike suddenly shouted thickly. "I couldn't think straight...couldn't...I..."

Velvet helped Spike to his feet. "Shhh...come on," she said. "We'll...we'll come back later...you need to rest..."

As they left, Twilight stared down at her lap, mind whirling. "Spike..."

* * * * *

"You called for me noso?"

Sunset Shimmer frowned at Snails. "Where's Snips?"

Snails looked down. "Yeah...about that..." He handed Sunset Shimmer a slip of paper. She unfolded it with a scowl.

The short fat kid's dead. Twilight Sparkle's pet ninja didn't like that little stunt with the gun. My price just doubled, by the way. —Trixie

Sunset hissed angrily, clenching a fist around the note. "Dammit...!"

"I can't believe he's dead either noso," Snails said. "I—"

"I don't give a damn about that!" Sunset snarled. "I promised Chrysalis two sacrifices, and now I only have one!"

Snails blinked stupidly. "Sacrifices? Wait, wha—"

A pair of burning green eyes limned in a black cloud appeared in midair. "You can't even do something as simple as delivering your own minions to me?!"

"I can get you another!" Sunset said. "It'll just be harder, that's all!"

"What's going on here noso?"

The green eyes burned into Snails, examining him critically. "He's pathetic."

"There aren't exactly many male mages to choose from in this stupid city!" Sunset said. "This one and Snips were all I had to work with!"

The voice belonging to the eyes sighed. "Oh well...I suppose it's a start."

The swirling black cloud surrounding the eyes contracted. A segmented, chitinous black tendril shot out from the cloud. The end bulged ominously, dripping glowing green venom. Snails' eyes widened in horror as the end of the tendril opened wide and latched onto his face. The segments bulged, a green glow leaking between the joints as a large object travelled down its length. Snails' screams trailed off into a gurgling rattle. With a wet, whiplike snap, the tendril retreated into the black void.

Glowing green veins began to crawl up Snails' neck and down his arms. His eyes rolled back in his head as he sank to his knees. Black slime oozed from his mouth.

"How long's this going to take?" Sunset asked, a nauseated expression on her face.

"As weak as he was? No less than a full week," the green eyes said. "I doubt what comes out of that pitiful wretch will be able to give me a strong enough daughter to replace my dear beloved Pupa...or even Papillon," she muttered. "You were saying you could get me another?"

Sunset frowned. "Well...perhaps," she said. "Twilight Sparkle brought a member of the Emerald Flame Clan with her to this city. I've seen his power. He's..." She grimaced, looking down at the scars she still bore. "Let's just say if he hadn't intervened, I'd have killed Twilight and her friends before they could do this."

"Interesting," the eyes said. "I'll provide you with as many of my soldiers as I can. You can't have any more of my daughters. Ever."

"Of course," Sunset said. "Thank you."

"If you anger me again..." The eyes flashed angrily. "I do have ways of turning a female mage into one of my brood." Cold amusement entered her voice. "You would make a powerful daughter...perhaps even as powerful as Pupa..."

Sunset narrowed her eyes. "You wouldn't dare."

The black cloud around the eyes roiled angrily. "I am Chrysalis, Queen of all Changelings! I do as I please, human." With that, Chrysalis' eyes disappeared.

Sunset stared at what used to be Snails. A wet, filmy cocoon had begun to envelop his body. She shuddered.

* * * * *

As sugary bliss melted in Fluttershy's mouth, she decided she was glad she'd let herself be dragged to the cake shop she currently sat in.

Seated with her at the table were Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. Despite their friend's prognosis, the girls were still very tense and worried. Still, they'd all decided they were going to take Fluttershy out to eat cake by way of thanking her for saving Twilight Sparkle's life. She'd insisted it wasn't necessary, but the three girls refused to take no for an answer.

"Do you like it?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh, yes," Fluttershy said with a smile. "It's delicious."

"Yeah, I'm glad Pinkie introduced us to this place," Rainbow said.

Pinkie pushed a bite of cake around on her plate with her fork, a frown on her face. "Ne, Rainbow-chan," she said. "Do you really think Spike will...?"

Rarity grimaced. Rainbow sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I dunno, Pinkie. I just..." She shook her head. "I don't really know Spike all that well, y'know? But...but I do know..." She looked down. "For all his bad points, he really cares about Twilight." She cut her piece of cake in half with her fork. "You saw how worried Twilight's mom was when she told us..." She glanced over at Fluttershy, grimaced, then sighed again. "I just don't..."

Fluttershy looked around at the girls. Their body language and the way they flicked their eyes to each other, then hastily away from her, told her there was something going on that was very private. "If...if you'd like me to leave so you can talk about...whatever it is..."

"Oh, don't be absurd, darling," Rarity said, patting Fluttershy's hand and smiling. "In fact, it's terribly rude of us to exclude you the way we are. Please forgive us."

"Oh, it's alright," Fluttershy said quietly.

"Nah, we're bein' jerks," Rainbow said. "It's just..." She sighed. "There's a lot goin' on, and we...don't really wanna drag you into it."

"Yeah, you saved our friend's life, and we want to be your friends," Pinkie said with a smile. "But we've kinda gone through some stuff you had to be there for."

"Oh," Fluttershy said.

"I don't think that really helped, Pie-san," Rarity said. She smiled at Fluttershy again. "Sparkle-san, her mother, and Spike-kun are from a place rather far from Neighpon. A very small nation. Things...work differently there." She sipped her coffee. "I've only known Spike-kun a short while, but he's a fighter."

"That punk that shot Twilight is from the same place," Rainbow said. "Him and his friends have pulled some pretty nasty crap before." She looked Fluttershy right in the eyes. "They kidnapped Twilight's mom a while back."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Ki-kidnapped?"

"Yeah. We got her back, though. Mostly thanks to Spike." Rainbow looked down. "When that little asshole shot Twilight, well..." She looked to the other girls.

Pinkie grimaced, her hair seeming to go slightly limp. "Velvet-san seems to think Spike might...be hunting that kid down."

Fluttershy frowned slightly. "To hurt him?"

"To kill him, in all likelihood," Rarity said.

Fluttershy gasped. "K-kill?" she squeaked.

"I honestly don't blame him," Rainbow said. "I mean, shooting Twilight? That was pretty messed up. If I ever get my hands on that punk, he'd have a hard time walkin' away."

"Yeah, but he needs to be sent back to Sun Island and put in prison for a long time, not...that," Pinkie said.

Rainbow's phone beeped, and she pulled it out, looking at it. Her eyes widened. "Well that was fast," she muttered.

"What is it?" Rarity asked.

Rainbow passed her phone across the table. Rarity looked at it and paled. "Oh dear."

Fluttershy peeked over Rarity's shoulder. The message on the screen was short and to the point.

From: Twilight Velvet
He did it. Tell the others.

Fluttershy's heart pounded in her chest.

Rarity passed Rainbow back her phone, a thin grimace on her face. "What do we do about this?" she asked.

"We don't," Rainbow said. "We don't do anything until we talk to Twilight."

* * * * *

Spike sat on his bed, mechanically cleaning and oiling his weapons. The familiar, repetitive actions allowed him to zone out. He didn't want to think right now. He didn't want to feel.

"Good evening, Spike."

Spike frowned. "Celestia-sama." He didn't turn to look at the radiant projection which sat beside him.

Celestia sighed. "I do hope you'll speak to me," she said. "I only have a short time before the sun sets where you are."

"I did something terrible," Spike said in a dull monotone.

"Yes, I know," Celestia said.

"They're all gonna hate me," Spike said. "I just know it. I hate me."

"Your friends are going to be shocked...scared, maybe. Disappointed, probably. But they won't hate you. I don't hate you. Twilight doesn't hate you."

"She should," Spike grumbled. "I went too far."

"Yes, you did," Celestia agreed. "There was no excuse for taking Snips' life. You acted out of rage. You're going to have to live with that for the rest of your life."

Spike bowed his head.

"But that will make you stronger," Celestia said. "This pain...you're going to make it part of you. You're going to grow. What you've done will haunt you for the rest of your life, but you'll atone. We all make mistakes, Spike."

"Mistakes?" Spike asked bitterly. "This was a hell of a lot more than a mistake."

"Nevertheless." Celestia sighed. "I'm not trying to condone what you did, but...all things considered, I have no doubt that a much worse fate awaited Snips at the hands of Sunset Shimmer."

"Yeah, well...she's a murderer. I'm...not," Spike said. "I mean...I never wanted to be...I..."

"I know," Celestia said. "What's done is done. The important thing now is that you don't hide from yourself. Or from your friends. Let them help you." She sighed. "I only wish I could be here in person. You look like you really need a hug right now."

Spike snorted.

"And before my time is up..." Celestia paused. "What happened with Snips...that was horrible, yes, and he didn't have to die. However..." She trailed off.

"Yes?" Spike prompted.

"On the matter of Sunset Shimmer..." Celestia sighed. "I've gone over that matter every waking minute since Twilight first told me what was going on. It's one of the hardest things I'll ever have had to do, but...I'm authorizing her execution. I hate myself for doing this to my most faithful student and her friends, but...I don't see any other way for this to end. Do you?"

Spike sighed. "Not really."

"Will you be able to do your part when the time comes?" Celestia asked.

Spike snorted. "I think I already proved I'm capable of killing," he said.

"That's not what I meant."

Spike hung his head. "I won't let Neechan down," he said.

"Then you need to face your friends and put this behind you, and you need to do it soon," Celestia said.

"I will," Spike promised.

"Good. Well...I have less than a minute left, so I'll take my leave now. But one last thing..."

"Hai, Celestia-sama?"

"Look at me, Spike."

Spike looked up. His eyes widened.

Celestia was completely nude. She smiled at him, gave him an impish wink, and faded from view.

"Wow," Spike breathed. Shaking his head and laughing, he headed down to the kitchen, snatched two apples from the fruit bowl there, then teleported directly to the hospital.

* * * * *

Reading too long had made her dizzy and light-headed, so Twilight had opted to watch some television. She'd found something quiet and relatively interesting to watch, and was half-watching, lost in thought.

"Hey Neechan," Spike's voice intruded into her thoughts.

"Gah!" Twilight looked up, seeing Spike sitting next to her bed. "Could you maybe move around like a normal person once in a while? After what I've just been through, I really don't need any sudden shocks!"

Spike chuckled. "Sorry." He handed Twilight an apple. "Peace offering?"

Twilight rolled her eyes, took the apple, and bit into it.

"Neechan...I don't expect you to forgive me for what I've done," Spike said. "I'm not gonna forgive myself, but I'm gonna move forward. I just...I just need to know you don't hate me."

"Spike..." Twilight said. She reached out and took his hand. "Of course I don't hate you. I'm kinda freaked out by what happened, yeah, but..." She looked into his eyes. "Just...promise me you won't..."

"I won't," Spike said. "What I did was unforgiveable, and that's one mistake I don't intend to make ever again."

"Good." Twilight smiled.

"So...how're you feelin'?" Spike asked.

"Miserable," Twilight said. She sighed. "I hate being stuck in the hospital. Especially when Okaasan could've healed me completely in a couple of hours."

"Well, it can't be helped," Spike said with a shrug. "Too many people saw you, and then the ambulance and the doctors and all...there's no choice but to let you heal normally."

"Yeah, but it still sucks," Twilight said. "I'm gonna miss a lot of school because of this."

Spike gave her hand a squeeze. "Hang in there, Neechan." He stood up. "I'll be back tomorrow, okay? I need to go visit everyone else...I need to know..."

Twilight smiled. "Friends forgive, Spike."

"I hope so," Spike said with a grimace. He disappeared in a burst of green fire.

The door opened, and Twilight Velvet walked in. "I brought us a little snack and a couple of games," she said.

"You just missed Spike," Twilight said.

"Oh? Is he...?"

"I think he's gonna be fine," Twilight said. She grimaced. "Unless Senpai is the judgmental type. If she hates him for what he did, I don't think he'll ever get over it..."

* * * * *

Spike found Rainbow shooting hoops in an empty lot. "Hey, how about some one-on-one?" he asked.

Rainbow blinked at his sudden appearance, shrugged, and passed him the ball.

For a few minutes, they played in silence. Finally, after making a three-point shot, Rainbow said, "So you got the guy, huh?"

"Yeah," Spike said. "I...I shouldn't have let my anger get the better of me..."

"Eh...he tried to kill the girl you love. And don't deny it. She's more than just a sister to you, isn't she?"

Spike sat down on the ball. "I've been in love with Neechan for a long time, yeah," he said. "I mean, it's never gonna happen, but..."

Rainbow nodded. "So, you gonna turn yourself in?"

"I've already had a long talk with Celestia-sama, and she's the only one I have to answer to for this," Spike said. "I mean, other than myself...and all of you..." He stood up and passed Rainbow the ball. "So..."

"Far as I'm concerned, it's one less asshole we gotta deal with," Rainbow said with a shrug. "He tried to kill Twilight, he kidnapped her mom a while back, there's no tellin' what else he's done. Doin' that Sunset bitch's dirty work, he was pretty much askin' for it."

"You're handling this a lot better than I am," Spike said.

Rainbow stopped dribbling the ball and held Spike's gaze. "Thanks to Sunset Shimmer, my boyfriend is dead. His best friend since grade school is dead. Who knows how many other people are dead because of her?" She looked down. "I honestly don't care how this all ends, just as long as it ends."

Spike sighed. "It'd be better to seek justice than revenge. I understand that now." He dug at the blacktop with a toe. "But...it doesn't really matter either way. Celestia-sama's given the order."

Rainbow blinked. "Given what order?"

"As soon as Neechan's all healed up and we find the last two people that can use the Elements of Harmony, we're...we're supposed to execute Sunset Shimmer."

Rainbow smiled grimly. "Best damn news I've heard all week." She bounced the ball once, then paused. "By the way, Senpai thinks Fluttershy might be the next one."

"Fluttershy? The girl who saved Neechan?" Spike asked. "What makes her think that?"

Rainbow shrugged. "She just says it seems awfully convenient that she keeps getting mixed up in our business."

Spike frowned. "Well...we'll find out sooner or later." He waved. "I gotta go. Later, titless!" With that, he disappeared.

Rainbow stomped a foot, puffing out her cheeks. "Mou...! Stop calling me that!" she cried to empty air. Then, with a smile and a chuckle, she made one last lay-up before heading for home.

* * * * *

So I'm super-sorry to all my fans who were waiting for the new PV, but after what happened to my friend, I'm feeling SUPER UNSMILE. If you wanna send her gifts or get-well cards, go to my website and

Pinkie stopped typing when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around, expecting to see Maud...

And nearly jumped out of her chair when she saw Spike. "Kyaa! You startled me!"

"Sorry," Spike said.

Pinkie shifted in her chair. "And...well...I'm kinda in my underwear..."

"I can see that," Spike said. "No wonder you're so popular."

"I'm not on the webcam!" Pinkie cried. "I've never...I mean yeah I've posted swimsuit pics, but..."

Spike laughed. "Sorry to drop in without calling. I just wanted to ask if...if you hate me..."

"For peeping on me in my underwear? Well...not really. I mean, it's kinda rude and all, but as long as you don't act all super-perverted, I don't mind."

"Not that," Spike said. "I mean about...you know. What I did."

"Oh, that." Pinkie sighed and looked down. "Did you really have to kill him?"

Spike sat down on Pinkie's bed. "No," he said. "I was pissed off. I just...lost control. It's something I've gotta live with." He looked at Pinkie. "I'm not a killer," he said. "What I did...that isn't me. I...I don't do things like that." He gave Pinkie a pleading look. "Are...are we still friends?"

Pinkie smiled sadly. "Of course we are," she said. "I just hope we can get a chance to really know each other without all this awful unsmile stuff happening all the time."

"We will," Spike said. "Two more to go, then we can end this."

Pinkie frowned. "Yeah...and then we've all gotta..." She looked down. "We gotta kill Sunset Shimmer, don't we?"

"Yeah." Spike sighed. "You know...Neechan never wanted any of this to happen. To any of you."

"I know she didn't," Pinkie said. "I don't blame her. I'm happy I met her. Meeting Twilight-chan and Rainbow-chan changed my life..." She looked at her hands. "Before I met them, I was really depressed. Being Smile was the only thing that made me happy...and I wasn't really happy." She looked up. "But now, I have friends and I'm really happy for the first time in my life, and I'm gonna fight to hold onto that. I'm gonna fight for my friends."

Spike grinned. "Thanks, Pinkie. I'm glad Neechan met you. And not just because you have awesome boobs."

"Well, I do have awesome boobs," Pinkie said with a wink. "Anyway, I'm about to go beddy-bye, and I'd rather not have any of my sisters—or worse, my parents—walk in here and see a boy in my room when I'm in my underwear, so..."

"Yeah yeah, I'm gone," Spike said. He looked at Pinkie's clock and sighed. "Guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow to talk to Rarity-sama." He waved. "Later, Pinkie."

As Spike disappeared, Pinkie turned back to her computer and finished typing her blog post. As soon as she posted it, she shut down her laptop, then stood and stretched. "Boy am I glad he caught me before I went to bed!" She stripped off her underwear, crawled into bed nude, and turned off the lamp by the bed. "That would've been really embarrassing," she murmured sleepily.

* * * * *

After breakfast, Spike went to the hospital to spend the day with Twilight. His presence caused some confusion among the hospital staff, as it was a school day, but the two mages wove a story that the staff seemed to accept, and for the most part, Spike was left alone.

"I visited Rainbow and Pinkie after I left here last night," Spike said as he dropped a checker into the Connect Four board. "Neither one of them hates me."

"I didn't think they would," Twilight said. "I talked to Okaasan after you left. I think she had pretty much already prepared the girls for the possibility you might...do what you did."

Spike frowned. "She really thought I'd...?"

Twilight turned her next checker over in her fingers, feeling the rough grooves of the pattern stamped on the plastic chip. "She said your flames turned red," she said quietly.

Spike winced. "I...didn't even notice." He looked down at his tray of checkers.

"It took me a few minutes to remember what that means," Twilight said. "It's been a while since I studied Emerald Flame clan lore."

Spike snorted. "You may be the only person outside the clan who'd actually study it."

Twilight shook her head. "Okaasan's studied it too."

Spike sighed. "I remember the day Master Kouryuu taught me about red flames..."

* * * * *

Spike sat attentively on a straw mat. A tower of a man loomed before him: the Clan Elder and his personal mentor, Master Kouryuu. Kouryuu was the largest man on Sun Island, tall and broad and heavily muscled. His skin was lined and weathered, and his long, spiky hair and equally long, drooping mustache were pale gold shot through with bright silver. His eyes were so pale many thought he was blind. Those who had studied under him knew better.

"Spike," Kouryuu rumbled in that impossibly deep voice that seemed to shake the ground he stood upon. "Today we are going to discuss emotional suppression and its importance to an Emerald Flame Dragon."

"Emotional suppression?" Spike asked.

"In combat, you must govern your emotions carefully," Kouryuu said. "You must keep a cool head, for losing your temper leads to haste. In your anger, you will make mistakes that can be used against you.

"But control of your emotions is just as important in everyday life. Always allow yourself to feel the joy of living, the love of friends and family. Never suppress your sorrow or your passions. But anger...you must guard your anger vigilantly.

"It is human nature that you will get angry. It is not possible to traverse the river of life without feeling anger or frustration. But there is a level of anger only felt a scarce handful of times throughout your life...if you're fortunate."

"What they call a blind rage?" Spike asked.

"Precisely." Kouryuu glared sternly at Spike. "You must never allow yourself to enter a blind rage, no matter how furious you are, no matter what has driven you to that point. If you do so, your green flames will burn red, and you will be a danger to yourself and those around you."

"I don't understand," Spike said.

Kouryuu sat down. A weariness overtook his stern, intimidating demeanor. "Spike...when I was a young man, the Emerald Flame Dragons had a rivalry with the Soaring Lion Eagle Clan."

Spike frowned. "I've never heard of that clan."

Kouryuu shook his head. "No...you wouldn't have." He sighed. "I was seventeen at the time. My mother had long since passed away, and my father had taken interest in a woman. I was old enough to understand and support his newfound love, and looked forward to welcoming my new stepmother with open arms.

"His rival, the son of the Soaring Lion Eagle elder, lusted after the same woman. He fought my father viciously on more than one occasion, but always lost. He tried to persuade her to be his, but she rebuffed him.

"In time, she accepted my father's marriage proposal. His rival was furious, and vowed that no man would have the woman who had rejected him. When my father arrived at the Temple of the Sun to stand beside his new bride before Celestia, he learned that she had been murdered in the night."

Spike gasped.

Kouryuu bowed his head. "My father's anger was terrible to behold. Only the Great Sun Sage's power was able to hold back the red flames that threatened to engulf the temple. Father left before anyone could calm him down.

"I went after him, along with the other clan members and several of the Island Guard. By the time we found him..." Kouryuu took a deep breath. "By the time anyone was able to approach him, he had killed not only his rival, but every Soaring Lion Eagle on Sun Island, and had burned their compound to the ground." He looked up at Spike. "Only the scattered remnants of the clan, those who had left Sun Island, still live. With their compound and clan eldership gone, the clan is effectively dead. The last time a descendant of the Soaring Lion Eagles set foot on this island was over twenty years ago."

Spike looked down, brow furrowed in thought.

* * * * *

Twilight gasped. "I had no idea a member of your clan had wiped out another clan entirely!"

Spike nodded. "Only Emerald Flame Dragons and Celestia-sama know about it," he said. "Well, and anyone who's still alive that witnessed it. Master Kouryuu's father was exiled to an uninhabited island, and Celestia-sama worked with the Emerald Flame Dragon elders to erase all records of the tragedy. Soaring Lion Eagles who returned to Sun Island were simply told that there had been a fire that engulfed the compound, and there were no survivors." He looked down. "Celestia-sama didn't want a blood feud between the survivors and the Emerald Flame Dragons. There probably aren't even a dozen Soaring Lion Eagles still alive today."

"That's terrible..." Twilight said.

"I think I almost killed Trixie too," Spike said quietly. "I remember wanting to kill her...but then I remembered that she helped us out. That...snapped me out of it." He shuddered. "To think what I could've done if I hadn't come to my senses..."

Twilight took his hand and gave him a gentle smile. "Hey...why don't you drop by the school later on and wait for Senpai?"

Spike nodded. "That's a good idea. I hope she...you know..."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Twilight said.

* * * * *

Rainbow and Pinkie met up in the entrance hall after school. "You're gonna go see Twilight, right?"

Pinkie nodded. "Yep. But hold up a minute, okay? I wanna grab Fluttershy-chan and take her with us."

"Better hurry," Rainbow said, pointing to the shoe lockers. Fluttershy was already exchanging her uwabaki for her shoes.

"Ack!" Pinkie flailed around and rushed over to Fluttershy. Rainbow snorted and followed.

"Hi, Fluttershy-chan!" Pinkie said, bouncing into Fluttershy's field of vision.

"Kyaa!" Fluttershy recoiled. "P-Pinkie-san...you startled me..."

"We're headed over to the hospital to see Twilight-chan," Pinkie said. "You wanna come with?"

"Oh. Umm...I don't know..."

"C'mon," Rainbow said. "We want you to come. I know Twilight wants to see you again."

"W-well...alright..." Fluttershy paused. "Oh! Gomen...I'm supposed to run an errand right now. I'll...I'll catch up with you as soon as I can, alright?"

"Okay!"

As the two girls left in the direction of the hospital, Fluttershy headed for the small market she and her grandmother always shopped at to buy groceries for dinner.

* * * * *

"Rarity-senpai? She should be in the Judo Club room. It's down that hall."

"Thanks," Spike said. He walked through the hall, earning the occasional odd glance from students. He finally found a door with a sign that read "Judo Club". He opened it and walked in.

A dozen students were milling about, all dressed in white gi. Most of them were male; several of them were fairly large and muscular. One of the bigger guys grunted as Spike entered. "Whaddya want, runt?"

"Now now, there's no need to be rude to others," Rarity's voice chided. Spike entered fully and saw Rarity in the back corner of the room, dressed in her black and gold gi. She saw him and smiled. "Why, hello, Spike-kun! Welcome, do come in! We're just getting started, but you're welcome to sit and watch."

"Arigatou," Spike said.

"Oi, Rarity. What's with this kid?" the rude guy said.

Rarity frowned. "Spike-kun is a friend of mine. He gave me this exquisite gi." She ran her fingers along the gold trim of her gi. "Also, his sister, also a friend of mine, is in the hospital. I expect he's come to ask me to visit her after I'm through here."

"That's right," Spike said.

Another girl in the room, who had gold eyes and spearmint-colored hair, peered curiously at Spike. "Your sister wouldn't be Twilight Sparkle by any chance?"

Spike nodded. A round of murmurs went around the room. "Oh man...kid..." the rude guy said, rubbing the back of his head. "We all heard about it. My uncle saw the kid that did it. It totally sucks and I hope they get the little bastard." He paused. "Sorry for dissin' ya."

"It's cool," Spike said.

"Actually, I hear that the boy responsible has been dealt with," Rarity said, with a pointed look at Spike and an arched eyebrow. Spike wilted slightly. Rarity looked around at her fellow club members and clapped her hands. "Alright! I believe we need to work on vital strikes today, since we have our first competition in a few weeks. As usual, please show restraint when sparring with your fellow students..."

The club members began pairing off; with an odd number of students present, Rarity was left without a partner. "Spike-kun? Would you be a dear and help me out?"

"Uhh...yeah, okay," Spike said. "You...do know I don't do judo, right?"

"Oi oi, Rarity," the same guy from earlier said, "are you sure that's a good idea? You could break this kid in half!"

Spike stood up and smirked, rolling his neck and cracking his knuckles. "I never said I'm not a martial artist," he said. "I just said I don't do judo."

"Which actually makes him an excellent sparring partner," Rarity said. "After all, you need to know how to face an opponent who uses a different style..." She tilted her head at Spike. "Would you like to change into a gi?"

"Nah, I'm good like this," Spike said, kicking off the visitors' shoes he'd picked up at the school entrance.

The other members of the club watched with interest as Spike and Rarity faced off. Most of them were clearly expecting to see Spike humiliated.

What they instead saw was Spike disappear and reappear behind Rarity, aiming a knife-hand strike at her kidneys. Rarity turned to the side and deflected the strike with her arm, then dropped to take Spike's feet out from underneath him. Spike leapt over her sweep, then brought his foot down in heel kick that planted Rarity's face on the floor mats. Upon landing, he backflipped away and settled back into his ready stance.

"Whoa," the spearmint-haired girl said.

Rarity pushed herself up and stood. "Well. It's certainly been a while since I've tasted this floor," she said. "It could do with a scrubbing."

For the next fifteen minutes, the Judo Club watched in astonishment as Spike and Rarity introduced each other to the floor, the walls, and even the ceiling with dizzying speed and ferocity. Rarity was breathing heavily and dripping with sweat, her hair completely mussed and in disarray, by the time she called a halt. "Well..." she panted. "I think...that's a good demonstration..."

"Demonstration?" the spearmint-haired girl cried. "That was a freakin' street fight!"

"Sorry," Spike said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I guess I got a little carried away."

"I was actually afraid you might hold back and not give me a proper match," Rarity said.

"Hey, I was holding back," Spike said. "You don't wanna fight me when I'm goin' all out."

"No...I suppose I don't," Rarity said with a sigh. "Still, that was an excellent workout. Thank you, Spike-kun." She bowed; Spike returned the bow. "Well! I believe I'm going to call it a day. Spike-kun, I'll meet you at the entrance once I've showered and changed." With that, Rarity left the club room.

All eyes turned to Spike.

"Where the hell'd a kid your age learn to fight like that?"

"I've never seen anyone knock Senpai down."

Spike laughed nervously. "Umm...eheh...gotta run!"

* * * * *

After dropping by the house and putting away the groceries, Fluttershy headed for the hospital. A few blocks past Umadakara, she saw what appeared to be a Sumo wrestler in a yukata pacing in circles, his geta clacking, a worried expression on his face.

"Ex...cuse me?" she said timidly. "Is...is something wrong?"

He looked up at her and held up a small, empty bamboo cage. "I've lost my lucky beetle," he said. "It's a very rare beetle...I've been looking everywhere for it."

Fluttershy smiled. "I'll help you look...what kind of beetle is it?"

* * * * *

"Thank you for waiting, Spike-kun."

Spike smiled as Rarity approached the school gates. Her hair was still slightly wet and shone in the late afternoon sun, and she smelled strongly of soap and shampoo.

As they fell in step side-by-side, Spike said, "I haven't had a good spar like that in forever."

Rarity giggled. "I was afraid you wouldn't want to fight me at all, given your..." She coughed delicately. "Rather obvious infatuation with me."

Spike blushed. "Yeah, well...okay, so I do kinda have a crush on you—"

"You stole my underwear. Right off my body."

"—but I also respect you as a martial artist, and not giving you a good match would have been an insult." Spike looked down at the sidewalk. "So...you heard? About...that?"

"Mm-hmm," Rarity said. "I...admit it bothers me that you...did what you did. But at the same time...I believe I can understand. Goodness knows if anyone hurt my dear sister Sweetie Belle, I'd probably at the very least put them in the hospital. With multiple broken bones."

"It's a little more than that," Spike said. "You...you know Neechan and I aren't actually brother and sister, right?"

"I did not, actually," Rarity said.

"Yeah, well...I may have a thing for you, but..." Spike turned red. "Neechan...she's the one I..."

"Oh," Rarity said, blinking. "I see." She cleared her throat. "Well in that case, your...reaction...becomes all the more understandable." She frowned. "Even so...laws and police and courts and prisons exist for a reason."

"I know," Spike said. "And if I hadn't let my anger get the best of me, he'd be on his way back to Sun Island right now, with a cell in the dungeons waiting for him." He sighed. "I just—" He trailed off as his pendant began to glow bright green. "Oh crap, not now!"

"What is it?" Rarity asked, noticing the glow.

"Changeling," he muttered. The air around the two of them began to ripple. "Transform," he said, even as his own clothes were replaced with his battle attire.

"Here? Now?" Rarity asked, looking around.

"Hurry!" Spike snapped.

Hesitantly, Rarity pulled out her locket and summoned her Element. "Element of Harmony...GENEROSITY!"

Once Rarity had transformed, the two of them charged down the sidewalk. The glow of Spike's pendant grew brighter as they went.

Two blocks away, they encountered Fluttershy, who was kneeling next to the base of a potted tree. Beside her stood an incongruous Sumo wrestler.

"I-I'm sorry," Fluttershy said. "It's not here either."

"Fluttershy!" Spike yelled. "Get away! That guy isn't human!"

Fluttershy stood up and turned, her eyes widening as she saw Spike. "Eep! Anou...Spike-kun..."

"Fluttershy-san," Rarity said, "please take cover immediately." She snapped her fan out to her side. "You're in danger."

"Danger? What?"

"You're scaring this very kind girl!" the Sumo roared, stomping a foot.

"Shove it!" Spike yelled, holding up his glowing pendant. "We know you're a Changeling!"

The Sumo raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Then..." He snorted. "You must be the one I was sent here for."

And with that, he transformed into a giant dung beetle. Fluttershy fell down in shock, screaming.

"I'm DUNGABEET!" the Changeling roared. "Queen Chrysalis is pissed about Princess Pupa getting killed! I'll kill the girls that killed our Princess...and as for you," he said to Spike, "Our Queen wants to turn you into a Royal Drone..."

Magic 12: バーニーシャイ

Fluttershy scooted backwards away from the monster, hands clasped to her mouth. "What...what is..."

Spike glared at the monster. "What do you mean, Royal Drone?"

"It means you'll have the honor of mating with our glorious Queen and producing a new royal heir!"

Spike's face turned green. "EW." He shook his head. "Sorry, you'll have to tell your queen I'm not into bugs." He put an arm around Rarity's waist. "I'm into girls like this."

"Not the time for this," Rarity hissed in a warning tone, firmly peeling his hand away. She pointed her fan at the Changeling. "You do not belong in this world! I took care of your princess, and I'll do the same to you!"

Dungabeet hissed. "You're the one who killed Princess Pupa?"

"Well..." Rarity faltered. "I may not have actually performed the coup de grace, as it were, but..." Her face hardened. "Yes. I defeated your princess. I believe I'm more than capable of taking you on."

Dungabeet laughed. "Is that so...interesting." He widened his stance, planting a serrated, segmented leg on the concrete. "DOSUKOI!"

Magic 12: バーニーシャイ

"Fluttershy! Call Rainbow and Pinkie! Tell them what's going on!" Spike yelled.

"Wh-what?!" Fluttershy cried. "B-but...who would believe this?"

"Just trust me! They'll believe you! They're mahoushoujo!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "They're...what?"

"Enough TALKING!" Dungabeet roared, slamming a foot on the ground. "BALL OF DUNG!"

The sidewalk exploded, and a huge, perfectly round ball of dung erupted out of the ground. Dungabeet swung one of his four massive, serrated fists forward; the dung ball rocketed toward Spike and Rarity, who quickly leapt out of the way.

"Ugh, GROSS!" Spike said. "Dude, what the fu—"

"Fashion Wave!" A blue arc of force snapped forward from Rarity's extended fan, followed by a second which bisected the first. The two blasts struck Dungabeet in the torso, staggering him. Rarity charged forward, aiming a flying kick at the Changeling's head. The kick connected, but did little visible damage; however, it was enough of a distraction for Spike to slip around behind Dungabeet and wrap a length of chain connected to a sickle around one of his legs. He gave a mighty yank; Dungabeet toppled forward, landing with a crash on the broken pavement.

Seeing Fluttershy was still frozen in shock, Spike snapped, "Fluttershy! Make that call, then get out of here!"

"Spike-kun! Don't yell at the poor dear!" Rarity chided. "She's terrified out of her wits!"

"Sorry," Spike said.

"None of you are leaving!" Dungabeet roared. "WALL OF DUNG!" The ground rumbled, and a massive, circular wall of dung erupted, completely containing the four of them.

Rarity covered her nose. "I think...I'm going to be sick..."

Evidently the smell had shaken Fluttershy back to her senses, because she produced three handkerchiefs from her purse and doused them liberally with perfume. She tied one around her own nose, then handed one each to Rarity and Spike, who stood protectively over her. "Nice, Fluttershy!" Spike said as he tied his on.

"Excellent thinking, darling," Rarity said. "Oh, and what a lovely fragrance!"

"You...wanted me to call Rainbow-san and Pinkie-san, right?"

"That would be lovely, yes," Rarity said. "Tell them where we are and that a Changeling has appeared."

"A...alright..."

* * * * *

Rainbow, Twilight, and Pinkie were playing Uno when Pinkie's cell rang. "Moshi-moshi, Smile desu! Ah! Fluttershy-chan! We've been waiting for...eh?" Pinkie's eyes widened. "A Changeling?"

Rainbow and Twilight looked up sharply. "I see...yes, tell Senpai we'll be there in a few minutes! And you might wanna run—EH?! You can't? You're trapped?! Don't worry...Senpai and Spike-kun won't let anything happen to you...we'll be there as soon as we can!" She disconnected and put her phone away.

"A Changeling? Now?!" Rainbow cried.

"A big, nasty one," Pinkie said. "Senpai and Spike-kun are already fighting it, but it's got them all trapped."

Twilight groaned. "I'd better heal myself so I can..."

"No," Rainbow said. "You can't risk it." She smiled. "We'll manage. Between the four of us, I'm sure we're strong enough to take this thing out."

"Yeah, it just won't be as neat and clean as when you do it," Pinkie said.

Twilight frowned. "I...I don't know..."

"We'll be fine," Rainbow said. "C'mon, Pinkie. Let's hurry!"

As Twilight watched her friends leave, she sighed heavily.

* * * * *

"They're on their way," Fluttershy said.

Dungabeet stood up. His rumbling laugh echoed off the three-meter-high wall of dung. "You really think you'll still be alive by the time your friends come? BALL OF DUNG!" Another ball of dung erupted out of the ground, hurling itself at Fluttershy. Spike lobbed a giant ball of green goo at it, knocking it off course, while Rarity grabbed Fluttershy and dashed away, shielding her.

"There simply isn't enough room to fight here," Rarity said as she stood in front of Fluttershy.

"Where's he even GETTING all this shit from?" Spike grumbled.

"W-well...Pony City's sewers, maybe?" Fluttershy ventured.

"Thanks for that," Rarity said flatly.

"S-sorry..."

Dungabeet flexed his massive fists. "And now...it's time for you to be...BURIED IN DUNG!" With a gesture, two massive wads of dung erupted from the wall behind Spike and Rarity. They cried out in alarm as they were caught full-force in the back and sent flying; before they could recover, they were buried face-first in the dung wall.

Dungabeet laughed raucously. "It's over now!" He leered at Fluttershy. "And as for you..."

Fluttershy stood up suddenly. "How dare you..." she whispered. She took a step forward. "You shouldn't bully people who are smaller than you...weaker than you..." She glared defiantly at Dungabeet. "You're just a BIG DUMB JERK!"

Dungabeet sneered. "Of course I am!" he said. "I'm a Changeling! Humans are nothing but food to us!" He tilted his head. "In fact...if I'm not mistaken..." He grinned. "Yes...I thought so. I smell the touch of Parasprite upon you. One of our kind has already preyed upon you...I'm amazed you're even still alive..."

Fluttershy blinked. "I've been...preyed upon?"

Spike had extricated himself from the wall and was helping Rarity out. "Fluttershy! Remember how the doctors never figured out why you collapsed? They never knew what was wrong with you?"

"H-hai..."

"Well...we know! We've known all along! We didn't tell you because there was no way you'd have believed it!" Rarity came loose from the wall; Spike lost his balance and toppled over, Rarity landing on top of him.

"It's true, darling!" Rarity said. "One of these foul creatures used you!"

"Used...me?"

"Yeah! It latched onto you. It fed on your kindness and love, then it bred a whole army of nuisance drones to annoy Neechan and her friends!" Spike used his aura to burn the dung off himself and Rarity. "All that time you spent in the hospital was because of one of these bug bastards!"

Fluttershy frowned. "It...used...my kindness?"

"Neechan erased your memory so you'd forget all about it," Spike said.

Fluttershy's eyes widened.

"Three girls came to check up on you a couple days after you were admitted. Though it's kind of strange...they haven't been back since..."

"Sparkle-san and the others saved you," Rarity said. "And then you saved Sparkle-san, even though you didn't know her at all, even though you had no idea what she'd done for you. You are one of the kindest people I've ever met."

"Kindness is for weak, simple humans!" Dungabeet roared. He grabbed Spike by the hair and threw him at Fluttershy. Fluttershy caught him, stumbling and falling.

"I tried...to be kind to you too..." Fluttershy said. "I try to be kind...to everyone..."

"And what does that get you?" Dungabeet asked.

"Kindness is its own reward!" Fluttershy said. She stood, hands on her hips, and glared at Dungabeet. "You should try being kind to others instead of hurting them!"

Spike's pendant began to glow a soft, warm pink. He gasped. "You're kidding..."

Rarity smirked. "I knew it."

Dungabeet roared. "I'm TIRED OF ALL OF YOU! I'm going to bury you all in—"

"SMILE BURNING VAGINA!"

The stench of burning dung filled the air. Rarity gagged.

"What?!" Dungabeet growled.

Rainbow flew over the wall, carrying Pinkie. She dropped Pinkie next to Rarity, then flew right at Dungabeet. "ZAP!"

Fluttershy gasped. "R-rainbow-san...has...wings?"

"Keep that thing busy!" Spike said as he pulled out the gilded chest containing the Elements of Harmony. "I've gotta give Fluttershy her Element!"

Rainbow blinked. "Huh? You mean she's...?"

"Wow, awesome!" Pinkie cheered. "I can't wait to see what Fluttershy-chan looks like as a mahoushoujo!"

Fluttershy blinked. "M-me? Mahoushoujo? What? I don't..."

Spike handed Fluttershy a silver locket, then opened the chest. A bright pink gem floated out of it, landing gently in the palm of Fluttershy's hand. "I know you're confused, but...they need your help. We all need your help."

"BALL OF DUNG!"

Rainbow was sent flying into the wall of dung as another dung ball burst out of the ground right under her.

"Eww, nasty!" Pinkie cried. "SMILE CONFETTI VAGINA!" With a tremendous BOOM and a cloud of pink smoke, a blast of confetti, streamers, balloons, cupcakes, party hats, and birthday candles erupted out of Pinkie's bazooka, impacting all over Dungabeet's body with small explosions and bursts of pink electricity.

Fluttershy looked at the items she held. "Wh-what do I...?"

"Just believe in yourself," Spike said. "And believe in your friends."

"M-my...friends?" Fluttershy asked. She looked at Spike, then at Rarity, who nodded encouragingly. She looked at Pinkie, who was dodging another flying ball of dung, and at Rainbow, who was leaning heavily against her lance, struggling to shake dung out of her bright blue feathery wings.

"My friends..."

Fluttershy stood up. The gem in her hand changed shape, becoming a pink butterfly. The front of her locket glowed pale yellow, and an emblem of three butterflies engraved itself on the cover. She opened the locket. "Umm...Element of Harmony..."

She hesitantly fit the gem into the recess in the locket.

"KINDNESS!...oh, did I do that right?"

Fluttershy's clothes exploded away from her body, which began to glow a soft yellow. She rose into the air; the yellow glow coalesced around her torso, fading to reveal a yellow vinyl corset which bared ample cleavage and most of her back. Matching pumps appeared on her feet, and cherry blossom pink stockings encased her legs. Yellow cuffs with pink butterfly buttons appeared on her wrists, and a yellow collar with a pink bow tie appeared at her throat. A pair of floppy yellow silk bunny ears grew out of her hair, and a puffy pink cotton bunny tail formed just above her shapely rear. A badge with three pink butterflies appeared at her left hip, and a huge pair of feathery yellow wings burst from her bare shoulderblades.

Spike pulled out his phone and took a picture.

Rarity stared, jaw slack.

Rainbow blinked.

Pinkie cheered. "Love the outfit! Ooh, and you've got wings like Rainbow-chan!"

Fluttershy dropped to the ground, wobbling a bit on her heels. She looked down at herself, eeped, and crossed her arms over her chest. "O-oh my...this is r-really embarrassing..."

"So the weak girl's one of you too?" Dungabeet asked. He chuckled. "If I take you all down now..." He thrust his fists forward. "BALL OF DUNG!"

A huge ball of dung rocketed at Fluttershy. She started to flinch, scream, and run...

...but instead, she unpinned the badge from her corset. It expanded into a large shield. She held it in front of her and braced herself; the dung ball slammed into the shield and disappeared.

"Wh...WHAT?!" Dungabeet roared.

Fluttershy pivoted her body, drawing back her arm and curling it around the edge of the shield. "STOP BEING MEAN TO MY FRIENDS!" she shouted as she threw the shield like a discus. It began to glow pink; it slammed into Dungabeet's torso and tore right through him. The upper half of his body dropped to the ground, gushing black blood.

The shield returned to Fluttershy, who caught it easily.

"Holy crap," Rainbow breathed.

"Well that was...unexpected," Rarity said. She looked at the battered but still mostly intact dung wall. "So...erm...about...this..."

Rainbow grabbed Pinkie and flew over the wall with her. "Hey, Fluttershy! Grab Senpai, willya?"

"Huh? Umm..." Fluttershy looked around in confusion. "Wh-what..."

"You've got wings, 'Shy! Use 'em!"

"I do?" Fluttershy asked, blinking. She then felt the new appendages flex and flutter on her back. "Oh! Umm...I'll try..." She hesitantly spread her wings and took a few experimental flaps. She lifted from the ground. "Oh my..." Timidly, she seized Rarity around the waist and flew shakily up and over the wall. Spike leapt to the top of the wall and landed on the other side as Rainbow set Pinkie down and Fluttershy haltingly descended, setting Rarity on her feet before landing beside her, breathing heavily.

"So what do we do about THIS mess?" Pinkie asked. "Should I just burn it all?"

"NO!" Rainbow, Rarity, and Spike yelled.

"Um...I think that would make the whole town smell really bad..." Fluttershy said.

"I got this," Rainbow said, taking wing and spinning her lance. "Better get back."

As the others retreated to a safe distance, a massive column of wind spun away from Rainbow's lance. "SUPER TORNADO!"

Everything on the street shuddered, dust and loose objects blowing every which way, as the tornado slammed into the dung wall, collapsing it into a giant pile. Rainbow landed, wiping sweat from her brow. "Phew," she said. "That takes care of that."

"Exactly how does that take care of anything?" Rarity asked. "You didn't get rid of a single gram of that...stuff!"

"Yeah but at least it's not a big stinkin' wall anymore!" Rainbow retorted.

"Oh yes, because a big stinking pile is SO much better."

"Umm...everyone? There's...a lot of people staring at us..."

The girls and Spike looked around. A huge crowd had gathered, and were pointing at them, staring, and taking pictures. A drone of excited conversation filled the air.

"Crap," Spike muttered. The air around their little group began to shimmer.

Suddenly, the murmuring became a collective gasp. "Where'd they go?" they heard someone scream.

"I think...I can keep this Indifference spell up until we get...to the hospital," Spike grunted. "But...we'd better...hurry..."

* * * * *

Twilight and her mother stared at the television. "Well, so much for secrecy," Velvet said.

Twilight groaned. "If I'd just healed myself and gone with them..."

Velvet shook her head. "I don't think it would've mattered. This one made too big a mess to cover up, even with your magic." She blinked. "Ne, Twiley-chan...only one of your friends had wings, right?"

Twilight blinked and stared as the video replayed. There were clearly two mahoushoujo flying out of the dung wall, carrying two others. "That one..." Her eyes widened. "Fluttershy-san?!"

"Well, now we know you don't have to be there for an Element to awaken," Velvet said.

"Yeah, but I feel like I missed out on something important," Twilight whined.

A short while later, Spike, Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy filed into Twilight's room. "Twilight-chan, guess what!" Pinkie yelled. "Fluttershy-chan's a mahoushoujo!"

"Yeah, and she kicked that Changeling's ass!" Rainbow said.

"Oh...um...it was...beginner's luck, really..." Fluttershy said, cheeks flaming.

"And I really love her outfit," Spike said. "Who knew she had a body like that?"

"Eep!" Fluttershy squeaked, tugging on her baggy sweater and ducking her head.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Don't mind him, he's a total perv."

"We thought that looked like you," Velvet said. She pointed at the television, which was still replaying the scene of the mahoushoujo flying out of the dung wall, and Rainbow collapsing it.

The girls' eyes widened. "Oh dear..." Rarity said.

Pinkie sighed. "Eh...that was bound to happen. I mean, that dumb dung beetle made a BIG stinky mess right in the middle of town!"

"Yeah, that was pretty much the most destructive Changeling we've ever run into," Spike said. "Even if he wasn't all that strong."

"Wasn't all that strong?" Rarity cried, staring at Spike. "Were we fighting the same monster?"

Spike shrugged. "Well, he didn't do much other than throw a lot of shit at us."

"Spike!" Twilight chided. "Don't be so crude!"

"Umm...actually...he's being literal," Fluttershy said. "Pretty much everything that monster did involved...umm...poo." She ducked her head.

Twilight blinked. "You mean...all that...is...?"

"Genuine number twosies," Pinkie said.

"Wow, and on the television, it just looks like dirt," Velvet said, eyes wide.

"Okay, I guess I'm glad I missed this one," Twilight said. "Still...maybe I should kind of...help my healing along a bit, so I can get out of here..."

The door opened, and Twilight's doctor walked in. He seemed taken aback by the crowd in the room, but squared his shoulders. "Well, your transfer paperwork is completed," he said. "A nurse from the private hospital you've requested will be in momentarily to prepare Sparkle-san."

A ripple of confusion went around the room. "Private hospital?" Rarity asked. "What—?"

"Good afternoon, everyone!" a cheerful voice called. A nurse wearing a pink uniform walked into the room. Long tresses of purple, rose pink, and cream hair spilled down her shoulders, ending in stylish curls. Her warm violet eyes twinkled as she smiled at Twilight. "I'll have to ask you all to leave for a few minutes while I take the patient's vitals. We have to be sure she's ready to be moved!"

Twilight's eyes widened.

Velvet smiled. "You heard the nurse. Let's all go get something to eat at the cafeteria..."

Everyone filed out, leaving Twilight alone with the nurse. Twilight stared up at her. "What...what are you doing here...?" she asked.

"Getting you out of this silly hospital so you can heal up and get back on your feet," the nurse said. "You do want to get out of here, don't you?"

Twilight grinned. "You bet I do," she said. "Thanks, Oneesama."

The nurse smiled. "You're welcome. By the way, your brother says hi." Her hands begin to glow a soft, rosy pink...

* * * * *

Five girls, Spike, and Twilight Velvet sat in the living room of Twilight's apartment. Twilight Sparkle was completely healed and looked as happy and healthy as ever. The pretty nurse was also present.

"Celestia-sama's been keeping me and Shining Armor up to date on your situation," the nurse said. "So you've only got one more Element to awaken, huh?"

"Yep," Spike said.

The nurse smiled at the girls. "Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet, have I? I'm Twilight's sister-in-law Cadance."

"She's married to my big brother Shining Armor," Twilight said.

"I love your hair!" Pinkie said.

"Oh, I do too," Rarity said. "Does it take very long to dye it?"

"It's natural," Cadance said with a laugh. "Anyway...I'm going to be sticking around for a bit. I've taken over as the school nurse at Umadakara. I'll help you girls out as much as I can."

"We appreciate it, Cadance dear," Velvet said. "I regret I haven't been much help to Twiley-chan and the girls, but my magic isn't really suited for this sort of thing..."

"From now on, if any of you get hurt, call me directly," Cadance said. "My healing magic is a lot stronger than Twilight's."

"Oh my...I really hope we won't be getting hurt..." Fluttershy said, toying with her hair.

Pinkie smiled sadly at her. "Gomen, Fluttershy-chan...what we do kinda comes with some pain."

"But it's an important mission," Twilight said. "That monster you fought today is one of many that have appeared in this city. They've been hurting, even killing people. We're the only ones who can stop it." She bowed her head. "And...in order to stop all this once and for all...we have to put an end to the one responsible."

"Sunset Shimmer," Spike said with a growl.

Cadance's violet eyes filled with sadness. "Yes...I'm sorry you girls have to..." She took a deep breath. "If there was any other way...when I heard what Celestia-sama asked of you, I argued with her for hours."

"It's okay, Oneesama," Twilight said. "We...we have the Elements of Harmony. They're the only thing that can put a stop to her now. Not even Celestia-sama herself would be able to do...what we have to do..."

Fluttershy looked around the room, picking up on the tense mood. "Anou...what is it we have to do?"

The others looked at one another grimly. Twilight walked over to Fluttershy and took her hands. "There's one more girl out there who can awaken an Element of Harmony. Whoever she is, wherever she is...we have to find her. When all six Elements are awakened..." She took a deep breath. "We have to find Sunset Shimmer, wherever she's hiding...and kill her."

Fluttershy gasped, hands flying to her mouth, eyes wide. "K-kill?" she squeaked.

"Because of her, a lot of people are dead," Rainbow said. "Including my boyfriend."

"It was one of her goons that shot Neechan," Spike said.

"She's responsible for all the Changeling attacks," Velvet said. "Including the monster you all fought today."

"And the one that was sucking on you," Pinkie pointed out. "The one that put you in the hospital."

"She also killed her own mother," Rainbow said. "Seriously, she's really twisted."

As she heard all of this, Fluttershy's expression settled into a hard frown. "And...there's...no other way?"

"There isn't," Twilight said. "She's become immortal. Our only choice is to use the Elements of Harmony to strip her of her immortality, then finish her before she can escape."

Fluttershy sighed. "I...I'll...I'll help you," she said. "I don't like fighting, but I'll help..."

"Alright!" Cadance said suddenly, clapping her hands. "Why don't Obachan and I get some dinner for everyone? You can all talk and have fun as friends." She smiled, closing her eyes. "Oh, and Twilight? Don't forget, you can't go back to school for another week."

Twilight paled. "I'm...stuck here at home? For a week?"

"Sorry, but that's how it has to be," Velvet said.

Twilight sighed. "Oh well. It's better than the hospital."

* * * * *

Two girls stood on the platform, suitcases in hand. "This sucks," the younger girl whined. "Do we really gotta?"

"Yeah, we do," the older girl sighed. "It's what they wanted."

"But...we'll be away from Baachan an' Anichama for so long..."

The tall girl rubbed the top of the shorter girl's head, mussing her red hair and messing up her big pink bow. "C'mon now," she said. "Maybe it won't be so bad. Meetin' new people, makin' new friends...don't that sound like fun?"

"Maybe..."

"Welp, here comes our train." As the train glided to a stop on the platform, the taller girl adjusted her battered old brown Stetson and smoothed out her long golden hair. "Next stop, Pony City."

Magic 13: カオガール

Sunset Shimmer smirked at the floating eyes of Queen Chrysalis. "It's not so easy, is it?" she taunted.

The black cloud around Chrysalis' eyes writhed angrily. "Silence, you filthy human wretch..."

"If I might make a suggestion?" Sunset offered.

Chrysalis seethed. "I do not need a mere human to counsel ME on how to conduct my operations!"

"Yeah yeah, but would it kill you to listen?"

Chrysalis was silent for a moment. "Very well...offer your suggestion."

Sunset stood and began to pace. "I've noticed a pattern recently. Nearly every engagement with the mahoushoujo ends with yet another Element of Harmony awakening. They've got one left. If that last Element awakens before we're ready...you and I are both in trouble."

"I do not fear these...Elements of Harmony..."

Sunset snapped her fingers, bringing up the lights. Her nearly nude body was still covered in ugly scars, burns, and puckered puncture wounds. "You would if you'd seen their power," she said. "I am immortal and heal from all wounds instantly. Or did, until only three of the six Elements struck me with their combined power. Since then, my healing abilities have diminished drastically."

"Your point?"

"The power of all six Elements combined would probably kill me," Sunset Shimmer said. "And if they'd kill someone whose magic is of this world..."

Chrysalis' cloud contracted. "I see."

"It's time to stop openly attempting to defeat the mahoushoujo," Sunset said. "Allow your Changelings to build in number and power. Fill the streets of this human city with your soldiers. Mix up lower-level and higher-level drones. Twilight Sparkle seems to have the means to detect Changelings, so make certain the easily-destroyed minions are the ones they discover. Keep the higher-level ones well outside of their detection radius...give them time to build strength."

Chrysalis' eyes narrowed. "That strategy seems contradictory to your earlier observation."

Sunset shook her head. "The new mahoushoujo keep appearing when the others are actually in danger," she said. "If they fight drones they can defeat easily, it diminishes the likelihood of them awakening their final companion, while keeping them distracted."

"It also gives them time to sharpen their skills," Chrysalis said.

Sunset shrugged. "Crushing others beneath your heel usually involves risk," she said. "Risk of discovery, risk of defeat, risk of betrayal...surely you're aware of this."

Chrysalis' eyes twitched. "You are sharp for a meager human."

"I wouldn't be where I am now if I weren't," Sunset said.

"There is still one flaw in your strategy," Chrysalis said. "To send that many of my children into the human world at once...it would require vast amounts of energy."

Sunset smirked. "I've been saving something for just such a situation." She snapped her fingers, and a crude obsidian pedestal appeared in front of her. Upon it was a rough crescent-shaped crystal which shone with a pale silver light. At the heart of the crystal was an indistinct shadow.

Chrysalis' eyes floated closer, examining the object. "Is...is this...?"

"One of the Six Lunar Seals," Sunset said. "Finding this took several months of painstaking research." She folded her arms. "I can release its power for your use."

"You're insane," Chrysalis breathed, awestruck.

"Breaching one of the seals will not weaken the prison," Sunset said. "Not enough that we should worry."

"Celestia would surely notice...!"

Sunset shrugged. "So? The odds of her linking either of us to this..."

"I don't like this plan," Chrysalis said. "It's foolish."

"Fine. Then keep sending a few pitiful minions into this world at a time. See how well they fare against the Elements of Harmony."

Chrysalis hissed. "Fine," she spat. "But the consequences of this will be entirely on YOUR head."

Sunset rolled her eyes. She extended her hands and began to chant. A red pentagram snapped into place around the crystal, which began to strobe. A loud chime filled the air. With a sharp, ringing sound, the crystal shattered, its silver glow spinning into a vortex which funneled itself into Chrysalis' eyes. The Changeling Queen writhed and hissed and screamed.

When the silver light faded away, Chrysalis laughed. "This power...!"

"Now, send forth an army!" Sunset shouted. "Plunge this city into confusion!"

Chrysalis glared at her. "Don't presume to give me orders, human!" she snapped. "You continue to live only because you are useful to me."

As Chrysalis' presence faded from the room, Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes contemptuously. "That's what you think," she said. Her body glowed red, and all the scars, burns, and wounds disappeared, leaving her skin smooth and flawless. She examined the fingernails of her left hand with a superior, satisfied smirk.

"Prepare yourself, Twilight Sparkle," she said to the empty room. "I am going to kill you slowly and painfully. I am going to enjoy every excruciating second of your agony. And then I will break Celestia."

Magic 13: カオガール

"Wh-what the hell is that?!"

"B-BOSS! COME HERE!"

Red lights cast eerie reflections off the buildings lining the wrecked street. Police cordons had been set up, prohibiting traffic into and out of the area. Officers stood vigil over the scene, preventing reporters and rubberneckers from entering.

Not that anybody really wanted to. The stench was unbearable.

It was well past midnight, and emergency workers had spent hours using heavy equipment to remove the pile of dung from the street. They were still at it, too, but work occasionally stopped to clear out chunks of pavement debris.

The foreman walked over to the work site from where he had been taking a coffee break. Two workers had just backed out of the shitpile, horrified expressions on their faces. "What is it?" he asked.

One of them shakily pointed to something in the pile. Frowning, the foreman grabbed his high-powered halogen lantern and shone it into the pile.

He nearly dropped it. "Wh-what the hell is THAT?!"

One of the workers crept slowly back into the pile, kneeling to examine the strange thing. "It...it looks like a giant bug...kind of..." He frowned. "It's dead, whatever it is. Torn clean in half."

"A giant bug? Is that even...?"

"It looks like some kind of tokusatsu monster," the second worker said, having recovered his nerve upon confirmation that the thing was dead.

The foreman frowned. "I'm calling this in," he said. "Keep shoveling this shit out of here, but don't touch that...whatever it is."

* * * * *

"Ne, ne...Smile-chan..." a girl in Pinkie's class whispered the morning after the Dungabeet incident. "That was you, wasn't it? On the news?"

Pinkie laughed. "Don't be silly!" she said.

"No," a boy said, "I'm sure that was you. Your hair and your figure are pretty hard to miss."

"Hey! Don't say perverted things like that to Smile-chan!"

Pinkie giggled. "I really don't know anything about it," she said. "It looked to me like someone was filming a movie."

"No, I heard the street was all torn up. And that huge pile of crap...it took all night to get rid of that with trucks."

"That flying chick looked like that rainbow-haired girl, the one who was at the park that time..."

"You mean Rainbow Dash? She's in the class next door!"

Pinkie let the rumors wash over her, smiling and giggling it all away. Inwardly, though, she was worried.

* * * * *

"It HAD to have been you! Nobody else has that wild rainbow hair!"

"I wasn't anywhere near there!" Rainbow said. "I told you, I was at the hospital visiting Twilight!"

"But it had to have been you! And Smile-chan was there too!"

"I really don't know anything about it!"

*Dammit...will you just drop it?*

* * * * *

Rarity was filing her nails when the homeroom teacher of Class 3-C walked in. "Good morning, class!" Mr. Toity said, smacking his ever-present paper fan against his hand. "Settle down, we have a new transfer student!"

The class murmured with interest. Senior classes almost never got transfer students.

"Come on in, dear!" Mr. Toity called.

The door slid open, and an incredibly tall girl walked into the classroom. Many present gasped.

She was taller than any boy in the entire school. Her uniform blouse stretched alarmingly over her prominent bust. Her skin was deeply tanned, and her hair, tied in a long, loose ponytail, was bright gold. Freckles dotted her friendly, smiling face, and her green eyes looked out over the class with warmth and openness.

"Introduce yourself, please," Mr. Toity said.

The girl bowed. "Howdy y'all. M'name's Applejack. Ah'm here from Cow Town. Ah know it's right strange t' be comin' inta a new school as a senior an' all, but Ah'm lookin' forward t' spendin' mah last year'a school here."

Nobody said a word, applauded, or even chuckled at her accent. They were too busy staring in shock and awe.

"Well, welcome to the big city," Mr. Toity said. "Now, if you would please...take a seat next to...hmm..." He looked around the room. "Rarity-san." He pointed at an open seat, and Rarity raised her hand to draw Applejack's attention.

Applejack sat down in the assigned seat, then mimed tipping her hat to Rarity. "How do," she said.

"Charmed," Rarity said. "You have...quite the physique, darling," she said.

Applejack chuckled. "Ah growed up on a farm," she said. "Makes a girl big an' strong."

"So I see," Rarity said.

* * * * *

Scootaloo looked at the girl who had just sat down next to her. She wore blue jeans, a yellow checkered shirt with pearl buttons, and a big pink bow in her bright red hair. The girl looked over at her and smiled. "Howdy!" she said. "Ah'm Apple Bloom!"

"I'm Scootaloo," Scootaloo said. "You talk kinda funny."

Apple Bloom frowned. "Well excuse me fer not bein' from around here!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean...!" Scootaloo sighed. "Sorry."

Apple Bloom looked down at her desk. "Kids been laughin' at me all mornin'," she said. "Ah tried t' talk t' some'a th' others, but..."

"I wasn't laughing at you!" Scootaloo said. "I've just...never heard anyone talk like you before."

"Oh," Apple Bloom said. "Well, Ah'm from Cow Town. Me an' mah big sis just moved here."

"How come?" Scootaloo asked.

Apple Bloom sighed. "Mama an' Papa wanted us t' have a better education, or somethin'," she said. "Ah don't really know. Somethin' about knowin' what other parts'a Neighpon is like..." She sighed. "Anichama explains it better."

"You said just you and your sister moved here, though?"

Apple Bloom nodded. "Anichama's gotta run th' family farm," she said. "He already done did his schoolin', he's up in his twenties. Anechan's seventeen."

"Huh," Scootaloo said. "Hey, you like Ramen Ninja?"

Apple Bloom giggled. "Ah sure do! Ah got th' latest game! Ah always pick Miso."

"Alright, settle down, class!" the teacher called out.

"Let's talk some more later," Scootaloo whispered. Apple Bloom nodded back, then faced forward.

* * * * *

The students in 3-C crowded around Applejack's desk at lunch, peppering her with questions.

"Why'd you transfer now?"

"Do you like takoyaki?"

"Say something in Kansai-ben!"

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"What's your three-size?"

Rarity frowned. "Now, REALLY, everyone!" she called out. "You're being rather rude to our rustic new classmate!"

"Aw heck, Ah don't mind none," Applejack said with a chuckle. "Ceptin' that last part. Ah don't mind tellin' y'all Ah'm 193cm tall, but Ah ain't gonna tell ya how big mah boobs are."

"193cm?!" half the class cried.

"She's a kaiju!" one boy said, pointing dramatically.

Applejack shot up from her desk with startling speed and struck a monster pose. "RAWR!" she bellowed. A few girls in the back shrieked. Applejack chuckled.

Rarity raised an eyebrow as Applejack sat back down and dug into her lunch. "Well...you're certainly...full of personality," she said.

"That a nice way of sayin' Ah'm fulla shit?" Applejack asked with a smirk. "Yeah, Ah reckon so." She reached into her bookbag and pulled out two shiny red apples. She tossed one to Rarity. "Here, eat up."

Rarity blinked. "Thank you," she said. She polished the apple off with her handkerchief, then took a bite. Her eyes widened. "Oh. Oh my. This is the best apple I've ever tasted!"

Applejack grinned. "That's from mah family's farm. Ah been tendin' th' tree that there apple came from since Ah was five. His name's Bloomberg. He likes horse manure, he don't like pig manure, an' he drops exactly fifty-three apples every season."

Rarity stared at her. "How...lovely," she said. She took another bite of the apple.

Applejack rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "Sorry, sugarcube," she said. "Ah get a little worked up when Ah'm talkin' about apples. That ol' farm's been mah whole life."

Rarity smiled. "Well, there's nothing wrong with being passionate about the things you love."

"How 'bout you?" Applejack asked.

"Me? Well, I design various apparel, mostly haute couture, I practice Judo..."

"You do martial arts an' make fancy frou-frou dresses?" Applejack asked. "Hoo-wee, that's a mighty odd combination."

"I suppose it is," Rarity said with a smile. "One would hardly think an elegant, fashionable, gorgeous girl like myself would be willing to get 'down and dirty', as it were."

"Rarity's the captain of the Judo club," an eavesdropper spoke up.

"Really now," Applejack said, raising an eyebrow. "Shucks, Ah reckon you just might be th' most interestin' gal in this here classroom. Other than me." She grinned and held out a hand; Rarity took note of how chipped her nails were. "Put 'er there, pardner."

Rarity daintily took Applejack's hand and shook it, taking note of the rough calluses. "A pleasure," she said dryly.

* * * * *

People going about their business in the heart of Pony City stopped and stared as a dozen identical salarymen in black suits with narrow black ties emerged from a train station in a single-file line. They spread out, blocking access to the station entrance. One of the identical men stood in front of the line. "Obey that which is the will of she who is known as our Queen. Harvest that which is known as the energy of emotion from those which are known as humans. Create that which is known as a panic in this place which is known as the place in which we are to create that which is known as a panic. If at all possible, exterminate the ones who are called mahoushoujo and take from them that which are known as Elements of Harmony."

"Inquiry: please describe that which are known as Elements of Harmony."

"Use that which is called your brain." The apparent leader turned his back to the others. "Commence that which is the operation known as the operation to create that which is known as a panic!"

All twelve of them pulled submachine guns from their suit jackets and began firing wildly into the crowd. People started screaming and running in every direction.

* * * * *

//Breaking news. Groups of armed men have emerged from every train station in Pony City. These men, each armed with automatic weapons, have begun firing randomly at bystanders. So far, we have received no reports of injuries or fatalities, but the scene in the streets is one of mass confusion. Police encourage all residents to remain behind locked doors as they attempt to restore order.//

Twilight and Spike stared at the television in horror. "What the...?"

Spike's pendant began to strobe vibrantly green, each flash almost blindingly bright. "Chikushou!" he snarled. "It...it just isn't possible!"

Twilight frowned. "The girls are still at school...we have to—"

"No," Spike said firmly. "I'm not...I can't..." He took a deep, shaky breath. "I won't let you get hurt again, Neechan. I'll handle this."

"But—!"

"Look...at least let me check it out, see what's happening. This...this isn't right. I don't like it." Spike smiled at her. "Besides, I'm good at sneaking around."

Twilight smirked. "Well, that's true." She sighed, looking at the television, where aerial footage of the madness was now being broadcast. "Still...I don't like...you shouldn't..." She sighed. "You need to be extra careful, Spike."

"I will, Neechan." He frowned. "I just hope my reserves will hold up..."

Twilight grimaced. "J-just this once..." She swallowed heavily. "Just this once...you can...you can overcharge." She closed her eyes; her face burned scarlet. "Just...hurry up."

Spike stared incredulously at her. "Are you serious?"

"Just do it already!" Twilight snapped. "Mou..."

"If you say so..." Spike tentatively slid his hand underneath Twilight's shirt...

A full minute later, the interior of the apartment was completely bathed in blazing green light as six, a dozen, then two dozen Spikes jumped out the window, leaping across rooftops and spreading out across Pony City.

Twilight straightened her shirt, thoroughly embarrassed and, as much as she hated to admit it, a bit aroused. "Of all days to go without a bra..."

* * * * *

Five minutes before the final bell, the PA system came on. //Attention students and faculty. Due to a public safety emergency in Pony City, no students will be allowed to leave the school building until further notice. We are aware this will inconvenience many of you, but your safety is paramount.//

Confused, angry whispers and mutters filled the room. "Th' heck was that all about?" Applejack wondered.

"I'm not sure," Rarity said. Worry clouded her eyes.

Her phone rang. She pulled it out. "Moshi-moshi...yes, hello, Sparkle-san..." Her lips thinned. "So that's why...yes. I'm afraid none of us will be going anywhere for a while...the school's been locked down...I understand." She hung up and held her phone, sighing heavily.

"What's up?" Applejack asked.

"That was a friend of mine," Rarity said. "She's a student here, but she's recovering from an injury at present. She called to tell me that there's...well...an army of dangerous individuals roaming the streets."

Applejack's eyes widened. "So that's what's goin' on..."

Apparently other students were receiving similar calls, because the confused, angry mood had turned into one of fear and panic. The teacher rapped on the podium repeatedly in a futile attempt to restore order. "Class! Please be seated and calm yourselves...! Minna-san...your teacher is speaking!"

Applejack facepalmed and stood up, taking a deep breath. "Y'ALL ZIP YER LIPS RIGHT THIS SECOND!" she bellowed.

The class instantly fell silent.

"Now ain't no call fer y'all t' be cuttin' up an' all!" Applejack said sternly, hands on her hips. "Y'all jes' sit tight til they get this all sorted out!"

"Th-thank you, Applejack-san," the teacher said.

The PA crackled to life again. //Attention. Will the following students please report to the nurse's office at this time: Class 3-C, Rarity-san. Class 2-C, Rainbow Dash-san. Class 2-B, Fluttershy-san. Class 2-A, Pinkamena Pie-san. Please release these students to report to the nurse's office at this time.//

The teacher nodded to Rarity. She collected her belongings and left.

Applejack watched her, brow furrowed in thought. She raised her hand. "Hey, uh, Sensei? Ah gotta take a piss..."

The teacher's nose wrinkled in distaste. "You could be a bit more tactful about such things, but...you're excused."

Applejack left the room, looked around to make sure nobody was watching, then jumped onto the banister and slid all the way from the third floor to the first floor. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she made a beeline for the nurse's office.

* * * * *

The four girls gathered in the nurse's office to find Cadance talking into a compact mirror. "It seems to be a massive Changeling invasion, but isn't that impossible?"

//I don't see how Sunset Shimmer could have obtained enough power for a mass summoning. Still, I've felt ill at ease for a while now. Something is amiss...I can't put my finger on it.//

"The girls are here. It's going to be tricky sending them out into the city with the school on lockdown..."

//You don't seem to have a choice.//

"No...I guess not."

//I'm going to contact Twilight and tell her to head out. She is well enough to fight, isn't she?//

"She's completely healed. And yes, that's a good idea. With this mess going on, we can't afford to have her on the sidelines."

//Keep me posted. Once the girls are deployed, don't disturb them unless it's an emergency. We can't afford one false move in this madness.//

"Understood."

Cadance closed her mirror and turned to the girls. "You've all heard?"

They nodded. "Big Changeling invasion," Rainbow said. "Twilight already called all of us."

"Spike-kun's already scouting," Cadance said. "I won't lie: this is a serious situation, and I'm very concerned for your safety."

"I'm more worried about everyone who doesn't have magical powers," Pinkie said. "We need to get out there and deal with this." She sighed. "It doesn't matter who sees us anymore. After yesterday, I'm pretty sure the secret's out anyway."

Cadance nodded. "You're probably right." She turned to Rarity. "Will you fill in for Twilight-chan as leader until you can rendezvous with her?"

Rarity nodded crisply. "I'll do my best." She turned to the girls, already pulling her locket out of her blouse. "Let's transform. Fluttershy-san? Will you be okay? I know you're awfully new to all this..."

Fluttershy swallowed heavily. "I-I'm scared..." She looked down. "But...Obaasan could be in danger. And...and everyone else...I'll do my best."

"Good." Rarity produced her Element and inserted it into her locket.

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"GENEROSITY!"

"LOYALTY!"

"LAUGHTER!"

"KINDNESS!"

In bright flashes of light, the four schoolgirls were replaced by four mahoushoujo. Cadance blinked at them, somewhat taken aback. "Umm...wow. Those outfits are...something."

"Aren't they just?" Rarity asked. "I still want to know how to alter Sparkle-san's. If it's even possible. She looks...well..."

"Like a closet dominatrix?" Pinkie suggested.

"Yes, rather that."

Cadance shook her head. "Okay..." She opened the window and looked outside. After a moment, she leaned back in. "You're clear. Go!"

The four girls jumped out the window, Rarity and Pinkie sprinting across the courtyard while Rainbow flew high into the sky and Fluttershy hovered a few feet off the ground, travelling at a much slower pace.

"Good luck, girls," Cadance whispered.

The door slammed open with a loud bang. Cadance whirled around and stared, stunned, at the immensely tall, tanned girl who stood there, green eyes blazing.

"Alright, whut th' hell's goin' on?" she thundered.

"I-I don't know what you...you should be in your classroom!"

"Th' hell with that!" the girl yelled, throwing her right hand out to her side. "Ah jes' saw them four gals turn all glowy an' stuff an' go out th' window, an'...an' heard somethin' about..." She faltered. "Look, Rarichin's th' first friend Ah done made here in Pony City, an' she's gone all kung-fu girl an' done run out in th' middle of a big mess, an'...an' Ah wanna know what's what!" She regained her composure and flashed a grin. "Besides, it sounds t' me like th' rodeo's in town, an' a cowgirl like me ain't jes' gonna sit in th' stands if'n there's a bronco t' bust."

Cadance frowned. "I...I appreciate your concern for your friend, really, but..."

The girl cracked her knuckles. "You want Ah should tell th' principal you just sent four students out th' window durin' a lockdown?"

Cadance sighed. "Alright...here's what's happening..."

* * * * *

"The one that approaches is the one that is known as the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen!"

"I am well aware that the one that approaches is the one that is known as the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen. Capture the one that must be captured!"

Spike dropped down into the midst of three identical suited men with machine guns. They trained their guns on him. He threw a brace of kunai, sending their weapons clattering to the ground. He charged in and let loose with a barrage of punches and kicks, staggering the three assailants. "Show me what you really look like, you Changeling freaks!"

"The request that is the request to reveal our true forms is a request which will be granted."

The three nondescript salarymen became three giant cockroaches.

Spike grimaced. "Eugh! Change back! Change back!"

One of the roaches tackled him to the ground. The other two piled on top of him.

Spike grinned cheekily. "So...looks like you got me."

"Affirmative. You who are the one our Queen wishes captured are now the one who has been captured by us."

"Think again," Spike said. He began to pulse with green flames...and exploded in a towering fireball, incinerating the three cockroach Changelings.

Three blocks away, another Spike disarmed one of the Changelings, then turned its own gun against it and opened fire. He watched in confusion as absolutely nothing happened.

"Foolish human!" the Changeling said. "The weapon you hold is that which is known as...a fake."

Spike threw the gun away. "So...the guns are all fake?" His eyes widened. "You're just using them to scare people! You're trying to create a panic...you feed on confusion!"

"Your analysis is correct. That which is known as human fear and confusion is that which we who are known as the Infestation feed upon. And you are the human male that is known as the one our Queen wishes captured—"

"Yeah, I'm sick of hearing you talk." Spike rushed the Changeling and exploded, incinerating it.

On a rooftop two blocks further away, Twilight, transformed and ready for action, landed next to Spike. "Learn anything?" she asked.

"Yeah," Spike said. "Your breasts are really soft."

Twilight slapped him upside the head. "About the Changelings!" she snapped.

Spike chuckled. "They're harmless," he said. "Well...other than the fact that they're all feeding right now. The guns are just noisemakers. No real bullets. That's why there aren't any casualties." He frowned. "They're sure hell bent on capturing me and taking me to their queen, though." He shuddered. "I am SO not doing it with a bug."

Twilight blinked. "Wait. What?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Spike asked. "It looks like their queen has a hard-on for me. They want me to mate with her."

Twilight paled. "That can't possibly be good."

"Yeah, I'd rather do that with y—"

Twilight slapped him again, a lot harder. "Call Celestia-sama and ask her why they'd want to...to...why they'd want you for something like that." She frowned. "And stay up here on the roof! Just...keep letting your fire clones fight on the ground. If there's a stronger Changeling hidden in all this mess..."

Spike nodded. "Be careful, Neechan."

Twilight teleported down to the street.

Spike snorted. "Yeah, like I'm lettin' you outta my sight." He cloaked himself in his Indifference charm and followed Twilight.

* * * * *

As soon as Cadance had finished her explanation, Applejack had run for the shoe lockers, grabbed her boots and hat, and tore out of the school as fast as she could run. A few teachers tried to stop her, but her sheer size, strength, and speed made that futile. There would undoubtedly be hell to pay later, but for now...

The story the nurse had told her was...bizarre and fantastical, but Applejack had watched her eyes the entire time, and was convinced that she was telling the honest truth. She had a sense about such things. Ever since she was a little girl, she'd always been able to tell when people were lying to her.

She'd also always been a terrible liar.

As she left the school grounds, she ran into packs of creepy identical salarymen with guns. If Cadance was to be believed, they weren't men at all, but monsters disguised as men. She had a moment of panic when three of them opened fire on her, but it only took her a second to realize that the "bullets" coming out of their guns were nothing but shadow. They were harmless. Armed with this knowledge, she plowed through the gunmen. She followed a trail of unconscious gunmen...and a little further along, a trail of things that were clearly not human, but which more closely resembled giant cockroaches. Most of them were dead, having been killed in a variety of painful-looking ways.

The further into the heart of the city she went, the heavier the carnage grew. Now it wasn't just dead roach-men, but overturned cars, exploded fire hydrants, and fires all over the place.

She caught sight of a blue speck in the sky. A lightning bolt slammed down, and a chunk of the street exploded. Pushing her hat low on her head, Applejack smiled grimly and charged in the direction of the explosion. "Yippie-kie-yay," she muttered as her boot heels kicked up dust.

* * * * *

"SMILE BURNING VAGINA!"

Three roachmen were immolated by pink flames. Two more tried to tackle Pinkie from behind, but Fluttershy's shield tore through them.

"Eww! Watch the gibs, Shy-chan!" Pinkie exclaimed as some bug goop splashed on her. "Bug guts are icky!"

"G-gomen nasai!" Fluttershy squeaked as her shield returned to her. A Changeling charged her from the side; she curled up in a ball and slammed her shield upside its head. It fell to the ground, and Rainbow impaled it through the head with her lance before taking off again, spinning up a tornado which tore through a group of roachmen.

Fifty more of the creepy gun-toting salarymen marched onto the scene from all directions. They threw away their guns, which by now the girls had realized were simply for show, and began picking up any dangerous-looking objects they could find.

"Well, the good news is, they die easily," Rarity said as she grabbed one and threw it into two more. As they went down in a heap, she used her Fashion Wave to obliterate them. "The bad news is, they're icky and there's entirely too many of them!"

"Yeah, what's up with this shit?" Rainbow asked as she landed and engaged two Changelings in melee combat. "It's like..."

"They're cockroaches," Fluttershy said as she scrambled away from two roachmen who were using downed street signs as weapons. "Last summer, we had an infestation at the pet shop. We...we had to close down for a week." She deflected an attack with her shield and sliced the Changeling in half. "They breed like crazy!"

"Ick," Pinkie said, making a face. "I hate the ones that get into the plumbing. So nasty!"

"Hey, Pinkie!" Rainbow called. "Can't you shoot off like, a bug-bomb or something with that thing?"

Pinkie paused, considering this. "Nah, I'd rather keep killing them with fire. SMILE BURNING VAGINA!" Five more roachmen were incinerated.

"Incoming!" Spike's voice called...from six directions at once.

Six Spikes dropped down from the rooftops, fists and feet flying, clearing a circle around the girls.

Rainbow's jaw dropped. "What...what the hell?!"

Rarity's eyes widened. "Why, Spike-kun...there seem to be...quite a lot of you..."

"Oh my goodness..." Fluttershy blinked. "I didn't know Spike had brothers!"

One of the Spikes rolled his eyes. "Hey! Bug freaks! I've got a message for your queen!" He grabbed one of the Changelings and threw it at Rarity. "Here, hold this guy for me, willya?"

Rarity squawked indignantly.

"What is the message that is the message the one who is to be captured and presented to the one who is our Queen wishes to convey to the one who is our Queen?" a roachman asked.

The Spikes cracked their knuckles. "The message is..."

They spread out, each tackling a pile of Changelings to the ground.

"...fuck..."

The Spikes all started to glow green.

"...OFF!!"

The Spikes exploded in a towering inferno of emerald flames, destroying over two thirds of the newest wave of Changelings.

The girls gasped. "S-spike?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow smacked a fist into an open palm. "I get it! Clones!" She laughed. "Oh man, Spike is awesome!"

"The message which is the message that is to be conveyed to the one who is our Queen is a message which is illogical," the Changeling that had been thrown at Rarity said.

Rarity let out a snort of disgust and took its head off with a straight chop.

Another small army of Changelings arrived on the scene. These had discarded their human disguises entirely.

"Crap...more of these creepy roach dudes?" Rainbow whined.

"I...I'm getting kind of tired..." Fluttershy whimpered. "And...these heels...really hurt..."

"Stay strong, ladies!" Rarity said. "We must endure!"

A broad shaft of magenta light tore through several roachmen, obliterating them. The girls whirled.

Twilight twirled her baton. "Sorry I'm late," she said. Her eyes glinted with fierce determination.

"Twilight!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.

"Oh, thank heavens you're here, darling!" Rarity said. "We have quite a mess on our hands."

"H-hello, Twilight-san..."

Twilight looked at Fluttershy and blinked. "Wow. Up close, that looks really pervy." She shook her head. "We're in for a long haul, girls. There's still a ton of these things. I don't know where they're even coming from, but..."

Two Changelings tackled her from behind, armed with makeshift clubs. She screamed as she went down under a barrage of blows.

"NEECHAN!" Spike burst into view, body-checking the two Changelings and delivering burning kunai to their heads. Once they fell to the ground dead, he knelt next to Twilight. "Neechan!"

Twilight pushed herself to her knees. "I'm...I'm alright," she said. "Just...a little out of shape..." Her hand glowed, and she waved it over her body. She let out a shaky breath, then stood up, twirling her baton. She looked around; the Changelings were standing in a circle around them, watching them warily. She glared at Spike. "I told you to stay out of the way!"

"How do you know I'm the real Spike?" Spike asked. "I could just be one of the clones!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow and dug a finger into his scalp. He hissed in pain and backed away. "Okay, okay, sheesh!" Spike sighed. "I just...want to protect you, okay? I can't let you get hurt again."

"Awww," Pinkie cooed.

"Confirmed: the male human is not a false manifestation of magic. Capture the male human."

"You know, I'm gettin' real tired of hearin' that," Spike said. "You know I hear every last thing my clones hear, right?"

"That information was not known to the Infestation, and is information which is irrelevant. You must be captured and presented to the one that is our Queen. The humans that are called mahoushoujo are humans that must be exterminated."

"Just try it, bug," Rainbow snarled.

"Suggestion accepted." The Infestation advanced in unison, and the fight resumed.

For the next ten minutes, the five mahoushoujo and Spike fought a seemingly endless wave of roachmen. Insect corpses were piling up faster than Pinkie and Twilight could dispose of them. Fluttershy looked like she might collapse at any second, and Rainbow had had to bail her out three times.

After ten minutes of fighting, there were still dozens of roachmen.

"This...is...so...unsmile..."

"We can't keep this up forever!"

"I...I'm sorry...girls...I can't...keep...fighting..."

"Looks like y'all could use a hand!"

A tanned titan of a girl tore into the battlefield. Fists and feet plowed through roachmen with the force of a runaway truck, splattering bug gore everywhere.

"Alert! A new threat has appeared!"

"The human which has engaged the Infestation is a human that is...extremely strong."

"The human which has engaged the Infestation must be subdued so the mission that is the mission to capture the human male and exterminate the mahoushoujo may continue!"

"Yeah...good luck with that." The impossible girl grabbed two roachmen and slammed their heads together, then kicked them into three more roachmen, who all went down in a heap. She picked up a fallen street sign and, with a loud "YEE-HAW!", went to town on them.

"Holy SHIT," Rainbow said, staring in shock.

"Who...who is THAT?" Twilight asked.

"WHAT is that?" Pinkie asked, blinking repeatedly.

"Applejack-san?" Rarity breathed quietly, eyes wide.

"Oh...oh my..." Fluttershy gasped.

"Wow, she's strong! And HUGE!" Pinkie said.

"In a lot of ways!" Spike added, grinning.

After reducing the pile of roachmen to a pulpy mess, Applejack scraped some bug guts off her boots, then adjusted her hat and turned to face the others. "Howdy y'all. Hey Rarichin."

The others turned to Rarity, peering at her curiously. Rarity paled. "I don't believe we've...known one another long enough for such...familiar nicknames..."

Applejack ignored her, looking around at the carnage. "Ah gotta say...this here's some wild hayride." She kicked violently backward, sending a Changeling that had snuck up behind her flying. "Th' school nurse told me all about what's goin' on, an' how y'all are some kinda superheroes or somethin'. Ah wasn't sure Ah believed 'er until Ah saw all this." She grinned lazily. "So, y'all mind if Ah join in? Looks like y'all could use a hand."

"Applejack-san, was it?" Twilight asked. "We appreciate your help, but...what's happening here is—"

"Evil girl, powerful magic, summons monsters, killin' people left an' right, magical elements, mahoushoujo, gotta kill th' witch?" Applejack summed up. "Yeah, Ah know all about all that." She threw her makeshift weapon at a Changeling, impaling it. "Count me in."

Spike's pendant began to glow orange.

Twilight blinked. "Uhh...well..."

"Yay! We've got all six!" Pinkie cheered.

Rarity blinked. "That was fast."

Spike pulled out the gilded chest. The final Element, an orange gem, zipped out, headed straight for Applejack. He produced a silver locket and tossed it to her.

Applejack grinned. "Element of Harmony..."

The locket glowed orange, and three apples engraved themselves in the cover. Applejack opened it and inserted the gem, which changed shape, becoming a gleaming orange apple.

"HONESTY!"

A pillar of orange light engulfed Applejack as her clothing exploded away from her body. The light coalesced around her chest and hips, becoming a bright orange bikini. A denim miniskirt formed over the bikini bottom, three glossy red apples embroidered on the left hip. Tight, knee-high brown boots with apple-shaped rubies in the tops and brass-capped toes appeared on her feet, with gold spurs jangling at her heels. A knee-length sleeveless suede duster wrapped itself around her body, open down the middle, exposing her bare midriff and huge bikini-clad chest. Suede gloves enveloped her hands. An orange Stetson with a yellow band and an apple-shaped gem on the front topped her head. A wide leather belt appeared around her waist, with an apple-shaped gold belt buckle in front that bore the initials "AJ"; a lasso hung from the back of the belt, while two holsters hung at her hips, each holding a bright silver gun.

"Well? How do Ah look?" Applejack asked, tipping her hat back and placing her hands on her hips.

"And the award for most naked mahoushoujo who isn't Sunset Shimmer goes to..." Pinkie quipped.

Spike's eyes threatened to leap out of his skull. "Yes. All my yes."

"...my costume suddenly doesn't seem...so bad..." Fluttershy said.

Rainbow crossed her arms over her chest, sulking. "Dammit...it just isn't fair..."

Twilight, blushing faintly, cast a mirror spell. Applejack studied her reflection and raised an eyebrow. "Eh...least Ah got th' body for it," she decided. She drew her guns and cocked back the hammers. "So, we gonna do this thing?"

Suddenly, all six girls began to glow. A soft, serene chime filled the air, rising in volume.

"Wh-what's going on?" Fluttershy asked.

The mahoushoujo rose into the air, stirring dust and debris at their feet. A wind picked up, swirling around the area. The Infestation backed away nervously.

A column of light, glowing all the colors of the rainbow, rose up around the girls, shooting sparkles and streamers and flashes into the air. The pillar of light collapsed, becoming a rainbow shockwave which spread outward, annihilating the Infestation throughout Pony City and vaporizing their remains.

The light faded, the chiming sound died down, and the girls landed on the street.

"Whoa nelly," Applejack said. "Whut in tarnation was that all about?"

A bright golden flash illuminated the street, and Celestia appeared, smiling brightly.

"Well done, girls!" she said. "You have finally awakened all six Elements. I felt their power even from such a great distance."

"That...that's what happens when all six Elements come together?" Twilight asked.

"That was simply the six Elements reacting to the awakening of the final Bearer," Celestia said. "You have done well to come this far, but you have much to do before you are ready to confront Sunset Shimmer." She turned in a circle, fixing each of the girls with her gaze.

"You each have the will to protect something. Some of you have forged strong bonds of friendship with one another already. Some of you have only just met. In order for these six Elements to reach their full potential, the six of you must function as one. The six of you must become the closest and dearest of friends."

"Friends, huh?" Applejack asked. "Ah like th' sound of that."

"Agreed," Rarity said warmly, smiling at the others.

"Yay friendship!" Pinkie cheered, bouncing up and down.

"Friends..." Fluttershy said softly, a faint smile on her face.

"Yeah, I'm down with that," Rainbow said, grinning.

Twilight looked around at the others, smiling. She nodded confidently. "I'm beginning to understand...friendship is something truly special." She looked at Celestia. "So...what do we do now?"

"That is entirely up to you, my student," Celestia said. "For now, I suggest you go home, rest, and get to know your newest comrade."

Spike started to drool. "Oh yeah...we'll get to know her real well..."

Celestia arched an eyebrow. "...while Spike patrols Pony City," she added.

"Aww, man!"

Everyone, even Fluttershy, laughed.

Celestia became serious. "I will be in contact again soon. What transpired here today troubles me greatly. I fear our enemies are preparing for something...big. Be careful." She disappeared in a warm burst of sunlight.

Applejack scratched her head. "So uhh...nice t'meet y'all..."

* * * * *

A tempest of rage and power filled the dark room. Chrysalis' screams echoed off the walls. "FOOL! Your plan BACKFIRED!"

"On the contrary, Your Majesty," Sunset Shimmer said as she stood from her chair, bringing up the lights. She stood with one beautiful, flawless hip cocked to the side, an elegant, unmarred hand placed upon the other, and smirked at the raging Changeling queen. "Everything went exactly according to plan."

"WHAT?!" Chrysalis screeched. "You said they would not find their last companion! You said the sixth Element would remain asleep!"

"Oh...that. Well...I lied." Sunset buffed her nails on her skirt. "I wanted the sixth Element to awaken."

"Have you taken leave of your senses?!"

"You've outlived your usefulness, Chrysalis," Sunset said, smirking. "I'll admit that in the beginning, I needed you. Even moreso after my first brush with the Elements." She clenched a fist. "But now that my immortality has returned, I can plan for my next encounter with those girls...and I will kill them with my own hands. Then I will have the Elements of Harmony...and I will wield such power that I can bring Celestia herself to her knees."

Chrysalis roared angrily and fired a blinding column of silver power, flecked with green and black streaks, at Sunset.

Sunset gave her a half-lidded, amused stare as she absorbed the blast with one hand.

"What?!" Chrysalis roared. "But...the power of the Lunar Seal..."

Sunset laughed into the back of her hand. "Did you honestly believe I would give an insect such power?" She rolled her eyes. "I broke the Lunar Seal days ago. What I gave you was a pitiful taste of its power. Less than a tenth of the immense magic contained within."

Chrysalis' eyes widened. "But...that power...! If...if that was only..." She withdrew, her cloud contracting into her eyes and shivering. "You don't mean to say...!"

Sunset's eyes glowed silver. "The power of the Lunar Seal is mine." Her voice echoed with power, shaking the walls. "With this power, I will destroy Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Then, with the power of the Elements of Harmony, I will conquer Celestia, and the entire world will fall at my feet!"

She glared at Chrysalis. The silver glow faded, and her voice returned to normal. "Now begone. And take THAT with you." She snapped her fingers; Chrysalis disappeared, along with the thing that had once been Snails.

* * * * *

Darkness settled over a Pony City in shambles. Massive sections of the city were blocked off, police were out in force, and people pressed in against barricades, trying to catch a glimpse of anything.

Not that there was anything to see. Other than a lot of property damage, there was no sign of anything that had transpired. Every trace of the nightmarish army that had descended upon the city had vanished as abruptly and inexplicably as it had appeared.

The only injuries that resulted from the chaos were people who had been trampled, shoved, or otherwise jostled in the madly fleeing crowds. Dozens of people were ultimately hospitalized, but miraculously, nobody had died.

Umadakara had finally lifted its lockdown around sunset. Students and teachers made their way home in an eerie, yet seemingly safe, city.

But not everyone made it home safely.

Hoity Toity screamed as he was crushed by the giant mandibles of an immense, hideous creature. The creature's sinister eyes burned green...

...and then it transformed into his exact double. The Changeling straightened the ruffled lapels of its shirt, ran a hand through its meticulously-coiffed hair, picked up Hoity Toity's paper fan, and walked away.

Author's Note

Cultural/dialogue notes:

Cow Town is intended to be an analogue of Osaka, or more likely a rural suburb thereof.

"Kansai-ben" is a dialect spoken in the Kansai region of Japan. It's regarded in a similar manner to a Southern accent in the US, which is why in anime dubs and translated manga it's USUALLY interpreted this way (except when it's translated as a Brooklyn accent, which is inexplicable.)

In Japan, when talking about a woman's measurements, the loanword "three-size" is used.

A popular diminuitive among friends (or when teasing someone), especially if they're a girl, is to add some variation of the suffix "-in" to their name. This usually appears in the form of "-rin" or "-chin". Whether Applejack just wants to be THAT friendly with Rarity right out of the gate, or if she's just being weird, is anyone's guess. (Note that Rarity would actually be "rarichi" in katakana, which is why "Rarichin" fits so well here.)

Magic 14: ゴルデンウィーク Ｉ

A council of grim-faced men and women met in a circular chamber in the government district of Pony City. Among those present were the Mayor of Pony City, a weary woman with a lined face, gold-rimmed half-moon spectacles, and grey hair, the hard-nosed, square-jawed Superintendent of the Pony City Metropolitan Police, the Prime Minister of Neighpon, the Ministers of Defense and Education, and a screen displaying the silhoutte of the Crysanthemum Empress, the moral and spiritual leader of the nation. At the center of the room, three flat screens were arrayed in a triangle upon a round pedestal, arranged so everyone in attendance could view the presentation.

"The mass incident is directly related to the previous incident which left a massive pile of dung and a large amount of damage to a city street and the city's sewage lines," the Superintendent said. "There is...an item of interest which has, to this point, remained classified. My department, upon securing this evidence, chose to seal the investigation records." He touched a screen in front of him.

On the screens, an image appeared of two halves of a large, humanoid insect creature, arranged on a gurney and tagged with evidence tags.

The Mayor frowned. "What are we looking at, precisely?"

"We're not certain," the Superintendent said. "A number of experts have examined these remains. This was an actual creature of some sort. The presence of..." He grimaced. "With apologies to Her Imperial Majesty...the presence of viscera of a type our science can only partially identify confirms this was a living creature. It appears to be largely insectoid; our experts say it bears strong similarities to a common dung beetle."

"It's rather large for a dung beetle," the Minister of Defense said.

"Hai." The Superintendent studied the image. "This corpse was found buried beneath the dung pile. We can only surmise that its existence is somehow related."

The Mayor adjusted her spectacles. "Some of the odd rumors surfacing on social media suddenly seem less ridiculous and more disturbing," she said. Coughing, she elaborated, "There are many who claim to have seen man-sized cockroaches during today's incident."

The Superintendent nodded. "Our surveillance confirms this." Another image, somewhat blurry, appeared. It showed several of the nondescript salarymen who had attacked Pony City walking alongside humanoid roaches. "This image was captured by traffic surveillance cameras."

"Are you suggesting Pony City was invaded by an army of cockroaches?" the Minister of Defense asked.

"I am suggesting nothing," the Superintendent said. "The investigation is still ongoing. What I can confirm is that apart from a number of weapons recovered in the city, no trace whatsoever remains of the agitators." He frowned. "They have simply disappeared."

"How can hundreds of men simply disappear without a trace?"

"We don't know." The Superintendent tapped his screen; the image changed again, depicting a group of girls and a young boy. "The last clear images from our surveillance network show these girls, apparently fighting the agitators. An unknown source of interference destabilized the surveillance network moments before everything...stopped."

"What do we know of these girls?"

The Superintendent touched his screen again. A new image appeared: a girl with violet hair and purple eyes. "Twilight Sparkle, a second-year at Umadakara High School in Pony City. Recently transferred from a small island. Her documentation appears to be an expert forgery, and the island she is allegedly a resident of does not exist." He frowned. "Furthermore, she was a victim in a shooting incident recently. The investigation report from the shooting is inconsistent with her appearance during this incident. She should still be in the hospital."

A new image appeared: a girl with multicolored hair and red eyes. "Rainbow Dash. Also a second year at Umadakara. Has lived in Pony City her entire life. Average student, above-average athlete."

A third image: a girl with curly pink hair and blue eyes. "Pinkamena Pie. Also a second year at Umadakara. Also a lifelong resident of Pony City. Recently revealed to be the true identity of an Internet celebrity known as Smile."

"Those other two girls...they were present with her at that publicity stunt in Hoshigusa Park, were they not?" the Mayor asked.

The Superintendent nodded. "Hai." The image changed again, showing a girl with long, elegant purple hair and blue eyes. "Rarity. A senior at Umadakara. Her family is quite affluent."

Another image. A girl with long, cherry blossom pink hair and blue-green eyes. "Fluttershy. A second year at Umadakara. She lives with her grandmother, who owns a small pet shop."

Another image. A tall, tanned blond with green eyes and freckles. "Applejack. A senior who transferred to Umadakara and began attending classes yesterday. She's originally from Cow Town, where her family owns a large apple farm."

"They're all students at the same high school," the Minister of Education mused. "Interesting."

"What do we know about the young boy?" the Prime Minister asked.

The Superintendent shook his head. "He doesn't exist. We were unable to find any records of him anywhere." He looked down at his screen. "There is one other matter. We have examined the weapons recovered in the city." He looked up. "They are fakes."

"Fakes? But...on the news, we all saw the gunfire..." the Mayor said, confused.

The Superintendent shook his head. "The guns appear to fire, but the bullets they shoot are...projections. Holograms of some sort. They're completely harmless. We have yet to determine precisely how they function."

The Minister of Defense squared his jaw. "None of this makes any sense. An army of identical men, armed with weapons that can't harm anyone, who disappear as swiftly and inexplicably as they appear. A group of high school girls who appear to have been involved in the incident somehow. A boy who doesn't seem to exist." He shook his head. "This situation is intolerable."

A soft, polite cough stilled the room. "If I may make a suggestion."

All eyes turned to the screen bearing the silhouette of the Empress.

"To act without knowledge is the jurisdiction of the fool," the Empress said softly. "My people are frightened. While they seek—and deserve—answers, I do not believe the proper course is to incriminate children when we do not know their role in what has transpired—nor, for that matter, do we know what has transpired. Suspecting these girls to be involved in these events merits caution and observation, but it does not merit action against them."

"Her Excellency is right," the Mayor said. "We're talking about children here. We must take a delicate approach."

"With respect," the Minister of Defense said, "that does not resolve the matter of public unrest over these events."

"No, it does not," the Empress said. "But I believe the wise and esteemed servants of the people of Neighpon who sit in my presence are more than capable of putting the public at ease without destroying seven young lives in the process."

"Of...of course, Your Excellency."

The Empress' screen went dark.

The council shifted, looking at one another. At length, they all turned to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister frowned. "Continue your investigation, but for the moment, those six girls are not to be investigated further. I will confer with my press secretary regarding the appropriate information to disseminate." He stood. "I sincerely apologize to all of you, but it looks as though we will be working through Golden Week..."

Magic 14: ゴルデンウィーク Ｉ

After the battle, the girls had regrouped at Rarity's house. Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy had called their families to assure them they were alright, but had gathered at a friend's house because they weren't able to get home. Applejack had called her sister and told her much the same thing; she was relieved to learn Apple Bloom was just fine, and had run into a similar problem—in fact, she was stuck at a new friend's house too. A quick word with the mother of Apple Bloom's new friend Scootaloo secured an impromptu sleepover and let Applejack breathe easy.

Once Twilight had called her mother and given her a brief summary of what had happened, Velvet and Cadance had joined them. This had startled Applejack somewhat, as she still wasn't used to the idea of people who could just appear out of thin air.

Friday, the day after the terrifying cockroach monster invasion of Pony City, was the first day of May, and also the first day of Golden Week, a series of public holidays that occurred one right after the other and lasted for five days. After the exhausting battle and the excitement of finally being a full team, the six mahoushoujo decided to spend Golden Week together, just the six of them, and bond.

"So what do you girls wanna do?" Pinkie asked sleepily. "Do we wanna decide now, or wait until tomorrow?"

"There's a delightful little inn just outside of Pony City," Rarity said. "They have a complete spa, and an artificial hot spring that is simply divine."

"That sounds expensive," Fluttershy said timidly.

"Oh, don't worry about that," Rarity said airily. "It will be my treat, of course."

"Ah dunno," Applejack said. "Ah mean, we jes' met an' all, an' Ah don't feel quite right about puttin' you out fer that kinda cash, Rarichin."

"It's well within my means," Rarity said. "And...must you call me that?"

Applejack grinned. "Heck, if it bothers you that much? Ah surely do."

Pinkie giggled. Rainbow laughed. Even Twilight and Fluttershy smiled.

Rarity sighed. "If you must..."

"Can we afford to leave town right now?" Twilight wondered. "I mean, after what happened today, we should probably be on alert..."

"The inn is close enough that we can still handle any...problems, if they arise," Rarity said.

Applejack frowned. "Ah gotta look after mah little sis...we kinda live by ourselves..."

"Hmm...yes, there is the matter of my sister as well," Rarity said, glancing toward the stairs; Sweetie Belle was asleep upstairs. "I do so hate to leave her alone..."

"Oh, that's no problem," Velvet said. "I'll be happy to look after both of them while you girls relax."

"That would be lovely," Rarity said. She frowned. "But...are you certain it's a good idea to...oh, how should I put this so as not to offend..."

"Spike isn't interested in younger girls," Twilight said bluntly. "He only likes girls that are older than him."

"Heck, it'd probably do him good to make some friends closer to his own age," Rainbow said.

Rarity gave a sigh of relief. "It's...it's not that I don't trust Spike-kun, you understand. I do, and I value him as a friend. It's just..."

"We understand," Velvet said. "We're not offended." She giggled. "Spike wouldn't be either."

Noticing Applejack's confused look, Twilight briefly explained Spike's powers, and more to the point, his source of power. Applejack's eyebrows climbed into her hairline. "So yer kid brother runs on pervert power? That's...uh...fascinatin'..."

"Please don't kill him when he pervs on you, Senpai," Pinkie said with soulful, pleading eyes.

"And he WILL," Rainbow said. "With a body like that, you can count on it."

Applejack shrugged. "To be honest, Ah ain't too bothered by pervs, so long as they don't get grabby. Heck, it's better than people bein' scared of me cuz Ah'm so tall." She frowned. "He don't get grabby, does he?"

"Spike...mostly keeps his hands to himself," Twilight said, blushing. "Unless...unless he needs to power up really fast, but...he won't actually...you know...without permission."

"How'd he do that clone trick?" Rainbow asked. "I've never seen him do that before. It. Was. AWESOME!"

"Hey yeah, how come he's never done that before?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight's blush deepened. "Umm...he can't...use fire clones...unless he's overcharged."

Velvet raised an eyebrow. "You didn't."

Twilight ducked her head.

"Does this have anything to do with why you're not wearing a bra?" Cadance asked, smirking.

"Th-that...I just felt like being comfortable today!" Twilight exclaimed. "How was I supposed to know a cockroach army would invade Pony City and I'd have to let Spike feel me up?"

"Oh...oh my..." Fluttershy said, face turning almost as red as Twilight's.

"You mean...you actually let him...there?" Rainbow asked, eyes wide.

"Can we change the subject please?" Twilight asked, burying her face in her hands.

Rarity coughed delicately. "So then. Are we all agreed? The hot springs resort, just the six of us?"

They all agreed, and a short time later, they turned in for the night.

* * * * *

The following morning, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy called home to get permission to go on the hot springs trip. Applejack, meanwhile, called her sister and told her she would be staying with a friend's mother for Golden Week, and that she'd have some company. Meanwhile, Rarity made reservations by phone and purchased their train tickets online.

Pony City was still a disaster area, but a lot of cleanup had been accomplished overnight, and there were far fewer police cordons and barricades. The morning news reported that the investigation into the mass invasion incident was still underway, but that the incident had apparently been an elaborate, malicious prank, and the mob of individuals had been armed with fake weapons. Most of Pony City had figured that out on their own, and were more annoyed than afraid.

Sweetie Belle came downstairs as the girls were finishing up breakfast; Rarity introduced her to Velvet and told her of the plans she'd made.

Velvet smiled at Sweetie Belle. "You'll be alright with staying with me for a few days, won't you?"

Sweetie nodded. "I guess so..."

"You won't be all by yourself," Rarity said. "Applejack here has a little sister about your age who will also be staying with Velvet-san, and Sparkle-san's brother will also be there. He's quite nice, I think you'll be good friends."

After that, Twilight gave Applejack directions to her place; Applejack went to pick up Apple Bloom and take her home so they could both pack, while Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy all went home to pack.

* * * * *

"So...you're all going on vacation together?" Spike asked. "Where are you going?"

"Someplace the six of us can bond," Twilight said.

"Like maybe...a hot spring?" Spike started to drool.

"And this is why you're staying home," Twilight said archly. "Besides, you need to be here in case something else happens." She patted Spike's cheek. "We're not going far, we'll be able to come back on a moment's notice if there's trouble."

Spike sighed. "I wanted to get to know the new girl better."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll have plenty of chances to annoy Applejack-senpai into kicking you in the balls," Twilight said lightly as she packed some clothes and books. "Anyway, it won't be just you and Okaasan," she said. "You'll be having company while we're away."

"Oh?" Spike asked, curious.

Twilight nodded. "Rarity-senpai's little sister Sweetie Belle and Applejack-senpai's little sister Apple Bloom."

Spike tilted his head. "How little are we talking here, exactly?"

"I think they're both...eleven?" Twilight guessed. "I've only actually met Sweetie Belle."

"Oh," Spike said. "Eh. I guess that's cool. I'll probably be busy patrolling most of the time anyway."

* * * * *

"Ah can't believe we just got here an' already you're goin' off for Golden Week with friends!" Apple Bloom said as she watched her sister pack.

"Heh, yeah, well...it's kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing," Applejack said. "Ah'm awful sorry, Ah know you wanted t' look around town an' all, but..." She smiled. "Ah'm sure Velvet-han'll take you an' Sweetie Belle anywhere you wanna go. And hey, you'll git t' make a new friend too, won't that be nice?"

"Ah guess..." Apple Bloom said, frowning. "You think maybe she'll let Scootaloo tag along with us?"

"If'n Scootaloo's parents are okay with it," Applejack said. "Oh, an' Twilight's brother Spike'll be there too. He pretty much does his own thing, but Ah'm sure he'll be around a fair bit." She ruffled her sister's hair. "It's only for a few days."

Apple Bloom ducked her head away, but smiled. "Have a good time, Anechan."

* * * * *

A little before two in the afternoon, Applejack and Rarity dropped their sisters off. Twilight left with them, and the three girls headed for the train station where they would rendezvous with the others.

The two young girls stood in the empty bookstore. Apple Bloom shuffled her feet awkwardly as she studied the pretty, well-dressed girl in front of her. "Uhh...hi," she said. "Ah'm Apple Bloom."

"I'm Sweetie Belle," Sweetie Belle said, bowing politely. "Pleased to meet you."

Twilight Velvet walked in from the back. "Sorry to keep you girls waiting!" she called with a smile. "I had to get Twiley-chan's room ready for you."

"Thank you for looking after us," Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh, it's no trouble," Velvet said. "I'm sure you'll meet Spike-kun later. He's out doing...whatever it is he does right now." She smiled sunnily at the two girls. "Do you like manga? You can pick anything you like out of the store. Your sisters said it was okay, they'll pay for it later."

"Cool!" Apple Bloom said. "D'you got th' new weeklies? Ah didn't have a chance t' git this week's, whut with th' move an' all."

"Of course!" Velvet gestured to the manga section. With an enthusiastic yell, Apple Bloom dove headlong into the stand for weekly publications, picking up the latest issue of Shonen Fight.

Sweetie Belle tilted her head. "You don't happen to like..." She stopped and fell silent.

Apple Bloom looked up from the manga. "Like whut?" she asked.

Sweetie Belle ducked her head. "No, it's..." She trailed off. "I was just wondering...since you picked up Shonen Fight...if you like Ramen Ninja..."

Apple Bloom grinned. "You kiddin'? That's pretty much th' only reason Ah even read this silly thing!" She paused, then added, "Well, that an' Gold Piece."

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Gold Piece...that's so silly!" She covered her mouth with a fist and coughed. "But...I'm glad you like Ramen Ninja...because...I do too..."

"Cool!" Apple Bloom said.

Velvet smiled. "Why don't you girls finish picking out what you want to read and then come upstairs."

* * * * *

The train ride took a little over an hour and a half. The girls disembarked, collected their luggage, and walked a short distance to a bus station, where a bus would take them the rest of the way to the resort.

"It's nice out here," Fluttershy said as they waited for the bus. "The scenery, I mean."

"Yes, it's lovely," Rarity agreed. "Very relaxing."

The bus arrived, and twenty minutes later, the girls stood before an expansive compound nestled amid a veritable forest of lush, dense greenery. In addition to leafy hedges and beds of carefully tended flowers, several rosebushes had been planted. An assortment of trees screened the traditional Neighponese inn from the street: mostly willows and cypress trees, but all along the broad walkway leading up to the doors, there were sakura which were lazily shedding petals that covered the ground in a carpet of pale pink-white.

"Kirei," Pinkie breathed.

At the entrance, the girls were met by two women who, apart from their hair color and kimono, were identical. The one on the left had long, shiny pink hair and wore a light cerulean kimono patterned with pale pink lotus blossoms, tied with a white obi. The one on the right was a reverse of the other: her glossy hair was cerulean, styled exactly the same as her apparent twin, and her kimono was pink, with an identical white obi, and patterned with pale blue-white lotus blossoms. They bowed in greeting.

"Welcome to the Twin Blossoms Inn," the woman on the left said. "I am Lotus, and this is my sister Aloe." The two each took a step to the side and gestured to the doors. "Please, follow us."

As the girls followed the two women inside, Aloe said, "It is pleasant to see you again, Rarity-sama."

"And you as well, Aloe-san, Lotus-san. Thank you for allowing me to book with you on such short notice."

"For you, it is no trouble," Lotus said. "Even had this not been the off season, we would certainly have accomodated you."

"You're too kind," Rarity said.

The girls signed the guest register, then Aloe led them to their room. "Spa services will be available from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon," she said. "The onsen is available all day, but please check with the front desk when you're planning to use it. We will be serving dinner in about two hours. Do you want the usual for you and your guests, Rarity-sama?"

"That would be lovely."

Aloe bowed. "Then please relax until then. I will bring tea in a moment." She slid open the doors, and the girls walked into their room.

"Whoa," Rainbow breathed.

The room was enormous. Two large closets were embedded in one wall, hidden behind ricepaper panels. A large flatscreen television was mounted on the opposite wall. An immense lacquered table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by cushions. The room was spotless and immaculate. Two windows set high in the wall at the back looked out on the serene tree line behind the inn.

"So we're just...all in one room?" Twilight asked. "Where do we sleep?" She blushed. "Sorry. I've never been to a place like this."

Rarity smiled indulgently. "There are futons in the closets. After dinner and once the dishes are cleared, we'll move the table and lay out the futons."

"Hey Rarichin, how come them gals're givin' you th' royal treatment?" Applejack asked.

"Oh. Well." Rarity coughed delicately. "My mother owns forty percent of this resort."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "But...does that mean..."

Rarity laughed daintily into the back of her hand. "Staying here...doesn't actually cost me anything."

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie facefaulted.

Applejack laughed. "Now that's usin' yer noggin, Rarichin! You'd fit right in down in Cow Town!"

The girls stowed their bags in the bottom of the closets, then sat around the table. A short time later, Aloe returned, serving them all tea and placing two large bowls of seaweed rice crackers on the table.

"This is the first chance we've had to spend any real time with Fluttershy-chan!" Pinkie declared. "And Applejack-senpai too."

"Y'all don't gotta call me 'senpai'," Applejack said. "Jes' call me AJ." She turned to Fluttershy. "So, yer new t' all this too?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I-I just met these girls...Monday...and got involved in...in all this...Wednesday."

"It's been a really busy week," Pinkie said. "This time last week, Rarity-senpai wasn't even a mahoushoujo yet. Then we fought this big creepy bug lady and Senpai joined us, then Monday Twilight-chan got shot, then..." She shrugged. "It's just been a busy week."

"Sounds like it," Applejack said, blinking. "So...question. How come them costumes we get are so...indecent? Ah mean, Ah'm glad it's not all ribbons an' lace an' weddin' dresses an' all, but...it don't seem practical, y'know?"

"I honestly don't know why the Elements assigned us those outfits," Twilight said. "And...I'm really sorry you and Fluttershy-san have..." She blushed.

"Aw heck, it don't really bother me," Applejack said. "Ah don't mind showin' off mah body a little. Ah was jes' wonderin' is all."

"I, um, have a question also," Fluttershy said. "Why...why do I have wings when I transform?"

"I don't have an answer to that either," Twilight said. "I don't know why you and Rainbow-san have wings. Or why it's just the two of you that have them. I asked Celestia-sama, but she doesn't know either." She shrugged. "The truth is...we actually know very little about the Elements of Harmony. Celestia-sama discovered them a little over a thousand years ago. She told me that...in all that time, they've only been used once before."

"Ooh, story time," Pinkie said.

Twilight shuddered. "I don't...think you want to hear it."

"Well now you gotta tell us," Rainbow said.

Twilight sighed and took a sip of tea. "Alright." She looked around the table. "There was...someone...a long time ago. Someone Celestia-sama trusted more than anyone else in the world. She was...a very powerful sorceress. Almost as powerful as Celestia-sama herself.

"She turned...evil. She wanted...she wanted to blanket the world in eternal night. She began experimenting with darker and more dangerous magic, and eventually her power eclipsed Celestia-sama's.

"Celestia-sama and five others, her closest friends and advisors at the time, were able to activate the Elements of Harmony, and used their power to seal the sorceress away in a magical prison. They created six crystals, each containing incredible magical power, which act as an eternal seal. With the power of the six seals, the sorceress is trapped forever."

Twilight took a deep breath and studied her tea. "But...you see...that sorceress...was Celestia-sama's sister."

The others gasped.

"Celestia-sama was so distraught at being forced to imprison her own sister for all time that...she secluded herself for fifty years. The Elements of Harmony became inactive, and remained so until...until I was sent to Pony City." She frowned. "I still don't know why the Element of Magic awakened and chose me when it did." She looked around the table and smiled. "But if it hadn't...I would never have met all of you. So...I'm glad it did."

"Awww," Pinkie cooed.

"And we're delighted to have met you too, Sparkle-san," Rarity said. The others agreed.

Fluttershy looked down. "Still...I can't imagine having to...having to do that to your own sister..." Her eyes began to mist up. "She must...she must have been so sad..."

"She still is," Twilight said softly. "She hides it well, but the people closest to her can see it. Sometimes, she lets her guard down..." She shook her head and sighed. "Let's change the subject." She looked over at Applejack. "AJ-san, why don't you tell us all about yourself?"

Applejack scratched her nose. "Well, Ah was raised on an apple farm..." Her forehead crinkled. "Down in Cow Town, don't ya know. Ah got a big brother an' a little sister. Mah brother does all th' real heavy work on th' farm. Ah do most'a th' harvestin'. Uhh...mah brother, Big Macintosh, he's up in his twennies. Baachan wants him t' court, but...he's kinda shy, y'know? Don't talk much, neither. Apple Bloom, she's eleven." She put her hands on her thighs and rocked from side to side. "Mah Ma an' Pa, well...they're..." She swallowed a lump in her throat. "They're gone. Pa had th' cancer, an' Ma...after he passed, she worked herself down t' th' bone. She...she got th' pneumonia."

The others looked down at the table. "That's...that's awful," Pinkie said.

"Applejack-san...I'm so sorry," Rarity said.

"Yeah, that totally blows," Rainbow said.

Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry.

Twilight sighed. "That must be so hard for you..."

Applejack shrugged. "Yeah...it ain't been easy."

"How...how long ago? If you don't mind me asking."

"Three years since Pa went," Applejack said. "Ma passed in January. Anyway...me an' Niichan, we've been keepin' up th' farm best we can since...since then. Thing is, Ma always handled th' business on th' farm, she had th' smarts. Pa was good at growin' apples an' fixin' stuff, but he...he didn't have no real schoolin'. Niichan's th' same way...he's dang good with his hands, but he ain't much fer numbers an' figures." She swallowed. "Ah ain't all that good with it neither, but...Ah'm tryin'. Someone's gotta do it, or we ain't gonna have a farm for long. So, afore she went, Ma told me, she said, AJ, me an' yer Pa wanted you t' have good schoolin', so you can handle things when it's just you an' your brother, so Ah'm fixin' it so you an' Apple Bloom can go t' Pony City an' finish out your schoolin' up there." Applejack looked down at her hands. "Course, Ah was already about t' be a senior, so movin' to a new place an' graduatin' high school an' takin' mah exams an' all up here didn't make no sense, but...it's really mostly fer Apple Bloom, Ah think." She sighed. "Apple Bloom's a lot smarter'n me in a lotta ways." She chuckled. "An' a lot dumber in others. Ah reckon Ah'll only be runnin' th' business back at th' farm until she gets her schoolin' done, then Ah'll be right back out in th' fields. But...that's how it's gotta be, y'know? We can't lose that farm. That farm's been mah whole life. Baachan an' Jiichan build up that there farm from nothin'. It's all we got."

"Well, given the quality of your produce, I don't doubt that you'll have little trouble upholding your legacy," Rarity said with a smile. "I've truly never tasted a finer apple than the one you gave me."

Pinkie blinked. "Wait. You're not talking about Sweet Apple Acres, are you?"

"Sure am."

Pinkie gasped. "Oh my gosh! Cake-san uses your apples at his shop! The apple cakes there are the best ever, and it's because of those apples!"

"Now that you mention it," Fluttershy said, "Obaasan only buys Sweet Apple Acres jam and apple butter."

Applejack scratched her nose. "Heh, shucks, y'all. Yer makin' me blush." She stretched her arms over her head. "Ah'll be sure t' let Baachan know folks up in Pony City like her jam. She spends durn near all day ever' day in th' kitchen jammin' up a storm."

The others blinked.

"You...you mean to say..." Rarity stared at Applejack. "Your products are...are all handmade? No machinery? No...no factory?"

"Ever' apple from our farm is hand-picked, ever' jar o' jam made right in Baachan's kitchen." Applejack grinned. "It's why it's all so good, y'see."

"That's...kinda awesome," Rainbow said.

"That's SUPER awesome!" Pinkie declared. "I didn't even know people still did that!"

Applejack shrugged. "It's more common than y'think," she said. "Ah mean sure, most'a what you get at th' store is mass-harvest, factory-canned, an' such, but th' best produce an' products are all handled th' old way. Th' right way." She grinned. "Papa's favorite sake, fer example. Heck, most sake. That stuff's no good if it ain't made right."

Rarity frowned thoughtfully. "Applejack-san...surely you have more workers on the farm than just yourself, your brother, and your grandmother?"

Applejack shook her head. "Nope. It's just us. Well, right now it's just Niichan an' Baachan, but..." She chuckled. "Niichan's worth ten men on a bad day." She cast her eyes down. "He pushes himself a mite too hard sometimes, though. Especially since Pa passed. He's usually up at four or five in th' mornin' workin', an' don't quit till around ten at night." She brightened. "Oh, but he's strong, don't get me wrong! We don't call 'im Big Macintosh for his wing-wang."

"Applejack-san!" Rarity gasped, scandalized. Rainbow snickered. Fluttershy eeped and hid her face in her hands. Twilight groaned.

Pinkie giggled. "You're funny! And...and I'm amazed you can smile with all you've been through."

"Aw, heck," Applejack said. "Bein' all mopey an' stuff just ain't me." She looked around. "So, uh...that's enough about me. Ah reckon it's somebody else's turn now."

* * * * *

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle lay on their tummies on Twilight's bed, reading comics and talking and giggling. Velvet had brought them drinks and snacks, and promised to take them out to eat dinner later.

The sun was low in the sky when Velvet poked her head in. "Girls? Are you getting along alright?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sweetie Belle said.

"Right as rain," Apple Bloom agreed.

"Well...Spike-kun just called; he's on his way home. If you'd like to come into the living room and watch television until he gets back...we'll be going out to eat in a little while. Or you can stay in here and read comics if you want..."

"What do you think?" Sweetie Belle asked Apple Bloom.

"A little TV sounds good right now," Apple Bloom said.

It took them a few minutes to pick something to watch. A little bit later, the front door opened. "Tadaima," a boy's voice called.

"Okaeri," Velvet called. "Our guests are in the living room."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked up as a boy with spiky green hair and bright green eyes walked into the room, hands in his pockets. "Yo," he said as he flopped down in a chair across from them.

Sweetie Belle felt her cheeks heat up. "H-hello," she stammered, her voice cracking.

"Hey there," Apple Bloom said indifferently. "You're Spike, right?"

"Yeah," Spike said. He smirked. "You must be Applejack's sister."

"That's right," Apple Bloom said. "Ah'm Apple Bloom, an' this here's Sweetie Belle."

"Rarity-sama's sister, huh?" Spike smiled. "Nice to meet you."

"N-nice to meet y-you..." Sweetie Belle said. She ducked her eyes away, suddenly shy.

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle, brow wrinkled in concern. "You feelin' alright?" she asked.

"O-oh! Um...yes," Sweetie Belle said. Her eyes flickered over to Spike, and she ducked her head.

Apple Bloom suddenly understood, and a grin spread across her face. *Ah think th' next few days're gonna be a lot more fun than Ah thought...*

* * * * *

"My mother died giving birth to me," Fluttershy said softly, eyes sad. "I...I don't know who my father is. I've lived with my grandmother my entire life. She, um...she owns a pet shop in town. Not a big one, just a little one. Oh, and...it's not the kind that actually sells pets. Just...you know...pet food and toys and stuff. Oh, and there's a pet day camp. That's the best part of the store and where Obaasan makes her real money." She smiled. "I love going in after school and playing with all the pets. I love animals." She ducked her head. "And, um...that's...that's really all there is to say. About me."

Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. "My mom died too. Not giving birth to me, but...she got sick in the hospital after I was born. Some nurse made a mistake or something, I never understood it. Oyaji sued the hospital big time and won." She looked over at Fluttershy. "So...I can kinda relate."

"Rainbow-chan..." Pinkie said sadly.

"Eh." Rainbow shrugged. "Me an' Oyaji get by okay. We've always been tight. He taught me soccer, we go jogging every morning...he's big on sports. He's a fitness trainer."

"Well, now I'm starting to understand your...rather tomboyish nature," Rarity said.

"So what about you, Senpai?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh, me, yes, well..." Rarity tossed her hair. "My mother is an heiress, my father has an uncanny talent for the financial markets. Neither of them is...how shall we say...suited for high society, despite their wealth. Still, they've provided an elegant, austere home for myself and my sister. They're constantly on the move, so I've been left to my own devices in regards to Sweetie Belle's upbringing. I'm doing my best." She sipped her tea. "And you already know my interests are fashion and Judo." She smiled. "I believe Pinkie-san and Sparkle-san are the most interesting members of our little group by far."

Pinkie scratched her head absently. "Eheh...well, my entire family is really obsessed with rocks, and I hate rocks. I love singing and dancing and making people smile, so...I secretly became a Net Idol. At first I was just doing it on my own from my bedroom when nobody but Oneesan was home, and then I got popular and I started getting producers and stuff, but I was careful to keep my double life a secret." She shrugged. "Then I met Twilight-chan and Rainbow-chan, who were my first real friends like, ever, and then I turned into a mahoushoujo and, well...now everybody knows I'm Smile, and Oneesan helped me get my family to accept it, so...now, I'm a not-so-secret Net Idol, and a mahoushoujo, and I have friends!"

All eyes turned to Twilight, who laughed sheepishly. "Well..."

* * * * *

Sunlight sparkled off the glittering spires of the Temple of the Sun. It sat atop the tallest hill on Sun Island. All around the base of the hill, the Campus of Sages stood proud, an ancient ring of six buildings, each constructed in a hexagonal shape, with brilliant, colorful tile roofs; the roofs were made of specially enchanted stones that absorbed the light of the sun, converting it into magical energy which was used to power the island's defenses.

Twilight Sparkle nervously smoothed her lavender tunic and straightened her dark purple skirt as she walked alongside her mother and Spike on the marble-tiled Path of the Sun, the road that led to the Campus of Sages and the steps leading up to the Temple. "What do you suppose Celestia-sama wants with us?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know," Velvet said. "But her message was urgent."

The trio approached the gates to the Campus of Sages. The Captain of the Guard himself stood at the gates, a younger soldier at his side. The Captain straightened and attempted to look imposing and impressive as they approached.

Velvet wasn't having it. "Shiny-chan, you have lipstick on your cheek." Twilight giggled.

Shining Armor nervously wiped away the lipstick smear. "Okaasan," he whined. The younger guard snickered; a glare from Shining Armor silenced him. Shining Armor cleared his throat. "Celestia-sama is waiting for you at the Shrine of Magic."

"Not at the Temple?" Twilight asked. She shared a glance with Spike. An audience with the Great Sun Sage was customarily attended at the Temple; for her to be meeting them at the Campus of Sages...

Shining Armor and the other guard opened the gates for them. The trio entered and headed for a building with a light lavender roof. They walked through the front doors; inside, a royal purple carpet with gold trim led through a foyer with austere columns and rows of bookshelves filled with ancient tomes. An acolyte sat behind a mahogany desk, reading. She looked up and nodded to them. "The Great Sage awaits in the Inner Sanctum."

Twilight gasped. "The...the Inner Sanctum? But...but...only the High Sages..."

"Twilight," Velvet said, laying a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Calm down."

"Right," Twilight said, taking a deep breath. The trio continued down the foyer; at the other end, there were three sets of double doors. Twilight knew that the doors to the left led to the Hall of Magic, where young mages such as herself were tested, rated, and licensed; the doors on the right led to the Athenaeum, which held the greatest repository of magical learning in the entire world. Her mother, as the Keeper of the Athenaeum, was one of the most highly-respected mages on Sun Island.

But the center set of doors led to the Chamber of Sages, and beyond that...

Velvet raised her hands, which glowed a soft white. The doors responded, shining brightly and opening. She stepped through; Twilight and Spike joined her. Once the three had entered, the doors closed loudly behind them.

The Chamber of Sages was empty. The two tables which formed a broken hexagon sat ominously to either side of the carpet that bisected the room. At the far end was a simple crystal door, remarkable only for the fact that it was made of crystal and not wood or stone.

"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet, Spike." The voice of Celestia, the Great Sun Sage, resonated in the empty Chamber. "Enter the Inner Sanctum and join me."

The crystal door slid into the wall. Swallowing nervously, Twilight stepped forward, Spike and her mother behind her.

Twilight gasped as she entered the Inner Sanctum. The entire room was made of shining crystal. There was a dais, upon which stood an ornate pedestal. Atop that pedestal sat a hexagonal lavender crystal. Celestia stood to the right of the pedestal, her elegant white and gold gown flowing around her, her beautiful pastel hair glowing in the reflected light from the crystal walls.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said.

"Celestia-sama," Twilight greeted, bowing. Velvet and Spike did likewise.

"I suppose you're wondering not only why I summoned you today, but also why I've called you to such an unusual place." Celestia took a deep breath. "Twilight Sparkle...it has been quite some time since I have had the pleasure to watch a young mage with as much promise, as much potential, as you. Every instructor at the Academy of Mages speaks highly of you. You are the envy of your peers. You have surpassed every expectation."

"Th-thank you, Celestia-sama," Twilight said, blushing.

"It is for this reason that I have called for you this day," Celestia said. "I'm entrusting you with an important mission. One that will require you to leave Sun Island for the foreseeable future."

Twilight gasped. "L-leave Sun Island? B-but I..." She gulped. "H-hai, Celestia-sama. If...if it's necessary...if you trust in me to do...whatever it is you're asking me to do...then I will accept this mission." She took a deep breath. "What do you need me to do?"

Celestia's eyes were full of worry. "Are you familiar with Changelings?"

"I've studied them," Twilight said. "They're dangerous creatures from a parallel dimension of dark magic. They...they feed on human emotion. They're able to impersonate human beings...and they usually kill the person whose form they assume."

Celestia nodded. "Very good." She took a deep breath. "In the nation of Neighpon, in the place they call Pony City, someone is summoning Changelings into our world."

Twilight gasped. "But...that's impossible!"

"It's highly unlikely, true, but...nevertheless." Celestia frowned. "I have been unable to discover the identity of the perpetrator. I suspect they are hiding in a place where the light of the sun does not reach."

Twilight's eyes narrowed. "That would mean...whoever it is...they're from Sun Island."

"That's correct." Celestia fixed her gaze on Twilight. "Twilight Sparkle...I believe you are the one most suited to the task of protecting the people of Pony City from these Changelings, as well as discovering the identity of the summoner."

"You...you want me to fight Changelings?" Twilight asked. "I...don't know if my magic is strong enough for that..."

"I have every confidence in your abilities," Celestia said. "But I would not send you on such a dangerous mission without providing you with an advantage." She plucked the hexagonal crystal from its place of honor and cupped it in her hands. "You know what this is, of course."

"It's...it's the Element of Magic," Twilight said. "One of the six Elements of Harmony."

"Very good. The Elements of Harmony have slept here in the Campus of Sages for one thousand years. In fact, the Campus of Sages was built specifically to protect these six treasures." She looked down at the gem, a shadow of deep pain in her ancient eyes. "Hold out your hand, Twilight Sparkle."

"Celestia-sama...?" At Celestia's commanding look, Twilight gulped and extended her hand. Celestia descended from the dais and placed the gem in Twilight's hand.

The Element of Magic began to glow brightly...and changed shape, becoming a six-pointed star.

Velvet gasped. "It can't be...!"

Twilight stared at the Element of Magic. "What...?"

The Element strobed with a brilliant lavender light, nearly blinding everyone present.

Twilight rose into the air, a sourceless wind stirring her hair and clothes. Her clothing exploded away from her body, which began to shine with a brilliant lavender aura. The aura coalesced around her torso, arms, and legs. The nearly-blinding lavender glow slowly faded, and Spike and Velvet gasped.

Celestia smiled and raised her hand; a shimmering rectangle of reflective magic appeared in midair in front of Twilight. She caught sight of her reflection and gave a startled yelp.

Her clothing had changed: She now wore a lavender corset with violet trim along the sides, with five small, white six-pointed stars arranged in a 'belt' across her waist, knee-high lavender boots with gold trim at the top, inset with tiny six-pointed pink gems, and elbow-length lavender gloves with ribbed violet cuffs. A violet choker adorned with a large pink gem in the shape of a six-pointed star graced her throat, and matching six-pointed earrings dangled from her earlobes. She held a slim, meter-long lavender baton in her right hand; one end was capped with a small gold six-pointed star, while the other end sported an ornate golden unicorn head with a long, tapered horn and sparkling garnet chips for eyes.

"What...what just happened?!" Twilight cried, staring in shock at her reflection.

"Whatever it is, I like it," Spike said.

Celestia smiled. Her eyes shone with pride and relief. "I knew you were the one," she said.

"Celestia-sama, what...what is this?"

"The Element of Magic has accepted you as its new master," Celestia said. "You are now an Element Bearer...you are now a mahoushoujo."

Twilight blinked several times. "A mahoushoujo..."

"I believe the High Sages await," Celestia said. "Let us return to the Chamber of Sages." She raised her hands, which began to shine with a bright golden light...

...and the four of them stood in the center of the Chamber of Sages. The tables were no longer empty; six men and women, each wearing a different-colored robe, sat behind the two tables. In front of five of them lay hexagonal gems, each matching the robes they wore. The last, who wore a lavender robe, held a small, gilded chest.

Celestia held out her hand, palm-up. With a flash, a silver locket appeared. "Take this, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight accepted the locket. "What's this for?"

"This will allow you to wield the Element of Magic when needed," Celestia said. "Concentrate on returning the power of the Element to that locket."

Twilight closed her eyes. After a moment, she began to glow lavender; her clothing returned to normal. She looked down at the locket. The cover glowed; an emblem engraved itself into the silver: a six-pointed star surrounded by five smaller stars. She opened the locket and found the Element of Harmony inside, nestled in a little velvet niche which was perfectly shaped to accept it. She took the seemingly innocuous little gem out of the locket. The Element vanished.

"When you need the power of the Element, simply call it forth," Celestia said. "It will appear. Place it in the locket as you call its name, and you will become a mahoushoujo." She looked around the room and nodded to the Sages. Hesitantly, they used their magic to levitate the remaining five Elements of Harmony into the gilded chest the High Sage of Magic held. Celestia picked up the chest.

"Twilight Sparkle, your mission is to go to Pony City, eliminate any Changelings you encounter, and search for the one responsible for bringing them into our world. During your mission, you will be enrolled in one of the local schools." She turned to Twilight Velvet. "You will accompany your daughter. I have arranged for another to undertake your duties in the Athenaeum. I've also arranged for living quarters in the city. My agents in Neighpon have purchased a small book store with an apartment upstairs. This is where you will be living and working while in Neighpon."

Twilight Velvet nodded. "I understand, Celestia-sama."

"Spike," Celestia said. "You will also join them in Pony City. Your abilities will allow you to move unseen among the locals." She summoned an onyx pendant, which she handed to Spike. "Wear this at all times. In the presence of Changelings, it will react to their dark magic by glowing green. It also serves another purpose." She handed Spike the chest. "Now that the Element of Magic has awakened, the other Elements will follow suit. When an Element of Harmony is ready to awaken, the pendant will react. Until then, I'm trusting you to keep the Elements safe."

"I won't let you down, Celestia-sama!" With a burst of his own magic, Spike sent the chest into his personal pocket dimension.

"I know you won't," Celestia said with a smile. Five more silver lockets appeared in her hand. "You'll be needing these as well." Spike accepted them and sent them to join the chest.

"But...I don't understand," Twilight said. "How are we going to find five mages in Neighpon?"

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Twilight Sparkle...who said the Elements only respond to mages?"

"But...!"

Celestia raised a hand to silence her. "At this time, the school year in Neighpon is just ending. The next school term begins in two weeks. You are to use that time to study Neighpon and assimilate the local culture so you'll blend in. My agents will create documentation for you and your mother, and see to it you are enrolled in a school near your new apartment."

"But...if I'm supposed to be searching for Changelings...do I really have time for that? Not that...I mean..." Twilight fidgeted. "You know I enjoy studying, and it might be fun to see what school in the outside world is like, but..."

"It's all part of your cover," Celestia said. "You must do everything you can to appear to be an ordinary teenage girl." She smiled. "Besides, going to school is an important part of your other mission."

"My...other mission?" Twilight asked.

"I've noticed that outside of your family and Spike, you don't spend much time socializing with others," Celestia said. "Velvet has told me herself that you don't seem to have any friends." She stared into Twilight's very soul with her ancient eyes. "While you are in Neighpon...I want you to make friends."

"Friends..."

"It's important for everyone to have friends...moreso for a young lady such as yourself. Promise me, Twilight Sparkle. Promise you'll take the time to make friends."

"I...I'll try..."

* * * * *

"I didn't understand at the time..." Twilight said. "I didn't know that...that friendship was the magic that would awaken the Elements of Harmony." She looked around the table at the other girls. "I...I still don't really know any of you very well, but..." She swallowed a lump in her throat. "I...I'm glad to have met all of you."

"Awww!" Pinkie cooed, leaping over the table and tackling Twilight in a hug.

"Waaah! Pinkie-san!" Applejack and Rainbow laughed. Twilight teleported out from underneath Pinkie and straightened her clothes. "Mou..."

"No fair!" Pinkie pouted.

The door slid open. Lotus knelt outside, head bowed. "We are ready to serve dinner now," she said.

"Thank you," Rarity said primly.

* * * * *

Velvet took Spike and the girls to FcBURGER for dinner. "So, girls, tell me all about yourselves," she said as she added dressing and red pepper to a teriyaki chicken salad.

"Umm...you go first, Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle said hesitantly.

Apple Bloom had just taken a big bite of her cheeseburger, so it was a moment before she replied. "Well, Ah'm from Cow Town, mah family owns an' runs Sweet Apple Acres, that's a big apple farm down there. Mah Mama an' Papa done...done passed away, an' me an' Anechan came here t' Pony City fer our schoolin'. Ah miss Anichama an' Baachan, but...Ah been here two days an' Ah already made some new friends, so maybe it'll be okay."

"Your folks are gone?" Spike asked. "That sucks."

"That's very sad," Velvet said. "And you, Sweetie Belle? I've met your sister, but I'm afraid I haven't gotten to know her very well yet."

Sweetie Belle was looking down at her food instead of up at everyone else. "Anou..." she began, her voice cracking, "Okaasama and Otousama make lots of money, so we're very well-off, but...they're never really around. Oneesan takes care of me...and teaches me about how to..." She looked up, caught Spike's eyes, then ducked her head again, blushing. "How to...be a proper lady and...be all refined."

"Well that sounds...interesting."

"I, well...I really just want to play like the other kids," Sweetie Belle said. "But Oneesan keeps saying that isn't what a lady does, and I have to be a lady, and..." She took a sip of her shake. "So, I have to do what she says."

Velvet frowned mildly. "I don't think that sounds very fair at all."

"Rarity-sama wouldn't make you do anything that wasn't good for you," Spike said.

"Now Ah don't know so much about that," Apple Bloom said, gesturing with a fry. "Older brothers an' sisters got a funny way of decidin' what's good fer ya."

"Anou...what about you, Spike-san?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Huh? Me?" Spike blinked. "Uhh...well...I just moved here a few weeks ago with Obasan and Neechan."

"Obasan?" Apple Bloom asked, looking curiously between Spike and Velvet.

Velvet sipped her soda. "Spike-kun...he's sort of..." She glanced at Spike, who shrugged helplessly. "He's not related to either of us by blood," she finished.

"Oh, so he's adopted?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No, no," Velvet said, laughing. "He's just...he..."

"I wanted to come to Pony City with Neechan, and my folks said it was okay," Spike said.

"Oh. Well that's cool," Apple Bloom said.

"What school do you go to?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I'm...homeschooled?" Spike ventured hesitantly.

"That's exactly it. Spike-kun is homeschooled," Velvet said.

"Hey Spike, do you like Ramen Ninja?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Ramen Ninja?" Spike echoed, tilting his head.

"You know, that manga so many children your age like," Velvet said.

"Oh. I haven't...really read it," Spike said.

"We're not from Neighpon," Velvet said. "We've only been in the country for a few weeks."

"Oh," Apple Bloom said, sounding a little disappointed.

"Ah, you're from another country?" Sweetie Belle asked brightly. "Which one?"

"It's...you wouldn't have heard of it," Velvet said. "It's a really small country."

"Yeah, it's like, barely a country," Spike agreed.

"But what's it called?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Maybe I can look it up on the Internet!"

"I really don't think you'd find anything," Spike said. "We just call it Sun Island."

"Sun Island, huh?" Apple Bloom asked. "That sounds..."

"Sunny?" Sweetie Belle offered.

"Yeah, sunny."

"It is very sunny," Velvet said with a smile.

* * * * *

After dinner, the six girls decided to make use of the onsen.

"Now this here's livin'," Applejack said. Her hair was floating loose in the water, and she sat against the edge of the spring, her towel folded up into a makeshift pillow which she laid her head against.

"You can say that again, darling," Rarity said. "This water is very relaxing, and very good for your skin."

"So this is an onsen," Twilight said. She, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash had towels wrapped around their bodies; Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie had entered the bath nude. "I read about them, but the actual experience..." She blushed. "You're sure nobody can see us out here?"

"There's a three-meter fence around the onsen," Rarity pointed out. "And this resort has segregated bathing. AND we've reserved the bath for the next hour."

"Yeah, relax Twilight! As long as Spike didn't follow us here, there's nothing to worry about!"

The girls paused to contemplate that.

"Yyyyeah okay that didn't help," Pinkie admitted with a nervous giggle.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Okaasan's making sure he doesn't find out where we are."

Rainbow looked around at the other girls, then down at herself. She sighed. "It's not fair," she whined.

"Aww, don't be all pouty!" Pinkie said.

"What's wrong, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Look at you girls!" Rainbow cried. "ESPECIALLY you, AJ!" She threw her hands out. "You're all like BOOM and I'm like—" She blew a raspberry.

"Well, Twilight's more like zwoo," Pinkie pointed out, waggling her fingers.

"Yeah, but zwoo is better than pthbbbbbpt," Rainbow muttered.

"You know..." Twilight said suddenly, "it DOES seem like every time a new Element awakened, it chose a girl whose breasts were bigger than the last."

"Oh, please, darling, that's entirely a coincidence," Rarity said. After a pause, she added, "Besides, Fluttershy-san's chest is not bigger than mine."

"Yeah, she's built about like me," Pinkie said. "They just look a lot bigger in her bunny-girl getup." She got up and walked over to Applejack. "Now AJ here, she's the queen of Boobtopia." She wrapped an arm around Applejack, seizing her breast and giving it a squeeze.

"H-hey now!" Applejack said, squirming. "Cut that out!"

"Aww, I just wanted to touch it..."

"Well ya done got yer feel, now get outta my personal space!" Applejack thundered, face red.

"Ahem...Pinkie-san..." Rarity averted her gaze. "Perhaps you should AIIEEEEEE!"

Pinkie had moved over to Rarity and was groping her. "Wow, yours are soft," she said. "AJ's are kinda hard!"

"Pinkie, willya cut that out?" Rainbow cried. "Sheesh! If you wanna play with tits that bad, play with your own!"

"Eh, I can play with my own any time," Pinkie said.

"Uhh...Pinkie...you ain't...you ain't a..." Applejack swallowed. "You ain't queer, are ya?"

Pinkie giggled, letting go of Rarity. "I'm not a lesbian, silly! I just think boobs are fun."

"Uhh...okay then..."

"Just ignore Pinkie," Rainbow said. "She's crazy."

"That's me!" Pinkie agreed, nodding.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Y'all sure are somethin' else," she said with a chuckle.

After bathing, the girls put on yukata, drank fruit-flavored milk, and played a few rounds of table tennis before returning to their room, laying out the futons, and turning in for the night.

* * * * *

"So, you got a crush on Spike, huh?" Apple Bloom asked as she and Sweetie Belle changed into their pajamas.

Sweetie Belle's face burned red. "Wh-what makes you think that?"

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "It's pretty obvious," she said.

"W-well..." Sweetie Belle said, ducking her head and poking her index fingers together. "He...he's just...really cute. And he looks...cool."

"If you say so," Apple Bloom said, shrugging. "Welp, Ah'm beat. G'nite, Sweetie Belle."

"Goodnight, Apple Bloom."

* * * * *

Seven people gathered at Hoity Toity's posh, upscale apartment.

"This is all that's left?" Hoity Toity asked, looking around with a frown.

A woman with dark lavender hair sighed. "That...whatever it was...that wiped out the Infestation killed all the rest."

A tall, musclebound man in a white shirt grunted. "They were weak. We're strong."

"That power...it affected all of us," a slight man in a hoodie said. "We've all been weakened."

"We have another problem," an old man in the robes of a Shinto priest said. The others turned to him. "I've lost contact with our Queen."

The others hissed. "That's...! But how?"

"I don't know," the priest rumbled. "But for the time being, we should feed." He frowned. "Keep these forms if at all possible. We're strong enough to feed without killing."

"Where's the fun in that?" the purple-haired woman asked.

"This isn't a joke, Vespia!" the priest snapped. "We need to be careful. Our enemies are much stronger than we anticipated! They defeated the Infestation! The entire Infestation!"

"And they killed Princess Pupa."

"Alright, fine," Vespia said, rolling her eyes. "So you just want us to what, lay low and feed?"

"For now," the priest said. "I'll keep trying to reach the Queen."

One by one, the Changelings left, returning to their stolen lives.

Author's Note

Golden Week was originally supposed to be a single chapter, but then I realized how ridiculously HUGE it was going to wind up being, so I split it into two parts.

Cultural notes:

In real life, Golden Week is April 29 and May 3-5. April 30-May 2 are not holidays, but many people take paid vacation time from work to take advantage of an extended holiday.

For the purposes of this story, however, Golden Week in Neighpon is May 1-5, a straight five days of holidays with no interruption.

Magic 15: ゴルデンウィーク ＩＩ

Celestia paced around her study, a worried frown on her face.

Ever since Twilight Sparkle had been injured, she'd had an uneasy feeling. It wasn't the fact that Twilight had possibly nearly died; certainly, that bothered her, but that only precipitated the unease that had been tickling at the base of her brain for days.

It was three in the morning; Celestia rarely rose before dawn. Restless, she decided to take a walk. She left her chambers at the heart of the Temple. Reaching the atrium, she leaned against one of the low outer walls and looked up at the starry night sky and the pale moon.

Embrace eternal darkness, dear sister...embrace death...

A chill ran through Celestia's body.

Luna...you've left me no choice...

"Luna..."

This is not the end, sister! You cannot contain darkness! I will return to eclipse your precious light!

The moon pulsed faintly, once. A sensation washed over Celestia that could be likened unto feeling a weak, thready pulse.

"What...?" She stared at the moon, which hung tranquil and pale in the sky. She shook her head. "No...no, it's my imagination..."

Faint, chilling musical laughter drifted through the back of her mind.

She ran, barefoot, to the bottom of the hill.

Magic 15: ゴルデンウィーク ＩＩ

At eight in the morning, Aloe brought breakfast for the girls. "Did you sleep well last night?" she asked.

"Oh, absolutely," Rarity said.

"I haven't slept on a futon in a long time," Fluttershy said. "It was a nice change."

"It's like a big slumber party!" Pinkie said.

"I had a wonderful night's sleep," Twilight said. With a grin, she added, "Rainbow's snoring aside."

"Hey! I do not snore!" Rainbow cried.

"Yes you do," everyone else said, followed by a round of giggling.

Aloe smiled. "Please enjoy your breakfast. The spa will open in an hour." She withdrew, sliding the door shut.

"Oooh, you girls simply must avail yourselves of the spa treatment!" Rarity said with starry eyes. "It is simply divine."

"Sure, sounds good to me," Pinkie said. "I've got so much tension in my shoulders and my boobs."

Rainbow blinked. "How can you have tension in your boobs?"

"My boobs have a lot of stress," Pinkie said simply, sitting down and helping herself to some grilled fish and rice.

As the others sat down at the table, Applejack whispered to Twilight, "Is that gal...okay upstairs?"

"She's...a little odd," Twilight whispered back. "But she's a good friend, and I trust her with my life."

* * * * *

Six weary, rumpled High Sages sat in council with a disheveled, pale Celestia.

"I think something's happened to the seal," Celestia said without preamble.

The Sages traded uneasy glances, shifting in their seats.

"Celestia-sama..." the Sage of Magic said, "With all due respect...the power of the Elements of Harmony is absolute. The Six Seals are lost to the far corners of the world, as per your design. No force in this world can disturb their power."

"Nothing in this world is absolute," Celestia said. "We must ascertain the state of the seal."

"And how, precisely, are we to do that?" the Sage of Generosity asked.

"Return to the Inner Sanctums of the Elements of Harmony, all of you," Celestia said. "I will stand in the Altar of the Sun and meditate. I want you all to meditate on Harmony. When the sun reaches its peak in the sky...that is when we will know."

"But, Celestia-sama..."

"I'm sorry, but this is an order," Celestia said firmly. "You know I do not impose my will upon others lightly. This must be done."

* * * * *

The inn's spa was completely Westernized. As soon as the girls entered, they were directed to a changing room, where they undressed and put on white terrycloth robes.

"Rarity-sama, your skin is flawless as always!" Lotus said. "I am envious of you."

Rarity laughed. "You flatter me, Lotus-san."

Aloe examined Applejack's feet with a frown. "These calluses...and your heels are so hard...with such a stunning physique, you should really take better care of your feet."

Applejack shrugged. "Ah've spent most'a mah life workin' on a farm. Ah never really went in for all this beautimafyin' stuff."

"Well, let me...let me get started on your hair, and then I'll see what I can do about these feet..."

Lotus studied Pinkie critically. "Pardon me, but...I feel like I've seen you before...it's a feeling I've had since you arrived yesterday..."

Pinkie beamed. "You don't recognize me? I'm Smile!"

Lotus gasped. "Smile-chan?! Oh my...it is such a pleasure to meet you! Aloe! Smile-chan is right here, in our little inn!"

Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. "Uhh...I don't know if I wanna get all this foot-touchin' and stuff...I'm way out of my comfort zone here..."

"Nonsense, Rainbow-san!" Rarity said. "A spa treatment is very relaxing and invigorating. Every woman should experience this splendor at least once in her life!" With a smile, she added, "I come here at least twice a month."

"Yes, please relax," Aloe said. "I assure you, there is nothing to worry about."

"Well...alright..."

Twilight looked over at Fluttershy. "You don't seem the least bit nervous to be here," she commented.

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh, I'm..." She ducked her head and blushed. "No, it...it sounds too silly."

"I love silly!" Pinkie said.

Fluttershy poked her index fingers together. "W-well...I spend a lot of my spare time grooming my pet bunny. I, umm..." Her blush intensified. "I'm...pretending I'm a bunny and I'm getting groomed."

Aloe, Lotus, Pinkie, and Rainbow laughed. Twilight and Applejack stared at Fluttershy. Rarity raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Then we'll be sure to fluff your tail twice," Lotus said with a smile.

"Your friends are so lively and interesting, Rarity-sama!" Aloe said, clutching a hand to her chest. "I haven't had so much fun in ages!"

* * * * *

The light of the sun energized Celestia. Her mind was clear and sharp, feeling all, seeing all. She felt the light of the six High Sages fill her. She could feel their minds, feel their prayer of Harmony.

She could sense the six Elements of Harmony, gathered together to the north and west.

Elsewhere, spread far and wide, she could feel, dimly, five shades of light, pale reflections of the sun...

...five?!

Her concentration shattered, and she teleported directly to the Council chamber. The High Sages appeared, one after another, shaken and pale.

"One of the Seals is broken," Celestia said hoarsely. "I could only sense five."

"But...how is this possible? What does this mean?" the Sage of Kindness asked.

"I don't know," Celestia said. Her voice was small and afraid. "My sister remains imprisoned, but...the strength of that prison has diminished. That is why I felt..." She swallowed. "That is why I felt her in my mind...last night..."

The High Sages looked at one another fearfully.

"Luna is awake," Celestia declared in little more than a whisper.

* * * * *

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat upstairs playing Ramen Ninja; Velvet was downstairs in the bookstore, and Spike had gone out to "run errands", as he'd said. Sweetie Belle had asked if he'd needed help, but he'd shrugged her off.

As Apple Bloom beat Sweetie Belle for the tenth battle in a row, she put her controller down and stretched. "Ah could use a break," she said.

"Yeah, me too," Sweetie Belle agreed. "You're really good at this game."

"Thanks," Apple Bloom said, grinning. They walked over to the kitchen and rummaged around for snacks. "So, why don't we talk about gettin' you an' Spike together-like?"

Sweetie Belle blushed furiously. "Wh-what are you talking about?!"

"Oh, come on," Apple Bloom said, rolling her eyes. "You've got a major crush on him, so let's do somethin' about it!"

"B-but...I..." Sweetie Belle poked her index fingers together.

"But nothin'," Apple Bloom said. "You want somethin', you gotta go for it!"

"W-well..." Sweetie Belle cast her eyes down, a small, silly smile on her face. "I do want to...get to know him better..."

Apple Bloom popped a potato chip in her mouth. "So let's look around in his room while he's out."

Sweetie Belle gasped. "B-but! That's...that's terribly rude! The last time I went snooping in Oneesan's room, she nearly killed me!"

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "He'll never know. Come on!"

* * * * *

"Well, I don't know about you girls, but I feel positively rejuvenated," Rarity said as she stretched and sat primly at the low table.

"I feel positively freaked out," Rainbow said. Her face was glowing red. "There are parts of a girl's body you just don't do that to without...I dunno..."

"Oh, calm down, Rainbow-chan!" Pinkie said, giggling. "That's what a full spa treatment IS! Besides, it's not like they were perving on you or anything."

"And it's fine if it's other girls that do it, right?" Applejack said. "Shucks, after gettin' felt up by Pinkie, that ain't nothin'."

"I just...dunno about all this fancy spa stuff," Rainbow said, shuddering. "It's not really my thing." She turned to Twilight. "What about you? You're with me on this, right?"

"Well—"

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia's melodic voice filled the room. The girls spun around as a sunbeam coalesced into the image of the Great Sun Sage. "I have something important to tell you."

"Celestia-sama!" Twilight said, standing straight and adjusting her yukata. "Is there another Changeling attack? Should we—"

"For the moment, Pony City is quiet," Celestia said, raising a placating hand. "I would rather have not disturbed you girls on your vacation at all." She looked around. "I've read about such places...I've always wished I could visit one." She shook herself. "Twilight, I came here to warn you of something disturbing which has transpired."

"What's up?" Pinkie asked. "You look kinda...really freaked out."

"I am," Celestia said, not bothering to conceal her own distress.

Twilight grew more alarmed. "What's happened, Celestia-sama?"

"The seal on my sister's prison has been weakened," Celestia said. "I don't know how."

Twilight gasped. The others looked around, disturbed. "Celestia-sama...are...are you sure...?"

"I can hear her in my mind," Celestia said. Her voice was distracted, hollow. "She's...she's laughing. I've placed my most powerful guards around the physical prison, and there is no sign of it having...having been...breached, but..." Celestia sighed. "She has awakened." She looked around at the mahoushoujo. "Perhaps I should explain—"

"Sparkle-san already told us the tragic story of your sister," Rarity said.

"How...how could the seal have been weakened?" Twilight asked. "I don't understand..."

"Nor do I," Celestia said. "The Lunar Seals that ensure her eternal confinement are scattered far and wide. Even I do not know their location."

"But that means somebody coulda found 'em an'...I dunno, messed with 'em or somethin', right?" Rainbow asked.

"Destroying one of the Lunar Seals is virtually impossible," Twilight said. "It would take..." She looked uncertainly at Celestia.

"It isn't something that could be done lightly, nor by accident," Celestia confirmed. "I've asked your mother, Spike, and Cadance to keep their eyes and ears open for anything that might relate to this." She looked around the room. "I've only come to tell you this because it is extremely important. I would not have interrupted your bonding and relaxation otherwise."

"If you need us, we'll be ready to fight," Twilight said.

"Yeah, point us at a butt an' we'll kick it," Rainbow said confidently.

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "That's very reassuring," she said. "The only butt I want you girls to worry about kicking is Sunset Shimmer's. But you should not face her until you can function in perfect harmony with each other, as friends."

"So...somethin' bad happened, you came t' warn us, but we can't actually do nothin' about it, so pretty much sit tight, kick back, an' have a good time?" Applejack asked.

"That about sums it up, yes," Celestia said, nodding.

"Umm...excuse me..." Fluttershy said softly.

"Yes?" Celestia asked.

Fluttershy ducked her head. "Umm...sorry if I'm...I mean...I don't really know anything about magic or...or anything about...all this stuff that's going on, but..." She looked around the room, then looked down at her hands, poking her index fingers together. "What if...would it be possible..."

Celestia smiled gently. "You need not be afraid to speak your mind, young one."

"Oh, okay..." Fluttershy forced herself to look up, taking a deep breath. "If this Sunset Shimmer we're supposed to...supposed to deal with...if she's as evil as you all say she is...do you think maybe she has something to do with this thing with your sister?"

The room fell unnaturally silent.

Celestia stared at Fluttershy, stunned. "The thought...had honestly not occurred to me," she said. "No native of Sun Island would be insane enough to tamper with the Lunar Seals..."

"Even somebody who'd be crazy and evil enough to drink her own mother's blood?" Rainbow asked pointedly.

"But...but WHY would she do that?" Twilight asked, shaking her head and frowning. "It doesn't make any sense. There's...there's nothing she could possibly gain from trying to release the Dread Sorceress Luna..."

"Oh...forget I said anything then," Fluttershy said quietly.

"No no, it's not that," Twilight said. "I mean, you brought up a good point, and...it's definitely something we need to think about. Right, Celestia-sama?"

"It is absolutely something we must consider, however unlikely it seems," Celestia said.

"You know, now that you mention it..." Pinkie said, tilting her head, "it's an awfully funny coincidence that you've got this crazy evil skank running around, and then this happens. Two really bad things happening at the same time are usually connected. All the movies I've ever watched and all the manga I've ever read say so!"

"Well then we need to find this bitch and stop her, fast," Rainbow said, pounding a fist into her open palm.

"Let Spike and Velvet handle the investigation for now," Celestia said. "Until Sunset Shimmer reveals herself...it's best to rest and prepare yourselves."

"Celestia-sama is right," Twilight said. "We've got three days of vacation left. Let's not waste it worrying. Let's make the most of it."

Celestia smiled. "I'll leave you girls to your fun then," she said, dissolving into motes of sunlight.

"So are we just gonna spend the rest of Golden Week here at the inn getting pampered and bathing?" Pinkie asked.

"Actually," Rarity said, "I was thinking...tomorrow we should do some training."

Rainbow perked up. "Now that sounds like fun."

"That's a good idea," Twilight said. "But where, and with what?"

Rarity smiled. "Leave that to me..."

* * * * *

Apple Bloom stared in horror at what their search had uncovered. "Oh...mah...God..."

It was all going so well, too. There were manga, games, books. There were some really weird things too, like ninja weapons and sharpening tools. There were clothes.

And then there were the three boxes of women's underwear.

Sweetie Belle covered her face with her hands. "Wh-why does...why does Spike-kun have..."

The doorknob rattled. The girls looked at one another with startled eyes, then dove into the closet, pulling the door closed behind them.

"Kusou...!" they heard Spike growl. The closet door jerked violently open; Spike stood there, glaring at them. He wasn't wearing the same clothes he'd had on when he'd left; he had on a strange leather outfit with an open vest that showed off his bare, muscular chest and arms. "The hell're you two doin' in my closet?!"

"KYAA!" Sweetie Belle squeaked, pushing past Spike and barreling out the door.

Apple Bloom dug herself out of a box of panties and stepped out, frowning. "So uhh...you're kind of a pervert, huh?"

Spike shoved her out of the room and slammed the door behind her.

Apple Bloom found Sweetie Belle in Twilight's bedroom, sitting on the bed with her knees drawn up to her chest. She was shaking in fear.

"He...he hates me now," Sweetie Belle said. "It...it's over before...before it ever..."

Apple Bloom sat beside her, putting an arm around her. "Ah ain't so sure you didn't dodge a bullet there," she said. "All them panties an' stuff in his closet...there's somethin' wrong with that boy."

Sweetie Belle sniffled. "Well...y-yes, but..." Her face burned red. "Did...did you see his...his..." She let out a squeak, a terribly silly smile on her face. "He's soooo cool-looking..."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "Okay there, Bessie, Ah think we can still fix this."

Sweetie Belle looked up. "D-do you really th-think so...?"

Apple Bloom shrugged. "Worth a shot, ain't it?"

* * * * *

After breakfast, Rarity led the girls to a clearing in a forest not far from the inn. "I found this place a couple of months ago when I was helping a child look for a lost cat," Rarity said. "Nobody ever comes out here."

"Wow, how often do you find a place like this so close to Pony City?" Pinkie said.

"This looks like one of those samurai movies, you know, one of those forest scenes where you'd see samurai fighting to the death," Rainbow commented.

"Does...anybody own this land?" Twilight asked.

Rarity shook her head. "If they did, all this natural beauty wouldn't be here."

"Ah dunno how Ah feel about us wreckin' this place up trainin'," Applejack said.

"I think we can train without damaging the surroundings," Rarity said. "Besides, this really is the best we're going to find."

"Okay, let's...let's get busy training then," Twilight said. She dug her toe into the ground sheepishly. "Anou...I've...never actually trained anybody before, so..."

"Oh, I believe I can handle that, Sparkle-san," Rarity said. "For now, at least." She smiled and pulled out her henshin locket. "Shall we then?"

The six girls transformed. Fluttershy looked down at herself and blushed. "I...I'm still not...used to how...revealing this is."

Applejack stretched, popping her back. "Hey, if'n you got it, flaunt it."

"Alright," Rarity said briskly, looking around at her friends. "Each of us has something we could stand to improve on."

"Hey! I've got this thing down cold," Rainbow said, slowly flapping her wings to hang in midair as she spun her lance lazily in one hand.

Rarity raised an eyebrow at her. "You are an athlete, are you not? Then you of all people should know the importance of training."

Rainbow shrugged. "Yeah, fair enough."

Rarity looked at Applejack. "Now...first of all...Applejack-san, you have not even used any of your powers yet."

"Sure ain't," Applejack said, looking down at her holstered revolvers and the lasso hanging from her hip. "Th' lasso ain't nothin', Ah been ropin' an' herdin' since Ah was old enough t' ride, but these guns...reckon Ah'm gonna need some target practice."

"Yeah, especially since they're magic guns and not regular guns," Pinkie said, hefting her bazooka. "It seems like every fight we have, I learn something new about this."

"We noticed," Rainbow said. "Like how to keep coming up with more and more disgusting attack names." Pinkie stuck her tongue out at Rainbow.

"As for Fluttershy-san..." Rarity frowned. "During that kerfuffle with the overgrown cockroaches, it became very apparent where your weaknesses lie."

"Umm...everything?" Fluttershy hazarded, ducking her head. "I...I'm just not...really a fighter..."

"Nonsense, darling, you have excellent reflexes...if unrefined. No, you have two major problems you need to address. The first and most critical is that you need to learn to run and fight in high heels."

"Oh. Yes. That." Fluttershy looked down at her shoes, turning her legs this way and that. "I've...never really worn high heels before, not even for normal things."

"With my help, you'll learn how to manage them in no time," Rarity said.

"How the heck do YOU fight so well in those stilettos, anyway?" Rainbow asked. "Don't tell me you've—"

"I simply have natural grace, poise, and elegance," Rarity said, tossing her hair. "That, and I've been wearing high heels since I was thirteen." She looked at Fluttershy. "Your other problem is learning to use those magnificent wings."

Fluttershy squeaked. "Umm...couldn't I just pretend I don't have them? I mean..."

"Fluttershy-san," Twilight said, "I don't know why only you and Rainbow-san have wings, but...that gives you an advantage. I agree with Senpai. You need to learn how to use them."

"Oh...well...alright..."

"But first we're going to work on those heels," Rarity said. "And to best do that...Pie-san, do you suppose you'd be able to produce some non-lethal nuisance ammunition from your weapon?"

Pinkie grinned. "I can totally do nuisance!"

"There's a surprise," Rainbow said.

Rarity smirked. "Then, if you would please, Pie-san...motivate Fluttershy-san to move her feet?"

Pinkie saluted. "Ryoukai!" She grinned evilly at Fluttershy, bracing her weapon on her shoulder.

Fluttershy cowered. "Oh...I don't think I like where this is go—"

"SMILE SERVICE VAGINA!"

A volley of pink tennis balls erupted from Pinkie's bazooka, headed straight for Fluttershy. "Eep!"

* * * * *

The rest of Golden Week passed swiftly and without incident. The mahoushoujo spent the days training and the evenings relaxing at the inn. By Monday night, six girls who had only known each other a short time had become the best of friends, Applejack had mastered her new powers, and Fluttershy had made significant improvement in managing her high heels and wings.

Apple Bloom had tried to get Spike and Sweetie Belle alone together, but it was futile. Every day, Spike disappeared after breakfast, returned in time for dinner, and retreated to his room after doing the dishes, except for when he sat in the living room watching television. Every evening, he seemed either tense and anxious, or tired and grumpy; he barely said ten words to the girls each day. Apple Bloom could feel her new friend's heart breaking. The only bright spot was the day they'd spent exploring the neighborhood with Apple Bloom's classmate Scootaloo; Sweetie Belle had warmed up to the girl immediately.

All too soon, Golden Week was over. On Tuesday afternoon, the mahoushoujo stepped off the train to find Twilight Velvet, Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom waiting for them.

"Anechan!"

"Oneesan!"

Applejack and Rarity smiled as their sisters ran up to them and jumped into their arms.

"Did you behave yourself for Velvet-san?" Rarity asked.

"Hai!"

Applejack mussed Apple Bloom's hair. "How 'bout you? Were you a good girl?"

"Heck no!" Apple Bloom replied cheekily, grinning. Applejack laughed.

"Did you girls have a good time?" Velvet asked.

"We sure did!" Pinkie said.

Twilight smiled. "That inn was the best idea ever."

"Well, you all certainly look relaxed," Velvet said. She looked at the two younger girls. "I enjoyed having you as my guests. You're welcome to drop by for a visit whenever you like."

"Thanks, Bachan!" Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle bowed. "Thank you very much for taking care of us, Velvet-san."

"Well, Sweetie Belle, shall we be off?" Rarity asked.

"Hai!"

"Guess we'd better head on home too," Applejack said. "Tomorrow's school an' all."

"Yeah, I gotta get home too," Rainbow Dash said. "See you girls at school tomorrow!"

As the group broke up, heading their separate ways, Twilight watched her friends leave, a smile on her face.

Velvet walked closer. "I haven't seen you this happy in a long time," she said. "Even with everything that's going on..."

"Yeah," Twilight said. "Whatever happens, I'm ready. My friends...with my friends by my side, there's nothing we can't do." She looked up at the sky, which was just beginning to darken. "Bring it on, Sunset Shimmer. We're ready for you!"

* * * * *

Chrysalis sat upon her twisted, chitinous throne, stewing.

Whatever that human witch had done, it had not only banished her back to her own realm, it had cut off contact with her children in the human world.

She stared across her throne room at the pulsating cocoon. A hiss of steam erupted as a fissure split down the center.

She sat forward eagerly. "Well, at least one thing is going right."

A slimy, orange-skinned humanoid creature emerged from the cocoon. His head was encased in a massive spiral snail shell, and his yellow eyes glowed at the end of wobbling stalks.

Chrysalis smiled. "Come, my drone. I have need of you..."

Author's Note

This chapter is essentially everything that wouldn't fit in/I didn't have time to finish writing for Magic 14. There's still a LOT less here than I originally intended to have in the Golden Week chapter(s), but...a lot of it was repetitive and bogged the thing down, and it's already a slow chapter as it is.

Anyway...this is the calm before the storm, folks. There are five episodes left in the Magic arc. Hold onto your butts...

Magic 16: アントライオン

Hoity Toity studied his class records, comparing them to the intel gathered on their hated enemies.

"Rarity...you killed Princess Pupa..."

He smiled grimly.

"I don't care WHAT Master Centipedis says," he said to himself, "if I have a chance to trap that little human wench...I'm taking it."

Magic 16: アントライオン

After dinner, Twilight Sparkle, her mother, Spike, and Cadance sat around the living room.

"So, Celestia-sama told you about our little...problem, right?" Velvet asked.

Twilight nodded. "Hai. And...we have a theory." She frowned. "It was Fluttershy-san's suggestion."

The others looked at one another. "Oh?"

Twilight took a deep breath. "It's possible Sunset Shimmer broke the seal."

Cadance and Velvet traded a worried glance. "Celestia-sama didn't say anything about that."

"She was probably worried the three of you would try something stupid and get yourselves killed," Twilight said.

"It does make sense though," Spike said thoughtfully.

"No, it really doesn't," Twilight said. "It's completely insane. But...somehow, I can't shake the feeling that Fluttershy-san is right." She sighed. "Sunset Shimmer killed Aunt Satin to make herself immortal. If...if she thought there was something to be gained by destroying one of the Lunar Seals..."

"But what could she possibly gain by freeing...her?" Cadance asked fearfully.

Velvet frowned. "Destroying one of the Seals wouldn't free the Dark One."

"Aren't those Seals full of moonlight magic?" Spike asked. "Maybe that's what she's after."

Twilight shuddered. "Killing Sunset Shimmer is going to be hard enough as it is. If she is the one responsible...if she's somehow drained the moon magic from one of the Lunar Seals..."

"Aww...you ruined my little surprise..."

The four mages shot to their feet, looking around warily.

A silvery image of Sunset Shimmer faded into view in the middle of the living room.

"Sunset Shimmer!" Twilight cried, clenching her fists.

"Good evening, Twilight Sparkle. Hello, Aunt Velvet. I hope you're well." Sunset Shimmer smirked at all of them. "You've been keeping busy. All six of your little Elements of Harmony are finally awake."

"That's right!" Twilight said. "We're ready for you!"

Sunset Shimmer laughed. "Oh, I highly doubt it." She regarded Twilight coldly. "The only thing you're ready for is death. Not to worry...I'll be seeing you soon enough. At sunset on the night of the new moon...that's when we'll end this. Until then, dear cousin..."

Her image faded away, her laughter echoing through the room.

"The new moon...that's less than two weeks away!" Cadance exclaimed.

Twilight smiled grimly. "Good," she said. "That's plenty of time to prepare..."

"Twilight," Velvet said warily, "she...she has the power of the Lunar Seal..." Worry filled her eyes. "Even...even with the Elements of Harmony..."

"You haven't seen what my friends can do," Twilight said confidently. "It won't be an easy battle, but...with the six of us together..."

"Seven," Spike piped up. "You're not facing her without me."

Twilight smiled. "Of course not! I'm sorry...I'd never dream of leaving you out of this."

"Well...I suggest we all turn in for the night," Velvet said. "After all," she continued, looking at Twilight, "you've got school tomorrow. And so do you, for that matter," she added with a glance at Cadance.

Twilight blinked. "Oh, that's right...! I'm going back to school."

"You need to remember to act like you're still recovering," Cadance admonished.

"Hai!"

* * * * *

When Twilight entered homeroom, the entire class erupted in cheers. She blushed, ducking her head as she shuffled hurriedly to her desk.

At the front of the room, Miss Cheerilee smiled warmly. "Welcome back, Sparkle-san," she said. "How are you feeling?"

"Still sore," Twilight said. "I have to limit my physical activity...you know, until my insides heal up..."

"Did...they ever catch the..." Miss Cheerilee trailed off.

"Okaasan told me...he was found dead," Twilight said.

"I see..." Cheerilee's brow furrowed. "Well...everyone settle down...I know you want to ask Sparkle-san a lot of questions, but we do have material to cover..."

* * * * *

After homeroom, one of Rarity's classmates leaned in close. "Ne...Rarity...did Toity-sensei seem a bit...off to you this morning?"

"Now that you mention it, yes," Rarity said, frowning. "Applejack-san? What about you?"

Applejack scratched her cheek. "Ah dunno, Rarichin...this is actually only mah second day'a school here, remember?"

"Right...we've grown so close over Golden Week, I'd forgotten..."

* * * * *

The mahoushoujo gathered in a corner of the courtyard for lunch. For once, they were able to speak privately, because Spike had shown up and used his magic to conceal them from prying eyes and ears.

"We had a visit from Sunset Shimmer last night," Twilight said.

The others gasped.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Rainbow demanded.

"I wanted to tell you all at once, but not over the phone or text," Twilight said.

"How did she...what...are you alright?" Fluttershy asked.

"She wasn't...physically there," Twilight said.

"She can do that trick Celestia-sama does now," Spike said sourly. "Except at night."

Twilight looked directly at Fluttershy. "You were right, Fluttershy-san," she said. "Sunset Shimmer has absorbed the lunar magic from the broken Lunar Seal."

The others looked around worriedly.

"So...what's that mean?" Applejack asked.

"It means she's more dangerous than ever," Twilight said. "But I'm confident the seven of us can put a stop to her once and for all."

"And after that, we can finish making that idol PV!" Pinkie cheered. "Only with all of us instead of just me, Twilight-chan, and Rainbow-chan!"

"Count me out," Spike said. "I'd rather watch it than be in it."

"Hmm...yeah...you wouldn't really fit the dynamic," Pinkie agreed. "You can totally help with effects, though!"

"Idol PV?" Applejack asked.

"Before Sparkle-san was shot, the three of them were practicing for a dance video," Rarity explained. "And I was working on costumes for it."

"Huh."

"Now that we're all friends, I was thinking..." Pinkie looked around at her friends. "I was hoping maybe, once we win the battle, we could maybe all...you know...together..."

"I...I don't know," Fluttershy said, ducking her head. "I...I don't think I could..."

"Ah dunno if Ah could even dance t'...whatever," Applejack said. "Then again, Ah think Apple Bloom's a fan of yours..."

"I...wouldn't be terribly opposed to it," Rarity said.

"Well...please just think about it, okay?" Pinkie said. "It'd be...it'd mean a lot to me if we could all do it together as friends."

"I...I'll think about it," Fluttershy said.

"Heh...maybe," Applejack said, smiling.

"There's one more thing," Twilight said. "Sunset Shimmer has thrown down the gauntlet." She took a deep breath. "The night of the new moon. That's when this ends...one way or the other."

The girls looked grimly at one another.

"Right," Rarity said, nodding.

"Ah'll be ready," Applejack said, cracking her knuckles.

"That's...really soon..." Fluttershy murmured worriedly.

"Can't wait to kick her skank ass," Rainbow said with a grin.

"She's going down!" Pinkie declared. "And then we'll have a party!"

"I don't think this is really a 'party' type of...occasion," Rarity said. "More like a solemn, dignified ceremony."

"Let's worry about surviving this first," Twilight said. "We need to get in as much extra training before then as possible."

"Right," the others agreed.

* * * * *

Rarity and Applejack had classroom cleaning duty after school.

As Applejack washed down the whiteboard and Rarity polished each desk to a high shine, Mr. Toity walked into the room, smacking his paper fan into his open palm. "Excellent, girls...oh, dear me, I forgot...Applejack-san, would you mind terribly running down to the supply room? I need a fresh pack of dry erase markers."

"Sure thing, Sensei!" Applejack said, headed for the door. "Back in a jiff!"

As soon as the door closed behind her, Mr. Toity turned to Rarity, an evil smirk on his face. "Well well...alone at last," he said.

Rarity frowned. "Sensei...are you quite alright?"

With absolutely no fanfare, Hoity Toity transformed into an anthropomorphic antlion. The floor of the classroom dissolved into sand, forming a pit which began sucking Rarity toward its center.

Rarity gasped. "You...you killed Sensei?"

"Yes," the Changeling said. "And now, I'll avenge Princess Pupa." Its massive mandibles chittered. "I, Antleo, will be praised as a hero of the Changelings!"

"Oh, it is ON," Rarity said, plunging her hand down her blouse and retrieving her henshin locket. Her Element appeared in her other hand.

"Element of Harmony...GENEROSITY!"

She slammed the gemstone into her locket; in a blinding flash, her school uniform was replaced by her battle qipao, and her fan appeared in her hand.

Antleo chortled. "What an ironic choice of weapon, considering the fool I consumed and replaced..."

"Toity-sensei was a good man, and a spectacular dresser!" Rarity shouted. She coiled her leg muscles and jumped straight up; the sand trap pulled at her feet, but she just barely cleared it and managed to land on a desk that was swirling toward the vortex at the center. "FASHION WAVE!"

A blue wave of energy snapped out from Rarity's fan; Antleo blocked it with Mr. Toity's paper fan, which had transformed into a sinister thing made of bones and human flesh. The room rumbled and shook; Rarity lost her footing and skidded off the desk, landing in the sand.

"It's over now," Antleo said, diving into the heart of the vortex. His crushing maw opened wide, ready to receive his next meal.

The door exploded off its hinges. "Who locked this dang door?!" Applejack thundered, barging into the room...and nearly getting caught in the sand trap. "Whut th' heck?!"

"Applejack-san! I could use a little help here!"

Applejack stared. "Whut happened to th' classroom? An' where's Sensei?"

"That horrible Changeling killed him and replaced him! Now, if you wouldn't mind, PLEASE help me!"

"Oh, uh, right." Applejack pulled out her own henshin locket and Element.

"Element of Harmony...HONESTY!"

As soon as Applejack transformed, she looped her lasso over her head, then threw it, snagging Rarity around one flailing leg. With a mighty heave, she yanked Rarity free of the sand trap, depositing her in the hall.

Antleo leapt from the sand and snarled. "You're one of those mahoushoujo as well?! I didn't know anything about this!"

"Yeah, well...Ah'm sorta new." Applejack drew her twin revolvers. "Here's a lesson for ya, 'Sensei'! It takes three things t' make an apple tree grow: sun, soil, an' rain!"

"What's that got to do with anything?" Antleo hissed.

"Not a dang thing!" Applejack said, pointing her guns at Antleo and opening fire. "COWGIRL BARRAGE!"

Twelve glowing orange bullets ripped holes in Antleo's carapace. Thick, leafy vines grew out of each hole, wrapping around the Changeling and dragging him into the center of his own sand pit. Antleo thrashed madly as he struggled to break the vines, but they held fast.

With a grin, Applejack brought her guns together; they glowed bright orange before fusing into a huge, silver double-barreled shotgun. She pointed it right at the Changeling's head. "Say goodnight, pardner," she said.

She pulled the trigger.

Antleo's head and upper torso exploded in a shower of gore. The sand pit stopped churning, becoming a ruined spiral pattern of erupted floor tiles and smashed desks, with the gory remains of a dead Changeling at the center.

"Messy, but effective," Rarity said.

"What's going on here?!"

The two mahoushoujo turned to see two teachers and five students standing behind them, staring in shock.

"Rarity?!"

"Hey, the new girl's got a gun!"

"Whoa, what'd you do to the classroom?"

"What IS that thing?!"

The homeroom teacher of the class next door squared his jaw, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. "How dare you bring an illegal weapon into this school?"

"It ain't what you think!" Applejack said. Even as she did so, the shotgun reverted to two revolvers, which she holstered. The students around them gasped.

"Explain yourselves," the teacher demanded.

Applejack looked to Rarity. Rarity pointed into the room. "Do you see that...thing stuck in the floor?"

The teacher looked into the room. His face went pale. "What...what in blazes...?"

"That creature murdered Toity-sensei and assumed his identity," Rarity said. "It attempted to kill me moments ago. But there's no need to worry about any of this."

"No need to...what are you talking about? Why was this girl armed? We're going to have a long talk with the principal. And possibly the police!"

Rarity smiled. "Oh, I don't think so." She pointed behind the teacher. He turned.

"Nurse Cadance! Something very strange is going on here..."

"Oh, I completely agree," Cadance said. "Don't you, Twilight?"

"Hai," Twilight Sparkle said. Her eyes began to glow.

"Forget."

* * * * *

"Well, cleaning up after that Changeling attack was hard work," Twilight said as she slumped tiredly onto the living room sofa in her apartment. "Especially after Applejack-san splattered it all over the place."

"Attempting to explain the disappearance of that teacher will be a bit more difficult," Velvet said, frowning.

Twilight sighed. "I spoke with one of Celestia-sama's agents. They're handling it, but...I don't like the way they're handling it."

"Oh?"

"They could say he suddenly decided to take a vacation out of country or something," Twilight said. "Instead, they've decided to convince everybody he was murdered by some random bigot who hates homosexuals."

Velvet frowned. "He was gay?"

"According to Senpai? Incredibly gay."

"Well...I agree that's a terrible way to close the incident, but...at least it's logical."

Twilight sighed. "Pretty twisted logic if you ask me." She looked around. "Is Spike still out on patrol?"

"He's coming back in an hour," Velvet said. "I don't want him out after dark. It...it isn't safe to be out at night right now."

"No...it isn't..."

Magic 17: ラチェシス

Author's Note

Note to readers: It is strongly recommended you view this story using the Dark or Ultra Dark formatting options. I've never mentioned this before, but it's ideal for certain chapters...such as this one.

Magic 17: ラチェシス

Friday afternoon, Apple Bloom brought Scootaloo over to Sweetie Belle's house. The girls each wore a headband with a patch in the middle depicting a bowl of ramen.

"Alright, girls," Apple Bloom said, "we're gonna need codenames for this mission. Ah'll be Miso, Scootaloo, you're Nori, an' Sweetie Belle can be—"

"Lady Sashimi," Sweetie Belle said, giggling.

"Hey, Lady Sashimi is from the Sushi Village!" Scootaloo protested.

"So? She's my favorite," Sweetie Belle said.

"It don't matter, Nori," she said. "Focus on th' mission."

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Okay, Miso, what's the mission?"

"We're investigatin' Lady Sashimi's love interest, th' rogue ninja Spike from th' Village Hidden in the Panties."

Sweetie Belle squeaked.

Scootaloo frowned. "There's no Village Hidden in the Panties!"

Apple Bloom grinned. "You had t' be there," she said.

"If you say so," Scootaloo said, shrugging. "...wait, you mean we're just gonna be following around some guy Sweetie Belle has a crush on?"

"Pretty much, yeah," Apple Bloom said. "But we're gonna do it like ninjas."

"Oh." Scootaloo shrugged. "Sure, why not."

Magic 17: ラチェシス

When Fluttershy stepped through the doors of the pet shop, she knew immediately her grandmother was upset about something. "Obaasan? Are you alright?"

The older woman sighed, eyes full of worry. "There was a very strange young woman in here earlier. She, well...she was giving me the creeps."

"Did she do something, or say something?"

"No, not exactly, it's just...I got this weird feeling, like...like she was..." She shrugged. "I can't explain it. I was just relieved when she left."

The door opened, and Fluttershy's grandmother gasped. "She's back!"

Fluttershy turned. A girl roughly her age walked in. She was wearing a school uniform consisting of a black plaid skirt, a maroon blazer, knee-high black socks, and maroon boots. Her black hair was short in the back and long in the front, parted so that her bangs covered one eye; the visible eye was rose-hued and rimmed with far too much mascara for Fluttershy's liking. The girl looked around, frowning.

"I'll handle this," Fluttershy said. She walked over to the girl, bowing. "Irasshaimase. Can I help you with something?"

The girl looked her up and down, frowning. "You go to Umadakara? Like, ew." After a minute, she blew out an irritated breath. "I'm like, looking for my sister Brittany. I think she like, came here? Like, her phone tracking...thingie...said she came this way. I don't know why."

Fluttershy gave her grandmother a glance. When the older woman shrugged, Fluttershy asked, "Were you in here earlier looking for her?"

The girl looked offended. "Here? Me? Ew! As if! I would never set foot in this place twice."

Fluttershy frowned. "My grandmother says she saw you earlier today."

The girl rolled her eyes. "Hello? I just said I've never been in here before."

Fluttershy turned back to her grandmother. "Obaasan?"

The older woman frowned. "It's funny...I'm certain it was her." She rubbed her chin. "Although...now that I think about it...she couldn't have dyed her hair this quickly, could she?"

"Dyed her hair?"

"Yes...it was white when she came in here before. Pure white, if I remember correctly."

The girl perked up. "Duh! That was my sister, you kooky old lady!" She folded her arms and tossed her hair. "We're twins."

"Oh! Well that explains it."

Fluttershy sighed. "Your sister was here earlier, yes."

"Did you see which way she like, went?"

"I'm sorry dearie, I didn't."

Fluttershy frowned. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name...?"

"I'm like, Whittany."

"Oh. Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm Fluttershy—"

"Whatever." Whittany turned to the door.

Fluttershy hesitated. Then...

"I'll help you find your sister."

Whittany turned. "Like...help me?" Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

Fluttershy blinked. "Anou...I just want to help you find her, that's all."

Whittany frowned. "So you can like, get a reward from our super-rich daddy?"

"No," Fluttershy said. "I don't even know who you are, and I don't care about a reward. I just...can tell you must care about your sister an awful lot, and I want to help you find her."

Whittany rolled her eyes. "Like...whatever. Just, like, don't get in my way. And don't expect a reward."

"I'll be back afterwhile, Obaasan," Fluttershy said.

"Are...are you sure about this, dear?"

"No, but...I'm going to help her anyway." Fluttershy followed Whittany out of the shop.

* * * * *

"Any sign of the target?"

"Negative."

"Wait...I see him! He's buying taiyaki!"

The three young girls watched as Spike paid a vendor for taiyaki, then unwrapped it and bit into it as he walked up the street. They trailed him as he walked up the street. Five blocks later, he turned a corner.

They hurried to follow...

"Ah don't see him," Apple Bloom said.

"Where'd he go?" Scootaloo asked.

"He did go this way, right?" Sweetie Belle wondered.

"Man, you girls suck at following somebody."

The girls turned to see Spike standing behind them.

"Gah!"

"Eep!"

"You uh...how'd you know?"

Spike snorted. "You're too obvious. Especially since you're wearing those dorky headbands. What are you doing, playing ninja?"

"Uhh..."

"Well..."

"...hai..."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Why were you even following me, anyway?"

"Oh...um..." Sweetie Belle poked the sidewalk with her foot, looking down and blushing.

"That's..." Apple Bloom said, looking away.

"Sweetie Belle likes you," Scootaloo said bluntly.

Spike blinked.

"Eep!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

Apple Bloom slapped Scootaloo upside the head. "Don't just blurt it out like that!"

"So...that's why you two were in my closet?" Spike asked.

"Umm...yes," Sweetie Belle said meekly.

Spike tilted his head, studying Sweetie Belle curiously. "You're Rarity-sama's sister, right?"

"Hai."

Spike seemed to be appraising Sweetie Belle like an uncut diamond. She flushed under his scrutiny, ducking her head.

A slip of paper appeared in Spike's hand, and he pressed it into Sweetie Belle's hand. He wadded up the wrapper from his taiyaki and tossed it into a nearby recycling bin. "I gotta go. Maybe I'll teach you girls how not to suck at following somebody later." He waved and walked across the street. When the Don't Walk light lit up and cars began moving through the intersection, they lost sight of him completely.

Sweetie Belle looked down at the piece of paper in her hand. "This is...!"

"What is it?" Apple Bloom asked. She looked over Sweetie Belle's shoulder. "His phone number?" She grinned. "Way to go, Sweetie Belle!"

* * * * *

"This is taking like, forever," Whittany whined.

Fluttershy and Whittany had canvassed an area three blocks from the pet shop. Several shop owners had seen Brittany, and a few knew what general direction she'd headed off in, but so far they had not actually found her.

"I can't get the tracking thingie to work!" Whittany complained, waving her phone around in disgust.

Fluttershy's patience with Whittany's constant whining was wearing thin. She was about to suggest Whittany go home and wait for her sister there when the very girl they were looking for emerged from the most expensive pastry shop in the district. She saw them, and her one visible eye widened.

"BRITTANY!" Whittany cried, shoving Fluttershy away and rushing over to her sister.

Brittany turned and ran.

Confused, Fluttershy gave chase.

Brittany ran for several minutes, turning corners. She wasn't running very quickly; obviously, she wasn't used to exercise. Curiously, Whittany didn't seem to be fazed by the exertion.

Finally, Brittany stopped to catch her breath, and Whittany and Fluttershy caught up to her.

"Like, why are you running away, Brit?" Whittany asked. "Like, I'm your sister. We're always together."

Fluttershy took a step closer. "Brittany-san, yes? Are you alright? You seem upset about something. Your sister's been awfully worried...she's been looking for you all over town..."

"That's...like...not my sister," Brittany said.

Whittany gasped in shock. "What? Uh! Hello? Like, Earth to Brittany! I'm totally your—"

"Look. I don't know who you are, or like, why you look like Whittany, but you are NOT Whittany!" Britanny screamed, stomping a foot. "You think I don't like, know?"

Fluttershy took a step back, eyes wide.

Whittany shook her head. "Tsk, tsk...oh, Brit. You've been like, out in the sun too long. Or like, haven't bought enough clothes today. Or something. Come on, let's just like, go home...or to the mall..."

"Like, go away, you...not-Whittany! I'm not going anywhere with you, even if I really do want to go to the mall! I only want to go to the mall with my sister, and THAT'S! NOT! YOU!" Tears streamed from Brittany's eyes as she stamped her feet; her mascara ran down her cheeks.

Whittany sighed. "Like...fine. I didn't like, want to have to do this the hard way? But if you like...insist..." She looked at Fluttershy. "Like...you can go away now."

Fluttershy frowned. "I...I'm worried about your sister," she said. "Maybe I should stay...she might need some help..."

"Like, OH! MY GOD!" Whittany screeched. Her eyes began to glow green. "Just freaking GO AWAY ALREADY! Shyah!"

Fluttershy gasped. "You're...you're NOT her sister, are you?"

Whittany's skin, hair, and clothes began to peel away. Huge, speckled moth wings erupted from her back; they were mostly a pale orange-white with patterns of reddish-brown. As her body—that of a striped, segmented humanoid moth—was revealed, her false face melted away, revealing a grinning human skull with a sickly green glow burning in the eye sockets.

Brittany screamed and collapsed to the ground.

"Sorry, Brit," the moth monster said in a voice that was a warped parody of Whittany's voice. "I was going to feed off you slowly and enjoy living in your cushy little mansion, but..." She rose off the ground, her wings fluttering. "Looks like I'm just going to have to kill both of you and find new prey."

Fluttershy frowned. "You killed this girl's twin sister?"

"Their bond was so close, I thought I'd be able to feed off her for a long time," the Changeling said. "I don't know HOW she knew I was an impostor..."

"Because they were twins," Fluttershy whispered. "Twins...twins are a special thing." Her voice grew stronger. "You've destroyed one of the most special sibling bonds known to humankind, and...and..." She clutched the silver locket around her neck. "And there is no way I can forgive you!"

"Who cares?" the Changeling sneered. "Nobody asked your opinion! Now DIE!"

Fluttershy's Element of Harmony appeared in her other hand. "Element of Harmony..."

The Changeling drew back slightly. "It can't be...!"

"KINDNESS!"

The Changeling hissed, flying a meter back. "You...! You're one of those...!"

"That's right," Fluttershy said softly. She turned to Brittany, kneeling beside her. "Are you alright?"

Brittany stared at her. "Uhh...like, why are you dressed as a bunny girl? In, like, public? That's like, so trashy..."

Fluttershy sighed. "Yeah, you're alright. For now." She turned to face the Changeling again. "You will pay for what you've done."

"Actually, I think I'll kill you!" the Changeling said. She lunged forward, her serrated claws poised to tear into Fluttershy.

Fluttershy unpinned the badge from her outfit, expanding it into her shield. She took off into the air, her feathery wings beating powerfully as she rose up above the rooftops. The Changeling pursued her, spraying sticky strands of silk from her skeletal maw. A few of the strings caught Fluttershy's legs, which affected her flight path; she dropped to intercept her opponent and slammed her shield into the Changeling's head.

The giant moth-creature roared and swung, clubbing Fluttershy in the side of the head with a claw. Fluttershy screamed and fell, rolling as she landed. She sat up, clutching her head.

The Changeling hovered over her, eyes burning malevolently. "I...am going to kill you slowly...and then take my...heheh...'sister' somewhere where I can enjoy finishing her off..."

Fluttershy shakily rose to her feet. "No...you're not going to hurt her any more...you've hurt her enough..."

The Changeling laughed. "FOOL! Do you even know what I am?!"

"Do you?" Fluttershy whispered. "Let me show you." She raised her shield, gripping it by the edges with both hands, and thrust it at the Changeling.

"ANGEL MIRROR!"

The shield glowed brightly, a swarm of butterflies made of pink, yellow, and blue light swarming around the Changeling. She screamed as her very soul was drawn into the vortex of butterflies, sucked down into the blinding light of the shield...

"Like, check out this dress, Whittany!"

"Bleah. Like, uncheck. Totes last season, Brittany."

"Like, you know what I like most about you, Whittany?"

"Like, that I always know what you're going to like, say?"

"Like, OMG! That's like, totes what I was about to say!"

"WE'RE SISTERS!"

"We are, like, the bestest sisters on the whole like, planet."

"In the whole universe!"

"And like, the cutest twins in like, the history of ever."

"I like, so wouldn't know what to do if anything like, happened to you..."

"Like, Whit? What's like, wrong with you? You're...you're not..."

"Like...you're scaring me...it's like...you're not even Whittany..."

"You...you're not my sister...what happened to Whittany?"

"Daddy, I'm telling you, that's not Whittany! Why don't you like, believe me? Don't you like, even care?"

"Like, stay away from me, you...not-Whittany...whoever!"

"They're not perfect," Fluttershy's soft, angelic voice echoed in the Changeling's mind. "They're self-absorbed spoiled brats. But in their own conceited way, they loved each other. You took that love and perverted it for your own ends. This is the pain you've caused this poor girl by replacing her sister. And this is only the beginning of her pain. Now, let me show you the pain she's going to feel when she finds out her sister is dead...gone forever..."

"NO! STOP!" the Changeling howled. "I can't...! I can't take this!"

"Then why would you inflict this kind of suffering on another?"

The Changeling dropped to the ground, the green fire in her eye sockets dimming. She blurred, and reverted to the appearance of Whittany. Tears fell from her false human eyes. "I..."

Fluttershy stood over her, her shield no longer glowing. Her blue-green eyes shimmered with sadness. "You understand now, don't you?"

"Y-yes," the Changeling sniffled.

"Then do what you know is right."

The Changeling nodded, standing and walking over to Brittany. Brittany stared up at her with wide eyes.

The Changeling smiled, wiping her eyes. "H-hey," she said. "Like...I...I'm sorry, okay? I...I killed Whittany. And I was going to like...kill you too. But...I like...can't do that now." She swallowed heavily. "Umm...like...she really loved you, you know? She never said it, but...she totes did...love you." She reached out and touched Brittany's cheek. "I...I have to die now. It's, like...what I deserve. If I could stay, if I could replace Whittany and be your sister for like, ever...I totes would, but...I can't. I'd never be her. And...I so don't deserve the sister she had."

She stood, smoothed her skirt, and turned to face Fluttershy. "Okay. I'm, like...ready now."

Tears spilled from Fluttershy's eyes, but she nodded and drew back her shield, which began to glow. With one swipe, the false Whittany was cleaved in half from head to groin. The Changeling smiled. "Thank you," she said as her illusion faded away, revealing her true form...which dissolved into shimmering dust and scattered on a sudden breeze.

Fluttershy's shield shrank back to its badge size, and she pinned it to her outfit. She then knelt beside Britanny and took her into her arms.

"Th-that...that th-thing...it killed Whittany?"

"Hai," Fluttershy whispered. "I'm sorry."

Brittany cried silently, and Fluttershy held her until the sun began to set.

* * * * *

Over the next two days, Fluttershy had helped take care of the distraught Brittany, who couldn't even feed herself. It seemed as though the loss of her twin sister had taken away so much of her that she was virtually an empty shell.

Fluttershy, wearing a black kimono, stood beside Brittany and her father, a stern, white-haired older man. Nobody else was present for Whittany's funeral. Brittany leaned heavily against Fluttershy, staring with glassy eyes at the grave marker. Whittany's remains had been found and delivered to the crematorium; the urn containing her ashes was in a safe at the family's mansion.

After the funeral, Fluttershy helped Brittany back to the limo. As she sat beside her, the twins' father cleared his throat. "Fluttershy-san," he said, "I'm going to enroll Brittany in Umadakara and have her placed in your class." He looked drawn and ashen; Fluttershy had a feeling that only a sense of duty was keeping him going right now. "She...she only seems to respond to you right now...I can't leave her alone in that private school. She..." He looked at Brittany. "She just...she can't be alone."

"Of course," Fluttershy said. "Brittany-chan? Would you like to go to school with me?"

Brittany looked at Fluttershy. She sniffled and nodded. "Don't...don't leave me alone..."

"I won't," Fluttershy said soothingly, stroking Brittany's hair gently.

* * * * *

Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity stood watching Spike and the three girls "play ninja" in the park. "Fluttershy-san says the girl whose sister was murdered is transferring to our school," Twilight said. "The poor girl's a complete wreck."

"Can't you...help her with your magic?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight shook her head. "No," she said. "This...this goes too deep for my magic to work. I can't make her forget her sister. I wouldn't even if I could. This..." She grimaced. "This is a pain she's going to have to live with. This is a pain...only Fluttershy-san can help heal."

"That poor girl," Rarity said. "I can't even begin to imagine..."

"So...takin' out this Sunset Shimmer gal...that's gonna stop crap like this from happenin', right?"

Twilight sighed. "I don't know," she admitted. "Killing Sunset Shimmer won't automatically make all the Changelings she summoned go away, and we don't really know for sure how many there are..."

The girls watched the four younger kids laugh and play in silence.

"But we'll find them," Twilight said with conviction. "We'll find all the Changelings, and...and we won't let them take anybody else's family away."

Magic 18: プール

Trixie studied the row of carefully calligraphed inscriptions she had spent an entire evening tirelessly scrawling.

She had kept the mahoushoujo and Sunset Shimmer under constant surveillance since the disastrous encounter with Spike of the Emerald Flame Dragon Clan. She knew of the increasing power of the six girls, and knew that Sunset Shimmer had done the unthinkable in tampering with the oldest, most powerful, most dangerous magic known to Sun Island.

Getting paid was, Trixie knew, out of the question. Even if she carried out the mission she'd been hired for, she knew it was likely her reward would be a grisly death...

There were many things that annoyed Trixie. Few annoyed her more than being stiffed by a client and not completing a mission.

This entire ordeal with Sunset Shimmer and her enemies had been nothing but annoyance after annoyance.

"Trixie will not be denied a return on the time and energy she has invested in this futile pursuit," she said as she inked her brush once again. "Trixie will exact payment from Sunset Shimmer."

She placed brush to parchment, carefully inscribing another character.

"And Trixie will defeat Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Trixie's pride will not be satisfied otherwise..."

Magic 18: プール

Seven girls sat on the roof of Umadakara High School at lunch.

"Brittany-san, how do you like Umadakara?" Twilight asked pleasantly.

Brittany sat next to Fluttershy, her lunch uneaten. She made no sign of having heard Twilight.

"She's...still in shock," Fluttershy said sadly.

"I wouldn't doubt it," Rarity said. "I'm honestly surprised she bothered coming to school today."

"I didn't want her to be alone," Fluttershy said.

"Poor Brittany-chan," Pinkie said.

"Fluttershy?" Brittany said suddenly. "Will you like, help me dye my hair after school?"

"Of course," Fluttershy said, looking at Brittany's pure white hair. "We can dye it any color you want."

"So...what's the plan for Sunday?" Rainbow Dash asked. "We've got less than a week to get ready."

"Ah'm ready now," Applejack said. "Shoot, jes' lemme at 'er."

"It won't be that simple," Twilight said. "We may only have one shot at using the Elements of Harmony to weaken her enough to finish her off. If we fail..." She sighed. "But it's...gotten more complicated. I don't know what effect the Lunar Seal magic has had on her. All I do know is she'll be a lot stronger than she was the last time we fought her."

"We barely survived," Pinkie said worriedly.

"There weren't as many of us, though," Rainbow pointed out. "It...it balances out, right?"

"I hope so, Rainbow-san," Twilight said.

* * * * *

Fluttershy examined the end results of her dye job. "Are...are you sure about this? I mean...it looks...nice..."

Brittany examined herself in the mirror. Exactly half of her white hair had been dyed raven black. If Fluttershy looked at her from just the one side, she could have mistaken her for Whittany. "I thought, like...if I did this, I could...keep Whittany alive somehow, maybe? I feel like she's...like, with me. In my hair."

Fluttershy smiled gently and laid a hand on Brittany's shoulder. "That's sweet," she said.

* * * * *

The remaining Changelings met in an abandoned warehouse.

"Do you see the folly of challenging our enemies?" the old priest asked.

"Antleo and Lachesis were fools," Vespia said with a sneer.

"Antleo was a fool," the man in the hoodie said. "He should never have tried to avenge the princess on his own. Lachesis made a simple and unfortunate mistake."

"Moskiet speaks the truth, my children," a quiet voice rasped from the darkness.

The Changelings looked around wildly. "My Queen?" the priest asked.

Very faintly, a dim pair of green eyes faded into view. "This is all that has survived? No others?"

"We are all that remain, Your Majesty," Vespia said. "What is your command?"

"My command is to remain hidden and safe," Chrysalis said. "My connection to the human world has been weakened. Even finding my surviving children was a monumental endeavor."

"But how has this happened, my Queen?" the priest asked. "Is it...is it because of the Elements of Harmony?"

"No," Chrysalis said. "We were betrayed by Sunset Shimmer."

Vespia hissed. "That insolent little bitch! You need only say the word, My Queen, and I'll—"

"You will do as I command, and nothing further!" Chrysalis snapped. "Sunset Shimmer would destroy all of you without a second thought. She is far more dangerous than I could have possibly imagined. As much as I would love nothing more than to tear her throat out with my own jaws..." Chrysalis' eyes flashed furiously. "The safety and well-being of my children must come before all else."

"But...but My Queen!" Vespia insisted. "What of the Elements of Harmony?"

"We will avenge the murder of my beloved daughters in time," Chrysalis said. "We are surrounded on all sides by powerful enemies and weakened in strength and in numbers. I cannot send any of my children to the human world at the moment. Even if I found a way...Sunset Shimmer is a threat to my plans for this world, even moreso than the Elements of Harmony.

"No...for now, our only option is to watch and wait. Our enemies are destined to destroy each other...it will happen soon. In the meantime...a new Changeling Princess will soon be born.

"Stay safe, my children. Remain hidden. Do not reveal your true nature to the humans. I have lost too many children already. When the time is right...when the bridge between worlds can be opened again...we will invade."

* * * * *

Thursday evening, the six mahoushoujo stood on the observation deck of Kirin Tower, looking out over the city below. "Three more days," Twilight said.

"Are we really ready?" Fluttershy asked softly. "I...I'm scared..."

"We're ready," Rainbow said. "We gotta be. If...if we don't win...who knows what she'll do?"

"She'll destroy Sun Island, for starters," Twilight said. "And beyond that...who knows?"

"Then we gotta take 'er down afore any'a that happens," Applejack said.

A soft, menacing chuckle caught their attention. "You certainly are sure of yourself."

The girls turned to see a silvery, translucent image of Sunset Shimmer standing behind them, arms folded beneath her breasts. "I'm very much looking forward to our battle," she said.

"Then show yourself and we can end this right now!" Rainbow cried.

Sunset laughed. "Really...have you no sense of drama?" She smirked. "I've already arranged the time and place of our climactic showdown...you could at least do me the courtesy of being patient."

"Enough of this." Celestia faded into view; her image was as translucent as Sunset Shimmer's. "You do not know how dangerous the power you are playing with is, Sunset Shimmer."

"No, you don't, Celestia," Sunset Shimmer said. "Once I've annihilated your little soldier girls and destroyed the Elements of Harmony, I'm going to find the rest of the Seals. Oh, don't worry...I won't open all of them. I'm not stupid. Releasing the Nightbringer would be suicidally foolish. But with the power of four of the six Seals..." She smiled evilly. "I can easily bring about your destruction." She looked at the six mahoushoujo. "Three days from now. You'll know where to find me." She faded from view.

Celestia sagged. "Girls...you must stop her." She too disappeared.

The girls looked at one another glumly.

"Maybe...we should do some more training," Rainbow said. "You know...while we can."

Twilight tilted her head. "Actually...I have an idea," she said. "But you might not like it. And...we won't be able to do it until Sunday..."

* * * * *

On Sunday morning, Twilight Velvet had taken Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo to Pegasus Parade, Pony City's amusement park. Her job was to keep the girls safe and keep an eye out for any trouble that might brew during the course of the day. The mahoushoujo and Spike had gathered at Rarity's house; Twilight had told Spike they were going to have a strategy meeting.

As soon as they arrived, each of the girls clutching a small tote bag, Twilight turned to Spike. "Spike? There's something very important I need you to do for me."

"Sure, Neechan. Just name it."

"Sleep."

Spike's eyes drifted closed; he slumped. Applejack caught him and dropped him on the sofa.

"Won't he be mad at you for that?" Fluttershy asked.

Twilight smiled. "I don't think he'll care," she said. "Let's get upstairs..." She flushed. "And get changed."

* * * * *

Mid-May in Neighpon was hardly swimming pool weather. Not that it was cold, it simply wasn't terribly warm either.

Not that it mattered at the moment.

Rarity's swimming pool was pristine and sparkling in the late morning sun. Spike, still asleep, had been moved to one of the lounge chairs at poolside. "Alright, I'm waking him up now," Twilight said. Her hand glowed, and Spike stirred.

"Huh...wha...?" Spike looked around...and his jaw dropped.

Twilight wore a plain, modest purple bikini that accentuated her humble curves without being too revealing.

Rainbow Dash wore a trim, sporty light blue one-piece swimsuit with a rainbow stripe across the chest. The tightness of the swimsuit did little to help enhance her underwhelming bustline, but the high cut of the hips and the way the suit emphasized certain other aspects of her physique made up the difference.

Pinkie Pie wore a strapless pink bikini with a frilly blue bow on the front of the skimpy bottom; her ample breasts rested firm and snug in the alarmingly low cups. In addition, she wore cute pink flip-flops.

Rarity wore a white sling swimsuit that, were she to wear it on a public beach, would certainly get her arrested for indecent exposure. Very little of her gorgeous, shapely body was covered by the skimpy white fabric. She also wore high-heeled white sandals.

Fluttershy wore a relatively modest yellow one-piece that, while not as revealing as some of the other girls' swimsuits, still showed off her body quite nicely.

Lastly, Applejack wore an orange bikini and a short, sheer sarong.

Spike's eyes bugged out. "Whoa," he said. "What...what's goin' on here?"

Twilight smiled. "We thought we'd have a little pool party to relax and unwind," she said. "Since tonight's...going to be one of the hardest, most dangerous nights of our lives...we all thought we could use a little fun before things get ugly."

"Do you like our swimsuits?" Pinkie asked, beaming.

Spike started to drool. "Like is an understatement..."

Rarity laughed daintily. "Well...you can look all you like, Spike-kun...but remember, no touching!" She held up a finger and winked.

"Who wants to play in the pool?" Rainbow asked, jumping into the water with a loud splash.

"Me! Me!" Pinkie cried, giggling as she kicked off her flip-flops and leapt into the pool, doing a somersault in midair.

"I do believe I'll simply rest by the pool," Rarity said, stretching out on the pool chair to Spike's right. "The less I move around in this, the less chance I'll wind up...ahem...completely naked."

"Why the heck did you even pick that thing, Rarity?" Rainbow asked. "I mean, that's not even a swimsuit, it's..."

"I know it's...quite revealing," Rarity said with a slight blush, "but...it does look ever so good on me. Don't you agree, Spike-kun?"

"Uh-huuuuh," Spike said.

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Applejack joined Rainbow and Pinkie in the pool. Spike alternated between watching them splash and play and ogling Rarity's overly-exposed body.

At one in the afternoon, the girls decided to order pizza; Pinkie and Rainbow Dash waited for the delivery driver out front. They all sat around the two picnic tables on the pool patio, eating pizza and talking about the upcoming battle. After lunch, Spike used his magic to summon his own swim trunks, and spent the next two hours chasing half the girls around the pool. They laughed as they swam away from him, teasing him by letting him get within arm's reach before kicking away and splashing him. At one point, he actually did manage to get a handful of Pinkie's butt; instead of being mad at him, she giggled and winked at him. With her hair wet and straight, the playful wink was more flirtatious and seductive; Spike felt all the blood in his body rushing to one particular part of his body, and decided to spend the next half hour swimming laps.

The day grew late, and the sun descended toward the horizon. The girls headed into the house to clean up and change, while Spike dealt with the mess.

Once everyone was dried off and fully dressed, they gathered at the front gate. "So...where exactly are we supposed to go to fight Sunset Shimmer?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"She said...we'd know," Twilight said.

A bright flash lit the sky. The group turned and stared as a massive fireball exploded over the heart of Pony City.

Many seconds later, a rumbling shockwave rushed over them, stirring their hair and clothes and setting off car alarms.

"What the hell?!"

Twilight's phone rang. She pulled it out, frowning at the low signal warning, and put it on speaker.

It was her mother.

//Twiley-chan...Kirin Tower just exploded.//

Magic 20: サンライズ

"Mother, why won't Celestia-sama acknowledge me? Have I not proven my power? Have I not proven that I deserve to be advanced in rank?"

"You are very talented, daughter, but talent alone does not make you worthy of the rank of Apprentice Sage."

"Is it my age?"

"No...it is your ambition. It worries Celestia-sama. It worries me. You don't understand Harmony. How can you ever hope to be a Sage if you reject the very principles—"

"Harmony! I'm so sick of hearing about Harmony! The Sage of Magic is a title that should belong to the mage of the greatest skill and power!"

"And this is why you will never be an Apprentice Sage, Shimmer. Until you are willing to learn the lessons of Harmony—"

"I've had enough of this. I'm leaving."

"Your mother must've been so heartbroken that day."

"Get out of my mind!"

"You need to see this..."

Sunset Shimmer stood over her mother, who hung suspended in midair. A large onyx chalice lay beneath her.

Sunset Satin's eyes were filled with terror. "Shimmer...what are you doing?"

"Taking what I want," Sunset Shimmer said. "Taking what I deserve. The power to rule Sun Island...I will punish Celestia for spurning me!" She held a long, thin silver sword. Runes all along the length of the blade glowed crimson.

"Daughter...why...how could I have failed you so...?"

"You should've thought about that before it was too late, mother." Sunset Shimmer plunged the sword into her mother's heart. Sunset Satin screamed; the chalice underneath her lit up with golden runes.

Sunset Shimmer pulled the sword out of her mother's body and licked the blade clean. The magic of the chalice and the sword combined drew every drop of blood from Sunset Satin's body into the onyx bowl beneath her. It collected, gleaming with faint, wispy golden magic. Once the flow of blood ceased, Sunset Shimmer tossed her mother's lifeless body across the room, then began chanting a complex spell. The blood in the chalice lifted in a thin, winding stream, flowing in a helix around Sunset Shimmer. Slowly, it began to soak into her very skin, imbuing her with all the stolen magic of her mother. She threw back her head; shafts of golden light streamed from her eyes and mouth.

The door flew open and three of the temple guards charged in. They cast containment spells; Sunset dispelled them with a negligent wave of her hand. They cast attack spells; she repelled them, launching crimson fireballs which incinerated the guards.

"Enough is ENOUGH!" Celestia appeared in the room in a blinding flare of sunlight. A ball of pure solar magic wrapped itself around Sunset Shimmer. She struggled against it; Celestia fought to contain her. More guards rushed in; Celestia dropped a barely-conscious Sunset Shimmer to the floor.

Sunset glared up at Celestia. "You're nothing to me now," she spat. "I've got more power than you can imagine."

"You've used dark magic to make yourself immortal," Celestia said sadly. "Very well. You may enjoy your newfound immortality in the black halls beneath the Mountain of the Moon. You will never see the light of the sun again so long as you live."

"We'll see about that," Sunset Shimmer said, laughing as the guards bound her wrists in mana cuffs and hauled her away.

Celestia turned to examine the lifeless body of Sunset Satin. Tears streamed from her eyes.

"Was it worth it? Murdering your mother? Betraying your idol? Condemning yourself to a life of infamy and scorn?"

"Do not listen to this simpering fool.

"You are stronger than her. You are stronger than all of them.

"You are stronger than the sun.

"You have no regrets!"

"I HAVE NO REGRETS!!"

Fluttershy was blown several meters away as a blazing silver fire engulfed Sunset Shimmer, melting away the chains that bound her. Sunset grabbed Spike by the neck and threw him negligently to the side, then rose to her feet, ripping the kunai from her throat, which healed instantly.

"Nice try," Sunset snarled. She extended a hand, palm-first, toward Fluttershy; a silver fireball gathered before her. "Just so you know...having somebody else invade my mind? Really pisses me off. I think I'll kill you first."

Fluttershy sat up and looked at Sunset. "Having somebody else in your mind upsets you? Then what about that other voice?"

Sunset faltered. "Other voice..." She shook her head. "No. There was no other voice. There was just you, trying to mind-rape me into submission."

Fluttershy stood up. "You're wrong. You're not alone in there." Her eyes were full of concern.

"I AM SUNSET SHIMMER! RIGHTFUL RULER OF SUN ISLAND AND THE WORLD! EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE HAS BEEN FOR ONE PURPOSE, AND THAT PURPOSE IS POWER! THE POWER TO DOMINATE EVERYONE WHO STANDS BEFORE ME!"

"I will bring night to the world, and the night will last forever," Twilight Sparkle said as she walked alongside Fluttershy. "All will gaze upon the moon and know that I am their Goddess incarnate."

"What?" Fluttershy asked, looking at Twilight.

"Those words sound familiar, don't they, Sunset?" Twilight asked.

The silver fireball weakened as Sunset blinked. "What?"

"I am Empress Luna, rightful ruler of Sun Island and the world. Everything I have done has been for one purpose, and that purpose is power. The power to dominate everyone who stands before me. I will bring night to the world, and the night will last forever." Twilight gave Sunset a measuring stare. "They made us memorize that speech during our first year studying the history of Sun Island. She's in there, isn't she? Inside you."

Sunset Shimmer took a step back, shaking her head. "N-no...you're wrong...I...I just knew those words would frighten you..."

Rainbow Dash's lance slammed into the back of Sunset's head, knocking her to the ground.

Applejack rushed up, emptying glowing orange magic bullets from her revolvers into Sunset's torso, which jerked and twitched with each shot.

Sunset pushed herself up onto her hands and knees, her wounds regenerating. She glared up at Twilight. "Clever," she said. "You know you can't win, so you're trying to mess with my head."

A pink fireball slammed into Sunset's side. A blue wave of energy ripped through her neck. She ignored it all.

A flaming green sword cut into her thigh. She took a step closer to Twilight. Her hands burst into silver flame. With a wordless scream, she charged, wrapping her hands around Twilight's throat.

"TWILIGHT!"

Twilight could only scream as Sunset's magic burned through her body. Behind Sunset, Spike burst into red flames. Roaring, he charged, grabbing Sunset by the shoulders and pulling her away. Her cape melted away; her skin burned and blistered from the heat Spike was generating.

Pinkie rushed in and pressed the barrel of her bazooka against Sunset's temple. "SMILE HOLY VAGINA!" An explosion of pure white light obliterated Sunset Shimmer's head; her body sank to its knees, smoke curling from the cauterized stump of her neck.

A chilling laugh filled the air as a silver mist wrapped around the headless body.

Sunset Shimmer rose to her feet; silver flames blew Pinkie, Spike, and Twilight off their feet. Sunset Shimmer's head regenerated.

Twilight massaged the burns on her neck with glowing hands. Magenta magic seeped into her throat.

"I'm getting really sick of you pathetic weaklings," Sunset Shimmer said.

"Fluttershy-san, again!" Twilight rasped.

Spike grabbed Sunset's head and kicked her in the small of the back, forcing her to her knees. She struggled against his grip, but he held firm, his burning aura warding off her magic. Fluttershy flew forward, shoving her shield into Sunset's face.

"ANGEL MIRROR!"

"That...won't...WORK ON ME!" Sunset Shimmer screeched. A torrent of silver fire burst from her mouth, driving Fluttershy away. Rainbow Dash caught her and set her on the ground gently. With a roar of rage, Sunset Shimmer once again blasted Spike away; his red flames flickered and died as he fell to the ground.

"ERASE MAGIC!"

A wave of golden light studded with violet sparkles washed over Sunset. She stood fast in the torrent, folding her arms. "That won't work on me either, Sparkle!" she declared.

"Maybe not...but perhaps this will!"

Several strips of parchment inscribed with runes attached themselves to Sunset Shimmer at her forehead, navel, heart, shoulders, and the small of her back.

Trixie landed halfway between Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle, forming a rapid succession of hand seals. Her eyes burned with fierce determination.

As she formed the final seal, the runes on her wards burst into pale blue flame. Sunset Shimmer stiffened, arms and legs locked in place. "What...?"

A silver haze rose from Sunset's body. It glowed softly, becoming a stream which flowed from Sunset to Trixie. Trixie's eyes glowed silver as the mist enveloped and permeated her.

When the last of the silver mist dissipated, the parchment wards burned away into drifting ash, and Sunset Shimmer sank to her knees.

"Trixie?" Twilight gasped. "What...?"

Trixie turned, lowered her mask, and smirked at Twilight. "Trixie came to collect her payment," she said. "Since it was never Sunset Shimmer's intention to honor our initial contract, Trixie decided to take possession of the most valuable thing she owns." Her eyes shone with silver fire. "We will meet again, Twilight Sparkle."

And with that, she vanished in a burst of silver flame.

"NO!" Sunset Shimmer screamed. "The power of the Lunar Seal! It was mine! IT WAS MINE!"

"Was being the operative word here," Rarity said. Her Element of Generosity appeared in her hand.

"Looks like you just lost your trump card," Rainbow Dash said. The Element of Loyalty appeared, and she grasped it firmly.

"Does this mean we can finish her off now?" Pinkie asked as she held out her palm, allowing the Element of Laughter to fall into it.

"I hope so," Fluttershy said as she cupped the Element of Kindness to her heart.

"Me too, Ah'm gettin' kinda tired," Applejack said, holding the Element of Honesty.

The Element of Magic appeared above Twilight. "Everyone, gather around me!" she said.

"No! No...you can't!" Sunset Shimmer cried, rising to her feet. Crimson flames burned in her hands. "S-stay back! I'll kill you all!"

A weighted rope wrapped itself around her legs, dragging her to the ground. Spike slapped a parchment ward to her back which burned emerald green. "You're not going anywhere," he said.

The six Element Bearers joined hands. The Elements of Harmony floated serenely before them, shining brightly.

"This is the end, Sunset Shimmer," Twilight said. "You sought power for your own glory...but true power comes from accepting and believing in others. You never understood Harmony..." She frowned. "Neither did I. Not until I came here. Not until I met these girls...my friends...

"But now I understand the true power of friendship. It's a power stronger than any magic. No...it IS magic!"

The Elements of Harmony pulsed, shedding waves of rainbow light.

"The magic of friendship is strong enough to defeat the dark power within you, a power born of selfish greed and ambition!" Twilight's eyes began to glow.

The Elements of Harmony fired solid beams of colorful magic at Sunset Shimmer, binding her in a rainbow of light. With a loud, ringing chime, a solid shaft of rainbow magic, bright enough to light up the night, shot into the sky, spreading out in a prismatic shockwave that washed over all of Pony City.

When the light faded, Sunset Shimmer remained on the ground. Her hair was frazzled, but her body was unmarked. She glared at Twilight. "I'm...not finished...with you..."

"Yes you are," Twilight said. She pointed her golden rapier at Sunset.

"Erase Magic."

The golden torrent washed over Sunset again, its violet sparkles spreading across her body. Sunset struggled against her bonds, but found herself unable to move.

For almost a full minute, Twilight's spell washed over Sunset Shimmer. When at last it ebbed, Twilight sagged, her transformation reversing on its own.

Applejack blinked. "Is it over? Is she...?"

Twilight shook her head. "When the Elements of Harmony connected, I realized..." She sighed. "Killing her was not an option. That isn't how the magic of Harmony works."

Sunset Shimmer wriggled around on the ground. Spike hauled her into a sitting position, then summoned a shirt from his pocket dimension and wrapped it around her. She glared hatefully at him.

"So...what now?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Now, we wait," Twilight said, looking up at the still-burning wreckage of Kirin Tower. "The Elements of Harmony removed Sunset Shimmer's immortality. I took away all her magic. She's nothing now. She can never hurt anyone ever again. As soon as the sun rises, I'll send a message to Celestia-sama. She'll send someone to take her back to Sun Island...back to her prison cell." She looked at Sunset Shimmer with pity in her eyes. "You're going to spend the rest of your life in darkness," she said. "You said you have no regrets...but I wonder if you can really live with yourself when it's just you, alone, without your magic...knowing you've lost everything..."

"Fuck you," Sunset Shimmer spat. Tears spilled from her eyes. "You and your friends can go suck a—"

Spike clubbed her in the back of the head with the hilt of a kunai, and she dropped like a sack of rice. "I think we've heard enough," he said. He looked up at Twilight. "What about Trixie?" he asked. "Did she do what I think she did?"

Twilight sighed. "Yeah," she said. "She absorbed the Lunar Seal magic from Sunset Shimmer. We...actually kind of owe her our lives." She looked out at the police and civilians who were slowly closing in on them. "We'll have to report that to Celestia-sama, and...I'm sure it means we haven't seen the last of her, but...right now, I'm just too tired to care."

The police detective approached the girls as, one by one, they reversed their transformations. He frowned at the unconscious Sunset Shimmer. "I'm going to need to place that one under arrest," he said. "The rest of you...I'll need to take you into custody until...until we can figure out exactly what happened here."

Twilight smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Keibu-san, but that's not happening. We're going home, and we're taking her with us. Don't worry...she's never going to bother anyone ever again."

The detective frowned. "Young lady, you don't understand...I'm not letting you leave—"

One by one, seven girls and one boy disappeared into thin air.

* * * * *

The girls and Spike had regrouped at Rarity's house. Twilight had locked Sunset Shimmer in a closet upstairs and cast a powerful sleep spell on her. After that, she had used Rarity's house line to call her mother.

"So...sleepover?" Pinkie asked Rarity.

"Of course, darling," Rarity agreed.

Twilight hung up the phone. "The girls are with Okaasan," she said. "She took them back to our place. She said she managed to get through to Scootaloo's mom and let her know where she was."

"Whaddya mean 'managed'?" Rainbow asked.

"Scootaloo's family doesn't have a land line," Twilight said. "Mobile service is...really bad right now."

"Huh? Why's that?" Rainbow asked, scratching her head.

Twilight was about to explain, but Pinkie, surprisingly, interrupted. "Don't you know anything?" she asked. "Kirin Tower's the communications hub of Pony City! Most of the cell towers in the city are just range extenders for the transmitters that used to be there before Sunset Shimmer blew the thing up!"

"It's the same with television and radio," Rarity said. "Without Kirin Tower, everything's messed up. Even the Internet's affected."

"Oh," Rainbow said. "Huh. Didn't know that. I thought it was just a place to look at the city and buy crap."

"Do we really gotta send her back to Celestia-sama in one piece, Neechan?" Spike asked. "Couldn't we like, cut some bits off?"

"Spike," Twilight sighed.

"Sorry. I just..."

Twilight drew Spike into a hug. "I know," she said. "Let's...let's all get some rest. Oneesama is coming by in the morning to check up on us..." She grimaced as she rubbed at her neck; her throat was still raw. "And...and I'll have to report to Celestia-sama."

* * * * *

By morning, Kirin Tower was no longer burning. A haze of smoke still lingered over the heart of Pony City.

Announcement cars roamed the streets, declaring a public day of emergency and announcing the closure of all non-critical government offices and all schools for the day.

Twilight stood before a full-length mirror in one of Rarity's guest rooms. "Communication."

Celestia's study appeared in the mirror. "Good morning, Twilight Sparkle. I am relieved to see you are well."

"Celestia-sama," Twilight greeted. "We have taken Sunset Shimmer prisoner. She has been stripped of all her magic...both her own, and the magic she has stolen."

Celestia let out a sigh. "I don't know how you managed that, but...I'm relieved you didn't end up having to kill her. I hated the thought of...of having you do that..."

Twilight shook her head. "It might have come to that," she said. "And..." She looked away. "Part of me...wanted to kill her. But..."

"But you didn't," Celestia said, smiling. "Are your friends with you?"

Twilight nodded.

"Gather them all together," Celestia said. "I will join you shortly, to speak with all of you."

* * * * *

The mahoushoujo and Spike gathered in Rarity's sitting room. Celestia's image appeared before them. Twilight launched into a detailed report of the previous night's events, with interjections from the others.

Once the full story had been told, Celestia looked around at the group. "You have done well," she said. "I am proud of you all...you've faced a dangerous enemy together and prevailed. And...I thank you for your services to both your own nation and to Sun Island."

Twilight sighed. "Well...I guess as soon as the guards arrive to pick up Sunset Shimmer..." She looked at her friends. Her eyes shone with tears. "I guess...Spike and I will be..." She swallowed heavily. "Going home..."

Twilight's friends gasped.

"What?"

"No way!"

"Why?"

"You can't be serious!"

"But..."

Twilight looked down. "Our mission here is complete," she said. "That means..."

Celestia laughed musically. "Twilight Sparkle...do you really think I'd be so cruel as to separate you from your friends so soon after you've met them?"

Twilight looked up. "But...!"

"Twilight," Celestia said with a smile, "there's nothing more for you to learn on Sun Island. Certainly nothing as important as what you can learn where you are now. Not only can you learn about the outside world, but...you can learn about the importance of friendship." She looked around at the girls. "Your destinies are all intertwined with Twilight Sparkle's, now and forever," she said. "The Elements of Harmony will remain with you, as will Twilight Sparkle." She turned her attention to Twilight. "You have the rest of your life to worry about ancient tomes and lore. You're young. You need to enjoy life. You need to be with your friends. Sun Island will still be here when you're ready to return."

"But...what about Okaasan?"

Celestia laughed. "I don't think she'll mind staying in Neighpon." Her expression grew serious. "If I need you...and your friends...I'll let you know. But for now...you've more than earned time to relax. Have fun with your friends. Find a boyfriend. Do...whatever it is kids do in Neighpon. Right now, your friends need you more than Sun Island does. And you need them."

Twilight wiped her eyes, a happy smile on her face. "Thank you," she said, bowing. "Thank you so much..."

"Group hug!" Pinkie declared. The girls laughed and gathered together, clinging desperately to one another and crying. Spike looked on, a smile on his face.

"Thanks, Celestia-sama," he said. "I kinda like it here too. The girls sure dress sexier."

Celestia rolled her eyes. "Keep an eye out for that Lulamoon girl," she said. "It worries me that she's stolen the Lunar Seal magic."

"Yeah..." Spike sighed. "She's an odd one..."

"You know," Rainbow said suddenly, "we've still got a problem. Dozens of people saw us last night...they got video of us and everything...and we kiiiiinda resisted arrest..."

"We resisted being taken into custody for questioning," Rarity said. "That's not quite the same thing."

"It's still a crime, though," Fluttershy said nervously.

Twilight sighed. "You know? After what we went through last night with Sunset Shimmer? I think we can deal with whatever the media and the police can throw at us."

"I'll do whatever I can to help with that situation," Celestia said. "Though at this point, I fear it's no longer possible to erase the knowledge of mahoushoujo from the people of Neighpon. Your secret will be out, and you will have to live with people knowing who and what you are." She frowned. "The police thing, I'm sure my people in Neighpon's government can fix."

"It'll probably be a while before we really have to deal with a lot of people bugging us about last night," Pinkie said. "Probably the only good thing to come out of Kirin Tower blowing up...it's a lot harder to share all that video."

"For the moment, I suggest you all take today to rest and relax," Celestia said. She looked around. "As far as hideouts go...this isn't bad at all."

Rarity smiled. "Mi casa es su casa, as they say, ladies," she said.

"I have matters to attend to," Celestia said. "Job well done, girls." Her image faded from view.

An hour later, two men in white suits, wearing the crest of Sun Island on their lapels, arrived to take Sunset Shimmer into custody. Once she was gone, the girls and Spike spent the rest of the day relaxing.

As night fell and the girls turned in for the night, Twilight found Spike on the roof, looking out over the city. "Something wrong?" she asked.

Spike shook his head. "No, just...thinking." He stretched. "I nearly lost you again last night, Neechan. It...it scares me."

"Spike..."

Spike suddenly pulled Twilight into a crushing hug. He looked her right in the eyes, then gently kissed her on the lips. "I'm never letting you get hurt like that again, Twilight," he said.

Twilight stared at him, stunned. Unable to find words, she opted to look out over the city. For as far as she could see, the hazy night was lit up by flashing emergency lights.

It would take Pony City a long time to heal from the wounds Sunset Shimmer had inflicited on it, but life would go on.

The sun would always rise.

Magic 20: サンライズ

"Are you sure it's in there?"

"Positive."

Three lithe female shadows leapt onto the roof of a museum in Deer Valley. One held out a hand; in a flash of pale amber light, a pair of paper tags appeared. She attached them to the corners of a ventilation grate, then motioned for the others to back away.

Five seconds later, the tags glowed amber and exploded, sending shrapnel in all directions.

"We have three minutes. Go!"

The shadowy figures ran silently for the open duct, diving headlong into the museum's ductwork. Two minutes later, they landed in one of the many rooms of the museum. All around them, crystals and gems and unusual rocks sat within plexiglass cases.

The leader of the burglars pulled a compact LED flashlight from a tool pouch on her belt, shining it around the room. The light fell upon a rough-hewn, fist-sized chunk of quartz, cut in the vague shape of a crescent moon upon a pedestal. "It's there," she said. She motioned for the others to give her room, then pulled back her right hand. An amber glow surrounded her hand, shaped like the talons of a massive bird of prey. Letting out a piercing screech, she punched through the plexiglass and grabbed the crystal. "Let's beat it!"

"Hold it right there!" a man's voice yelled. Three security guards rushed into the room, nightsticks drawn and ready. One of them turned on the lights.

The sudden illumination revealed three women in tight-fitting purple spandex bodysuits with black spandex hoods, black leather boots, and black leather gloves. The tops of their boots and gloves were trimmed with jagged gold piping, reminiscent of lightning bolts. They each wore a pair of amber goggles.

"Take them down!" the leader snapped, charging the guards. The others followed suit. Before the three guards knew what was happening, they had been beaten into the ground. The leader drew a serrated kunai from her belt and slashed the guards' throats. "Let's bail."

Ten straight minutes of running later, the thieves stopped in a dim back alley. "So...was this rock...really worth committing...murder over?" one of the thieves gasped.

"Heheh...oh yeah," the leader said. She stripped off her goggles and peeled off her hood, revealing snow white hair, frosted lavender at the tips of her forward-swept bangs. Her golden eyes glinted as she studied the crescent-shaped quartz crystal.

In the wan moonlight, it began to glow from within, a pale silver shine.

"Girls, pack up. We leave tonight. We're going to Pony City."

つづく・・・

Loyalty 1: ライトニング

6月1日

//Two weeks ago, our nation suffered a tragedy the likes of which has not been seen on our shores for many decades.//

//Kirin Tower, one of Neighpon's most treasured landmarks as well as a cornerstone of Pony City's communications infrastructure, was destroyed in an act of terrorism.//

//The culprit behind the attack, as we now know, was an international fugitive, wanted for crimes of murder and treason in her own nation, and was deported to her own country to answer for those crimes.//

//In the past two weeks, many confusing details, rumors, and innuendos have circulated regarding the Kirin Incident. Government investigations into the Kirin Incident continue even as plans are set in motion to rebuild Kirin Tower.//

//In the meantime, most major communications services have been restored in Pony City, and daily life in Neighpon continues on as normal, as it always has. We, as a nation, thrive in the face of adversity. Every war, every natural disaster, every act of terror we have ever faced, we have met with a unified front and the resolve to live through. This is the strength of the Neighponese spirit.//

"Twiley-chan? You don't want to be late for school."

"I'm heading out now!"

The sun blazed overhead as Twilight Sparkle stepped out of the bookstore, dressed in Umadakara High School's summer uniform: a short-sleeved sky blue sailor blouse with a white string tie and a short pleated royal blue skirt. She stretched as she looked up at the sky, smiled, and headed off to another day of learning...

Another day with all her friends.

Loyalty 1: ライトニング

In the days after the Kirin Incident, the mahoushoujo had been the center of a near-constant uproar.

First, the police and government had tracked them down before Celestia's agents within the Neighponese government could act. They'd had to deal with hours of harrowing interrogation before three representatives of Sun Island showed up directly and intervened. Twilight was granted ambassadorial status, with full diplomatic immunity, and the rest now had documents officially proclaiming them as Tokubetsu Keisatsu, answering directly to the Imperial House. This had been met with alarmed and angry reactions by the police and government officials present.

"The Tokkou hasn't existed for decades!"

"These girls, Tokkou?! Ridiculous!"

And yet, every document presented was legally binding and irrefutable. What it all boiled down to, the Sun Island contingent explained to the girls after the fact, was that in any further public battles against Changelings and whatever else might show up, the mahoushoujo had absolute authority, and would never be interfered with by the police, Self-Defense Forces, or Neighponese government.

That had, unfortunately, only dealt with one problem.

Even with the massive media disruptions caused by the Kirin Incident, word had spread about the battle with Sunset Shimmer. The mahoushoujo were celebrities, like it or not—even moreso than Pinkie, Twilight, and Rainbow had already become. In the two weeks since the Kirin Incident, moments of peace had come few and far between, and Twilight and Spike often found themselves resigned to teleporting their friends home and wherever else they needed to be, just to avoid being mobbed.

By the beginning of June, though, things had started to die down somewhat, and at school, the girls were able to resume a mostly peaceful, ordinary school life.

"I don't get why we have seifuku for summer," Rainbow Dash frowned as she ate her curry bread. The girls weren't on the roof for once; they were eating lunch together in 2-B, Fluttershy's homeroom. "I feel like I'm back in middle school."

"You look like you're still in middle school," Pinkie said, poking Rainbow in the chest.

"HEY!"

"Pinkie-san," Twilight groaned.

"I'm just kidding," Pinkie said. "But yeah, it is weird that we have blazers for winter and seifuku for summer. What's up with that?"

"I petitioned to have it changed, but the student council can't be bothered to actually do anything," Rarity said.

"I don't really see the problem," Twilight said, shrugging. "It's comfortable."

"So anyway," Pinkie said, "I wanted to talk to you all about that PV we never actually got around to doing because of, well...everything else."

"Oh yeah, that!" Rainbow said. "I forgot all about that."

"Yeah...Net Idols haven't had the easiest time of it the last couple weeks. We're kind of on the back burner," Pinkie said. "Of course, the Kirin Incident is much more important—"

"Must we call it the Kirin Incident amongst ourselves?" Rarity asked.

"Why not?" Applejack asked. "It's easier than sayin' 'our fight with Sunset Shimmer'."

"Yeah, big important events need big important names," Rainbow said. "Even I know that."

"Fair enough," Rarity said. "So, Pinkie-san, you were saying?"

"Well...when I haven't been busy with school stuff and, you know, all the people hounding me all the time, I've been writing a new song, and I like it a lot better than the one I was gonna release before. I think I'm gonna work up a whole new dance routine to go with it, and we'll do that for the PV instead. If you girls still wanna do the PV, I mean."

"Of course we do," Twilight said, smiling.

"It's gonna be fun!" Rainbow agreed with a grin.

"Well...I do like idol PVs," Fluttershy said.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Rarity agreed.

"Heck, Ah'm in too," Applejack said.

"Great! Give me a week or two to get everything perfect with the song and the dance, then we'll start talking practice and costumes." She giggled. "With no Changelings and no nasty skanky Sunset Shimmer to worry about, maybe we can actually get this thing together this time!"

* * * * *

On the southwest side of Pony City lay the quiet Tenma District. It was primarily a residential area, with a few old, small shops and no office buildings. Its residents commuted to the larger districts to the north and east for work and school, and life in the little district moved at its own steady pace, independent of the bustle of the rest of the city.

The residents of Tenma District were blissfully unaware that three dangerous new tenants had moved into a condominium on the north side of Tenma District.

"You've been staring at that thing for days, Gil—I mean, Dreadwing. It's just a rock. It's never gonna do anything cool." A tall, athletic girl with short, back-swept orange hair with lighter amber streaks leaned against the bar dividing the kitchen area from the living room, regarding her teammate with cool, derisive amber eyes. She wore an artfully ripped turquoise T-shirt, black jeans, and a black leather jacket.

On the sofa, a girl with a hard, predatory face sat, clutching a rough-hewn chunk of crystal shaped like a crescent moon. Her golden eyes roamed over every facet of the crystal beneath forward-swept snow white bangs which were frosted lavender at the tips. She wore a suede jacket over a cream-colored tank top and tan cargo pants. "Trust me, Thundercracker. This is no ordinary rock. You can't even begin to imagine the power locked inside this dorky-looking thing."

Thundercracker snorted. "You mean like those weird ninja magic tricks you do?"

Dreadwing looked up. "You heard about Kirin Tower, right?"

Thundercracker snorted. "Of course. My phone hasn't been worth shit since we came to this town."

"This stone has the power to blow up a building like Kirin Tower a hundred times over."

Thundercracker's eyes widened. "Bullshit."

"Why do you think I wanted to steal it so bad?"

Thundercracker rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You do a lot of things that don't make sense. Doesn't she, Starscream?"

The third member of their group sat in one of the lush armchairs in the living room. Her face was shrouded by the black hood of the white sweatshirt she wore, which had long sleeves that were blue from the elbows down. Over this, she wore a loose, sleeveless red vest which matched her red pleather miniskirt. Her eyes were hidden behind red-tinted glasses.

"I trust Dreadwing...for the most part," Starscream said. "She hasn't led us wrong yet, we're in a comfortable condo instead of in jail, and we can buy anything we want. If she wants to obsess over some magic crystal, I say let her."

Thundercracker snorted. "Fine," she spat. "I'm bailin'. I need some air." She headed for the door, putting on a pair of heavy grey combat boots at the genkan before stomping out, slamming the door behind her.

Dreadwing frowned. "If I didn't need her speed and her skill, I'd cut that bitch," she muttered.

"Just ignore her," Starscream said. "You've got more important things to worry about."

"Right," Dreadwing said, returning to her study of the Lunar Seal.

* * * * *

When Twilight returned from school, she found Celestia sitting in the living room. "Celestia-sama!"

"Twilight," Celestia said. "I've learned something very troubling."

Twilight sat down. "What is it?"

"Some of my agents in another prefecture of Neighpon have been investigating the possible location of another Lunar Seal. Their investigation lead to the discovery of a recent museum robbery in which the museum's security guards were murdered. Only one thing was stolen. Based on what they've learned from the museum staff..."

"It was a Lunar Seal," Twilight said, face pale.

"I don't believe the Seal has been compromised yet," Celestia said. "But the fact that it has been stolen, and innocents murdered in the process..."

"Where was this?" Twilight asked. "I could go—"

"The theft occurred in Deer Valley, but it is unlikely the culprits remained in that area," Celestia said. "And given that the theft happened almost two weeks ago, the thieves could be anywhere by now."

Twilight sighed. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Just remain vigilant," Celestia said. "If this had been an ordinary museum robbery, that would be one thing, but given that the only item stolen was the Lunar Seal..."

"Whoever stole it knew exactly what they were looking for," Twilight finished. She took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "We really don't need another Sunset Shimmer. Especially not this soon..."

"What puzzles me is that there are no fugitives from Sun Island on the loose at this time," Celestia said. "Your brother and I have been going over every possible rogue mage who might be interested in—"

"Trixie," Twilight said suddenly. "I need to find her and question her."

Celestia frowned. "I...had considered the possibility that this Trixie was somehow involved. I had hoped not to suspect her, since she did save you and your friends."

"But she may have been corrupted by the Lunar Seal magic she stole from Sunset Shimmer," Twilight said. "When Sunset Shimmer started reciting Luna's infamous speech, word for word..." She shuddered.

Celestia's eyes dropped to her lap. "Very well. For the moment, Trixie of the Lulamoon Clan is a suspect. I want you and Spike to investigate her."

"And my friends," Twilight said. "I'll need their help if I'm going to face Trixie. Especially Pinkie-san. She's my best bet when it comes to drawing Trixie out into the open."

Celestia nodded. "I'll leave it to you then, Twilight." She faded from view.

Twilight sighed and pulled out her phone. "Pinkie? We have a mission..."

* * * * *

Off to Rainbow Dash's left, the sun was setting. Sweat plastered the light, thin tank top she wore to her body and dripped from her face. She'd been running for an hour and a half; another half hour and she'd be ready to slow to a cool-down jog and head for home.

Somebody sprinted out from a side street to her right, burning up the road to keep pace with her. Her sudden running partner easily matched her speed, then pushed slightly ahead.

Rainbow was tired, but not too tired to take up the challenge. She pushed her already-burning legs just a bit harder to match and overtake the other runner.

For ten minutes, they kept and even pace; finally, Rainbow's burning muscles and aching lungs forced her to skid to a stop. Panting, she plopped to her butt on the side of the road, stretching her legs out in front of her and grimacing as she massaged what felt like the start of an absolute bitch of a cramp.

Her opponent looped back and crouched down in front of her, smirking. "Lost your edge, Dash?"

Rainbow looked up at the girl who was grinning down at her. She took in her orange hair, which looked like a blazing fire in the setting sun, and her amused amber eyes. She gasped. "Lightning Dust?"

The other girl chuckled. "So you do remember me," she said.

"Yeah, I remember you liked to cheat to win races," Rainbow said. "Like you did just now."

"How exactly did I cheat?" Lightning Dust asked.

Rainbow waved her hands around expressively. "I'd already been running for over an hour!"

"And how was I supposed to know that?" Lightning Dust challenged. "I saw that crazy mop of clown hair fly past, knew exactly who it was, and decided to see if you'd gotten any better since I left."

"Oh, I'll show you how much better I am now," Rainbow said. "Take me on again when I'm fresh and you'll have to change your name to Eating Dust!"

Lightning Dust snorted. "Same little loudmouth," she said.

"Fuck you," Rainbow said, saluting Lightning Dust with her middle finger.

"I know you want to, but I'm not gay," Lightning Dust retorted, sticking out her tongue.

Rainbow blew a raspberry. "So what the hell're you doin' back in Pony City, Dusty?"

"Eh, you know. Stuff." Lightning Dust shrugged. "Dropped outta school, been doin' odd jobs. It's a good life."

"It sounds like a shit life," Rainbow said. "It sounds like a waste of one of the fastest sprinters in Neighpon."

"Eh, waste of my time," Lightning Dust said dismissively. "All that time I was wasting in school, I'm using to train parkour. There's good money to be had there."

"Parkour, huh?" Rainbow shrugged. "Yeah, okay, I can see that. You always did like to take stupid risks. I guess breaking your neck once wasn't enough for you."

Lightning Dust snorted. "Yeah, I didn't go out of my way to talk to you just so you can act all high and mighty, Dash."

Rainbow sighed. "Sorry." She peeled her shirt away from her damp skin. "How long you in town for?"

"Dunno," Lightning Dust replied, shrugging.

"Maybe we could hang out sometime, y'know, like we used to. You could meet my friends...I've got a bunch of new friends now."

"New friends, huh?" Lightning Dust asked. "What about your old friends? I remember you used to hang out with Thunderlane and Flitter a lot..."

Rainbow looked away. "Thunderlane and Flitter...they're dead," she said.

Lightning Dust blinked. "Dead? Whaddya mean dead?"

"It happened two months ago," Rainbow said. Steeling herself against the wrongness of what she was about to say, she continued, "Flitter got hit by a truck. When Thunderlane found out, he...killed himself."

"Shit," Lightning Dust said. "That blows." She scratched the back of her head. "Look, I gotta split. Got stuff to do. Catch up with you later, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," Rainbow said distractedly. She watched Lightning Dust jump onto the roof of a house, then sprint off down the block, keeping to rooftops, utility poles, and trees. She shook her head. "Parkour," she said. "She hasn't changed at all..."

* * * * *

Twilight stood next to Pinkie, watching her post to her feed.

Smile-chan! @smilesmilesmile
Hey G.P.T! Smile here! You can't see it, but I'm mooning you right now!

"Now we wait," Pinkie said.

Five minutes later, Trixie appeared in a burst of silver flame. "VERY funny, Pinkamena Diane Pie," she said. "That's right. Trixie knows everything about you now. The names of your parents and your sisters...Trixie even knows about your pet alligator."

Pinkie rolled her eyes. "Everybody knows all that now, duh-face," she said. "I don't have a single secret left from the world."

"But you do, Trixie," Twilight said. "Starting with the murder of three security guards at a museum in Deer Valley and the theft of a second Lunar Seal."

Trixie frowned. "Trixie has never even been to Deer Valley." She tossed her hair. "Besides, if Trixie intended to steal a Lunar Seal from a museum, she would not need to resort to murder to do so. Trixie is far too talented and powerful to need to resort to violence to commit a simple theft."

"But you're from Sun Island," Twilight said. "And you've already stolen the power of one Lunar Seal."

"Trixie saw an opportunity and she seized it," Trixie said. "Nothing more. Trixie has no interest in the remaining Lunar Seals."

"Maybe you don't," Twilight said, "but someone does. Someone you might not even know you're possessed by."

Trixie scoffed. "That pitiful fragment of Luna's memory that was contained in the Seal's power? Please. I sensed it when I was drawing out the Seal magic with my jutsu. I left it in Sunset Shimmer's head." Trixie looked at Twilight down the length of her nose, haughtily. "There is room for only one voice in Trixie's head, and that voice is Trixie."

Twilight gave Trixie a long, measuring stare. "Swear it on your pride, Trixie. On your pride, swear you had nothing to do with that other Lunar Seal."

"On my pride as a Lulamoon, I swear I have not stolen an actual Lunar Seal, nor murdered any museum guards." Trixie folded her arms. "I have no interest in whatever nonsense Sunset Shimmer was involved in, nor any desire to see the Nightbringer's seal weakened further. My one and only reason for stealing the Lunar Seal magic from Sunset Shimmer was because the little bitch never intended to pay me even if I had managed to steal the Elements of Harmony and kill you." She smirked. "You know, your little Emerald Flame lapdog did Snips a favor by killing him? I saw what happened to the other one, Snails. It wasn't pretty."

"What happened to him?" Pinkie asked.

Trixie shuddered. "Best you don't know."

"Tell us anyway," Twilight said.

Trixie sighed. "She sacrificed him to Chrysalis, the Changeling Queen. He was...converted into a Royal Drone."

"Royal Drone..." Twilight pursed her lips. "Come to think of it...the Changelings were after Spike for the same reason..."

"So the other boy's dead?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh, he's much worse than dead," Trixie said. "He was mutated into an incomplete Changeling. I saw the whole thing." She gave Twilight a level stare. "That's the only reason I stole the Lunar Seal magic from Sunset Shimmer. Don't get me wrong...I'm enjoying having this power. But I only stole it to screw her over."

Twilight thought about this for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Trixie-san." She paused. "If...if you find out anything that might be helpful..."

"We're not friends, Twilight Sparkle," Trixie said. "It's in your best interests if our paths never cross again." She turned to Pinkie. "And as for you... Trixie fully intends to destroy your popularity and claim her rightful place as the number one Net Idol."

With that, she disappeared again.

After a long moment of silence, Pinkie said, "That girl is very unsmile."

"Yes...yes, she is," Twilight said. "But...I believe her. I believe every word she said just now." She frowned. "Which doesn't really help us..."

* * * * *

Thundercracker returned to the condo she shared with the other two girls. "Any luck?" she asked.

Dreadwing frowned. "I think I might know how to break this thing, but...it's gonna take a lot more power than I have."

"Will this do?" Starscream asked, tossing her phone to Dreadwing.

Dreadwing caught it and stared at the screen. It showed a video of three mahoushoujo pumping massive amounts of powerful magic into the most intense barrier she'd ever seen.

Her lips pulled back into a grin that gave her the appearance of a predatory bird. "Oh yeah...that's exactly what I need..."

Author's Note

From this point on, the title cards I use over on my website will be posted in the Author's Notes for each new chapter here.

The title card for this chapter:

Loyalty 2: シャドーボルツ

Rainbow Dash was in the middle of her evening cooldown run when Lightning Dust jumped down from a roof and fell into step beside her. "Hey Dash," she said.

"Hey Dusty," Rainbow said. "Didn't expect to see you again so soon."

"Yeah..." Lightning Dust said. "Hey, you almost done runnin'?"

"Just about, why?"

"I thought we could grab a snack, catch up..." Lightning Dust said. "You were tellin' me you made some new friends...I wanna hear all about 'em."

Loyalty 2: シャドーボルツ

"Good morning, Rainbow-san!"

"Hey Twilight."

"You're in a good mood today."

Rainbow shrugged as she sat down. "I ran into an old friend the other day," she said. "Haven't seen her in a while. Last night, we went out for a bite...we talked. I told her about you and Pinkie and the others. You should totally meet her!"

Twilight smiled. "We'll talk to the other girls, see if they'd like to meet this friend of yours. Who is she?"

"Her name's Lightning Dust," Rainbow said. "I'll tell you all about her at lunch."

* * * * *

Dreadwing's eyes glittered with cold amusement. "You're shitting me. You are shitting me, right?"

"Nope," Thundercracker said. "The girl in the video with the rainbow hair? I grew up with her. Name's Rainbow Dash. We used to be friends." She smiled. "Bumped into her the other night...caught up a bit. She mentioned she had new friends. When I went out today, I went lookin' for her again. She actually told me all about her new friends. She wants me to meet 'em."

Starscream looked up, frowning. "I'm against this," she said. "It's bad enough that this Rainbow Dash knows your real name and face. You're taking a huge risk here..."

"Yeah, it's a risk, but..." Thundercracker shrugged. "If we're gonna use these girls to break open that seal thingie, we gotta know what makes 'em tick, right?"

Dreadwing nodded. "Do it. But don't give anything away."

"You know me better than that..."

* * * * *

"Lightning Dust...we were friends growin' up," Rainbow said as the girls dug into their lunches. "She left Pony City when we were second years in junior high. She was always the fastest sprinter in our age group." Rainbow laughed. "She does parkour now, said racing lost its appeal by the time she was a high school first year."

"Parkour? Goodness...that's dangerous, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, but Dusty always liked takin' risks," Rainbow said. "Actually..." She looked down at her bento. "When she left Pony City...it was right after..."

* * * * *

"Check this out, Dash!"

"Dusty? What the hell're you doin' up there?"

"Watch me jump this!"

Lightning Dust stood at the top of the sloping concrete bank overlooking the man-made waterway that cut through the neighborhood Rainbow lived in. Rainbow was down below, her shoes and socks off, cooling her feet in the water.

"What the...? Dusty, it's...it's too far! You can't make a jump like that!"

"Sure I can," Lightning Dust said confidently. She pointed at the top of the opposite bank. "I'm gonna run down this bank and jump right up to the street on the other side!"

Rainbow shook her head. "You're stupid," she said.

"I am not!" Lightning Dust took several steps back. Alarmed, Rainbow shot to her feet, scrambling to run up the bank. Her wet feet couldn't find purchase on the concrete; she ended up on her knees, a stinging pain telling her she'd scraped herself.

Lightning Dust vaulted over the edge and down the bank at a hard sprint. Halfway down the bank, she launched herself forward, sailing right over the waterway. Rainbow could only watch in disbelief as Lightning Dust's jump carried her higher...higher...

...she was almost there...

...and then she hit the top of her jump and started to fall...

She must have realized she was about to miss her mark, because she started to brace herself for an impact with the approaching slope, but it was too late. She touched down all fours, and for a brief moment, Rainbow hoped she'd successfully broken her fall and could simply run down the bank to the waterway...

...but then she lost her purchase on the unforgiving concrete, and her foot slipped out from under her...

Lightning Dust tumbled down the slope, scrambling to stop her fall. In her panic, she tucked into the worst possible position to brace for an impact with the ground...

She landed right on her head and fell still.

"Dusty? ...DUSTY!" Rainbow charged right into the water, half-swimming, half-wading, until she reached Lightning Dust's side. Her neck was at the wrong angle, and blood—so much blood—was pooling beneath her head.

Rainbow's own phone was in her bag on the other side of the waterway. She rooted through Lightning Dust's pocket until she found her phone, then called an ambulance.

While waiting for the ambulance, she remained at Lightning Dust's side. Lightning Dust's breath was shallow, and her neck looked so bad, and there was so much blood...

* * * * *

The others stared at Rainbow Dash in horror.

"She almost died," Rainbow said. "They got her to the hospital just in time. She was lucky...her neck healed, but it took time. Her mom was pissed." She sighed. "After that, her family moved away...I tried callin', but her phone stopped workin'. Guess she got a new one or changed the number."

"That's awful!" Fluttershy gasped, hands over her mouth.

"That poor dear," Rarity said.

"Eh, she did it to herself," Rainbow said. "Dusty doesn't think before she does stupid stuff. I can tell she's still like that. She actually dropped outta high school so she can focus on parkour."

"Dropped out of...what kind of future does she expect to have?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow shrugged. "She says right now she's a part-timer, doin' odd jobs. Says she likes that life. Probably because it doesn't have as many rules." She chuckled. "Dusty never liked rules."

Rarity frowned. "I'm sorry, Dash-san, but...this friend of yours...she doesn't sound like a particularly savory character."

"Eh," Rainbow said. "She's alright...if you peel off the rind." She plucked a tangerine out of her bag and peeled it, taking a bite of the fruit. Juices ran down her chin; she wiped them off with her arm. "She's a lot like me, only...rougher. Kinda selfish. Kind of a jerk."

"And...you want us to meet her...why?" Twilight asked.

"Because I can tell she needs friends," Rainbow said. "And...I was kinda hopin'...meetin' you all might...might help her." She looked up. "She is my oldest friend. The oldest one that's...still alive."

The girls looked at one another.

"We'd be happy to meet her," Pinkie said with a small smile.

* * * * *

"Hey, this is—!" Pinkie said.

"Heh, yep," Rainbow said as she led her friends to the same yakiniku restaurant where she and Twilight had first met Pinkie Pie. "We haven't been back here in a while...actually, I kinda wanted to bring the rest of you here a long time ago."

"Ooh, yakiniku," Applejack said. "Bet it ain't as good as this one place in Cow Town..."

"This is a part of town I'm not familiar with," Rarity said. Her look was mildly disapproving as she studied the restaurant.

"Oh, you'll love this place!" Pinkie said. "It's great!"

"It really is," Twilight said. "This was the first place where I ever really ate meat."

"Hey, didn't Brittany-chan wanna come?" Pinkie asked.

Fluttershy sighed and shook her head. "She has a therapist appointment today," she said sadly.

"Awww," Pinkie said.

"How's she doing? She doesn't...really say much when she does eat lunch with us," Twilight said.

Fluttershy sighed. "She's...broken," she said. "Badly. It's going to take a long time for her to..." She trailed off.

"Oh hey, there's Dusty!" Rainbow called. She waved. "Hey, Dusty! Over here!"

The girls turned to see an orange-haired girl in black jeans and a black leather jacket running up to them. "Hey Dash," she called.

"Girls, this is Lightning Dust," Rainbow said. "Lightning Dust, this is Twilight Sparkle—"

"Pleased to meet you," Twilight said, bowing.

"—Pinkie Pie—"

"Hi~iiii!" Pinkie sang, waving.

"—Fluttershy—"

"Umm...hello," Fluttershy said softly.

"—Applejack-senpai—"

"Howdy," Applejack said with a grin.

"—and Rarity-senpai," Rainbow finished.

"Charmed, I'm sure," Rarity said, studying Lightning Dust up and down. "You certainly have your own...style."

"Well, you ready to eat?" Rainbow asked.

The girls piled into the restaurant and were led to one of the private rooms by their server. Once they'd placed their orders, Twilight said, "So, Lightning-san...Rainbow-san tells us you're an old friend of hers."

"Yeah," Lightning Dust said. She looked around the table. "So, Dash, you and your friends are those girls that are all over the news, right?"

The group exchanged uneasy glances.

"Yeah," Rainbow said. "It's a long story—"

"Don't care," Lightning Dust said, waving a hand dismissively. "Whatever you're up to, it's cool with me. As long as you're still keepin' in shape, and I know you are 'cause I've seen you run." She chuckled. "Never figured you'd fall in with a bunch of mahoushoujo, though." She smirked at Rainbow. "You bangin' any of 'em?"

"Gah!" Rainbow cried. The other girls made various noises of disgust, surprise, or embarrassment. "Dusty! You know I ain't—"

"Just messin' with you, Dash," Lightning Dust said with a grin.

"Honestly!" Rarity huffed as the server brought their drinks. "Such beastly innuendo!"

"Eh, I've been teasin' Dash about that since we were in sixth grade," Lightning Dust said as she sipped her cola. "She always used to pick fights with kids who called her a queer 'cause of her hair...remember that, Dash?"

"Yeah, and I remember you bein' a total bitch about it," Rainbow muttered as she plucked an ice cube out of her ginger ale and crunched it.

Lightning Dust laughed. "How can I help it? It's just too funny windin' you up about it! I mean, I always toldja to just ignore 'em..." She smirked. "Or better yet, shine 'em on. Play it up, y'know?"

"Why you gotta be like this, Dusty?" Rainbow asked quietly. "I wanted you to meet my friends, get to know 'em...haven't you grown up any at all?"

The others shifted uncomfortably.

Lightning Dust had the grace to look sheepish. "Sorry," she said. "I guess...I just missed the way we used to pick at each other." She laughed softly. "You always knew exactly which buttons to push..."

"You never knew when to stop pushing them," Rainbow said. They shared a laugh.

The server brought in trays of meats and vegetables, and the girls began grilling them. "So how's your mom been doin'?" Rainbow asked.

Lightning Dust frowned. "Dunno," she said. "I left home."

Twilight gasped. "You ran away?"

"She kicked me out," Lightning Dust said. "We never really got along." She shrugged. "I'm better off."

"That's horrible," Fluttershy said, eyes wide. "How could...?"

"Look, my mom's a bitch," Lightning Dust growled. "Let's drop it, okay?"

"Sorry," Fluttershy said softly, ducking her head.

"Damn," Rainbow said. "I knew you used to scream at each other all the time, but..." She sighed. "So where've you been livin'?"

"Wherever I can," Lightning Dust said, turning over a piece of beef. "I've been all over Neighpon. I get odd jobs where I can, find cheap places to crash for a while...move on before shit gets ugly...haven't stayed in one place more than four months since I quit school."

"That doesn't sound very smile," Pinkie said.

Lightning Dust gave her an odd look, but shrugged. "Eh. I'm seein' lots of places, meetin' lots of people..." She smirked. "Gettin' in all kinds of fun trouble. And I'm learnin' how to do a lotta things. It's better than bein' stuck in some stuffy classroom all day, wearin' the same ridiculous uniform every day..." She looked around the table. "So, what do you girls do for kicks?" she asked.

"I'm a Net Idol!" Pinkie said proudly. "Though...that's been kinda slow the last couple weeks."

"I enjoy reading," Twilight said. "I'm not from Neighpon, so I'm spending a lot of my spare time learning Neighponese history and culture."

"I'm the captain of the Judo Club and president of the Fashion Club," Rarity said. "I also spend a lot of my spare time teaching my little sister how to be an elegant, refined lady."

"I like animals," Fluttershy said quietly. "My grandmother runs a pet shop with a day camp...I spend a lot of time there. Also, I...have a friend who's been through a tragedy recently. I'm trying to help her...heal."

"Ah don't really do much except school an' hangin' out with these gals," Applejack said. "Ah jes' came t' Pony City a month ago with mah li'l sis...truth be told, Ah'm a bit listless without farm stuff t' do."

"You must be from Cow Town," Lightning Dust said.

"Yep."

As the girls ate, they told Lightning Dust all about their families and Umadakara High School, while she told them about some of the places she'd lived and some of the jobs she'd held.

Two hours later, Lightning Dust's phone chimed. She pulled it out and glanced at it. "Well," she said, "this has been fun, and it was nice meetin' you all...I'm sure I'll be seein' you all again soon, but I gotta run right now." She stood and stretched. "Gotta go to work."

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Dust-san," Rarity said.

"Yeah, see you around," Applejack said.

The others bid her farewell.

Once she was gone, Rainbow looked around at her friends. "Well?"

"You weren't kidding about peeling off the rind," Rarity said bluntly. "Although from what I can tell, Dust-san is...mostly rind."

"Ah dunno about that gal," Applejack said. "Somethin' about her sets me on edge."

"She's...nice," Fluttershy said quietly.

Rainbow sighed. "Yeah...to be honest, I...I'm not so sure about her either," she said. "I had hoped she'd...y'know...grown up a bit, but..."

"As you said earlier," Twilight said, "she seems to need friends. Don't give up on her just because she's..." She frowned. "Complex," she finally decided.

"You're probably right," Rainbow said. She plucked a mushroom off the grill and dipped it in sauce. "I dunno about you girls, but I'm about ready to go."

"Me too, I'm stuffed," Pinkie said.

"Ah gotta bring Apple Bloom 'round here sometime," Applejack said. "This is some good eatin'."

Finishing the last of their portions, the girls left the restaurant.

As the six mahoushoujo filed out into the street, the late evening sky suddenly darkened. A black mist rolled in all around them. "What the—?" Rainbow cried.

She heard a series of meaty thumps. She looked wildly around, but couldn't see anything. She reached for her locket...

She felt something strike her across the back of the head.

* * * * *

Rainbow awoke slowly. Her skull hurt, and her eyes felt tight. She quickly discovered she was bound tightly, her wrists tied together behind something cold and hard and her legs tied painfully at the ankles and knees. "What the hell?!"

She looked around and saw her friends around her, all tied to the support columns of an empty, dusty warehouse with a low aluminum ceiling, illuminated by a single bare bulb. The others were slowly waking up.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"Oh my goodness..." Fluttershy gasped. "We've been kidnapped!"

"Oh my gosh!" Pinkie yelped. "We're gonna be raped! Or sold! Or sold and raped!"

"Settle down, pardner," Applejack said. "Panic ain't gonna git us nowhere..."

"Oh, you're not going anywhere at all," a scratchy voice said.

A cloud of black smoke erupted in the center of the room. When it cleared, three women stood there, each wearing identical tight-fitting purple spandex bodysuits with black spandex hoods, black leather boots, and black leather gloves. The tops of their boots and gloves were trimmed with jagged gold piping, reminiscent of lightning bolts. They each wore a pair of amber goggles.

"Who are you?" Twilight yelled.

"We're the Shadowbolts," the woman in the center said. Her goggles glinted in the harsh light of the bare bulb. "And if you don't do what we say, everybody you care about is gonna die."

Author's Note

Title card for this chapter:

Loyalty 3: グリッフォン

"We're the Shadowbolts," the woman in the center said. Her goggles glinted in the harsh light of the bare bulb. "And if you don't do what we say, everybody you care about is gonna die."

Twilight abruptly disappeared in a magenta flash, reappearing behind the Shadowbolts. Her right hand glowed as she extended it. "Sleep."

One of the Shadowbolts stepped forward, holding her hands out. There was a ruby red flash of light; Twilight's spell dissipated harmlessly.

"Bad move," the leader of the Shadowbolts growled. She drew back her right hand, which began to glow golden. With a piercing kiai, she charged Twilight.

"BARRIER!"

The powered punch slammed into Twilight's shield, sending her flying into the wall.

"TWILIGHT!" the others yelled.

The Shadowbolt advanced, blazing golden talons glowing around her right hand. "I need you alive," she said. "Alive doesn't necessarily mean uninjured..."

Loyalty 3: グリッフォン

"Miri, call Spike!" Pinkie yelled frantically.

A dual-tone chime rang from inside her blouse. //Calling Spike.//

Before the Shadowbolts could process this, a second, younger, male voice sounded out. //What's up, Pinkie?//

"HEEEEEELP!" Pinkie screamed. Her scream was stifled as one of the Shadowbolts strapped a piece of duct tape over her mouth and slapped her hard enough to knock her unconscious for good measure.

//Pinkie? PINKIE!//

"Do come quickly, Spike-kun!" Rarity yelled. The Shadowbolt who had struck Pinkie approached her with the tape, and she flinched away. "I'll be quiet now..."

"Dammit, do something about that phone!" the Shadowbolt with the glowing hand yelled. "I thought we took all their phones!"

The Shadowbolt with the tape ripped open Pinkie's blouse; a smartphone fell out of her bra and clattered onto the floor. "Who the fuck keeps their phone in their bra?" she asked in a scratchy voice.

The distraction was all Twilight needed. She teleported outside...then reappeared a moment later, transformed and ready to fight. She struck the Shadowbolt who had assaulted Pinkie in the back of the head with her baton, then pointed it at Pinkie. "Awaken!"

Pinkie groaned, rubbing her head. "Oooh...my head..." She looked down. "Gah! My phone! And my boobs!"

"You'll pay for that, witch!" the scratchy-voiced Shadowbolt said. she launched herself at Twilight, aiming a wild punch at her head.

Twilight dodged, striking her again, then waved her baton at her friends. The ropes holding them disappeared. Pinkie quickly scooped up her phone and stuffed it into her skirt pocket, then tried to rearrange her blouse. "Everybody, transform!" Twilight yelled.

"Right!" the others chorused.

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"Element of Harmony..."

"LOYALTY!"

"LAUGHTER!"

"GENEROSITY!"

"KINDNESS!"

"HONESTY!"

"Oh WONDERFUL!" the scratchy-voiced Shadowbolt complained, throwing her hands up in the air. "GREAT, Dreadwing! They're loose, they're pissed, and they've all transformed."

The leader, Dreadwing, shrugged, dissipating the golden glow around her hand. "So? They can't beat us, they don't know who we are or where to find us when we bail outta this place, and we know all about them and their families." She stepped forward and pointed at Twilight. "Listen up! I know you're from Sun Island. I know the rest of these dweebs are powerless without the Elements of Harmony. This doesn't have to be hard. All you gotta do is do what we say, and you'll never hear from us again."

"No way, jerk!" Rainbow cried. "You tie us up, threaten our families, and expect us to help you? Who are you losers, anyway?"

"I told you already, we're the Shadowbolts!" Dreadwing said. "I'm Dreadwing!"

"Thundercracker!" the scratchy-voiced one said, striking a pose.

"Starscream," the third Shadowbolt said, arms folded.

"And if you want your families to live out the month, you'll do us a solid," Dreadwing said. "Starscream? The names."

"Twilight Velvet. Rainbow Blaze. Clyde Pie. Sue Pie. Maud Pie. Inkamena Pie. Blinkamena Pie. Apple Bloom. Big Macintosh. Granny Smith. Sweetie Belle. Anna Twombly."

The girls paled.

Dreadwing crossed her arms. "Those are the names of everybody we're gonna kill if you don't do exactly what I say," she said.

"You forgot someone!" a voice called out as the room filled with green smoke. Three loud thumps were heard.

The smoke cleared, and Spike stood in the middle of the room, holding two kunai which burned with emerald fire.

Thundercracker was the first to rise. She launched herself at Spike, performing an impressive triple spin kick that forced him on the defensive. Rarity charged in, leaping and delivering a flying kick to the head which sent Thundercracker spinning across the floor to crash into a wall.

Starscream rolled to a crouch and slapped the floor with the palms of both hands. Blue lightning crackled outward from her hands, ripping along the floor; the bare concrete beneath Spike and Rarity exploded upward, knocking them into the steel rafters. Rainbow and Fluttershy caught them, carrying them gently to the floor.

"HEY! That was really rude!" Pinkie cried, bracing her weapon. "SMILE CONFETTI VAGINA!"

The explosion of pink smoke and party decorations from Pinkie's bazooka caught Starscream and sent her flying, but her hands burned with ruby red light, absorbing the most harmful effects of the attack. Even as she slammed into the wall, she dropped down and slapped her hands on the ground. The support column behind Pinkie warped and twisted around, binding her.

Dreadwing stood, both hands blazing with golden talons made of light. "Okay. Playtime's over," she snarled. She blurred into motion; Twilight cried out as Dreadwing slashed her across the back, then kicked her at Spike. In another burst of motion, she ran up the back wall, flipped off, and raked Rainbow across the back; Rainbow screamed as she fell to the hard floor, her wings exploding away from her body.

Fluttershy spun and threw her shield at Dreadwing, but Dreadwing folded her hands into a ram seal, exploding into a cloud of black smoke through which the shield passed harmlessly, clanging against the metal wall.

Spike gasped. "That's...ninja magic!" Gently lowering Twilight to the floor, he performed a rapid series of seals. His hands and feet blazed with emerald fire as he launched himself at Dreadwing. "HIRYUUREPPA!"

Spike's blazing fists and feet whirled into a frenzy of punches and kicks, creating a miniature green firestorm that caught Dreadwing, buffeting her. She had no time to block or counter as Spike's relentless assault pounded her. She let out a piercing screech as a final flaming kick sent her crashing into the concrete floor. Her costume was torn and smoldering; most of the back had burned away, revealing a tattoo of a griffon which covered her upper back from shoulderblade to shoulderblade.

Dreadwing snarled as she rolled to her feet. "You're an Emerald Flame Dragon," she spat.

"That's right," Spike said. "I'm Spike of the Emerald Flame Dragon Clan, and these are my friends!"

Dreadwing ripped away her charred goggles, revealing furious golden eyes. "Shadowbolts...we're leaving. We know where these losers live." She pointed furiously at Spike. "YOU," she hissed, "I'll be seeing again. I'm gonna make your whole goddamn clan pay for what they did to mine...starting with YOU."

"What my clan did?" Spike asked. "Who are you?"

"I'm the last of the Soaring Lion Eagles," Dreadwing said. Then, the warehouse exploded in black smoke.

By the time Twilight was able to clear it with her magic, the Shadowbolts were gone.

The girls and Spike gathered in the middle of the warehouse. "What...what just happened?" Fluttershy asked, eyes wide with terror. "Who...who were those girls?"

"A new problem," Twilight said grimly. A quick search of the warehouse turned up their phones, piled on a dusty old table in a corner. She checked the time and grimaced. "Can't contact Celestia-sama this late..."

"What did they want with us?" Pinkie asked, eyes wide. "They never said!"

"I'm pretty sure we'll be hearing from them again," Rainbow said as she reversed her transformation. "Crap, that hurt...that bitch did something to my wings..."

"Your wings will probably be fine next time you transform," Twilight said. "At least...I hope they will. They're not real, they're magic, so..."

"Ah gotta git home an' check on Apple Bloom," Applejack said.

"Yes, I must see to Sweetie Belle at once," Rarity agreed.

"Yeah, we'd pretty much all better go check on our families," Pinkie said, worry in her eyes. "This is unsmile..."

"We'll meet up again tomorrow to talk about...about what just happened," Twilight said. She looked at Spike, whose face was pale and shaken. "Are you okay?"

Spike shook his head. "No," he said. "No...I'm not."

* * * * *

"What the HELL, Gilda?"

Thundercracker paced the condo angrily, throwing her hands wildly into the air. "We had them! There's no way those losers could've..." She turned and stared angrily at Dreadwing, hands on her hips. "What the hell?"

Dreadwing scowled. "I didn't expect that Emerald Flame brat," she said. "Look...we're still gonna get those girls to break the Seal. But killing the Emerald Flame kid comes first."

"What's so important about some ninja kid?" Thundercracker demanded. "The thing with the stupid rock is bad enough, but now you wanna kill some kid?"

"That kid's clan killed my entire clan," Dreadwing said. "The Soaring Lion Eagles were the strongest clan on Sun Island. Then the Emerald Flame Dragons wiped us out." She looked down at her lap. "My dad knew...he told me all about it. I'm the last one left..." She clenched her fists. "That's why I want the power of the Lunar Seal. So I can do to them what they did to my clan."

"So this is all about revenge?" Thundercracker asked, disbelief in her voice. "Gilda...that's not what I signed on for."

Dreadwing glared up at her, then looked over at Starscream. "You got an opinion?"

"I'm with you to the end," Starscream said. "This is...interesting."

"We've got enough cash and stuff right now," Dreadwing said, looking up at Thundercracker. "If you want, you can take your share of everything we've got and bail. Or you can stick around and be part of something bigger than you could ever imagine."

Thundercracker frowned, crossing her arms. Her gaze held Dreadwing's for a long time.

Then, she sat down and sighed. "Alright...I'll hang tight for now. But this revenge bullshit is lame."

"You wouldn't say that if it was your clan that was burned to ashes."

"Could I just point one thing out?" Starscream interjected.

"Yeah?"

"We never actually told those girls about the Lunar Seal."

Dreadwing sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. We'll get to it. I just...I just had to bail. Couldn't think straight..."

* * * * *

Twilight contacted Sun Island shortly after daybreak. Upon hearing Twilight's report, Celestia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "A Soaring Lion Eagle..."

"The last of the Soaring Lion Eagles," Twilight said. "We still don't know why they kidnapped us in the first place, but...as soon as she realized Spike was an Emerald Flame Dragon, she...she just left without...even telling us what they wanted from us. And now we've got this death threat looming over our families, we don't know who these girls are or where they came from, and...well..."

"And now you have a clan blood feud on your hands," Celestia said gravely. She sighed. "How's Spike holding up?"

"He's freaking out," Twilight said. "He...what happened to the Soaring Lion Eagle Clan, it...it's always bothered him. Most of the Emerald Flame Dragons regret what happened, as far as I know..."

"Yes, they do," Celestia said. "But I took great pains to bury all records of the incident..."

Twilight shrugged. "Somebody unburied it," she said. "It's a moot point now. This Dreadwing...she's a Soaring Lion Eagle, and she's out for blood."

Celestia sighed. "Well...one rogue vice mage shouldn't be that great a challenge for six mahoushoujo with the Elements of Harmony and one Emerald Flame Clan mage, whatever his feelings on the matter may be."

"If it was just this Dreadwing, it wouldn't be a problem," Twilight said. "But those other two...I didn't see the one that called herself Thundercracker use any kind of magic whatsoever, but the one called Starscream..." Twilight frowned. "She was using a type of magic I've never seen before. And...she absorbs magic. Only Pinkie-san and I actually tried to use magic attacks during our fight with the Shadowbolts...well, and Spike, but he only went after Dreadwing." She shrugged. "Starscream...I think she absorbs magic. Not in any way I'm familiar with, though."

"Hmm. I'll do some research. Do you remember anything else?"

"She...used some kind of geomancy, I think. She was making the concrete floor explode and metal support columns bend."

Celestia nodded. "I'll look into it. In the meantime, be on your guard, and...if the Shadowbolts contact you again, find out what it is they want from you."

"Hai, Celestia-sama."

Author's Note

Title card for this chapter:

Loyalty 4: ガンビット

After school, the mahoushoujo met up at Twilight's apartment.

"We need to discuss what happened," Twilight said seriously. "And...you all need to understand exactly what we're dealing with when it comes to this girl who calls herself Dreadwing."

Loyalty 4: ガンビット

Spike sat facing the girls, head bowed, an unusually pensive look on his face.

"A long time ago, the Soaring Lion Eagles were one of the stronger clans on Sun Island," he said. "Based on what my master told me, they drew their strength from anger...no, more like...from wrath.

"Several decades ago, Master Kouryuu's father had a fiancee. His rival from the Soaring Lion Eagle Clan wanted her for himself, but...she rejected him. Again and again. When she agreed to marry his rival, he decided that if he couldn't have her, nobody would. So he murdered her in the night."

Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie gasped. Rainbow's eyes bugged out. Applejack frowned.

"The next day, when...when they found her body..." Spike swallowed. "Master Kouryuu's father went insane with rage. He...he killed the entire Soaring Lion Eagle Clan. Burned their compound to the ground."

"Oh my..." Fluttershy whispered, eyes wide.

"The only survivors were those who had gone out into the outside world," Spike said. "Celestia-sama banished Master Kouryuu's father to a deserted island, then tried to cover the whole thing up as an accident. If...if any Soaring Lion Eagles came back to Sun Island, they were only supposed to learn that there was a terrible, tragic accident that wiped out the clan."

"But somebody found out the truth, didn't they?" Rarity asked.

"Apparently," Spike said. "This Dreadwing...if she is what she says she is, and she knows the truth...then she's out for revenge."

"Dude," Rainbow said. "You mean she's gonna try to kill you even though you didn't have anything to do with it?"

Spike shrugged. "Why not? The man that wiped out her clan could've stopped at the man who wronged him, but he didn't. He killed dozens of men, women, and children who had nothing to do with the murder of his bride."

"That doesn't make what this Dreadwing person is doing right," Rarity said.

"Of course it doesn't," Twilight said. "But...in her eyes, all Emerald Flame Dragons are her enemies. That's..." She shrugged helplessly. "That's just the way it is."

"So just use your Erase Magic spell on her," Rainbow said. "That'll be the end of it."

"I'm afraid it won't," Twilight said. "Erase Magic only works on dark magic and magic that's the same as mine. Vice magic...it's different. I can't take her magic away like I did with Sunset Shimmer." She took a deep breath. "And...there's another problem.

"You see, if all we had to deal with was this Soaring Lion Eagle girl, then this wouldn't even be a problem. Unfortunately, we have two unknown elements to deal with in addition to her."

"Thundercracker and Starscream," Pinkie said. She tilted her head. "Where'd they even come up with these names?"

"This coming from Smile Confetti Vagina Girl," Rainbow muttered.

"I don't know if Thundercracker has any magic or not," Twilight said. "She didn't seem to. But Starscream...whatever power she was using, it isn't something I recognize. And it's...dangerous."

"Boy, I'll say!" Pinkie said, rubbing her shoulders. "That piece of metal she wrapped around me left bruises!"

"How'd she blow up th' floor?" Applejack wondered. "That was some kinda crazy."

"I don't know," Twilight said. "I told Celestia-sama about our encounter and described Starscream's power, and she's researching it. Okaasan is also looking into it. But neither of them has ever heard of anything like it..." She shook her head. "If those two can't identify it, then it's never been encountered on Sun Island. And that...could be bad."

"Eh, we can still totally kick their butts," Rainbow said. "There's seven of us and three of them..."

"And they know who our families are," Twilight pointed out. "We have to take this seriously. They want something from us...we still don't know what. We'll be hearing from them again, and they made sure to let us know our families are at risk if we don't cooperate."

"And whatever it is they want from us, it's likely to be something we're unwilling to do," Rarity said.

"Almost certainly." Twilight sighed. "For now, all we can do is wait."

* * * * *

Saturday morning, Twilight opened her shoe locker to switch her shoes for uwabaki and found a note.

Midnight at Hoshigusa Park. Do NOT bring the Emerald Flame brat. - Dreadwing

Twilight frowned. "So..."

* * * * *

"It's gotta be a trap," Rainbow said.

"Absolutely," Rarity agreed.

"I...don't think they're planning to kill us or anything, since they seemed to need us for something," Fluttershy said.

"It doesn't matter," Twilight said. "If we don't go, we're putting everyone we care about in danger. Also, we need to know what they're up to."

"Shouldn't we call th' cops or somethin'?" Applejack asked, scratching her head. "Y'know, set up an ambush?"

Twilight shook her head. "Wouldn't do any good," she said. "Either they'd fail to show and then come after our families, or they'd attack the police...with a vice mage on the loose, they could injure, even kill officers that are powerless to protect themselves." She sighed. "A direct confrontation is really the best option."

"Sounds good to me," Rainbow said, pounding a fist into an open palm. "Let's put these Shadowbolts down for the count!"

"I agree with Rainbow-san," Rarity said. "We need to put an end to this quickly."

Twilight nodded. "Alright. We'll meet up at my place at 11:30, then head to the park."

* * * * *

Rainbow was on her third lap around the block when a fuschia-haired blur dropped out of a tree above her. "RAMEN SPLASH!"

Rainbow jumped up, caught Scootaloo, and gave her a vicious noogie. "You're too slow, brat!"

"Ow! Hey! Quiddit!" Scootaloo extracted herself, running a hand through her hair. "So, anything big going on? Gonna fight any more monster bugs?"

Rainbow laughed. "No bug monsters, buuuuut...as a matter of fact, some new magical baddies just came to town."

"Oooh, cool!" Scootaloo said. "Ne ne, are they gonna blow up any more monuments?"

"I hope not," Rainbow said. "You know blowing up monuments is bad, right?"

"Well, yeah...but it's exciting!"

Rainbow chuckled. "Big explosions are only cool in movies and anime, kiddo. In real life, it's..." She frowned. "It's bad, and it's scary, and a lot of people get hurt."

Scootaloo kicked at the ground. "I guess..."

Rainbow smirked and ruffled Scootaloo's hair. "Hey...one of the new bad guys is a ninja," she said.

"A ninja? Really?"

"Yep!"

"Cool! Can I watch you fight?"

Rainbow grimaced. "Not a good idea, squirt. These are the kind of baddies that take hostages to force the heroes to surrender. Probably also the kind that kill the hostage anyway."

"Oh," Scootaloo said. She frowned. "But you can beat 'em, right?"

"You bet!"

Scootaloo's phone rang. "Oh crap, I gotta go home! Good luck! Tell me all about the epic fight with the evil ninja!"

* * * * *

"Sweetie Belle, I need you in bed early tonight," Rarity said.

"Oneesan...is something wrong?"

"Not at all, I just...have a lot to do, is all. Now, be a good girl, alright?"

"Alright..."

* * * * *

"Ah need you t' be careful tonight, Apple Bloom."

"What's goin' on, Anechan? You look upset."

"Me an' th' girls gotta take care'a somethin' tonight," Applejack said. "Ah dunno how this is all gonna go down, but Ah want you in bed, snug as a worm in an apple."

"Alright." Apple Bloom shook her head and laughed. "Ah still can't believe mah own big sis is a mahoushoujo..."

"Heh...yeah...Ah can't believe it neither..."

* * * * *

"Okaasan, Spike...be careful tonight. These Shadowbolts are almost certainly up to something."

"Don't worry about us, Twiley-chan," Velvet said. "Take care of yourselves."

"You know what to do, right?"

"Of course."

* * * * *

The moon and stars couldn't be seen for the glowing haze that perpetually shrouded the heart of Pony City.

The six mahoushoujo, transformed and ready for action, stood in the very heart of Hoshigusa Park.

Three dark shapes dropped silently from the trees in front of them.

"Okay, we're here," Twilight said. "What is it you want from us?"

Dreadwing reached into a satchel hanging at her waist and pulled out a rough chunk of dark crystal which shone from within with a silvery glow. "You're going to break this Seal," she said.

Twilight gasped in shock. "A Lunar Seal!" She shook her head. "Are you insane?!"

"I need the power of this seal to exact my revenge," Dreadwing said. "I know all about your little battle at Kirin Tower. You girls have more than enough power to release the magic from this Lunar Seal."

"There's absolutely no way I'd help you!" Twilight said. "Not only do you want to weaken the seal imprisoning the Nightbringer, but someone very important to me is an Emerald Flame Dragon! I absolutely refuse to help you destroy his clan and doom the world!"

"I had a feeling that'd be your answer," Dreadwing said. She snapped her fingers, and the other two Shadowbolts disappeared. She reached into another pocket on her belt and pulled out a smartphone. "Call Thundercracker," she said.

The girls tensed up. "What's...what's going on?" Fluttershy asked.

Dreadwing walked toward them, holding out her phone. A video appeared on the screen of one of the Shadowbolts standing over a bed in a small, dark bedroom.

Applejack's eyes widened. "No...!"

On the screen, Thundercracker pulled back the bedcovers, revealing the sleeping form of Apple Bloom. She pressed a knife to the girl's throat.

Dreadwing chuckled. "Starscream is at your house, Rarity," she said. "Don't worry...she's taking very good care of your sister Sweetie Belle."

Rarity took a step forward. "You...!"

"So, here's the deal," Dreadwing said. "You break the Seal and those girls live."

Twilight shook her head. "No."

"No?" Dreadwing echoed. "So you're saying the lives of your friends' sisters mean nothing to you?"

"That's not what I'm saying at all," Twilight said. "I'm saying there's no way we're going to help you."

"Then you've signed their death warrants," Dreadwing snarled. "Thundercracker, do it."

* * * * *

//Thundercracker, do it.//

Thundercracker hesitated. The knife glinted against the young girl's skin. One slash, and the girl would be dead...

Thundercracker suddenly found herself staggering away from the bed. Her arms moved against her will. She struggled, but a pale silvery-white glow wrapped around her, pinning her arms to her sides. The knife clattered to the floor. "What the hell...?"

The small, red-haired girl in the bed sat up...and with a silver-white flash, transformed into an older woman with purple and white hair. "Were you expecting somebody else?" Twilight Velvet asked, crossing her arms.

"Tch...!" Thundercracker struggled against the binding magic. "Let go of me, you old bitch!"

"Who are you calling old?"

With a scream of rage, Thundercracker propelled her entire body at Velvet, knocking her over the bed and sending her crashing to the floor on the other side. The magic bonds faded away; Thundercracker picked up the knife, then dragged Velvet out from behind the bed by the hair. "So you're not the hick's sister...you're still a useful hostage!"

Velvet smiled...and vanished.

Police sirens filled the air...

* * * * *

Dreadwing growled. "It doesn't matter! Starscream still has the prissy bitch's sister! Call Starscream!"

A moment later, a video appeared on the phone...

* * * * *

Starscream pressed her hands against the manicured grass. A fountain of dirt exploded underneath Spike, who leapt out of the way and threw a brace of kunai.

Starscream seized the kunai out of the air, laying them in a pile on the ground. Slapping her palms against them, she transformed them into a long, single-edged sword. Picking it up, she charged Spike, swinging the sword.

Spike teleported behind her and kicked her in the back of the head, then grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her to the ground. He sat on her back, pinning her. Police sirens filled the air.

Blue lightning erupted around Starscream. The ground exploded again, creating a massive cloud of dust and throwing Spike against the front of Rarity's house.

Flashing red lights illuminated the dust cloud. When it settled, Spike was alone in the yard. He let out a curse, then teleported away.

* * * * *

Twilight crossed her arms and gave Dreadwing a triumphant smirk.

"But...how?" Dreadwing cried.

"Every person important to us was protected tonight," Twilight said. "No matter who you decided to attack, you would've failed."

Velvet appeared in a flash. "She got away before the police arrived," she said.

"The other one definitely got away then," Rainbow said.

"It's over, Dreadwing. Give me the Lunar Seal," Twilight said.

Dreadwing took a step back. "One way or another, I'll have the power of the Lunar Seal, and I will destroy the Emerald Flame Dragon Clan. AND all of YOU." A cloud of black smoke exploded outward from her.

When it cleared, she was gone.

Twilight sighed. "So...now we know what they're after. AND who stole the Lunar Seal from Deer Valley."

"They sure are good at runnin' away," Applejack said, frowning. She turned to Velvet. "Is...is Apple Bloom safe...?"

"Of course she is," Velvet said, smiling. "She and Sweetie Belle are at my place. Cadance is protecting them."

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. "Your plan worked, Sparkle-san."

"It was Spike's plan, actually," Twilight said. "Most of it, anyway."

"Spike-kun knew the Shadowbolts would try something like this," Velvet said.

Twilight sighed. "Now, the hard part begins."

"What's the hard part?" Pinkie asked.

"Finding out who the Shadowbolts really are and where they're hiding," Twilight said. "Until we can expose them and turn them over to Celestia-sama, we'll have to stay on our guard at all times." She sighed. "Let's go home..."

Author's Note

This chapter's title card:

Loyalty 5: デート

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle ate breakfast with Twilight and her family.

"I think it'd be best if you girls stayed here today, just in case," Twilight said. "Your sisters agree. They'll pick you up this evening."

"So bad ninjas really were going to kill us?" Sweetie Belle asked, eyes wide.

Twilight frowned. "Well...yes. But don't worry. We won't let anything happen to you." She smiled. "With your sisters, me, the other girls, and Spike around, you're safe. I promise."

Sweetie Belle poked a fork in her pancake. "Ne, Oneesan...does Spike-kun have a girlfriend?"

Twilight blinked. "You're...interested in Spike?"

Sweetie Belle blushed.

"Well, I—" Twilight's phone rang. "Oh! Excuse me." She wandered off.

Sweetie Belle pouted. "She didn't answer my question..."

Apple Bloom nudged Sweetie Belle. "Hey. You sure about this?"

Sweetie Belle waved her off. "Spike-kun is so cool..." Her eyes began to sparkle.

"Yyyeah...you've mentioned that..."

"I want...to touch his muscles..."

Apple Bloom facepalmed. "Oi oi."

Loyalty 5: デート

Later that morning, Twilight was absorbed in research when Spike sat down next to her. "Ne, Neechan..."

Twilight looked up. "Hm? What is it, Spike?"

Spike looked down, cheeks tinged faintly red. "Will you go on a date with me?"

Twilight blinked. "That came out of nowhere," she said.

"Neechan...you know how important you are to me, right?"

Twilight swallowed. "H-hai..." She looked down. "It's just...I don't think we should..." She toyed with a page. "I've always thought of you as a brother, and...I just don't know if I..."

Spike looked away.

Twilight put a hand on his shoulder. "You know," she said, "Sweetie Belle has a crush on you."

"Yeah, I noticed," Spike said. He turned a darker shade of red. "I...I'm not really interested in her, but..." He plucked at his shirt. "Well, she's Rarity-sama's sister." He looked up at Twilight. "I don't...I mean...I want to be with you, but Rarity-sama is so..."

"Tall, gorgeous, and has huge breasts?" Twilight suggested with a teasing smile.

"All that, yeah," Spike agreed. "And more than that, she's just amazing. I know there's no way she'll ever give me the time of day, but..." He ducked his head sheepishly. "If...if I can't be with who I want to be with...I'm willing to wait and see if Sweetie Belle turns out like her sister." He looked back up at Twilight. "But you'll always be my first choice, Neechan. Always."

Twilight blushed. "Spike..."

"Just...just think about it, okay?" Spike asked. He got up and walked away, shimmering and fading from view underneath his Indifference charm.

"Spike..." Twilight said to the (probably) empty room. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to her research.

* * * * *

Monday morning, Twilight found a note in her shoe locker. She unfolded it apprehensively, dreading another missive from the Shadowbolts.

We're not in the same class, but I've noticed you, and I'd like a chance to talk to you. I'll be waiting by the A/V room after school if you're interested.

"Whatcha got there, Twilight-chan?" Pinkie Pie popped up over Twilight's shoulder, plucking the note out of her hand and reading it. "Oooh!" she cooed, a sly grin crossing her face. "Somebody just got her first loooooove letter!"

Twilight blushed. "Pinkie-san! Mou..." She snatched the note back. "What makes you think this is a love letter? It could be anything..."

"That's a boy's handwriting," Rarity said as she appeared next to Twilight. "So it's definitely a love letter."

"So, are you gonna go?" Pinkie asked.

"I..." Twilight hesitated.

"Oh, do at least see who it is, darling!" Rarity said. "What could it possibly hurt?"

Twilight sighed. "Okay, I'll meet him."

* * * * *

After school, Twilight approached the A/V room on the first floor cautiously. Pinkie and Rarity were doing an absolutely terrible job of following her inconspicuously.

A boy leaned against the wall next to the door. He was reasonably cute, with spiky dark blue hair. A second-year pin was affixed to the collar of his white uniform shirt, and he had his hands in his pants pockets.

She walked up to him. "Excuse me," she said. "Are you the one who put that note in my shoe locker?"

He smiled. "Yeah," he said. "Umm...I wanted to meet you because, well..." His cheeks turned pink. "I think you're pretty cute." He ran a hand through his hair. "My name's Flash Sentry."

"Oh. Um...I'm Twilight Sparkle. But you already knew that."

"Yeah..." Flash chuckled. "I'm in Class 2-B. One of your friends is in my class."

"Fluttershy-san, hai." Twilight tilted her head. "So you..." She toyed with a lock of her hair. "You're...interested in me?"

"Are you, I mean, do you have a boyfriend?" Flash asked.

"No," Twilight said, shaking her head. "There's...somebody who's interested in me, but I don't know if..."

"I see," Flash said. "Look, I'll get right to the point. I want to go out with you."

"Oh..." Twilight blushed. She looked back at Pinkie and Rarity, who were nodding their heads rapidly, wearing huge smiles. "Well...alright. Maybe...Sunday?"

"Sunday's good," Flash said. "Umm...can I give you my number?"

"Of course," Twilight said, exchanging numbers with Flash. "Well...I have to go now," she said. "I have a lot to do this afternoon. Text me about Sunday!"

She headed back over to her friends, who were giggling like idiots. "Oooh, he's CUTE!" Pinkie said.

"He is that," Rarity agreed. "I do believe I've seen girls chasing after that one."

Twilight pushed up her glasses. "I just don't know," she said. "But...I'll at least go out with him. I mean, there's no reason not to."

* * * * *

Monday evening, Sweetie Belle showed up at the bookstore.

"Good evening, Sweetie Belle!" Velvet said. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Sweetie Belle said. "Is...is Spike-kun here?"

"He's upstairs," Velvet said. "He just finished a patrol. Go on up."

Sweetie Belle bowed politely, then headed upstairs. Once inside the apartment, she removed her shoes, then shuffled into the living room, where she found Spike watching television. "Anou...Spike-kun?"

Spike looked up. "Oh, hey."

Sweetie Belle dug her toe into the floor, ducking her head. "Anou...I..." She swallowed nervously. "Will you go on a date with me?"

"A date?"

"H-hai," Sweetie Belle squeaked. "I...I want to go on a date with you." She blushed furiously. "Please!"

Spike shrugged. "Okay, I guess so."

"R-really?"

"Sure."

Sweetie Belle gasped joyfully. "Arigatou!" She smoothed down her skirt. "I...I was thinking we could go to Jungle Land..."

"Jungle Land?"

"It's an amusement park," Sweetie Belle said.

Spike scratched his nose. "I've never been to an amusement park," he said. "They look kinda neat."

"How about Sunday then?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Cool," Spike said.

Twilight wandered in from her room. "Oh, hello Sweetie Belle!"

"Ah...Oneesan!"

"What brings you here?"

"She came to ask me out," Spike said. "We're going on a date on Sunday."

Twilight smiled. "That's wonderful! I hope you two have a good time."

Sweetie Belle sat and talked with the two of them for a while before heading home. Once she was gone, Twilight sat next to Spike and hugged him. "I'm glad you changed your mind about her," she said.

"I haven't really," Spike said. "I just don't want to be a jerk about it. Going on a date with her doesn't mean I've changed my mind."

"I see..."

* * * * *

On Wednesday, Twilight got a text from Flash.

I thought we might go to Jungle Land. It's a fun place.

"Jungle Land, huh...?" She smiled. "That sounds like fun!" She texted Flash back.

* * * * *

Sunday morning, Twilight put on a dark purple, almost black skirt, a short-sleeved blue-violet shirt, black stockings, and dark purple flats, then headed out into the living room.

Spike blinked at her. "Wow, you're all dressed up, Neechan. You look amazing..."

Twilight blushed. "I, umm...I'm going out today," she said.

Spike frowned. "You have a date?"

"Well..." Twilight sighed. "Hai."

"I see..."

"A guy from school asked me out," Twilight said, shrugging. "He's cute, I thought it wouldn't hurt to go out with him once. Pinkie-san and Senpai pretty much pressured me into it."

"I see."

"Well, I'd better get going," Twilight said. "Need to catch a train." She tilted her head. "Shouldn't you be getting ready for your date?"

"In a minute," Spike said. He smirked. "I'm teleporting to her place, then teleporting us there."

Twilight blinked. "You're wasting that much energy?"

Spike shrugged. "Eh. I need to let off a little. I'm overcharged."

Twilight frowned. "How can you be overcharged?"

Spike grinned. "I've been watching this one girl at your school. Every day she goes up to the roof after school and has sex." He scratched his cheek. "She hasn't been with the same guy twice..."

Twilight's face turned crimson. "Spike! You shouldn't...you shouldn't be spying on people doing...!" She broke off, eyes wide. "On the roof? Seriously?"

"She's freakin' loud, too. I'm amazed she hasn't gotten caught."

Twilight shook her head. "I'm off. Mata ne!"

* * * * *

Sweetie Belle adjusted the modest off-white summer dress she wore. "I don't know about these shoes," she said, wobbling unsteadily on the high-heeled white sandals she wore.

"Oh, but they look splendid on you!" Rarity said. "You want to look your best for Spike-kun, don't you?"

The doorbell rang. Rarity answered it, finding Spike on the other side, wearing faded blue jeans, purple sneakers, and a black T-shirt. "Yo," he said, shuffling awkwardly.

"Good morning, Spike-kun. Sweetie Belle is ready."

Sweetie Belle walked up beside Rarity and waved. "Hi, Spike-kun," she said.

"You look nice," Spike said.

"Thank you."

Spike looked from Rarity to Sweetie Belle, shifting his weight. "So, uhh...we'd best get going," he said. He reached out a hand.

Sweetie Belle blushed and took it hesitantly. As soon as her fingers closed around Spike's, the two of them vanished in a burst of emerald fire.

Rarity blinked. "Goodness..."

* * * * *

Twilight met up with Flash at the entrance to the crowded train station nearest Jungle Land. He grinned lazily as he looked her up and down. "Wow, you look amazing," he said.

"Thank you," Twilight said. She fiddled with her hands. "So, shall we go?"

"Of course."

It took a few minutes before they found themselves in line, waiting to enter the huge log gates of Jungle Land. "I've never been to an amusement park before," Twilight said.

"Never?"

"There aren't any...where I'm from."

"Oh." Flash shrugged. "Well, there's plenty to do here."

"I'm looking forward to it..."

* * * * *

Sweetie Belle let out an alarmed squeak as suddenly she was standing at the outer gates of Jungle Land. "Wh-what?!"

Spike grinned. "Way better than taking the train, huh?"

"That was a little scary," Sweetie Belle said, patting her chest. "S-so, umm...I'm glad you agreed to go out with me."

"Let's have fun, ne?"

A twenty minute wait later, they were inside the park. "So what do we do first?" Spike asked.

"How about the river tour?" Sweetie Belle asked. "It's supposed to be a good way to see the entire park..."

"Sure," Spike said, shrugging. They checked the park directory, then headed for the line of people waiting to board the Jungle River Raft Ride.

* * * * *

"That was fun," Twilight said as she and Flash exited the "log raft" that had carried them around the artificial river encircling Jungle Land. "Now what?"

"Let's play some games," Flash suggested. "I'll try to win you a prize."

"Alright," Twilight said. Flash led her over to a long row of game booths. There was one booth with flashy lights and racks of colorful prizes that caught Twilight's eye; she steered Flash in that direction. The sign on the booth proclaimed it to be "FEED THE GORILLA!". At the back of the booth, a giant plastic gorilla with a slowly opening and closing mouth moved back and forth and up and down on a motorized track. Piles of rubber bananas were stacked up on the counter.

The attendant smiled at them. "Try your luck, kid? Win your girl a prize?"

"Sure, I'm game," Flash said.

"Three throws for 500 yen," the attendant said.

Flash placed a coin on the counter; the attendant slid three rubber bananas in front of him. "Make one throw, get a prize from the bottom rack. Make two, get a prize from the middle rack or two from the bottom rack. Make all three, take any prize you want from the top rack, or two from the middle rack."

"Got it," Flash said. He picked up the first banana, watching the gorilla carefully. He drew back his arm, tensed, paused, and let fly.

It sailed right into the gorilla's mouth. Lights flashed and a bell buzzed.

"Good shot!" the attendant said. "Try to get another!"

Again, Flash watched the gorilla carefully. It was moving faster now. He tracked it for almost a full minute, then let fly, banking the banana off the wall of the booth and right into its mouth.

The attendant's jaw dropped. "Incredible!"

Flash grinned. "Let's see if I can get the third one."

The gorilla was moving a lot faster now, its mouth snapping shut as soon as it was open and its eyes glowing red. Flash waited, watching it, tensed to throw...

He suddenly let loose with an underhand throw which arced up, barely scraping into the gorilla's mouth just as it was snapping shut.

Fireworks exploded from the top of the booth, and the lights and bells went crazy.

"I can't believe it!" the attendant said. "Nobody ever makes the third shot!"

Flash grinned. "So, which prize do you want?" he asked Twilight.

Twilight scanned the top row. "That one," she said, pointing to a large purple unicorn plush with broad, feathery wings.

The attendant pulled it down and handed it to her. "Here you go, miss," he said. "Enjoy!"

Twilight squeezed the plush tightly. "Thank you, Sentry-san," she said. "That was amazing! How did you do that?"

Flash shrugged. "Boomerang lessons," he said. He looked around the park. "Hey, why don't we ride the Swinging Lemur next?"

* * * * *

Sweetie Belle staggered away from the exit to the Swinging Lemur, clutching her stomach. "Ooooh," she moaned. "I'm gonna throw up again..." She suddenly rushed over to one of the many decorative trees in the park and doubled over, emptying her stomach.

Spike winced. "Why don't we play some of the carnival games?" he suggested. "They look like a lot of fun."

"Sure, that sounds good," Sweetie Belle said, face still green.

* * * * *

"That was pretty fun," Twilight said brightly as she and Flash left the Swinging Lemur.

"Yeah, but I thought for sure that one kid was gonna hork all over me," Flash said.

Twilight giggled. "I guess it's not a good idea for people with motion sickness to ride things like that, huh?"

"Hey, wanna get something to eat before we pick another ride?"

Twilight checked the time. "Well...yes, I guess it's as good a time as any to eat," she said. They headed for the food court, taking their time to peruse the available offerings.

"I'm having a lot of fun with you today, Sparkle-san," Flash said as they found an open table to sit at.

"Yeah, this is...nice," Twilight said, smiling. "This place is a lot of fun..."

* * * * *

"This just isn't my day," the attendant moaned as he took two medium-sized plush toys off the middle rack and handed them to Spike, who handed them to Sweetie Belle.

As they walked away from Feed The Gorilla, Spike asked, "So, where to now?" His stomach rumbled. "I'm actually getting kinda hungry..."

"Yeah, I should probably eat too," Sweetie Belle said. "I think my stomach's calmed down enough."

They headed for the food court, where they took their time perusing the various kiosks, deciding what they wanted to eat. Once they had their food and had sat down at a small plastic table, Sweetie Belle said, "Ne, Spike-kun...I wanted to ask you something."

Spike squirted mustard on the paper tray in front of him, then rolled his corn dog in it. "What is it?"

Sweetie Belle ducked her eyes. "Why...why do you have all those bras and panties in your closet?"

Spike shrugged. "You know about my ninja magic, right?"

"Hai..."

"I don't have the same kind of power Neechan and Obasan have. The ninja clans from Sun Island get their power from..." He shrugged. "Vice."

"Vice?"

"Yeah. My clan usually uses greed to power their magic. You know, hoarding stuff, seeking treasure, that kind of thing. But I chose a different vice." He frowned, suddenly uncomfortable with talking about this with a younger girl. "I, umm..."

"You get your magic from being a pervert?" Sweetie Belle said, eyes wide.

"Well...yeah."

Sweetie Belle's face turned red. "I see..."

Spike shrugged. "What can I say? I'm the most powerful mage in my clan's history because I chose lust instead of greed as a power source."

Sweetie Belle took a moment to think about that. "Because it's easier to be a pervert than it is to hoard a bunch of stuff?"

"Exactly."

"I see..."

Spike took a bite of his corn dog. "Guess that makes me a pretty creepy guy, huh?"

"Well...a little," Sweetie Belle said. "But...I still think you're cool," she said. She ducked her head over her own food, a silly smile on her face.

Spike stared at her. "Uhh...thanks," he said. "So anyway..." He trailed off as a couple sitting on the other side of the food court caught his attention.

* * * * *

Twilight blinked as she caught sight of Spike and Sweetie Belle sitting on the other side of the food court. "You're kidding!"

"Hm? What's that?" Flash asked.

"I didn't know Spike and Sweetie Belle were coming here today!"

Flash followed her gaze, brow furrowing. "You know them?"

"Spike's my, umm...little brother," Twilight said. "I wasn't expecting to see him here today."

"I see," Flash said. "His little girlfriend is pretty. He must be a real charmer."

Twilight smirked. "That's one way of looking at it..."

* * * * *

"Okay, who the hell is that guy?" Spike grumbled under his breath.

"Spike-kun?" Sweetie Belle followed his gaze. "Ah! Twilight-oneesan is on a date today too?"

"Yeah," Spike said sourly.

Sweetie Belle studied Spike for a minute. Her face fell. "Oh...so that's how it is," she said.

"Eh?"

Sweetie Belle sighed. "You have a thing for Twilight-oneesan, don't you?"

"Ah...that's..."

"It's okay," Sweetie Belle said with a sad smile.

Spike sighed. "It doesn't matter," he said. "She...sees me as a little brother. She always will..."

Sweetie Belle reached across the table and took his hand. "Don't give up, Spike-kun," she said.

"Sweetie Belle..."

She smiled. "And I'm not going to give up either," she said. "Twilight-oneesan is my rival now, just like that blue-haired oniisan is your rival."

Spike stared at her, blinking...then laughed. "You're weird," he said. "But fun."

* * * * *

The sun was low in the sky when Twilight finally bid Flash goodbye at the train station. It was almost sunset when she arrived at the bookstore.

"Tadaima." Twilight slipped off her shoes and walked into the living room.

"Okaeri," Spike called. "Did you have a good time?"

"I did," Twilight said. She held up her winged unicorn plushie.

Spike snorted. "I won Sweetie Belle two stuffed animals," he said.

"This one's from the top rack," Twilight said. "You didn't tell me you were going to Jungle Land."

"You didn't tell me you were going to Jungle Land," Spike accused. "That guy you were with looks like a dork."

"Spike!" Twilight said indignantly. "Sentry-san is very nice. I had fun."

"So is he your boyfriend now?"

Twilight shrugged. "Not really," she said. "Like I said, I had fun, but...I don't really know him all that well yet."

"Are you going to go out with him again?"

"Maybe," Twilight said. "How about you and Sweetie Belle?"

"Probably." Spike shrugged. "She's still not...you."

Twilight sighed. "I'll go get changed for dinner..."

* * * * *

"So, did you have a good time with Spike-kun today?" Rarity asked.

"Hai!" Sweetie Belle answered. "Even though...I know he'd rather be with somebody else than me...but that's okay, because I'm going to fight for him!"

Rarity smiled. "Good luck, Sweetie Belle. Now, go get changed and washed up for dinner."

"Hai!"

* * * * *

"Tadaima."

Flash Sentry kicked off his shoes at the genkan, passed through the kitchen to grab a soda, then flopped down on the living room sofa.

"Did you do it, boy?"

Flash uncapped his drink and took a swig before replying. "These things take time, Oyaji."

A deep, dismissive snort answered him. "Right. Because you haven't bedded half the girls you go out with on the first date."

Flash shrugged. "Hey, I have to do this one by charm alone. It'll take longer. I'll get it done."

"You'd better boy. The Element of Magic is the key. If you eliminate Twilight Sparkle, there will be nothing standing in the way of Her return."

"Hai, hai..." Flash waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, I'll get everything I want out of her."

Loyalty 6: リターン

The last five Changelings in Pony City met up in Vespia's stolen apartment.

The old Shinto priest adjusted his robes. "Do you have anything to report?"

The thin man in the hoodie leaned forward. "I've been lying low," he said. "I haven't fed since the Incident...if I don't feed soon, I'm in danger."

"We all are," Vespia said, examining her polished fingernails. "I've been able to feed on latent emotion...my host had a rather manipulative streak and a massive superiority complex. She was very good at provoking those around her...I don't even need to reveal myself to sustain myself."

"I've just been picking fights in the streets," the largest member of the group said. "Feeding on aggression."

"That's pretty much all you're good for, Bellosto," Vespia needled.

"At least I'm good for SOMETHING, Vespia!"

"Enough fighting amongst ourselves!" the priest said. He looked at the fifth member of their group. "What about you?"

A shrug was his only response.

"Alright...we need to determine how to proceed from here," the priest said.

"You'll proceed how I tell you to proceed noso," a new voice intruded.

Loyalty 6: リターン

The Changelings whirled toward the apartment's entrance. A teenage boy was leaning against the wall, arms folded. He wore black leather boots and trousers, a black mail shirt, a black leather longcoat, and black wraparound sunglasses. His short seafoam green hair was styled in a bowl cut with a cowlick, and his complexion was pale, almost sickly.

"And just who the hell are YOU?" Bellosto roared.

The boy calmly walked into the room and sat down. "Queen Chrysalis sent me to take command here noso. I'm Eskarrg, and from now on, you answer to me noso."

The Changelings glanced around at one another.

"That's not possible," the thin man in the hoodie said. "The connection to our hive is—"

"Broken, but I was born in this world noso," Eskarrg said.

Vespia gasped. "You're the Royal Drone!"

"That's right noso. Queen Chrysalis has just birthed our egg and is weakened noso. She needs energy, and we're going to gather it noso. You're done hiding noso." He looked around. "There should be more of you noso."

"We've lost two," the Shinto priest said.

Eskarrg frowned. "Centipedis, you were supposed to be in charge here noso. You've been careless to let two of Her Majesty's children die noso." He reached into his coat and pulled out a long, black, barbed sword, pointing it at the priest.

Bellosto shot to his feet, trembling angrily. "BRAT!" he roared. "You can't just come in here acting all high and mighty and—"

Eskarrg slashed with his sword; a wave of green flames blew Bellosto into the wall, cracking the plaster.

"I am Her Majesty's representative noso," Eskarrg said. "You WILL respect me noso."

"G-got it..." Bellosto wheezed.

"Lord Eskarrg...please do not damage my apartment," Vespia said. "It would...draw unnecessary attention."

Eskarrg regarded her coolly for a minute. "My apologies noso. I'm still learning to control my own power noso."

Centipedis leaned forward. "Lord Eskarrg...forgive me, but...how did you get here? I thought this world was still cut off from our hive..."

"It is noso," Eskarrg said. "I was only able to cross over because I was born in this world noso."

"I see..."

Eskarrg held out his hand; with a flash of sickly green magic, a misshapen, glossy black orb wrapped in thick bands of stiff, coarse hair appeared. "This will reopen the path to the hive noso." He placed it on the coffee table. "You are to gather energy noso. First, you must restore your own strength so that you are not completely useless to me noso. After that, you will begin filling this egg with energy noso."

"Is—is that—?"

"This is my daughter noso," Eskarrg said. "She will be born in this world and guide us all home noso." He looked around. "Do not draw attention to yourselves noso."

"Very well," Centipedis said. "Then we should all return to our own feeding regimens—"

"No," Eskarrg said. "You will feed according to my orders noso." He held up a finger. "I will decide what targets you will feed upon from this point noso. Is that understood noso?"

"Of course, Lord Eskarrg. Forgive me."

"What are your orders?"

"Having lived in this country for a long time, I know its social problems inside and out noso. One of the greatest social problems in this nation is men who grope women on trains noso."

"Ugh," Vespia said. "Tell me about it."

"You will ride trains noso. You will feed on the agitation and resentment generated by women who are preyed upon by chikan noso. Do not draw attention to yourselves noso." He stared at Bellosto and the thin, hooded man. "Except for you two noso. You will become chikan noso."

"What?" Bellosto roared.

"Do it noso." Eskarrg lowered his glasses; his eyes burned with sickly green Changeling magic. "That's an order noso."

Bellosto scowled. "Fine. ...my Lord."

"You have your orders noso. Bring our Princess energy noso!"

* * * * *

When Twilight arrived at school Monday morning, Flash Sentry was waiting for her at the gates. "Hey," he said.

"Hello," Twilight said.

"So listen...you think maybe we could go out again sometime?"

Twilight tilted her head. "I wouldn't mind," she said. "Maybe after school Saturday?"

"Cool. See you then."

* * * * *

"Gilda, when are we gonna DO something?" Lightning Dust complained. "We've been sittin' around all week...I thought you wanted, y'know, revenge or whatever."

"Hey, if you two hadn't completely screwed up," Dreadwing said, "The plan would've gone perfectly."

"Bullshit the plan would've gone perfectly!" Lightning Dust cried. "They were onto us from the minute you sent your little note to their leader!"

"This entire venture is looking less profitable by the minute," Starscream put in.

Dreadwing snarled. "I don't believe you two!" She stood; a golden aura wreathed her hands, forming massive, blazing talons. "Look, we had a setback, alright? We're outnumbered. We're outpowered. It takes time to come up with a plan that won't get fucked up the same way all over again! So have a little FUCKING PATIENCE!!"

Lightning Dust took a step away from Dreadwing as heat rolled off her in waves from the angry gold aura snapping around her. "Okay okay, chill! Shit!" She sat down next to Starscream on the couch, crossing her arms.

Dreadwing took several deep breaths. Her aura slowly faded. "I'm going for a walk," she hissed through clenched teeth. She stalked to the door, threw it open, and left, slamming it behind her.

The remaining two Shadowbolts exchanged a glance. "Well this blows," Lightning Dust said.

"No, really?" Starscream said snidely. "I'm enjoying watching her blow up like that and threaten to gut us like fish." She shook her head. "Why don't you make yourself useful and backstab your friend Rainbow Dash? It's not like those mahoushoujo will be expecting it..."

Lightning Dust frowned. "Hmm..."

* * * * *

"Ne, Twilight-chan," Pinkie said at lunch, "I saw you talking to Flash this morning. Are you going out again?"

Twilight nodded. "Saturday," she said.

"Bet Spike's gonna love that," Rainbow quipped.

Twilight sighed. "This whole thing with Spike..."

"Oh come now, Sparkle-san! Having two wonderful boys vying for your undivided attention...it's positively marvelous!"

"Not really," Twilight said. "I just...don't know anything about Sentry-san yet, really, but Spike, well...I can't stop thinking of him as a younger brother. There's just..." She sighed. "I just don't know what to do..."

"Hey, why don't we have a girl's night out after school?" Applejack suggested.

"Can't," Pinkie said. "I've got a thing across town." She sighed. "I hate riding the trains that time of day..."

"I've gotta get my afternoon trainin' in," Rainbow said.

"I have a prior engagement as well," Rarity said. "Sorry."

"I...need to spend time with Brittany-san," Fluttershy said. "She's..."

"Hey, she's not at school today, is she?" Pinkie asked.

Fluttershy shook her head. "She's..." She sighed. "Every so often, she has...an episode. She either goes catatonic or she breaks down crying and won't stop. Her father called me this morning and said she's been crying most of the weekend. I couldn't get away to see her, so...I need to be there for her today."

"Aw well, maybe some other time," Applejack said.

"You bet!" Rainbow agreed.

"As soon as I possibly can, darling," Rarity said.

* * * * *

Vespia gave the middle-aged, slouch-shouldered man who had just sidled up alongside her a warning glare. He flinched, turning away from her, and shuffled off to another part of the car.

Five paces behind her, a twentysomething office lady in a brown suit and angular black-framed glasses tensed up, a soft whimper escaping her lips. An old, white-haired man stood behind her, an intense look of concentration on his face.

Up ahead of her, a young woman—perhaps a university student—screamed. "CHIKAN! CHIKAN!"

The slouch-shouldered man made feeble protests of innocence, but three younger men grabbed him and manhandled him to the nearest doors. He struggled in their grasp for a moment, but went slack as they held him.

As soon as the train coasted to a stop, the men dragged him off the train and made a beeline for the nearest police officer.

Vespia smirked. The ones who screamed were actually giving her more energy than the ones who endured it, because the aggression and resentment of their rescuers added to the shame and disgust of the victims.

Neighpon was an excellent feeding ground for all types of emotional energy...

As the train got underway again, Vespia reflected on their new leader, Lord Eskarrg. Consorting with a Royal Drone...

If she were to gain his favor...she could very well become queen of her own hive...

Another wave of chikan-induced resentment and shame filled her, and she smiled.

* * * * *

After school, Rainbow Dash was on her way home to change when she ran into Lightning Dust. "Oh, hey Dusty," she said.

"Hey Dash," Lightning Dust said. "Wanna hang out Saturday? Just the two of us, just like old times?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Sure, I guess."

"Cool. I'll text you." With that, Lightning Dust took off, jumping from the roof of a parked car to an awning, then ninja-jumping between a utility pole and the front of a three-story building until she reached the roof.

Rainbow shook her head. "Mou..."

* * * * *

Pinkie sighed as she glanced around the crowded train. She was "in disguise" today—hair straightened, posture slumped, doing her best to be unrecognizable as a Net Idol—because she'd been asked to audition for a voice acting job on a new anime production, and the studio was on the other side of Pony City.

She hadn't made it to the station in time to board the women-only car, of course. She frowned as she looked around the crowd of salarymen, university students, high schoolers, and assorted other Pony City residents in the nearly-full car.

One man on the car caught her attention. He was enormous—easily a head and a half taller than any other man on the train—with broad shoulders and short, stiff yellow hair. Tiny gold hoop earrings hung from his ears. His neck was thick and corded, and his bare arms rippled with muscles.

Near where he stood, a girl Pinkie's age suddenly flinched, closing her eyes tightly. Two people moved away from her, turning their faces away.

Pinkie scowled. "Ugh. So unsmile."

A college-aged boy nearby called out to her. "Psst. Hey. You're Smile-chan, right? Can't you do something?"

A few murmurs rose from around them. "Hey yeah, aren't you a mahoushoujo?"

"Yeah, you could blow that guy away!"

Pinkie looked away. "I can't do anything. Just report that guy to the police officer at the next station."

"What? You can't handle one chikan on a train?"

"I can't use my powers in a place like this, alright? I could hurt innocent people! Besides, that's only for big ugly monsters and stuff..."

The train coasted to a stop. Most of the people crowded around Pinkie got off, muttering deprecations at her. She bowed her head and closed her eyes.

Just two more stops...

The train got underway again. Pinkie stood, head still bowed and eyes still closed, wrestling with her conscience.

Then, she felt it.

A large, rough hand on her thigh.

"CHI-KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!" she screamed shrilly. She spun around, smoothing her skirt down, and glared up at the wall of muscle. "You can't just go around touching girls like that, you...you big jerk! You're the worst! Why does a guy with muscles like that even need to go groping on a train, anyway? Are you using so many steroids your dick is too small and girls won't date you?"

Several people around her snickered and giggled.

"I wasn't going to do anything because of all the people that could get hurt here, but you need to be taught a lesson!"

The man snorted. "What's a little girl like you going to do against me?" he rumbled.

Pinkie mustered all her strength, planting herself in a wide stance. "DOOOOORYAAAA!" she bellowed, driving a punch right into the pervert's groin.

He didn't even flinch.

Pinkie shook out her hand. It felt as though she might've broken a bone or two. "Itaaaaaa..."

"GANBARE, SMILE-CHAN!" someone shouted.

Pinkie groaned. "Really? Even with my hair like this, they recognize me?"

The pervert cracked his knuckles and leered at her. "Okay, girl...since you want it that way..." He drew back a fist the size of a ham, then launched it forward...

"ELEMENTOFHARMONYLAUGHTERREALLYFAST!!"

Pinkie slid back on the heels of her sandals as her mahoushoujo outfit finished forming just as the punch connected. Cheers rose all around her.

She glared at the chikan. "You're really gonna regret trying to grope me," she said.

The pervert snorted. "You're one of the mahoushoujo," he said. "I wasn't expecting that. Tch...that little drone bastard's gonna be pissed, but there's no help for it now." He began to glow green...and transformed into a massive brown anthropomorphic insect with enormous, menacing black eyes and a short, muscular pair of arms extending from the sides of his head, which ended in sharp, hooked stingers.

Pinkie took a step back. "Changeling!" The rest of the people in the car screamed and began running for the exits.

The Changeling flexed his heavily muscled arms and let out a rumbling laugh. "I'm BELLOSTO!" he roared. "I'm gonna suck out your insides and leave your skin lying on the floor like an empty bag!"

"Gross!" Pinkie cried. She braced her bazooka on her shoulder. "SMILE CONFETTI VAGINA!"

The force of Pinkie's attack impacted Bellosto...and did nothing. He laughed.

"Oh crap," Pinkie muttered, hair wilting.

Bellosto charged her, acid dripping from his stingers. She eeped and blew a hole in the roof of the train, jumping through and landing badly. She nearly rolled off the speeding train, but caught herself in time.

Bellosto launched himself through the hole and landed in front of her. "Fool! You're already dead!" he declared.

"SMILE BURNING VAGINA!"

A torrent of pink flames engulfed Bellosto, who roared and took a step back, flailing at the edge of the jagged hole. Snarling, he punched a hole in the roof and tore up a huge chunk of the metal, which gave with a shrieking sound. Once he'd pulled loose a section of train roof the size of a large pizza, he drew it back and threw it at her. Pinkie stared at the jagged edges and squeaked, dropping to the roof and pressing herself flat. It whizzed over her.

Bellosto charged forward and dove upon her, slamming his stingers home in her shoulders. She screamed as she felt acid flowing out into her body. She arced her bazooka up underneath his chin.

"SMILE FROSTY VAGINA!"

A huge ball of pink ice exploded out of the bazooka, slamming into the Changeling's head and knocking him back. His stingers pulled out; Pinkie hissed as blood flowed from the puckered wounds. She pushed herself to her feet, wincing in pain.

"You'll pay for that, you little bitch!" Bellosto dropped down into the car; Pinkie heard screams and the sound of metal tearing. He came back up with one of the metal posts from the car. With a bellow, he charged her, spinning it over his head. He clubbed her in the side of the head; she went down and rolled off the train.

"SMILE GRAPPING HOOK VAGINA!"

A pink grappling hook on a chain of energy shot out, punching through the side of the train and holding fast. Pinkie swung around and landed on the roof of another car, dropping to a crouch. She was bleeding from both shoulders and her head and she felt dizzy. She had to put a stop to this soon...

Bellosto charged down the train toward her, ripping up another huge section of the train roof, which he hurled at Pinkie. She jumped high into the air, blasting the jagged metal missile with her bazooka, then landed on the roof, wobbling badly.

"It's over, Changeling!" Pinkie yelled. "You've done enough damage here!"

"You fool!" Bellosto bellowed. "You're injured! You're bleeding! You can barely stay on your feet! I can tear this train apart all day! I'll derail it and kill all these humans! Can't you see you've lost? If you sacrifice yourself, I'll let everyone on this train live!"

"I can only see one thing!" Pinkie shouted. "Your last stop!" She braced herself; her bazooka began to glow, drawing in shooting lines of pink energy.

"SMILE RESSHA VAGINA!"

A beam of energy in the shape of a corkscrewing train track lanced out of Pinkie's bazooka, piercing Bellosto in a shower of angry pink sparks. He thrashed, hissing angrily, but was held in place.

A pink beam in the shape of a train burned down the center of the corkscrew, piercing the air with a shrieking steam whistle. The glowing pink train-beam slammed into the Changeling and threw him well past the front of the train and high into the air. Pink electricity crackled all over his body for several seconds before he exploded in a massive fireball.

The train slowed, its horn blaring. Pinkie rolled her eyes. "Great, NOW they stop the train..." Reversing her transformation, she jumped down off the train and pulled out her phone. "Twilight-chan? I...I could use...some help..."

She passed out.

* * * * *

Pinkie awoke to see Cadance, Twilight, Spike, and Velvet surrounding her. "Ugh..."

"How are you feeling?"

"Super unsmile." Pinkie rubbed at her shoulder, which was bandaged. "Where...?"

"Hospital," Cadance said. "They want to keep you for observation for a day because of that concussion. I've already healed you with my magic, but...I think it's a good idea for you to rest. That Changeling really did a number on you."

Pinkie groaned, rubbing her head. "Yeah..." She frowned. "But I got it, right?"

"Hai," Twilight said, smiling and taking Pinkie's hand in hers. "You did." She frowned. "But...at the same time...this is bad."

"I thought we got all the Changelings?" Pinkie asked.

"So did I," Twilight said. "If there are still Changelings in Pony City..."

"As if we didn't have enough problems," Spike muttered.

Cadance gingerly patted Pinkie's arm. "Rest now," she said. "We'll let the others know what's happened."

Pinkie closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.

* * * * *

Eskarrg frowned. "Bellosto has been destroyed noso."

"The fool," Vespia said. "Picking a fight with a mahoushoujo now of all times!"

"The rest of you must take care to be more vigilant noso. We can't afford any more losses noso. Not if the Princess is to awaken and take us all home noso."

The remaining Changelings looked at the black egg on the table, which pulsed with weak green light, like a faint heartbeat.

"Operation Chikan ends immediately noso. I'll come up with a new plan tomorrow noso."

Author's Note

Chapter title card:

This chapter is dedicated to Ressha Sentai ToQger, which saw the end of its run this past Sunday.

Loyalty 7: フェーント

The next day, at school...

"WHAT?!" Rainbow yelled.

Applejack winced and dug in her ear with a finger. "Wanna try that a little louder?"

"We got all those bug freaks!" Rainbow cried in disbelief. "We took out Sunset Shimmer! Without her, there shouldn't be any more! Right? You said! Right?"

Twilight sighed. "Sunset Shimmer was the one summoning the Changelings to our world, but...if there were still any left here, then..."

"So what, they've just been runnin' around right under our noses all this time?" Rainbow demanded.

Twilight bowed her head. "That would seem to be the case," she said.

"Wonderful," Rainbow spat. "So all the shit we went through...it was all for nothin'?"

"It most certainly was not," Rarity said. "How many people would be dead if not for us? How much suffering would Sunset Shimmer have spread? We've done a lot of good for this city." She sighed. "And it appears...we have work left to do still."

"Rainbow-san..." Twilight looked at Rainbow. "I'm as upset about this as you are. Every new Changeling we discover means there's at least one more person I failed to save." Her eyes turned hard. "But right now, we need to focus on finding and eliminating every Changeling that's still in our world."

Rainbow met Twilight's gaze and nodded. "Right."

"Spike is out searching," Twilight said. "He'll let us know if and when he finds anything. In the meantime..." She shrugged. "In the meantime...just try to relax and stay calm. We can't let this disrupt our lives." She smiled. "Don't you have plans with Lightning-san this weekend?"

"Yeah..."

"And you have a date to look forward to," Rarity said.

Twilight winced. "R-right..." She swallowed. "I'd...forgotten about that." She shook her head. "In any case...if any more Changelings show up, we'll deal with it. I'll be reporting regularly to Celestia-sama. Just...be careful."

Loyalty 7: フェーント

After a long and exhausting day of school and club activities, Rarity took a long bath, then retreated to her room to relax with a fashion magazine and her favorite fashion news show.

//—despite criticisms that she's taken a backseat and no longer has an active role in designing her company's fashion lines. Although certain industry insiders have asserted for some time that Polomare-san never actually designed her own clothing lines in the first place—//

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Certain industry insiders, by which they mean every competitor she outperforms..."

//However, Polomare-san has addressed these criticisms and stunned the upper echelons of the fashion industry by unveiling this original dress, which she personally modeled at the Umagoto Gala last night.// The screen showed a tall, elegant woman with pale skin and dark lavender hair, styled in a beehive, clad in a slimming dress with a black bodice and a skirt of horizontal yellow and black stripes.

Rarity pulled a face. "Really," she said, shaking her head. "That's not going to help with her rather unflattering nickname..."

//On social media, many question the wisdom of this particular dress design when Polomare-san's detractors already call her 'Wasp Woman'.//

"Oneesan?" Rarity heard from outside.

"Yes, Sweetie Belle?"

The door opened. "Are you going to make dinner tonight, or do you want to order out?"

Rarity hummed thoughtfully. "You know? I believe we should order sushi this evening..."

As they waited for dinner to arrive, Sweetie Belle asked, "Oneesan? How...how do you think I can get Spike-kun to..." Sweetie Belle looked down, blushing.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "I only know about a few of Spike-kun's interests, Sweetie Belle," she said. "And..." She grimaced. "I'm afraid you're not...likely to indulge any of them anytime soon." Nor would I want you to.

Sweetie Belle blushed. "You mean...the whole pervert thing that he gets his magic from? Yeah, I...I don't really want to..." She looked up. "But...there has to be something else, right?"

"Why don't you ask him?" Rarity asked.

"I couldn't...!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Why not?" Rarity smiled. "Look...you obviously feel strongly for Spike-kun. Especially if you can ignore his..." Her smile tightened and her eye twitched. "Unusual traits. You just need to be direct with him."

"I'll try..." Sweetie Belle said.

Inwardly, Rarity sighed. *Poor little sister...it's a long shot Spike-kun will ever truly return your affections. You simply aren't his type...and I'm not certain I really want you to be.*

* * * * *

As the week passed, the mahoushoujo waited anxiously for trouble to brew. Pinkie returned to school on Wednesday, as did Brittany. Days passed, but Spike couldn't track down any Changelings, and the Shadowbolts hadn't been heard from for two weeks. Life settled back into a lazy rhythm as Saturday arrived.

* * * * *

After school, Twilight met up with Flash at the entrance. They left their school bags in a coin locker at the train station, then headed out. Over the course of the afternoon, they visited two museums, watched a movie together, and had a light dinner at an okonomiyakiya two stops from Umadakara.

"I had a lot of fun today, Sentry-san," Twilight said with a smile. The two of them stood outside the bookstore. "Would you like to come in for tea?"

Flash shook his head. "Nah...I'd better get going. I'll text you later, okay?"

"Okay." Flash turned and left. Twilight watched him for a minute, then headed inside. "Tadaima!"

"Okaeri!" Velvet greeted. "How was your date?"

"It was fun," Twilight said. "I'm still on the fence about..." She blushed. "Whether or not I want to call him my boyfriend, but...Sentry-san really is a nice guy." She sighed. "Is Spike upstairs?"

Velvet shook her head. "He left around noon. I haven't seen him all day."

* * * * *

Rainbow sat on a bench, a towel slung around her neck. She was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.

"Here," Lightning Dust said, thrusting a bottle of cola into Rainbow's view.

"Thanks," Rainbow said, uncapping it and taking a deep swig. She replaced the cap, set the bottle down, then started toweling herself down. "That was some workout, huh?"

"Just like old times," Lightning Dust said. "You know, those new girls you're hangin' around with...don't you ever worry about them crampin' your style?"

"Not really," Rainbow said with a shrug. "Besides, they're cool. They're good friends...we're good friends. I'd risk my life for any of them."

"Wow."

"Yeah." Rainbow smiled. "I mean sure, they're not the kinda gals I figured I'd be friends with, but...that's life, y'know?" She picked up her drink again and chugged the rest of it down. "You know, if you wanted to...you could enroll at Umadakara, maybe kinda...y'know...pick yourself up, get straightened out..."

"Straightened out?" Lightning Dust asked. She frowned. "The fuck's that supposed to mean?"

Rainbow grimaced. "I just meant..." She sighed, looking down at her empty soda bottle. "I'm worried about you, y'know? Your whole parkour thing...it reminds me of how you broke your neck back then..." She looked at Lightning Dust. "Why'd you cut me off, Dusty? You coulda called..." She swallowed heavily. "It really hurt..."

"Dash..."

"It's just...you could do so much with your life! You're an amazing athlete. You could...you could go pro, do anything, be anything! Why throw all that away to be a part-timer and do all this crazy parkour shit?"

Lightning Dust frowned. "I guess I just don't live up to your high and mighty expectations," she said. She got up to walk away. "Later, Dash."

"Wait!" Rainbow cried, holding out a hand. "I didn't mean..."

Suddenly, Rainbow's eyes felt heavy and her body felt sluggish. "Dusty...wait..."

Rainbow pitched forward off the bench and crumpled into a heap on the ground.

Lightning Dust stood watching her. With a sigh, she walked over to Rainbow Dash, thrust her hand down the other girl's shirt, and stole the silver locket that hung around her neck. Pocketing it, she sprinted away.

Faint tears glimmered in her eyes as she ran off into the sunset.

* * * * *

A light, warm summer breeze rustled the leaves of bushes and trees. Overhead, in the dark curtain of night, a sliver of waxing moon cast its silver glow upon the haze of neon and pollution that clung to Pony City like a shroud.

Spike had been following Flash Sentry for almost an hour. At first, it seemed as though he was headed for the Ikkakujuu District on the north side of Pony City, but he'd suddenly changed course and headed for Hoshigusa Park.

The park was mostly deserted this time of night, save for the homeless camps in the northwest corner. Spike followed Flash to an empty section of the east side of the park, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a tranquil pond full of frogs off to one side. The frogs croaked quietly as the leaves rustled around them.

"I know you're there," Flash said suddenly. He turned, his eyes scanning the tree line. "You're not in the trees..." He frowned, his nose twitching. He snorted. "You sneaky bastard...you've been right behind me this whole time, haven't you? Drop whatever spell you're hiding behind and tell me what you want."

Spike frowned, but held his spell. Flash laughed. "Don't bother pretending you're not there. I can smell you."

Spike dropped his Indifference cloak and crossed his arms. "Hey, I took a bath today."

Flash snickered. "Coulda fooled me. So..." He frowned. "You're Twilight Sparkle's little brother, right? Spike, was it?"

"I'm Spike, yes," Spike said. "I'm not her little brother, though."

"But she said—" Flash blinked, then smirked. "Oh, so that's how it is." He grinned. "I smell it on you. Your testosterone levels...your adrenaline...you're radiating danger." He leered at Spike. "You couldn't make it any plainer if you pissed on her to mark her."

Spike took a step back. "What the...?" He shook his head. "You're sick!"

Flash shook his head. "Sorry, kid. You're way out of your league. Twilight wants a man, and you're just a kid." He crossed his arms. "Word of advice, kid. Stick to that pretty little bitch you were with at Jungle Land. Leave Twilight to the big dog." He turned his back...

The edge of a kunai landed on his throat. "What did you call Sweetie Belle?" Spike hissed dangerously.

Flash smirked. "I warned you."

Whatever happened next happened too fast for Spike to see.

When he woke up, it was past midnight, he was lying flat on his back in a completely deserted park, and he hurt all over.

Author's Note

Title card for this chapter:

Loyalty 8: シルバー

Twilight's phone rang a little after one in the morning. She groaned as she sat up in bed and reached for it. "Hello?"

//Twilight, my locket was stolen!// Rainbow said. //That bitch Lightning Dust stole my henshin locket!//

Twilight blinked. "What?"

//What am I gonna do, Twilight?//

Twilight took a deep breath. "Did she get the Element of Loyalty?"

//Nah, that's safe.//

"Then the only problem we have is that your friend is a petty thief," Twilight said. "The locket can be replaced. Come by in the morning, we'll talk about it."

//What, just like that?//

"It's just silver," Twilight said. "I'll get Celestia-sama to send along a new one."

//Oh. Okay. Man...I feel like an idiot...//

"I'll see you in the morning, Rainbow-san."

//Yeah...g'nite, Twilight.//

Twilight sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Wonderful..."

Loyalty 8: シルバー

As soon as the sun rose, Twilight called Celestia.

"Good morning, Twilight Sparkle!"

"Celestia-sama...Rainbow-san was robbed last night. Her henshin locket was stolen."

Celestia's brow furrowed. "Her Element of Harmony? Is it—?"

"Yes, it's safe," Twilight said. "Her locket was stolen by...an old friend of hers. I doubt she had any idea what it really was." She frowned. "Looks like she just intended to steal from Rainbow-san for money."

Celestia sighed. "I see..." She shook her head and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Well, the locket is easily replaced, although it will take some time to deliver the replacement to Pony City." She frowned. "Perhaps I should have extras made, just in case."

"That would be prudent," Twilight admitted. "I wish we didn't need the lockets at all..."

"It's necessary," Celestia said. "An intermediary conduit for the magic of the Elements of Harmony is—"

"I know," Twilight said. "Without it, the power is too much for a human body."

"More importantly, how is your friend holding up?"

"I don't know yet," Twilight said. "I think the locket is the only thing that was stolen, but...more to the point, someone she trusted betrayed her..."

"Yes...a friend betraying you is..." Celestia looked troubled. She sighed. "Tell your friend that we will be sending her a new locket as soon as possible. If anything should come up in the meantime...you'll just have to fight without her."

"She won't be happy about that, but—"

Her bedroom door opened. Spike staggered in.

Twilight gasped.

Spike was covered in cuts and bruises, and his left eye was swollen shut. "SPIKE! What happened?!"

"I think your new boyfriend happened," Spike said before collapsing to the floor in a heap.

In the mirror, Celestia blinked repeatedly. "Oh my..."

* * * * *

Dreadwing stared at the item Thundercracker held in her hand. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Yep," Thundercracker said. "Stole this off Rainbow Dash."

"Let me see that," Starscream said. Thundercracker tossed it over to her. Starscream's hands glowed a faint blue as she studied the locket. "Huh," she said.

"What?" Dreadwing asked.

Starscream looked up. "It's just silver," she said. "I mean, yeah, there's magic in it...trace magic from one of those Elements of Harmony, mostly an imprint. But aside from the velvet crap lining the inside, it's just pure silver."

"So...what's that mean?" Thundercracker asked.

Dreadwing shrugged. "Silver's a natural magic conduit. Makes sense they'd make their henshin lockets out of it. Without the Element of Harmony that goes with it, it's just a locket."

"Huh. So..." Thundercracker trailed off. "I guess all I did was steal a silver locket, then? Doesn't really help us at all?"

"I wouldn't say that," Starscream said. Her hands began to glow red; lightning coursed over the locket. The emblem etched on the surface slowly disappeared. "There...I neutralized the magic of the Element."

"What's that mean?" Thundercracker asked.

"It means I can try an experiment," Starscream said. She stood up and walked over to the table where the Lunar Seal sat. She placed one hand on the Seal and held the locket in her other hand, its front cover touching the rough crystal.

"Wait, what—"

Red lightning coursed over the locket, the Lunar Seal, and Starscream. She threw her head back; an intense crackling sound filled the air, as well as an audible hum of power. The crystal began to strobe, visible in the light of day for the first time since the Shadowbolts had stolen it. The silver locket began to pulse with red-black power.

Starscream let out a strangled cry, but held her grip on the Seal and the locket. Slowly, the red lightning faded, becoming a steady pulse of silver-blue light that traveled up one arm from the Seal and down the other into the locket.

After several tense minutes, she collapsed to the floor. The locket fell out of her hand.

The front cover burned black for a moment. A black crescent moon surrounding a black lightning bolt appeared on its surface, which was noticeably darker than it had been before.

"What the hell'd you just DO?" Dreadwing asked.

Starscream groaned and sat up. "I...did it," she said groggily. "I siphoned...some of the magic from the Seal...put it in the locket. I didn't get much, but..." She fingered the chain, then picked it up and tossed it at Thundercracker's feet. "Here," she said weakly. "You stole it, you get to test it."

"Test it?" Thundercracker asked as she picked it up. "What...?"

The locket flashed silver. Thundercracker's body was engulfed in a pillar of silver flames.

When the flames faded...

Dreadwing stared. "Whoa."

Starscream smiled grimly. "Ladies? We need silver. Pure silver, and lots of it. I think we've found a way to drain the magic out of the Seal..."

* * * * *

Rainbow arrived at Twilight's apartment to find Cadance, Velvet, and Twilight clustered around Spike, who looked like he'd lost an argument with a bus. Cadance's hands were shedding pale magic in gentle waves over the unconscious boy, gradually healing his injuries.

"Whoa," Rainbow said. "What happened to him?"

"We're not sure," Twilight said. "He passed out before he could explain how he got this way." She frowned. "I think he said Sentry-san did this to him, but...that's just not possible..."

Rainbow snorted. "Seriously? He's tryin' to pull that?" She shook her head. "Man, that's pathetic..."

"He didn't do this to himself, that's for sure," Cadance said. "There are bite marks all over his body. Something mauled him."

"Bite marks?" Rainbow cried. "Whoa!"

Twilight took Spike's hand and squeezed it gently. "Whoever or whatever did this to you, they'll answer to me," she said firmly. She then looked up at Rainbow. "Celestia-sama is seeing to a replacement for your locket," she said. "It may be a while...a few days, maybe a week. She's ordering several extras, just in case something like this happens again, and it'll take time for them to be delivered from Sun Island."

"Cool," Rainbow said. "Umm...how much trouble am I in for—"

"It's not your fault," Twilight said. She frowned. "Although if I were you, I wouldn't have any further involvement with Lightning Dust-san."

Rainbow scowled. "Yyyyeah that's pretty much over now," she said. "She's had a bitchy attitude ever since she came back to town and now she steals from me? We're so done. If I see her again, I'm kicking her face in."

* * * * *

"The silver exchange?" Thundercracker said doubtfully. "I dunno...the places we rob usually have a lot less security..."

"But we've been going low-key," Starscream said. "We've been acting like regular catburglars, Dreadwing's occasional use of her ninja magic aside."

"This time, we go in hard with everything we've got," Dreadwing said. She smiled grimly. "Anyone gets in our way, we kill 'em."

* * * * *

Spike woke up around lunchtime. "Ugh," he groaned. "What...happened?"

"We were hoping you could tell us," Twilight said. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "How do you feel?"

"Sore," Spike said. "Like I got used for a punching bag."

"Cadance healed you, but you were in pretty bad shape, so...it'd be best if you rest up for a day or two." Twilight frowned. "What attacked you?"

Spike frowned. "I think it was that jerk Flash Sentry," he said.

Twilight sighed. "Spike..."

"No, I'm serious," Spike said. "Something's not right with that guy. For one thing, he's a jerk. He acted like a total freak...said some really nasty stuff about me, you, and Sweetie Belle."

Twilight frowned. "That doesn't sound right," she said. "Sentry-san has been nothing but polite to me..."

"Yeah? Well he sure showed me his true colors," Spike grumbled.

"Spike..." Twilight shook her head. "It just..." She blinked, then stared at Spike. "Exactly where did you even run into Sentry-san, anyway?"

Spike flinched. "Uhh..."

"Spike," Twilight said sternly, folding her arms.

Spike bowed his head. "I followed him after your date, alright? I wanted...I wanted to find out more about this guy. Where he lives, stuff like that."

Twilight groaned. "I can't believe you," she said. "This is not okay, Spike."

"Hey, I can't let just anyone...!" Spike began. He shook his head. "Anyway...I don't want you seeing him again, Neechan. He's bad news."

"I think I can take care of myself," Twilight said. She shook her head. "Anyway, whatever happened to you, it had nothing to do with Sentry-san. Cadance said you were covered in bite marks. Whatever attacked you mauled you. Sentry-san is...he's just an ordinary human." She stood up. "I'll get you something to eat."

Spike watched her head for the kitchen. "No, Neechan," he said softly. "He isn't normal at all..."

* * * * *

Monday night, Applejack and Apple Bloom were watching Ramen Ninja together when the network news ticker appeared at the top of the screen.

Silver exchange robbed — three guards wounded, two guards killed — suspects at large — described as three females — no further information available

"Three females...?" Applejack wondered. She pulled out her phone and called Twilight. "Hey, did you hear about th' silver exchange robbery? Sounds mighty like them Shadowbolts...yeah...uh-huh...okay...alright...seeya tomorrow..."

Hanging up, Applejack sighed. "Dang it all."

"The bad girls that wanted to kill us are behind this?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Dunno, sugarcube, but it sure looks that way," Applejack said grimly. "Don't you fret none, we'll figure it out."

* * * * *

The Shadowbolts entered their apartment in street clothes, the stolen silver packed securely in gym bags. "So, did we get enough?" Thundercracker asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Starscream said. "It's going to take me a while to make henshin items for Dreadwing and myself." She frowned. "And even then, between the three of us, we'll only have about fifteen percent of the Seal's power. And...I can't risk draining more than five percent of its power a day. Transferring its magic into that locket was...painful."

"I can't believe you've had the power to drain this thing's magic all this time," Thundercracker said.

Starscream shrugged. "Hey, I wasn't even sure it'd work. I don't know if I can drain all the power out of it, though."

"Even if you can't, we're that much closer to wiping out the mahoushoujo," Dreadwing said. "And even with this much power, I can kill that Emerald Flame brat. Then I can plan the destruction of the entire Emerald Flame clan."

Thundercracker sighed. "You and your revenge..."

Starscream cleared her throat. "I'll get started first thing in the morning," she said.

* * * * *

The mahoushoujo met in their usual place for lunch. A grim mood settled over the group.

"Alright, so...what do you think, Sparkle-san?" Rarity asked. "Did these Shadowbolts rob the silver exchange?"

"It's possible," Twilight said. "Given the details of the robbery, it does sound a lot like the museum robbery in Deer Valley...which we know they were behind, because they stole the Lunar Seal that was kept there."

"Why rob a silver exchange, though?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight pushed up her glasses. "I've been doing some research," she said. "Over the past year, there have been numerous robberies in various parts of Neighpon which have never been solved. The suspects in each case have been described as anywhere from one to three females wearing completely concealing outfits. In almost every instance, one or more people have been injured. In two instances—the robbery in Deer Valley and this robbery—there have been fatalities." She frowned. "My guess? Most of their robberies are motivated by petty greed, but the robbery in Deer Valley was part of their leader's revenge plot against Spike's clan." She shook her head. "It's difficult to say if this latest robbery is just the Shadowbolts needing money, or if it has some greater significance."

"Ugh," Rainbow groaned.

"Umm...how would they even sell that silver, though?" Pinkie asked, scratching her head. "I mean, isn't that stuff like, stamped and stuff?"

"Ah'm sure they got ways t' sell off stolen stuff like that," Applejack said.

"If we had some way of finding the Shadowbolts' hideout, we could take them out and return all their stolen property to the police," Twilight said. "Except for the Lunar Seal. That would need to be sent to Celestia-sama for safekeeping."

"I would rather not have a Lunar Seal anywhere near Sun Island, actually."

The girls looked up to see an image of Celestia standing beside them. "After all, I dispersed them across the globe for a reason."

"But...Celestia-sama..." Twilight said. "Surely, given recent events, the Seals would be better off locked away in the protected vaults on Sun Island..."

Celestia shook her head. "It's too risky to have the Lunar Seals that close to the prison," she said. "Especially now that my sister is awake in her tomb. No...if you manage to recover the Lunar Seal the Shadowbolts possess, or any other Lunar Seal, I want you to throw it into the ocean. Let the sea floor be its home."

Twilight nodded. "As you wish, Celestia-sama." She frowned. "Do you have any idea why the Shadowbolts might be interested in stealing a large amount of silver?"

"I'm afraid not," Celestia said. "Unless they intend to create magical conduits or weapons...which reminds me. Rainbow Dash, your new locket will be delivered tomorrow."

"Thanks," Rainbow said. "I'm real sorry about Lightning Dust stealin' th' first one."

Celestia sighed. "These things happen. I'm just sorry you were betrayed by a friend. I know very well how painful that can be..."

Rainbow shrugged. "Eh. I shoulda seen it comin', really. Dusty's always been kinda...bad."

"Everyone has the potential for good in them. It takes a good friend to make them realize that." Celestia looked at Twilight. "What of Spike's assault the other night?"

Twilight shook her head. "We still don't know what happened. His assertion that Sentry-san is the one who attacked him makes no sense, and even Spike admits he isn't sure what happened."

Rainbow snorted. "Yeah, there's no way the school pretty-boy managed to give a ninja a beatdown."

"Be careful, all of you," Celestia said. "I fear there are more things out of place in Pony City than we are yet aware." With that, she disappeared.

* * * * *

Starscream lay on the floor of the living room, gasping for breath. Occasional flickers of silver-black lightning arced up and down her arms.

Beside her lay a dark silver bracer, engraved with a black crescent moon surrounding a black lightning bolt. On the table next to the Lunar Seal sat a gleaming silver bracer, pure and unmarked.

Dreadwing picked up the bracer and examined it. "I like it," she said. "It's a lot harder to snatch off us than lockets would be."

"Any chance I can get mine in a bracer?" Thundercracker asked, fingering her locket.

Starscream glared up at her. "No," she said flatly. "I've already gone through this once for you. You'd better learn to live with it."

"Hey, okay, chill," Thundercracker said, holding her palms out in a placating gesture. "Just asking."

Dreadwing snapped the bracer around her left arm and made a fist. Silver flames engulfed her body...

Thundercracker took a step back as the transformation took hold. "Holy SHIT," she gasped.

Dreadwing grinned. "Aww yeah," she said. "That Emerald Flame brat won't know what hit him."

* * * * *

When Twilight returned home from school on Wednesday, she found a pair of unfamiliar shiny black shoes in the genkan, and Spike sitting in the living room chatting with a girl his age. The girl had pale skin and long, braided silver hair. Her silver eyes were magnified by blue-framed glasses. She wore a silver and black seifuku with a light blue neckerchief and light grey socks.

"Hello?" Twilight called.

The girl stood up. "Twilight Sparkle-san?" she asked.

"Hai..."

The girl bowed. "My name is Silver Spoon. Celestia-sama sent me to deliver the new supply of conduit lockets." She looked over Twilight's uniform and frowned. "The fashions of this city are strange."

Twilight laughed. "I wouldn't exactly call school uniforms 'fashion'," she said. "I take it you had a run-in with the Integration Office before leaving Sun Island?"

"Hai," Silver Spoon replied.

"Well I think that seifuku suits you," Twilight said with a smile. "You look cute!"

Silver Spoon blushed. "Th-thank you, Twilight-san," she said. She looked down at her feet. "Anou...I've already delivered the lockets to Spike-san," she said. "Celestia-sama asked me to spend a week here in Pony City..."

"A little vacation?" Twilight asked. "I think you'll enjoy it here."

Silver Spoon shrugged. "I guess." She pushed up her glasses. "Mostly, I'm here to make sure the Bearer of Loyalty can bond with the new locket. We weren't around to calibrate the initial infusions...Otousama wasn't too happy about that."

Twilight's brow furrowed. "Your father is the master silversmith of Sun Island, is he not?"

"Hai!" Silver Spoon stood up straight. "I'm his apprentice."

Twilight smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Keep up the good work!" She pulled out her phone. "I'll call Rainbow-san and tell her the new locket is ready."

* * * * *

Starscream clasped the third and final bracer around her own wrist. The Lunar magic coursed over her body...and absolutely nothing happened.

Dreadwing frowned. "How come you didn't transform?"

"I don't have to," Starscream said, adjusting her red glasses. "I simply absorbed a fraction of the Lunar magic I bonded to the bracer." She disappeared from view.

"It's amplifying my own innate abilities," she said from behind Dreadwing. "The only problem is, I'll have to recharge my bracer from time to time as I expend this power."

"Wouldn't transforming be...y'know...easier?" Thundercracker asked.

"Not for me," Starscream said with a shrug.

Dreadwing shook her head. "Well, whatever." She pounded a fist into an open palm. "I say we give our new powers a test drive." She grinned. "Tomorrow night, let's pull a really big, flashy, public heist. Draw out the mahoushoujo." Her eyes narrowed. "Let's show the whole world what the Shadowbolts are all about."

* * * * *

Late Thursday evening, as hundreds of commuters flooded in and out of the large, busy Aigata-gou rail station three kilometers from Hoshigusa Park, the entire station shook as the entryway collapsed into a pile of rubble. Citizens screamed and ran around in a mad panic.

"May I have your attention, please!" a loud, harsh female voice rang out. "We have now taken control of this station, and will be collecting your valuables momentarily. Please have your money, jewelry, phones, and any other valuables in your possession ready for collection. Resistance will be met with lethal force. Thank you for cooperating."

Station security and the three police officers stationed at the nearby kouban rushed to the scene, but were immediately knocked unconscious. The Shadowbolts moved among the frightened citizens, striking down anyone who tried to resist them, collecting the possessions of everyone else.

Within ten minutes, six girls and one young boy rushed into the midst of the madness. "STOP RIGHT THERE!" Twilight Sparkle yelled.

"Well well well," Dreadwing said, arms folded. "Here we are again." She snapped her fingers; dozens of gas pellets exploded all over the station, rendering everyone save for the Shadowbolts and the mahoushoujo unconscious.

"It's over, Shadowbolts!" Twilight said. "You're not getting away this time!"

"We've got enough problems to deal with without you three jerking us around!" Rainbow added.

"Oh, you don't know the first thing about problems," Thundercracker said. She reached into a pouch on her belt, pulled out a dark silver locket, and hung it around her neck. Beside her, the other two Shadowbolts raised their left arms, revealing dark silver bracers.

"Congratulations, magical nerds," Dreadwing said. "You helped us out after all, whether you wanted to or not. Thundercracker...do it."

"With pleasure," Thundercracker said. Her locket began to glow, and a column of silver flames engulfed her body.

"What's going on?" Pinkie asked.

"It's impossible...!" Twilight said, eyes wide.

When the flames died down, Thundercracker hovered in the air above them on broad turquoise wings.

"Oh crap," Rainbow said.

Thundercracker grinned down at them and hurled a silver lightning bolt at Rainbow Dash...

Author's Note

Title card for this chapter:

Loyalty 10: リフレッシ

Five men of varying ages sat in a room decorated entirely in black and dark blue.

"Flash Sentry, are you making progress with Twilight Sparkle?"

Flash Sentry shrugged. "She's a bit of a challenge. I'll have to take it nice and slow."

The oldest man present harrumphed. "You should just kill her and have done with it."

"We don't want the girl dead, Blood Fang!" a man with short, stiff spiky blue hair and a scar over one eye said.

"She's dangerous to our cause," Blood Fang replied, stroking his grizzled white beard.

"No, she's essential to our cause," a man with long grey hair said.

The scarred man turned to the fifth man. "Do you have anything to say about all this?"

The fifth man leaned forward, his choppy, greasy black hair hanging over his eyes. "It's just as Night Wind said," he answered in a gravelly voice. "The whole point of having Flash Sentry approach and seduce Twilight Sparkle is to corrupt her...to turn her away from the Sun." He took in the entire assembly with a slow turn of his head. "Our Goddess' return is coming soon. Already one of the Seals binding her has been shattered. Another has weakened."

"Yes...these so-called Shadowbolts," Night Wind said thoughtfully. "They're a complication. They need to be dealt with."

"That's...going to be a problem," Flash said. "They're using pure silver to channel the Goddess' wrath." He shrugged helplessly. "Even if you order me to go after them, I'm staying as far away from those girls as possible. I'm no use to the Goddess dead."

"Then we'll have to trust in the mahoushoujo to—"

"No," Blood Fang said. "If the agents of the Sun are able to secure the second Seal, they could ruin everything!"

"Actually, I have a better idea," Night Wind said. He turned to Flash. "Think you can corrupt the Lulamoon girl? The one who still holds the power from the first Seal?"

Flash snorted. "What, and two-time Twilight Sparkle?"

Night Wind glared at him.

Flash grinned. "Just kidding, Oyaji. Leave it to me. I'll do what I do best."

Blood Fang grunted. "Lucky for us we have a young, overeager pup around to rut every little bitch that comes sniffing..."

"Alright, that's enough," the grey-haired man said. "Night Wind, Flash Sentry...we leave it to you. Whatever it takes to bring about the return of the Moon Goddess."

The five men threw their heads back and howled in tribute to their Goddess.

Loyalty 10: リフレッシ

The mahoushoujo stayed home from school the next day. With Applejack still in the hospital and everyone else still tired and sore from the battle, nobody had any energy to do anything.

Twilight and Cadance were at the hospital with Applejack. Velvet was downstairs tending the book store. That left Spike and Silver Spoon alone in the apartment.

"Shouldn't we be...I don't know, doing something?" Silver Spoon asked, frowning.

Spike shrugged. "I'm out of power," he said. "And I'm honestly still too sore and tired to go out and recharge." He popped the tab on a cola and chugged it. "The Shadowbolts aren't any better off. There's...not really anything to do. I mean, Celestia-sama's got people watching the hospitals in case, y'know, a girl shows up missing a hand..."

Silver Spoon shuddered. "You really...you really mutilated someone?"

Spike sighed. "I had to. She tore a hole in Applejack."

Silver Spoon turned green. "This is why I avoid the vice clans," she said. "No offense, but...you're all a bit...well...violent."

Spike shrugged. "Eh. I'm too tired to be mad. Besides, you got a point. This whole mess is my clan's fault." He stretched. "Hey...how about tomorrow, I take you on a tour of the city? You'll need to know your way around, especially since they'll probably make you go to school while you're here." He rolled his eyes. "Man am I ever glad I can move around without anybody seeing me..."

Silver Spoon frowned. "How am I going to help with the mission here if I'm stuck in some outside world school?"

"Eh. Neechan and the others manage just fine." Spike scowled. "Even if school is where she met that asshole Flash Sentry." He sighed. "I wish Neechan would believe me about him. He's bad news."

"How so?" Silver Spoon asked.

"He...he just..." Spike sighed. "He's just wrong. And I know it doesn't make sense, but he's gotta be the one that..." He looked down at his can. "That totally kicked my ass," he said quietly.

Silver Spoon blinked, then snickered. "A normal outside boy beat you up? You, a vice clan mage?"

"Yeah yeah, rub it in," Spike said sourly. "But that guy's not normal. I just..." He sighed. "I just wish I could figure out what he is."

"So you're...worried about Twilight-san spending time with this Neighponese boy?" Silver Spoon smiled. "That's sweet." She toyed with her pigtail. "I'm surprised..."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Spike asked.

"Well..." Silver Spoon fidgeted. "Otousama doesn't think much of the Emerald Flame Dragons," she said quietly. "He hates...the attitude your clan has toward the works we produce."

Spike frowned. "How so?"

"Well..." Silver Spoon's brow furrowed. "Our silverworks...we create tools for the mages to use, works of art and beauty to be treasured...a lot of care and attention goes into making even the most mundane magical tool as beautiful and appealing as we can.

"But your clan...they don't care about that," Silver Spoon said. "To them, anything silver is just something to hoard. When an Emerald Flame Dragon gets hold of one of our silverworks, it...it disappears from the world. It gets locked away..."

Spike looked down. "Oh." He sighed. "I never thought of it that way."

Silver Spoon adjusted her glasses. "Well...next time you put some random thing in your hoard, you should take time to appreciate the work that went into—"

"I don't have a hoard," Spike said.

Silver Spoon blinked at him, brow wrinkling in confusion. "Huh?"

"Well, not that kind of hoard anyway," Spike amended. He tilted his head at her. "You don't know?"

"Know what?" Silver Spoon asked. "I mean, we just met the other day..."

"Oh yeah," Spike said, scratching his head. "I'm the only Emerald Flame Dragon without a hoard."

"An Emerald Flame Dragon without a hoard?" Silver Spoon echoed, blinking. "But..." She shook her head. "You're...you're a full mage, right? I...I've even heard you're the most powerful vice mage of your generation." She blushed. "I mean, from friends back home."

Spike grinned. "I have a reputation? Sweet!"

"But how can you not...? I don't understand..."

"Greed isn't my vice," Spike said. "I'm the only member of my clan who uses a different vice."

"Oh," Silver Spoon said. "Umm...so what vice...do you use then?"

"Lust," Spike replied.

"Eep!" Silver Spoon squeaked, blushing furiously. "That's even worse! Why would you—"

"Because I'm more interested in girls than gold," Spike replied with a shrug. "Anyway, that's why I'm the most powerful vice mage of my generation. Turns out lust is the strongest vice." He grinned lazily. "And the easiest to indulge."

Despite herself, Silver Spoon thought about that. Her blush intensified. "I...I suppose so," she said. "Anou...that's a little creepy actually," she said quietly.

A long, awkward silence fell.

"Anou..." Silver Spoon said hesitantly, ducking her head. "How...how exactly do you...I mean what do you do to..."

"To charge up my magic?"

"Yeah."

"You really wanna know?"

Silver Spoon tugged at her pigtail. "I'm...just curious," she said.

Spike chuckled. "Mostly I just ogle hot girls. Sometimes I steal underwear. Being around girls in tight clothes or swimsuits or in their underwear or...y'know...naked. That'll do it." He smirked. "If I need a huge charge all at once, I can get it from groping, but I only do that when I absolutely have to." At Silver Spoon's nauseated look, he added, "Hey, I only grope Neechan, and only with her permission."

Silver Spoon blinked. "Twilight-san...lets you...touch her body?"

"Only when it's an emergency."

"I see..."

* * * * *

Once again, the Mayor of Pony City, the Superintendent of Police, and the Prime Minister met in an emergency council to discuss events related to Pony City's resident mahoushoujo. Rather than the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Education, the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs sat in attendance. The Empress did not favor this meeting with her presence.

However, a representative of Sun Island was present. And her presence was causing some stir, as her connection to the mysterious phantom nation had only recently come to light within the upper eschelons of the Neighponese government.

Outside of this chamber, Lady Fleur was known only as an extremely popular and high-profile model, businesswoman, and philanthropist. It had come as a shock to the Neighponese government to learn she was an agent of the same island nation the enigmatic Twilight Sparkle hailed from, and had been conducting covert observation of Pony City for years.

The Mayor adjusted her glasses. "Fleur-san, would you care to explain why one of my city's major rail stations is in ruins? What sort of trouble have your people brought into Neighpon now?"

Fleur frowned. "Madame Mayor, I do apologize on behalf of Sun Island for what has happened, and rest assured, our investigations are continuing. This situation is more...complicated than the Sunset Shimmer incident and the multiple Changeling incursions which occurred through the months of April and May."

"Everything that has anything to do with these 'mahoushoujo' is complicated," the Superintendent grumbled. "Why we continue to allow this...this nonsense is—"

"With respect, sir, you lack the means to prevent us from being here," Fleur said. "It is unfortunate that some of our less sociable people have caused so much damage and loss of life in Neighpon, but..." She gave him a hard stare. "Not to put too fine a point on it, but would you want your entire nation and its people looked down upon for one of your citizens, say, going to another country and going on a shooting spree?"

The Prime Minister visibly winced. "I see you keep up with the news," he said.

"Of course I do," Fleur said. "I've lived in Neighpon most of my life. I consider myself Neighponese." She straightened some papers in a folder that lay before her. "There are more of us in Neighpon than you know. We're not here to cause trouble or corrupt your culture or anything sinister, we're just people, living life like everybody else." She frowned. "Rogue elements such as these...they're very much an anomaly. Violence and terror of this nature is abhorrent to every principle of life the people of Sun Island value. Our defensive arts are more a matter of tradition and discipline than of necessity. Whenever a violent, dark act is perpetrated on Sun Island or by one of our residents elsehwere, it's...it's shocking to us. Our island does have dark chapters in its history, as any other nation does, but..." She shrugged. "This just doesn't happen. Not like this. Especially not this frequently and this openly."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should return the focus of this meeting to the matter at hand," he said.

"Right," Fleur agreed. "The three agitators who, according to my reports, call themselves 'Shadowbolts'. First, I must stress that only one of these Shadowbolts is known to be from Sun Island. Their apparent leader is a mage, from a clan thought to be extinct. A second member of the Shadowbolts has been identified as a native to Neighpon." She studied her files. "Lightning Dust-san, age sixteen, who based on the information we have once attended school with Rainbow Dash-san in Pony City, moved away, dropped out of high school, and has been a part-timer ever since."

"And the third?" the Prime Minister asked.

Fleur shrugged. "We have no information on the third. We don't know who she is or where she's from. The abilities she's displayed don't conform to any known type of magic. Even our High Sages, even the Great Sage herself, can't figure out what she is."

The Superintendent frowned. "You claim this Lightning Dust girl is one of our people, and yet...all evidence suggests she possesses the same unnatural abilities—"

"Five of the mahoushoujo that defeated Sunset Shimmer are Neighponese," Fleur said. "They had no magic whatsoever until their contact with Twilight Sparkle-san. We suspect something similar has happened here." Seeing the Superintendent gearing for another question, she raised a hand to forestall him. "It is very much an exceptional circumstance when a non-mage acquires magical abilities. There simply aren't very many methods of making this happen." She sighed. "Based on the information provided to my office by Celestia-sama, the situation with the Shadowbolts falls under the heading of classified state secrets. And, frankly, even if I were to divulge what I know, it might be...difficult for you to believe."

"I'd believe anything at this point," the Mayor said. "After what we've all seen the last couple of months, there's very little that would surprise me anymore."

"What do you mean, 'state secrets'?" the Superintendent asked.

"I mean that there are matters I am not at liberty to discuss with outsiders," Fleur said primly. "The Shadowbolts will be dealt with. Hopefully without further mass destruction of property. I can't promise that, because they seem to have an appetite for mayhem. For now, simply trust in the mahoushoujo. They will protect this city and its people to the best of their abilities."

The Prime Minister sighed. "In the end, I suppose that's our only option..."

* * * * *

Applejack frowned at the small bowl of applesauce on her tray. "Now that's jes' sad," she said. "Ah gotta have me a talk with th' hospital folk, git 'em t' buy their applesauce from Sweet Apple Acres." She looked up. "When th' hell can Ah git outta this bed? Ah gotta check on mah li'l sis."

"Apple Bloom is fine," Twilight said. "She's staying over at her friend Sweetie Belle's place."

"I want you to rest in the hospital over the weekend, Applejack," Cadance said. "It's true that I've completely healed your wounds, but...your body suffered horrific damage, and it'll take some time for you to replenish all the blood you lost. There's only so much my healing magic is meant to do. You still have to rest and let your body recover."

Applejack sighed. "Alright."

"So..." Twilight said, shifting. "Oneesama, did you find out...anything about...?"

Cadance shook her head and sighed. "Dreadwing hasn't turned up in any hospital or clinic in Pony City," she said. "Based on Spike-kun's account of her injuries, she should be dead."

"We ain't that lucky," Applejack muttered.

"Even so...I can't imagine she didn't get medical attention somewhere. Not after being burned alive and having a hand cut off."

Twilight shuddered. "My studies never prepared me for things like this," she said. "These last few months..."

"I know," Cadance said. "First Sunset Shimmer, now this...and all connected to the Lunar Seals..." She rubbed her arms. "I can't help but feel like...something bad's coming..."

"Don't say things like that," Twilight said. "Just...don't."

* * * * *

Rainbow Dash sat on the railing of a bridge overlooking a narrow river. The sun sparkled on the water like scattered diamonds.

Pinkie leaned against the rail beside her. "I'm sorry about your friend," she said.

"She's not my friend," Rainbow said. "Not anymore."

"Yeah..." Pinkie sighed. "Yesterday was super-unsmile."

Rainbow let out a scream of frustration. "DAMMIT! Why's this kinda shit happening? All this magic shit fallin' on us, takin' away people we care about...fuckin' up our city..." She looked down. "I should be thinkin' about track meets an' practice schedules and trainin' and..." She shook her head. "Not...not fightin' old friends with freaky magic powers and savin' the world from supervillains!"

Pinkie wrapped an arm around her. "You don't mean that," she said softly. "You're...you're just upset right now. And angry. And...and frustrated." She looked down. "I'm upset too. Now that I have real friends...I don't like seeing them get hurt, or...or being sad or scared. But I don't regret anything that's happened. Even with all the scary stuff that's happened and all the people that have gotten hurt or worse...I don't regret meeting you and Twilight-chan and the others."

Rainbow sighed. "Yeah..."

* * * * *

Gilda frowned as she wrapped her silver hand in bandages. "Walking around like this is gonna suck ass," she said.

Starscream shrugged. "A scary-looking girl with her arm all bandaged up draws less attention than one walking around wearing gloves in the middle of summer. Or...you know...with a metal hand."

Gilda snorted. "It wouldn't be a problem if Lightning Dust hadn't BLOWN HER COVER and made herself a wanted criminal," she snarled.

"Screw you," Lightning Dust snorted as she threw a rapid series of jabs at a punching bag.

"Anyway, next time I see that Emerald Flame brat, I'm gonna cut his dick off and make him eat it," Gilda said.

"It'll have to wait," Starscream said. "I don't want us to go up against those girls again until I've finished draining the Seal."

"Why bother?" Lightning Dust asked. "We have enough power. All we need to do is practice using it, and we can finish those little girls off whenever we want."

"They still have a power they haven't shown us," Starscream said. "The power that defeated the sorceress who destroyed Kirin Tower. Now that we have this new power, they'll come at us with everything they've got."

Lightning Dust snorted. "What, you're saying they were holding back yesterday?"

"They were." Starscream adjusted her glasses. "So I'm going to give us an edge."

"Oh yeah? How?" Gilda asked.

"By creating some new silver weapons and infusing them with Seal magic," Starscream said.

Lightning Dust looked up. "You can do that?"

"We'll know soon enough..."

* * * * *

Trixie sighed wearily as she left the studio. The sun had still been in the sky when she'd arrived; now it was dark, and thin, wispy clouds drifted across the moon. She'd spent two weeks working on a new PV, and it still wasn't quite right...

"Oi."

Trixie turned and frowned at the blue-haired boy wearing black jeans and a leather jacket who was leaning against the wall outside the studio. "Yes?"

"You're Trixie Lulamoon, also known as the Net Idol G.P.T, right?"

Trixie frowned. "Are you a stalker?"

The boy shrugged. "Nah. Just an admirer." He grinned. "I think you're so much better than that ditzy Smile bimbo."

Trixie blinked. "Well...it's true," she said.

"I also know you're from Sun Island," he said.

Trixie was immediately on alert. "Really?" she asked. "Then you must know I'm capable of ending you in a second if you get on my bad side."

"Yeah, yeah," the boy said with a rogueish smirk. "My name's Flash Sentry. I'm someone you wanna know," he said. "Come on, let me buy you some yakitori..."

Trixie raised an eyebrow. "You're quite bold and forward."

Flash grinned lazily. "I'm pretty sure I'm the man you've been looking for your entire life..."

Author's Note

A bit of a short breather chapter to ease us all back into this story after the long hiatus.

From this point on, weekly updates will resume without interruption unless there is some sort of unforeseen circumstance. (Such as I develop an incredibly massive case of writer's block.) If you're still reading, you have my gratitude for your patience.

Title card for this week's chapter:

Loyalty 11: ライバル

Saturday was usually a school day in Neighpon. Today, however, was a national holiday, and Sweetie Belle intended to make the most of it by spending time with the boy of her dreams.

She hummed her favorite Lady Sashimi image song as she skipped toward the bookstore where Spike lived with Twilight Sparkle and her mother. As she approached, she saw him leave the front entrance; she prepared to call out to him in greeting—

A pretty silver-haired girl in a silver-and-black seifuku followed behind him.

Sweetie Belle stopped short, her happy mood crashing down around her.

The silver-haired girl laughed at something Spike said, following in behind him as he walked down the sidewalk in the opposite direction.

Sweetie Belle sank to her knees.

"No..."

Loyalty 11: ライバル

A nest of human-sized cockroaches gathered in one of the dark access tunnels beneath Pony City.

"The numbers which are the numbers of surviving Infestation have not increased by a number which is satisfactory since that which is known as the extermination of the Infestation on the surface by those who are known as the enemy."

"The numbers which are the numbers of surviving Infestation are irrelevant. The Infestation must serve that which is the will of she who is known as our Queen."

"That which is the Infestation cannot serve that which is the will of she who is known as our Queen without a number that is a satisfactory number of surviving Infestation."

"That which is the will of she who is known as our Queen is that which is more important than that which is known as numbers."

"Up that which is known as yours."

"Cease the discourse which is known as the volatile discourse. That which is known as a scouting party must investigate that which is known as the surface. We require that which is known as information."

"Agreed."

"Agreed. Send that which is known as a scouting party to that which is known as the surface."

* * * * *

"So where are we going?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Just around," Spike said. "There's lots to see...it's a really big city. I think today we'll stick to the basic stuff close to home, unless there's something in particular you'd like to see."

Silver Spoon shook her head. "I know practically nothing about this city. I wasn't expecting to be here more than a day, so I didn't really..."

Spike chuckled. "Yeah. Well, let's start with the most important stuff."

"What, like museums, libraries, transportation?"

"Food," Spike said, turning a corner. "You gotta know where to get the best snacks and quick foods." He walked up to an open-front shop with a short curtain above the "entrance" and a long counter behind which stood a burly man with a short, scruffy mop of uneven brown hair. "Yo, Joukichi!"

The man grinned. "Spike, my favorite customer!" He glanced at Silver Spoon. "Haven't seen you before."

"I just moved here," Silver Spoon said.

"She's enrolling in school here next week," Spike said. "She's staying with us at the bookstore."

"Well, welcome to the neighborhood," Joukichi said. "What can I get you kids?"

"Two with azuki," Spike said.

"You got it," Joukichi said. He pulled two wax paper wrappers out of a dispenser and began working behind the counter. "Perfect timing, too, I just took a batch off to cool." He reached across the counter, offering one golden brown taiyaki wrapped in wax paper to each of them.

Spike laid a few coins on the counter. "Thanks," he said.

"Come back anytime!" Joukichi called.

Silver Spoon eyed the pastry she'd been given dubiously. "What...is this?" she asked.

"Taiyaki," Spike said. "It's basically a filled waffle. Don't ask me why it's shaped like a fish, I have no idea." He blew on his and took a bite. "Joukichi makes the best taiyaki in Pony City."

"Okay..." Silver Spoon blew on hers and took a bite. Her eyes widened. "It's good!"

"Toldja."

They ate their taiyaki in silence as they walked. When they were finished, they discarded the wrappers in the nearest recycling bin. Silver Spoon looked down at herself and frowned. "I really should go shopping," she said. "I didn't bring much with me, and if I'm going to be here a while, I'll need more clothes than this."

"Hmm. Maybe Neechan or one of the other girls can take you shopping tomorrow?"

"Or we could go now," Silver Spoon suggested.

Spike grimaced. "Ugh. I hate shopping with girls."

"Really?" Silver Spoon tilted her head. "That's funny, considering what you said about your vice..."

"It gets really boring really fast," Spike said. He glanced at Silver Spoon, sighed, and rolled his eyes. "But...okay. We'll go shopping for some new clothes for you." He held up a finger. "Just ONE store, though."

Silver Spoon giggled. "Okay!"

From more than half a block behind them, Sweetie Belle watched with narrowed, jealous eyes.

* * * * *

The mahoushoujo clustered together in Applejack's hospital room. She was sitting up in bed, wearing apple-print pajamas. "Whut's takin' so long?" she complained. "Ah wanna git outta here already!"

"I know how you feel," Rainbow said. "Hospitals suck."

Twilight shrugged. "Oneesama is working on it," she said. "The hospital staff are being, well...obtuse." She adjusted her glasses. "Not without reason, though. After all, you did come in here with a wound that should have killed you."

"But Ah'm fine now!"

"No, you're not," Twilight argued. "You're still recovering. You're going to need to take it easy for a while. You think you're okay, but that much blood loss takes time to get over."

Applejack sighed.

Cadance and a doctor walked in. "It's all taken care of," she said. "There are some rules and restrictions and a series of follow-up appointments, but..."

"Ah can go home?"

"Yes," the doctor said. "But don't do anything strenuous for at least a week. I'd recommend taking a few days off from school. I'll write a letter for your school nurse and principal."

"Sounds fine t'me," Applejack said, standing and stretching.

Twilight smiled. "We'll just let you get dressed now, Senpai. Come on, everybody, let's wait for her in the lobby."

* * * * *

Spike and Silver Spoon emerged from a shop; Spike was laden with bags. Silver Spoon smiled happily. "That was fun!" she said.

Spike groaned. "I'm callin' Obasan to take this stuff back home," he said, shifting everything to one hand and pulling out his phone. "No way in hell I'm luggin' all this crap around all day."

Silver Spoon rolled her eyes. "That's not very gentlemanly of you," she chided.

Spike put his phone away after sending a text. "Let's see. I can play tour guide while carrying around bags of clothes all day long, or I can call Obasan, who can teleport, to take this stuff back home so I don't have to carry it all day. Yeah, I'll do the smart thing here."

Silver Spoon giggled.

Velvet appeared in a flash. "Are you two enjoying yourselves?" she asked.

Spike unceremoniously thrust the bags he was carrying at her.

"Evidently you are," Velvet said with a smirk. She teleported away. A few passersby stopped and stared.

"Well, let's get goin'," Spike said. "I'm hungry."

Silver Spoon nodded. "Me too, actually."

"I think I'll introduce you to fast food next," Spike said. "You'll probably be eating a lot of it."

"Fast...food?"

"You'll see."

* * * * *

"That human male which is the green-haired human male that is in the company of a young human female...is that not the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen?"

"Affirmative. The human male who is in the company of a young human female is the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen."

"Shall we attempt to capture the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen?"

"No, we lack the numbers to successfully capture the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen. We should report the location of the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen to that which is the rest of the Infestation."

"The location of the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen may not remain at this location while we report to that which is the rest of the Infestation."

"The point you make is a point which is valid. I will report to that which is the rest of the Infestation. The rest of you will delay the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen for a time which is...as long as possible."

"Affirmative."

* * * * *

Spike and Silver Spoon sat at a table at FcBURGER. Silver Spoon eyed the meal on her tray dubiously. "So...what exactly is this?" she asked.

"Teriyaki burger," Spike said as he squirted ketchup onto an unfolded napkin. "Get used to eating meat here. Especially fish. Oh, but this isn't fish, it's beef."

"I'd heard about this," Silver Spoon said. "The meat, I mean."

Spike nodded, dipping a fry into the ketchup. "We don't eat as much of it at home, but Obasan's started cooking with it more and more," he said. "Of course, what we eat at home is a lot better than this. This is pretty much the cheapest food you can get."

Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow at him. "So your idea of taking a girl out to lunch is to take her to the cheapest place in town?"

Spike froze. "Uhh..."

Silver Spoon giggled. "I'm just teasing," she said. She unwrapped her burger, picked it up, and took a bite. She chewed quietly for a minute, frowning. "Well..." She swallowed, then took a long sip of her cola. "I guess they tried, anyway," she said.

Spike snorted. "Yeah, that about sums up FcBURGER. Maybe that should be their slogan. 'FcBURGER: At Least We Tried.'" He took a big bite out of his own burger.

Silver Spoon laughed.

Three tables away, Sweetie Belle sat, slurping a vanilla milkshake and fuming. *Who IS this girl? Where did she come from? Why is Spike-kun so interested in her when he just BARELY notices me? What's so special about HER? I mean, I'd get it if she was Oneesan's age, but...*

A sharp stab of pain lanced through her brain, and she cried out in agony. Several customers, including Spike and Silver Spoon, turned to stare at her.

Spike blinked. "Huh. Sweetie Belle's here."

"You know her?" Silver Spoon asked.

"She's Rarity-sama's sister." Spike stood up and walked over to Sweetie Belle. "You okay?"

Sweetie Belle glared up at him. "I'm FINE," she spat. She took a long, vicious sip of her milkshake.

Spike frowned. "You know you're gonna get a brain—"

"AAAHHH!!"

"—freeze."

The other customers, having realized what was going on, lost interest and turned back to their food.

"Well...seeya later," Spike said, walking back over to his table.

Silver Spoon frowned past him, brow furrowed. "Is...she alright?"

"She just drank a milkshake too fast," Spike said. At Silver Spoon's confused look, he elaborated, "Gives you brainfreeze. A really nasty, sudden headache. It's not serious, it's just really annoying."

"I see..."

At another table, four identical men with short black hair, sideburns, and blue pullover sweaters drank sodas and watched Spike out of the corners of their eyes.

When Spike and Silver Spoon finished eating and left the restaurant, Sweetie Belle got up and followed them.

The four identical men stood and left, following the kids.

* * * * *

Silver Spoon cast a glance back over her shoulder. "That girl's been following us ever since we left FcBURGER."

"Yeah, I know," Spike said.

"I wonder why?"

Spike shrugged. "I dunno. She's not usually this stalkery."

Silver Spoon blinked. "Wait. Are you saying this girl...has a crush on you?"

"Yeah. I...guess I'm kindasortanotreally her boyfriend? I mean, I've gone out with her and I hang out with her and her friend sometimes, but...I'm in love with somebody else, and...well..." He scratched his chin. "It's complicated."

Silver Spoon frowned. "Does she...know you're—"

"She knows," Spike said. "She's 'fighting' for me, whatever that means."

"Really," Silver Spoon said. A devious smirk crossed her face. "Now I get what's going on here..." Without warning, she looped her arm around Spike's. "Oh, Spike-san," she simpered loudly, "it's ever so sweet of you to agree to take me out today! I'm having such a good time being with you!"

Spike froze up. "Wh-what are you—"

"Why, I don't know what I'd do without you!" Silver Spoon turned away, placing the back of her hand against her forehead dramatically. "A young girl like me, new to this city, without a friend in the world to turn to..." She turned back to Spike. "And then you shared your kindness, your compassion with me..." She leaned very close. "Maybe I can share...something with you...too..." She closed her eyes...

Two identical men appeared out of nowhere, grabbed her under the arms, and dragged her away. "What—?!"

"The human female will be that which is known as silent."

Two more stepped into view between her and Spike. Spike scowled and settled into a ready stance. "Who are you? Let her go!"

"The human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen will surrender and come with us, or the human female will be eliminated with extreme prejudice."

Spike's eyes widened. "Heeeey, wait a minute," he said. "You're...you're those cockroach guys!"

"We are the Infestation, and we are here to complete that which is our mission, which is to capture the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen and deliver him to the one who is our Queen for conversion into a Royal Drone."

Spike frowned. "Okay, you know, I was worried for a second? But now I'm just bored." He rushed forward and drove a fist into the nearest Changeling, then dropped into a low sweep, taking its legs out from under it. The second Changeling moved to attack; Spike backflipped away, pulled a kunai, and threw it, striking the Changeling in the neck.

If it had been human, it would have died; instead, it jerked the kunai out and charged, swinging it.

"Cease resistance or the human female dies!"

Silver Spoon struggled in the grip of the two Changelings as Spike fought the other two. "Let! Me! GO!" she shrieked.

"You heard her! Let her GO!" Spike yelled, grabbing one Changeling around the torso and shoving with all his might, forcing it to the ground. The other grabbed him from behind and hauled him off his feet. He struggled; the Changeling had more mass and a denser center of gravity, denying him the leverage to break the hold.

"The human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen is captured."

"Secure the human male. The human female will also be taken to the nest. Her fear will be an excellent source of food for the Infestation."

"Let...me...GO!" Spike thrashed around; the only unencumbered Changeling punched him hard in the gut, and he slumped, struggling to breathe.

A shrill siren filled the air. "KIDNAPPERS! KIDNAPPERS! KIDNAPPERS!"

Sweetie Belle ran toward the group, screaming at the top of her lungs, waving around an electronic stranger danger siren.

"CEASE THE SONIC DISRUPTION WHICH IS THAT WHICH IS KNOWN AS IRRITATING!"

Up and down the street, doors opened. Men and women emerged, angry-faced, brandishing phones or brooms or other implements.

"Sweetie Belle! Get out of here!" Spike wheezed. "These guys are Changelings!"

"No!" Sweetie Belle yelled over her siren. "I'll protect you! I won't let anything happen to you!"

"BAKA!" Spike yelled. "If I can't even fight these guys without my magic, you don't stand a chance!"

People began advancing, even as the four Changelings stood around, confused and wary.

"Spike-san! Her...whatever that is! It's confusing them! I think they can't stand loud noise!" Silver Spoon yelled.

Spike struggled. "That...would be helpful...if I could get loose!"

"Can't you use your magic?" Sweetie Belle cried.

"No!" Spike yelled. "I'm drained! I haven't had a chance to recharge!"

Sweetie Belle jogged in place indecisively, looking around. "Oh...oh..."

Three police officers charged up the road, batons drawn. More people were pouring out into the street, many of them armed with blunt, heavy objects.

"Human authority figures approach! We must retreat!"

"Agreed. Secure the prisoners and retreat."

Sweetie Belle charged over to the two Changelings holding Silver Spoon...

...reached out, grabbed Silver Spoon's skirt, and lifted it.

"KYAAAA!" Silver Spoon shrieked.

"SPIKE-KUN, LOOK!" Sweetie Belle yelled.

Spike blinked twice. "Eh...close enough." With a weak green flicker of flame, a smoke bomb appeared in his hand, which he dropped on the ground. It exploded, spreading a cloud of thick green fog.

When the smoke cleared, Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Silver Spoon were gone.

* * * * *

Three blocks away, Spike skidded to a halt, a hand clenched firmly around each girl's wrist. He doubled over, gasping for breath. "That...was...close..."

A red-faced Silver Spoon rounded on Sweetie Belle. "YOU LITTLE...!" she screeched.

"I WAS TRYING TO SAVE YOUR LIFE!" Sweetie Belle yelled back. "If I hadn't done that, you and Spike-kun would..."

Silver Spoon seethed for a minute...then smirked. "Well. It's just lucky it was me that was captured and not you," she said. Eyes narrowed, she added, "After all...I'm actually mature enough that I got a reaction out of Spike-san."

"Barely," Sweetie Belle said, sticking her tongue out.

Spike rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I'm goin' home," he said. "Sweetie Belle, you should...you should stick with us until I can get Rarity-sama to come and take you home."

Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon glared at each other. "Gladly," Sweetie Belle said. "I'm not leaving you alone with her any longer than I have to."

Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow. "Fine by me," she said. "I live with him. I can be alone with him any time I want."

"AAAAHHHH!" Sweetie Belle yelled.

Spike's shoulders sagged. "This won't end well..."

* * * * *

"The human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen is no longer at the location which is the location where the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen was last known to be."

"That obvious statement is obvious."

"Shall we locate the human male that is to be captured alive for conversion into that which is known as a Royal Drone for the purposes of mating with the one who is our Queen?"

"No, you shouldn't noso."

The Infestation turned as a green-haired boy dressed all in black strode into their midst, wearing sunglasses despite being underground in a dark access tunnel.

"An unknown human male approaches."

"We have been seen. The unknown human male must be eliminated."

"I'm not human noso," the boy said. "I'm the emissary of Her Majesty noso. You will address me as Lord Eskargg noso."

"The unknown human male has been identified as Lord Eskargg Noso."

"Understood, we will address you as Lord Eskargg Noso."

Eskargg facepalmed.

"Do you have orders which are the orders that are to be carried out by the Infestation, Lord Eskargg Noso?"

"Yes nos—" Eskargg cleared his throat. "Yes. You are no longer to engage with the human mage known as Spike. From now on, no Changeling except myself will ever confront him."

"Understood, Lord Eskargg Noso."

"My remaining forces in this city are conducting covert energy draining operations. The mahoushoujo have been occupied with other matters recently, which has made it easier for us to feed without being detected. For now, none of you are to leave these tunnels. You are not to be seen by the humans. I want you to concentrate on one thing, and one thing only:

"I want you to breed, and breed explosively. I require cannon fodder."

"Understood, Lord Eskargg Noso. The Infestation will continue to increase our numbers to serve as disposable soldiers for the glory of our Queen."

Author's Note

Title card for this chapter:

Magic 3: ブルー・エンジェル

The first thing Rainbow Dash saw was two giant beetles trapped in a giant booger.

"Dude, that is SO gross," she said.

Twilight spun around, eyes flashing behind her glasses. "You shouldn't be here!" she said. "It's dangerous!"

"Listen, you," Rainbow shot back, "until I understand what the hell's goin' on here, I'm not lettin' you outta my sight!"

Twilight sighed, taking off her glasses and rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Fine," she spat. "But keep hidden and stay safe. This is no game." She turned to Spike. "Look out for her while I take care of business," she said.

"Hai!"

Twilight handed her glasses to Spike, who made them disappear with a flicker of green fire. She reached into her uniform blouse and withdrew a silver locket with a symbol engraved on the front: a large six-pointed star surrounded by five smaller six-pointed stars. She extended her other hand, palm facing forward.

"Element of Harmony..."

Her palm glowed, and a small lavender gem in the shape of a six-pointed star materialized. She snatched it out of the air with her thumb and index finger, then opened the locket with her other hand, revealing a matching recess into which she placed the star-shaped gem.

"MAGIC!!"

Magic 3: ブルー・エンジェル

Rainbow stared, eyes wide.

Twilight Sparkle's school uniform had been replaced by the lavender costume she had been wearing that horrible night. With a burst of violet light, the baton with the unicorn head appeared in her right hand; she twirled it and struck a pose, left leg drawn up slightly, left hand on her hip, and baton held straight at her side, parallel with her right leg.

"Holy crap," Rainbow said. "She really is a mahoushoujo."

"Yep," Spike said, "and I'm her partner."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at him. "So you're a...mahoushounen?"

Spike sputtered indignantly. "That's madoushi!" he insisted.

"So why were you feeling her up just now?" Rainbow asked. "Heck, why was she LETTING you feel her up?"

Spike put his right hand behind his head and laughed. "Eheheh...that's a long story." He looked up. "And now isn't the time! RUN!"

Spike grabbed Rainbow's hand and dragged her across the observation deck. A massive glob of slime splattered where the two of them had been standing. The Changelings had broken free from Spike's trap and were looming over Twilight. She stared them down defiantly.

"So...YOU'RE the hunter," the stag beetle hissed.

Twilight narrowed her eyes. "Your kind have no place in this world! I will not allow innocents to die to feed your demonic hunger!" She twirled her baton in front of her, then pointed the unicorn head at the Changelings. "Bearing the Element of Magic, I will destroy you in the name of the Sun!"

Rainbow stared, slack-jawed. "Speeches? She does speeches?"

Spike shrugged. "Eh. It's a mahoushoujo thing."

The stag beetle charged Twilight; she leapt high into the air, pointing her baton at it. With a wordless shout, she fired a blast of energy which staggered it. As she landed, the rhinoceros beetle rushed in and intercepted her with its horn, sending her flying. "Protect!" she cried, waving her baton around her as she flew; a soft force bubble enveloped her, guiding her to a gentle landing. She regained her footing and dispelled the protective bubble, then aimed her baton at the Changeling which had struck her. "Contain!"

The beetle evaded her spell and took wing, charging her. Meanwhile, the stag beetle had recovered, and began circling around behind, hoping to surround Twilight. Rainbow narrowed her eyes. "Why that dirty...!"

"They're evil monsters," Spike said. "I don't think they're interested in fair play. LOOK OUT, NEECHAN!"

Twilight rolled to the side, allowing the two Changelings to crash into each other. "Nice!" she called. "Contain!" A force bubble snapped into place around the two Changelings.

The stag beetle hissed. "Foolish human! You can't hold us!" The force bubble warped and flickered as the beetles' horns glowed with eerie green light. Twilight leapt back, pausing in mid-spell, as the containment spell shattered. The beetles advanced menacingly.

Spike traced a glowing rune in the air. It changed from green to red, then turned black. "NEECHAN!" he cried. "Containment magic makes them stronger!" He paused, then smacked his palm against his forehead. "Shimatta...! I used containment magic on them!"

"Don't worry about it, Spike!" Twilight called back as she sprinted away from the beetles. "You didn't know!"

"You've gotta help her!" Rainbow shouted.

Spike shook his head. "It's no good! Anything I could do that would actually affect them would just make them stronger!"

Twilight began firing magic blasts at the beetles; they zig-zagged back and forth, barely dodging her blasts, which gouged holes in the floor tiles. The stag beetle opened its jaws wide and spat out a thick chain of black chitin, which caught Twilight around the ankle. She shrieked as she went down.

"Now you die!" the rhinoceros beetle roared, pouncing.

"Barrier!" Twilight cried hastily. A protective magic circle formed between her and the Changeling; it battered against the magic with its horn, hissing.

"Chikushou...!" Rainbow cried. "We can't just stand here and watch!" She looked around the observation deck desperately, then sprinted over to the toilets. One of the toilets had an "Out Of Service" sign on the door, and was blocked off with a velvet rope. She unhooked the rope from one of the stanchions and hefted it, testing its weight, then raced over to where the Changelings were trying to destroy Twilight's barrier. With a defiant yell, Rainbow smashed the base of the stanchion into the rhinoceros beetle's head, then hooked it under a foreleg and pulled with all her might. It fell awkwardly to its side. Jumping on top of it, she wedged the stanchion between the jaws of the stag beetle and tried to suplex it. She ended up on her back; the Changeling turned and screeched at her, eyes glowing menacingly.

"Stupid human girl!" it hissed. "I'm going to rip you apart!"

"REPEL!"

A powerful magic blast sent the stag beetle flying. Twilight stood, leaning against her baton like a cane. Gasping for breath, she stared at Rainbow through her bangs. "What...were you...thinking?!"

"I was thinking you were about to get killed!" Rainbow replied, picking her improvised weapon back up and brandishing it like a hammer. "I couldn't just stand there and watch you die!"

"Well...that's...!" Twilight said. "I appreciate it, but you're no match for these things!"

"Didn't look to me like you were doin' so hot either," Rainbow retorted.

Any reply from Twilight was cut off as the Changelings flanked them.

"Crap," Rainbow muttered.

"Hey! Titless girl! Catch!"

Something silver flashed through the air; Rainbow jumped up and caught it. It was a silver locket, similar to Twilight's, but with a smooth, unadorned face. "What the heck am I supposed to do with this?" she asked. "And don't call me titless!"

Twilight's eyes widened. "Spike? What are you—"

In answer, Spike produced a small gilded chest and opened it. A flashing red hexagonal gem floated out of it, then zipped toward Rainbow, who caught it instinctively. The gem changed shape, becoming a red lightning bolt; the cover of the locket glowed a bright sky blue, and a symbol engraved itself into the silver: a puffy cloud with a striped lightning bolt.

"You've been chosen by an Element of Harmony!" Spike said. "You have the power to transform!"

Rainbow blinked. "Transform? You mean...like Twilight?"

"Yeah! Open the locket, put the gem inside..."

"Yeah yeah, I remember what she did," Rainbow said. She held the locket above her head. "Element of Harmony..."

Rainbow clicked the locket open, revealing a recess that matched the lightning-shaped gem. With her thumb and index finger, she placed the gem into the recess.

"LOYALTY!"

Rainbow's skin turned sky blue as her clothes exploded away from her body. She rose into the air, spinning slowly in place; tremendous, feathery blue wings burst from her shoulderblades, spreading wide behind her. The blue hue of her skin pooled around her legs, arms, and front, becoming a backless, form-fitting spandex one-piece in sky blue which, save for her bare back and head, covered every inch of her body. Rainbow stripes ran down her sides from armpit to ankle. Ribbed cuffs in bands of red, yellow, and indigo separated her boots and gloves from the suit proper. Bands of indigo, yellow, and red circled her waist, joined by a silver-lined cloud that sat just below her navel. Laurels of golden fig leaves rested atop her head. A lance, nearly as long as she was tall, appeared in her right hand: the haft was the same sky blue as her costume, with a pair of silver wings at the butt end, and six sharp spikes at the other end, protruding perpendicular to the haft, each in a different, gleaming metallic color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

She stared down at herself, then at her unconventional weapon, then at the huge, feathery wings on her back...

And fell on her butt. "Wha...what?!"

Twilight's eyes widened. "How did...?!"

The Changelings backed away guardedly. "TWO hunters...?" the stag beetle hissed.

"It doesn't matter how many there are!" the rhinoceros beetle snapped. "Just kill them!"

Rainbow jumped to her feet, testing the heft of her new weapon. "Okay, this is kind of awesome..."

"Then use it!" Twilight suggested. "Transfigure," she said as she held her own baton in front of her. It glowed violet and changed shape, becoming a tapered golden rapier with a pink six-pointed star gem set in its lavender hilt. She settled into a guarded stance.

Rainbow gave her wings a tentative flap...then launched herself into the air. "Aw yeah," she said, smirking. "See how you like this, ya big ugly bugs!" She divebombed the stag beetle, smashing the spikes of her weapon into the weaker armor of its head. It screeched as glowing green blood spurted from the wound. With a confident grin, Rainbow shouted, "ZAP!" Lightning coursed down the shaft of her lance, arcing into the wounded Changeling, who twitched and writhed and screamed. With a loud, sizzling *pop*, its head exploded, spraying green blood all over the floor.

Twilight stared. "Uh...good work," she said softly. Her sword glowed as she levelled it at the other Changeling. "Specimen pin!" With a quick sweep of the blade, she sent a series of golden needles flashing toward the beetle. Most of them struck its armor and vanished, but a few found weak spots and stuck. It twitched as it struggled to rid itself of the magical needles.

The headless stag beetle crawled towards Rainbow, thrashing its legs madly. Six quick swipes of her lance left it limbless and twitching. "Finish 'em off, Twilight!" Rainbow called.

"Hai!" Twilight brought her rapier over her head. "ERASE MAGIC!" She brought her rapier down in a quick, whipping motion, pointing it at the Changelings. A wave of dazzling golden light studded with violet sparkles poured forth from the blade, enveloping them. They screamed and writhed in agony. When the blinding light faded, the Changelings were gone, leaving only two small piles of black soot. Twilight's rapier glowed briefly and reverted to its earlier baton form. She leaned against it, clutching a stitch in her side. "I need...more exercise," she wheezed.

Rainbow smirked, crossing her arms as she hung in midair. "Yeah, no kidding. Good thing you've got me to help with that."

Spike ran over, grinning madly. "That. Was. Awesome!" he said.

Twilight looked up at Rainbow, face unreadable. "Do you have any idea what you've just gotten yourself into?" she asked.

Rainbow shrugged. "Not really, but...I know if I wasn't here you'd be dead, and seein' as how these stupid bugs killed my boyfriend, I'd say I've got a right to be involved."

Twilight sighed. "Fair enough." Her baton disappeared; her lavender costume reverted to her school uniform. "Come back to my place, I've got some things to fill you in on. Spike, will you clean up here?"

"Don't I always?"

As Twilight headed for the elevators, Rainbow followed her slowly. She blinked, looking over her shoulder at her enormous blue wings.

"Uhh...Twilight? How do I change back?"

The sealed-off toilet door, which had been slightly open, closed silently.

* * * * *

The sun had long since set. Twilight and Rainbow sat in a mostly-empty train car.

"—and so my teacher, the Great Sun Sage Celestia, sent me here to eliminate the Changelings," Twilight said. She grimaced and added, "she also wants to me to make friends...I more or less kept to myself back on Sun Island. Well, except for my big brother and Spike."

"And what about these Elements of Harmony things?" Rainbow asked, fingering the lightning-shaped gem she now carried.

Twilight shrugged. "I don't really understand them myself," she admitted. "Celestia-sama just said they'd be important to my mission. I just know that they let me use more powerful magic than I can use on my own. And, apparently, they can turn people who aren't even mages into mahoushoujo."

Rainbow chuckled. "Heheh, yeah. I never would've pictured myself as a mahoushoujo. But hey, at least I got a kickass weapon. And wings!"

"That part...confuses me," Twilight said. "I'll need to ask Celestia-sama about that."

"One thing still bothers me," Rainbow said. "Why did you let that little twerp feel you up?"

Twilight blushed furiously. "Well...it's complicated."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Just tell me," she said.

"Okay, okay..." Twilight rolled her eyes. "You see, there are a lot of mage clans. Some draw their magical power from virtue, while others draw power from vice. Spike is from the Emerald Flame Dragon Clan, which is one of the clans that powers their magic through vice." She toyed with the hem of her skirt. "Spike and I grew up together. We're practically brother and sister, we're so close. He's been my only real friend for most of my life.

"In the Emerald Flame Dragon Clan, mages are initiated on their tenth birthday. It's clan tradition for mages of the Emerald Flame to use greed to power their magic, but Spike decided to break tradition, and chose a different vice as his power source." She blushed. "He chose lust."

Rainbow made a disgusted face. "That's sick!"

"Well, yes, but..." Twilight shrugged helplessly. "It's also made him the most powerful mage his clan has ever produced. Turns out lust is a much more powerful vice than greed, and a lot easier to draw from."

Rainbow thought about that for a minute. "Yeah, I guess I can see that." She frowned. "So what, you just let him cop a feel every time he needs to recharge?"

Twilight shook her head. "N-no...actually, I pretty much actively discourage him from even trying to touch me. On a daily basis," she added under her breath. "Most of the time, he draws enough power from...well, ogling girls." She grimaced. "Sometimes, when he needs to do a big spell really fast and doesn't have the power he needs, I...show him my panties." She turned crimson. "I hate doing it, but it's...well, it's Spike, so..." She sighed. "But long-range teleportation takes a lot of power, and today was an emergency." She frowned. "But if he'd touched me anywhere else, he'd never be able to draw magic ever again. Or at least not for a month or two."

"Man, you guys are weird," Rainbow said. "Well, I'd better not ever catch him trying to power up offa me."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't worry about that. You're not his type."

They got off the train at the station nearest Twilight's home. When they finally reached the bookstore, Twilight's mother was waiting anxiously. "How bad was it?" she asked.

"Two Changelings," Twilight said with a sigh. "And...Rainbow-san awakened an Element of Harmony."

"Really?" the older woman said, clasping her hands together. "I'm so happy! You fighting those nasty things all alone really had me worried."

Rainbow blinked. "Wait. Your mom knows?!"

"Well, yeah," Twilight said. "I didn't come here from Sun Island alone. I mean, a teenage girl just turning up in the city, living all by herself? That'd be a little suspicious."

"Ah...yeah, I guess..."

"Twiley-chan," Twilight's mother said, "you'd better report to Celestia-sama."

"And introduce Rainbow-san to her, yes," Twilight agreed. "Let's go upstairs."

In Twilight's bedroom, she instructed Rainbow to stand in front of her dresser, facing the mirror. Standing next to her, Twilight said, "Communication." Rainbow's jaw dropped as their reflection in the mirror was replaced by an image of a huge white room, with a beautiful woman sitting behind a massive ivory desk.

"My my, twice in one day?" the woman asked, smiling at Twilight. Her eyes flickered to Rainbow, and a politely curious expression crossed her face.

"Celestia-sama," Twilight said, "this is Rainbow Dash." She paused. "The new bearer of the Element of Loyalty."

Celestia blinked. "That was fast."

"Yeah, it kinda happened while we were fighting two of those creepy bug things," Rainbow said.

Celestia drew in a sharp breath. "Two?! At once?!" She frowned. "That's disturbing."

"Celestia-sama...have you discovered anything else about how the Changelings are reaching our world?"

Celestia frowned. "I'm afraid so, my student," she said. "They're being drawn into this world by powerful dark magic."

"Who would do such a thing?" Twilight asked.

Celestia shook her head. "I don't know. But I do know it'll be up to you—and your new friend—to find the one responsible."

Twilight nodded resolutely. "I'll start looking right away."

"No," Celestia said. "For now, you are to focus on finding and destroying any Changelings that find their way to Pony City. And also..." She smiled. "Continue the other mission I gave you."

Twilight glanced at Rainbow, then looked away, a sullen expression on her face. "Do we really have time for that?" she asked.

"Now, Twilight," Celestia admonished. "Nothing in this world is more important than friendship. You've already made one friend, and that's wonderful, but you need more friends." She smiled. "There is no magic as powerful as the magic of friendship."

"Hai, Celestia-sama," Twilight said with a sigh. The image of Celestia's office was replaced by the reflection of two girls and a spartan bedroom.

"She's right, you know," Spike said from the doorway. "Your whole life, I've been your only friend. You need more friends." He looked Rainbow over, then added, "But try to find friends with bigger tits, okay?"

"SPIKE!"

Rainbow flushed crimson. "Watch it, you little perv! I can make it so your balls never drop!" She drew back a foot threateningly.

Spike backed out of the room. "Okay, okay, chill." He turned and headed down the hall. "Sheesh, what a tomboy," they heard him mutter.

Twilight threw a pillow at the back of his head.

"Nice throw," Rainbow commented as Spike lost his balance and planted his face on the floor.

* * * * *

Two boys, one tall and lanky, the other short and stocky, entered a room lit only by the dim glow of two thin blue light strips that ran along the edges of the ceiling. In the center of this dark room, a figure sat in a large, comfortable chair. The visible (and attractive) crossed legs marked the figure as female, but her face was cast in shadow.

They had never seen her face. They didn't even know her name.

"We've got a problem noso," the lanky one said. His voice was slow and plodding.

"Yeah, a big one choki," the other agreed in a nasally rasp.

"Let's get one thing straight," the seated woman said in a young, strong, hard voice. "I don't have problems. I have minor nuisances, and they don't annoy me for long."

"Yeah, well...this minor nuisance killed two Changelings noso."

"Yeah, and there's more than one of them choki."

"They're like...mahoushoujo or something noso."

The seated girl shifted. "Mahoushoujo, are they? Interesting..."

She stood and stepped forward. Bright lights snapped on, and the two boys got a good look at her for the first time. Their jaws dropped.

"Very interesting indeed," she said.

Author's Note

"Noso" and "Choki" are verbal tics. If you're clever, they're also spoilers...

Magic 19: サンセット

The mahoushoujo and Spike stood in Rarity's living room, staring in horror at the television, which was tuned to Neighpon News Network.

The signal was terrible; the image kept stuttering, dissolving into digital artifact, and losing the channel.

//—apologize for our technical difficulties,// the news anchor was saying. //Unknown at this time is the source of the explosion. Emergency teams are unable to approach Kirin Tower. The Ground Self-Defense Force has been mobilized as a precaution—//

"Well...now we know where she is," Twilight said grimly.

"Are...are you sure it's...her?" Fluttershy asked, wide-eyed.

"If it ain't, then somebody's got some really bad timin'," Applejack said.

"Either way, we can't ignore something of this nature," Rarity said firmly.

Twilight nodded. "Everyone transform. Spike, you can get us there, right?"

Spike was already in his combat attire. "Of course!"

"Good." Twilight squared her jaw. "Let's end this."

Magic 19: サンセット

Spike's teleport dropped the group in the middle of a scene of absolute chaos. Police had set up a cordon, while fire crews stood ready. The remains of Kirin Tower burned brightly, spewing flames, smoke, and debris into the air in a strangely cylindrical column. The perimeter which had formed around the scene was unusual, and the emergency response crews looked tense and angry.

//I repeat, it is unsafe to approach the tower at this time. Please clear the way for emergency response units. Do not approach!//

Twilight looked around. A crowd of onlookers stood behind the cordon. Some were screaming and crying. Some were covered in soot. A few had minor burns. Paramedics were moving among the crowd, searching for wounded. Twilight paled. "There...were people in there," she said shakily.

"Why ain't they goin' in?" Applejack asked. "Ain't they supposed ta...?"

"They can't," Spike said, pointing up at the flames. "Look."

"What?" Rainbow asked.

Rarity was the first to see it. "That...that isn't natural, is it?"

"What isn't?" Rainbow asked. She squinted up at the column of flames and smoke.

Fluttershy gasped. "Shouldn't...shouldn't the smoke be...spreading?"

Twilight scanned the officials for whoever seemed to be in charge. Finding an older man in a suit, a trenchcoat, and a hat standing next to a humvee, with police officers and firefighters swarming around him, she teleported over to him. "Excuse me," she said. "Are you in charge here?"

The man frowned at her. "Yes, and you shouldn't be on this side of the cordon."

"Nevermind that," Twilight said. "Nobody's able to get anywhere near the tower, are they? There's something keeping you out of there."

"Look, miss—"

"Something you can't explain," Twilight persisted. "A barrier."

The man paused, staring at her. "...hai," he said. He pointed up. "That's why the smoke is moving like that. It's like the entire tower is contained..." He trailed off. "Look, this is a crime scene. Get behind the cordon!"

"Thank you, sir," Twilight said, bowing. She teleported back over to her friends. "There's a barrier," she said. "A powerful one."

Spike nodded grimly. "I thought so."

"So what do we do?" Rainbow asked.

"I got this!" Pinkie declared. She unlimbered her bazooka and got down on one knee.

"Pinkie-san, wai—"

"SMILE BUSTING VAGINA!"

Until that point, nobody had taken any notice of them. Pinkie's shout drew a lot of attention, and many of the assembled onlookers and workers turned to stare.

A huge ball of crackling pink-and-black energy exploded out of Pinkie's bazooka, slamming into the invisible barrier encasing Kirin Tower. A concussive shockwave blew dozens of people off their feet; a yellow pulse of light ran up the barrier, accompanied by climbing arcs of blue lightning.

"YOU THERE! DROP YOUR WEAPON! YOU'RE UNDER ARREST!"

"Oh, for...!" Rainbow Dash took to the air, flying between Pinkie, the police detective who was screaming at her through a megaphone, and the dozen-odd police officers and firefighters who were swarming toward them. "HEY! Back off, okay? We're handling this! Or do you not wanna get in there and put out that fire?"

The sight of a girl with wings caused many to falter. Fluttershy joined her, looking down at the crowd.

"Please," Fluttershy said in her usual soft voice, which nevertheless carried over the chaos and confusion, "let us help. That's why we're here."

"It's them! From the news!" someone shouted.

"They're real!"

Twilight groaned. "Nice work drawing attention to us, Pinkie-san," she said.

"Umm...oops?" Pinkie ventured, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.

Twilight sighed. "Alright. Rainbow-san, get back over here, we need you."

Once Rainbow and Fluttershy rejoined the group, Twilight looked up at the column of smoke and flames. "Pinkie-san's attack didn't break the barrier, but it showed me what I needed to see," she said. "I believe Pinkie-san, Rainbow-san, and I can shatter this barrier if we work together."

"Just tell me what to do," Rainbow said.

"I'm ready!" Pinkie declared, bracing for another shot.

"We each need to project a sustained magical attack against three different points along the barrier," Twilight said. "Rainbow-san, can you generate an electrified tornado?"

"No problem!"

"Pinkie-san, you'll need to use that attack you used against the Changeling princess."

"Smile Just Die Already Vagina? Sure, I can do that."

"And I know what I have to do already," Twilight said. "There's...just one problem."

"What's that?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight frowned. "Pinkie-san will need to attack the same spot again, and you'll need to attack a point about one hundred meters up...but I'll need to target a point fifty meters up. Exactly halfway between the two of you. And I can't fly."

"Fluttershy can—"

"No, I don't think she can handle the recoil from my magic. She's improved, but at that height, with me casting my spell..." Twilight shook her head. "The only way this is going to work is..." She swallowed nervously, looking up at the tower. "I'll have to attack while...falling."

Spike gasped. "Neechan, no!"

"I can do it," Twilight said. "If...if Rainbow-san carries me up a hundred meters, then drops me...after I fall thirty-five meters, I'll begin my assault on the target point, and continue it until I've fallen another thirty meters. Then...then I can teleport back to the ground."

"That sounds...rather suicidal, Sparkle-san," Rarity said.

"Yeah, Ah know you're tough an' all, but..."

"I...I can try to fly you up there," Fluttershy said hesitantly. "I...I don't want you to..."

"I need you to be waiting to catch me in case my safety teleport fails," Twilight said.

"Oh. Well...alright..."

"Neechan..."

"I'll be alright, Spike," Twilight said, swallowing nervously as she looked up at the burning tower. "We have to do this. It's the only way." She looked around at her friends. "I trust all of you with my life. I know...I know whatever happens, I'll be fine."

They looked at one another, then turned back to her and nodded.

"Right!" Rainbow said. "Just tell us what to do."

"Pinkie-san, get ready. Rainbow-san, you're going to carry me up the tower. When I give you the word, you're going to drop me and then start your attack. When Rainbow-san begins her attack, Pinkie-san needs to begin hers. Once I've fallen far enough, I'll begin my attack. If...if I'm right, then we'll be able to destroy the barrier, or at least weaken it enough that a less dangerous attack can finish it off. Fluttershy-san...stay under me, just in case."

"I...oh goodness...I'll do my best."

Twilight took a deep breath. "Let's go."

Pinkie knelt and took aim at the barrier, then trained her eyes on Rainbow as she wrapped her arm around Twilight's waist. Rainbow took off into the air, climbing swiftly and steadily; below, Fluttershy hovered ten meters off the ground and far enough back from the tower to keep an eye on her friends.

"Just a little more..." Rainbow heard Twilight say. "A little more...NOW!"

Rainbow released Twilight, then spun her lance and took aim at the barrier.

"THUNDER TORNADO!"

A furious column of roaring wind ripped away from Rainbow, a twisting miasma of lightning crackling blue-hot in the vortex. It slammed into the barrier, which glowed yellow-white at the point of impact, electricity crawling in snapping arcs along the surface.

Below, Pinkie's bazooka shot a steady lance of pinkish-white energy at the barrier. The yellow-white impact point warped and warbled; a long, fissure-like ribbon of yellow-white light raced up the barrier, connecting the two impact points.

Twilight counted silently in her head, keeping her gaze focused on a single point halfway between the two blasts. She had fallen exactly thirty-five meters. With her baton trained and primed, she unleashed her power with a wordless shout. A blinding column of magenta magic, white-hot at the core, lanced the barrier, which shook violently. The yellow-white crack widened, and crackling arcs of electricity snapped angrily into the sky. The top of the barrier widened; the smoke cloud began to spread outward.

The three girls continued their assault. The ground began to shake. People backed away from the tower; the fire crews readied their equipment. Police barked orders through megaphones. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike watched nervously as Twilight continued to fall, never faltering in her assault...

The entire barrier lit up, a vertical column of silver-yellow magic, then shattered into dozens of glowing rings which exploded into glimmering sparks that spread out over the crowd, fading away like so many fireflies.

The crowd cheered thunderously. Rainbow, Pinkie, and Twilight ceased their attacks, plunging the evening into sudden, unnatural darkness.

Twilight continued to fall.

Fluttershy screamed and flew as fast as she could, racing to catch up with the falling mahoushoujo. Twilight was just seven meters from the ground when Fluttershy caught her, grunting as she strained under the additional weight. Slowly, she glided to the ground. She studied Twilight. "Are...are you alright?" she asked.

"I...think...so," Twilight said woozily. "Let's...never do that again..."

Rainbow glided to the ground, landing next to Fluttershy as she gingerly set Twilight down. The crowd attempted to press in around them, but Spike erected a barrier of his own, giving the girls some space. He rushed over to Twilight. "Neechan! Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah," Twilight said. "I could use...a recovery pill," she said.

Spike nodded and fished one out of his pocket, slipping it into Twilight's mouth. After a moment, she stood up, massaging her temples. She looked out at the fire crews, who had moved in and were battling the blaze.

"She's in there," she said. "She's waiting for us. As soon as they put out that fire...we're going in."

"Right!" the others chorused.

* * * * *

At the heart of the inferno, cocooned in a shimmering silver ball of cool, protective magic, Sunset Shimmer felt the barrier collapse.

She smiled, adjusting her grip on her scythe.

"Took them long enough."

In a silver flash, she left the burning tower behind...

* * * * *

"So what's the plan?" Rainbow asked.

"Here's a plan," a new voice intruded. "I kill everyone here."

The mahoushoujo whirled to see Sunset Shimmer standing a mere five meters away. Some of the onlookers had noticed her appearance and gasped. Phones were out, snapping pictures and recording video. Her cape stirred gently behind her, and her scythe shone in the firelight.

"You're not killing anyone else, Sunset Shimmer!" Twilight declared.

"We're gonna put the shiny on your hiney!" Pinkie said, pointing dramatically at Sunset.

"You're goin' DOWN, tramp!" Rainbow yelled.

"You've hurt far too many people!" Fluttershy declared in an unusually firm voice. "Whatever it takes to put a stop to you, that's...that's what we'll do!"

"They weren't kidding, you are quite a skank," Rarity said. "Though I do admit you have the body for that look..."

"An' suddenly Ah feel a lot less naked," Applejack said.

The detective in charge of the scene rushed up. "Anou...is...is she with you? Her appearance is...creating quite a stir..."

"Keibu-san," Rarity said, not taking her eyes off Sunset, "please do your best to evacuate this area. This woman is dangerous."

"Yeah, she blew up the tower," Rainbow added.

"WHAT?" The detective looked at Sunset. "You...! You're under arrest!"

Sunset rolled her eyes and raised a hand, pointing an index finger. A single shaft of blood-red light poured forth from her finger.

"BARRIER!" Twilight shouted, hastily erecting a magical forcefield in front of herself and the detective. Sunset's blast slammed into the glowing, spinning magenta shield, driving Twilight back.

"Get out of here! For your own safety!" Fluttershy pleaded with the detective.

The detective stared at Sunset, eyes wide. "I..."

"Go! Now!" Spike snapped. The detective disappeared in a burst of green flame, reappearing near the police humvee.

Twilight dropped her shield and pointed her baton at Sunset. "REPEL!"

Sunset yawned and held out a hand, taking Twilight's blast at full strength. The palm of her hand smoked and smoldered. When Twilight's attack flagged, Sunset's burned hand regenerated. She flexed her fingers, smirking.

"We can't fight her with this crowd!" Rainbow cried, looking around at the people who were pressed in against the police barricade.

"I don't think we have a choice!" Rarity said, holding her fan at the ready.

"Yeah, these idjits didn't run from a burnin' building, they sure ain't gonna run from this," Applejack said.

"Like I'm giving them a choice!" Rainbow said, taking wing. She spun her lance, pointing it at the crowd of onlookers.

"Rainbow-san, what—"

"BLOW AWAY!"

A powerful wind swelled up from seemingly nowhere, pressing against the crowd. As it picked up in strength, the onlookers were blown back; as they began staggering and debris began flying around, most of the crowd got the message, turned tail, and ran, the considerable tailwind hastening their departure.

Once the stragglers lost their battle against Rainbow's gale, the wind died down.

Twilight magically amplified her voice. "KEIBU-SAN! FALL BACK! GET EVERYONE CLEAR OF KIRIN TOWER! THIS AREA IS ABOUT TO BECOME VERY DANGEROUS!"

Sunset laughed coldly. "How noble of you!" she said. "Very well...since you insist on protecting these pathetic Neighponese...I'll make you a deal. I won't kill these pitiful, powerless fools...until after I've killed you."

Fluttershy and Applejack watched as the police presence pulled back. The onlookers farther from the girls had apparently been unnerved by the sudden gale that blew away a large portion of the crowd; slowly, they began to disperse, their departure hastened by police.

Twilight glared at Sunset. "Only one person is dying here tonight. By order of the Great Sun Sage Celestia...Sunset Shimmer, you are to be executed for your crimes!"

Sunset laughed. "Executed? I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm immortal. And with the power of the Lunar Seal, even your Elements of Harmony can't touch me!"

"We'll see about that!" Rainbow cried. "THUNDER TORNADO!" She aimed her lance at Sunset; the same powerful attack she'd used against the barrier ripped into Sunset, who surrounded herself with a shimmering corona of silver light.

"SMILE JUST DIE ALREADY VAGINA!" Pinkie's bazooka spat a solid stream of pink magic at Sunset, adding to the column of electrified wind attacking her barrier.

"FASHION WAVE!" A fanning blue wave of magic joined the attack.

"SAYOUNARA PARDNER!" Applejack's six-shooters fused into a shotgun, which fired blast after blast of burning orange buckshot into the fray.

"BUTTERFLY STORM!" Hundreds of beautiful pink and gold butterflies made entirely of magic poured out of Fluttershy's shield, flying right into the nexus of magic.

Twilight cupped her hands together and focused. A glowing ball of white-hot magic formed between her palms, magenta sparks coursing around it. "For Celestia-sama! For my friends! For everyone you've ever hurt! MANA RAID!"

A column of blinding white light burst forth from Twilight's hands, slamming into Sunset Shimmer's shield with enough force to shatter it. The other attacks swarmed around it, joining it. The girls continued their assault, even though sweat streamed down their faces.

One by one, the Elements of Harmony appeared in the air above them, shining brightly. Tendrils of rainbow light snaked between the six gems, connecting them. The rainbow grew stronger, weaving like a dancing ribbon around the six girls, bolstering them. With a ringing chime, the Elements released a torrential wave of pure rainbow magic at Sunset Shimmer, enveloping her in a glowing whirlwhind of prismatic magic. The ground shook, and a roar like a hundred freight trains filled the air.

After almost a full minute, the torrential magical onslaught of the Elements died, and they disappeared one by one, returning to their bearers. The girls' magical assault faltered, and they dropped to their knees, gasping for air. A cloud of glowing, multicolored smoke burned where Sunset Shimmer had stood.

"Is...is it over?" Rainbow panted. "Did...did we win?"

A massive crimson fireball exploded out of the smoke, slamming into the six girls and scattering them.

Sunset Shimmer staggered out of the smoke, leaning on her scythe for support. "Alright, playtime's over," she snarled. "It's time for you to di—"

A kunai attached to the end of a chain buried itself in her throat. Spike teleported in behind her, wrapping the chain around her, binding her arms to her side, and wrestled her to the ground. "I'll kill you as many times as I have to until you stay dead," he snarled.

Sunset gurgled, staring up into his furious emerald eyes. Tinges of red fire flickered along the edges of Spike's burning green battle aura.

"Spike-kun," a gentle voice said. Fluttershy flew unsteadily toward them. Behind her, the others had risen to their feet; Twilight was busy healing Rarity and Pinkie, who had taken the worst of the attack. Fluttershy's feathers and hair were singed, but her eyes were full of resolve. "Hold her steady. I think...I think I know how to end this." She gripped her shield by the edges and thrust it into Sunset's face.

"Angel Mirror."

Sunset's eyes filled with terror as her soul was sucked into the blinding light pouring out of the shield.

Loyalty 9: バックスタッバー

Six mahoushoujo and one ninja faced off against three Shadowbolts. All around them, dozens of people lay unconscious in the heavily damaged rail station.

"Congratulations, magical nerds," Dreadwing said. "You helped us out after all, whether you wanted to or not. Thundercracker...do it."

"With pleasure," Thundercracker said. Her locket began to glow, and a column of silver flames engulfed her body.

"What's going on?" Pinkie asked.

"It's impossible...!" Twilight said, eyes wide.

When the flames died down, Thundercracker hovered in the air above them on broad turquoise wings.

"Oh crap," Rainbow said.

Thundercracker grinned down at them and hurled a silver lightning bolt at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow took wing, barely dodging the attack. "What the hell?!"

Dreadwing raised her left arm in front of her face and pressed two fingers of her right hand against the silver bracer she wore. Silver wind swirled around her body in a helix. Massive brown-feathered wings burst forth from her shoulderblades; her gloves shredded as her hands transformed into scaly yellow eagle claws. She threw back her head and gave a piercing shriek.

Starscream touched her bracer. Silver lightning arced across her entire body, but she did not change in any visible way.

"Uhh...Twi? Whut's goin' on here?" Applejack asked.

The onyx pendant around Spike's neck began to strobe a violent silver, intermittently flashing red.

"It...it couldn't be..." Twilight said softly, eyes wide.

"That locket!" Rainbow cried suddenly. "That's my locket!"

"That's right, Dash," Thundercracker said. She reached up and pulled her hood away from her face.

Lightning Dust smirked at Rainbow. "Sorry it had to come to this, Dash, but you and your friends are in our way."

Loyalty 9: バックスタッバー

"What the HELL are you doing?" Dreadwing snapped. "The first rule is never show your face when we're on a mission!"

"Screw that!" Lightning Dust snapped, swooping low; crackling balls of lightning gathered in her hands. "If we're gonna do this, let's do this!" She threw lightning at the feet of the mahoushoujo, who leapt clear as it impacted the station floor, which exploded violently, spraying dust and shrapnel into the air.

"I thought we were friends!" Rainbow yelled. "And you stole from me! What's happened to you, Dusty?" A glowing column of wind formed around her lance, which she thrust forward. "TORNADO!"

The attack caught Lightning Dust, who was not yet used to her new wings, and threw her against the station's high ceiling. Rainbow shot after her; as Lightning Dust began to fall, Rainbow brought her lance down in an overhand smash, cracking Lightning Dust in the center of her back and speeding her descent.

"SMILE ROCKING VAGINA!" A huge glowing pink boulder slammed into Lightning Dust while she was still struggling to slow her fall, sending her flying into a wall. She slid down the wall and collapsed in a crumpled heap on the ground, still and unmoving.

"Idiot!" Dreadwing snarled. With a burst of speed from her wings, she caught Rainbow in a midair tackle, slamming her into the ceiling. Rainbow screamed as Dreadwing's talons raked across her chest, shredding the front of her costume. Curling one claw into a massive fist, Dreadwing slammed a haymaker into Rainbow's face, then flipped over in midair and kicked Rainbow to the ground. She landed badly on her side, unconscious before she even hit the floor.

"RAINBOW-SAN!" Twilight yelled. She twirled her baton, aiming it at Dreadwing. "CONTAIN!" A magenta ball of magic shot forth, snapping into a shell of light around Dreadwing. It constricted, pinning her wings to her sides, and brought her down...

A shell of silver wind surrounded Dreadwing, and Twilight's spell exploded into shredded wisps of magic, scattering. Dreadwing glared down at Twilight and, with a shriek, descended upon her, talons poised for a killing strike...

"BUTTERFLY BARRIER!"

Fluttershy dropped in front of Twilight, her shield raised in front of her. Shining waves of soft golden light spread outward from the shield, forming the shape of a giant butterfly. Dreadwing pulled up at the last second before impact; Fluttershy dispelled her barrier, then drew back her shield and threw it sharply upward. It glowed as it sailed through the air, cutting into the small of Dreadwing's back. Dreadwing let out a terrifying roar and banked hard, coming around for a diving attack on Fluttershy.

A thunderous blast deafened the two mahoushoujo as Applejack jumped over their heads, jamming her magic shotgun right into Dreadwing's chest and firing point-blank. Dreadwing exploded in a gory cloud of blood, flesh, and bone which sprayed in every direction...

...and dissolved into silver wisps of smoke. Applejack cried out in pain as Dreadwing's talons impaled her through her abdomen from behind. She stared down, eyes wide, at the gaping hole in her gut and the massive eagle claw sticking out of her body, and gave a rasping cough, issuing flecks of bright red blood from her mouth.

"APPLEJACK-SAN!" Rarity cried.

Spike blurred into motion, expelling a massive cloud of green flame which engulfed Dreadwing. With one claw still lodged in Applejack's torso, she was unable to use her magic to escape; she screamed as she burst into flame. Spike pulled out a short sword, infused it with magic, and hacked off Dreadwing's claw at the wrist. "Neechan! Get Applejack outta here!" he yelled, throwing Applejack at a shellshocked Twilight.

"Ah...hai!" Wrapping her arms around Applejack, Twilight teleported away.

"My ARM!" Dreadwing screamed at Spike. "You little son of a BITCH, you CUT OFF MY FUCKING ARM!"

"Yeah, and I'm about to cut off your fucking head," Spike said. In a burst of flame, a much longer sword appeared in each hand, and his eyes burned with rage.

* * * * *

Twilight and Applejack appeared in the emergency room of the hospital nearest the train station, startling patients and staff. "We need help!" Twilight yelled.

The nurse on duty looked up. "You'll need to sign in and wa—OH MY GOD!"

Screams and panicked whispers spread like wildfire as Twilight supported Applejack, who was visibly in shock.

Within minutes, Applejack was on her way to emergency surgery. Twilight had transformed back to normal and pulled out her phone to call Cadance. The doctors tried to protest her presence in the operating room, but she firmly insisted on accompanying them. "You need me," she said. "And you can't stop me from coming anyway."

* * * * *

Dreadwing and Spike tore into each other with ferocity. Dreadwing's stump had been cauterized by another burst of Spike's flames; Spike bore deep gashes in his bare chest from Dreadwing's good claw.

Rainbow had regained consciousness and gone after Lightning Dust; the former friends continued hurling lightning and wind at each other, as well as trading punches and kicks in midair.

Starscream leaned lazily against a column, removed from the fight. Rarity and Fluttershy flanked her, on guard and ready in case she decided to join the fray.

Pinkie Pie kept watching for openings and taking shots at Lightning Dust and Dreadwing whenever they were open.

By the time the innocent bystanders began waking up, Lightning Dust had covered her face once again. She was locked in a close grapple near the ceiling with Rainbow.

"Why, Dusty?" Rainbow rasped. "What's wrong with you? Why are you with them? Why did you steal my locket? What's going on here?"

"I've changed, Dash," Lightning Dust said. "I don't answer to anyone. I take what I want. I'm strong enough, I'm fast enough...anything in the world is mine for the taking."

"So you threw away your potential to become a damn thief?" Rainbow asked, punching Lightning Dust in the face. "You're an IDIOT!"

"I don't remember ASKING YOU!" Lightning Dust caught Rainbow in the ribs with a kick, then rammed a fist into her face. Rainbow reeled; Lightning sucker-punched her in the gut, releasing a point-blank lightning blast. Rainbow twitched and screamed in agony, withdrawing and dropping shakily to the ground.

"SMILE GASSY VAGINA!" A pink water balloon hurtled at Lightning Dust at just below the speed of sound, striking her before she could react. It exploded, releasing a cloud of pink gas. Lightning Dust coughed and clutched at her throat, then fell to the ground, folding her wings around her like a cloak.

* * * * *

Applejack lay on her side, two doctors and a nurse hovering over her. She was still in shock; the severed claw was still sticking out of her torso. Twilight had a hand on her shoulder and was feeding a steady stream of life magic into her.

"Her vitals are stable," the nurse said. "Strange, considering the wound..."

"I'm...keeping her alive," Twilight said in a strained voice.

"We need to extract that...bird leg," one of the doctors said.

"No...wait for..."

In a bright pink flash, Cadance appeared. Her eyes widened. "Oh no..."

Twilight looked up. "Cadance, how fast can you heal that wound?"

Cadance frowned. "Before she dies? I...I think..." She took a deep breath. "I've never healed a wound that...that bad before..."

"You'll have to try," Twilight said.

Cadance took another deep breath, then exhaled, stretching her arm out in front of her. "A-alright," she said. "Get rid of...get rid of...what the heck IS that?"

"Later," Twilight said tersely. She stopped the flow of life magic into Applejack, then concentrated her magic on Dreadwing's severed arm. "REMOVE."

The claw glowed magenta and slowly began to disintegrate. Within seconds, nothing was left of it. Twilight slumped against the bed, panting.

Cadance's eyes glowed pale pinkish-white as she laid her hands on Applejack. A pink glow spread across Applejack's body. Applejack convulsed, then went slack. The doctors looked on in confusion, wonder, and concern.

Slowly, ever so slowly, the abused tissues of Applejack's organs and flesh knit themselves back together. For ten straight minutes, Cadance worked on healing Applejack. Twilight stood by, watching and waiting. Applejack's vitals fluctuated alarmingly.

After almost twelve minutes, Cadance slumped to the floor, panting. Applejack took a deep, ragged breath, then rolled over on her back. The newly healed skin over her wound was much paler than the surrounding flesh, with a faint, rough pink patch of raw scar tissue.

The doctors quickly set to work examining her while Twilight picked Cadance up and carried her out of the room.

* * * * *

"Your friend's attack names...are very strange," Starscream said conversationally.

"Yes, yes they are," Rarity said. "Pie-san is...unique." She watched Starscream warily. "Why are you not—?"

"Trying to kill you girls?" Starscream asked. She shrugged. "Dreadwing and Thundercracker have personal grievances with your group. I have no particular reason to fight."

"Then...why are you their comrade?" Fluttershy asked. "If you're not fighting for the same thing they are..."

"Because for the time being, allying myself with them serves my needs," Starscream said. "That doesn't mean I need to involve myself in every petty vendetta those two have."

Dreadwing smashed into the wall next to Starscream, blood flowing freely from several gashes in her shoulders, thighs, and torso.

Across the platform, Spike dropped to one knee, supporting himself on one sword. His other sword lay broken in half on the ground. He looked up; one eye was swollen shut, and he was bleeding from a wide cut on his cheek.

Starscream looked at the barely conscious Dreadwing, then over at the unconscious Lightning Dust. She sighed. "Yeah, I think we're done here." She slapped her hands on the pavement. All around the platform, metal bent to her will, becoming steel cables which wrapped themselves around her comrades. She grabbed both of them, dragging them to the end of the platform. Then, with a quick look around, she struck the ground again. It exploded in a cloud of stone dust. When the dust settled, the Shadowbolts were gone.

Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie exchanged uneasy glances. Fluttershy let out a long, relieved sigh. "I guess that's it then," she said. "Senpai? You take Spike-kun. I'll help Rainbow-san." Raising her voice slightly, she called out, "Pinkie-san? We're leaving."

"Okay," Pinkie replied. She pulled her phone out once she had transformed back to normal. "Twilight-chan? They got away again. How's AJ-senpai?" She listened for a minute, then let out a sigh of relief. "Yokatta...ne, Rainbow-chan and Spike-kun are pretty banged up. Where should we...? Can your mom heal them up? Okay...I think we're gonna go to Rarity-senpai's place. We'll...we'll talk about what just happened later."

* * * * *

Dreadwing's eyes opened. She glared up at the ceiling. "Ugh...what..." She sat up. "What are we doing back here?"

"There was no point in continuing the battle," Starscream said. "You and Thundercracker need rest. The mahoushoujo have more experience using their powers than you. You weren't ready to face them yet."

"Fuck you." Dreadwing looked down at the stump of her right arm. "Son of a fucking..."

"Nice work, Gilda," Lightning Dust said from across the room. She had an ice pack on her head. "You're really rockin' th' one-armed bandit look there."

"Eat shit, Lightning Dust," Gilda spat. She hissed as she clutched her arm. "Fucking Emerald Flame turd..." She closed her eyes. "Dammit...most of my magic can't be done with one hand..."

"Then we'll just have to do something about that," Starscream said as she laid three large bars of silver in front of her. Blue light flared as she placed her hands on the silver; the bars fused together, taking the shape of a human right hand. She picked it up, then walked over to Dreadwing, seizing her stump roughly. "Hold still," she said. "This is going to hurt..."

* * * * *

Applejack sat up groggily, clutching a hand to her forehead.

"Take it easy, Senpai," Twilight said gently.

"Whuh—? Where?!" Applejack looked wildly around, eyes wide with panic. "Th' hell?"

"Shh," Twilight said. "You're in the hospital. You're going to be fine."

Applejack stiffened. With a shudder, she peeled back the covers, then stripped off the hospital gown she'd been changed into. She looked down at her abdomen, at the pale patch of pink-scarred skin there. "Mah Gawd," she breathed. "Whut happened?" She traced the scars with a finger.

"The scars will fade with a few more treatments," Twilight said. "Cadance used her most powerful healing magic..." She swallowed heavily. "You...you almost died, Senpai." She threw her arms around Applejack; her shoulders shook as she started to sob. "Gomen nasai!"

Applejack swallowed heavily. "Ah...almost died?" She paled. "Hoooooly horse shit..."

"I...I can't believe what happened today," Twilight said. "The Shadowbolts..."

"How in th' hell did them gals get so strong?" Applejack asked.

Twilight sighed. "They...they've drawn magic out of that Lunar Seal somehow. It's given them..." She shuddered. "It's given them mahoushoujo powers."

"So they're...like us now?"

Twilight nodded. "Hai. And that means they're more dangerous than ever." She sighed. "They got away today. Spike...hurt the one that tried to kill you pretty badly. He cut off her arm and set her on fire. That...didn't stop her from fighting him to a draw." She ran a hand over the bedsheets. "The girls and Spike are at Rarity-senpai's house. Okaasan is tending to their wounds. We're...we're going to meet up and talk about what happened today...later." Suddenly, she blushed. "Anou...Senpai? Could you...maybe cover back up?"

"Huh?" Applejack looked down at her nude body. "Oh, sorry." she pulled the hospital gown back up over her shoulders and reached around her back to tie it. "Ah sure am glad that thievin' heifer didn't mess up mah tits," she said. "Ah'd be mighty mad about that."

Twilight stared at her. "Senpai, you almost died! The damage to your vital internal organs—"

"Yeah yeah, Ah git it," Applejack said. "But death is one thing. A gal's tits, now that's a matter of pride." She flashed Twilight a big, cheeky grin.

Twilight sweatdropped.

* * * * *

It had taken some time, but Velvet had healed the girls' and Spike's wounds. The group sat around morosely, mentally and physically exhausted.

"Neechan says...she's gonna be alright," Spike said tiredly. "They got that bitch's bird fist out of her and healed her up and she's...she's already awake and fired up."

"That's good," Fluttershy said. She shuddered. "Those girls...that fight was so scary..."

Rainbow groaned and took a sip of the soda Pinkie had just handed her. "Dammit...I can't believe Lightning Dust is one of those Shadowbitches..."

"It's...a disturbing development," Rarity said. "But for the moment, perhaps we should simply..." She yawned. "Simply rest. We can...we can talk about...other things...later."

* * * * *

Later that night, Twilight, Spike, Velvet, Cadance, and Silver Spoon sat gathered in the living room of Twilight's apartment. Spike still bore marks from his battle with Dreadwing. Celestia, a worried frown on her face, appeared in a plain, medium-sized mirror that lay on the coffee table. "This...does not bode well," she said.

"That's an understatement," Spike muttered.

"Celestia-sama...how is it possible?" Twilight asked. "How can they have drained magic from the Lunar Seal?"

"I don't know," Celestia said. "I suspect the answer lies with the one they call Starscream. Her powers are unclear." She frowned. "It sounds as though they were unable to completely drain the Seal of its power."

"They weren't anywhere near as powerful as Sunset Shimmer was," Twilight said, "but...they were definitely strong enough to be dangerous." She shuddered. "And that one called Dreadwing is vicious. Applejack-senpai..."

"I'm relieved you and Cadance were able to heal your friend in time," Celestia said. "That this enemy inflicted such a grave wound on one of you...it troubles me."

"We're not exactly thrilled about it either," Spike said. "At least she didn't get out of there in one piece."

"Can we focus, please?" Twilight snapped. As all eyes turned to her, she blushed. "Gomen...I'm just...really concerned about the big issue here. About the Shadowbolts finding a way to drain power from the Lunar Seal."

"Yes, Twilight. You're absolutely right. We need to focus our attention on that before all else," Celestia agreed.

"It almost sounds..." Silver Spoon said.

"Yes?" Celestia prompted.

"Well, we infuse magic into silver on a regular basis at the Forge of the Sun," Silver Spoon said. "I just learned how to do it myself two months ago. If...if they've somehow found a way to drain the magic from this Lunar Seal into pure silver..."

"Yes, of course," Celestia mused. "If this Starscream can indeed drain the magic from the Seal, they would need a vessel..."

"They DID steal a lot of silver recently," Spike pointed out. "Not to mention Rainbow's locket..."

"If they're binding magic directly to silver instead of using an artifact such as the Elements of Harmony," Silver Spoon said, "it makes sense. Pure silver can only hold so much magic on its own."

"Very true," Celestia said.

"Is there some way they could..." Twilight frowned. "If they are draining magic into silver, could they use multiple—"

"No, I don't think so," Silver Spoon said. "But it's also much easier to transfer magic from silver than it is from an artifact. If they have enough silver to completely drain the Lunar Seal, they could find a way to pool the magic."

"Hmm..." Celestia frowned. "Silver Spoon, I'd like for you to remain in Pony City and assist Twilight Sparkle and her friends for the time being. Considering what has transpired, they may well need your expertise."

"Hai, Celestia-sama."

* * * * *

Lightning Dust picked Starscream up off the floor and laid her on the couch. On the table, the Lunar Seal gleamed less brightly than before.

Gilda stood up, examining the dark silver arm that had been affixed to her stump. Curiously, hesitantly, she curled the silver hand into a fist, watching each finger move fluidly, as though the metal were liquid and not solid. "Huh," she said.

"How'd you even know that'd work?" Lightning Dust asked Starscream.

Starscream chuckled. "Figured...it couldn't hurt to try."

Gilda smiled grimly as she flexed her new silver hand. "Alright, girls," she said. "We'll rest up a bit, then do some training. Next time we go up against those mahoushoujo..."

She drove her silver fist through an end table, reducing it to splinters.

"They're dead."

Author's Note

Title card for this chapter: