Mind Games

by Brolkier

Rating: everyone
Tags: Spike, Queen Chrysalis, Adventure, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Trixie
Length: 83762

What would you do if you left home for a week, and no one remembered you when you returned?

What would you do if you left home for a week, and no one remembered you when you returned? An alternate take on the MLP FiM comic: The Return of Queen Chrysalis.

Cover image credited to dA user: MisterCrowbar

Published 2014-06-07 23:50:05 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-13 11:39:49 UTC

Prologue

It’s been seven years since the Secretariat Comet passed over Equestria and everypony has been going about their daily lives. All throughout Equestria, everypony greets the new day with smiles…well almost everypony…

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Over in Appleloosa, a very disgruntled Pegasus knocked a pie over onto the ground.

“How could she do that to those poor defenseless buffalo!?” Fluttershy yelled in her normal quiet tone.

“Now calm down there Fluttershy. I’m sure she had a good reason for moving the buffalo over into the Badlands.” Braeburn tried to reason with the frustrated Pegasus.

“I don’t care! I mean, it’s not like they were hurting anypony, and it’s just plain wrong to move an entire tribe to a place like that!” Fluttershy yelled back quietly.

Braeburn lifted the top of his hat to scratch his head, wondering how best to calm Fluttershy down. She always seemed to get like this whenever the monthly Friendship council of the regions of Equestria drew closer.

“Well you can always just ask her about it while we’re in Canterlot. We need to get going if we want to catch the train there anyway.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

The next day, in the royal palace at Canterlot.

Ponies from the different regions of Equestria all gathered in the grand hall of the royal palace, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their ruler, and the organizer of the monthly Friendship council to bring everypony together.

As the ponies chatted amongst themselves in the hall, the doors to the royal chambers opened atop the giant staircase in the room. All the ponies bowed their heads, as a lone pony made her way down the steps. Once she reached the bottom of the stairs, all the ponies lifted their heads up and greeted her.

“All hail Queen Chrysalis!” The ponies announced in unison, their eyes glowing green.

Chrysalis waved her hoof to her subjects, as her twisted horn began to glow green. Her eyes narrowed, and a sinister grin formed on her face, as she absorbed the love and admiration for herself from her newfound subjects.

Once she finished absorbing enough love, her horn stopped glowing, and she put a more caring and sincere look on her face, as she spoke to all the ponies.

“Welcome, and thank you all for coming once again to our monthly Friendship council.”

“It’s no problem at all your majesty! Ah even brought a whole bunch of apples and apple snacks for you and everypony here!” Apple Jack announced to the queen, a large smile on her face.

A slight grimace came over Chrysalis, as the thought of more food made her now full stomach somewhat queasy.

“Umm, thank you my subject, but perhaps you should share with your fellow ponies first.”

Chrysalis then looked out upon the crowd to see just how many of her subjects had shown up for her feeding. She could see several ponies that she knew were from the surrounding area, and others that she had guessed came from further in Equestria’s borders. There were residents from Ponyville, several Pegasi from Cloudsdale, to include the entire Wonderbolts team, a plethora of Unicorns from right there in Canterlot, and a mix of ponies from further regions.

Everypony seemed to be standing in their own respective groups, but Chrysalis spied one little filly standing off by herself, gleaming at her.

“You there, little filly, do you not have a chaperone?” Chrysalis asked the filly.

“Ah do your majesty, but Zecora’s been under the weather lately. She couldn’t make it, so she asked me to come in her place.” Apple Bloom answered the queen.

Chrysalis thought to herself, as she tried to remember what she could about the zebra Zecora. She got as far as remembering her face, but then the memory of constant rhyming began to give her a headache.

“That’s unfortunate to hear little one, give her my best regards at getting better.” She told the filly.

Chrysalis then turned her attention back to the crowd of ponies, and spoke to them once more.

“As you all know, we’ve had a wonderful reign of seven years since the princesses decided to step down, and bestow upon me the greet honor of ruling over Equestria. It was through their friendship and kindness that we were all able to get along, and form this wonderful Friendship council with all of Equestria.”

Chrysalis then gestured to the princesses standing behind her, and all the ponies began to stomp their hooves in approval. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both waved to the ponies, until Queen Chrysalis quieted the ponies down.

“Now, as a sign of care for my subjects, are there any issues that anypony would like to bring up?” She asked the crowd.

Fluttershy was the first to speak up, as she spoke with an almost demanding assertiveness.

“Yes, I have a complaint! Why was it that the buffalo had to move from their home to the Badlands of Equestria!? They weren’t hurting anypony, and it seems wrong to move them without cause!”

A look of disapproval came over Chrysalis’ face, as she began to wonder if she liked the more timid Fluttershy over her assertive self. She quickly disguised her distain with a smile, as she answered the frustrated Pegasus.

“Now now, it was for both their, and your own good. If the buffalo had been allowed to stay where they were, then they might’ve run the risk of destroying your trees for your town. You wouldn’t want that now would you?” She ended with a sly smile.

Fluttershy frowned and narrowed her eyes, preparing to give Queen Chrysalis “the stare.” Braeburn quickly calmed Fluttershy down, preventing her from causing a scene in front of all the other ponies.

At the same time, standing among the Wonderbolts in their uniform, Rainbow Dash looked over at the still angry looking Fluttershy.

“Wow, she sure does seem cool. I wish I could be as tough and have a friend like her.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself.

The leader of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire, was the next to speak up from the crowd.

“I’ve got a question your majesty. When will the Wonderbolts be allowed to start recruiting new members again? We should be looking to improve more Pegasi so they can be like us.”

“I’ve discussed this with you before Spitfire. If more and more ponies join your team, then it could possibly cause friction between the members, and I wouldn’t want my top fliers to not all get along. Right?” Chrysalis spoke to Spitfire.

Spitfire let out a groan, her goggles hiding the anger in her eyes.

Chrysalis waited to see if any other pony had a problem, but no one else spoke up.

“Well then, if no pony else has a problem, then I’d say that the friendship in Equestria is as strong as ever. I’d like to thank you all once again for coming to this council, and I can’t wait to see you all again next month.”

With that, all the ponies in the room bowed once more, before leaving the royal palace. Still frustrated, Fluttershy stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind her and almost hitting Braeburn in the face.

“I wouldn’t worry Captain Spitfire, I’m sure we’ll be able recruit more for the Wonderbolts soon!” Scootaloo said to Spitfire as they walked out, wearing a Wonderbolts hat.

“Don’t worry, we will.” Spitfire replied in a serious tone.

Pulling their own cart of wares out with them, the Flim Flam brothers talked amongst themselves as they exited the palace.

“This sure is a good gig we’ve gotten ourselves in, isn’t it Flam?”

“It most certainly is my dear brother Flim.”

“Why, we’re bound to double, no, TRIPLE our profits thanks to this little arrangement.”

“Indubitably.”

Back inside the royal palace, Chrysalis started to make her way back up to the royal chambers, while Princess Celestia spoke with her.

“You know Queen Chrysalis, you shouldn’t be afraid to have a little more trust in ponies. Things might not always turn out as bad as you think.”

“Don’t be silly Celestia. If the ponies are given the opportunity to quarrel amongst each other, than their friendship could go with them.” Chrysalis responded.

“Though you could still stand to learn about friendship.” Celestia muttered under her breath.

As if on cue for her response, a pink rain cloud appeared above Celestia, and she was quickly drenched in chocolate milk rain.

“HA HA HA! Ah, that one never gets old. It’s always nice to lighten up the mood on a typical boring occasion.” Discord spoke aloud, as he swayed back and forth from a hammock suspended upside-down between the chandeliers.

“The occasion did not seem all that boring to us.” Princess Luna spoke to Discord, referring to herself in her usual royal fashion.

“Oh come now. Without a little chaos, things like this will always be boring. Say, did you see the way that little yellow pony almost challenged the queen? Oh that would’ve been so wonderful to see!” Discord replied.

“Silence! Remember that you are talking about your ruler!” Luna yelled at Discord in her booming voice.

“It’s okay my sister, that’s just the way he is.” Celestia spoke to Luna, wringing out the last of the chocolate milk from her hair using her magic.

Chrysalis shut the doors to the royal chambers behind her, leaving the three of them together in the grand hall. She then walked over to her throne, which was essentially Princess Celestia’s old one, but modified to match the changeling appearance. Her changeling guards wearing the old guard’s armor, stood quietly in line down the length of the throne room, as she walked by them. She sat down on her pink fluffy cushion and began to laugh manically to herself.

“Ha ha ha! Everything’s still going according as planned. I’m still ruling this world and none of them are any the wiser. It can be a challenge keeping the princesses, and especially Discord in line at times, but at least they don’t remember exactly who they are. Although, I’m still surprised that Discord was as easy to manipulate as he was. Hmm…”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

After returning to Ponyville from Canterlot, Rarity and Sweetie Belle made their way back to Town Hall. As they entered, Mayor Mare was scolding Derpy for knocking over the bookshelves again, but she turned her attention to them as they got closer.

“Ah, welcome back Rarity. How were things in Canterlot?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Oh they were simply divine Mayor, but the train ride back was absolutely dreadful. Sweetie Belle just could not stop bothering the conductor about…whatever it was she was bothering him about.” Rarity replied.

“I was trying to see if I could get my cutie mark in conducting, but he wouldn’t sing with me at all!” Sweetie Belle told her sister.

“Sweetie, that’s a “musical” conductor, not a train conductor.” Rarity told her sister.

“There’s a difference?” Sweetie Belle asked aloud, a confused look on her face.

“He he, it’s always good to know that young fillies are trying new things. It would’ve been nice to have gone and met the Queen today, but I suppose its better that our youth see her first.” Mayor Mare spoke.

“That reminds me Mayor, why didn’t you accompany us today?” Rarity asked.

“Lately I’ve been working with a pony to settle a debt they owed for utilizing the Town Hall for an event in the past. It’s really just a lot of politics and financial duties that comes with the job of being mayor.” Mayor Mare replied.

‘Well, it sounds like quite the hoofful.” Rarity spoke.

“Believe me, you have no idea.” Mayor Mare responded.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Two years earlier,

Mayor Mare sat in her office signing some papers, when a knock came at her door.

“Come in please.”

A blue pony opened the door and walked into the office. Mayor Mare stopped her signing and greeted her.

“Hello. How may I help you miss?” Mayor Mare asked the pony, placing her hooves together.

A little annoyed at the greeting that she just received, the pony decided to let it go, and started speaking.

“The GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie, will allow the informal greeting she was given just this one time, as she has much more important matters to attend to.” Trixie spoke.

“The great and powerful huh? That’s a bit of an odd name, but I won’t judge. So, how may I help you Miss Trixie?” Mayor Mare spoke.

Welcome to Ponyville!

Back in the present day, Twilight and Spike return to Ponyville from their trip to the Griffon Kingdom.

“As nice as it was for Gustave to invite us to visit the Griffon Kingdom, it sure is good to be home.” Twilight told Spike, whom was sitting on her back.

“I’ll say. Though you know, those griffons weren’t all that bad.” Spike replied.

“I told you Spike, not all griffins are like Gilda, she was just one of the bad seeds. Besides, it really was interesting to learn about the griffon culture, and how similar they live like the Pegasus ponies.” Twilight told Spike.

“Yeah, I suppose so. Too bad you missed out on seeing the Secretariat Comet go by though.” Spike spoke.

“Don’t remind me.” Twilight responded in an annoyed tone, lowering her head.

Everything seemed normal as the two made their way through Ponyville. Twilight and Spike watched as the ponies around them went about their daily lives, and they made their way towards the library. All of a sudden, Twilight stopped short, as she was confronted by her friend Pinkie Pie, assuming to welcome her back.

“OOOOooooooo! Welcome to Ponyville!” Pinkie Pie spoke excitedly.

“Hey there Pinkie, thanks for welcoming us back.” Twilight responded.

Pinkie Pie let out a large gasp, similar to the one she made when she first met the two.

“Welcome back!? Ha ha ha! You’re silly. How can I welcome somepony back when I’ve never met them before? Unless, maybe we HAVE met before, and I’ve just been placed under some kind of mind control spell? Or amnesia? I don’t know. He he! Also, how do you know my name? I haven’t even introduced myself yet. Though you didn’t say my full name, so I guess I can still introduce myself. Hello, my name's Pinkamena Diane Pie, but my friends just call me Pinkie Pie, or Pinkie, or Pie, or Pink, or Spitty Pie, or Pinkamena Serious Pie, or Excited, but just Pinkie Pie is fine, and welcome to Ponyville!” Pinkie told the pair, throwing confetti up in the air.

Twilight and Spike looked at each other confused, before looking back at their smiling pink friend.

“Uh, are you okay Pinkie Pie?” Twilight asked.

“Uh, duh, of course I’m okay! I’m just welcoming you two to Ponyville, just like I do every new pony that I meet. OOOooo and you have a dragon too! I don’t know why I didn’t notice him sooner! He’s soooo cute!” Pinkie replied.

“Aww shucks, you don’t have to say things like that Pinkie, but you can go on.” Spike told Pinkie, a slight blush in his cheeks.

Twilight rolled her eyes at Spike, before getting back to the matter at hoof.

“Pinkie, we’re not new to Ponyville. It’s us, Twilight and Spike. Remember?” Twilight told Pinkie.

“Twilight? Hmm……..Nope! I’m sure I’d remember a name like Twilight Sparkle.” Pinkie replied, still smiling.

“See, you do remember me. I didn’t say my full name just now.” Twilight responded, a slight relief coming over her.

“Huh? I never said your name was Twilight Sparkle. I just said Twilight, like you just told me.” Pinkie replied, a confused look on her face.

“But we know each other Pinkie Pie, I’m one of your friends.” Twilight responded back, now with a confused and concerned look of her own.

“Friend?” Pinkie repeated, before a quick twitch came over her. In the instant of her twitching, her hair went limp, her face tensed up, and her entire color turned a shade darker, before returning back to normal. “Oh! That reminds me! Since you’re new here, I need to throw you two a party! I’ll go get everything ready, see you two around!” She spoke one last time, before zipping away.

Twilight and Spike stood in silence for a minute, before Twilight spoke up.

“Spike, is it just me, or was Pinkie acting a little stranger than usual?”

“Beats me, I just assumed it was Pinkie being Pinkie.” Spike answered.

Twilight scratched her head for a minute, before starting off once again towards the library.

While running through the streets to Sugar Cube Corner, a wild assortment of thoughts ran through Pinkie Pie’s head.

“Should I do more balloons or confetti? Maybe a BIG chocolate cake, or perhaps a lemon banana cake. They sure did seem familiar. Oh! Streamers! I’ve got to get A LOT of streamers! And my party canon! I’ll definitely need my party cannon! How did they know my name, and how did I know theirs? OOOooo I love how my thoughts echo in my head! Echo! Echo, echo, echo.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back in Cloudsdale, Soarin eagerly awaited for the Wonderbolts to return. He didn’t need to wait much longer, as he saw the approaching streaks in the sky of Captain and Vice-captain Spitfire; and Rainbow Dash, with trainee Scootaloo riding on Rainbow Dash’s back.

“Hey, welcome back Wonderbolts!” Soarin greeted them.

“Hey yourself Soarin! How’d your training go while we were gone?” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Ah, it went pretty good. I’m still not sure if I’m Wonderbolt material yet, but I know I’ll get there someday. How was it meeting the Queen? I sure would’ve liked to have been there.” Soarin replied.

“Well maybe if you’d spend more time flapping your wings, instead of stuffing your face with apple pies, then you could be even a fraction close to joining us next time.” Spitfire replied annoyed, as she removed her goggles.

Spitfire then walked off, as Soarin dropped his head in disappointment.

“Aww, cheer up Soarin. I’m sure you’ll be a Wonderbolt too someday!” Scootaloo tried to cheer Soarin up.

“Yeah, I mean, you’ve got all the skills, you just need to apply yourself more.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Easy for you to say. You’re already a Wonderbolt, and you get personal training from Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo.” Soarin responded, still depressed.

“Well of course squirt here needs some personal training, she can’t fly after all, and who better to teach her than a Wonderbolt?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“I guess. So, tell me about the Friendship council. Who else was there besides you guys?” Soarin asked.

“Oh oh, everyone was there! Us, ponies from Ponyville, Appleloosa, Filly Delphia…” Scootaloo went on, trying to think of more.

“Sounds like a lot of ponies.” Soarin replied.

“Yeah, there were a lot of them, even Fluttershy from Appleloosa was there. I still wish I could be as tough as her.” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“What about Captain Spitfire? Isn’t she tough?” Soarin asked.

“Well yeah she’s tough, but she’s also kind of mean sometimes. Fluttershy just seems awesome, and I wish we could be friends.” Rainbow Dash told Soarin.

“Well why don’t you fly over to Appleloosa some time and talk with her?” Soarin asked.

“Nah, I’m sure she’s too busy taking care of the buffalo that got moved away from there.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“That’s too bad. Well hey, if the Wonderbolts ever start recruiting again, maybe you can ask her to join!” Soarin spoke.

“Yeah, I could! I’m sure Captain Spitfire would let a flyer like her join!”

Rainbow Dash jumped in the air and did a somersault in excitement, which prompted Scootaloo to try the same.

“Yeah! …Uh oh…” Scootaloo said aloud, before realizing that she had somersaulted off the cloud. “HELP!”

In a flash, Rainbow Dash swooped down after her, catching her before she fell too far.

“Easy there squirt, you still have to learn to flap your wings first.” She told the filly.

“Heh heh, yeah, sorry about that.” Scootaloo replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Deep within the Everfree forest, Apple Bloom made her way through the trees to Zecora’s shack. She knocked on the door to let Zecora know that she was back, before opening it and walking in.

“Hey there Zecora, Ah’m back. Are ya feeling any better?”

“Hmm. I am alright little one, but this headache I have is no fun.” Zecora responded.

“Weird that you’ve been gettin so many of those lately. None of your remedies been helping?” Apple Bloom asked.

“The tea and potions have worked fine, but I feel as though these headaches are a sign.” Zecora replied.

“Ah sign of what?” Apple Bloom asked, a confused look on her face.

“Of what is to me unknown, but I feel a familiar wind into town has blown.” Zecora told Apple Bloom, adding more confusion to her face.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Outside the hedge maze in the Canterlot royal garden, the Princesses were playing a game with Discord.

“We still do not see what it is supposed to be, aside from cheese.” Luna told Discord, referring to herself as usual.

“Oh come now. Haven’t the two of you ever played charades before? I’m actually giving you quite the easy one Luna. Think about it: I’m round, made of cheese, only appear at night, and you know me quite well.” Discord told the princesses, while taking the form of a giant talking cheese wheel.

“We still see cheese!” Luna yelled in her Equestrian voice.

Celestia giggled quietly to herself, understanding what Discord was referring to in his riddle. She continued to watch her sister think in frustration, until she noticed one of Queen Chrysalis’ changeling scouts flying nearby in a hurry.

“Excuse me scout, but where are you off to in such a hurry?” She asked the changeling.

“I need to deliver a message to the queen, princess.” The changeling responded, stopping in mid-air.

“If it is important, then you can tell me, and I shall relay the message to her myself.” Celestia told the changeling.

“That won’t be necessary Celestia.” Queen Chrysalis told her, walking up from behind.

“Your majesty, when did you get here?” Celestia asked.

“He’s one of my personal message scouts, he can give me the message himself in my chambers.” Chrysalis answered the princess.

“Yes my queen.” The changeling spoke to Chrysalis, before flying up towards the castle.

“Very well, my apologies Queen Chrysalis.” Celestia spoke.

“Tis no trouble at all dear princess.” Chrysalis told Celestia, before flying up towards the castle herself, a grin forming on her face as she flew away.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Inside the royal chambers, Queen Chrysalis took a seat on her throne, as her scout bowed before her.

“So what news do you bring me today my servant? New ponies, disturbances, or perhaps a new creature of whose love I can drain?” Chrysalis asked.

“Uh, I suppose all three my queen.” The changeling replied.

“Oh splendid! Tell me of the creature first.” Chrysalis told the changeling.

“It was a dragon my queen, but just a baby one, and he was accompanied by a purple unicorn.” The changeling responded.

“A baby dragon? I’m not sure how much love I could drain from such a small creature. Hmm…wait a minute. Did you say a purple unicorn!? Did she have a cutie mark with six stars!?” Chrysalis asked, her voice starting to fill with rage.

“Uh…yes my queen. You know of this pony?” The changeling answered, afraid that she might strike him.

Chrysalis stood up and screamed in rage, causing her guards and the scout to shake in fear. She breathed heavily in anger, until she took a moment to think to herself, and calm herself down.

“It’s her! It’s that Twilight Sparkle! I thought it was odd that I didn’t see her when I went through Ponyville. If she’s back, then she could ruin my plans…unless.”

Chrysalis took a deep breath, before glaring at her scout and speaking to him once more.

“Did she appear to notice anything when she arrived?” Chrysalis asked.

“I don’t believe so my queen. There was a pink pony that approached her when she arrived in town, but she didn’t recognize them. At one point it looked like the pink one remembered her, but then she forgot again and ran off. The dragon didn’t seem to find the pink one’s behavior unusual, and the unicorn seemed to agree with him.” The changeling answered.

“Hmm. Good. It seems that Twilight Sparkle isn’t as bright as she once was. Perhaps she won’t notice long enough for one of her little friends to lead her here, so I can place her under my control as well. Hmm…keep an eye on them for now. Where were they last seen?” Chrysalis spoke.

“They were heading for the library in Ponyville my queen.” The changeling told Chrysalis.

“Splendid, that should do just fine. Monitor her closely from outside the library, and report anything unusual to me immediately.” She told the scout.

“Yes my queen!” The changeling answered, before quickly flying out of the throne room.

Chrysalis sat back down on her throne, thinking to herself once more.

“This isn’t good at all. Not only does she show up out of nowhere, but she almost caused one of my controlled pawns to remember her. I need to keep her from affecting any of the other ponies before I can manage to control her myself. I’ve been working too long and too hard on this plan to not have it succeed. My time to rule Equestira has finally come, and I plan to stay here.”

A party plan for the ages

Up in Cloudsdale, a still disgruntled Spitfire sat behind her desk in her office.

“I’m really starting to get tired of that Queen. I need to start recruiting again if we want to have any chance of…” She said aloud to herself, until the sound of somepony bursting through the door cut her off.

“Captain Spitfire! Captain Spitfire! I’ve got some news!” An energetic Scootaloo called out to Spitfire.

Spitfire placed her hooves together on her desk, just like she did to everypony who came to see her.

“What is it recruit?” She asked the filly.

“I managed to keep myself up in the air for five seconds!” Scootaloo said with a big smile on her face.

Unimpressed, Spitfire raised an eyebrow to the little Pegasus.

“Is that it?”

“Oh, and Twitters stopped by! He said that something seemed to really upset the Queen today, and she almost caused a panic!” Scootaloo replied.

“Really!?” Spitfire asked Scootaloo, a surprised look on her face.

“Yup!” Scootaloo replied, sounding proud of herself.

“Thanks recruit, and keep up the work on your flying.” Spitfire told the filly, giving her a smile.

Scootaloo jumped for joy and hopped out of the office.

Turning around in her chair, Spitfire gazed out the window, as she began to think to herself.

“This could be the perfect opportunity to start moving my operation along. It’s a good thing I took advantage of that Changeling spy I caught a while back. Having him act as a double agent for us is really going to pay off soon. Guess I should go make sure things on the other side are getting ready as well.”

With that thought, Spitfire opened up one of the windows to her office and zipped out into the sky.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Having finished their latest musical number, the Flim Flam brothers proceeded to sell their latest product to the ponies of Rainbow Falls.

“That’s right step right up everypony, you don’t want to miss this amazing offer!” Flim announced to the crowd.

“Yes indeed, no pony in their right mind could possibly go without the Flim Flam brother’s patented “Bottomless saddle bag.” Flam announced to the crowd.

“Especially not anypony who plans to shop at the world famous Rainbow Falls market!” Flim added on.

“So step right up everypony and be sure to get yourself one of these amazing bags!” Flam added on.

“Supplies are limited.”

“But the storage space is UN-limited!”

Upon finishing their sales pitch, numerous ponies began raising their hooves in the air, holding up bits so that they could buy one of the bags. The brothers managed to make a few sales, until they saw a pony in the crowd hold up a small pouch of bits.

“Some bits for your time boys?” Spitfire called out to the Unicorns.

Grinning ear-to-ear, the brothers quickly addressed the rest of the crowd of eager ponies.

“So sorry folks, but we’ll be taking a short break from our sales for a moment.” Flim told the crowd.

“But be sure to have those hooves ready for this amazing offer once we return!” Flam told the crowd.

After bringing the crowd to a halt, the brothers retreated behind their curtain to speak with the Wonderbolt Captain. Spitfire tossed the bag on the ground in front of the Unicorns, whom proceeded to levitate it up and place it in one of their stage drawers.

“So what can we do for you today Miss Wonderbolt?” Flim asked Spitfire.

“I think it’s time to begin operation: Stealth Glider. The Queen seems to be under some unexpected stress, and should be distracted enough by it for us to make our move.” Spitfire told the brothers.

The brothers looked at one another, each raising an eyebrow in interest.

“Are you sure now is the right time?” Flim asked.

“We can’t very well make a profit off of this plan if it goes south from the beginning.” Flam added.

“Oh, I’m positive. It’s now or never. Have you two almost finished the preparations on your end yet?” Spitfire asked the duo.

“We’ve almost got everything we need to finish it.” Flim responded.

“Judging by the sales we plan to get from this latest product of ours, we should be able to finish it in no time afterwards.” Flam added.

“Don’t worry, we plan on making sure everything goes off without a hitch.” Flim told Spitfire.

“There’s no way we could pass up an opportunity to have a permanent store in Canterlot. We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.” Flam told Spitfire.

“Good, I’ll leave you two to it then.” Spitfire told the Unicorns, before leaving the tent and flying away.

Spitfire looked back as she flew away, watching the brothers come back out from behind the curtain, and begin to sell their latest scam again.

“Don’t you worry your greedy little heads. This will go off without a hitch, and when it does, she’ll wish she had never left that pathetic little kingdom of hers.” Spitfire said aloud to herself, as she made her way back to Cloudsdale.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Later that night, Twilight and Spike both lay in their beds, bags of ice on their heads, and still queasy stomachs.

“Ugh…..Spike.” Twilight spoke to Spike in a nauseous tone.

“Yeah?” Spike responded in the same tone, letting out a belch after he answered.

“Was it just me, or did Pinkie really go all out with that party?” Twilight asked.

“It was like the party she threw when we first came to Ponyville.” Spike replied.

“…..Only much worse.” The two said in unison.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier that day, Twilight and Spike made their way back to the Library, after wandering around Ponyville for a bit.

“I still don’t know. Something just seems different with the ponies here.” Twilight spoke.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Everypony seemed fine to me.” Spike replied, laying on Twilight’s back and popping another gem into his mouth.

“Well it’s not just them Spike, I haven’t even seen any of our friends today besides Pinkie. Apple Jack wasn’t at Sweet Apple Acres, and Big Mac didn’t know where she was either.” Twilight told Spike.

“I guess now that you mention it that was kinda weird. Also, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Big Macintosh talk that much.” Spike responded.

“Yeah, that was kind of strange, but not uncommon I suppose. I also haven’t seen Rainbow Dash anywhere. Normally around this time of day, she’d be sleeping on a cloud somewhere in the sky. I doubt she’s actually off working somewhere else.” Twilight spoke.

“Yeah, but she could be off training somewhere. She did say that she was hoping to get a letter of acceptance into the Wonderbolt Academy at some point. She’s probably just off flying somewhere.” Spike replied.

“I suppose you could be right, but what about Rarity and Fluttershy? Neither of them were in their homes when we stopped by to visit.” Twilight asked Spike.

“Yeah, it was disappointing that Rarity wasn’t there, but she might have gotten a huge order of dresses and was delivering them, or maybe she was so busy working upstairs that she couldn’t hear us knocking. As for Fluttershy, maybe she was out tending to some animals or something?” Spike responded.

“Hmm, I just don’t know Spike, but maybe we can check back on them again tomorrow. Now that we’re back, I want to start reading over some of the books I got from the Griffon Kingdom.” Twilight spoke.

“If you say so, but I think it’s about nap time for this dragon.” Spike replied, letting out a yawn.

As the two approached the Library, Twilight opened the door with her magic, and was instantly bombarded with confetti and streamers, as party favors sounded off inside. The sound of the party favors going off caused Spike to jump and he landed face first on the ground.

“Heya! See, I told you I was going to throw you a party! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh!?” Pinkie asked Twilight and Spike.

Behind Pinkie, almost half of Ponyville appeared to be partying inside of the Library. The entire first floor was packed from wall-to-wall.

“Uh Pinkie, you didn’t need to throw this big of a party just for us coming back. We weren’t even gone that long.” Twilight told Pinkie, while pulling confetti out of her mane.

“Ha ha ha! There you go again about coming back. I told you that I always throw a party for ponies I never met before, and I just wanted to make sure that you two had a BIG party to come to since this is your first time in Ponyville!” Pinkie told Twilight.

“But Pinkie?” Twilight began to ask, before Spike cut her off.

“Aww come on Twilight, lighten up! This does seem to be a really great party going on!” Spike told Twilight, while already in a conga line of ponies.

“But…” Twilight started to speak again, before Pinkie stuffed a cupcake in her mouth.

“Yeah, lighten up downy-miss-downerton! This is a party! It’s time to have fun!” Pinkie told Twilight, before joining Spike in the conga line.

Convinced that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with Pinkie at the moment, since she was in her party state, Twilight decided to try and go along with everything. She too joined the conga line, and the party continued on.

Two hours later, after having her fill of cake and hot-sauce spiked fruit punch, Twilight started to head upstairs, only to be dragged back down by Pinkie.

“Oh no can do Miss party pooper! This party is just getting started!” Pinkie told Twilight.

“But this party has been going on for much longer than usual Pinkie, and I’d really like to get to my books.” Twilight replied.

“Are you CA-RA-ZY!? We’ve got a lot more partying to do!” Pinkie replied.

“But even your first party didn’t last this long.” Twilight told Pinkie.

“Well that’s because I had just found out what a party was, and my family got tired really quick.” Pinkie responded.

“No, I mean when Spike and I really first came here.” Twilight corrected Pinkie.

“Well duh it didn’t last that long, I had just met you two in the streets. I didn’t even have any of my party stuff with me then, but I’m glad that you could still call meeting me, or me meeting you a party!” Pinkie spoke.

“No! I mean the FIRST time Spike and I came here! Not when we got back after being gone for a week!” Twilight replied, now getting frustrated.

“A week! Feels more like seven years if you ask me. I guess that means the party needs to go on even longer to make up for lost time!” Pinkie told Twilight, before turning her head back to call down to the rest of the ponies still partying downstairs. “HEY EVERYPONY! THIS PARTY IS GOING INTO OVERTIME! WOO-HOO!”

Everypony downstairs cheered, as they continued to keep partying more.

Twilight let out an annoyed grunt, before she gave up trying to convince Pinkie to end the party. Instead, she decided to try and ask her about her friends.

“Pinkie, have you seen any of our friends lately? I couldn’t find any of them today.” Twilight asked.

“That’s because Apple Jack’s been planting more and more apple trees outside Ponyville, Rainbow Dash has been busy being a Wonderbolt, Rarity’s with the Mayor, and Fluttershy is in AAAAAAA-pple-LOO-sa!” Pinkie replied, kicking her hooves up in the air like Braeburn did when saying Appleloosa’s name.

“Wait, what!?” Twilight asked, immediately confused.

“What? What friends? I just met you earlier today, and everypony in Ponyville is my friend. You’ll have to be more specific.” Pinkie asked, confused.

“Th-those friends! Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy! What happened to them!?” Twilight asked, confused herself.

“OOOOOoooohhh!.......I don’t know. Who are they? They sound fun! Especially the shy one! What was her name again?” Pinkie replied, a smile on her face.

“But…I…you…we…” Twilight tried to speak, unable to understand what was going on at the moment.

“He he he! Well enough about all that, come on! We got a lot more partying to do!” Pinkie told Twilight, before dragging her back down the stairs and into the party once more.

Twilight and every other pony continued to party well into the night, until finally everypony left, with Pinkie being the last to leave, as she happily bounced out the door. Too exhausted and full to try to even think about what had just happened, and to figure out about the state of their friends, Twilight and Spike slowly made their way upstairs to bed.

When it rains, it pours

The next day in Appleloosa, Fluttershy stormed out of the local watering hole, The Salt Block, in a fit of quiet anger.

“I just still can’t stand it! I think I’ll go out for a flight to clear my head.” She yelled quietly, knocking over a table on her way out.

“Well darn, there goes another pie.” Braeburn said with a sigh.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

At the same time in Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash prepped to go for a flight of her own.

“So where are you planning to race to today?” Soarin asked Rainbow Dash.

“I think I’ll try and make it to Macintosh Hills and back before lunch.” Rainbow Dash told Soarin, as she put on her goggles.

“Alright, do it to it!” Soarin cheered back, as Rainbow Dash sped off.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

An hour later near Macintosh Hills, Fluttershy started making her way back from the Badlands, after visiting the buffalo tribe.

“Those poor buffalo. Shame on that mean old Queenie! She should know better than to move creatures out of their natural habitat! I just can’t get her face out of my head!” She said aloud.

At the same time, Rainbow Dash came diving down from a cloud above, oblivious to anyone beneath her.

“Gee, I sure wish I could just try talking to her. She’d be a great asset to the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself, closing her eyes.

In the split second that Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, she collided with another Pegasus in the sky. As the two of them plummeted towards the base of the hill, they both braced for the ground. After landing with a thud, they rubbed their heads as they stood up, facing away from each other.

“Owie. That pony should’ve watched where she was going.” Fluttershy said quietly to herself, before turning around to see the other Pegasus still rubbing her head. “I suppose I should at least see if she’s alright.” She spoke again, with a sigh.

“Ugh, my head. Perhaps we should invest in helmets instead of goggles.” Rainbow Dash said aloud to herself.

“Um, excuse me! Are you okay!?” Fluttershy quietly yelled to the Pegasus, still a little annoyed.

Upon hearing the voice, Rainbow Dash quickly recognized that it belonged to Fluttershy, but she was too nervous to turn around and answer her.

“I said, are you alright!?” Fluttershy yelled again, this time poking the Pegasus in the back.

“Yaah!” Rainbow Dash screamed, before speeding off back into the sky.

“Humph! See if I try being nice to somepony like that again.” Fluttershy said to herself, before looking back at her hoof. “Hmm, it’s strange. Something about her, and that rainbow streak she left seemed…”

Up in the sky, and still speeding away, Rainbow Dash found herself getting caught up in what just happened.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! I can’t believe that she actually talked to me!” Rainbow Dash said to herself as she flew. However, her excitement quickly lowered, as she started to think about what would have happened if she had tried to respond to Fluttershy. “There’s no way that I could talk back to her yet though…and yet…that kind touch and voice felt so…”

“Familiar.” The two Pegasi said in unison, yet separated by miles thanks to Rainbow Dash’s flying away.

“Hmm, I probably threw a pie at her in the watering hole once and forgot. Aww well.” Fluttershy said to herself, as she gave a shrug and then continued back to her flying.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Around mid-day, Twilight and Spike both finally managed to make it out of bed and head outside.

“Let’s agree never to leave town again without bringing our friends.” Twilight said aloud, shielding her eyes from the sun for a moment.

“You said it.” Spike replied, still rubbing his sore stomach.

Unbeknownst to the two of them, Queen Chrysalis’ changeling scout continued to watch them from the top of the Library, as they started making their way into town.

“Heh heh heh. Seems like they’re finally on the move again. That must have been some party last night.” The changeling said to himself.

“You there, changeling peasant. We demand that thou come down here post haste.” A regal voice spoke to the changeling from behind.

Turning around from his hiding spot in the tree, the changeling scout discovered that it was Princess Luna addressing him. He quickly made his way out of the tree, and down to the ground behind the library.

“Princess Luna, what a surprise! Did my Queen send you?” The changeling asked.

“That is none of your concern. We demand that thou return to Canterlot at once.” Luna told the changeling.

“But my Queen ordered me to…” The changeling started to say, before Luna cut him off.

“We hath business to attend to here, so unless thou wanteth to get involved, we suggest that thou leave. Now!” Luna spoke in her Equestrian voice to the changeling.

“Oh, yes certainly…I’ll just…uh…I’ll be going now!” The changeling stuttered out, before zipping away.

“Hmm, it would appear that things hath been rather strange in Equestria lately.” Luna said to herself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

A little earlier, in the royal chambers in Canterlot, Princess Luna entered to the Queen’s summons.

“Thou requested an audience with us your majesty?” Luna asked Queen Chrysalis, bowing her head to her.

“Yes.” Chrysalis responded, before turning to Princess Celestia, who was also in the room. “You may leave us Celestia.”

“Yes your majesty.” Celestia replied, before walking out of the room, shutting the door with her magic.

Luna gave a little “humph” to her sister’s presence, before turning to face the Queen once more.

“I have a task for you Luna. It would seem that the weather ponies in Ponyville have been shirking on their duties as of late, and the entire town is experiencing a drought.” Chrysalis told Luna.

“What would thou have us do your majesty?” Luna asked.

“I want you to conjure up a rainstorm. One big enough to quench the town of its thirst for months to come.” Chrysalis told Luna.

“As you wish, your majesty.” Luna replied.

“Very well. You may go now.” Chrysalis told Luna, waving her hoof towards the door.

“Yes your majesty.” Luna responded, making her way out the door, and closing it with her magic. She then took a few step towards the staircase leading to the main entrance, before stopping, and speaking aloud to somepony. “Eavesdropping again, hmm? Thou never ceases to amazing us.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back in the present, Luna started to gather her magic, as she prepared the spell necessary to cause a massive rainfall.

“Let us bring forth the waters to wet the land, and end its reign of dryness.” Luna spoke in her Equestrian voice, as she flapped her wings to raise herself up.

After reaching her peak in the air, Luna released her spell, and clouds immediately filled the sky. They all then turned a dark black, as the sound of thunder rumbled amongst them. Then all at once, the clouds let forth a massive downpour of rain, causing the residents below to immediately seek shelter.

Caught off guard by the sudden appearance of clouds, and then further by the falling of rain, Twilight and Spike took off to find shelter of their own.

“Where in Equestria did this rain come from? I thought the forecast for this month was only supposed to have scattered showers?” Twilight said aloud, trying to see through the downpour.

“Rain? This is more like a waterfall if you ask me!” Spike answered, clinging to Twilight’s back.

“Ugh, I can’t see anything in this rain!” Twilight spoke, still finding it hard to see.

“Hey wait, I think I smell something up ahead!” Spike replied, sniffing the air once more. “Yeah, I’m positive! Up and to the right, I can smell Rarity’s perfume…uh I mean the gems from her Boutique!”

Twilight finally spied the outline of the Carousel Boutique, and managed to get to the door and open it, before the rain came down even harder.

Up in the sky, Luna ceased her spell, but left the clouds, so as to not have the sun evaporate the water too quickly.

“That should do. It is still strange though, the land did not appear as barren as the Queen had described.” She said to herself.

Back inside the Carousel Boutique, Twilight and Spike started to dry themselves off.

“I’m sure Rarity won’t mind us borrowing a couple of these sheets of fabric to dry ourselves off with. They don’t look…that expensive I suppose.” Twilight spoke.

“Where did that crazy weather come from anyway? Did they put Derpy in charge of the weather in Ponyville again?” Spike asked.

“No, that seemed like something far beyond what a single Pegasus could do in that timeframe.” Twilight replied. She then looked around the Boutique, and saw that it looked like nopony had been living there for a few days. “That’s strange. Normally Rarity would have fabrics and mannequins all over the place. Hello? Rarity? Are you here?”

Silence filled the Boutique, with only the sound of the now dying rain outside filling their ears.

“Gosh, Rarity is always here working. Where could she be? Even if she was gone on a delivery, I would think she’d be back here by now.” Spike asked Twilight.

“I’m not sure either Spike, but at least the rain seems to be stopping. Maybe somepony in town could tell us where she went.” Twilight replied.

Twilight and Spike were about to leave the Boutique, when the sound of a cat meowing filled the shop.

“Is that Opalescence?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I think it is. Hey, wait a second! Maybe Opalescence could tell us where Rarity is!” Spike said excitedly.

Spike headed upstairs to find Opal, while Twilight continued to look around the shop for clues to Rarity’s whereabouts. Spike returned a few seconds later, before heading into the kitchen.

“Spike, this is no time to be making yourself a snack! Especially not with somepony else’s food.” Twilight scolded Spike.

“It’s not for me, it’s for Opalescence. She said she hasn’t eaten anything in almost a week.” Spike replied, heading back upstairs with a big bag of cat food.

“A week! That’s not like Rarity at all! She would have left out enough food for Opal if she was really going to be gone that long.” Twilight responded surprised.

A few minutes, and a lot of loud eating later, Spike returned downstairs to tell Twilight what Opalescence had told him.

“So, what did she say?” Twilight asked.

“She said that Rarity’s been gone for over a week. One day she was here, and the next, poof! She said that she didn’t even take any of her supplies or any dresses with her either. Even her giant hat collection was left untouched.” Spike told Twilight.

“Not even a hat? That’s not like Rarity at all. Something strange is definitely going on in Ponyville, and we’ve got to get to the bottom of it!” Twilight replied, stomping a hoof on the ground to sound her point.

“Yeah! But where do we start?” Spike asked.

“Well now that the rain’s stopped, we should start asking around town. Maybe we’ll be able to find one of our other friends besides Pinkie.” Twilight responded.

Twilight and Spike then made their way out of the Boutique, and into the company of a few ponies, and one creature that they had never expected to see again so soon.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Around the time the rain first started in Ponyville, Queen Chrysalis watched the entire ordeal unfold from one of the princess’ towers.

“Ha ha ha! Yes, that should do nicely. With any luck, that little treehouse of hers will have flooded over, and that will be the end of Twilight Sparkle. Hmm, but I must make sure that she’s gone for good. Ah, I can also take this opportunity to show my ‘affection’ for my citizens.” Chrysalis thought to herself. She then returned to her chambers, and called for Celestia.

“Yes your majesty?” Celestia asked, as she walked into the room.

“I need you to send out messages to the nearby regions to organize a search party. It would appear that a freak rainstorm has overtaken Ponyville, and I wish to ensure that everypony there is alright.” Chrysalis told Celestia.

“Yes your majesty. I’ll get on it right away.” Celestia replied.

“Actually, better yet, we should pull from only the closest areas, so as to not waste any time. Send letters to the ponies in: Appleloosa, Rainbow Falls, Ponyville itself, and Cloudsdale. Oh, and send Discord along with them. He can use the opportunity to mingle with the ponyfolk more.” Chrysalis told Celestia.

“As you wish your majesty.” Celestia responded.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Minutes later in Appleloosa, Braeburn burst into The Salt Block, as Fluttershy was licking a salt lick.

“Fluttershy, we just got a letter from Canterlot!” Braeburn told Fluttershy.

“Oh really? And what does that big meanie of a Queen want?” Fluttershy replied.

“It says here, that they need a group of ponies to form a search party for the ponies in Ponyville.” Braeburn told Fluttershy.

“More like a search party to find ponies to move somewhere else if you ask me! No! Ignore it Braeburn. If they want to go and round up ponies to take away from their homes, then we’ll have nothing of it.” Fluttershy told Braeburn.

“If…if you say so.” Braeburn replied, a little worried.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

At the same time as the first letter, another appeared in the Mayor’s office in Town Hall in Ponyville.

Meanwhile, Rarity was trying to keep Sweetie Belle and Derpy in line, preventing their hijinks from causing too much trouble.

“Will you two stop that this instant! This is no time to be making a book fort! Can’t you see what the weather is like outside?” Rarity scolded her sister and the wall-eyed Pegasus.

“Aww, but we just finished the first bookshelf. There’s still at least twenty more!” Sweetie Belle told her big sister.

“No butts! Now you two put those books back right now! And in order Sweetie.” Rarity replied.

“Aww!” Sweetie Belle groaned.

“My bad.” Derpy added.

While the two of them started replacing the books on the shelves, Mayor Mare walked into the room.

“Girls, I’ve just received news from Canterlot.” Mayor Mare told the ponies.

“From Canterlot? What ever could they want? Are they aware of our situation here?” Rarity asked.

“Actually, they are. They’ve asked that we form a search party, to see if everypony is alright in town.” Mayor Mare told Rarity, reading off the letter in her hoof.

“Oh oh! That’s it! A cutie mark in searching for ponies! That’s got to be my special talent!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed excitingly, before leaving Derpy with the books and running outside.

“Sweetie Belle come back here this instant!” Rarity called after her sister, but she had already made it outside.

Rarity started to chase after her, but Mayor Mare stopped her.

“Mayor what are you doing!? We can’t just let her run out into that downpour! She’ll catch a cold and get sick!” Rarity tried to argue with the Mayor.

“I think she’ll be alright. The rain actually seems to be dying down, and it will give her a chance to stretch her legs. She has been cooped up in here all day after all.” The Mayor reasoned with Rarity.

“Oh, if you say so Mayor. I just hope she doesn’t slip and hurt herself.” Rarity spoke.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

In conjunction with the arrival of the other letters, another one appeared to the ponies in Rainbow Falls. It just so happened to land on the ground nearby, as Flim and Flam were closing up shop from their latest scam once more.

“What’s this? A letter from Canterlot?” Flam said aloud.

“Ignore it brother. We’ve got much more important things to do, than to be listening to that Queen anymore.” Flim told Flam.

“How right you are my dear brother. We have much work to do indeed.” Flam responded.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Cloudsdale too received their letter at the same time as the others. Their letter appeared in the sky, and would have fallen down to the ground below, if not for one unlucky Pegasus flying into it, and it blocking his vision.

“Whoa!” Soarin cried out, as he found his vision go dark for a second. He stopped flying long enough for the paper to fall off him, and then slowly float down. He quickly chased after it, catching it before it fell too far. He opened it up to read it, and upon finishing, quickly raced back to the center of Cloudsdale.

As Soarin got closer to Cloudsdale, he found Rainbow Dash sleeping on a cloud, still resting from her race to Macintosh Hills and back earlier in the day.

“Hey Rainbow Dash! You gotta see this!” Soarin called out to the sleeping Pegasus.

Rainbow Dash stirred in her sleep, not wanting to wake up, until she heard Soarin call for the third time. She reluctantly stood up on the cloud, and stretched her back, letting out a big yawn.

“What is it Soarin? Can’t you see that I’m trying to rest here?” Rainbow Dash told Soarin.

“You gotta read this Rainbow Dash. It’s a letter from Canterlot.” Soarin replied.

The word “Canterlot” jolted Rainbow Dash awake, since she knew the urgency that letters from there came with.

“Canterlot!? What does it say!?” She asked.

“It says that some ponies from Cloudsdale need to form a search party. Apparently a crazy rain storm hit Ponyville, and they want us to go and see if everypony’s alright.” Soarin explained.

“Rain storm? I’m pretty sure we would have known about that before anypony. Never mind that though, we need to go now!” Rainbow Dash told Soarin.

“Don’t you think we should let Captain Spitfire know? We might need some of our fastest flyers to get there and help.” Soarin asked.

“There’s no time for that! We know about it, so we should get going! If anything, we can start clearing up the sky first.” Rainbow Dash told Soarin, before dashing off down towards Ponyville.

“H-hey! Wait up!” Soarin called after Rainbow Dash, speeding off to catch up.

Gypsy magic

A little earlier, before Twilight and Spike left Carousel Boutique.

“How did I get myself into this mess?” Discord asked himself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier, inside the Royal Palace in Canterlot.

Discord was playing another game with Princess Luna, still toying with her for fun. He had set up a spider tossing game, much like the ones the ponies played with on Nightmare Night.

“All you have to do, is throw this spider at the web.” Discord told Luna, before picking one up and throwing it at the web.

He was confident that Luna would be too afraid to pick up a spider, so he chuckled to himself as he waited for her to try. Luna looked at the basket of moving spiders, a slight nervous look on her face. She walked up to the basket and picked up one of the spiders, yet she didn’t flinch in the slightest. She then tossed the spider at the web, and landed it right on the center.

“We feel as if we hath played this game before.” Luna said aloud, and slightly confused.

A disappointed look came over Discord, as he folded his arms in front of him. However, his frown quickly turned to a smile, as Princess Celestia entered the room. The thought of Celestia freaking out at a spider, prompted him to teleport above her, and lower a spider down in front of her face.

Celestia let out a slight gasp, much to Discord’s delight, before she looked, up and spoke to him.

“I’m afraid this isn’t the time for games Discord. Queen Chrysalis has requested your assistance in Ponyville.” She told Discord, an annoyed look on her face.

Discord repositioned himself in the air, so that he was laying on his stomach.

“Pfft. Sounds like a bore fest to me. There’s nothing of interest to me in Ponyville. Besides, I’m having…lots of fun here.” Discord replied, looking back towards Luna with an annoyed look of his own.

“Sister! Thou must join’eth us, so that the fun may be doubled!” Luna called over to her sister, holding a spider in her hoof.

Celestia looked over at Luna, and then saw Discord’s look of disappointment once more. An idea came to her head, and she turned back to Luna with a smile.

“Dearest sister, I’m afraid that I cannot join in your fun. Since Discord has refused to go to Ponyville, the Queen asked that you go instead.” Celestia told Luna.

“Whatever for sister?” Luna asked.

“It would appear that a lot of ‘chaos’ is going on in Ponyville, and the Queen has requested that the ‘harmony’ be restored there.” Celestia replied, hiding a smirk from Discord.

Luna thought for a second on what her sister had told her.

“But her majesty had just requested that we…” Luna spoke, but was cut off by Discord.

“Did someone say ‘chaos’!?” Discord said aloud, excitement in his voice. He then cleared his throat, to hide his enthusiasm. “I mean, if it’s harmony that the Queen wants restored, then I suppose that I could take some time out of my busy schedule, and help those ponyfolk in Ponyville.”

With a snap of his fingers, Discord disappeared in a flash, and Celestia began to giggle to herself.

“What is so humorous dear sister?” Luna asked.

“He he, oh it’s nothing Luna. Just having some fun of my own.” Celestia replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back in the present, Discord grudgingly walked with the other ponies that had gathered to answer the Queen’s letter to help Ponyville.

“This isn’t chaotic at all!” Discord spoke aloud, literally pulling off and throwing his hands up in the air.

“Aww, lighten up sugarcube. Ah’m sure you can find yerself some of that chaos stuff at some point.” Apple Jack told Discord.

Flying slowly ahead of the group, Soarin turned his head from Discord’s direction, and looked back to Rainbow Dash next to him.

“Whoa, I’ve heard about him, but I’ve never seen Discord before.” Soarin spoke, as Discord’s hands landed on his back, and he quickly shook them off in fear.

“Yeah, I saw him a couple of times during the Friendship council the other day, he’s kinda weird.” Rainbow Dash replied.

Back on the ground, Sweetie Belle kept looking left and right, as she walked with the group looking for any ponies in need.

“Just so we’re clear, if there are any ponies in distress, I’m helping them first. This will be my cutie mark for sure!” Sweetie Belle spoke aloud.

“I’m not so sure about that kid. From the looks of things, everypony seems to have boarded themselves up in their homes. It doesn’t’ look like we’ll find anypony wandering around out here.” Soarin told the filly.

“Then how am I supposed to get my cutie mark in helping ponies, if there’s nopony around to help?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Beats me.” Soarin replied.

“Hey, I think I see somepony up ahead!” Rainbow Dash called out.

Everyone in the group looked ahead, as they saw the door to the Carousel Boutique open. Once they got closer, they could see a purple Unicorn, and a small baby dragon.

“Hmm, something about that Unicorn seems familiar.” Discord spoke, as he pulled at his goatee with the stub where his hand used to be.

“We should probably see if’n they’re alright.” Apple Jack told the group.

As Twilight and Spike exited Rarity’s home, they found themselves in the company of: Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Soarin, Sweetie Belle, and Discord.

“What the!? Guys it’s you!” Twilight said aloud, as she raced to hug Apple Jack.

“Come again?” Apple Jack responded, surprised at the Unicorn hugging her.

Twilight looked up at her friends smiling, until she spied Discord, and she quickly jumped back towards Spike.

“Everyone get behind me! I don’t know how, but it looks like Discord has managed to escape again!” Twilight told the group, angrily eyeing Discord.

“Uh, what are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked the Unicorn.

“You think maybe the rain waterlogged her brain?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Rainbow Dash, don’t you remember what happened when Discord broke free and he wreaked havoc on Ponyville? And Sweetie Belle, what are you doing out here? Rarity would be worried sick if she knew you were out in this storm, and even more so with Discord!” Twilight told the ponies.

“Okay, you need to calm down little lady. There’s nothing to fear here, the storms over.” Soarin tried to calm the Unicorn down.

“Twilight, these guys seem to be acting like Pinkie Pie was, they don’t remember us either.” Spike told Twilight.

“Guys it’s us! Twilight and Spike. Remember?” Twilight told the group.

“Given this weather, you look more like a Dorothy to me.” Discord told Twilight, as his hands finally walked themselves back to where they were.

“Can it Discord! I know your tricks!” Twilight told Discord.

“Well I never! I’m just here to cause a little chaos…I mean, help some ponies, and you definitely seem like you don’t need MY help.” Discord replied.

“Easy Twilight, if Discord doesn’t remember us either, then maybe things aren’t that bad around here.” Spike told Twilight.

“Now calm down everypony! Yellin at each other isn’t gonna solve anything.” Apple Jack said aloud. “Now, are you two by chance new to Ponyville or something?” She asked Twilight.

“Yeah, and how do you know about my sister Rarity?” Sweetie Belle added.

“Sweetie Belle, I’m your sister’s friend. Also, have you seen her lately? According to Opalescence, she hasn’t been in her Boutique for over a week.” Twilight asked Sweetie Belle.

“Who’s Opalescence? My sister doesn’t work here. She works with the Mayor in town hall.” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Opalescence is Rarity’s pet cat. She told me that Rarity’s been gone. How is it that she recognized us, but you guys don’t?” Spike told Sweetie Belle.

As the ponies continued to argue with Twilight, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but think that something felt out of place here.

“Friends with us? I’ve never even seen this pony before in my life…but for some reason what she’s saying sounds true.” Rainbow Dash thought to herself.

“Okay, I’m going to tell you guys the same thing that I told Pinkie Pie when she started acting like this. Spike and I took a trip to the Griffon Kingdom, and we’ve only been gone for a week. I don’t know what’s been going on, or why everypony doesn’t seem to remember us, but we’re your friends, we’re all friends…except for Discord.” Twilight told everypony, glaring at Discord at the end.

“Griffon Kingdom? Those lion-bird creatures? Now they sound like the bunch that I could have a good time with! They’re a mix, just like me, plus I already have one of their claws and paws.” Discord spoke, admiring his hands.

“I might not leave the library much, especially when my sister and Mayor Mare have Derpy and I helping them, but I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen either of you around Ponyville before.” Sweetie Belle spoke.

“But it’s only been one week. Did you guys get so mesmerized by the Secretariat Comet or something while we were gone, that you don’t even remember us anymore?” Spike asked.

“Secretary Comet?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Now what in tarnation are yall goin on about now? A Griffon Kingdom? Some kind of comet? Ah’m pretty sure if griffons were in Equestria, then we’d have seen’em at the last Friendship council. Also, a comet sounds like the kind of thing that Queen Chrysalis would’a told us about.” Apple Jack told Twilight.

“Queen Chrysalis!?” Twilight and Spike yelled in confused unison.

“How do you not know about Queen Chrysalis? She’s been the ruler of Equestria for the past seven years now.” Soarin told Twilight.

“Seven years!? What are you talking about Soarin? What happened to the Princesses? Also, why are you here, instead of with the Wonderbolts in Cloudsdale?” Twilight asked Soarin.

“I LOVE APPLE PIES, ALRIGHT!?” Soarin confessed.

“ENOUGH!” A voice called out in the distance.

Everyone turned towards the direction of the voice, as a figure in a cloak, and a small yellow filly with a pouch in her mouth approached. Once the two of them got closer, the hooded figure revealed herself, revealing a tribal looking zebra.

“It’s Zecora the Gypsy!” Sweetie Belle yelled, covering her head.

“Ah haven’t seen you around these parts in a while. Come back to try and steal mah apples again!?” Apple Jack asked.

“It seems that I am not too late. Getting here when I did, must have been fate. You are named Twilight, and you are called Spike. Unless I have some look-alike.” Zecora spoke.

“Finally, somepony who recognizes us.” Twilight spoke, with a sigh of relief.

“You know these two, whoever you are?” Soarin asked the zebra.

“Yes indeed, I know them well. For I foresaw this Unicorn cast that rain spell!” Zecora answered, pointing at Twilight.

“What!? What are you talking about Zecora? There’s no way I could cast a weather spell on that magnitude.” Twilight told Zecora.

“Your excuses I wish not to hear. Now with me, you two shall come my dear.” Zecora responded.

“This doesn’t seem good Twilight. What should we do?” Spike asked Twilight, holding onto her leg.

“Don’t worry Spike, we’re not going anywhere until we get some answers.” Twilight told Spike, as she looked around and prepared herself for a fight.

“Resistance from you I did assume. Now if you would, dear Apple Bloom.” Zecora spoke.

Apple Bloom quickly tossed the pouch in her mouth towards Twilight, causing the contents to disperse from the pouch once it hit the ground at her feet. A yellow dust filled the space around Twilight and Spike, as they quickly covered their mouths.

“What is this!?” Twilight spoke, before she felt herself getting sleepy.

“Is…is it nap time already?” Spike asked, starting to get drowsy himself.

A few seconds later, both Twilight and Spike collapsed on the ground, fast asleep.

“That seems to have done the trick. But moving them now, won’t be quick. Would one of you be so kind? A helping hoof I wouldn’t mind. Perhaps you there in the sky. Would you help carry these passerby?” Zecora asked, pointing to Rainbow Dash.

“Me? But what about…” Rainbow Dash started to respond, before she was cut short.

“Yes, you shall be our escort. But hurry now, for time is short.” Zecora spoke, before turning around and walking away.

Apple Bloom walked over to Spike, and worked the baby dragon onto her back, before she too started walking away.

“Well…alright I guess. Give me a hoof getting her onto my back Soarin.” Rainbow Dash told Soarin, as she flew down to the now sleeping Unicorn.

“Okay Rainbow Dash.” Soarin replied, flying down to help her.

“Jeez, she’s heavy.” Rainbow Dash groaned, as Soarin helped get the Unicorn onto her back.

Before Rainbow Dash could get the chance to fly off, Soarin leaned in to whisper something to her.

“Hey Dash, try to figure out if they actually caused this or not. If Captain Spitfire asks me where you’ve been while we’ve been gone, I wanna make sure that we both don’t get in trouble or anything.” Soarin asked quietly.

“Sure…thing.” Rainbow Dash replied, straining under the weight of the Unicorn.

Rainbow Dash then took off from the ground, and slowly followed the Zebra and filly towards the Everfree forest.

“Well that sure was a lot of fun.” Discord said sarcastically. “I would’ve liked to have heard more about all the confusion they’ve had. It sounded quite funny.”

“How was any of that funny? I’m just as confused as they were.” Sweetie Belle asked Discord.

“Well I’m bored now. If there was never any real reason for me to come here, then I suppose I’ll go find some chaos someplace else. Oh! Perhaps that apple farm that I’ve heard so much about would be a good place to have a little fun!” Discord spoke, before snapping his fingers and disappearing.

“You stay away from mah apples!” Apple Jack yelled out, as she quickly took off back towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“I guess I won’t be getting my cutie mark in saving ponies after all. Even I wouldn’t try to save ponies from that gypsy.” Sweetie Belle said aloud. She then made her way back towards Town Hall, her head hanging low in disappointment.

“Guess I should get going too. Everything seems fine here now. I just really hope that Captain Spitfire doesn’t notice how long we’ve been gone.” Soarin said aloud to himself, before flying back into the sky.

Unbeknownst to all the ponies and Discord, Queen Chrysalis’ scout had been watching them the entire time.

“So much for her not finding out anything about Queen Chrysalis. I really hope my queen doesn’t get too mad at me. Though I wonder what that Zebra is going to do with them. Hopefully she gets rid of them for the queen, that way she won’t be scary anymore.” The changeling thought to himself, before flying away back to Canterlot.

Being loyal to your friends

Inside Zecora’s hut, deep in the Everfree forest.

After flying for what seemed like forever, Rainbow Dash finally arrived at the zebra’s hut. She slowly trotted through the door, and collapsed on the floor once she got inside.

“Please set them down there, for this brew I must prepare.” Zecora told Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom, as she walked over to her cauldron.

“Sure thing Zecora.” Apple Bloom replied, laying Spike down next to Twilight.

After a few minutes, Zecora moved away from her cauldron, holding a small cup in her hoof filled with a powdery substance. She walked up to the sleeping Twilight and Spike, and blew the powder in their faces. After a few seconds, Twilight and Spike began to regain consciousness, as they started to look around the room.

“Where…where are we?” Spike asked, rubbing his eyes.

“I think we’re in…Zecora’s hut.” Twilight responded, still trying to open her eyes all the way.

“It is good to see that you are both alright. Though I’m sure my actions caused you quite the fright.” Zecora told Twilight and Spike.

“So, you really know these two Zecora?” Apple Bloom asked Zecora.

“Indeed I do. Are they really still unknown to you?” Zecora replied.

Apple Bloom stared at Twilight and Spike for a minute, squinting her eyes to try and concentrate.

“No, ah can’t say that Ah remember them.” Apple Bloom told Zecora.

“Something about them seems familiar to me. Is that pretty close?” Rainbow Dash asked Zecora.

“Yes it is my pony friend. Much time with these two you did spend.” Zecora replied.

Rainbow Dash looked over at the Unicorn and dragon, whom had finally woken up all the way, and had noticed her staring. She tried to see if she remembered them, but like Apple Bloom, nothing came to mind.

“You don’t remember us either do you Rainbow Dash?” The Unicorn asked her.

“No, I can’t say that I do, but I feel like I might remember you from somewhere.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Now then Twilight, allow me to instill, what has happened since you two left Ponyville.” Zecora told Twilight.

Twilight’s focus immediately snapped to Zecora, as she turned to give her full attention.

“Yes please Zecora! Why is it that everypony seems to have forgotten us? Why is Discord free again? And what’s this about Queen Chrysalis being ruler of Equestria for seven years!?” Twilight asked one after another.

“Calm yourself dear Twilight, you mustn’t let your mind take flight.” Zecora told Twilight, holding up her hooves to calm her.

“Okay then.” Twilight replied, as she thought about what she wanted to know first. “Tell me the first thing you remember happening a week ago.”

“Very well, I shall begin, the tale of how in this mess I was wrapped in.” Zecora started to tell.

Not long after you two departed, was when the strange things had started.

First came the comet, which I watched from a summit.

As it passed across the sky, a peculiar green glow caught my eye.

Soon thereafter, my vision turned black, and I awoke to the yelling of Apple Jack.

On her farm I had been found, with apples scattered across the ground.

To her, I was some kind of thief, much to my own disbelief.

I tried to tell her that I was a friend, but she just wouldn’t comprehend.

Instead, I ran back to my hut, passing somepony with an amulet.

She told me in a peculiar way, that in Ponyville I shouldn’t stay.

Once I returned to my room, I discovered little Apple Bloom.

She seemed lost like every other, asking me if I was her mother.

I couldn’t convince her otherwise, so I said yes, and used it as a disguise.

I then spent the next two days in bed, due to the pain I had in my head.

It was then I learned of your return, and knew I must tell you of what I did learn.

I spent my day making a powder for sleep. In case you wouldn’t willingly come to my keep.

That is all I remember up till now. At least as far as my know-how.

Zecora finished, sipping on some tea that she had brewed for everyone as she told her story.

“Well that explains what happened to you, but what about everypony else then? How come neither Apple Bloom nor I remember who we are yet? Are ya sure that we’re not the ones who are normal, and maybe you just forgot who you are?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“But then how do you explain how Spike and I know you Rainbow Dash? According to you, we’ve never been here before, but I can name everypony and every place in Ponyville.” Twilight responded.

“I don’t know. Maybe whatever affected her memory gave you some kind of superpower to read ponies thoughts. That would be so cool!” Rainbow Dash said with a gasp.

“Don’t be silly Rainbow Dash. Superpowers only exist in comic books like the ones Spike reads.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“Hey don’t knock’em till ya try’em. Some of those superpowers really are pretty cool!” Spike replied.

“Whatever, let’s just get back on track here. So Zecora, you said that after the comet arrived, you saw a green glow, and then didn’t remember anything till you woke up on Apple Jack’s farm. Correct?” Twilight asked.

“As the sky is blue, this is true.” Zecora replied.

“Okay, so perhaps it was some kind of memory spell that affected you, and every other pony. I’m not sure though how Chrysalis ties into all this though. When she took control of my brother, it was only when she was close by, and after she had zapped enough love out of him. For her to do the same thing to everypony in Ponyville, and without getting caught, it just doesn’t make sense.” Twilight spoke.

“Okay, so what if it was some kind of memory spell? Big whoop. If that’s the case, then how do you explain all the other ponies from across Equestria that were all at the Friendship council the other day?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Friendship council? What in Celestia is that?” Twilight asked.

“Only the best thing to happen to Equestria EVER! Everypony from around Equestria gathers in Canterlot, so that we can all join in the friendship of being together. Queen Chrysalis started it years ago, and we’ve be going to it every month since.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight.

“Every month since? Rainbow Dash, the Princesses have been the rulers of Equestria for centuries. Chrysalis only tried to take over Canterlot once, and failed. THAT was a while ago.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“Well, they might have been the rulers before, but they stepped down seven years ago, to hand the throne over to Queen Chrysalis.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Now THAT’S ridiculous. The Princesses would never hand the rule over to somepony like Chrysalis. She’s evil!” Twilight replied.

“Hey! Watch what you’re saying about my Queen!” Rainbow Dash responded, getting in Twilight’s face.

“Will you two knock it off!? You’re supposed to be friends, stop fighting amongst each other.” Spike told the two of them, pushing them apart.

“You’re right, I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, but we should still try to figure out what’s going on here.” Twilight replied.

“Eh, fine. Just watch it okay.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight.

“Deal, but where do we go from here? I’m still so confused.” Twilight spoke.

“Well, what about how Rainbow Dash seemed to find us familiar? That’s gotta mean something right?” Spike spoke.

“I suppose, but it’s probably because we’re one of her closest friends. She probably just naturally feels connected to us, even if she can’t remember us.” Twilight told Spike.

“I agree, but we must still find a way to set her mind free.” Zecora spoke.

“Hmm, do you remember any of our friends Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I don’t know about any friends that you and I supposedly had, but my friends are the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“I’ve been wondering about that too. At first I thought maybe you had passed initiation, or that you were just practicing in the uniform, but given Zecora’s story, I think you actually believe you’re a Wonderbolt.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“Hey! What did I tell you about watching what you say!? I’ve been a Wonderbolt for years! I work directly under Captain Spitfire, and I’ve been training Scootaloo to be a future Wonderbolt too!” Rainbow Dash replied, a slight anger in her voice.

“Scootaloo? A Wonderbolt? She can’t even fly yet. And what about Soarin? Isn’t he a Wonderbolt too?” Twilight asked.

“I’ve been helping to teach Scootaloo to fly for a while now, it’s just…taking a lot longer than I thought it would. As for Soarin, he’s still not ready to be a Wonderbolt yet, at least according to Captain Spitfire.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight.

“Soarin’s not a Wonderbolt!? Now I KNOW that there’s something more going on than just a simple memory spell. If Chrysalis really is behind all this, then she’s not only managed to fool everypony, but she’s also found a way to plant false memories into everypony as well.” Twilight spoke.

“So you really don’t remember Apple Jack, Fluttershy, Rarity, or Pinkie Pie either?” Spike asked Rainbow Dash.

“Well, I wouldn’t say I don’t know them, but Fluttershy is the only one of them that I pay any attention to.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“And why’s that?” Spike asked.

“Because she’s the COOLEST! She’s tough, doesn’t take any gruff from anypony, and she’s in charge of all of Appleloosa! Oh, and she’s been trying to take care of all the buffalo out there as well.” Rainbow Dash replied giddily.

“Aside from the buffalo part, it sounds like Iron Will came to town again.” Twilight spoke.

“I’ll say. He was the only one to change Fluttershy into a pony like that before.” Spike added.

“Who’s Iron Will?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Never mind.” Twilight and Spike said in unison.

“Well, getting back to Fluttershy. It would make sense that you would feel a connection to her as well. She’s also one of our closest friends.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“WHAT!? You mean I was actually friends with Fluttershy before!? That’s so awesome!” Rainbow Dash said, letting out a little scream of joy.

“Well of course you were Rainbow Dash. We’ve all been friends since the Elements of Harmony brought us together. Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness, and you’re the Element of Loyalty.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“Loyalty huh? That sounds pretty cool.” Rainbow Dash said aloud, chuckling to herself.

In that instance, something inside of Rainbow Dash’s head clicked. Her eyes began to glow white, and she slowly floated up into the air. Everyone gasped around her, as a white line began to form around Rainbow Dash’s neck, and suddenly her necklace of Loyalty appeared around her. Her eyes then stopped glowing, and she slowly flapped her wings, bringing herself down to the ground once more.

“Rainbow Dash, are you alright!?” Twilight asked, moving over to her friend.

“Uh…Twilight? What’s going on? Why are we in Zecora’s hut?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking around.

Upon hearing Rainbow Dash say her name, Twilight wrapped her hooves around her friend, giving her a hug.

“He…hey! What are you doing!? Surprise hugs like that are so un-cool.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight, escaping from her hug, and flapping her way into the air.

“You really remember us Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked Rainbow Dash, almost with tears in her eyes.

“Well of course I remember you guys! Why wouldn’t I? What’s going on anyway? And why am I wearing a Wonderbolt uniform? I haven’t even gotten accepted into the academy yet.” Rainbow Dash spoke, noticing that she was wearing the uniform.

“Why doesn’t she remember where she is Zecora?” Apple Bloom asked.

“It would appear the spell came undone, when she regained her element little one.” Zecora replied.

“Will somepony tell me what’s going on!?” Rainbow Dash asked aloud.

“I’m still not sure myself Rainbow Dash, but I think I might have an idea of how we can get our friends back.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“Get them back? What’s wrong? Where are they?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“They’re all in Ponyville, but Fluttershy is out in Appleloosa for some reason, and…” Twilight started to speak, before she got cut off.

“Appleloosa? What’s she doing way out there? We should go get her if she’s in trouble.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight, before zipping out of Zecora’s hut, and flying off.

“Rainbow Dash come back!” Twilight called after Rainbow Dash from the door, but she was already too far away for her to hear.

“She’s probably already half-way to Appleloosa by now Twilight. We should catch the closest train and head after her.” Spike told Twilight.

“You’re right Spike. Sorry Zecora. I still have so many questions, but now that I have an idea of how to help our friends remember themselves, I need to make sure they’re alright.” Twilight spoke.

“Go after your friends and have no fear. When you return, I’ll still be here.” Zecora replied.

“Thanks Zecora. Come on Spike.” Twilight spoke, before running out the door.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Spike called after Twilight, running as fast as he could.

Zecora waved goodbye to her friends, before turning back around to find a sad looking Apple Bloom.

“What is wrong Apple Bloom? Why do you look so gloom?” Zecora asked.

“Well, if what they said is true, then does this mean that you’re not my ma after all? Apple Bloom asked, a deeply sad look on her face.

“Come now little filly, you shouldn’t say things so silly. Even if we aren’t family, that doesn’t mean you aren’t important to me.” Zecora told Apple Bloom, wrapping a hoof around her to comfort her.

Apple Bloom soon stopped her tears, and rested her head on Zecora.

An old pony's tale

Inside Town Hall, Rarity and Derpy finally finished putting back all the books that Sweetie Belle and Derpy had taken out. Mayor Mare watched on as they had worked, a smile of satisfaction on her face. Her attention however shifted, as the main door to the hall opened up.

“Ah, it seems our little Cutie Mark Crusader has returned. How did everything go Sweetie Belle?” The mayor asked.

“I couldn’t find any ponies that needed rescuing, but that’s not even the strangest thing that happened.” Sweetie Belle replied, letting out a groan.

“Sweetie Belle! I’m so glad that you’re alright.” Rarity spoke, as she ran to hug her sister. “You really shouldn’t run out into weather like that young lady! What if you had gotten hurt? And what did you mean by strange things happening?” Rarity asked her sister.

“Well, let’s see. I ran outside, looking for anypony that needed rescuing, but I couldn’t find anyone. Then I met up with some other ponies and Discord that were looking to do the same thing. We finally did find a pony and a small dragon that I thought would need our help, but they didn’t look like anypony that I recognized. They then started talking like they knew each of us, and she seemed really scared of Discord for some reason, saying that he once made a lot of bad things happen in Ponyville before. Eventually though, the Gypsy Zecora from the Everfree forest showed up, put the two of them to sleep, and then took them back with her into the forest. Oh, and she had never heard of Queen Chrysalis either.” Sweetie Belle explained.

“Well, that really is some tale my little filly.” Mayor Mare responded, chuckling to herself.

“A pony with a dragon you say? Tell me more about them Sweetie.” Rarity asked.

“Well, the pony was a purple Unicorn, and the dragon was purple with green spikes on his back. I think they said their names were Starbutt and Spock?” Sweetie Belle replied, unsure of the names.

“Stars and sporks? That sounds like a funny name for a restaurant. He he!” Derpy spoke, giggling to herself.

Rarity thought to herself for a minute, before turning to speak to the mayor.

“Hmm, are you thinking what I’m thinking mayor?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, I believe I am.” Mayor Mare responded, nodding her head.

“What are you two talking about?” Sweetie Belle asked, a confused look on her face.

“The two that you described sound like the ones from an old pony’s tale in Equestria.” Mayor Mare told Sweetie Belle.

“An old pony’s tale?” Sweetie Belle asked, still confused.

“It goes that a long time ago, back when the Princesses were still the rulers of Equestria, that there existed an evil Unicorn with malicious intent. She wanted nothing more than to steal all of the love from ponies, and make them her slaves.” Rarity started to explain.

“She was described as one whose magic gleamed like the hours of twilight, and that she rode upon a massive dragon of the same colors you described.” Mayor Mare added.

“Her last heinous act took place during the marriage of two ponies whose names have faded with history, but whose love was said to be too strong for her to steal.” Rarity continued.

“Although, that’s not to say that she almost didn’t have her way. She managed to seduce the groom somehow, but once the bride returned, she was defeated.” Mayor Mare added.

“Their love shined as bright as the love of our beloved Queen does now. It was so strong in fact; that it managed to send both her, and her dragon, flying far away.” Rarity added.

“It should be noted though, that even the Princesses couldn’t stop her. As she somehow managed to overpower them, using the stolen love from all of the ponies that she had attacked.” Mayor Mare added.

“Wow…” Sweetie Belle spoke, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Yes, the love of those two ponies ruined her plans, and she’s been gone ever since. Why, I believe that story is around 700 years old now, but it’s a story that still survives today.” Rarity finished.

“Wow…but, wait a minute Rarity. How could the two that I saw be them then? Wouldn’t she have been really, really, REALLY, old looking by now? And wouldn’t her dragon be the same, instead of a little baby?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I suppose not, but given that she fed off the love of others, it’s possible that she might have been using that love over the years to keep herself looking young. As for her dragon, well, perhaps she cast some kind of spell on him or something.” Rarity replied.

“It does seem a bit strange though doesn’t it? Although, our young filly here should be grateful. If the story is indeed true, and she did in fact meet the two from the story, then she should be glad to have escaped from them the way she did.” Mayor Mare spoke, giggling a little at the end.

“Yeah, I guess so. Even though she seemed confused, perhaps that was just lucky of me. I’m glad that gypsy showed up when she did though.” Sweetie Belle responded.

“Well, I wouldn’t go as far as to put my trust in that gypsy of a zebra, but as long as you’re alright Sweetie Belle, then that’s all that matters.” Rarity replied, pulling her sister in for another hug.

“Thanks sis.” Sweetie Belle told her sister, hugging her back.

“Well, now that all that of that is behind us, I think you should be thanking your sister a little more Sweetie Belle. After all, while you were gone, she had to help Derpy put back all the books that you two took down.” Mayor Mare told Sweetie Belle.

A look of surprise appeared on Sweetie Belle’s face, as she let out a nervous chuckle.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

The next day, in Appleloosa. Fluttershy stood atop a barrel in the middle of town, as Braeburn attempted to critique the speech that she was planning to make to Queen Chrysalis.

“Okay…let’s try running through that again…” Braeburn spoke, trying not to sound negative.

“I still don’t see what’s wrong with it? I think my speech to have the buffalo tribes brought back from the Badlands is fine just the way it is!” Fluttershy yelled quietly.

“Well of course but…you really should try lowering your tone a bit, so you don’t come off as…” Braeburn tried to reason with Fluttershy.

“Come off as what!?” Fluttershy responded.

Fluttershy was about to give Braeburn “the stare,” but was interrupted by the sound of a pony screaming in the distance.

“FLUTTERSHY, WHERE ARE YOU!?” The voice called out.

Fluttershy and Braeburn looked off into the distance, and saw a blue Pegasus flying around.

“Huh? Oh you have GOT to be joking with me!” Fluttershy spoke, stomping her hoof on top of the barrel.

“Huh? She looks familiar? Did she do something wrong Fluttershy?” Braeburn asked.

“No, not really. She just knocked me out of the air when I was coming back from checking on the buffalo the other day. When I tried to “kindly” offer her help to get up, she slapped my hoof away and flew off!” Fluttershy responded.

“’Kindly’ huh? I can only imagine what that must mean” Braeburn replied, thinking the last part to himself.

“FLUTTERSHY, WHERE ARE YOU!?” The Pegasus called again.

“Humph! Addressing me like we’re equals. Who does she think she is anyway?” Fluttershy spoke.

Braeburn took another look at the Pegasus flying around.

“I think she’s one of the Wonderbolts under Captain Spitfire from Cloudsdale.” Braeburn responded.

“What!? You mean she’s not even the one in charge of the Wonderbolts, yet she’s speaking to me as if we’re friends!? Oh! I’m going to go give her a piece of my mind!” Fluttershy exclaimed, about to take off.

“Wait! Why don’t you let me handle this one Fluttershy?” Braeburn tried to stop her, holding up his hooves.

“What!? Why should I!? If she wants to talk to be so badly, then I’ll let her talk to me!” Fluttershy responded, beginning to take off.

Braeburn jumped and grabbed onto Fluttershy’s tail, weighing her down enough so she couldn’t fly off.

“Even though she’s not in charge of the Wonderbolts, she’s still a member of the team, and works under Captain Spitfire herself. If you were to go and rough up one of the Wonderbolts for no reason, then that probably wouldn’t sit right with her Captain, and we might have a big civil affair on our hooves.” Braeburn pleaded, as he hung onto her tail for dear life.

“No reason!? Oh, I’ve got a reason alright!” Fluttershy replied.

“Please, just give me a chance Fluttershy!” Braeburn pleaded one last time.

Reluctantly, Fluttershy finally accepted, and lowered herself and Braeburn back onto the ground.

“Fine, but you better give her a stern talking to in my place!” Fluttershy told Braeburn.

“I’ll be sure to do that. Hopefully she’ll be a lot more willing to listen though.” Braeburn replied, muttering the last part to himself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

On the outskirts of the town, Rainbow Dash continued to fly around, trying to find some trace of Fluttershy in the western pony town.

“FLUTTERSHY, WHERE ARE YOU!?” She called again.

She started to get worried, since she still hadn’t found her friend yet. However, her spirits began to pick up, as she saw a familiar pony wave to her from the ground. Rainbow Dash zipped down to the ground to greet the stallion.

“Braeburn, I’m so glad I’ve found you. Have you seen Fluttershy around? I heard that she was here in Appleloosa for some reason, and I wanted to make sure that she’s alright.” Rainbow Dash asked Braeburn.

“I’m not sure why you’d want to know something like that, since you already know the answer. What’s with the concern all of the sudden?” Braeburn responded.

“Look, I just want to know where my friend Fluttershy is, and if she’s alright.” Rainbow Dash told Braeburn.

“Friend? Heh heh, that’s stretching things a little bit, wouldn’t you say? I mean, I know you’re both Pegasi and all, but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t make you two instant friends.” Braeburn replied.

“Not my friend!? What are you talking about!? We’ve always been friends. Now are you going to tell me where she is or not!?” Rainbow Dash asked, stomping her hoof on the ground in anger.

“Whoa now! I don’t want any trouble. I’ve been getting enough of that as it is lately.” Braeburn replied, holding up his hooves to show he didn’t want a fight.

“Well you’re going to get a lot more if you don’t tell me where Fluttershy is!” Rainbow Dash told Braeburn, and she started dragging her hooves in place.

“What kind of stern talking to is this any way!? Just get on with it!” A pony yelled nearby.

“I’m getting there Fluttershy! …Fluttershy? Fluttershy, you’re alright!” Rainbow Dash responded, turning to her friend.

“Was I talking to you, you big blue pigeon!?” Fluttershy replied.

“I know, I know. I’m getting to it.” Braeburn responded to Fluttershy.

“Wait, what?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking back and forth between her two friends confused.

“Now look here. I’m just trying to find out what you’re doing here, and what business you have with Fluttershy. I don’t want any trouble, but I’ll gladly give you some if you don’t cooperate.” Braeburn told Rainbow Dash, trying to be more demanding now that Fluttershy showed up.

“Oh yeah!? Bring it on!” Rainbow Dash told Braeburn, as she pounced towards him.

Braeburn quickly jumped out of the way, and pulled out his lasso that he kept on his side. He tossed the end around Rainbow Dash, keeping her wings down.

“Now are you going to listen to reason, or do I need to hogtie you too?” Braeburn asked, speaking through the rope in his mouth.

“Just try me!” Rainbow Dash replied, before starting to buck about to make Braeburn let go.

Each time Rainbow Dash would try to pull at Braeburn, he would tighten his grip on the rope even more, until she decided to lose him by pulling him instead. Rainbow Dash took off into a run, and pulled Braeburn on the ground behind her. This continued for about a minute, until Rainbow Dash found herself being levitated up by a spell, surrounding her in a raspberry colored aura.

Braeburn let go of the rope in his mouth, glad to finally stop being pulled around.

“Thank the Queen that’s over with. Hopefully Fluttershy’s not too mad at me for that.” Braeburn spoke to himself, exhausted.

“Rainbow Dash what are you doing!?” Twilight called to her friend, still levitating her in the sky. “We’re trying to make sure that our friends are all okay, not dragging them around from a rope!”

“Hey, it’s not my fault! He’s the one who tried to rope me! I was just trying to figure out where Fluttershy is.” Rainbow Dash responded, still unable to move in the air.

“Oh boy, and here I thought I would only have to worry about one pony’s safety besides my own.” Braeburn thought to himself. “And who might you two be?” He asked the Unicorn and dragon.

“I really wish everypony would snap out of it already Twilight. Isn’t there a faster way to get everypony’s memories back?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know Spike. If we had Apple Jack here, then maybe she could try and talk some sense into him.” Twilight replied.

“Well we don’t, so maybe we could try talking to him like she would instead?” Spike asked.

“Worth a shot I suppose.” Twilight responded, levitating Rainbow Dash back to the ground, before confronting Braeburn.

“So uh, who are you two…” Braeburn started to speak, before Twilight got within an inch of his face and screamed.

“BRAEBURN! Why the…hay don’t yall…reckon…ize us? Huh, apple cube?” Twilight spoke to Braeburn, trying to sound like Apple Jack.

“Whoever you are, you’re not making any sense.” Braeburn responded.

“Well we’re trying to find our friends, so that we can go stop Chrysalis. We heard that Fluttershy was here in Appleloosa, and we could really use your help finding her.” Twilight replied, this time talking regularly.

“I think I can help you with both of those, that is, if you want it.” Fluttershy told Twilight, walking up to her.

Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash all turned to see their usually shy friend walk up to them, a determined look on her face.

“Fluttershy!” They all cried in unison, as they leaped over to hug her.

Fluttershy quickly hopped into the air, causing the three of them to collide beneath her.

“I really liked the way you handled that Pegasus. It was a lot more forceful than SOMEPONY I could mention.” Fluttershy told Twilight, before glaring at Braeburn.

“Hey, I almost had her!” Braeburn tried to protest, before another glare from Fluttershy made him stay quiet.

“I don’t know who you are, and frankly, I really don’t care, but if you plan on getting back at that big meanie of a queen, then I want in.” Fluttershy told Twilight.

“Guess it’s no surprise that she doesn’t remember us either huh?” Spike spoke.

Rainbow Dash stood up and rubbed her head, a little dizzy after the collision.

“Uhh…my head…why do I feel like I should mention something about a helmet?” She said to herself.

“And further more!” Fluttershy spoke, before flying down to Rainbow Dash and landing hard on her back. “Who do YOU think YOU are, and WHAT makes YOU think that YOU can talk to ME like that!?” Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash, giving her “the stare.”

“Whoa there! Easy Fluttershy. No need to give anypony “the stare” like that.” Spike told Fluttershy.

“It’s almost like she really is the Fluttershy that Iron Will made her into.” Twilight spoke.

“Do you two know this big blue pigeon?” Fluttershy asked.

“I would advise saying no. It might help keep you two safe.” Braeburn leaned in and whispered to Twilight.

“Yes we do. She’s our friend, and she’s actually your friend as well Fluttershy.” Twilight told Fluttershy.

“I wouldn’t waste my time making friends with somepony who’s not even in charge of the Wonderbolts.” Fluttershy replied.

“Again with this Wonderbolts thing. I guess everyone knows each other in some other way now.” Spike spoke.

“Look Fluttershy, even though Rainbow Dash might not be a Won… I mean, the leader of the Wonderbolts, it doesn’t change the fact that she’s our friend. We’ll need her help, as well as the help of the rest of our friends, if we want to stop Chrysalis.” Twilight told Fluttershy.

“Yeah, and while we’re at it, then you can give her your two bits as well. Sound fair?” Spike added.

“Hmm, so who are you two anyway?” Fluttershy asked, looking the two of them over.

“It’s me Fluttershy, Twilight, and this is Spike. Don’t you remember? You’re one of our friends, and the Element of ‘Kindness.’” Twilight told Fluttershy, emphasizing the “Kindness” part at the end.

Fluttershy thought for a moment, unsure of whether or not she would get mad at somepony thinking she was the embodiment of “kindness.”

“Hmm, normally it would be a VERY bad idea to call me something I’m not, but for some reason, I feel like I can trust you two…for now.” Fluttershy told the two of them.

Twilight face hoofed herself, disappointed that just mentioning Fluttershy’s element didn’t work.

Braeburn looked on, his mouth agape at the sight that he just witnessed.

“Well I’ll be, they’re the first ponies to ever say something that could have made Fluttershy mad, and not get a pie tossed at them, or thrown out of a watering hole.” Braeburn thought to himself.

“So uh, about our friend you’re sitting on?” Spike asked Fluttershy.

“Oh her? I suppose we can bring her along, I mean, if you really want to. Just keep her away from me and out of my face.” Fluttershy responded, looking down at Rainbow Dash before lifting her chin up as if she were better than her.

“Right…” Twilight replied, before walking over and helping Rainbow Dash up.

“Ugh…it’s like the dragon migration all over again.” Rainbow Dash spoke, still rubbing her head.

“Braeburn, help the blue pigeon along and keep up. I don’t want to have to come back for you.” Fluttershy told Braeburn, before slowly starting to fly towards the train station.

“Well, I suppose it’s better than a pie to the face.” He said aloud to himself, before going over and helping to support Rainbow Dash up.

“Uh, you again…” Rainbow Dash spoke to Braeburn as he helped her along.

“Relax little missy. I’m not here to fight. I didn’t even want to in the first place, that’s more Fluttershy’s thing.” Braeburn told Rainbow Dash, as they continued along.

“So Fluttershy is alright then.” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“We should have handled that together Rainbow Dash. I know you care about Fluttershy just as much as the rest of us, but that doesn’t mean that you should go flying off like that all the time, and picking fights with other ponies.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash, as she walked alongside her.

“I think I can fly now.” Rainbow Dash spoke, as she moved away from Braeburn. “So where are we going now anyway?”

“If its Queen Chrysalis you folks want, then we should head to Canterlot.” Braeburn told Rainbow Dash.

“Canterlot? Did she try and take it over again?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Apparently she already has Rainbow Dash, and it’s up to us to stop her.” Twilight replied.

Passing a rare opportunity

Inside Town hall, Sweetie Belle finally finished counting all of the books and scrolls, as punishment for her sister having to finish her previous work for her.

“210…211…and 212…finally!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, exhausted from counting.

“Now, I hope that taught you a lesson Sweetie Belle.” Rarity told her sister.

“Perhaps she even got a cutie mark out of it.” Mayor Mare added.

Excited at the possibility of what Mayor Mare just said; Sweetie Belle turned her head around to her flank, but found no cutie mark yet again.

“Aww, I thought for sure it might be one for counting or something.” Sweetie Belle spoke, followed by the chuckling of her sister and the Mayor.

The laughter didn’t last much longer though, as a knock came at the entrance. Mayor Mare went to see who it was, and upon opening the door, she found herself addressing several ponies.

“Umm, hello. Can I help you?” Mayor Mare asked the group of ponies.

“Hello Mayor. It’s good to see that you’re at least still working here at Town Hall. We heard a rumor that Rarity has been working here for a while, is that true?” A purple Unicorn asked her.

The pony speaking outside caught the attention of both Rarity and Sweetie Belle inside. They moved a little closer to see who was there, until Sweetie Belle recognized the Unicorn and dragon that she had met before and let out a scream.

“Ahhh! It’s them! The evil Unicorn and her pet dragon!” Sweetie Belle screamed, before running away to hide behind one of the shelves.

“It is!?” Rarity asked, surprised at her sister’s sudden reaction.

After hearing Sweetie Belle scream, and looking the Unicorn over once more, Mayor Mare quickly slammed the door shut, and prompted Rarity to help keep it closed with her magic.

“Was that Rarity and Sweetie Belle?” Twilight asked from outside.

“HOW RUDE! How dare they shut a door in our faces, when we were just trying to ask them a question!” Fluttershy yelled quietly, before starting to bang on the door, trying to get it to open. “OPEN UP!”

Back inside, Rarity continued to brace the door with her magic, while speaking to the Mayor.

“Is that Fluttershy from Appleloosa? What’s she doing all the way out here?” Rarity asked.

“I’m not sure, but if she’s here helping that Unicorn, it can’t be good.” Mayor Mare responded.

“Anything I can do to help?” Derpy asked the two from behind.

Feeling her magic beginning to strain under the stress of keeping the door closed, Rarity accepted the Pegasi’s help.

“Yes dear. Sit in front of the door would you?” Rarity told the Pegasus.

“You got it!” Derpy replied, before flying over and plopping herself down right in front of the door.

Back outside, Fluttershy continued to bang forcefully on the door, growing more tired and annoyed with each knock.

“Did this door just get heavier!? Open up the door I say!” Fluttershy spoke angrily, before starting to buck at the door instead.

Braeburn began to try to pull Fluttershy away from the door, but found it hard enough just to keep a grip on her.

Rarity and Mayor Mare started to get worried inside, as they saw Derpy start to slide forward a little from the past couple hits to the door.

“Stand…err…sit fast Derpy! Don’t let them in!” Rarity told Derpy.

“I’m trying, but my bottom is starting to hurt!” Derpy replied, a slight look of pain on her face.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this Rarity.” Mayor Mare told Rarity.

Fluttershy began to buck harder and harder on the door, while Braeburn held on for dear life.

“Maybe we should come back another time.” Twilight spoke.

“Come back? If we leave now, then we might never know if Rarity is alright or not?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“I reckon she’s fine for now, but she might not be after Fluttershy kicks this door down.” Braeburn responded, still holding onto Fluttershy.

“You’re going to LET ME IN!!!” Fluttershy yelled, before giving one last buck to the door, causing it to burst open, and sending Derpy flipping end over end towards the back of the building.

Inside, Rarity and Mayor Mare watched in shock, as the door burst open, and Fluttershy turned to face them. Outside, Braeburn had finally let go after the last kick, and turned to Twilight.

“Y’all might want to come back later, after I try to smooth things over here!” Braeburn told Twilight.

“But what about Rar…”Twilight started to speak, before Rainbow Dash cut her off.

“Don’t worry Twilight. I’ll make sure Rarity’s okay, and I’ll help Braeburn keep Fluttershy under control too.” Rainbow Dash told her friend.

“Well you might want to hurry, because it looks like she’s starting again!” Braeburn told Rainbow Dash, while trying to pull Fluttershy back out from inside Town Hall.

Worried for their friends, but knowing that it would be best to come back when things cooled down, Twilight decided to leave Rainbow Dash and Braeburn to the task at hoof.

“Okay you guys, we’ll be back after we find Pinkie. Come on Spike.” Twilight spoke, before running off into town.

Upon seeing the Unicorn and dragon flee from one of the windows inside, Mayor Mare decided to send Sweetie Belle and Derpy after them, while she and Rarity dealt with Fluttershy.

“Sweetie Belle, Derpy! After those two!” Mayor Mare told the two ponies.

“But she’s evil and scary!” Sweetie Belle protested.

“My rump hurts.” Derpy added, still laying upside-down against the wall.

“Perhaps you could get a cutie mark in capturing a dastardly pony Sweetie Belle, and I’ll make sure a fresh batch of muffins is ready when you two get back.” Mayor Mare persuaded the two.

“Cutie Mark! Muffin!” Sweetie Belle and Derpy exclaimed simultaneously, before zipping out the back door after the Unicorn and dragon.

“Quite devious Mayor, but effective I must say.” Rarity told the Mayor.

“I know, but better they go after those two than deal with the problem here.” Mayor Mare replied.

“Agreed.” Rarity added.

The two faced Fluttershy, as she stomped her way inside; Rainbow Dash and Braeburn desperately trying to pull her back.

“When did Fluttershy get so strong?” Rainbow Dash asked, straining trying to pull Fluttershy.

“This isn’t going to end well.” Braeburn replied.

Fluttershy finally stopped, before taking a deep breath, and preparing to yell again.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, in the streets of Ponyville. Twilight, with Spike on her back, continued to make their way through the crowds of ponies, searching for Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie Pie!” They both called out, trying to reach their friend.

“Are you sure we’re going the right way Twilight?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know Spike. Pinkie Pie could be anywhere, and we need to find her fast.” Twilight replied.

“What about Sugarcube Corner? She’s bound to be there for sure.” Spike asked.

“Good idea Spike. We shouldn’t be too far from there.” Twilight responded.

Nodding in agreement, Spike took a quick look back, only to discover Derpy and Sweetie Belle chasing after them.

“Uh oh! Looks like we’ve got company!” Spike told Twilight, pointing back to the ponies chasing them.

“Muffins!” Derpy called out, smiling while flying towards them.

“Halt fiend! I shall capture you!” Sweetie Belle added, trying to sound heroic.

“Better think of something fast Twilight.” Spike told Twilight.

“Why does everypony in this down have to be ca-razy!?” Twilight groaned, before performing a teleportation spell.

“Oh no! Where’d they go?” Sweetie Belle asked, slowing down.

“Muf…fins?” Derpy spoke, a sad look on her face, slowing down as well.

Reappearing in an alleyway nearby, Twilight and Spike watched as Sweetie Belle and Derpy continued along the road, looking for them.

“That was close.” Spike said aloud, wiping some sweat from his brow.

“It would’ve been easier if we could’ve just talked some sense into them, but everything’s too confusing right now.” Twilight added, a worried look on her face.

Twilight and Spike began to make their way out of the alleyway, before they were both struck over the head by something metallic, knocking them out. Emerging from the shadows behind them, eyes briefly glowing red, a blue Unicorn with a magician’s hat levitated the frying pan used to subdue the two down to the ground.

“Humph. Well, well. Sparkle.” The mare spoke.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back at Town Hall.

“And another thing!” Fluttershy continued on her angry tangent.

The reaction between the other four ponies in the room had been the same since Fluttershy had started. Frozen, scared, confused, and overall, silent. Fluttershy had been going nonstop about how upset she was with the way that she and her companions had been treated since they got there, and how Mayor Mare and Rarity had acted in sending Sweetie Belle and Derpy after Twilight and Spike. Whenever anypony would try to get a word in otherwise, Fluttershy would immediately interrupt them, and continue on her rant.

When Fluttershy finally finished her yelling, taking breaths to calm herself down, Rainbow Dash was the first one to speak.

“So uh…yeah… Now that all that’s out of the way. Rarity.” Rainbow Dash spoke to her friend catching her attention.

“Huh? Yes?” Rarity answered, snapping her attention to the Pegasus after she spoke to her.

“We were hoping that you could join us in trying to stop Chrysalis from taking over Equestria. We know that you’re not really yourself right now, but maybe there’s something we can do to help you remember?” Rainbow Dash spoke to her friend.

“I…uh…” Rarity replied, still under some of the shock from Fluttershy’s yelling.

“Oh please. There’s no way a push-over like her could do anything against that big meanie. She’d probably be more concerned with messing up that mane of hers, than she would be about stopping that queen.” Fluttershy spoke.

“Well that is Rarity alright, but she’d cast all of that aside to help us Fluttershy, you know that.” Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy.

“Humph. As if.” Fluttershy replied, looking away from everyone else.

“You know, I remember when the loudest you ever got, was when you gave one of your flutter ‘yays!’ to cheer me on.” Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy.

Upon hearing her say the word “yay,” something clicked in Fluttershy’s mind, as if she knew what she was talking about.

“I don’t…that is…I don’t remember…umm.” Fluttershy started to say, before shaking her head and snapping herself out of it.

“Well, whatever. If Rarity still doesn’t remember us, and I don’t know how to snap her out of it, then I’m going after Twilight and Spike, to help them find Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash spoke, before flying out of Town Hall.

“Uh, perhaps we should be going ourselves Fluttershy. It doesn’t look like we’ll be able to get much further here either.” Braeburn told Fluttershy, slowly making his way out.

Fluttershy looked back and forth between Braeburn, and the other two ponies, before deciding to follow him.

“Fine. We don’t need help from these two anyway.” Fluttershy replied, before walking out with Braeburn.

“You really went overboard in their Fluttershy.” Braeburn told Fluttershy as she walked up to him.

“I’m still not sure.” Fluttershy responded.

“Come again?” Braeburn asked.

“I’m still not sure I believe her or not.” Fluttershy replied, walking ahead of Braeburn.

Still inside Town Hall, the shellshock of what had just happened seemed to be wearing off on the two ponies.

“So uh, what just happened Mayor?” Rarity asked.

“I’m not sure. I think I went deaf after the first ‘EXCUSE ME.’” Mayor Mare replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

A little while later, in the Royal Chambers in Canterlot.

Chrysalis looked out from one of the stain glass windows that had been modified with her image, and watched as Luna began to bring the night.

“Hmm, and another day passes in my new rule.” She spoke aloud to herself.

A knock came at the door, and Chrysalis ordered whoever it was to come in.

“Pardon me your majesty, but dinner is almost ready.” Princess Celestia told Queen Chrysalis.

“Very well, I’ll be down shortly.” Chrysalis responded, not taking her attention away from the window.

“Yes your majesty.” Celestia replied, backing out of the room and shutting the door with her magic.

Chrysalis waited a moment, sensing that another pony had entered the room, before speaking aloud.

“Celestia? Celestia!” Chrysalis checked once again, to see if the Princess was still nearby. “Very well, what do you have for me?” Chrysalis addressed the pony in the room.

“The task that you gave ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ has been completed.” Trixie replied, walking out of the shadows.

“Good. Those two were a pain in my side for too long. Where are they now?” Chrysalis asked.

“They’re gone, just like you asked of Trixie.” Trixie replied.

“Hmm, very well. You’ve done good work for me once again. You may leave now.” Chrysalis told Trixie.

Trixie began to make her way out, before turning back to address the queen once more.

“If ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ may be so bold, even though it was Sparkle, what did she do to incur ‘your’ wrath Queen Chrysalis?” Trixie asked.

“She and her friends ruined my chance to take over Equestria the first time I invaded.” Chrysalis responded.

“Oh, how so?” Trixie inquired further.

“I was on the verge of acquiring enough love to overthrown Canterlot completely, but then Twilight Sparkle showed up with the real groom’s bride, and together, their love proved too much for me, and I was cast far away.” Chrysalis told Trixie.

“Hmm, she really did have a knack for ruining other pony’s lives, didn’t she?” Trixie replied.

“Yes, she most certainly did, but no more. Now I am in complete control, and with her, and her friends out of the way, I’ll never have to worry about anypony ruining my plans ever again.” Chrysalis responded.

“I see. Well then, ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ shall be taking her leave then my Queen.” Trixie told Queen Chrysalis, before disappearing in a smoke of magic again.

“Hmm, nosey little runt. She does good work though, so I think I’ll keep her around a while longer.” Chrysalis spoke to herself, continuing to enjoy the growing darkness outside her window.

Scam for the century

Inside a tent, somewhere in Rainbow Falls.

Twilight and Spike awoke to the sound of water dripping. Though much like when they had been put to sleep by Zecora’s powder, their vision and senses were still a little fuzzy upon first awakening. Twilight looked around a little, and found that the dripping was coming from a beaker containing a purple liquid. Looking around as well, Spike saw what looked like a tall pony with a straw top-hat, send a Phoenix off with a small bag.

“Huh?...Wh…where are we?” Twilight asked, still feeling out of it.

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” Spike replied, still woozy himself.

“Well would you lookie here brother.” A tall Unicorn pony with a straw top-hat spoke, seeming to come out of nowhere.

“And what’s that brother?” The pony that Spike had seen replied, walking over.

“It appears our guests are finally waking up.” The first pony spoke again.

“And what guests they are dear brother. They’ve been causing quite a stir in Equestria lately.” The second pony added.

Twilight rubbed her eyes a little, until she could finally see clearly again.

“Hey…I recognize you two from somewhere.” Twilight spoke to the Unicorns.

“Do you hear that brother? She recognizes us.” The first pony spoke.

“And why wouldn’t she brother? We’re world famous ponies after all.” The second pony responded.

“Indeed we are brother. Why, I don’t think there’s another pair of ponies in ALL of Equestria that are as famous, and recognizable as us.” The first replied.

His head still sore from getting hit, and only getting sorer from listening to the two Unicorns talk; Spike interrupted the two.

“So who are you two then?” Spike asked.

The two Unicorns looked at each other, unimpressed looks on their faces.

“I guess we’re not as well-known as we thought brother.” The first pony spoke.

“I suppose not dear brother.” The second pony added.

“Well allow us to alleviate that conundrum.” The first pony spoke to Spike. “He’s Flam.” The first pony spoke again, pointing to the other Unicorn.

“He’s Flim.” The second pony Flam added, pointing to the other Unicorn.

“And we’re the famous Flim Flam Brothers!” The two said in unison, taking off their hats to take a bow.

After giving them their names, Twilight thought a little more, until she remembered them completely.

“Hey that’s right! You two were the ones that tried to take over Apple Jack’s farm!” Twilight told the brothers.

“All in the past little lady. We’ve got much higher goals now.” Flim told Twilight.

“Goals as high as anypony can set them actually.” Flam added.

“As long as you two are staying away from Ponyville.” Twilight told the two, before looking around again. “So where are we anyway?” She asked.

“Why, you two are backstage to our latest endeavor, here in Rainbow Falls.” Flim told Twilight.

“Rainbow Falls!?” Twilight and Spike said in unison, surprised at their current location.

“What are we doing here!? We need to get back to Ponyville!” Twilight told the brothers.

“Well you can thank your blue friend over there for that.” Flam told Twilight, gesturing behind her.

“Blue friend? Rainbow!...” Twilight started to say as she turned around. However, before she could say “Dash,” she saw the “blue” pony that they were referring to.

The blue pony that Flam had spoken of, flicked her hair out of her face, before speaking.

“Please. ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ has no use for friends, especially not ones like Twilight Snarkle.” Trixie spoke, pointing to Twilight.

“Trixie!? What are you doing here? What’s going on?” Twilight asked, now completely confused.

“Humph, and Trixie thought ‘you’ were supposed to be the smart one.” Trixie replied.

“WILL SOMEPONY TELL ME WHAT’S GOING ON!?” Twilight screamed.

“Why, you’ve got front row seats to the greatest show in Equestria little lady.” Flim told Twilight.

“Show? What show?” Twilight asked.

“Why, the show of a lifetime over in Canterlot of course!” Flam added.

“Canterlot? What’s going on there?” Twilight asked again.

“All of these questions are giving Trixie a ‘Great and Powerful Migraine.’ Just tell her already!” Trixie told the brothers.

Flim cleared his throat, before starting to explain.

“Well, ever since that Queen Chrysalis came and took over Canterlot, our business has been doing better than ever.” Flim spoke.

“Indeed. Thanks to everypony forgetting who we are, we were able to sell them twice as much as before, and all without changing a thing.” Flam added.

“However, we did find it a little odd that everypony forgot about us, while we remembered them.” Flim started.

“But our worries were soon put to rest, as we found more ponies who were in our same predicament.” Flam added.

“Yes indeed. The amazing Captain of the Wonderbolts, and Trix…” Flim started to say.

“The GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie.” Trixie interrupted, correcting the Unicorn.

“Yes, all of that.” Flim spoke, rolling his eyes. “Both of them shared in our non-memory loss, and we’ve been helping each other since.” Flim finished his line finally.

“Why, Captain Spitfire was even the first to approach us, with an offer that was far too good to pass up.” Flam spoke.

“If we could find a way to help get rid of that changeling queen, then she would see to it that we could have our very own personal shop in Canterlot.” Flim added.

“And with the Phoenix that I just sent out; the first step of our ingenious plan is well underway.” Flam spoke.

“But what plan is that? And how did Chrysalis manage to take over Canterlot?” Twilight asked.

“Still not sure of that ourselves, but since business started to boom, we didn’t really ask a lot of questions. All we know, is that it happened after the Secretariat Comet came by. Sure sold a lot of extend-o telescopes that day. Didn’t we brother?” Flim replied.

“We most certainly did brother. But anyway, once that Phoenix reaches its destination in Canterlot, all Tartarus will break loose, and that queen should be no more.” Flam spoke.

“All Tartarus will break loose!? What did you two give that bird!?” Twilight demanded.

“Why, a batch of our 100%, satisfaction guaranteed, no holds-bar, can’t get enough of it, sure to make your day: Love potion.” Flim spoke his sales pitch.

“Love potion?” Twilight asked.

“Indeed. A love potion for the ages. Once that queen takes a swig of it, she’ll have more love than she knows what to do with, and she’ll leave Canterlot for sure.” Flam spoke.

“There’s no way it could be that easy, and love potions don’t work like that, especially not to a changeling like her.” Twilight replied.

“That’s because this is no ‘ordinary’ love potion, Twilight Snarkle.” Trixie spoke up.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, looking from Trixie to the brothers.

“Well I suppose we did stretch the truth just a ‘tiny’ bit.” Flim replied.

“But only a ‘little’ exaggeration.” Flam added.

“What did you two make?” Twilight asked, glaring at the brothers.

“Well true to the formula, we did make a love potion.” Flim started.

“A tuft of cloud, and a bright rainbow’s glow.” Flam spoke.

“Stirred with a Pegasus feather that’s not slow.” Flim spoke.

“And served to somepony that’s not in the know.” Flim and Flam said in unison.

Twilight continued to glare at the brothers, knowing there was still more to it.

“Well we got the tuft of cloud and Pegasus feather from Captain Spitfire.” Flim spoke.

“And a bright rainbow’s glow from the falls here.” Flam added.

“All we needed was a special ingredient, to make this love potion one-of-a-kind.” Flim told Twilight, placing a hoof on the beaker full of the purple liquid.

“A little bit of poison joke, courtesy of our…associate here, to turn the joke on that queen.” Flam added, pointing to Trixie.

“Wait, poison joke? What was that intended to do?” Twilight asked.

“With the poison joke mixed into the love potion, and as everypony knows the effects that poison joke has on things; instead of the queen finding love in whomever she sees, she’ll find horrid rejection in who she sees instead, and will therefore be unable to steal love from ponies.” Flim said proudly.

“Uh-huh, but if that happens, and Chrysalis can no longer control herself, or her subjects; then how is she supposed to keep her changelings from attacking everypony instead?” Twilight asked as a counter argument.

Both the brothers’ eyes opened wide, as they sat in surprise at the possibility that Twilight had brought up.

“Uhh…” Flim spoke.

“Oh dear.” Flam added.

“I don’t think that was part of the plan.” Flim added, looking really unsure of himself.

“Of course it’s not part of the plan, because that’s not what’s going to happen you imbeciles!” Trixie yelled at the brothers.

“Right…of course.” The brothers said, one after the other.

“How can you say that!? None of you clearly thought any of this through! Now all of Canterlot is in danger! Not just from Chrysalis, but from this horrible plan of yours as well!” Twilight scolded all three Unicorns.

“It could all still work out.” Flim told Twilight.

“After all; Captain Spitfire gave her two bits on this plan as well, and I’m sure her judgment has always been for the good of others.” Flam added.

“That still doesn’t make it a good idea. For whatever reason, you four still have all of your memories intact, just like Spike and I. The only difference, is that while we’ve been trying to help our friends, you’ve only been thinking of yourselves.” Twilight told them.

“That’s not true. We had every intention of helping the ponies of Equestria.” Flim told Twilight.

“As long as we could get a little store-front property in the end, is that really so much to ask?” Flam added.

Twilight still couldn’t believe the two scam ponies, but it didn’t really come as much of a surprise to her.

“So where do you fit in all this Trixie?” Twilight asked Trixie with a sigh.

“That is none of your concern Sparkle! Trixie is only looking out for her best interests, and that doesn’t include having a bunch of brainwashed ponies, if they’re not flocking to Trixie instead.” Trixie told Twilight.

“We’re not getting anywhere with this.” Twilight spoke with a groan. “But at least now we know what we can do in the meantime. Come on Spike.” Twilight told Spike, as she rushed out of the tent.

“Hey, wait up!” Spike called after Twilight, as he followed her out.

“Wait! Stop!” The brothers called after the two of them, before Trixie closed the exit of the tent with her magic.

“Let them go. This could still work in Trixie’s favor, but I don’t see how they could do anything anyways. Just continue along with the plan, and everything will work out fine.” Trixie told the brothers, as she levitated her hat over to herself.

“But what if they do manage to stop our plan?” Flam asked.

“Yes, what then?” Flim added.

“Do not bother ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ with your problems. Everything that Trixie has done so far has worked out fine for her, and if I’m included in this plan as well, then there shouldn’t be any worries.” Trixie told the brothers, as she made her way out of the tent.

The brothers stood in their tent for a moment, as both of the mare’s words ran through their heads. On one hoof; their plan with Spitfire and Trixie had been in planning for a while, but on the other hoof; the possibility of it going the way that Twilight had suggested, filled them with concern.

“It seems we’ve found ourselves in another sticky situation brother.” Flim told Flam.

“I do believe so my brother.” Flam told Flim.

The brothers thought a little longer, until they heard a bird calling from outside the tent. Upon seeing what it was, they discovered that the Phoenix they sent had returned, no longer carrying the bag they gave it.

“Did you drop off the bag where we told you to?” Flam asked the Phoenix.

The bird nodded its head to say "yes."

“Were you seen by anypony?” Flim asked the Phoenix.

The bird shook its head to say "no.”

The brothers then looked at each other, as grins formed on their faces in satisfaction. Flim then lifted up his hat, and levitated a small brightly colored egg that had been sitting under it to the Phoenix, whom immediately took it and flew off.

“Bit.”

“By bit.”

“We’ve still got it.” The brothers spoke.

Caught off guard

Nighttime had fallen over Equestria, but the lights inside Zecora’s hut still shined, as two ponies spoke inside.

“I only collect herbs and roots. I would never steal your fruits.” Zecora tried to explain to Apple Jack.

“Well Ah’m sure you could rhyme yourself out of any other situation, but Ah know for a fact that you stole mah apples!” Apple Jack replied to the zebra.

“And what is your belief, which makes me to be the thief?” Zecora asked.

“When Ah got back to mah farm earlier, ah found TWO apples missing from one of mah apple trees! Ah remember seeing you in mah apple fields last week, and Ah know that there’s just you and a filly living here, so it makes sense that you would take TWO apples.” Apple Jack told Zecora, closely eyeing her.

“Please look around my shack. You will find no apples, Apple Jack.” Zecora responded, gesturing around the room.

“Well don’t mind if’n Ah do.” Apple Jack replied.

However, before Apple Jack could begin ransacking Zecora’s hut, a knocking came at the door. Zecora went to see who else could be there this late, while Apple Jack waited, curious as well. Opening the door, Zecora saw Fluttershy, and another pony wearing a cowboy hat standing in the dark.

“Ah, Fluttershy. What a nice surprise for you to stop by.” Zecora greeted her Pegasus friend.

“Um yes, nice to see…whoever you are. Look, my hopeless friend here got us lost, and we need to find our way to a place called…um…Braeburn! What was it called again!?” Fluttershy told the zebra, motioning back, and yelling to Braeburn behind her.

“Sugarcube Corner I believe. And don’t say it was my fault that we got lost! I was following you!” Braeburn answered, receiving an angry glare from Fluttershy.

“And I was following a bunny that YOU convinced me to follow!” Fluttershy replied.

“Well the little guy seemed like he knew ya, and neither of us are exactly familiar with Ponyville.” Braeburn explained.

“If Sugarcube Corner is your destination, then I’m afraid you have gone in the wrong direction.” Zecora told the ponies, interrupting their argument.

“Yeah, this here is the Everfree forest. Sugarcube Corner is back in Ponyville.” Apple Bloom told the two as well.

“Well MAYBE if you ponies would just put up a sign here or there, then we wouldn’t have this problem.” Fluttershy responded.

“You two are trying to get to Sugarcube Corner huh? Ah’d be glad to take you there, just as soon as Ah find the apples that this Zebra pilfered.” Apple Jack told Fluttershy and Braeburn, continuing to look around the room.

“That’d be greatly appreciated Apple Jack. It’s nice to have a guide that actually knows the lay of the land around here.” Braeburn told Apple Jack, before receiving a quick wing-flap to the face from Fluttershy.

“No problem at all! Just need to find these apples first.” Apple Jack replied, poking her head in Zecora’s kitchen drawers.

“If I may know, why is it to Sugarcube Corner you wish to go?” Zecora asked, as she stepped to the side to allow the ponies to come in.

“We were helping a Unicorn and her pet dragon try to find some of their friends, and they said that one of them might be at Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow Dash was helping us too, but she flew off ahead before we could follow her.” Braeburn told Zecora.

“Ah, I see. Twilight is still trying to set her friends free.” Zecora replied.

“Yeah, Twilight, I’m pretty sure that was her name. I just hope she didn’t have any trouble when that Pegasus and filly went after them.” Braeburn responded.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier, outside of the Royal Palace in Canterlot, just as night had fallen.

“So where exactly am I supposed to meet up with the Queen? I don’t think Captain Spitfire realized that I’ve never been here before. Then again, I didn’t exactly wait to ask her either.” Soarin spoke aloud to himself, feeling lost.

Soarin wandered around the dark grounds for a little while, until he noticed a shadow fly towards the palace above him.

“What was that? Another pony getting evaluated? Maybe they know the way.” Soarin said aloud, before flying after what he saw.

He flew around the towers among the palace, but had lost sight of whatever, or whomever he had seen. However, now he was even more lost, thanks to the night limiting his view.

“Gee, this would be a lost easier if I had a map or something, and if I had gotten here sooner. Guess I’ll keep flying around till I find somepony. Captain Spitfire said that I’d need to go to the Queen’s chambers, so it’s probably close by. Hopefully she’s not asleep yet.” He spoke aloud to himself, before flying around again.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier, around the same time as Soarin’s arrival in Canterlot.

“Where art thou going with that fishing pole?” Princess Luna asked Discord.

“Who? Me? Why I’m just going fishing.” Discord responded.

“There are no fish on the grounds for thou to catch. Also, our night hath already fallen” Luna replied.

“Oh, I’m not going fishing in a pond, I’m going fishing in the clouds. Also, don’t you know that fish always bite more at night?” Discord told Luna, a smile on his face.

“How can’eth thou fish in clouds?” Luna asked.

“Haven’t you ever heard of flying fish?” Discord replied, snapping his fingers to make one appear next to his head. “I’ve heard they’re quite the catch this season.” He spoke again, before disappearing in a flash.

The fish he had manifested dropped to the floor, before flapping its wings, and flying out of a nearby window.

“Sometimes we worry about that creature.” Luna spoke to herself, before noticing a shadow near one of the tower balconies. “Who is still awake during our wondrous night?” She asked aloud, before going to investigate.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, atop one of the towers in the Royal Palace.

“Hmm, it appears our eyes must be playing tricks on us.” Luna spoke to herself.

Luna started to make her way down the tower, till she heard Discord yell in the distance, prompting her to turn her head towards the sound.

“Whoopi! I caught myself a big one!” Discord yelled from a cloud in the distance.

“Perhaps fish of flight do exist in this world.” Luna spoke to herself.

Just as she was about to make her way down the tower again, Luna’s eyes caught sight of a pony flying around outside the windows of the palace.

“Who is this whom trespasses on our grounds?” Luna asked aloud, before disappearing in a flash of magic.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Soarin flew from window to window, trying to see if he could find anypony inside.

“Where is everypony? Did I miss the deadline for the inspections?” Soarin asked himself, before flying to an open window.

Upon flying to the next window, Soarin saw two bright cyan eyes staring back at him. The sight of the sudden eyes scared him, and he flew a little ways away from the window, before turning back to it.

“What doth thou think thou art doing in our night’s sky?” Luna asked loudly in her Equestrian voice.

“Prin…Princess Luna!” Soarin replied, bowing his head while he stayed in the air.

“Raise thine head and answer our question.” Luna told the Pegasus.

“Yes, of course!” Soarin responded. “I was looking for the Queen’s chambers. I was told by Captain Spitfire that Queen Chrysalis wanted to inspect new recruits for the Wonderbolts personally, and that she was going to inspect us in her royal chambers.”

“We were told nothing about the Queen giving permission for the Wonderbolts to begin recruiting once again. Leave our grounds and be gone.” Luna told the Pegasus.

“But, but I…” Soarin started to say, before he found himself trapped in a magic sphere.

“We said; BE GONE!” Luna yelled in her Equestrian voice.

With a stomp of her hoof; Luna used her magic to teleport the Pegasus away, bringing a quiet to the night once more.

“Wonderbolts recruiting again? Ha! The Queen would never allow something like that to happen. We will have to tell our sister of this most humorous joke in the morning.” Luna said aloud to herself.

“What joke is that Luna?” Celestia asked, having snuck up behind her sister.

“EEP!” Luna cried, as she jumped at her sister’s sudden appearance.

“He he, that’s a cute little scream Luna.” Celestia giggled at her sister.

“D…Don’t be silly sister! We are the night! Nothing scares us!” Luna protested.

“Alright, alright. So what was the joke?” Celestia asked.

Luna gathered herself once more, then answered her sister.

“One quite humorous dear sister. We just dismissed a Pegasi wandering the grounds, claiming to have received word that the Wonderbolts were allowed to recruit again, under the guidance of our fair Queen. Ha ha! Most humorous is it not?” Luna told her sister.

“I…suppose so.” Celestia answered, not finding the “joke” all that funny, especially the “dismissing” part. “Have you told the Queen yet?”

“No. We were going to tell thou of it in the morning, when thou raised the sun, and we lowered the moon.” Luna replied.

“And you weren’t planning on telling the Queen?” Celestia asked.

“Of course not. We would not bother her majesty with such trivial matters. Twas surly a jest, that the Pegasi spoke of.” Luna replied.

“And you ‘dismissed’ him for a joke?” Celestia asked her sister, a flat expression on her face.

“His trespassing deemed it necessary.” Luna answered.

“Oh Luna.” Celestia told her sister, bringing a hoof to her forehead. “Very well, but I’m still going to mention it to the Queen in the morning. If nothing else, we can at least tell her a funny joke. Right?” Celestia told her sister.

“We suppose so dear sister.” Luna replied.

Celestia then began making her way back to her room, before Luna spoke to her again.

“Sister?” Luna asked.

“Yes?” Celestia replied.

“What art thou doing out of thine bedroom this late?” Luna asked.

“I was watching Discord fish in the clouds. He he, it is nice to see him like this again.” Celestia answered.

“Pardon sister?” Luna inquired, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Oh, it’s nothing Luna. Goodnight.” Celestia answered, before walking to her room once more.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Inside the Queen’s chambers.

“Mmm…love…..mmmm….delicious love….” Chrysalis mumbled in her sleep.

Quiet filled the room, until the sound of a pony appearing from a magical spell broke the silence.

“Mmm…grr…Discord…you better not…” Chrysalis spoke, before a yawn interrupted her sentence. “Be trying to turn my bed into a water bed again.” She finished, trying to go back to sleep.

The pony crept closer to the sleeping changeling queen, until she was a mere hoof’s length away.

“Grr…perhaps you’d like it if I had the princesses turn you back to st…!” Chrysalis spoke again, turning her head towards her intruder, before she found herself being tied in her sheets, muffling her words.

In an instant; Chrysalis disappeared in a red flash of magic, as another flash of magic followed from the pony who captured the Queen. A solitary purple wizard hat floated to the ground, forgotten by the abductor.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Walking by the room, Celestia heard the sounds of magic coming from within the Queen’s chambers.

“Queen Chrysalis? Is everything alright?” Celestia asked, as she opened the door with her magic.

Inside, Celestia found nopony in the room, and an empty, sheet less bed.

“Queen Chrysalis!?” Celestia called out, before spying the lone hat sitting on the ground. “She actually did it…” Celestia spoke softly to herself.

Knowing the urgency of the situation, Celestia quickly raced down the halls, and found her sister once more.

“Sister, what is the matter?” Luna asked upon her sister’s arrival.

“Luna, Queen Chrysalis has been abducted!” Celestia told her sister.

“What!?” Luna yelled in her Equestrian voice.

“I believe that Trixie Lulamoon is behind the abduction. I found her hat in the Queen’s chambers.” Celestia spoke.

“Lulamoon!? Thou meaneth the Unicorn that doth took residence in our old abode!?” Luna asked, still talking in her Equestrian voice.

“Yes, but I’m not sure how she managed to do it. Her magic is far inferior to our own, so it must have taken a great source of magic to pull it off. She’s probably exhausted after using that much magic, so she must still be close by.” Celestia answered.

“Very well! We saw something before we encountered the Pegasi. We thought it might have been the same pony, or Discord, but perhaps it twas Lulamoon!” Luna told her sister.

“I’ll begin informing the Queen’s guards. Luna, start searching the grounds for Lulamoon, your vision at night has always been better than my own.” Celestia told her sister.

“Yes sister! We shall find the Unicorn post haste!” Luna told her sister, before disappearing in a flash of her own magic.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, in the dungeon beneath Canterlot.

Soarin had found himself in a cell somewhere, after he had been teleported by Princess Luna’s magic. He tried kicking at the bars of the cell again, but they wouldn’t budge.

“HEY! Is anypony there!? Let me out!” Soarin cried for help.

Soarin continued to bang on the bars, until he finally heard someone respond.

“Will you keep it down!?” A voice called out from a cell on the other side of the room.

“Hey! Who’s there!? Can you let me out!?” Soarin answered the voice.

“I can’t even get myself out anymore. What makes you think I could help you?” The voice replied.

“Well who are you anyway? Did Princess Luna send you down here too?” Soarin asked.

“Princess Luna? I probably would’ve taken her place on the moon if it was her present with my Queen instead. No, I was sent down here by that other princess, Celestia. I suppose I should be grateful.” The voice answered.

Soarin watched, as a figure in the cell on the other side of the room got up, and moved towards him. When he got close enough to the bar, Soarin could see that it was a changeling whom he was talking to.

“What? A changeling. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with the Queen?” Soarin asked, scared of the creature.

“I was, but my Queen said that I failed her, when really, I had done nothing wrong.” The changeling replied.

“Well that’s not entirely true.” Another voice spoke in the dungeon.

Soarin and the changeling looked to the cell adjacent to Soarin, and saw Discord hanging fish from the ceiling.

“What are you doing down here Discord? Did you upset somepony too?” Soarin asked.

“Oh heavens no. This is where I hang all of my fish after I catch them. Didn’t you notice?” Discord responded, before snapping his fingers and making the fish disappear.

Discord then walked towards the bars of the cell, before his body split into pieces skinny enough to make it through, and reformed on the other side.

“This little guy gave the Queen some bad news, and we all know how royalty gets when they don’t hear what they like.” Discord spoke, poking at the bars of the cell, which emitted a blue zap each time he poked.

“But it wasn’t my fault!” The changeling protested.

“Uh, Discord?” Soarin asked the draconequus.

“Hmm?” Discord replied, his eyes moving from the front of his face, to the back of his head.

“I don’t know a lot about politics, or royalty, but do you think that you could let me out? I’m just trying to figure out where all the other Wonderbolts candidates are here.” Soarin asked.

“Why certainly.” Discord responded, the rest of his body turning in place to line up with his eyes.

Discord walked over to Soarin’s cell, and turned one of his hands into a key, which he used to open the door.

“Gee, thanks!” Soarin told Discord, before flying off down the hall.

“Why did you let him out, but not me!?” The changeling yelled at Discord, whom waved at Soarin flying away.

“Because your predicament is a lot trickier. And besides, there’s a whole lot of chaos going on upstairs, and throwing another confusing chess piece into the mix just sounds delightful!” Discord told the changeling, while tying his body into a pretzel. “Oh, but I’m sure you’ll get out eventually. In about 1000 years or so, or at least before this fan-fic is finished.” Discord told the changeling, before disappearing in his magic.

Unexpected detour

Around dusk, on-board a train at the station in Ponyville.

Twilight and Spike waited on board for the train to leave for its next destination. After learning about the poorly thought out plan to stop Chrysalis, Twilight knew that their first priority would have to shift from helping their friends, to keeping all the ponies of Canterlot safe.

“What’s taking so long? There’s not even anypony here to get on the train.” Twilight asked aloud.

“They said they needed to get more coal to make it to Canterlot. It shouldn’t be much longer.” Spike told Twilight.

“Well I hope they finish soon. We need to get to Canterlot if we want to stop Chrysalis from drinking that potion.” Twilight replied.

“You know, in any other circumstance that probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Spike spoke.

“I know, but not while she’s in Canterlot. There are too many innocent ponies there that could get hurt if she lost control of her changelings. Besides; its one thing to use poison joke to play a prank on somepony, but it’s another thing to use it in a way that could cause somepony serious harm, even if it is Chrysalis.” Twilight replied.

As they continued to wait for the train to move, Spike looked out the window and saw Rainbow Dash flying nearby.

“Hey look! It’s Rainbow Dash!” Spike told Twilight, before opening up the window to call out to Rainbow Dash. “Hey! Rainbow Dash! Over here!”

Spike’s shouting caught her attention, and Rainbow Dash flew down alongside the train window.

“There you guys are. I’ve been looking forever for you two. Where have you been?” Rainbow Dash spoke to her friends.

“We got sidetracked by Trixie and the Flim Flam Brothers, but no time for that. We need to hurry and get to Canterlot.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“Huh? How come? I thought we were trying to help Pinkie Pie and Rarity remember who they were?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“We still need to help them, but I’m afraid this takes precedence. There’s been a plan, although poorly thought out, to try and stop Chrysalis, but it puts all of the ponies in Canterlot in danger as well.” Twilight replied.

“So what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Rainbow Dash responded, about to take off ahead of them.

“We can’t.” Spike told Rainbow Dash.

“Why not?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“We’re still waiting for the train to leave again. They needed to restock on coal.” Spike answered.

“Besides Rainbow Dash, I’d prefer it if you rode with us this time. I know you could get to Canterlot in no time, but things are a lot more serious this time, and I wouldn’t want you to cause a panic when you get there.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash

“Oh, alright. I guess that makes sense.” Rainbow Dash replied. “I guess I better get a ticket then.” She spoke, flying over the train to the station on the other side.

“No need to anymore Rainbow Dash.” Spike told Rainbow Dash as she landed, poking his head out the window. “Turns out, you don’t need to buy tickets for the train anymore.”

“What? Why wouldn’t they make us buy tickets?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Apparently, since Chrysalis took over, she made all of the train rides in Equestria free.” Twilight answered.

“And why would she do that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I suppose it goes along with those Friendship Councils that you talked about before you turned back to normal. If Chrysalis wanted to drain as much love as she could, from as many ponies as possible all over Equestria, then it wouldn’t make sense to have a ticket fee if it kept ponies from being able to reach her.” Twilight explained.

“That sounds…kinda nice actually.” Rainbow Dash replied, confused at the logic.

“I know it does, but it still doesn’t change the fact that we need to stop her. We’ll just take advantage of it while we can.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

Just then, the train whistle started to blow, as the conductor stuck his head out the window to call “All aboard!”

“Alright, let’s go!” Rainbow Dash spoke, as she hopped through the window to get on.

The train slowly started to pull away from the station, as it made its way towards the group’s next destination, Canterlot.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, inside Town Hall.

Sweetie Belle and Derpy had returned, after chasing after the “evil Unicorn” and her pet dragon. They explained how they had chased after them, until they lost their trail.

“And then they just disappeared. We looked all over town, but we couldn’t find them anywhere. Sorry Rarity.” Sweetie Belle told her sister, giving her a sad face.

“Well, I suppose you two did do your best. We didn’t exactly have an easy time dealing with those other rapscallions ourselves.” Rarity replied.

“I must say that I didn’t expect to get lectured in such a fashion. I couldn’t even move the entire time she was speaking.” Mayor Mare spoke.

“Indeed. It was most unladylike, if not terrifying.” Rarity added.

“The Unicorn and her dragon were calling for Pinkie Pie while we were chasing them, maybe we could ask her if she knows where they went.” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No. As much as I would like to figure out what all of that was about, I don’t think talking to that walking sugar rush is going to help us at all. Rainbow Dash did say something about them trying to stop Queen Chrysalis, but I don’t understand why. She and the Wonderbolts have been loyal to Queen Chrysalis for years. It just seems odd that she would betray her majesty’s trust like that.” Rarity replied.

“I also still find it strange that Fluttershy of all ponies would be helping them. From the few times I’ve seen her, she doesn’t seem like the type to really help anypony. She didn’t even seem that kind to Braeburn, and he’s from Appleloosa as well.” Mayor Mare added.

“I suppose so. Though perhaps they found some way to reason with her.” Rarity replied.

“Or maybe they tricked her?” Derpy asked.

“That is also a possibility, although I’m not sure how they would do it.” Rarity answered.

“What about asking the Gypsy Zecora? She was the one who captured the evil Unicorn and her dragon the first time.” Sweetie Belle spoke.

“She lives out in the Everfree forest for a reason Sweetie Belle. It’s not exactly the kind of place the most ponies go to after all. Besides, how do we know that she didn’t just let them go, or give them a means to convince Fluttershy to help them? She is a gypsy after all.” Rarity responded.

All the ponies continued to think about what to do for a minute, pondering on whether they should look for Pinkie as well, go talk to the Gypsy Zebra, or do nothing. Finally, after a few minutes of thinking, Mayor Mare spoke up.

“I say we go and see what the Gypsy has to say.” Mayor Mare told the group.

“Hmm, I suppose your right Mayor, although I just hope she doesn’t live in filth.” Rarity replied, before turning to speak to Derpy. “Derpy dear, would you mind watching the Town Hall while we’re gone?”

“Oh, uh…sure.” Derpy replied.

“Alright, let’s get going then. The moon is almost out, and I would like to get my beauty sleep. Come along Sweetie Belle.” Rarity spoke.

“Okay sis.” Sweetie Belle replied.

Mayor Mare, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle exited the Town Hall, while Derpy watched from the door.

“Oh, I wanted to help to.” Derpy spoke to herself, looking down at the stairs.

“By the way Derpy, there are fresh muffins on my desk in my office!” Mayor Mare called back to Derpy, putting a big smile on Derpy’s face.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Around the time of Chrysalis’ abduction, up in Cloudsdale.

Spitfire lay asleep in her bed in her office, until a loud knocking at her door woke her up.

“Captain Spitfire! Captain Spitfire!” Scootaloo called from outside the door.

“Aww jeez.” Spitfire moaned to herself. “What is it squirt?” She called to the filly outside the door.

“Twitters stopped by with another message!” Scootaloo replied.

Hearing Scootaloo mention her double-agent’s name, prompted her to finally get out of bed. Spitfire walked over and opened the door.

“What did he have to say?” Spitfire asked.

“It’s really bad news Captain Spitfire! Really, really bad news!” Scootaloo replied.

“What is it!?” Spitfire asked.

“Twitters said that Soarin went missing, and that Queen Chrysalis has been ponynapped!” Scootaloo told Spitfire.

A dumbstruck look came over Spitfire’s face, at the news of Chrysalis.

“What!? How? What happened!?” Spitfire asked.

“He said that Soarin was flying around outside the palace, when he got caught in a magic sphere, and disappeared!” Scootaloo replied.

“Not Soarin, what happened to the Queen!?” Spitfire asked.

“Oh, uh, Twitters said that she was ponynapped by a blue Unicorn.” Scootaloo answered.

“Trixie! I knew we shouldn’t have trusted that little fraud! She’s going to ruin everything!” Spitfire thought to herself.

“What should we do Captain?” Scootaloo asked, getting Spitfire’s attention once more.

“I don’t know what we could do to help find the Queen at this hour, but I have an idea of who might know something.” Spitfire replied.

“Who?” Scootaloo asked.

“A couple of con-ponies that work in Rainbow Falls. I get the feeling that they’ll definitely have some clue as to what’s going on here.” Spitfire told Scootaloo, before walking back into her office. “Keep an eye on things around here Scootaloo, I’m going to go have a word with those two.” Spitfire told Scootaloo, as she grabbed her goggles and put on her Wonderbolts suit.

“Yes ma’am!” Scootaloo replied, giving a salute.

“I might not be back for a while, so try not to fall asleep while I’m gone.” Spitfire told Scootaloo, before taking off into the night’s sky.

“You got it!” Scootaloo called out to Captain Spitfire, giving another salute.

Scootaloo sat down in front of Captain Spitfire’s office, staying diligently alert for anypony who might come by. This lasted for all of five minutes, until she felt her eyelids start to get heavy, and fell asleep on the floor in front of the door.

As Spitfire flew further and further away from Cloudsdale, she started going over everything in her head. Her hard worked plan seemed ruined, and fixing it wasn’t going to be an easy task.

“This isn’t what was supposed to happen at all! They were supposed to make sure that the love poison made it into Canterlot, and that Chrysalis found it, not just up and abduct her! What does that little showboat think she’s doing! Those brothers better not have made a deal with her to change our plans! Although, I wouldn’t put it past them.” Spitfire thought to herself.

Spitfire continued to fly through the sky, trying to find a way to salvage what was left of the original plan.

“Gah! Nothing is lining up, and with Soarin missing, his use as a scapegoat is practically gone. Didn’t I tell him to go to the Queen’s chambers? He should have been able to find it easily.” Spitfire spoke aloud.

Spitfire thought about things a little more, until she took a deep breath, realizing what she had to do. She turned around in the air, and headed back to Cloudsdale.

“The original plan is a bust. With Chrysalis and Soarin missing, I’ll have to rely on my Plan B. I’ll send Twitters into Canterlot, have him pose as Soarin, and try to retrieve the love poison. One way or another, I’ll get that poison to that changeling, and end this.” Spitfire thought to herself.

Spitfire flew back towards Cloudsdale to track down Twitters, whether he was in his disguise or not, she knew how to find him.

After tracking Twitters down, and telling him of her new plan; Spitfire once again made her way to Rainbow Falls, picking up speed to make up for lost time.

A difficult choice

Presently, along the streets of Canterlot at night.

“It’s about time we got here, that train ride took forever!” Rainbow Dash spoke aloud, as she flew above her friends.

“At least it didn’t take too terribly wrong, from the looks of things, everything still seems to be alright in Canterlot.” Twilight replied.

The trio continued to make their way through the fancy streets, until they finally came upon the Royal Palace gates.

“Here we are. Beyond these gates, Chrysalis lies in wait, somewhere inside.” Twilight spoke.

“Alright! Let’s get going then!” Rainbow Dash said aloud, preparing to bust through the gates.

“Hey, uh…does anypony notice something?” Spike asked.

“Notice what?” Rainbow Dash responded, stopping herself mid-charge.

“Where are all of Celestia’s and Luna’s guards?” Spike asked.

The trio looked around the grounds outside the gates, and above along the walls, but there indeed wasn’t a guard in sight.

“You’re right Spike. I haven’t seen a single royal Canterlot guard since we arrived. And even though Chrysalis has taken over, I haven’t seen a single changeling either.” Twilight replied.

“So, what is that supposed to mean?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I’m not sure, but we better hurry.” Twilight responded.

The trio then made their way through the gates, and inside the Royal Palace.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Inside the palace walls, the Princess’ continued their search for both Queen Chrysalis, and her captor, Trixie.

The two sisters met up with each other once more in one of the hallways, hopeful that the other found one of the ponies.

“Any luck Luna?” Celestia asked her sister.

“Nay. We were unable to find neither her majesty, nor the whelp that doth took her.” Luna responded.

“This isn’t good. We’ve searched almost the entire palace. Where could they have gone?” Celestia asked.

As the two sisters pondered further, they started to hear the sound of hoof beats approaching. They turned to face down the hallway the sounds were approaching from, until eventually a pony came into view at the end of the hall. The pony they saw was one that Princess Luna recognized quite well, as it was the same Pegasus that she had just banished to the cells beneath the palace.

“YOU! We thought we banished thou to the depths of the cells below! How did thee escape!?” Luna yelled at the Pegasus in her Equestrian voice.

However, before the Princess’ had a chance to get an answer, the Pegasus quickly turned around, and ran back down the hallway he came from.

“Halt! Thou shall not escape us again!” Luna yelled at the pony, as she chased after him.

“Luna!” Celestia called after her sister, holding out a hoof, as if to stop her.

After reaching the end of the hallway that the Pegasus had just occupied, Luna looked down the other hallway, and saw a flash of green around the next corner. Luna gathered her magic about her, before teleporting to the end of the next hallway, and releasing her magic upon reappearing.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Around the same time; Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash continued to make their way through the halls of the palace, looking for the love poison.

After checking a few rooms each along the way, the trio met up at one of the hallway intersections.

“Any sign of it yet?” Twilight asked her friends.

“Nope.” Rainbow Dash and Spike said in unison.

“I wonder where it could be? We still have about half of the palace to go, and I still find it strange that there are no guards around.” Twilight spoke.

“No clue, but we have to keep looking.” Rainbow Dash replied.

The trio continued down another hallway, leading into one that split left and right.

“Okay, you two go…” Twilight began to say, until something on her right caused her to stop.

Quickly glancing over her shoulder, Twilight could see what looked like a giant beam of dark blue magic heading straight for her. Before Twilight could speak again, Rainbow Dash reacted to the situation, and pushed Twilight and Spike into a dark room along the wall in front of them. She closed the door just in time, as the beam of magic passed outside.

“What was that!?” Spike asked aloud.

“It looked like a beam of magic, and judging by the color, I’d say it came from Princess Luna!” Twilight spoke.

Twilight ran towards the door, opened it, and was about to stick her head out to call to Princess Luna, when Spike and Rainbow Dash pulled her back in.

“What are you two doing? We need to let the Princesses know about the love poison.” Twilight told her friends.

“Remember what Rainbow Dash said? When Chrysalis took over, the Princesses stepped down and let her rule. That probably means that she was able to control the Princesses as well.” Spike explained.

“Don’t be ridiculous Spike. The Princesses could never be overpowered by Chrysalis, not if they’re together. They must just be playing along, waiting for the right opportunity to stop Chrysalis.” Twilight replied.

“I don’t know. If that was the case, don’t you think they would have done that by now?’ Spike asked.

“I hate to say it, but I’m with Spike on this one Twilight. I mean, remember back during the wedding, when Chrysalis took down Princess Celestia? Luna was nowhere around, and Princess Celestia was out of commission until Princess Cadence and Shining Armor stepped in. If she took on the Princesses one at a time, then maybe she really did control them both?” Rainbow Dash added.

“But still, I…” Twilight started to speak, until Spike cut her off.

“Shh! Listen, do you hear that?” Spike told the ponies.

The three of them listened carefully, until they could hear what Spike was referring to. On the other side of the room, they could hear the muffled sounds of somepony trying to speak.

“Who’s there?” Twilight asked aloud, as she made her way towards the sound, lighting a little bit of the dark room with her magic.

“Where are we anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked, walking along with her friends.

“Looks like the dining hall. Good thing too, I haven’t eaten anything since the train ride from Rainbow Falls.” Spike replied, rubbing his belly.

As the trio grew closer to the pony, an outline came into view. Upon getting even closer, Twilight’s light finally revealed Soarin, his hooves tied together, with an apple jammed in his mouth.

“Soarin!?” The trio spoke in unison.

Twilight used her magic to pull the apple out of Soarin’s mouth, giving the stallion a chance to speak again.

“Thanks. I’m glad somepony finally found me. I thought I’d be trapped in here all night, and just when I got out of that dungeon.” Soarin told the group.

After the Unicorn used her magic to set Soarin’s legs free, he was finally able to stand up again, giving his wings a stretch as well. As his eyes began to adjust to the light from the Unicorn’s horn, he soon recognized his saviors.

“Whoa! You two!? I thought that Zebra took you two away?” Soarin told the Unicorn and the small dragon.

“So you remember them Soarin?” Rainbow Dash asked the Wonderbolt.

“Rainbow Dash?” Soarin spoke to the Wonderbolt. “What are you doing here? Why are you with them? Did they capture you or something?”

“What? No. They didn’t capture me, they’re my friends. Duh. What are YOU doing here?” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Friends? So, you befriended them? I thought they caused the flood in Ponyville?” Soarin replied.

“What!? They wouldn’t cause a flood in Ponyville. What gave you that idea?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Soarin found himself having a hard time trying to wrap his head around what was going on, until he came to a conclusion that made him laugh.

“Ha ha ha! Ah, good one Rainbow Dash. You really had me going there for a minute.” Soarin told Rainbow Dash.

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Oh, you and your sense of humor. You’re obviously just pretending to be their friend, and turning them in to the Queen herself. Good plan.” Soarin spoke.

“I’m not turning them in. They’re my friends. I would never do something like that to them.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Wait, are you serious?” Soarin asked.

“Look, we don’t have time for this Soarin. There’s a love poison hidden somewhere in the palace, and if Chrysalis drinks it, then all of Canterlot could be in danger. Plus, we need to try and stop Chrysalis ourselves, she’s taken over Equestria!” Twilight told Soarin.

“Poison? Taken over Equestria? What are you talking about?” Soarin asked the Unicorn.

“Yes, tell us.” A voice spoke from behind the group of ponies.

Turing around to the voice, all of the ponies stared into the darkness, but couldn’t see anyone. Suddenly, two teal eyes appeared, and the form of Princess Luna began to emerge from the shadows themselves.

“Princess Luna!” All of the ponies spoke at the same time.

“Our patience is growing thin. All of thou hath three minutes to tell us; WHO thou are, and WHAT thou art doing here.” Princess Luna told the group of ponies, an annoyed and angry tone to her voice.

“Princess Luna please! There’s been a HUGE misunderstanding, and…” Twilight began to tell the Princess, until Soarin cut her off.

“Princess Luna! These two caused a flood that tore through Ponyville! I think they escaped from the Zebra that captured them. As for me Princess, I already explained that Captain Spitfire sent me here to be evaluated by the Queen to become a Wonderbolt. I wouldn’t lie to you.” Soarin told the Princess.

“We would believe thine story, if we doth not find it so humorous and preposterous.” Princess Luna responded. “Besides, even if we could ask her majesty, we cannot locate her at the moment. However, we believe that thine lot hath something to do with her capture. Thou and Lulamoon.”

“What!? Chrysalis isn’t here!? Then, what about the love poison? She didn’t drink it already, did she? We need to stop her Princess Luna! She’s taken over Equestria, and has everypony under her mind control!” Twilight told Princess Luna.

“Thou hath two minutes remaining.” Princess Luna responded, unmoved by the Unicorn’s story.

“This isn’t looking good.” Spike spoke.

“Please Princess! I swear that I didn’t have anything to do with the Queen’s disappearance, and I don’t know anything about a love poison, or whatever they’re talking about!” Soarin pleaded.

“Princess Luna please stop! We need to get to the bottom of all this. Where is Princess Celestia? Maybe she can help?” Twilight told Princess Luna.

“Thou hath one minute remaining.” Princess Luna spoke. “We suggest that thou start speaking the truth.”

“What about all of our friends!? Are you just going to let Chrysalis have her way with them!? There’s no way I’m going to let anypony hurt our friends, even if they are royalty!” Rainbow Dash told the Princess.

“Twilight. If Chrysalis isn’t here, then we don’t have much to go on. And if we don’t know where the love poison is, then we’re even more lost. We should probably get out of here.” Spike told Twilight.

“Thine time is almost finished.” Princess Luna told the group.

“Please Princess Luna, I’m telling you I had nothing to do with anything!” Soarin pleaded once more.

Frustrated that she wasn’t going to get anything from the ponies; Luna began to gather her magic once more, and levitated herself up into the air, her eyes beginning to glow white.

Twilight chattered her teeth nervously, unsure of what she could do to resolve the issue at hoof.

Spike held on tightly to Twilight, scared out of his scales.

Rainbow Dash started dragging her hooves across the ground, ready for a fight.

Soarin continued to cower, backing into a corner.

“Thine time is up! For refusing to answer our questions, and for the endangerment of our Queen and our wondrous night; we hereby banish thee to the great prison of…!” Princess Luna began to tell the group in her Equestrian voice, until something cut her off.

“STOP RIGHT THERE YOU BIG MEANIE PRINCESS!!!” A loud, yet quiet voice yelled from outside the nearby windows.

Everypony in the room turned to see Fluttershy flapping in the air outside the room.

“Fluttershy!” Everypony except Princess Luna called out.

Fluttershy then made her way in through one of the open windows, and flew straight up to Princess Luna, meeting her eye to eye.

“Now you listen here! If you so much as harm one hair, or one scale on their little heads, then I’ll give you a talking to so bad, that you’ll wish you had stayed in your comfy little bed!” Fluttershy quietly yelled to the Princess, catching her off guard.

Seeing the opportunity of the Princess being distracted by Fluttershy, Spike pulled on Twilight’s tail, trying to get her attention.

“Twilight, we should probably use this chance to get out of here.” Spike told Twilight.

“What!?” Twilight replied, a surprised look in her eyes.

“Yeah, what about Fluttershy!? We can’t just leave her here!” Rainbow Dash added.

“If we don’t get out of here now, then who knows where Princess Luna will send us? I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not get front row tickets to the moon.” Spike answered.

As the group argued about what to do, Fluttershy started to lecture the Princess, whom was still brimming with her magic abound, equally as angry.

“Thou wish to defy thine Princess!? Thou art the highest of fools!” Princess Luna replied to Fluttershy, before she started yelling again.

“How are we sure that’s even where she’d send us? We should just…” Rainbow Dash began to responded, before Twilight cut her off.

“No, Spike’s right. Fluttershy came here to give us a chance to get out of here, so that we could try and figure out what’s going on. As much as it pains me to leave her here too, we need to go.” Twilight replied, looking back at Fluttershy sadly.

“What!? Are you kidding me Twilight!?” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“I know Rainbow, and normally I’d more than agree with you, but with the way Equestria and everypony is right now, we need to be more careful with how we handle things. We can’t very well help everypony if we’re banished to the moon, and we’ll need the rest of our friend’s help if we want to fix all this.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

Not wanting to be un-loyal to her friends, but knowing that Twilight was right, Rainbow Dash was torn between herself, unsure of what to do.

“There’s a big enough bush outside this window. We should be safe if we jump down to it!” Spike told the two ponies.

“Please Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy will be fine the way she is right now. I know it seems hard, but she’d want us to be safe.” Twilight pleaded.

Rainbow Dash brought her hooves to her head, unable to decide.

“It’s now or never!” Spike spoke, before jumping out the window to the bush below.

Rainbow Dash looked back and forth between Twilight and Fluttershy, shaking her head.

“I…I can’t…!” Rainbow Dash yelled, closing her eyes.

Twilight looked out the window to Spike waving below, then back to Rainbow Dash, still holding her head. Twilight then jumped up and grabbed Rainbow Dash by the tail with her mouth, before using her magic to teleport both of them outside to Spike.

“Hey! What!?” Rainbow Dash spoke, before she was teleported.

Soarin had been watching the ponies and dragon argue, as well as the Princess and Fluttershy the entire time, but couldn’t find the strength to move until he saw the two ponies disappear in a flash of magic.

“Hey!” Soarin called out, as he finally stood up from his corner and flew towards the window. “Wait for me!”

Between her being lectured by the Pegasus mare, and realizing that the other ponies had escaped; Princess Luna released her magic in a fit of rage, causing a shockwave that sealed all of the windows shut, just before the Pegasus stallion could escape as well.

“ENOUGH!” Princess Luna yelled, as she released her magic.

Soarin banged on the now closed window, looking down to the ponies below.

“Hey! What about me!? Don’t leave me here Rainbow Dash!” Soarin called through the glass, but to no avail.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Feeling the surge of her sister’s magic, Princess Celestia quickly made her way towards her sister, following her magical trail. When she reached the door leading to the dining room, she found that she couldn’t open it with her basic magical use. Celestia then gathered her own magic, and teleported herself inside, where she found her sister confronting Fluttershy, and noticed the other Pegasus looking out a window.

“Sister! What is going on!?” Celestia called to her sister.

“THESE WHELPS SHALL NOT FOOL US AGAIN!” Luna yelled in her Equestrian voice, her eyes still angry and glowing white.

“Oh no you don’t! You’re not going after my friends!” Fluttershy yelled at Princess Luna, putting her face against Luna’s.

In a fit of anger, and before Celestia could intervene; Luna teleported both Fluttershy, and herself away, leaving Celestia alone with the other Pegasus.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

The two reappeared in a bright white and barren wasteland. They then separated from each other, flapping their wings to keep themselves in the air, but found it surprisingly easier to do so now.

“We doth not recognize this place, but it seems like a fitting location to banish one such as thou!” Luna told the Pegasus, as she looked around.

“You really think a place like this could hold me!? I’d like to see you try Princess Moonbutt!” Fluttershy yelled in response.

“Insolent whelp! May this land of solitude be thine prison for all eternity! ‘THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT HATH SPOKEN!’” Luna announced, before gathering her magic to teleport once more.

“Oh no you don’t!” Fluttershy yelled, charging at the Princess.

Fluttershy almost managed to reach the Princess, before she disappeared in a flash of her own magic, and Fluttershy found herself alone in strange place. She looked around, trying to find anypony else, or anything that could help her find where she was. However, she found nothing, nothing except a small blue sphere up in the black sky.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, just after Luna had disappeared with the Pegasus mare; Celestia approached the Pegasus stallion still in the room.

She looked down upon the stallion, whom still hadn’t noticed her. He was still staring out the window, tears forming in his eyes.

“Hmm?” Celestia tried to get the stallion’s attention.

“She left…she actually left me…after all we’ve been through…” The Pegasus spoke.

“I guess she didn’t view you as much of a friend.” Celestia spoke softly to the Pegasus, a sad look on her face.

“She left…she left me here…” The Pegasus repeated again.

Change of plans

From atop a cliff in Rainbow Falls.

“My, my, my. There appears to be some show going on over there.” Flam said to his brother.

“Yes indeed dear brother. That’s quite the show going on in Canterlot tonight.” Flim responded.

The Flim Flam brothers looked out from high atop Rainbow Falls, as they watched the light show that was most definitely being caused by the Princesses in Canterlot. They assumed that their plan had been a success, and that Queen Chrysalis was being overthrown as they watched the magic flashes.

However, they didn’t notice the sounds of a pony approaching them from behind them.

“Flim Flam Brothers!” A mare’s voice called out, causing the brothers to jump.

As they turned around to see whom was addressing them, they discovered it was one of their partners in the whole plan, Spitfire.

“Ah, how delightful to see you again Captain Spitfire.” Flim addressed the Wonderbolt Captain.

“What brings you by Rainbow Falls this late at night? Looking to buy something?” Flam asked.

“Cut the hay! What’s going on here!? Why hasn’t Chrysalis drank the love poison yet, and what’s with the light show going on in Canterlot!?” Spitfire demanded.

The brothers looked at each other, confused as to what Spitfire was talking about.

“Why whatever do you mean?” Flim asked, a confused look on his face.

“Yes, from what we can tell, everything looks like its going just fine.” Flam added, a face to match his brother’s.

“Don’t play dumb with me! Why did Trixie ponynap Chrysalis, and what happened to my flyer Soarin!?” Spitfire asked.

The brothers looked at each other once more, trying to piece the puzzle together.

“That’s…most unfortunate on both accounts.” Flim replied.

“We’re not sure why Trixie would want to capture Chrysalis herself.” Flam added.

“As for your flyer, well; didn’t you plan to use him as bait from the beginning? Surely you should have been expecting him to disappear?” Flim added.

“I expected him to go down as the culprit! Not to disappear and leave the chance for them to trace the plot back to one of us!” Spitfire replied.

“Does he know about our plan?” Flim asked.

“No, but he’s always hanging around Scootaloo and I trying to be a Wonderbolt again, so I don’t know if he was ever eavesdropping.” Spitfire responded.

“Sounds like a sneaky partner if you ask me.” Flam told Spitfire.

“But we’ve always been able to trust each other, right?” Flim asked Spitfire.

“I suppose. Not like I don’t know about you two though.” Spitfire replied.

“Well fair enough. But there, you see? We’re still friends.” Flim replied.

“Even assuming that you’re right, and that Chrysalis didn’t drink the love poison, it’s not like this is such a bad thing.” Flam added.

“Quite the contrary. If Chrysalis is indeed gone, then that should solve all matters altogether.” Flim added.

“But we still don’t know WHERE she is. We need to have a Plan B going, if we want to make sure that she stays gone.” Spitfire told the brothers.

“I’m assuming you’ve already got one in mind?” Flim asked.

“I have one for myself, yes. I’m still making sure that things get carried out without too much deviation from the original plan. What about you two?” Spitfire told the brothers.

“We’ve…” Flim started to say, before his brother finished for him.

“We’ve got a Plan B of our own of course.” Flam filled in for his brother, a confident look on his face.

“Yes of course. No need to worry about us.” Flim repeated, a confident look on his face as well.

Unconvinced that the brothers were telling the truth, but realizing that time was short to question them further, Spitfire decided to let them be with their “Plan B.”

“Alright then. As long as we’re able to get rid of that changeling and her entire swarm without any hiccups, then I suppose I can trust whatever your Plan B is.” Spitfire told the brothers.

Happy that Spitfire had bought their lie, the brothers turned to nod their heads in agreement with each other.

“However, just to be on the safe side. I’ll stick around here for the time being, just to make sure that nothing you two do will interfere with my own backup plan.” Spitfire told the brothers, before making her way to their tent.

The brothers waved goodbye to the Pegasus, fake smiles on their faces, before turning back to one-another.

“Well this sure is a predicament. What are we supposed to do now?” Flim asked.

“How should I know? I thought that those flashes of magic over in Canterlot meant everything was just fine, same as you.” Flam replied.

“Well, we’ll probably need to keep an eye on her for now, since she’s most likely doing the same to us.” Flim answered.

“Indeed. Although, now that I think about it; you don’t suppose that Unicorn and her friends have anything to do with this, do you?” Flam asked.

“It’s a possibility. She was the one that found that giant hole in our plan. I wouldn’t be surprised if she found a way to get there in time and change things.” Flim answered.

“So we need to make keeping THEM from interfering any further OUR Plan B?” Flam asked.

“Yes, I’d say that sounds like as good a plan as ever, but we can’t really do much about that, at least not while Ms. Captain over there is watching us.” Flim replied.

“Agreed.” Flam added.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, now running through the streets of Canterlot.

“Twilight! Twilight slow down!” Spike called after Twilight, trying to keep up with her.

“Yeah! What was all that about!? Why did you teleport us out of there!?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Finally, Twilight stopped running and leaned up against the side of one of the stores, before sliding down to the ground and starting to cry to herself.

“Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, as she approached her friend from back on the ground.

Turning Twilight’s head towards theirs, Rainbow Dash could see Twilight’s face covered in tears, with a painfully hurt look on her face.

“Oh Rainbow Dash!” Twilight told her friend, pulling her in for a comforting hug while still crying. “I didn’t want to do it! I didn’t want to leave her there like that! Even though I know the Princesses would never do anything to hurt us, I…I just still couldn’t stand doing it!” Twilight added, trying to sniff up her tears before speaking again. “But…but I knew that if we didn’t get out of there, then everypony else would be in danger. This…this whole mess is just so confusing, and I want it to be over. I want our friends to go back to the way they used to be, and I want Equestria to go back to normal as well.”

“Well, you were the one that told me not to make any rash decisions, and that one was pretty rash on your part.” Rainbow Dash told her friend.

“I know, and I’m sorry, but there wasn’t any other way that I could see.” Twilight replied.

“It’s alright. I guess if I was in your hooves, I might’ve done the same thing, or at least grabbed Fluttershy too.” Rainbow Dash told Twilight.

“I did think about that after I grabbed your tail, but I’ve never tried teleporting more than one other pony besides myself before. I wasn’t sure what would’ve happened.” Twilight replied.

“Well now that’s out of the way, we should probably get moving again.” Spike spoke.

“You’re right Spike. Fluttershy wouldn’t want us to waste time sobbing over her like this, and I’m sure she can take care of herself.” Twilight responded.

“So where to now?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, we’ll need to find out more behind this whole plot against Chrysalis. The Flim Flam brothers seemed clueless about the repercussions of this plan, and Trixie didn’t seem to have put much thought into it either. Honestly, if you’re going to try to overthrow a Queen, especially a changeling Queen, then you should really put more thought into your plan, and the kinds of repercussions that could stem from it going wrong.” Twilight replied.

“What about that love poison thing? Shouldn’t we still try to find that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“If Chrysalis isn’t even present anymore, then I don’t think we need to worry about it too much. Also, now that we’ve told the Princesses about it, I’m sure they’ll take precautions to make sure that everypony in the palace is careful about what they drink for a while.” Twilight answered.

“So who do we turn to then?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The Flim Flam brothers mentioned that of all the ponies they know of that weren’t affected by Chrysalis’ mind control, there were themselves, Trixie, and Spitfire.” Twilight answered.

“Wow! I always knew that the Captain of the Wonderbolts couldn’t be tamed by some changeling!” Rainbow Dash replied proudly.

“Even so, she still had a hoof in this whole plan, even if it didn’t go as they thought it would.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“So we need to find Spitfire, right? Soarin was saying that Spitfire sent him to Canterlot for something, so maybe she’ll know a little more about what’s going on, and why Soarin got involved too.” Spike asked.

“Right.” Twilight answered.

“She’s probably still up in Cloudsdale at this hour. I can’t think of any night shows that the Wonderbolts would be doing this time of year, and I know Spitfire doesn’t do a whole lot of night flying anyway.” Rainbow Dash added.

Twilight and Spike both raised an eyebrow to Rainbow Dash, wondering how she knew so much about the Wonderbolts’ personal schedules.

“What? It’s not like I stalk them or anything. I just…you know, follow the news a lot! You know how much I love to read!” Rainbow Dash replied, putting on a cheesy smile.

Twilight and Spike laughed a bit to each other, before getting back to the task at hoof.

“So how are we supposed to get up there?” Spike asked.

“I guess we’ll have to go back to Ponyville first. That’s where my balloon is.” Twilight replied.

“Way ahead of ya Twilight!” Rainbow Dash called down from up in the air.

“Huh?” Twilight and Spike said in unison.

“Follow me!” Rainbow Dash called down, before taking off.

Spike hopped onto Twilight’s back, and the two of them headed off after Rainbow Dash. After a few minutes of running outside of the main hub of Canterlot, they arrived at their destination, and Twilight saw what Rainbow Dash had in mind.

Before them was a giant airship, with a balloon shaped like a whale.

“Yeah! This’ll be perfect!” Spike said aloud.

“Rainbow Dash, how did you…?” Twilight asked.

“I remembered seeing it when I was flying around before your birthday party here a while ago. It should be able to get us up to Cloudsdale in no time!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“You’re right…although, wouldn’t this be stealing?” Twilight asked.

“What are you talking about? Weren’t you the ones that said there weren’t any more fees for transportation since Chrysalis took over?” Rainbow Dash asked back.

“Well, that was for trains and the like I believe. I’m pretty sure this balloon actually belongs to somepony.” Twilight replied.

“Then we’ll just take it up quick, and bring it right back down. It’s still nighttime, so they won’t even notice.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“I don’t know.” Twilight spoke.

“Ah, come on Twilight! You said it yourself that we’re in a hurry, and I’m sure the owner would understand given the circumstances.” Spike told Twilight.

“Well, I guess given the circumstances.” Twilight replied.

“Alright! I call the steering wheel!” Spike called out, as he rushed towards the ship.

“Hey!” Twilight called back, before shaking her head and following Spike.

Twilight prepped the ship as best she could, before giving Rainbow Dash the “Okay!” to push the ship into the sky. Once airborne, the trio set a course for Cloudsdale, unaware that they were being followed.

Lonely cell

Earlier, in the dungeon beneath Canterlot.

An interrogation had been underway for a short time now, as Princess Luna tried to get whatever information she could out of the captured Pegasus.

Soarin reeled in uncontrollable laughter, as Princess Luna continued to tickle him with a feather.

“Has thou had enough yet?” Luna asked the Pegasus, still tickling him.

“Yes! Ha ha ha! Please stop! Ha ha ha! I’ll do anything! Ha ha!” Soarin responded, between laughs.

“Then tell us where her majesty, Queen Chrysalis is.” Luna replied, ceasing her tickling for the stallion to speak clearly.

“I told you your highness, I don’t know where…” Soarin began to say, before Princess Luna continued her tickling once more. “Ha ha ha!”

“What were thou doing in Canterlot?” Luna asked.

“Like I said, I was sent here to be evaluated by Queen Chrysalis herself, so that I could join the Wonderbolts. It’s what Captain Spitfire told me…” Soarin responded, before being tickled again. “Ha ha ha!”

“Does thou wish to take her place!?” Luna yelled at the Pegasus in her Equestrian voice, while gesturing towards Fluttershy in an adjacent cell.

In the other cell; Fluttershy was huddled underneath several blankets, shivering horribly.

“We would hath left her stranded on the moon, if it not for the words of reason from our dear sister! Unless thou wishes to experience the same ordeal, then we suggest that thou start speaking the truth!” Luna yelled again.

“I swear…ha ha ha! I’ve told you everything I know! Ha ha ha!” Soarin replied between laughing fits.

“That’s enough Luna.” Princess Celestia told her sister.

Luna ceased her tickling of the Pegasus, before starting to walk away.

“Very well sister. We shall let thou deal with him then. We’re going to continue the search for her majesty, and the ponies that escaped.” Luna told her sister, before leaving the dungeon in a flash of her own magic.

“Well I suppose that went fairly well. Although, it would have been interesting to have seen ‘her’ methods of interrogation, over your own Celestia.” Discord spoke, before laying back in a floating lawn chair.

Celestia thought about Discord’s words, but was still glad that she had talked her sister into dealing with the pony in a calmer way.

Soarin finally stopped laughing, as he tried to catch his breath once more.

“Tell me about the ponies that left you.” Celestia asked the Pegasus.

Upon hearing the Princess talk about Rainbow Dash, and the other ponies that were with her, Soarin suddenly got down on himself again.

“You mean…Rainbow Dash?” Soarin asked.

“Yes. Her, and the other two.” Celestia replied.

“Rainbow Dash and I live up in Cloudsdale. She’s a Wonderbolt who works with Captain Spitfire, while I’m still trying to join them as well. We’ve know each other for a long time, but I don’t know why she would suddenly abandon me like that.” Soarin responded.

“And what about the other two?” Celestia asked.

“Who?” Soarin asked back.

“The Unicorn and baby dragon with her.” Celestia replied.

“Oh, them. They were the ones that caused the flood in Ponyville.” Soarin told the Princess.

“Go on.” Celestia spoke.

“Well; after they caused the flood, and the waters receded, the Gypsy Zecora came and took them away. I thought she was going to deal with them, but I guess they escaped.” Soarin replied.

“And that was the last time you saw them until now?” Celestia asked.

“Yes. The Gypsy wanted Rainbow Dash to help carry them, and I asked Rainbow Dash to keep an eye on them as well.” Soarin spoke.

“Did she ever tell you anything further about them?” Celestia asked.

“No.” Soarin replied.

“Hmm, very well. Now, back to what you were doing here this late at night.” Celestia spoke.

“Please your highness, I keep trying to tell you that…” Soarin started to say, before the Princess held up a hoof, cutting him off.

“I already know ‘why’ you said you were here. I wish to know more about what led up to your coming here.” Celestia asked.

Soarin sat quietly for a minute, thinking back to everything that had happened earlier that day.

“I was sitting on a cloud in Cloudsdale, waiting for Rainbow Dash to come back from helping carry the ponies.” Soarin spoke.

“Go on.” Celestia replied.

“That’s when Captain Spitfire showed up, and told me that the Wonderbolts were going to start recruiting again. She said that I should head to Canterlot, where new recruits were going to be evaluated.” Soarin spoke.

“And she told you that Queen Chrysalis herself was going to be the judge of the new recruits?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah. She told me that both the Queen, and Canterlot, had finally seen the importance of the Wonderbolts, and wanted to give us a chance to recruit new members, so we could grow.” Soarin replied.

“And where exactly, were you supposed to report for this evaluation?” Celestia asked.

“Captain Spitfire said that I needed to go to the Queen’s Royal Chambers, but I didn’t know where they were when I got here.” Soarin answered.

“And that’s why you started flying around, trying to find the room, correct?” Celestia asked.

“Yes ma’am. Captain Spitfire told me that everything had already been arranged for me to make my way to the Royal Chambers without any problem, but she forgot to tell me where they were, and nopony was around to guide me.” Soarin replied.

“So you never meant any harm to her majesty with your visit then?” Celestia asked.

“Of course not! That’s why I was really surprised when Princess Luna found me, and she told me that she didn’t have any clue about the evaluations.” Soarin responded.

“And that’s everything that you can remember about what led up to you being here now?” Celestia asked.

“Yes your highness.” Soarin replied.

Soarin watched as the Princess nodded her head, and was about to take her leave, when something popped into his head that he had forgotten.

“Wait! There was something else.” Soarin told the Princess.

“Hmm, what is it?” Celestia responded, turning back to the Pegasus.

“Before I encountered Princess Luna, I saw a shadow flying around the palace.” Soarin replied.

“Can you describe the shadow at all?” Celestia asked.

“No ma’am. I thought it might’ve been another Pegasus here to be evaluated as well, but when I tried to chase after it, it was gone.” Soarin told the Princess.

“Did you by chance see where it came from, or where around the palace it was headed to?” Celestia asked.

“It looked like it came from the north, but that’s all I could tell before I lost sight of it.” Soarin responded.

“Hmm, and that’s all you remember?” Celestia asked.

“Yes.” Soarin replied.

“Very well then. Thank you my little pony. I’m sorry that you had to go through all of this.” Celestia told the Pegasus.

“You’re welcome Princess, I hope what I said helps.” Soarin replied.

“With that said though, you’ll still have to stay here for now. At least until Queen Chrysalis is returned safe and sound.” Celestia told the Pegasus.

“I understand.” Soarin spoke.

“Very well. We’ll be going now.” Celestia replied, looking towards Discord, who had fallen asleep in his chair.

“Wait your highness.” Soarin spoke.

“Yes?” Celestia replied, looking back to the Pegasus.

“If…if I may. Could I ask…a small favor?” Soarin nervously asked.

“What is it?” Celestia replied.

“If Rainbow Dash is ever brought back here; I’d like to talk to her.” Soarin spoke.

“If we are able to retrieve your friend, then I’ll do my best to try and accommodate that request.” Celestia replied, a smile on her face.

“Thank you your highness.” Soarin responded, bowing his head, before lying on the ground.

Celestia then turned around, and started to make her way out of the dungeon.

“Come along Discord. It’s time to go.” Celestia spoke to the sleeping Draconequus.

Discord let out a yawn, finally waking up. He began to rub his eyes, before he noticed Celestia walking away.

“Finally.” Discord spoke aloud. “Cop dramas always put me to sleep.” He spoke again, before disappearing in a flash of his magic.

Believing himself to be alone once more, Soarin let out a sigh, before talking to himself.

“Why Rainbow Dash? Why did you leave without me?” Soarin spoke to himself.

“Sounds like you’ve had a rough night pony.” A voice spoke from across the room.

“Huh? Who’s there?” Soarin called out.

“Forgotten me already huh? You ponies are all the same.” The voice responded, before approaching the bars of his cell, revealing himself.

Soarin saw that it was the same changeling that he had seen there before.

“Oh, it’s you! You’re still here?” Soarin replied.

“Yes, I’m still here! My queen said that I failed her, and had me tossed in this cell because of it. Add onto that; this cell is lined with magic that prevents any other magic from interfering, so I can’t even change my appearance to fool others into letting me out!” The changeling responded.

“Wait, how did you fail her? Aren’t you changelings always loyal to her?” Soarin asked.

“Yes, we are always loyal to our queen! However, when I told the queen that pony and dragon were taken away, rather than being swept away by that flood, she got mad and had me banished down here.” The changeling replied.

“Huh? Why would the Unicorn and dragon be swept away by their own flood?” Soarin asked, a confused look on his face.

“Their flood? They didn’t cause that flood.” The changeling told the pony.

“What do you mean? Then who did?” Soarin asked.

“It was Princess Luna that caused all that water to appear, and sub-sequentially, the flood.” The changeling replied.

“What!? There’s no way that Princess Luna would do that!” Soarin spoke, surprised.

“You better believe it pony. It was the Princess that caused all that mess. She caused me to give bad news to the queen, and it sounds like she’s caused you a lot of grief too.” The changeling replied.

“But…I thought that the queen had decided to let the Wonderbolts start recruiting again. Why wouldn’t she tell the Princesses as well?” Soarin spoke aloud.

“Let the Wonderbolts start recruiting? Ha! There’s no way my queen would let your pony ranks increase like that. She knows better than to let you fliers get out of control.” The changeling responded.

“Captain Spitfire said we were supposed to come here together. So why?” Soarin spoke to himself again, looking away from the changeling.

“Who? You and her?” The changeling asked, looking over at the still shivering Fluttershy.

“No. Rainbow Dash and I. We were supposed to come here together, so she could help escort the recruits.” Soarin replied.

“Oh, I get it now. Instead of getting involved with that ruse, your friend decided to let you take the fall, and instead escape with those other two. How sad.” The changeling spoke, giving a little chuckle.

“No. That’s not like Rainbow Dash. She wouldn’t…” Soarin spoke, turning to the changeling again.

“Don’t stress yourself out pony. What’s done is done. Your friend decided to trade you for them, and save her own tail.” The changeling told the pony.

“But, she was asked to go with them.” Soarin spoke.

“Yeah, yeah. She was ‘asked’ to help take those two away. A little too convenient if you ask me.” The changeling replied.

“No…she…” Soarin spoke, turning away again.

“She got ‘selected’ to leave you behind, and when she caught wind of what was really going on; instead of coming to your rescue, she decided that she was going to stick with them, and let you take the fall.” The changeling told the pony.

“No…she would never…” Soarin spoke, his voice getting lower.

“Face it pony. Your so-called ‘friend’ betrayed you. Get over it. I may have been betrayed by my queen, but you don’t see me complaining about it. Do you?” The changeling responded.

“She wouldn’t betray…that’s not who she…but…” Soarin spoke softly.

“But what?” The changeling asked.

“But she said that they were her friends, and that she didn’t remember…” Soarin began to respond, before the changeling cut him off.

“Brainwash. A classic excuse. She probably claimed that they were her friends, and that she forgot everything about you, as a way to say; ‘We were never friends. Get lost!’”

“But…” Soarin spoke.

“Just give it a rest pony. With any luck, my queen will return by morning, and you’ll be able to go back to your little home in the sky. I’ll still be stuck here, but at least ‘you’ll’ be free. Now be quiet, I’d like to get some sleep.” The changeling told the pony, before going to the other side of his cell, and laying down to sleep.

“Yeah. I guess…you’re right.” Soarin replied, before lying back down, and shutting his eyes.

With the conversation over; the only sound that remained was the shivering and chattering teeth of the yellow Pegasus, as she kept herself wrapped in her blankets.

Sky high

High in the sky at night, along the edge of Cloudsdale.

Twilight cast a spell on both Spike and herself, allowing them to safely step upon the surface of the clouds, before hopping off the airship. Rainbow Dash hovered above them, looking around at the empty city and night’s sky.

“Well we’ve finally arrived.” Twilight said aloud.

“Sure is creepy up here at night.” Spike added, holding onto Twilight’s leg.

Twilight looked around.

Cloudsdale did indeed look quite different at night, she thought. With only the street lamps lit, and the bright moon above them, an eerie kind of glow emitted about the entire area. It was also completely silent, with everypony already asleep, and only the wind and Dash’s wings making any sound.

“Now let’s go find Captain Spitfire!” Rainbow Dash called out, starting to fly off.

“Do we even know where she lives up here?” Spike asked.

Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks, after hearing Spike.

“Well…I ‘think’ she lives on the west side of Cloudsdale, so perhaps we should start there.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“If you say so. Let’s go.” Twilight spoke.

The trio began to make their way into Cloudsdale, while a slithering shadow followed from behind.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

In the streets of Cloudsdale.

“We’ve been walking for a while now Rainbow Dash. Are you sure you don’t recognize her house or where she works anywhere?” Twilight asked.

“I never said I’d recognize…I just…have an idea…that’s all.” Rainbow Dash replied, trying to hide that she knew so much about the Wonderbolts, and their lives.

“Soarin said that you were a Wonderbolt, and that you worked with them up here all the time. I know you don’t remember any of that anymore, but don’t you have some idea of where it is?” Spike asked.

“I already told you. I don’t remember anything other than before you two left on your trip, and when I woke up at Zecora’s.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“We’ll just have to trust Rainbow Dash’s senses on this one Spike.” Twilight told her companion.

The trio continued to make their way through the streets, before a large shadow passed over them, and they all looked up in surprise. Only to find nothing there.

“What was that?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know, but it looked much too large to be a Pegasus.” Twilight replied.

The three of them looked around, before moving on.

All while they made their way through the streets, Twilight kept noticing that the shadows around them seemed to be moving. She couldn’t quite place it, but she felt as if they weren’t alone up there.

As they approached another intersection, a shadow quickly darted across the street in front of them, prompting Rainbow Dash to chase after it.

“Who’s there!?” She called out, as she rounded the corner after it.

Upon reaching the next fork in the road, she couldn’t see the shadow anymore, and figured that it must have run off somewhere.

“Did you find anything Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“No.” Rainbow Dash replied. “But we shouldn’t be much further now.”

“That’s good. I’m not sure how much longer I can stand wandering these empty, dark streets.” Spike replied.

The trio made their way a little further west, until they could see the cloud’s edge once more.

“Here we are. Captain Spitfire works over there on the right.” Rainbow Dash told her friends, pointing to a building made of clouds nearby.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Inside the Wonderbolt’s building.

“So now that we made it here, what exactly are we looking for again?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“We need to try and find Captain Spitfire. The Flim Flam Brothers said that they were working together on their plan to get rid of Chrysalis, and since this is where the Wonderbolt’s work, then she must be here somewhere.” Twilight replied.

“You don’t suppose she’d have a sign on her door saying it’s her room, do you?” Spike asked.

“I kinda doubt it honestly. She’d want to make sure ponies find places like her office, not where she sleeps.” Rainbow Dash responded.

Twilight looked back at Rainbow Dash, raising an eyebrow.

“What? I’m serious. I’ve never been in here before. Although, I am pretty excited to be here already.” Rainbow Dash replied, sounding a little giddy at the end.

“Well let’s keep looking then. With any luck, we’ll find her office soon at least.” Twilight spoke aloud.

“Hey there’s someone over here.” Spike told the two ponies.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash came to see whom Spike was talking about. There, sitting outside of a room labeled “Office” they found Scootaloo, fast asleep.

“Huh? What’s Scootaloo doing up here? She can’t fly yet…can she?” Rainbow Dash asked, while whispering.

“I don’t think so yet. She must be up here because of her changed memory. At least since she’s a Pegasus, she won’t fall through the clouds.” Twilight whispered back.

“Well isn’t that the room we need to get into?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, why don’t we just wake Scootaloo up and go inside?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“We don’t want to cause any more confusion or commotion than what’s already going on. Let me just open the door with my magic, and we’ll sneak over her.” Twilight answered, as her horn began to glow, and she slowly opened the door with her magic.

Once the door was open, the trio quietly made their way inside the room, while Scootaloo mumbled in her sleep.

“Mmm…just like you Dash…” Scootaloo mumbled, before her voice was silenced by the door closing.

“So this is Captain Spitfire’s office huh? Looks really organized.” Spike spoke.

“Hey, here’s a picture of the current Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash spoke. “Look, there’s Spitfire and Soarin, but I don’t see me anywhere.”

“I thought Soarin said that you were a Wonderbolt, Rainbow Dash?” Spike asked.

“That’s probably how things were, but remember, Spitfire never lost her memory, so she most likely never made any changes in here.” Twilight replied.

The three of them continued to look around the room, until Twilight noticed something outside the windows.

“It looks like somepony is coming this way. Quick, everyone hide!” Twilight whispered to her friends.

Twilight and her friends hid just in time, as a pony opened one of the windows from the outside, and made their way in. From what they could tell; it was a blue Pegasus, with a white mane and tail, with a small white shape of a bird for a cutie mark.

Not wanting to give the new intruder a chance to escape, Rainbow Dash quickly pounced on the pony, pinning him to the ground.

“Gotcha! You’re not going anywhere.” Rainbow Dash told the pony.

The pony hissed back at Rainbow Dash, before kicking her off, and heading towards the window. However, before he could escape, the window shut firm in his face, and he fell to the ground.

Twilight’s horn stopped glowing from closing the window in time, as she walked over to the pony.

“Who are you and what…?” Twilight began to ask the pony, before something surprising stopped her short.

Before she could finish her sentence, a green glow emitted from the pony, and the once blue coated feathery Pegasi, turned into a black, hole riddled changeling.

“A changeling!” The three announced in unison.

The changeling rubbed his head, before standing up, only to be tackled down again.

“Talk! What’s a changeling like you doing in the Captain of the Wonderbolt’s office!?” Rainbow Dash ordered the changeling.

The changeling hissed back once more, before answering.

“I could ask you the same thing.” The changeling replied.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked.

“I’m not telling you anything.” The changeling answered.

“Talk!” Rainbow Dash ordered.

“Make me.” The changeling replied.

Rainbow Dash was about to resort to violence, when all four of them heard a knocking at the door.

“Hello? Twitters, is that you?” Scootaloo called from outside the door.

“Twitters huh?” Rainbow Dash spoke to the changeling.

“Huh? Rainbow Dash! Is that you too!?” Scootaloo called again.

A jostling then came from the door, as Scootaloo reached for the doorknob. However, just before she could get the door open, Twilight used her magic to teleport everyone in the room outside. When Scootaloo opened the door, she found nopony inside.

“Rainbow Dash? Twitters?” Scootaloo spoke aloud, while looking around the room. “Maybe I was just dreaming.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Outside the Wonderbolt’s building.

Twilight and the others reappeared in a flash of magic, with the changeling still pinned by Rainbow Dash.

“Okay, now talk. You’re obviously named Twitters, if that’s what Scootaloo knows you as in this messed up reality. Why did you come into Spitfire’s office?” Twilight asked the changeling.

“Why should I tell you ponies anything?” The changeling replied.

“Because if you don’t, I’ll teach you a lesson in messing with the Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“What? You’d really hurt a fellow Wonderbolt, Rainbow Dash?” The changeling responded, changing back into a Pegasus.

“I’m not a Wonderbolt…yet, but neither are you!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Of course you’re not a Wonderbolt.” The changeling answered, changing back to his original form. “The only reason my Queen even gave you that title, was so that she could drain as much love and admiration from you as possible.”

“Why you!” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said to her friend, raising a hoof to stop her. “Getting mad won’t solve anything right now. We need to figure out as much as we can about what Spitfire was working on.”

“Spitfire? You want to know what she’s been up to?” The changeling asked.

“Yes. We’re trying to figure out about her plan to get rid of Chrysalis.” Twilight replied.

“Oh, well in that case; if you’re trying to stop that pony and save my Queen, then I’ll gladly tell you what she’s been doing.” The changeling responded. “She’s…”

Before the changeling could tell the ponies what he knew about Spitfire, a shadow suddenly engulfed the changeling and dragged him under the clouds, releasing him from Rainbow Dash’s hooves.

“What was that!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Before any other pony had a chance to speak, a figure burst up from underneath the clouds, spreading their wings as they hovered above them. Under the light of the moon, the figure was revealed to be Princess Luna, an angry look in her eyes.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight spoke aloud.

“There is no escape for thee this time.” Luna spoke to the ponies in her Equestrian voice.

“Princess Luna, we need to talk with that changeling. He could help shed some light on all of this confusion.” Twilight tried to reason with the Princess.

“We shall deal with the shape shifter. Just as we shall deal with you now.” Luna replied, her eyes beginning to glow white.

“Uh, Twilight, what do we do now?” Spike asked.

“Come on Princess Luna! Why are you acting this way? Do you really want to serve that hideous queen?” Rainbow Dash asked the Princess.

“You’re words mean nothing to me.” Luna replied, gathering the rest of her magic to unleash a spell.

“Twilight!” Spike cried out.

Princess Luna unleashed her magic upon the ponies and young dragon, but Twilight quickly reacted by teleporting them away once again. The magical blast left a giant whole in the floor of the cloud, right where the three had been standing. Upon realizing that the three had evaded her, Luna gave chase into the city.

Twilight and friends reappeared in the streets of Cloudsdale, and immediately began making their way back towards the airship. Spike clung to Twilight’s back, while Rainbow Dash sped forward.

However, it didn’t take long for Princess Luna to catch up with them, as she began firing magical blasts at them.

Rainbow Dash evaded each shot, while Twilight had to keep teleporting, using up her magic bit-by-bit. They eventually managed to put enough distance between them, giving themselves enough time to finally reach the airship. Twilight rushed to prep the airship, while Rainbow Dash started to push it off.

“Rainbow Dash, we’re not ready yet!” Twilight called up to her friend.

“No time! She’s almost here!” Rainbow Dash called back down.

Spike glanced over the side of the ship, and saw Princess Luna appear in the sky above the clouds.

“There she is!” Spike called out.

Rainbow Dash gave the balloon one last push, and it started to float away from the clouds.

“There!” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“Oh, come on!” Twilight spoke nervously to herself, hoping the propellers would start, so they could try and gain some speed.

Rainbow Dash tried to keep pushing the balloon from the air, hoping it would help.

Twilight and Spike looked up at Rainbow Dash trying to push the balloon, before turning their attention back to Princess Luna in the distance. She had stopped chasing them, and was instead hovering in the air off the clouds.

“Why’d she stop chasing us?” Spike asked.

Twilight tried to think of an answer, before she realized why. She could see Princess Luna begin to glow again, and up there in the sky, there was only one thing that she could be thinking.

“She’s going to rupture the balloon!” Twilight called out.

As if on cue; Princess Luna released another magical beam, piercing the balloon, and causing it to start cork-screwing down below.

Twilight and Spike screamed on board, as they could feel themselves starting to drift away from the falling airship.

Rainbow Dash zipped down to save her friends, while the shadow of the now deflated balloon covered all three of them in darkness from the moon’s glare above.

Princess Luna watched as the airship plummeted towards the ground, and moved herself back over towards the cloud’s edge. She knew the chances of the ponies surviving were low, so she instead moved her focus to calming the nerves of the sleeping Pegasi, whom had been awoken by her trying to stop them.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, still concealed by the shadow of the balloon.

Rainbow Dash held Twilight’s hooves tight in her own, as she strained under the weight of holding both Twilight and Spike in the air. She slowed her descent as much as she could, being sure not to come out from the balloon’s concealment.

“Almost…there…” Rainbow Dash strained to say, as they got closer and closer to the ground.

Finally, the airship crashed into the forest below, while Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash safely made it back on solid ground.

Rainbow Dash collapsed, exhausted from keeping her friends up like that. Twilight and Spike sat down on the ground as well, looking back up towards Cloudsdale in the distance.

Twilight hoped that the worst was behind them, and that Princess Luna had truly given up her chase for now. Finally catching her breath, Twilight addressed her friends.

“Are you two alright?” Twilight asked.

“I’m okay, but I don’t think I’ll go flying again anytime soon.” Spike replied, falling onto his back.

“And you, Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“I’m good, just need to rest for a minute.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“That’s good.” Twilight responded.

“So what now? We didn’t really get anything useful from up there.” Spike asked.

“Well, we know that Spitfire apparently had a changeling working for her, or at least with her. That could explain how she was able to keep track of things from within Canterlot. Other than that, we couldn’t really find out anything about their plan.” Twilight answered.

Catching her breath again as well, Rainbow Dash spoke next.

“So where to now?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Based on the angle of our descent, and proportional to where we left Cloudsdale from, we should be in the vicinity of…” Twilight began to say, before Rainbow Dash cut her off.

“In English please.” Rainbow Dash told her friend.

“We’re in the forest Northwest of Ponyville.” Twilight responded.

“So back to Ponyville then?” Spike asked.

“I suppose so. We can use the time to re-group, and try and find our friends again.” Twilight replied.

“Works for me.” Spike replied.

“I’m down.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Okay, let’s get going then.” Twilight spoke, as she stood up.

The trio then began to make their way through the woods, towards Ponyville.

“I wonder how Princess Luna was able to find us.” Spike asked aloud.

“I don’t know Spike, but we should be safe for now.” Twilight replied.

Unwanted guest

Earlier, atop Rainbow Falls.

Flam stormed out of his and his brother’s tent, an annoyed look on his face.

“She’s made herself comfortable on our new couch!” Flam exclaimed to his brother, Flim.

“Calm down brother. She should only be here for tonight. After that, she’ll be gone.” Flim replied.

The brothers began to bicker amongst themselves, until an unexpected guest landed behind them.

“What seems to be the problem here?” The pony asked.

The brothers turned to the pony, and to their surprise, they found they were being spoken to by Princess Celestia.

“Princess Celestia!” The brothers spoke in unison, quickly bowing their heads to the princess.

“What a nice surprise my princess!” Flim spoke to Princess Celestia, raising his head.

“What brings you by our humble abode?” Flam added, doing the same.

“I have reason to believe that a pony from this area may be involved with the events that have occurred in Canterlot tonight.” The princess replied.

The brothers looked to each other, putting on a ruse of confusion.

“Why, whatever do you mean princess?” Flim asked.

“I received word that an unknown shadow was seen around the Royal Palace earlier tonight. It was described as coming from a northern direction.” Princess Celestia replied.

“And Rainbow Falls was your closest source I presume?” Flam asked.

“Of what destinations lie to the north, Rainbow Falls is the only one with a clear view of Canterlot. Even the smaller towns along the way don’t have as clear of a view, being on the ground. That leaves the ponies of Rainbow Falls.” Celestia responded.

“But why assume that the “shadow” culprit would make their way all the way up here? Seems like an exhausting journey if you ask me.” Flim spoke.

“Yes indeed. Even if they came by train, they would have only just now been arriving.” Flam added.

“Yes, you’re quite right. Therefore, they’d still be awake upon their arrival, and it appears that every other pony here is already asleep, except for you two it seems.” Celestia replied, looking around, before turning her gaze back to the Unicorns.

“We were just stepping outside for some fresh air your highness.” Flim responded, putting on a smile.

“Yes, does the lungs well, this fresh air.” Flam added, wearing a smile as well.

“Perhaps, but why so late at night? And why together?” Celestia asked.

“My brother and I are twins you see, Princess Celestia. If one of us feels stuffy at night…” Flim spoke.

“Then we both feel stuffy.” Flam finished his brother’s sentence.

“So we simply stepped outside to get some air.” Flim added.

Celestia looked upon the Unicorns, sensing that they were lying to her.

“I assume then, that you both always sleep in your work clothes?” Celestia asked the brothers, raising an eyebrow.

The brothers turned to each other in surprise, quickly eyeing that the other was still in uniform.

“Well, uh…you see…” Flim began to speak.

“Uh…a…a customer could always be right around the corner! So we always make sure that we’re ready for when the sale comes.” Flam spoke.

“Yes of course! We’re always ready for the masses.” Flim added.

“Then perhaps you could show me your latest product?” Celestia asked, giving a sly smile.

“We…we’ve already closed up shop for tonight your highness.” Flim replied.

“But we could still go fetch one of our products if you wish.” Flam added.

“Then why is the light still on in your tent?” Celestia asked, pointing a hoof to the lit tent behind them.

“Well…we needed to find our way out of our tent. Yes, that’s it.” Flim answered.

“Lots of merchandise to maneuver around you see.” Flam added.

“And you wouldn’t make sure that you had a clear path out, before going to sleep?” Celestia asked.

“Uh…” The brothers replied in unison, turning their eyes to one another.

Celestia realized that she was starting to trip up the brothers, so she decided to push them a little further.

“Perhaps you two would like a hoof organizing your tent then?” Celestia asked the brothers, as she made her way towards their tent.

Remembering that Spitfire was still inside the tent, the brothers quickly rushed in front of the entrance, blocking Princess Celestia from entering.

“Uh…no Princess, that’s quite alright.” Flim told the princess.

“Yes, we can clean it up ourselves. No need to worry yourself over us.” Flam added.

“Oh, I insist. I wouldn’t want my former subjects to feel left out.” Celestia replied, using her magic to move the Unicorns out of the way.

With the Unicorns no longer blocking the entrance, Celestia made her way inside. Once inside the tent, she found an assortment of products, boxes, mixing materials, and an empty couch. Oddly enough, she didn’t find it as cramped as the way the Unicorns had described.

Flim and Flam stuck their heads inside the tent, and both blew a sigh of relief, when they didn’t see Spitfire sleeping on the couch.

“See Princess Celestia? Nothing that the two of us won’t be able to handle.” Flim spoke to the princess.

Celestia looked around once more, slightly unsatisfied that she didn’t find anything suspicious.

“I suppose you’re right.” Celestia spoke aloud, eyeing the mixing materials one last time, before turning to make her way out.

As Celestia was almost out of the entrance, she felt something soft touch her back. She turned to see a yellow feather fall to the ground. She was about to look for the source of the feather, when the Unicorn brothers spoke up outside.

“By the Queen’s rule! What’s that!?” Flim called out, pointing towards something in the distance.

“What is it?” Celestia asked, turning back to the brothers.

“There’s something going on in the sky towards Cloudsdale!” Flam added.

Celestia walked out of the tent, and looked where the brothers were pointing. In the distance, she could see a big spherical object descend from Cloudsdale, before she saw a magical blast strike it from nearby.

“Luna.” Celestia spoke to herself.

Celestia spread her wings, before turning to the Unicorn brothers one last time.

“I must see what is going on. However, my business is not yet concluded here.” Celestia told the brothers, before taking off into the night’s sky.

The brothers waved goodbye to the princess, before another mare got their attention.

“Is she gone!?” Spitfire’s voice came from inside the tent.

“Yes, she’s gone.” Flim replied.

“Finally, for a second there, I thought she might find me.” Spitfire spoke aloud, as she walked out of the tent.

“Well luckily for us, she didn’t find you either.” Flim replied.

At that moment, Spitfire smacked both of the brothers in the face with her wing.

“What was that for!?” Flam asked, bringing a hoof to his face.

“Yeah, we tried to cover for you!” Flim added, doing the same.

“That’s for letting her come in here in the first place! You two obviously did something that caused her to come to Rainbow Falls!” Spitfire replied.

“What!? We didn’t do anything!” Flim responded.

“That’s right! Our part of the plan was perfect! The phoenix we sent even guaranteed us!” Flam added.

“Then why was the princess here?” Spitfire asked, still annoyed.

“How should we know?” Flim replied.

“All she said was something about a shadow, but shadows could come from anywhere.” Flam added.

“How about a shadow from the north, hmm?” Spitfire responded, glaring at the brothers.

Realizing that Spitfire had heard the entire conversation with Princess Celestia, the brothers were frozen in place.

“Uh…” Flim spoke.

“Well…” Flam spoke.

“Let me tell you what ‘I’ think happened. That little bird of yours got caught by somepony, and led a trail right back here.” Spitfire told the brothers, stamping her hoof on the ground to emphasize her point.

“But…but what about that spy of yours!” Flim replied.

“Yes, what if your spy was the one making the shadow, and she followed him instead?” Flam added.

“You two are forgetting that she said ‘North.’ Cloudsdale is to the ‘West.’ Besides; Twitters never reported back to me, after I sent him to retrieve the potion that YOU TWO had sent to the palace.” Spitfire retorted back.

The brothers were at a loss for words, as they tried to come up with another excuse.

“And another thing!” Spitfire spoke, before smacking the brothers across their faces once more. “Who designs a tent without a rear exit!?”

“Hey, don’t get mad at us for that!” Flim replied, rubbing his face again.

“That’s right! We’ve never needed one before!” Flam added, doing the same.

“Well unlike YOU TWO knuckleheads, I’m a Pegasus, not a Unicorn. I can’t just ‘poof’ my way out, and there wasn’t anything big enough in there for me to hide behind.” Spitfire replied.

“I’ll admit that was a blunder on our part, but at least she didn’t find you.” Flim spoke.

“Everything else is fine, right?” Flam added.

“For now. She said she’d be back though, so we’ll need to think of something else to distract her with.” Spitfire replied.

“What do you have in mind?” Flim asked.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Cloudsdale, presently.

Celestia arrived in the center of Cloudsdale, just as her sister, Luna, was dismissing the last of the ponies around her.

“Luna, what’s going on? Why were you shooting magical blasts up here?” Celestia asked her sister.

“We were perusing the ponies that doth escaped.” Luna replied.

“But why were you trying to hit them with your magic?” Celestia asked.

“So we could capture them dear sister. We failed in that aspect, but we did manage to bring their airship down.” Luna replied.

“You what!?” Celestia exclaimed.

“Fear not sister, we have a feeling that they survived the drop, and we believe we know where they’ll be heading next.” Luna replied, walking towards the cloud’s edge.

“That’s not the point Luna! You shouldn’t be trying to obliterate anypony! You should just trap them in a magic sphere, and bring them back to Canterlot.” Celestia tried to reason with her sister.

“We would, but the Unicorn is skilled in teleportation. It’s also as if she knows of our powers. She is a conundrum that we won’t tolerate.” Luna replied, spreading her wings in preparation.

“This isn’t like you Luna. You’re taking this far too personally.” Celestia spoke.

“They may very well be the ones responsible for her majesty’s abduction! Do you not care about our Queen dear sister?” Luna replied.

“I do care Luna, but we shouldn’t be too quick to jump to conclusions. They may very well not be the ones that took her. That’s why we need to question them first.” Celestia reasoned.

“You are always one to forgive easily sister. We wonder how Discord would handle their capture instead.” Luna replied.

“I’m sure he’d make a big joke out of it, but that’s just who he is.” Celestia responded. “Please Luna, just bring them back to Canterlot, safely.”

“We make no promises sister.” Luna replied, before taking off for Ponyville below.

“I worry about you Luna.” Celestia spoke to herself.

Celestia took a breath and gathered herself, before she too took off from Cloudsdale. She headed back to Rainbow Falls, to question the Unicorns further.

Author's Note

Hey everyone.

Sorry for the late update, and lack of consistent updates lately. My internet was completely down all weekend, and I've had a bit of writer's block before that.

Hope you enjoy it.

Midnight meeting

Along the streets of Ponyville.

Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash made their way through Ponyville, after traversing the woods to the north. The trip had certainly taken its toll on the friends, as the trio were exhausted.

“Gee, I didn’t think the walk here would have taken so long. I must have miscalculated on where we landed in the woods.” Twilight spoke to her friends, before letting out a tired yawn.

“Maybe we should have stopped at Town Hall?” Spike added, before giving a yawn of his own.

“I didn’t seem like anypony else was there, and besides, we’re not too far from the library now.” Twilight replied.

“Yeah, I’m not sure how I would’ve felt about sleeping in Town Hall, especially while Derpy’s been there.” Rainbow Dash spoke up.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

A few minutes earlier.

“Are we there yet?” Spike asked aloud.

“No Spike, we still have a ways to go.” Twilight replied.

“Well my wings are killing me from flying all night.” Rainbow Dash complained, before something off to the side caught her eye. “Hey, check it out.” She told her friends, pointing to what she was looking at.

Twilight and Spike looked over at what Rainbow Dash was pointing at, and saw Derpy sitting on the front steps of Town Hall, eating a muffin.

Derpy was about to take another bite, until she finally noticed the trio with one of her eyes, and stopped eating.

The four of them stared back at each other in silence, before Derpy took another bite of the muffin, and headed back inside, closing the door behind her.

Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash looked at each other, confused, before continuing on.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back in the present.

“That was kind of strange, but at least she seemed timid.” Twilight spoke up.

“I don’t know, it did take a while to rebuild Town Hall the last time she was there.” Spike replied.

“Don’t remind me.” Rainbow Dash added, an annoyed look on her face as she lowered her head. “So how much further?”

“The library is just around the corner. Almost there.” Twilight replied.

“About time.” Spike replied, letting out another yawn. “I can’t wait to sleep in my bed.”

The group began to round the next corner, before another pony caught their attention, this time, speaking to them.

“Hey, there ya are!” The pony spoke.

The three of them turned to the pony, and discovered that it was Braeburn.

“Braeburn! It’s good to see you again!” Twilight replied back.

The four headed towards each other, meeting in the middle.

“Likewise. Did ya’ll by chance see Fluttershy while you were in Canterlot?” Braeburn asked.

Twilight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash looked away from Braeburn, as they thought back to what happened.

Twilight brought her head back first, as she replied to him.

“Yes…we saw her.” Twilight spoke.

“She saved us back there, but how did she know that we were in trouble?” Spike added.

“While we were trying to follow you guys, we ended up at a shack in the back-woods. Soon after, Zecora got some kind of sign of danger, and Fluttershy sped out of there.” Braeburn replied.

“Good to know that you two were alright after we left.” Rainbow Dash told Braeburn, a somber look on her face. “I hope she still is…”

“Hmm? Did something happen?” Braeburn replied, a confused look on his face.

“We were forced to leave shortly after she arrived.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Well if I know Fluttershy, then she’s probably long gone from there by now. She normally doesn’t stick around a place too long if it gets on her nerves.” Braeburn replied.

“I sure hope so.” Rainbow Dash spoke.

Thinking back on the event, something began to tick in Twilight’s mind, as she came to what she believed to be a reasonable conclusion.

“Wait a second. Before, Fluttershy didn’t seem to care about anypony else, but something happened that caused her to rush to our aid. Maybe whatever that was finally broke the spell, and she remembered us!” Twilight finished with glee.

“I don’t know, but she sure took off fast, and without saying a word to anypony.” Braeburn replied.

“Maybe you’re right Twilight! Rainbow Dash snapped out of it at Zecora’s, and maybe Fluttershy did the same!” Spike spoke to Twilight.

“Then it looks like we’re headed for Zecora’s!” Rainbow Dash spoke aloud.

“Alright, let’s make a beeline for Zecora’s! You should come too Braeburn, the more help, the better.” Twilight replied.

“Well alright I guess. I did just come from there, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find again.” Braeburn replied.

With Spike on Twilight’s back, the three ponies headed towards the Everfree Forest, to visit Zecora once more.

“This is awesome! Two friends down, and three to go! We should be able to help all our friends in no time!” Rainbow Dash called out, as she flew slightly ahead of her friends.

“I agree.” Twilight replied. “So how were things with you Braeburn? You seem to be in better spirits.”

“Things went alright I guess. It’s also been nice to not deal with Fluttershy’s yelling. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve always gotten along pretty well, but it was a hassle reassuring everypony she yelled at.” Braeburn replied.

“She was never like that before. Well, except for that time Iron Will came to town.” Spike responded.

“So I take it you stayed at Zecora’s this whole time?” Twilight asked.

“Well, yes and no. I stayed there for a little while, even after she left, but I got lost coming back.” Braeburn replied.

“Yes, it can be a challenge navigating these woods. Especially for a pony not from the area.” Twilight spoke.

“And Fluttershy didn’t cause a scene while you were there?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well ‘she’ didn’t, but that’s not to say there wasn’t a ruckus.” Braeburn replied.

“What happened?” Spike asked.

“Those mares and the filly from the Town Hall showed up.” Braeburn replied.

“Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Sweetie Belle? Did they come to make trouble?” Twilight asked.

“Not exactly.” Braeburn replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier, inside Zecora’s hut.

“Ah’ll give ya this. You sure can hide an apple well.” Apple Jack spoke to Zecora, still ransacking her home.

“Is an apple really that important to you?” Braeburn asked.

“Ah course it is! Mah family and mah farm have been farming apples for years, and we don’t take kindly to folks who steal from us!” Apple Jack replied, stamping a hoof on the ground to make her point.

“Did you really steal from her?” Braeburn asked Zecora.

“Let me assure you. What she claims, isn’t true.” Zecora replied.

“If you say so.” Braeburn replied, before he heard Fluttershy’s impatient tapping of her hoof behind him.

“Can’t you just go pick some apples from somewhere and give them to her already? I’m getting tired of waiting around for this nonsense!” Fluttershy spoke.

“It shouldn’t be too much longer Fluttershy.” Braeburn tried to reassure her.

“Although she appears to be filled with spite, I can sense that she is not alright.” Zecora spoke to Braeburn.

“She’s been acting like this ever since we met Twilight and her friends. Also, we got into a…disagreement with some ponies back in Ponyville. We were trying to help their friend Rarity I guess, when Fluttershy kicked down the door and started lecturing them.” Braeburn replied.

“Hmm.” Zecora spoke.

“Twilight and her dragon friend fled first, and then Rainbow Dash followed after Fluttershy finished. However, we didn’t end up helping Rarity, on account of her and Mayor Mare being scared stiff from Fluttershy’s yelling.” Braeburn continued.

“Hmm.” Zecora spoke.

“After that, we left in hopes of finding Sugarcube Corner, where we hoped to meet up with them. Unfortunately, neither of us knew our way around the town, and while I thought we found help in a white bunny we passed, we eventually lost him and wandered into this here forest.” Braeburn finished.

“I see. So that is how this came to be.” Zecora replied. “Either way, I am glad. Now the future doesn’t look so sad.”

“What do you mean?” Braeburn asked.

“I had a feeling days ago, that a different wind into our world did blow. I wasn’t sure if things would be alright, until I laid my eyes on our friend Twilight. She and her friends seek to break this spell. They will succeed, of that I can tell.” Zecora replied.

“That so huh?” Braeburn responded.

A knocking then came at the door, but despite being the closest, Fluttershy walked away from it.

“Apple Bloom, would you see who wishes to enter the room?” Zecora asked the filly.

“Yes ma’am.” Apple Bloom responded, before making her way to the door.

“I know we showed up unannounced as well, but do you always have company this late?” Braeburn asked Zecora.

“It’s Mayor Mare and a couple of ponies from Ponyville, Zecora.” Apple Bloom called back.

“Oh no! Did they come back looking for a fight?” Braeburn exclaimed, taking a step back.

“Oh grow a back bone Braeburn!” Fluttershy scolded.

“Fear not, we shall discover their true plot.” Zecora replied. She then gestured to Apple Bloom to let the ponies inside.

“Thank you dear.” Rarity told Apple Bloom, as she entered the hut.

A look of disgust came over Rarity’s face, as she looked around at the décor. However, it was quickly replaced with shock, when she saw Fluttershy and Braeburn.

“Oh! You ruffians again!” Rarity exclaimed.

Zecora stamped her hooves on the ground, getting the attention of everypony else, besides Fluttershy and Apple Jack.

“These ponies are my guests as well! Calm yourself, before I cast a spell!” Zecora bluffed to calm Rarity down.

“Oh…umm…yes, very well. We did not come here to cause a ruckus. We simply wish to inquire on a matter at hoof.” Rarity replied.

“Then guests from close and out of town, won’t you all please sit down.” Zecora spoke.

Mayor Mare and Sweetie Belle entered the room, and sat down with the others. Fluttershy remained by the window, her back to the group, while Apple Jack continued her search.

“So what is it Rarity, that you wish to know from me?” Zecora asked.

“We wish to hear from you regarding the events that have occurred, as well as anything you can tell us about the ponies you brought here the previous night.” Rarity asked.

“The ponies I assume you have also met, I can guarantee you are not a threat.” Zecora replied.

“What!?” Rarity exclaimed.

“Unlike the darkness of the night, I believe those ponies shall bring us light.” Zecora replied, placing her hooves together in front of her.

“But the tale of the evil Uni…” Rarity began to reply, before she was cut off.

“Do you doubt the words I speak? I assure you I am not meek!” Zecora replied.

“Of…of course not. My apologies.” Rarity responded.

“Very well, but I will keep within my mind a spell.” Zecora replied, bluffing once more. “As for the events that have occurred, they branch from something much more absurd.”

“Do tell.” Rarity asked.

Zecora proceeded to tell Rarity and the other ponies the same story that she told Twilight. While some parts seemed hard to believe, they listened without saying a word.

“That is all I know. A truly tragic tale, no?” Zecora spoke.

“Truly an amazing story.” Mayor Mare replied.

“So then…none of this is real?” Rarity asked.

“I’m afraid so dear pony, but not everything was phony.” Zecora replied.

“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked.

“Although the lies were like a twister, you did not forget your sister. And while very few have defected, still many more remain affected.” Zecora replied.

“I do suppose you’re right Ms. Gpy…I mean, Zecora.” Rarity responded.

“Enough with all the blabbering and wasting more time! Braeburn! Are we going or not!?” Fluttery turned around and yelled to the group.

“We’re still waiting on Apple Jack, to show us the way out and…” Braeburn started to say.

“I don’t want to hear any more excuses! We’ve wasted enough time!” Fluttershy replied.

The rest of the ponies in the room remained silent, until a severe chill swept over Zecora, causing her to fall and huddle on the ground.

“Zecora, what’s wrong!?” Apple Bloom called out.

“I sense danger from the Canterlot Palace. Coming from one acting very callous.” Zecora spoke, her cold breath visible after each word.

“Wait, weren’t Twilight and her friends planning on heading there?” Braeburn asked.

Upon hearing of the danger, and the relation of Twilight and her friends possibly being in the same area, something sparked in Fluttershy’s mind. She quickly zipped out the door, and sped off into the night’s sky.

“Fluttershy come back!” Braeburn called out after her. He then turned his head back to the group, preparing to leave as well. “I have to go after her.”

“Braeburn wait! This is not your fate!” Zecora raised a hoof towards the stallion, her breath still visible.

“What do you mean wait!? Fluttershy is rushing off to something dangerous! I need to make sure she’s alright! She’s my…!” Braeburn spoke, before getting cut off at the end.

“Within this world’s twisted view, what is she to you?” Zecora asked.

“She’s…my friend.” Braeburn replied, taking a stop back inside.

“I implore you to this time stay. You would never catch her anyway.” Zecora responded.

A depressed look came over Braeburn, before Apple Jack broke the tension.

“Well dagnabbit! I guess you didn’t steal mah apples after all.” Apple Jack said aloud, as the last drawer she searched through fell to the floor. “Ah suppose Ah’m done here then, and if’n you’re gonna stay here, instead of going to Ponyville, then Ah’m a headin out. See ya later, ya’ll!” She spoke, as she trotted past Braeburn.

“What is it about those ponies that’s making her act this way?” Braeburn asked aloud.

“Do you truly wish to know? If so, then the truth I will show.” Zecora replied, no longer shivering.

“I guess, but I’m not sure at the same time.” Braeburn responded.

“Allow me to tell you anyway. That way, your thoughts will no longer sway.” Zecora replied.

“Well…alright.” Braeburn replied, before sitting back down where he was.

As Braeburn was sitting down, Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Sweetie Belle all stood up, preparing to leave.

“Perhaps we should be going then. I would be best if we got some rest after hearing everything.” Rarity spoke, about to turn around.

“While this story may dwell, you could benefit from this as well.” Zecora replied.

The three ponies thought about it, and decided to listen to what Zecora had to say.

“Very well then.” Rarity spoke, as she once again took her seat.

“To quell your wondering why, let me tell you of the real Fluttershy.” Zecora spoke. “While Chrysalis made you all pretend, Fluttershy once called many of you a friend. And though you might consider it irony, six of you represented: The Elements of Harmony.”

“Elements of what now?” Braeburn asked.

“A magical combination, caused by a true friendship formation.” Zecora replied.

“I guess that might explain why she seems compelled to help them, but why doesn’t she remember them yet?” Braeburn asked.

“As I told Rainbow Dash, something inside her continues to clash. It will take some time, but I’m sure things will be fine.” Zecora responded.

“Do you suppose that our memories and friendships will return soon as well?” Rarity asked.

“That is my perception, even though I seem to have been an exception.” Zecora replied.

“Then why did you continue to play along with the rest of us, if you knew the truth?” Mayor Mare asked.

“It was my decision, not to raise suspicion.” Zecora answered.

“So then, how do we go about regaining our own memories?” Rarity asked.

“Sadly that is to me unknown, but when the time arrives it shall be shown.” Zecora replied.

“Are you sure that Fluttershy will be fine?” Braeburn asked.

“Do not give yourself another scare, her friends she goes to will give her care.” Zecora replied.

“I sure hope so.” Braeburn responded.

Silence filled the room, before it was broken by one of the fillies.

“Um, excuse me. I have a question.” Sweetie Belle spoke up.

“Very well, what is it Sweetie Belle?” Zecora asked.

“So, what about the flood in Ponyville? When we found them, you showed up and said it was their fault. Is that true?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I assure you it is not, although the true culprit must still be caught.” Zecora replied.

“So then, if it wasn’t the weather ponies, who could have caused all that rain?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Only one with magic, could cause something so tragic.” Zecora replied.

“Do you think it could have been one of the Princess’ or Discord?” Mayor Mare asked.

“While they all have the power, I find the possibility quite sour. The Princess’ have always been just, while Discord would have made a bigger bust.” Zecora answered.

“Then we may never know who caused it, huh?” Braeburn spoke.

“Until the culprit is caught, I suppose not.” Zecora replied.

With that last sentence said, everypony in the room thought quietly for a minute, until the silence was once again broken, this time by Braeburn.

“Well then, I guess I’ll head back to Appleloosa in case Fluttershy heads back there. Although I hope she remembers her friends, I’ll still wait there in case she doesn’t.” Braeburn spoke, as he stood up.

“Whatever the future may unravel, I still wish you a safe travel.” Zecora replied.

“Thank ya kindly.” Braeburn responded.

“Take care Braeburn. I’m sorry for all the trouble we must have caused you. I suppose we should have thought a lot more about our decision before we acted.” Rarity spoke.

“It’s alright. It wasn’t too different than a regular day for me, and I know you were just trying to keep yourselves safe.” Braeburn replied, before leaning in to whisper more. “But while I can come to that conclusion peacefully, this Fluttershy doesn’t, so ya’ll may want to be wary till she returns to normal.”

“Agreed. Thank you.” Rarity replied.

After speaking his last piece, Braeburn left out into the darkness of the Everfree forest.

Tricksters and witches

Presently, on the outskirts of Ponyville.

“And that’s about it.” Braeburn told the group, finishing his story.

“So does that mean that you know what’s going on now?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I wouldn’t say that I understand everything, but I at least have a better idea of what ya’ll are trying to accomplish.” Braeburn responded.

“Well at least it’s something.” Twilight replied.

As the group grew closer to the Everfree Forest, they approached the last visible building before the entrance. Strangely though, the lights were still on inside, and a shadow in the window caused the whole group to stop in their tracks.

To their right was Fluttershy’s cottage, and in the window, they could see the silhouette of what appeared to be Fluttershy walking by.

“Is that Fluttershy!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“It must be! She must have escaped from the Princess’ and came back here!” Twilight replied.

“Well what are we waiting for!? Let’s go see her!” Braeburn added.

The group quickly made their way over to Fluttershy’s cottage, and burst through the door.

“Fluttershy!” They all announced in unison.

A pony sat in the middle of the room, their back to the rest of the group. The pony was pink, with long dark pink hair, and an owl sitting on her back. The owl “hoo’d” to the other ponies, causing the pony it was sitting on to finally turn her head around.

Upon seeing the other ponies, the pink pony jumped up in the air, the owl flying away, and her hair bouncing into bright pink curls.

“You’re back!” The pony cheered, a big smile on her face.

“Pinkie?!” Everypony except for Braeburn responded.

“What are you doing here Pinkie?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I was going over to your house to invite you to your after welcoming-party party, when I opened the door and didn’t find anypony. I looked around your whole house, but couldn’t find you anywhere. That made me really sad, but that’s when this owl showed up! I kept trying to ask him if he’d seen you, but it was like he didn’t know who I was talking about. That made me sad again, but then I remembered that Fluttershy was good with talking to animals, and maybe she would know where you were! So I brought the owl with me, and made my way over here to this cottage by the woods for some reason, but there was nopony here either. That made me the saddest of all, and I came and sat down on the floor here. Until you guys showed up, and I turned around to see all five of you!” Pinkie answered, making a squee sound at the end.

“That sounds like Pinkie Pie alright.” Spike spoke.

“Wait, all ‘five’ of us?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah! You, you, you, you, and her!” Pinkie replied, pointing to each of them, and finally to another pony in the corner.

The group turned to see who the fifth pony was, and discovered that it was none other than Trixie.

“Trixie! What are ‘you’ doing here?” Twilight asked.

“Humph, that’s ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ to you, Sparkle.” Trixie replied.

“Come to cause more trouble, huh?” Spike asked, curling his claws into fists.

“On the contrary, Trixie is actually here to take pity on you helpless ponies.” Trixie responded.

“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked.

“Why, it’s about that little yellow friend of yours.” Trixie replied with a smirk.

“You mean Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash spoke, before rushing over to Trixie. “Where is she, what have you done to her!?”

“Trixie hasn’t done anything to her, but I do know where she is.” Trixie replied.

“Where!?” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Now calm down, Rainbow Dash.” Braeburn spoke to the Pegasus. “Where is she, Miss…Trixie was it?”

“Finally, somepony with at least a little respect. Very well, Trixie will tell you what she knows. She’s been captured by the Princess’ and is being held in the Canterlot dungeons.” Trixie responded.

“What!? Why would the Princess’ do that to her?” Twilight asked.

“How should Trixie know? All I know is she doesn’t seem to be in the greatest of shape, and could use your help.” Trixie replied.

“Well if you know all of this, then why didn’t you save her?” Braeburn asked.

“Please, Trixie isn’t obligated to save anypony, unless it’s herself. I’m just giving from the kindness of my heart, by telling all of you this.” Trixie responded.

“But why now? It’s not like you were very generous before.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“She’s right. What are you after Trixie?” Twilight asked.

“Please, you know a magician never reveals her secrets. Besides, now that you three have Princess Luna on your tail, it would be problematic for Trixie to be seen with you.” Trixie answered.

“How did you know we were followed by Princess Luna?” Twilight asked.

“Sorry, but Trixie doesn’t have time for any more questions.” Trixie replied, her horn beginning to glow.

“Wait, if you know all of this, then maybe you know where Chrysalis is too.” Twilight spoke.

“Oh, that’s a pitifully easy one, Twilight Snarkle. She’s right back where she was banished.” Trixie responded, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke that engulfed the room.

Everypony began coughing from the smoke, which was quickly ventilated from a nearby open window.

“Banished?” Twilight spoke aloud, no longer coughing.

“You mean where she ended up, after Princess Cadence and Shining Armor used the magic of their love to send her flying?” Spike asked.

“I suppose so, but I don’t know where that is.” Twilight replied, before turning to Rainbow Dash and Braeburn. “Do either of you?”

“Nope, no clue Twilight.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Can’t say that I do either. Queen…I mean, Chrysalis, never told any of us where she came from before she took over.” Braeburn added.

“Well that’s no good. Looks like we’re back to square one.” Twilight replied.

“What about Fluttershy? We know where she is. We should go save her!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I agree, but perhaps we should get some rest first. It is really late after all.” Braeburn added.

“What!? You heard what Trixie said! Fluttershy’s been put in the dungeons and needs our help! We can’t just leave her there!” Rainbow Dash replied, lifting herself up into the air.

“No, I think Braeburn’s right Rainbow Dash.” Twilight responded.

“What!? Not you too!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Listen, the Princess’ won’t do anything to her, at least not while Chrysalis is still gone. Also, since we know where she is, then we can come up with a plan to get her out safely. However, we won’t be able to do anything if we’re completely exhausted. We should get some rest.” Twilight responded.

“Twilight’s right. Besides, the Fluttershy that I know won’t give up without a fight. I’m sure she’s just fine.” Braeburn added.

“I…I guess you guys are right.” Rainbow Dash replied, lowering herself back to the ground.

“Good, then let’s get some sleep everypony. I’m sure Fluttershy wouldn’t mind if we stayed here for the night.” Twilight spoke.

“Slumber party at random pony’s house!” Pinkie exclaimed, jumping into the air.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, back at Zecora’s.

“Well, I think it’s time for us to return to Ponyville. Thank you ever so much for telling us all about what’s really happened Zecora.” Rarity spoke to the zebra.

“You’re welcome Rarity. I’m glad my story brought you clarity.” Zecora responded.

“Come along everypony. It’s late, and I do need my beauty sleep.” Rarity spoke to Mayor Mare, while lifting her sleeping sister onto her back with her magic.

“I agree. A good night’s sleep does sound nice.” Mayor Mare replied, letting out a yawn.

The two ponies began to make their way out of the shack, when they were met by the presence of a tall dark-blue pony standing outside the door.

Rarity and Mayor Mare immediately recognized the pony as Princess Luna, and bowed in her presence.

“Seeing you here Princess is quite a sight. What brings you to my abode this late at night?” Zecora spoke to the Princess.

“We wish to know where thou art hiding the treacherous purple Unicorn, and her companions.” Princess Luna spoke.

“Do you mean Twilight?” Rarity asked, raising her head.

“So thou DO know where they are!” Princess Luna replied, her eyes beginning to glow.

“There is nopony here by that name. Now what is the angle of your game?” Zecora asked Princess Luna.

“Thou wishes to play games with us, foul witch?” Princess Luna replied.

“Now that’s quite un-called for Princess Luna.” Rarity spoke up.

“If thou wishes to play games…” Princess Luna spoke. Her body then began to emit a dark blue glow, as she grew taller, gained pieces of light-blue armor, and her eyes began to narrow. “Then we shall play games.”

“What’s happening to her?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I feared that this may happen soon. She has turned to Nightmare Moon!” Zecora spoke aloud.

“This is thine last chance. Tell us where they are, or we shall place you in an eternal nightmare.” Princess Luna spoke, now bearing her former image as Nightmare Moon.

“In case you couldn’t tell, I too am a master of the spell!” Zecora bluffed.

“Thou art as magically inclined as that mad apple pony.” Princess Luna replied.

“Are you talking about Apple Jack?” Apple Bloom asked.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Among the apple trees in Sweet Apple Acres.

“10,120, 10,121, 10,122” Apple Jack continued to count, counting every single apple on her farm. “Ah just know that somepony took two of mah apples, but it looks like they’re all here so far. Best to keep counting ah guess. 10,123, 10,124, 10,125.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back in Zecora’s shack.

“We’ve had enough of this. Let’s see if your witchcraft can match the forces of the night!” Princess Luna spoke, as she began to gather her magic around herself.

Realizing the increasing danger of the situation, Zecora decided to take matters into her own hooves.

“You ponyfolk must go! What she plans to do, I do not know!” Zecora spoke to the other ponies in the room.

“But Zecora, what about…” Apple Bloom started to speak.

“FLEE!” Zecora replied, angrily.

Knowing that they would only be in the way, Rarity decided to listen to Zecora.

“Very well, we’ll go. Come along Apple Bloom, we have to go!” Rarity replied, as she levitated Apple Bloom with her magic.

“No! Ah can’t!” Apple Bloom tried to protest.

“Come on!” Mayor Mare called out, as Rarity, with Apple Bloom in tow, came running out.

“Zecora!” Apple Bloom screamed out, as she was taken away by Rarity and Mayor Mare.

Princess Luna’s magic had begun to affect the items in the room, as bottles and ingredients began to spin around the room.

“My future looks quite gloom. I am sorry, Apple Bloom.” Zecora spoke to herself.

Princess Luna’s magic reached its peak, before she released it in a massive orb-shaped shockwave. The orb engulfed the entire shack, and almost immediately, things began to disappear in the shack. Quickly, one after another, items began to disappear in a flash, followed by the shack itself, and finally, Zecora.

Princess Luna returned herself to her normal appearance, before a magical letter appeared before her. She opened the letter, and found it was a message from her sister.

“Dear Luna,

I ask that you please return to Canterlot immediately. I’ve learned of some news regarding the pony that abducted Queen Chrysalis. Please hurry home.

Your sister,

Celestia.”

Princess Luna finished reading the letter, before making it disappear with her magic.

“It appears our sister knows of something that we do not.” Luna spoke to herself. She then gathered her magic once more, and made Zecora reappear where she once stood, fast asleep. “Thou should count thyself lucky.” Princess Luna spoke to the sleeping zebra, before disappearing in a flash of her own magic.

Zecora stirred in her sleep, as if she was having a horrific nightmare.

Secrets revealed

Earlier, atop Rainbow Falls.

“And that’s all?” Flim asked Spitfire.

“Yes. Just stick with that story, and Princess Celestia shouldn’t have any more reason to stick around here. If she tries to question anything, just lie. You two should be good at that already, right?” Spitfire replied.

“I suppose so, but just to be clear…” Flim responded, before being cut off by his brother.

“She’s here!” Flam called back to his brother and Spitfire.

“Here, hide outside this time.” Flim told Spitfire, lifting up the side of the tent with his magic.

Spitfire ducked underneath the side of the tent just in time, before Princess Celestia walked in through the entrance.

“Welcome back Princess Celestia!” Flim greeted the Princess.

“How were things in Cloudsdale?” Flam asked.

“I’m afraid there was a misunderstanding between some ponies, and as a result, a blimp was brought down.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Oh my, that doesn’t sound good.” Flam responded.

“Not very good indeed. Was everypony alright?” Flim asked.

“I can’t say for certain, but I feel that nopony was truly harmed.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Well that’s good to know.” Flim responded.

“I suppose Captain Spitfire of the Wonderbolts helped to cease the arguments?” Flam asked.

“Neither Captain Spitfire, nor any of the Wonderbolts were anywhere to be found.” Princess Celestia answered.

“Oh my, that’s highly unusual.” Flam replied.

“Much unlike the Captain to not take care of her fellow Pegasi up in Cloudsdale.” Flim added, receiving a kick from Spitfire from behind the tent.

“I agree. We may have to form a search party for them, but for now, we have more pressing matters to get back to.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Oh yes, about that shadow thing you were speaking about, Princess?” Flim responded.

“Yes. Since it was reported to have come from this direction, I need to know if you two saw anypony suspicious, or know of anything.” Princess Celestia asked the brothers.

“Why, as a matter of fact, we do remember seeing somepony suspicious.” Flim replied.

“Or rather, a few suspicious ponies.” Flam added.

“What did you see?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Earlier today, a strange purple Unicorn, and her pet dragon, appeared in Rainbow Falls.” Flim started.

“We had a feeling that they were up to no good, as we heard them talking about a poison for the Queen.” Flam continued.

“We were about to send a message to Canterlot, when Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts showed up, and looked to be taking the two of them away.” Flim continued.

“We figured she must have come to turn them in, and we haven’t seen any of them since.” Flam finished.

“A purple Unicorn you say?” Princess Celestia replied, thinking to herself about the Unicorn in question.

“Yes my dear Princess, unlike any Unicorn we’ve ever seen.” Flim responded.

“We can only hope that their nefarious plan didn’t see fruition.” Flam added.

“I see.” Princess Celestia replied, thinking to herself once more about what the brothers told her. “Thank you for your assistance.”

“You’re quite welcome!” Flim replied.

“Anything else we can help you with, Princess?” Flam asked.

“No, thank you. However, I feel that an emergency meeting may be called tomorrow, so please be prepared for that.” Princess Celestia responded.

“Will do Princess!” The brothers spoke in unison.

“Oh, and good job tidying up your tent.” Princess Celestia spoke one last time, before leaving the tent and flying off.

“Is she gone?” Spitfire asked from behind the tent.

“Yes, she’s left.” Flim responded, lifting up the side of the tent once more.

“Now that that’s out of the way, we need to continue keeping the plan in motion.” Spitfire replied, as she walked back inside the tent.

“Agreed. Although, what should we do about that meeting the Princess talked about?” Flam replied.

“Quite so. We don’t know if it might interfere with our plans further.” Flim added.

“No doubt she wants to gather as many ponies as she can from the area, to see what they know about Chrysalis’ ponynapping, as well as looking for the Wonderbolts.” Spitfire responded.

“Not planning on making an appearance tomorrow?” Flim asked.

“No. While it would be a good way to try and clear my own name, there’s too much of a risk showing up right now, especially since we’re so close to our goal.” Spitfire replied.

“Very well.” Flim responded, before Flam nudged him on the shoulder, and whispered into his ear. “Oh yes, um, by the way.”

“What?” Spitfire responded, annoyed.

“Are you still planning on staying here for the rest of the night?” Flim asked.

“Just out of curiosity.” Flam added.

“What, you two shy about having a mare sleep in your…tent?” Spitfire replied, a grin on her face.

“Well it’s just…” Flim started to say.

“There’s the matter of…” Flam added on.

“Oh, I get it.” Spitfire replied.

“You do!?” The brothers replied in unison.

“Yes, and I’m more than willing to take the bed, while you two share the couch.” Spitfire responded.

“But, but we…” The brothers stuttered.

“Such gentlecolts. Well, goodnight boys. See you in the morning.” Spitfire told the brothers, before hopping in their bed, and pulling a curtain around it.

“Brother.” Flim spoke.

“Yes brother?” Flam responded.

“We’re not in charge of our tent anymore, are we?” Flim asked.

“No, I don’t think we are brother.” Flam responded.

The brothers then sulkily made their way to the couch, as they blew out the candles with their magic.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, inside Fluttershy’s cottage.

Everypony was fast asleep on Fluttershy’s various couches and guest beds. Twilight quietly snoozed on one of the couches, while Spike slept in one of Fluttershy’s critter beds next to her. Braeburn slept in one of the chairs, his hat over his face. Pinkie Pie had rolled herself up in a ball on another couch, while Owlowiscious sat on a bird perch nearby, looking out the window.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, couldn’t sleep in Fluttershy’s guest bed upstairs. She kept looking out the window towards Canterlot, thinking about how scared Fluttershy must have been in the dungeons at Canterlot. Her nerves finally got to her, as she hopped out of bed and opened up the window.

“Sorry guys, but I can’t just sit here while Fluttershy’s in trouble. I’m sure you’ll understand.” Rainbow Dash spoke aloud behind her, before dashing out the window, and into the night’s sky.

As she could be seen flying into the distance, Owlowiscious gave a “Hoo” to nopony in particular.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, back at Town Hall.

“Yay! You’re all back!” Derpy greeted Rarity, Mayor Mare, Sweetie Belle, and another filly, as they walked inside.

“I know it’s late, but can you make another bed Derpy? We have a filly here who needs some rest.” Mayor Mare asked Derpy.

“Sure thing Mayor.” Derpy replied, trotting off to find a bed.

“You can stay here tonight Apple Bloom. I hope that’s alright.” Rarity told the filly.

“Thank you…” Apple Bloom replied, a depressed look on her face.

“Sweetie Belle.” Rarity called to her sister.

“Yes sis?” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Would you be a dear and stay with Apple Bloom tonight? I feel she could really use some company, and you’re both fillies after all.” Rarity asked her sister.

“Sure thing Rarity.” Sweetie Belle replied. “Come on Apple Bloom” She spoke to the other filly, as she led her to the bedroom.

Rarity walked over and sat on her fainting couch, letting out a sigh.

“Not fainting on your fainting couch? That’s unusual for you Rarity.” Mayor Mare spoke, as she walked over to Rarity.

“It’s just…there’s so much that has happened today, and I’m not sure what to make of it all.” Rarity replied.

Mayor Mare sat down next to Rarity, before she spoke again.

“It’s alright Rarity. If we knew that all of this was going to happen, then we wouldn’t be left wondering what to do.” Mayor Mare replied.

“And Zecora! Why, I’ve never really known her, but I shudder to think what might have happened to…” Rarity started to speak, before Mayor Mare cut her off.

“Please Rarity! Do you want Apple Bloom to hear you?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Oh, no. Forgive me Mayor.” Rarity replied.

“If anypony should have questions right now, it’s her. Not only did she have to deal with Zecora speaking as if this whole world wasn’t real, but she just had to listen to her tell her to leave, when she was obviously in danger. Think about how she must feel, before you start to wonder about things yourself.” Mayor Mare told Rarity.

“I suppose you’re right Mayor.” Rarity replied, before a thought started to come to mind. “Um, Mayor. May I ask you something?”

“Of course. What is it?” Mayor Mare responded.

“How is it that no matter what occurs, or what anypony says, that you always keep a level head?” Rarity asked.

Mayor Mare looked at Rarity for a second, before giggling to herself and turning away.

“I’m serious Mayor!” Rarity spoke.

“I’m sorry Rarity.” Mayor Mare responded, ceasing her giggling and turning back to her. “I suppose it’s just experience.”

“Experience?” Rarity asked.

“Please Rarity, I’ve been in Ponyville for a long time, and have had to deal with many different ponies and their problems.” Mayor Mare replied.

“But, we’ve been working together in Town Hall for as long as I can remember.” Rarity replied.

“Ah, I guess you weren’t paying much attention to Zecora’s story then.” Mayor Mare told Rarity.

“Come again?” Rarity asked.

“I’ve been well aware of what’s been going on for quite some time now.” Mayor Mare replied.

“But how is that possible? You never once spoke a word about anything that’s happened.” Rarity responded.

“That’s because I received help, from a very unlikely source.” Mayor Mare replied.

“From whom?” Rarity asked.

“Remember that pony I was telling you about, that was settling a debt with the Town Hall in the past?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I…I think so.” Rarity replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

“Two years” earlier.

Mayor Mare sat in her office signing some papers, when a knock came at her door.

“Come in please.”

A blue pony opened the door and walked into the office. Mayor Mare stopped her signing and greeted her.

“Hello. How may I help you miss?” Mayor Mare asked the pony, placing her hooves together.

A little annoyed at the greeting that she just received, the pony decided to let it go, and started speaking.

“The GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie, will allow the informal greeting she was given just this one time, as she has much more important matters to attend to.” Trixie spoke.

“The great and powerful huh? That’s a bit of an odd name, but I won’t judge. So, how may I help you Miss Trixie?” Mayor Mare spoke.

“I suppose Trixie shouldn’t be surprised that you don’t remember her.” Trixie replied.

“I’m sorry. Have we met before?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Granted it ‘has’ been quite some time, The Great and Powerful Trixie knows it’s because of much more ‘recent’ events that you don’t really remember.” Trixie replied, ignoring the Mayor and instead admiring her own hoof.

“I’m sorry. What are you talking about?” Mayor Mare asked.

Trixie let out a sigh, before addressing the Mayor once more.

“Trixie supposes this would go much smoother, if you really remembered.” Trixie replied, before her horn began to glow.

“What are you…?” Mayor Mare started to say, before the spell that Trixie had cast took hold of her mind, and caused her to remember many different things.

Mayor Mare rubbed her head, as she waited for her vision to focus again.

“There. Don’t say that The Great and Powerful Trixie, never did anything nice for anypony. You should remember everything now, but be warned, just because you now know the truth, doesn’t mean others are ready yet.” Trixie replied, before getting out of her seat, and leaving the room.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, in Town Hall.

“So you see, it was thanks to Trixie that I was able to remember everything, and avoid Chrysalis’ grasp.” Mayor Mare finished telling Rarity.

“I don’t believe it! You knew!? You’ve always known!?” Rarity exclaimed.

“Please, calm yourself Rarity. I only never said anything, because I didn’t want you or any other pony to worry.” Mayor Mare explained.

“But what about returning our memories as well!? We might have been able to prevent everything that had occurred today sooner! We…!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Enough Rarity! What’s done is done. The truth is out now, and we should try to learn as much from it as we can. Now, let’s get some sleep. We can try and work on settling things in the morning. We still need to figure out what to do about Apple Bloom.” Mayor Mare told Rarity, walking to her office.

“Yes…of course.” Rarity replied, as she blew out the candles around her with her magic, and laid down on her fainting couch.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long pause between submissions. Writer's block combined with EXTREME laziness contributed to the delay. I'm happy to release another chapter, and I hope to at least stick to once a week if I can from now on.

Hope you all enjoy!

Cold reunions

The next morning, at Fluttershy’s cottage.

As the sun pierced through the trees, everypony in the cottage began to wake up.

“Morning already?” Twilight asked aloud, with a yawn.

“Mmm…just five more minutes…” Spike muttered from his sleep, before Twilight pulled the blanket off of him with her magic.

Braeburn walked into the main room, after using the bathroom upon waking up.

“Morning ya’ll. Anypony seen Rainbow Dash or that pink pony?” Braeburn asked.

“I’m not sure where Pinkie went, but I bet Rainbow Dash is probably still asleep. That pony never seems to wake up early.” Twilight replied, as she left upstairs to check on Rainbow Dash.

“I wonder if Fluttershy would mind if we helped ourselves to her kitchen.” Braeburn asked aloud.

“Beats me.” Spike replied, walking out of the kitchen with a daffodil sandwich.

“Spike! Braeburn!” Twilight called out, running down the stairs.

“What is it Twilight?” Spike replied.

“Yeah, what’s going on?” Braeburn asked.

“Rainbow Dash is gone!” Twilight replied.

“What!?” Spike and Braeburn both replied.

“I should’ve known that she’d try something like this. She never thinks things through!” Twilight exclaimed.

“She’s probably already in Canterlot, looking for Fluttershy by now.” Braeburn replied.

“Why couldn’t you wait for us, Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked aloud.

Just then, Spike began to grab his stomach, looking like he was going to be sick.

“What’s wrong Spike?” Twilight asked.

“That sandwich not sitting right with you?” Braeburn asked.

Spike grabbed at his stomach once again, before burping out a letter in green fire. The letter floated to the ground, before Twilight picked it up with her magic.

“That’s strange. Princess Celestia shouldn’t be sending letters through Spike; not if she’s still under Chrysalis’ spell.” Twilight spoke aloud.

“Well, what’s it say?” Braeburn asked.

“It’s indeed a message from the Princess…but it’s addressed to YOU, Braeburn.” Twilight replied.

“To me? How’s that possible?” Braeburn asked.

“I’m not sure, but it says that the Princesses are requesting a representative from Appleloosa to report to the Royal Palace at once.” Twilight replied.

“Well let’s get going to Canterlot then!” Spike exclaimed.

“Hold on Spike. While I agree that this sounds like a good opportunity to return to Canterlot, we should make sure that we’re not heading into a trap. Remember, even though Princess Celestia just sent this letter through you, it was meant for Braeburn; which means that she may think that we’re with him, and use him to lure us in.” Twilight explained.

“But how would the Princess know to send a letter through me?” Spike asked.

“I’m not sure, but I think I have a plan on how to respond.” Twilight replied.

“And what’s that?” Braeburn asked.

“You’ll go to the meeting Braeburn, and learn what you can about what’s going on. In the meantime, Spike and I will search the castle till we find Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Once you’re done, we’ll meet up somewhere in Canterlot, so we can decide on our next plan of action. Hopefully by then, we’ll have Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy back safely with us too.” Twilight told Braeburn.

“I guess that sounds like a plan.” Braeburn replied.

“But how are we supposed to search the castle without anyone catching us?” Spike asked.

“Well, normally when Fluttershy and I visited the Royal Palace for the Friendship councils, all the guards would standby on the outside of the room, and the Princesses and Discord were nearby the Queen. As long as that doesn’t change, then you two shouldn’t have much of a problem wandering the halls.” Braeburn responded.

“Then it’s settled. We should get going then, the train ride is going to take a while.” Twilight replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Atop Rainbow Falls.

“Brother! We just received that letter Princess Celestia was talking about.” Flim told Flam.

“I guess she was serious after all.” Flam replied.

“But there’s one problem dear brother.” Flim replied.

“And what’s that brother?” Flam asked.

“If we’re supposed to travel to this meeting, then what are we supposed to do about her?” Flim responded, whispering the last half and pointing towards Spitfire, still asleep in the bed.

“Oh, you’re right brother.” Flam replied, whispering as well.

The brothers thought about their predicament for a moment, before one of them came up with a plan.

“I suppose we don’t have much of a choice. We’ll just have to lock everything up, so that she doesn’t go snooping around while we’re gone.” Flim whispered.

“Agreed, brother.” Flam whispered.

With their plan decided, the brothers quietly locked up everything they could in their tent, before leaving to make their way to the train.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Inside the Mayor’s office in Town Hall.

“Hmm, they really must not trust us right now.” Mayor Mare spoke aloud, setting the letter down on her desk.

“For only asking one of us to go, I suppose the bond of trust has been damaged.” Rarity replied.

“I agree, but I suppose we’ll just have to see how things go.” Mayor Mare replied.

“What should we do about poor Apple Bloom? Without knowing what became of Zecora, she would be the only stand-in once again.” Rarity asked.

“It’ll most likely be best if she stays here. I’ll ask Sweetie Belle and Derpy to go investigate Zecora’s hut, while I keep an eye on her here.” Mayor Mare replied.

“Very well, Mayor.” Rarity replied.

Rarity walked out of the Mayor’s office, and into the bedroom where Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were staying in.

“Sweetie Belle.” Rarity whispered.

Sweetie Belle didn’t respond, still fast asleep.

“Sweetie Belle.” Rarity whispered again, this time booping her sister on the nose.

“Huh?...Rarity?” Sweetie Belle replied, her eyes half open.

“Sweetie Belle, I have to go off to Canterlot now, but I want you to be a good little filly, and listen to Mayor Mare while I’m gone, okay?” Rarity told her sister.

“Mmm…okay, Rarity.” Sweetie Belle replied, before falling asleep again.

Rarity gave her sister a peck on the forehead, before heading out the door, and off to the train station.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Later that afternoon, outside the Royal Palace.

“Here we are, back at the Palace once again.” Twilight spoke aloud, looking up at the gates.

“At least the train ride was more enjoyable this time.” Braeburn replied.

“It was…at least until somedragon almost blew our cover!” Twilight replied, glaring at Spike on her back.

“I couldn’t help it. It was my first time seeing her since that rainstorm.” Spike responded.

“Well at least she didn’t see us, but honestly Spike, you should learn to control yourself.” Twilight replied.

“Yeah, yeah.” Spike replied, waving a claw.

“Well, I suppose I should be heading in now. Ya’ll should be good to go in after I start making my way up.” Braeburn told Twilight and Spike.

“But what if there are still guards around when you go in?” Spike asked.

“Hmm, good point.” Braeburn replied. “Perhaps you two can go in from the garden entrance. I doubt many guards will be over there.”

“Alright, will do.” Twilight responded.

“I wish you both luck in finding those two. I’ll meet up with you as soon as I can.” Braeburn told Twilight and Spike.

“Remember, we decided on Joe’s donut shop to meet up at.” Twilight replied.

“Why not our old place Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Braeburn doesn’t know where that is, and besides, it’s a lot closer to the palace than the donut shop.” Twilight replied.

“Alright then. I’ll see you two soon.” Braeburn replied, before making his way towards the main palace doors.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, in the Canterlot dungeons.

“Jeez, it took me long enough to get down here. Also, what were the two most random beings in Equestria doing in the garden?” Rainbow Dash whispered to herself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier, in the Canterlot garden.

“Alright, there’s the door to the castle. Now I just need to…whoa!” Rainbow Dash spoke to herself, until she spotted somepony and quickly hid.

Rainbow Dash peered out from the hedges, and saw Discord and Pinkie Pie talking.

“What the hay?” Rainbow Dash thought to herself.

“Alright Pinkie Pie, now let’s see if you’re any better at charades than Princess Luna.” Discord told Pinkie Pike.

“Okie Dokey Lokie!” Pinkie Pie replied with a smile.

Discord started off, by changing into the same cheese wheel that he had used to stump Princess Luna.

“Okay, what am I?” Discord asked.

“He he he! That’s easy! You’re the moon!” Pinkie replied.

“Oh, I see we have a professional on our hands here.” Discord responded, changing back to normal. “Now how about this?” Discord then transformed into a giant boulder, keeping his face on the front.

“Oh my, YOU’RE sure being GENEROUS. That’s Tom!” Pinkie Pie replied.

“Wow, you ARE good at this.” Discord replied, before changing back to normal once again. “Alright, I’ve got one that I guarantee you’ll never get.”

Discord then transformed into a creature that he was sure Pinkie Pie had never seen before. All of his fur turned tan, except for the top of his head, and his goatee. He wore a red and black vest, with a small triangular shaped symbol on the chest. He also wore what he knew were called pants, and black shoes.

“Can you guess what I am?” Discord asked Pinkie Pie, crossing his arms with a smirk on his face.

“Hmm, this one sure is a doosey, but I’d have to say…” Pinkie Pie told Discord.

“Ugh, I don’t have time for this!” Rainbow Dash thought to herself, and decided to dash past the two of them while they were distracted.

Rainbow Dash ended up making it inside the door without being seen, but could hear Discord crying and complaining from the other side of the door.

“No fair! You had to have cheated!” Discord yelled at Pinkie Pie, who replied with uncontrollable laughter.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, in the Canterlot dungeons.

Rainbow Dash walked down the cobblestone halls, searching for where Fluttershy was being kept.

“Now where could they be keeping Fluttershy? She’s got to be around here somewhere.” Rainbow Dash spoke softly to herself, until she saw a familiar face.

Inside a nearby cell, Rainbow Dash saw Soarin lying on the ground, his back to the door.

“Whoa! Soarin’s here too? I’ll have to get him out of there after I find Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash whispered to herself.

“Uhh…huh? Who’s there?” A voice called out from the cell across from Soarin’s.

“Dang!” Rainbow Dash thought to herself, crouching to make herself less visible.

“I know you’re there, whoever you are! Just come out now!” The voice spoke once again.

Rainbow Dash squinted in the dim lighted hallway, and could vaguely make out the shape of one of Chrysalis’ changelings.

“What’s one of Chrysalis’ changelings doing down here?” Rainbow Dash thought to herself.

“Come on! I know I’m going to be stuck down here for a while, but you could at least show yourself so I have someone to talk to that isn’t either frozen or weeping!” The changeling spoke once more.

“What!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, jumping back to her hooves.

“Heh, I thought that might work.” The changeling muttered to himself.

“Who’s frozen and crying!? Where’s Fluttershy!?” Rainbow Dash asked the changeling, while jumping towards his cell.

“Oh! Why if it isn’t Miss Vice Captain of the Wonderbolts herself? What brings you all the way down here?” The changeling asked.

“Put a cork in it you sneaky insect! Where’s Fluttershy!? I know she’s down here somewhere!” Rainbow Dash told the changeling.

“Oh, so you’ve come for her, huh? Well I would be glad to tell you where she is, if you’d just let me out of here.” The changeling responded.

“Not happening you creep! Now why don’t you just tell me, before things get REALLY ugly!?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“If it weren’t for this cell, I’d show you something REALLY ugly.” The changeling responded.

“Stop wasting my time! Where is she!?” Rainbow Dash demanded, stomping her hoof onto the ground.

“She’s behind his cell, but you have to go through his first to get to her.” The changeling replied, pointing his hole riddled leg towards Soarin’s cell.

“Bout time you’re useful for something.” Rainbow Dash replied, turning to walk towards Soarin’s cell.

“I should warn you though.” The changeling spoke to Rainbow Dash.

“What?” Rainbow Dash responded, while trying to open Soarin’s cell door.

“She’s been shivering and hasn’t moved in there for a while now, and I’m pretty sure your friend there has something to say to you.” The changeling told Rainbow Dash.

“Sheesh, this door is locked tight! Where’s the keys?” Rainbow Dash asked aloud.

“How should I know?” The changeling replied. “I haven’t seen anything but the walls of this cell for the past day.

“Well you have to of seen something!” Rainbow Dash replied, turning back to the changeling.

“She has them…” Soarin quietly spoke up.

“What!? Who has them!?” Rainbow Dash asked, turning to Soarin.

“Prin…Princess Celestia.” Soarin replied.

“Princess Celestia has the keys!?” Just great! Now how am I supposed to get those keys?” Rainbow Dash asked aloud, raising her hooves to the ceiling.

“Rainbow Dash…there’s something I...wanna ask you.” Soarin spoke to Rainbow Dash.

“Dang it! I’ve come so far, and finally found Fluttershy, but I can’t get her out of here! Fluttershy! Hey Fluttershy! Can you hear me!?” Rainbow Dash called to Fluttershy.

“I told you, she hasn’t moved in a while; but if you release me, then I can use my shape shifting ability to deceive Princess Celestia and get those keys.” The changeling told Rainbow Dash.

“What? Shape shifting?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yes. We changelings can shape shift into anything, so we can trick…” The changeling began to say, before Rainbow Dash cut him off.

“That’s it! I’ll just find another changeling, and get them to get those keys for me!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, before dashing off down the hallway she came from.

An awkward silence filled the hallway.

“…I really thought I could get her to let me out...” The changeling said aloud.

“Rainbow Dash…” Soarin muttered to himself.

It once again became quite in the dungeons, as the captives stopped talking. Fluttershy shivered once more under her blankets; her breath visible as she quietly exhaled.

Escape the truth

Within the Canterlot Dungeons.

As the ponies in their cells remained still, a whooshing and jingling noise could be heard approaching from down one of the corridors.

The changeling stirred in his cell, looking up to see what was causing the noise.

“Who’s there!?” The changeling called out.

As the noises got closer, the dim silhouette of a Pegasus came into view, until the light finally reviled that it was Rainbow Dash once more.

“Oh, it’s just you.” The changeling spoke to the Pegasi, giving her a glare.

Rainbow Dash landed on the ground between the two cells, spitting the keys in her mouth on the ground before answering.

“Yeah, nice to see you too. Now be quiet, I have to figure out which key it is.” Rainbow Dash replied.

Upon seeing the keys, a shocked look came over the changeling’s face.

“You actually managed to get the keys!? How did you trick one of my brethren to help you?” The changeling asked Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash spit out another key, after it too failed to open the lock.

“Actually, I didn’t need your dumb changeling’s help. The keys were sitting on a hook outside the dungeon door.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Then why did it take you so long to get back here?” The changeling asked.

“Normally I can just fly above mazes, but it’s kinda hard when there’s a ceiling in the way.” Rainbow Dash responded.

Dumbfounded, the changeling face hoofed himself.

“There! Got it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, dropping the key that had managed to open the lock to Soarin’s cell.

“Hey! How about letting me see those keys?” The changeling asked.

“No way! As if I’d help a changeling!” Rainbow Dash replied, before grabbing the keys to work on the lock to Fluttershy’s cell.

While Rainbow Dash tried to find the next key, Soarin began to stir as well.

“Rainbow Dash…” Soarin spoke.

“I’ll help you in a minute Soarin. I’m sorry for leaving you before, but I’ve got to save Fluttershy first.” Rainbow Dash responded, before trying another key.

“How could you…abandon me!?” Soarin exclaimed, before biting Rainbow Dash’s tail, and yanking her away from the cell door.

“Hey!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, dropping the keys before being pulled away.

Soarin then leaned over to grab the keys in his mouth, before tossing them all the way out the cell, into the hallway.

“What’s your deal!?” Rainbow Dash yelled at Soarin, as she jumped to her hooves.

“You abandoned me…for ponies you’ve never met before!” Soarin responded.

“Look, I know I shouldn’t have left you like that, but I don’t have time to explain everything right now! I need to get Fluttershy out of here before…” Rainbow Dash began to tell Soarin, before he cut her off.

“Enough about her! You just want to save her so that you can make her a Wonderbolt! It should be me! I should be a Wonderbolt!” Soarin exclaimed.

“What’re you talking about!? You’re already are a Wonderbolt!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Stop lying! Scootaloo’s a Wonderbolt! Scootaloo! She can barely even fly, and she’s a Wonderbolt! How does that even make any sense?! I can fly circles around her!” Soarin responded.

“Scootaloo’s not a Wonderbolt.” Rainbow Dash replied, a confused look on her face.

“I said stop lying! I thought after everything we’ve been through, that you’d want to help me be a Wonderbolt, just like you, but you guys decided on that chicken instead! I thought we were friends!? I just enjoyed eating pies! That’s not an excuse to not make me a Wonderbolt!” Soarin replied.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Soarin!” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Why not!? Is it because of the brainwashing!?” Soarin asked.

“Brainwashing? What?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Yes, that was the excuse you used when you said you didn’t remember him up in the Royal Palace.” The changeling answered from his cell.

“What!? What did you tell him!?” Rainbow Dash asked the changeling.

“Only the truth of course. After you decided to leave him to the Princesses, you decided that saying you were brainwashed by that zebra would be the best excuse.” The changeling replied.

“What!?” Rainbow Dash replied, at a loss for words.

“I thought we were friends! Now I see that you were just thinking of yourself!” Soarin yelled at Rainbow Dash.

“Can you really blame her though? She ‘was’ brainwashed after all.” The changeling told Soarin.

“I don’t care! You should’ve remembered me! You should’ve come back!” Soarin exclaimed.

The changeling began to chuckle to himself, as he could see that his provoking was working.

“Listen Soarin! You have to snap out of this! I’m not the enemy here, this is all Chrysalis’ fault!” Rainbow Dash tried to reason with Soarin.

“NO! You’re not gonna blame somepony else for what you did! Especially not the Queen! You’re taking my place in this cell!” Soarin responded, as he opened his wings and prepared to charge at Rainbow Dash.

“Alright, you asked for it!” Rainbow Dash responded, preparing to charge as well.

The changeling began to laugh, as the two Pegasi were about to charge at each other.

The two Pegasi lunged for each other, before both being stopped by a magical pull, accompanied by a loud yell.

“QUIIIIIEEEEET!!!” Twilight yelled, as she used her magic to stop Rainbow Dash and Soarin from attacking each other.

“You’re one to talk.” Spike spoke, rubbing his ears.

“Huh? Twilight? When did you two get here?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You flew off again without waiting for us; we were worried about you.” Twilight replied.

“Will somepony put me down!?” Soarin exclaimed.

“Not yet.” Twilight replied, before looking back to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, you need to stop rushing into things all by yourself. What if you had been captured too? You would’ve been in the same condition as Fluttershy and Soarin.”

“But…” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“Listen, we know that you want to protect our friends as much as we do, but you can’t keep putting yourself in danger like this. What would we do if something happened to you as well?” Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

“I…I guess you’re right.” Rainbow Dash admitted.

“Alright, now that the reunion is out of the way, let’s get Fluttershy and get out of here before someone suspects that we’re here.” Spike spoke up.

“You’re right Spike.” Twilight agreed, lowering Rainbow Dash back to the ground.

“Hey! What about me!?” Soarin asked.

“Not until you cool down, mister.” Twilight replied.

“Uh, oh. Twilight, I can’t find the keys!” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“Oh no!” Twilight replied.

“What are we supposed to do now?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I could try to open the lock with my magic, but I’ll need to concentrate.” Twilight replied, before looking over at Soarin once more. “Can I trust you to be civil while I help my friends?”

Soarin looked away before answering.

“Just don’t put me down near HER.” Soarin responded.

Twilight nodded in agreement, setting Soarin down on the other side of the cell. She then made her way to the lock on Fluttershy’s cell, and proceeded to concentrate her magic on opening it.

“Should…about…got it!” Twilight spoke aloud.

With the door opened, everypony but Soarin made their way into Fluttershy’s cell. Fluttershy was facing away from the group, still covered in several blankets. Her breath visible each time she breathed.

“She doesn’t look too good.” Spike spoke aloud.

“I’m not sure what happened, but she must have been exposed to someplace very cold. I’ll try to warm her up gradually with a spell.” Twilight replied, before her horn began to glow and covered Fluttershy in a raspberry colored aura.

“Fluttershy? Hey, Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash tried speaking to her friend.

Fluttershy shivered, but didn’t respond otherwise.

“Come on Fluttershy, wake up!” Rainbow Dash spoke again.

Fluttershy stopped shivering as much, but still didn’t respond.

“Is she going to be alright?” Spike asked.

“I don’t want to warm her up to fast, since I’m not sure exactly how cold she is.” Twilight replied.

“Come on Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash spoke.

Fluttershy shivered again, but finally managed to say something.

“….is….is that you?” Fluttershy spoke quietly.

“She’s alright!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“That’s great! Just a little more, and then we can get out of here.” Twilight replied, continuing to focus her magic.

As the trio waited for Fluttershy to warm up more, they suddenly heard a door shut in the distance of the corridors.

“Oh no! Sounds like somepony’s coming!” Spike spoke aloud.

“How much longer, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Not much longer, her core temperature should be stable soon.” Twilight responded.

“…wait…I need…to ask you…something…” Fluttershy muttered.

“Huh? What is it, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked, kneeling down to hear her better.

“How is it…that you know me?...” Fluttershy asked.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“When you last spoke to me…you said; ‘I remember when the loudest you ever got, was when you gave one of your flutter ‘yays!’ to cheer me on.’” Fluttershy began to explain.

Rainbow Dash tried to think back to if that really was the last thing she had said.

“When I was at Zecora’s…and she said that there was trouble in Canterlot…all I could think about were you girls…Why?...” Fluttershy spoke again.

“Well, ya see…” Rainbow Dash began to respond, before Fluttershy interrupted again.

“Why is it that even though we’ve never met…I feel such a strong connection to all of you?...” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s because we’re all friends, Fluttershy.” Twilight spoke.

“Huh?” Fluttershy responded.

“It’s a long story, I guess.” Rainbow Dash added on.

“You girls…” Fluttershy replied, looking around the cell.

“I’ll explain everything later once you’re safe, but right now we need to get out of here.” Twilight told Fluttershy, finishing her spell at the same time.

The group began to hear hoof steps approaching from down the corridor.

“Come on! Let’s get moving!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Wait…” Fluttershy spoke up, while trying to stand.

“What is it, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t feel…like I can move yet.” Fluttershy answered, barely standing up.

“Guess we don’t have a choice. Everyone, gather around Fluttershy!” Twilight told her friends.

Everypony moved closer to Fluttershy, as Twilight prepared her teleportation spell. After a few seconds of concentration, the group disappeared in a flash of magic.

Arriving in time to view the fading sparks of magic, Princess Celestia stood in the open doorway of Soarin’s cell. She looked off to the cell across from his, and found its door open as well. Looking back to the far cell where Fluttershy once lay, Princess Celestia stood in the quiet of the room, before turning to make her way back down the hall from whence she came.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Inside Town Hall.

Mayor Mare paced back and forth once more in the foyer, until the main door opening caught her attention.

“Hmm? Ah, Rarity! You’re back. How did the meeting go?” Mayor Mare asked.

Rarity walked inside the room, shutting the door behind her with her magic.

“I’m afraid that things are much worse than we expected, Mayor.” Rarity replied. “Are Sweetie Belle and Derpy back yet?”

“Not yet, but they shouldn’t be too much longer.” Mayor Mare responded.

As if on cue, the door burst open behind Rarity, as Sweetie Belle ran inside, followed by Derpy.

“Rarity! You’re back!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, jumping to hug her sister.

“We’re back from the forest, Mayor.” Derpy told the Mayor.

“Good job girls. What did you two find?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Well, uh…” Sweetie Belle spoke, letting go of Rarity. “Is Apple Bloom still here?” Sweetie Belle asked softly.

“Yes, she is.” Mayor Mare answered.

“Perhaps it would be best if she heard what they found as well.” Rarity suggested.

Rarity walked over to the room where Apple Bloom had slept for the night, and knocked on the door.

“Apple Bloom, dear.” Rarity called.

“…yes?” Apple Bloom responded quietly inside.

“May we come in, dear? There is something you need to hear.” Rarity told the filly.

“…okay.” Apple Bloom replied, quietly.

The four ponies outside the room entered, and sat around the sulking filly. Rarity laid down next to Apple Bloom, to try and comfort her while Sweetie Belle and Derpy told them what they saw.

“I’m sure you’re still rather shaken up from last night, but I think that you should hear what these two have found.” Rarity told Apple Bloom.

“Okay…” Apple Bloom replied, still looking at the floor.

“Go on then Sweetie Belle, Derpy. Tell us what you found.” Rarity told the two.

“Uh, alright Rarity. Well, when we got to Zecora’s hut in the Everfree Forest, we didn’t really find much honestly.” Sweetie Belle began to speak.

“There was a big oval on the ground, or maybe it was a circle. I’m not sure, but the hut wasn’t there anymore.” Derpy added on.

Tears began to form in Apple Bloom’s eyes.

Rarity could see that what the two had found so far wasn’t very pleasing to the filly, but figured that there must have been something.

“Go on.” Rarity told the two.

“That’s really all there is, sis.” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Yeah, I mean, there was some disturbed grass in the center, but we couldn’t find Zecora anywhere.” Derpy added.

Apple Bloom started to cry, tears falling heavily from her eyes.

“Oh, Apple Bloom.” Mayor Mare spoke.

Disappointed that there was truly nothing else, Rarity spoke up to the group.

“I see….That wasn’t the news that I had hoped to hear…and as it turns out, has only made things much more difficult for what we need to do.” Rarity spoke.

“What do you mean, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Apple Bloom. I am truly sorry that this wasn’t what you wanted to hear, and I can only imagine the pain that you must be feeling right now…but…” Rarity spoke to the crying filly.

“But what?” Mayor Mare asked.

Rarity took a deep breath, before speaking again.

“…but I must ask that you come with me to Canterlot.” Rarity told the filly.

“Are you out of your mind, Rarity!? She’s just received the worst possible news in her life, and you want her to go with you back to Canterlot!?” Mayor Mare exclaimed to Rarity.

“The Princess has asked for her presence. It is of the upmost importance.” Rarity replied.

Apple Bloom continued to cry, but slowing began to catch her breath, before speaking in-between sobs.

“No…it’s alright…” Apple Bloom replied.

“But Apple Bloom!?” Mayor Mare exclaimed.

“No…Ah understand.” Apple Bloom replied, now trying to sniffle her tears. “Zecora wouldn’t want me to go on crying like this. She’d tell me a silly rhyme, and say to not dwell on it.”

“You’re a brave filly for admitting something like that, Apple Bloom.” Rarity spoke.

“Ah’ll go to Canterlot with you, Miss Rarity. Ah’m sure it must be really important, if they need a filly like me there.” Apple Bloom told Rarity.

“Very well. If it’s alright with you, then we shall leave immediately, while there’s still daylight.” Rarity replied.

“Alright.” Apple Bloom responded.

“Now, let’s hurry along. I told the Princess that I’d bring you back safely at all costs, and I intend to keep my word.” Rarity told the filly.

“The Princess? What about Chrysalis? Wasn’t she the one who really called the meeting?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I’m afraid not. Last night, Chrysalis was ponynapped, and has been missing since.” Rarity replied.

“What!?” Everypony in the room exclaimed.

“Amongst the ponies that they suspect of abducting her, include the group that we met yesterday, minus Braeburn. They also suspect Soarin from Cloudsdale, and a Unicorn named Trixie.” Rarity told everypony.

“Chrysalis ponynapped? How is that even possible? She has the Princesses and Discord, as well as her army of changelings.” Mayor Mare asked.

“It’s troubling to me as well, but it’s true.” Rarity replied.

“So what are we supposed to do, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“While I escort Apple Bloom to Canterlot, the rest of you should start searching Ponyville for any of the suspects. We may have to branch out from there, if we’re unable to find anypony.” Rarity replied.

“And what if we still can’t find them?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Then we’ll have to search beyond our shores, to the other kingdoms.” Rarity answered.

“The other kingdoms? That could take years!” Mayor Mare replied.

“Believe me, it wasn’t my idea, but even I can see how much trouble that could be.” Rarity replied.

“But we’ve never been further than Las Pegasus, to Appleloosa, and Manehattan. Even then, it was never for more than a week or so. Where would we even begin to look?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I’m afraid I don’t know, but we’ll have to cross that bridge once we come to it. For now, we all need to start searching until Apple Bloom and I return.” Rarity told the group.

“Please don’t be gone as long this time.” Sweetie Belle told her sister.

“I won’t Sweetie.” Rarity replied. “Come along now Apple Bloom, we have a long train ride ahead of us.” Rarity told Apple Bloom, as she opened the door with her magic, and stepped outside.

“Alright.” Apple Bloom replied, following Rarity.

As the door closed behind the two, Mayor Mare began to think to herself on what Rarity had told them.

“Chrysalis captured? Normally that would be a good thing, but there are still ponies that are under her spell. I guess we have no choice but to wait until everypony is returned to normal. I just wish I knew how to do it…” Mayor Mare thought to herself.

“Is something wrong, Mayor?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Hmm? Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about something that happened a long time ago. Come along then, we should get to searching.” Mayor Mare replied, as she walked over to open the door for Sweetie Belle and Derpy.

“Yes ma’am!” Sweetie Belle and Derpy replied, as they headed outside.

“Hmm. I wonder if ‘she’ would know…” Mayor Mare thought to herself once more.

Mayor Mare closed the door behind her, as she followed the two in their search.

Food for thought

Twilight and friends reappeared outside of Donut Joes in a flash of light.

The group separated from each other a little, giving each of them space to breath.

“You think anyone saw us?” Spike asked.

“I don’t think so. Otherwise I’m sure whoever it was might have said something.” Twilight replied.

“So is this where we were supposed to meet up?” Rainbow Dash asked, lifting up Fluttershy while looking back at the donut shop.

“Yes. Braeburn should be inside by now.” Twilight replied.

“Hopefully he hasn’t been stuffing his face with donuts while we’ve been risking our tails.” Spike added on.

The group proceeded inside the donut shop.

Twilight looked around the store, trying to see if Braeburn was around. Surprisingly; Twilight didn’t see anypony inside the shop, not even Donut Joe.

She gave another scan of the area, before finally spotting Braeburn walking out of the backroom, a glazed look in his eyes with pieces of donut stuck to his mouth.

“There he is!” Twilight alerted the group. “Have you been stuffing your face this entire time Braeburn?” Twilight asked.

Braeburn let out a groan, before collapsing on the ground.

“Braeburn!” The group called out, before hurrying to his side.

“Are you okay Braeburn?” Twilight asked, hoping it was just because he ate too many donuts.

A mare’s voice then came from the backroom, catching the group off-guard.

“If they weren’t filled with Apple Jelly, I wouldn’t think that he’d have eaten so many.” The voice called out.

Recognizing the voice, Twilight quickly responded.

“Trixie! What are you doing here?!” Twilight called towards the backroom.

“Humph. If I were you, Sparkle, I’d be trying to get out of Canterlot while I still could.” Trixie replied from the back room.

“What are you talking about Trixie!?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Yeah! What’s going on now?” Spike asked as well.

The group could here hoof steps approaching from the back room, while Trixie continued to talk.

“Those two brothers are currently working on another love poison to give to Queen Chrysalis.”

“What!? Why!?” Twilight replied, shocked.

“But I thought they wanted to get Chrysalis while she was in the Royal Palace? That place is on lockdown right now!” Spike asked.

“What about the first one?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The first one is no longer in the Royal Palace.” Trixie replied from the back once more.

“What!?” The group exclaimed.

“The love poison, is right here.” Trixie told the group, stepping into the doorway of the backroom, levitating the bottle of love poison with her magic.

“But how? When?” Twilight asked.

“When the Princesses were chasing after that spy back in the palace.” Trixie told the group.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Last night in the palace hallways.

“This place is just as confusing to get around as the dungeon.” Soarin said aloud to himself. “I need to hurry up and find the Queen’s chambers before I’m too late.”

Soarin checked another door as he walked down the hallway.

This time the door revealed an empty dining room, the lights all off.

“No luck here either.” Soarin said to himself.

Before he could leave however, the door slammed shut behind him as he heard hoof steps running past outside.

“What the!?” Soarin exclaimed, surprised.

It didn’t stop there though; as Soarin was then seemingly pulled away from the door by a magical red force and thrown into a corner of the room, before being tied up by magic ropes and having an apple stuck in his mouth.

“MuMpH!” Soarin tried to call out, but was unable due to the apple.

“Humph….There, that should do it.” A mare’s voice spoke.

From outside the door, the mare could hear the voices of other ponies approaching.

“Any sign of it yet?” A voice spoke outside, whom the mare recognized as Twilight Sparkle.

“Nope.” Two others replied at once.

“I wonder where it could be? We still have about half of the palace to go, and I still find it strange that there are no guards around.” Twilight spoke.

“Here already?” The mare thought to herself.

“No clue, but we have to keep looking.” Another voice spoke, whom the mare recognized this time as being Rainbow Dash.

“I suppose it’s time to take my leave.” The mare thought to herself, before walking over to a window and opening it with her magic. She then hopped out the window as she heard Twilight speak once more outside the door.

“Okay, you two go…” Twilight began to speak, before Trixie cut her off by closing the window with her magic.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Donut Joe’s, present.

“So you had the love poison all along?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Was there ever any doubt?” Trixie replied.

“So does that mean you’re going to give it to us?” Spike asked.

“Absolutely not.” Trixie answered the dragon.

“Then what are you here for Trixie?” Twilight asked.

“Trixie is here because she’s tired of you showing up and ruining her plans again.” Trixie told Twilight.

“Huh?” The group replied.

“What exactly are ‘your’ plans Trixie?” Twilight asked again.

“Like we told you before Sparkle; the plan was to have Queen Chrysalis drink the love poison and then have that stallion take the fall.” Trixie responded, pointing to Soarin at the end.

“You’re saying I’ve been a scapegoat this whole time?” Soarin asked, a confused look on his face.

“In a sense, yes.” Trixie replied. “Spitfire wanted to make sure that somepony took the fall when things went south. You just happened to be the one that got selected to go.”

“So that was why Soarin was in the dungeon as well?” Twilight asked.

“It didn’t have to be him, but whoever it was, she intended for them to appear as the culprit.” Trixie answered Twilight.

“But how could they go ahead with their plan if the love poison didn’t work?” Spike asked.

“Trixie knew that whoever was to be blamed would be caught and detained eventually, and it was by luck that you didn’t take him with you the first time.” Trixie replied. “So long as Chrysalis remained missing they would never release him, so he would have stayed down in the dungeon. Either way, it was all set so that Chrysalis would be taken out of the picture and all suspicion would stay away from them.”

“So then what’s the problem? Why are they making another poison?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“They realized that I interfered with their plans and have decided to shift focus to save what’s left by making another poison and leaving it with Soarin.” Trixie answered.

“So then they’re after Soarin now?” Twilight asked.

“Not quite.” Trixie replied. “They also want to keep you lot from interfering any further as well.”

“So then they’re looking for all of us?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yes, and you might’ve been able to save yourselves if you hadn’t taken him with you, as it would’ve been extremely difficult for them to reach him had he stayed.” Trixie answered.

“So what you’re saying is that we freed a pony that’s wanted by two different counts?” Spike asked Trixie.

“Yes.” Trixie told the dragon.

“So what are we supposed to do then!? Throw him back in the cell? Leave him here? Maybe go toss him at their hooves?” Rainbow Dash asked angrily.

“I’m not going back in that dungeon, but I can’t believe that Captain Spitfire would really do that to me.” Soarin added on, looking down at the ground.

“While turning him over to Spitfire and those brothers would give you the chance to eliminate your involvement in this Sparkle, I get the feeling that you wouldn’t actually do that.” Trixie told Twilight, a grin on her face.

“So Spitfire is with the Flim Flam brothers then?” Twilight asked.

“That would explain why we didn’t find her there when we went to her office.” Spike said aloud.

“Correct.” Trixie responded.

“So going back to my question; ‘What are we supposed to do!?’” Rainbow Dash asked once more.

“As it stands, you ponies have two options.” Trixie told the group. “1) You can keep him with you and run the risk of being caught by either side along the way.” Looking over at Soarin. “2) You can leave him and avoid apprehension until you reach Rainbow Falls.”

“I’m not being left behind again!” Soarin exclaimed.

“Neither of those sounds very good.” Spike spoke up.

Not liking their options, but unsure what to do next, the group pondered on what their next plan of action should be.

Nothing seemed like a good idea, until somepony opened the front door, setting off the bell at the top.

“Maybe I can help.” The creature spoke.

Everypony turned to the door, finding that one of Chrysalis’ changelings had found them.

“A changeling? Now?” Twilight asked aloud.

“Don’t even think about trying anything you bug!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the changeling.

Tensions quickly rose, until Soarin managed to stop everyone.

“Wait a minute! I recognize your voice.” Soarin spoke, looking at the changeling. “You were the one in the dungeon with me.”

The changeling gave a grin.

“That’s right.” The changeling replied.

“You tried to turn Soarin on me back in the dungeon!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the changeling once more.

“I’ll admit that I went a little…crazy after being tossed down there, but thanks to you I was able to escape.” The changeling told the Pegasus.

“Why would you help us?” Twilight asked. “Aren’t you supposed to be loyal to your Queen?”

“My Queen was the reason why I ended up down there, and while its true that I can’t go against her, I can still help you keep him away from everyone else.” The changeling responded.

“How?” Soarin asked.

“I know how to get around without anyone else finding me.” The changeling told the Pegasus. “I can keep you safe from even my own swarm.”

“I don’t know if we can trust him.” Rainbow Dash spoke up, letting out a snort in disapproval.

“Well right now he sounds like the best chance we have to buy some time for us to stop them.” Twilight replied.

“I agree.” Spike added on.

“Then I guess your minds are made up.” Trixie told the group, before walking over towards the windows.

“Wait Trixie!” Twilight called out.

“What is it Sparkle?” Trixie replied, not looking at Twilight.

“Why are you helping us?” Twilight asked.

Trixie gave a boasting laugh before responding.

“I guess The Great and Powerful Trixie gave your memory too much credit.” Trixie replied. “A magician never reveals her secrets.” Trixie spoke once more, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke, only to reveal she had hopped out the window again.

“Hmm.” Twilight thought to herself, while waving the smoke out of her face.

“That Trixie! I can never tell if she’s trying to be helpful or not!” Spike spoke aloud.

“Well I don’t trust her either, but if what she said was true, then we need to do something soon.” Rainbow Dash added on.

“I agree.” Twilight replied, before turning her attention to the changeling. “Can we really trust you to keep Soarin safe?” She asked.

“I can keep him out of sight, but only if he listens to everything I tell him.” The changeling responded, looking over at Soarin.

“I’m still not sure I trust either of you yet either, but I guess I don’t have much choice right now.” Soarin replied.

“Then it’s settled. We’ll leave Soarin in your care.” Twilight told the changeling.

“Alright. Come on pony, it’ll be getting dark soon, and my kind can see better at night.” The changeling told Soarin, while turning around to leave the store.

“Just be quiet and lead the way.” Soarin responded, as he made his way towards the exit.

“Good luck Soarin.” Twilight told the stallion.

“Yeah, try not to get lost again.” Rainbow Dash added on.

“I’m still not talking to you!” Soarin retorted back to Rainbow Dash, before finally leaving with the changeling.

“Well now that that’s out of the way, we should probably rest for a little bit. We need to make sure Fluttershy’s okay.” Twilight told the group.

“You’re right Twilight.” Rainbow Dash replied, gently setting Fluttershy down.

“Yeah.” Spike agreed as well.

Meanwhile, Braeburn finally started to come around from his donut induced coma.

“Uhhh….” Braeburn spoke, starting to move again.

“Hey, it looks like Braeburn’s coming around!” Twilight spoke up, noticing the stallion moving again.

“Ugh…what happened?” Braeburn asked, standing up. “Last thing I remember was waiting for ya’ll to show up when I found a trail of apple jelly filled donut leading into the back.” Braeburn put a hoof to his stomach, starting to feel sick. “I can’t remember how many I ate.”

“You can probably thank Trixie for that.” Spike told him.

“What?” Braeburn replied, confused.

“Never mind that now. We can bring you up to speed later. Right now we need to make sure Fluttershy’s okay.” Rainbow Dash told the stallion.

“Huh? Fluttershy!” Braeburn exclaimed, seeing his friend lying on the ground. “Is she alright!?”

“She’s still a little weak, but the worst should be behind her now.” Twilight replied, looking from Braeburn to Fluttershy.

“That’s good to hear. I was really getting worried.” Braeburn replied, looking back at Fluttershy.

The group then gathered around Fluttershy, while another pony watched from outside the window.

“Those ponies don’t even know what they’re getting themselves into.” Trixie thought to herself, as she turned her attention away from the window and began to walk away. “I still can’t believe that those three would go this far though...”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Earlier, atop Rainbow Falls.

“Well that was a wasted endeavor.” Flim told his brother.

“Indeed brother. A complete waste of time.” Flam responded.

The two brother approached their tent and walked inside to find Spitfire waiting for them on their couch.

“I trust things at the meeting went smoothly?” Spitfire asked the Unicorns.

“Why yes they did.” Flim replied.

“And what about you?” Flam added on. “We assume you’ve been busy yourself since we’ve been gone.”

“Oh I’ve been more than fine.” Spitfire replied, getting off of the couch. “In fact, you could say I’ve been getting ahead of the game.” She added on, walking around the tent.

The two brothers looked at each other, confusion on the other’s face.

“How so?” Flim asked.

“While you two were gone, I made a quick trip back to my office in Cloudsdale.” Spitfire replied.

“And how did that go?” Flam asked.

“Aside from finding that some ponies had gotten into my office, I also found out that Princess Luna had paid Cloudsdale a ‘visit’ last night.” Spitfire told the brothers, a twitch starting in her eye.

“But you knew about the Princess going up to Cloudsdale, same as us.” Flim responded.

“That’s right.” Flam added on.

“I knew about Princess CELESTIA!!! I didn’t know that PRINCESS LUNA had gone up there as well!!” Spitfire yelled at the brothers, rage accompanying the twitch in her eye.

“Uh…” Flim tried to respond.

“Well…” Flam added on.

“And to top it all off, I find out from Scootaloo that both Twitters, and Rainbow Dash and her friends were there as well!” Spitfire yelled again.

Both of the brothers were speechless, unsure of what to say.

“I thought it was strange that Twitters wasn’t responding to me, and now he’s up and disappeared altogether.” Spitfire said angrily.

The brothers remained silent.

Spitfire then took a deep breath, letting her anger subside a little, but still kept the twitch in her eye.

“But that’s alright.” She told the Unicorns.

Waiting a moment, the brothers finally responded.

“It is?” They asked in unison.

“Yes, because while both of you were gone, a little birdie came by and let me know about some useful information.” Spitfire answered, her eye starting to twitch less.

“A birdie you say?” Flim asked.

“What kind of birdie exactly?” Flam added on.

“Oh, just a little friend of yours.” Spitfire responded, causing the two to look at each other, before turning back. “He told me that Soarin is no longer in the royal dungeons, and is currently walking around with Rainbow Dash and her friends.”

The brothers looked to each other again, before responding.

“Is…” Flim began to say nervously.

“Is that so?” Flam finished for his brother, equally as nervous.

“Yes, which means that now we can find him and figure out what happened last night, and then send him right back with another potion that ‘you two’ are going to make up.” Spitfire told the brothers.

“Another potion?” Flim asked.

“Why would we need to make another one?” Flam added on.

“Why not just get him to find the original?” Flim asked.

“Because your little birdie friend also told me that Trixie was the one to take the potion.” Spitfire told the Unicorns, making them glance at each other. “And that you two and her were talking together yesterday before I got here.” She added on, making them look at her now.

Spitfire walked back over to the couch, taking a seat, before turning to the brothers again.

“So let me make this clear.” She told them with a smile. “You two are going to make another potion, and then we’re going to find Soarin and the rest of them.”

The brothers looked at each other, annoyed looks on their faces.

“And if we refuse?” Flim asked.

Spitfire just smiled, before whistling into the air and holding her hoof out.

The brothers looked on in confusion, until the phoenix they had swindled the day prior, appeared and dropped a bit in Spitfire’s hoof, before perching on the top of the couch.

“I’ll be taking this, and every last bit you own, until you cooperate.” Spitfire told the brothers.

The brothers looked to each other, unconvinced.

“And how do we know that bit is even ours?” Flim asked.

“Yes. How can you be so sure?” Flam asked.

Spitfire grinned before answering.

“Because locks don’t work on phoenixes that can melt them.” She replied.

Shocked, the brothers quickly looked around the room, only to find that all of the locks that they had placed on their belongings had indeed been melted, and that several of their stashes of bits were gone.

“This, this can’t be!” Flim exclaimed.

“This is stealing!” Flam added on.

Spitfire flipped the bit in the air, before the phoenix took off from the couch, snagged the coin, and flew off.

“Not in this world.” Spitfire replied, grinning.

The Unicorns now gave Spitfire their full attention.

Spitfire leaned back against the couch, crossing her legs, and placing her hooves together.

“So what’s it gonna be boys?” She told the brothers.

Meanwhile, outside the tent; an eavesdropping pony moved away, before disappearing in a red flash.

Author's Note

One year...

One year is far to long to wait to submit another chapter.

For those of you that have been waiting patiently all this time for an update; I sincerely apologize. :fluttershysad:

I should have been trying to work on another chapter all this time, but work and life caught up with me all too quickly, and I eventually fell out of writing for what felt like the longest time. I can only hope that my work/quality is still up to par for both myself, and all you readers out there.

I can't be sorry enough for taking this long, but as of now, I've written more than just this one chapter, and I'll be trying to submit more as frequently as I can.

Again, I apologize for the EXTREMELY long delay, and I hope you enjoyed my work.

Royal pain

Presently, outside the Royal Palace.

“Well, here we are dear.” Rarity told Apple Bloom, whom still seemed down.

Apple Bloom looked up at the doors to the palace, but didn’t say anything.

The two made their way inside to the grand hall where they had been just days prior. They waited for a while, until Rarity finally broke the silence.

“Hmm…it’s odd that she’s taking so long. The Princesses are usually so punctual.” She said aloud.

As if on cue, a horrible instrument began to play atop the stairs, revealing Discord in a poofy guard outfit playing a flugelhorn.

“Announcing! Her semi-royal highness-ess! Princess Celestia!” Discord announced as Princess Celestial walked through the doors, before being bombarded by the sound of Discord playing the horn again.

Celestia stuck a hoof in the instrument, silencing it, before speaking to Discord.

“Thank you Discord. That will be all for now.” She told the draconequus.

Discord then changed into a soldier outfit, and saluted the princess with a serious face, before falling backwards and disappearing into a pool of water out-of-nowhere.

Princess Celestia then turned her attention to her guests, as she made her way down the stairs.

“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting.” She told the fillies.

“Not at all your highness.” Rarity told the Princess with a bow, while Apple Bloom just lowered her head.

“Now, as for why you’re here.” Celestia told the two.

“Miss Rarity said you needed to speak with me.” Apple Bloom replied.

“Yes, that’s correct.” Celestia told the filly. “Welcome Apple Bloom, you seem to be handling what must have happened last night to Zecora fairly well.”

“Ah won’t lie your highness. Ah’m still really upset by it, but Ah’m moving on. It’s what Zecora would’a wanted.” Apple Bloom replied.

“That’s very noble of you.” Princess Celestia responded. “Now, has Rarity told you why you’re here?”

“She wasn’t very specific, but Ah’m guessing it’s got something to do with Queen Chrysalis’ disappearance?” Apple Bloom replied.

“Indeed, it does.” Celestia answered. “I need for you to either provide me with absolute proof, or a third party statement that can prove that neither you nor Zecora were involved with the events that occurred here last night.” She told the filly.

“Princess Celestia, if I may.” Rarity interrupted. “The others and I already explained earlier that we were with Zecora and Apple Bloom the entire time last night.”

“I understand that.” Celestia replied to Rarity, looking at her. “However, even though enough of you were here earlier to make the third party statements necessary to prove your innocence; unfortunately, without Zecora here on your behalf, or another pony, your options have become fewer for Apple Bloom.

“But your highness!...” Rarity began to speak, before Apple Bloom cut her off.

“Your highness.” She spoke to Celestia.

“Yes Apple Bloom?” Princess Celestia responded to the filly, looking down at her now.

Apple Bloom interrupting her caught Rarity off guard, as she watched the little filly take a deep breath, before speaking to Princess Celestia once more.

“In the past day, Ah’ve had my world turned upside down in more ways than one.” Apple Bloom told the Princess. “Ah’ve had Zecora finally recover from her headaches, only to say that everything that she knew was a lie. We sheltered a bunch of ponies for different reasons, all saying crazing things about Queen Chrysalis being evil. Ah stood and watched Princess Luna tear apart our home and threatened Zecora. And to top it all off, Ah had to hear about what happened to Zecora from ponies other than me. So please Princess; if you wanna tell me that either Ah, or Zecora are accused of treason, then by all means you can go to Tartarus.” Apple Bloom finished telling the Princess, a serious look on her face.

“Apple Bloom dear…” Rarity replied, shocked by the words the filly had used.

Princess Celestia looked down at the serious looking filly, an unemotional look upon her own face. She then closed her eyes, before lifting her head up and saying with a smile.

“Very well then. You are free to go.”

“What?” Rarity and Apple Bloom said in unison, surprised looks on their faces.

“Despite these times that we are facing at this very moment, and despite all of the developments that appear to be occurring every minute, you had the resolve to say to a Princess under Queen Chrysalis’ rule what you just said to me. Let’s just say I don’t know what kind of pony I’d be if I punished you for speaking your mind like that.” Princess Celestia told the two, a happy look on her face.

“Your highness…” The two responded in unison.

Princess Celestia raised a hoof to reassure them.

“You must forgive me for sounding unsympathetic, but we will hold a proper ceremony for Zecora once this entire ordeal is over.” Celestia told the filly.

“Thank you your highness.” Apple Bloom replied.

“No. Thank you. For bringing to our attention something that we should have been helping with a long time ago.” Princess Celestia replied.

“What’s that?” Rarity asked.

“The needs of the ponies.” Celestia responded, looking up to the skylight. “I thank you for your time in coming here, you may go now.” She told the two, returning her gaze to them.

“Yes your highness.” The two said in unison, bowing at the same time.

Rarity and Apple Bloom then turned around and made their way to the door. Rarity opened the door with her magic and held it open for Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom.” Princess Celestia called out to the filly one last time.

“Yes ma’am?” Apple Bloom answered.

“She shall be missed.” Princess Celestia told the filly, closing her eyes and lowering her head.

“Thank you Princess.” Apple Bloom replied, before turning around and walking out the door.

Rarity followed suit, shutting the door behind them.

Princess Celestia stood in the quiet of the room for a minute, before taking a deep breath and speaking.

“Discord.” Celestia said aloud.

Discord appeared in a flash behind her, holding a small bell by his paw.

“You rang?” He answered, flicking the bell with his claw, causing it to ding.

“Discord, have you seen my sister?” Celestia asked, not turning around to look at him.

“Dunno. She disappeared again.” Discord replied, cutting a piece of paper with scissors, before pulling it apart to reveal several cut-out moons and Lunas.

“I would like for you to find her, and any other leads as to the whereabouts of the ponies that escaped.” Celestia told Discord, while still facing away.

Discord was playing with a yo-yo by flicking it up, instead of down, until he realized the serious of Celestia’s tone.

“I’ll join you in a little while.” She said once more.

Discord tossed the yo-yo behind himself, before responding.

“Very well Celestia.” He said, before disappearing in a flash of magic and reappearing outside the Royal Palace in a rowing boat.

Discord began to row himself away from the palace, until he felt a large rumble emanate all around him. Trees began to shake, the gates began to rattle, and the lights inside began to flicker. Discord was almost thrown from his boat, before the rumbling stopped and a giant surge of magic erupted from inside the palace. He immediately began rowing faster and faster away, leaving a dirt trail in the ground.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, at Donut Joes.

“Woah!” Braeburn called out. “Did ya’ll feel that tremor?”

“I felt it too. It’s not normal for Canterlot to experience earthquakes.” Twilight replied.

“I’ll say!” Spike added on.

“You okay Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked her yellow friend.

Fluttershy slowly moved, before sitting up on her own.

“I’m…better.” She replied. “I must look rough, huh?”

“No, you’re just a little shaken up.” Dash answered.

“Probably from those vibrations.” Spike added.

“You seem, content.” Braeburn told Fluttershy.

“Heh, content. That’s a first.” Fluttershy replied.

“You’ve never been content with anything before?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Please. Braeburn’s just always trying to calm me down, but I don’t know why.” Fluttershy responded.

“Well, you should be content. Things can’t always be so bad.” Dash replied.

“Yeah, and I’d have thrown you out of the Salt Block just as much as I have him if you said that to me.” Fluttershy told the Pegasus.

“That wouldn’t be so bad.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“And why is that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Because we’re friends.” Rainbow Dash answered.

Fluttershy chuckled to herself, upon hearing that somepony would be happy with being thrown out of a watering hole and call it friendship.

“You know what? You’re alright Rain…?” Fluttershy began to say, but forgot the Pegasus’ name.

“Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash responded.

“Yeah, that’s right. Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said to herself.

Twilight let out a sigh.

“You still don’t remember, do you?”

“No, can’t say that I do.” Fluttershy replied.

“It’ll all come back. I’m sure it will.” Spike spoke up.

Fluttershy sat there for a minute, thinking to herself.

“…What was I like before?” She asked.

“Huh?” Everyone responded.

“You keep going on that we knew each other once. So, what was I like?” Fluttershy asked again.

“Well you weren’t so mean, that’s for sure.” Spike replied, before getting poked in the head by Twilight.

“Humph. Go on.” Fluttershy spoke.

“You were a lot more…caring and looked out for others. Especially your friends and the little woodland creatures.” Twilight responded.

“You’re starting to lose me here.” Fluttershy replied.

“It’s true!” Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy. “You stood up to a dragon for us, cheered me on to do my signature ‘Sonic Rainboom.’”

“You saved me and the Cutie Mark Crusaders from the Cockatrice, tried to nurse Philomena back to health for Princess Celestia.” Twilight added on.

“Helped me pick Tank as my pet, stood up to that bully Iron Will.” Rainbow Dash added on. “You even got over your fear of flying in front of others by helping me and all the other Pegasi get that water from the reservoir up to Cloudsdale!”

“Wow…I…really did all that?” Fluttershy asked.

“You did!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“And it’s because of all that and so much more that you’re our friend!” Twilight added on.

“I…I don’t know what…I feel…” Fluttershy started to say.

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike’s eyes all lit up, as they were expecting this to be the point where Fluttershy remembered who she was.

However, instead of an ascension of kindness, the group was greeted by another loud rumble; this time occurring much closer by.

“Waah!” Twilight, Rainbow, and Spike exclaimed.

“What the hay was that!?” Fluttershy yelled quietly.

“I hate to break up your friendship get-together, but we got ourselves a big situation out here!” Braeburn told the rest of the group.

“What is it!?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Twilight moved over to the window next to Braeburn, letting out a gasp.

“It’s Princess Luna! She must’ve followed us here somehow!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Oh come on! Doesn’t she know when to quit!?” Fluttershy yelled.

“What are we supposed to do now!?” Braeburn asked.

“Oooohhh! We’ll never get anywhere at this rate if she keeps coming after us!” Twilight said aloud.

“So what do we do?” Spike asked.

Twilight thought for a second, trying to think of the best course of action, when only one solution came to mind.

“I’m afraid we have no choice.” Twilight responded.

“You don’t mean?” Spike asked.

“I’m afraid so Spike.” Twilight answered. “We’re going to have to stand up to her and convince her to stop.”

“Aw yeah!” Rainbow Dash said in agreement.

“You bet your flank that I’m coming too!” Fluttershy yelled quietly.

“Yeah.” Braeburn agreed nervously.

“I guess so.” Spike agreed nervously as well.

“Alright then, let’s end this!” Twilight told the group.

The group then ran outside the store and stood off in front of Princess Luna.

Princess Luna’s eyes were glowing white, as her magic swirled around her. She finally noticed the group, before speaking in her Royal Canterlot voice.

“Finally ready to turn thyselves in!?” Luna asked.

“You were vicious like this when you were Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, but that’s not who you are anymore!” Twilight told the Princess.

“Yeah! What she said!” Spike added on.

“You wouldn’t put innocent ponies in danger by chasing after us like you have!” Rainbow Dash added.

“I don’t even know you from before, but I never did like that smug look you always had on your face!” Fluttershy yelled quietly.

“And you better believe that I’m gonna stand by Fluttershy!” Braeburn added on.

“We must say, seeing thy magical expertise has gotten us thinking.” Princess Luna spoke, looking over at Twilight.

“Huh!?” Twilight replied.

“While we hath never seen thou before, we keep hearing this voice in our head, telling us to not fall victim to you. Not again.” Princess Luna spoke.

“Well you’re too late for that now!” Rainbow Dash spoke.

“And we plan on making up for lost time.” Princess Luna replied, before her body once again began to change into the form of Nightmare Moon. “BY A THOUSAND MOONS!!”

“Oh my! I’ve never seen her like this before!” Fluttershy said aloud.

“She’s turned into Nightmare Moon!” Twilight responded. “I always hoped that this would never happen again!”

“We don’t have all the Elements of Harmony, Twilight!” Spike told her. “What are we gonna do!?”

“We’ll just have to give it our all with what we’ve got!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, before flying up and preparing for a nosedive.

“Get ready everypony!” Twilight called out.

Nightmare Moon then began to gather her magic even more, preparing to release it all at once upon her victims.

The group prepared themselves for her attack, and began to ready their own; when suddenly, something unexpected happened.

Nightmare Moon’s magic began to lessen, until it all but disappeared. She looked on in anger at the ponies in front of her, before her vision began to go dark and she collapsed on the ground, turning back to Princess Luna once more.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight called out, running over to the fallen alicorn.

“What happened?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“She just collapsed.” Braeburn answered.

“Talk about a dud.” Fluttershy said aloud.

“I think she must’ve used up all her magic.” Twilight replied, looking Luna over.

“Huh?” The rest of the group replied.

“She must have used Nightmare Moon’s powers too many times, or overused her magic in general too much lately.” Twilight told the group.

“So who is Nightmare Moon anyway?” Braeburn asked.

“She’s one of the two royal sisters who ruled over all of Equestria.” Twilight began to speak. “Eventually though, the younger one grew jealous of her older sister and allowed her darkness to overcome her. This is what led to the birth of Nightmare Moon; a pony who threatened the good of the land in favor of her eternal night.”

“So what should we do about her now that she’s back to being Princess Luna?” Braeburn asked.

“I really wish that we could try to talk some sense into her, but I’m afraid she probably won’t be waking up for a while.” Twilight replied.

“That meanie left me freezing on the moon! I should give her a piece of my mind!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“Fluttershy no!” Twilight spoke.

“Yeah Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash added. “I know you don’t remember being the kind you that we remember, but please don’t ruin your old self by doing something.”

Fluttershy thought to herself for a minute, before turning away from Luna and responding.

“Fine, but only because you asked me nicely.”

Braeburn looked on at Fluttershy in surprised shock.

“I don’t believe it. Is this really the same Fluttershy I knew for years?” He thought to himself.

“Come on everypony. It’s probably best if we make our way to Rainbow Falls as soon as possible. We need to stop Spitfire and the Flim Flam Brothers” Twilight told the group.

“You said it Twilight!” Spike replied.

“I’m down.” Rainbow Dash responded.

“We’re ready.” Fluttershy and Braeburn said.

The group then took off for the train station, leaving Princess Luna lying unconscious on the ground.

Shortly after, Discord stood up from behind a small bush nearby, before his jaw literally fell off and hit the ground.

“Oh my.” His mouth said from the ground.

Switching places

Currently, at Town Hall.

“Well? Any sign of anyone?” Mayor Mare asked Sweetie Belle.

“Not yet Mayor.” Sweetie Belle answered, looking out the window.

Derpy meanwhile was sweeping off the top of the bookshelves, when one of her eyes noticed two ponies outside the window.

“I think someone’s there Mayor.” Derpy called down.

“Rarity and Apple Bloom are back!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly, before going to open the door.

Rarity and Apple Bloom walked in the doorway, before Sweetie Belle jumped to give her sister a hug.

“Welcome back.” Mayor Mare greeted the two. “How did things go?”

Rarity finished hugging Sweetie Belle, before answering.

“Well, Apple Bloom’s name has been cleared, and until this whole situation has been resolved, I have offered her shelter here.” Rarity replied.

“That’s good to hear.” Mayor Mare replied. “Unfortunately, we didn’t find anything looking around while you were gone.”

“We couldn’t find those ponies or Chrysalis anywhere.” Sweetie Belle told her sister.

“I see. We’ll have to let the Princesses know as soon as possible.” Rarity replied. “For now though, I suppose we’ll have to start looking outside Ponyville.”

“So how should we go about it then?” Mayor Mare asked. “Should we all split up or stick together from here on?”

“While we would be able to cover more ground splitting up, I think that we should stay together for now.” Rarity answered. “At least until we’ve searched the closest areas.”

“Okay.” Everyone but Apple Bloom replied.

“I do think it would be best though, if Apple Bloom stays here while we’re gone.” Rarity added. “Sweetie Belle, can I count on you to stay here with Apple Bloom again while we head out?”

“Sure thing Rarity!” Sweetie Belle told her sister. “It’ll be just like a slumber party!”

“Very well, but don’t be up too late.” Rarity told her sister. “As soon as we finish checking our nearest town boarders, we will re-group here for the night and then all head out further in the morning.”

“Right!” Everyone but Apple Bloom replied.

“If I may, I suggest we go search the Castle of the Two Sisters first.” Mayor Mare told Rarity. “With any luck, we may find Trixie there.”

“Good thinking Mayor.” Rarity replied. “Let’s get going.”

Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Derpy then set out from Town Hall, while Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom wished them luck.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Atop Rainbow Falls.

“How’s it look out there brother?” Flim asked Flam.

“Things have been looking pretty quiet since that Unicorn and little filly left Flim.” Flam told Flim, looking through their telescope at Canterlot.

“Be sure to keep an eye out brother. I’m going to go check on Captain Blackmail.” Flim told his brother, annoyed.

“Be sure to.” Flam told his brother, equally annoyed.

Flim walked inside their tent to find Spitfire loading a saddlebag with several different items, while the phoenix from earlier watched on.

“One more of these, and a couple of these, and that should be it.” Spitfire spoke to herself.

“I’m assuming you’re quite ready to head out then?” Flim asked Spitfire.

“Almost done.” Spitfire responded. “You guys have a lot of useful things here, and I figured I’d grab some things to remember you guys.”

“Like all our bits.” Flim thought to himself.

“By the way, is that potion finished yet?” Spitfire asked.

Still annoyed, Flim turned his attention away from the Pegasus to check on the love poison they had to re-brew. He could see that there were only a few drops left to go, before the vial was full.

“Almost done.” He told Spitfire.

“Good, I’m about ready myself.” Spitfire replied.

Spitfire then walked over to the vial, just as the last drop fell in. She watched as Flim picked the vial up with his magic, placed a cork in the top, and then moved it towards her.

“Pleasure doing business with you boys.” Spitfire told the Unicorn as she grabbed the vial and placed it in her saddlebag. “And with that, I’m off to find those ponies.”

Convinced this wouldn’t be the last they’d see her, Flim spoke one last time before Spitfire left.

“So when should we expect to see you again?” He asked.

“As long as everything goes according to the new plan, I’m done here.” Spitfire told Flim, causing the pony to let out a sigh of relief. “But if not, you can bet you’ll hear from me again.” Spitfire added on, before taking off out the tent and into the afternoon sky.

Flim let out a groan, before heading back outside to his brother.

“I take it she’s gone?” Flam asked Flim.

“Hopefully for good dear brother.” Flim replied.

“Hopefully indeed brother.” Flam replied.

Flam changed his viewpoint in the telescope once more, until an unbelievable sight caught his attention.

“Flim!” He called out to his brother.

“What is it Flam?” Flim asked.

“You’re not going to believe what I’m seeing in Canterlot.” Flam told his brother, moving away from the telescope.

“What do we have?” Flim asked, looking through the telescope.

“It looks like…” Flam began to speak, before his brother cut him off.

“I think it is dear brother!” Flim responded.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Flam asked.

“I do believe I am Flim.” Flim replied. “Things are starting to get interesting around here.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

In the Royal Palace.

Celestia stood in the royal chambers, looking out through one of the windows at the vast landscape in front of her.

“Hmm. So far nothing from Ponyville, and with Cloudsdale and the Everfree forest in disarray, it’s just two more places that no one’s been found.” Celestia thought to herself. “All that’s left is Appleloosa and Rainbow Falls. Hmm. Where could they have gone?”

Celestia continued to ponder for a little longer, until a commotion from outside the chambers caught her attention. She moved over closer to the doors, before they burst open, revealing Discord in a nurse outfit pushing Luna on a gurney.

“Luna!” Celestia called out to her sister.

“This isn’t good.” Discord said aloud. “I need 52cc’s of Friendship and a jar of molasses!”

“Molasses?” Celestia asked, confused even more by the situation.

“Oh ha ha ha!” Discord laughed to himself. “I’m sorry, I meant a jar of magic.”

Discord then ripped off his nurse outfit and began to float upwards.

“Also, it’s probably best if you take over. I lost my medical license after the Enterprise.” Discord told Celestia.

“What happened Discord!?” Celestia asked.

“It appeared dear Luna here went off in search of those out-of-state ponies again.” Discord answered, walking his fingers in the air.

“I should’ve know she would try to seek them out again!” Celestia thought to herself.

“She did find them however, and was about to zap them into next week too.” Discord continued, admiring his claws.

“Where were they!?” Celestia asked further.

“They were at that lovely little donut shop at the corner of Krispy and Dunkin.” Discord answered, before making a box of donuts appear. “Did you know they were having a free donut day?” Discord asked, before tossing a donut in his mouth. “They ran out of the apple jelly filled ones.”

“Enough about that!” Celestia told the draconequus. “What happened?”

“Fine…” Discord replied grudgingly, before dumping the box of donuts into a floating trash can. “She was talking with one of them, and was about to blast them after going all ‘dark side’, when she just…” Discord paused, swinging a glowing red stick on a string.

“Just what?” Celestia asked.

“Flop!” Discord answered. “Fell over like a domino.” He then turned into a domino and started a chain reaction of other ones he conjured up as well.

“Enough with the games Discord! What happened to her!?” Celestia asked further.

Discord returned to normal, clearly annoyed.

“Her magic started to disappear, she turned back to normal, and then just fell over. Happy?” Discord told Celestia.

“But that doesn’t make sense…” Celestia thought to herself.

“I’ll tell you what else doesn’t make sense.” Discord added on. “After she collapsed, those ponies started talking about a ‘Nightmare Moon’ character. Does any of that ring a bell?”

“Nightmare Moon?” Celestia thought to herself once more.

“Hello!” Discord spoke to Celestia, catching her off guard.

“Huh? What?” Celestia responded.

“I said they were planning on heading to Rainbow Falls next. What do you plan to do about that?” Discord asked.

Celestia gathered her thoughts before speaking.

“We’ll take care of them in due time.” Celestia replied. “For now, please take Luna to the medical room, and inform the staff to watch over her for now.”

“Very well.” Discord responded, turning into a receptionist with a desk and typewriter. “Paging Doctor Who.” Discord said aloud, before disappearing.

Celestia stood with just her thoughts once again in the royal chambers. She walked over to the window once more, gazing out as she adjusted the sun in the sky.

“Things are really starting to get out of hoof.” Celestia said to herself.

The doors to the chambers then open and closed once more, but Celestia didn’t turn to look to see who was there.

“Nopony ever said it was going to be easy.” Celestia heard Trixie Lulamoon say.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the Castle of the Two Sisters.

Rarity and Mayor Mare finished crossing the bridge, while Derpy landed next to them.

“Hmm. So far no signs of anypony.” Mayor Mare spoke up.

“We should keep our eyes peeled. Who knows if somepony might be lurking nearby?” Rarity added.

“That sounds kinda hard…” Derpy replied.

The trio started to look around the ruins of the castle, until Rarity spied something.

“What have we here?” Rarity said aloud.

“What is it Rarity?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I think it’s safe to say that Trixie has definitely been here.” Rarity replied, pointing to Trixie’s wagon out in a clearing of the ruins.

“I still don’t understand why she would choose to live out here?” Mayor Mare spoke. “You’d think she’d want to be somewhere closer to ponies so she could do her showboating.”

“Only one way to find out.” Rarity replied, moving towards the wagon.

Upon reaching the wagon, the ponies found the door and windows to be locked shut, with no other way inside.

“How are we supposed to get in?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Never fear.” Rarity replied. “I just so happen to have a bobby pin. It’s both stylish and practical.” Rarity added on, before using it on the door lock with her magic. “Just a little bit, and…there!”

Rarity released her magic, allowing the lock and pin to fall to the ground. She then used her magic to open the door.

“What’s inside?” Mayor Mare asked, peeking her head around, accompanied by Derpy on the other side.

Inside the cart, the trio found nothing inside. No secrets, no fireworks, not even another hat and cape.

“Well this is disappointing.” Rarity spoke.

“So what do we do now?” Derpy asked.

“I suppose we’ll have to try our luck inside the castle.” Rarity replied, looking back towards the ruins.

The three ponies then left the cart and proceeded to make their way inside the castle.

They wandered around the castle, relying on Rarity’s horn for light.

They found old statues, tapestries, even a giant organ, but nothing of any use.

“It feels like we aren’t getting anywhere.” Rarity groaned.

“Maybe we should stop and figure out where we are.” Mayor Mare spoke up. “I feel like we’re getting lost.”

“Okay.” Derpy replied, before sitting down on the ground.

Upon sitting, Derpy felt herself sink a bit, before an opening in the wall appeared next to them.

“Good job Derpy! You found a secret.” Rarity told Derpy.

“My…good?” Derpy replied.

“Come on, let’s see where it leads.” Mayor Mare told the other two.

The trio made their way through the entrance, which eventually led to a descending staircase.

They followed to stairs all the way to the bottom, until the corridor opened up to reveal a small room.

“Well now this is surprising.” Mayor Mare said aloud.

“Ooooh! Lots of maps!” Derpy spoke up.

The room was full of different maps from all around Equestria, with a table in the middle that had many pages of parchment strewn about.

“These maps look surprisingly new for being in a castle as old as this.” Rarity said, looking around.

“Look! Here’s Town Hall!” Derpy said excitedly, pointing to a map of Ponyville.

“Appaloosa, the Everfree forest, Cloudsdale, and Rainbow Falls are all circled.” Mayor Mare pointed out.

“As well as the Golden Oaks Library and Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville.” Derpy added on.

“Canterlot and even this castle are circled too.” Rarity noted.

Rarity looked closer at the map and noticed something different from the rest of the markings.

“What’s at this X south of Macintosh Hills?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve never been there before.” Mayor Mare replied.

“Let’s keep looking around then.” Rarity told the others. “We may be able to find out more about it.”

“Do you suppose Trixie brought all of this down here?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I’m not sure.” Rarity replied. “I never took her for a geographer, let alone a magician.”

Rarity looked through the pieces of parchment on the table, till the contents of one page caught her eye.

“There appear to be some entries from a diary here.” Rarity spoke.

“Oh! You shouldn’t read somepony else’s diary.” Derpy told Rarity.

“Please Derpy. A little gossip never hurt anypony.” Rarity replied, before reading the page again.

Rarity read a little further down the page before speaking again.

“These ARE entries from Trixie.” Rarity spoke up. “They’re an account of her capturing Chrysalis and even finding Soarin and a love poison in the Royal Palace!”

“How far back to the entries go?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Let’s see…” Rarity replied, moving the pages around with her magic. “Looks like…18 months.”

“That’s fairly long.” Mayor Mare replied. “What’s the most recent entry?”

“Let’s see…” Rarity answered, looking through the pages again. “The most recent is dated…yesterday.”

“Well that’s convenient. What does it say?” Mayor Mare asked.

“It says…” Rarity began to read aloud.

Tonight’s events went exactly as Trixie had planned.

“She even refers to herself when she writes.” Rarity interrupted, annoyed, before continuing.

I was able to capture Chrysalis without any trouble, and managed to find the love poison before anypony else.

With any luck, even with all that happened today, Soarin should be staying in the dungeon, giving Trixie more than enough time to continue things on her end.

Twilight Sparkle and her little pet dragon showing up today was a major inconvenience for Trixie, but I suppose their involvement shouldn’t be too much of a problem for now.

Trixie’s cover was almost blown tonight, but Trixie is confident that everything should still continue smoothly.

Trixie just has to make sure that Chrysalis doesn’t leave her little kingdom, until all the preparations are set.

Trixie’s plan has been far too long in the making and she does not intend to fail.

“And that’s it.” Rarity finished.

“Hmm. This is very interesting indeed.” Mayor Mare added. What about the entry before that one?”

Rarity searched for the previous message, finding it fairly quickly.

“Here we are.” Rarity told Mayor Mare, before beginning to read again.

All the cues are set for the show now.

With Twilight Snarkle and her little dragon showing up in Ponyville today, this makes everypony from my last visit back in town.

Trixie will have to keep an eye on them and make sure that they do not interfere with Trixie’s plans too soon.

Trixie feels that tonight shall be the night when things can finally proceed.

“That’s all.” Rarity finished. “We weren’t able to get a lot out of that one.

“What about going back further? About a week ago?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Alright.” Rarity agreed. “Let’s see here.” Rarity looked through until she found an entry and began to read.

Things are progressing quite smoothly. My influence has already spread as far as Las Pegasus, and is continuing to spread further. **Note: Come up with a way to steal love away from the sales those two brothers make.** I still can’t decide whether or not I should be “Queen” or “Empress” as my title. Perhaps I should schedule another “Friendship Council” sooner so I can feast again. If only taking over Equestria was as easy as this the first time. Curse that Twilight Sparkle for interfering with my plans! I’ll get even with her someday, and perhaps banish her myself. For now, time to go admire my new kingdom again.

“That’s all there is.” Rarity finished.

“That didn’t sound like Trixie at all.” Mayor Mare pointed out.

“Based on the context, and the writing, it sounds more like Chrysalis writing this.” Rarity added.

“You think Trixie stole some of her memoirs?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Possibly, but knowing Chrysalis, she most likely wrote this from Canterlot instead of coming all the way here.” Rarity answered.

“What about an entry around the time she was referring to her defeat? Maybe a few months ago?” Mayor Mare asked.

Perfect, clever, brilliant little Twilight! She wasn’t fooled at all…It’s all HER fault that I’m not sitting on my new throne! I’ll get her and her friends too! I’m going to drain her and everypony else of their love. And I know just how and when to do it.

“This must have been right after she was defeated.” Rarity spoke.

“That would be my guess as well.” Mayor Mare added. “What about the kingdom?

“Hmm?” Rarity asked.

“In the first entry we read of Trixie’s, she talked about leaving Chrysalis in a kingdom of hers.” Mayor Mare told Rarity. “Do any of the other entries talk more about it?

“I suppose I could read through them all, but it will take some time.” Rarity answered.

“We should report all of this to the Princess immediately.” Mayor Mare spoke.

“Agreed, but we should bring some of this with us.” Rarity replied.

“Is there anything we can put the notes in?” Mayor Mare asked.

“There doesn’t appear to be.” Rarity answered. “I suppose we’ll just have to settle with taking what we can. Derpy, can you grab the map off the wall please?”

“Sure thing!” Derpy replied, walking over and pulling the map off the wall.

A clicking sound could be heard upon removing the map.

“That’s funny.” Derpy spoke. “There’s a string on the back of this map.

Suddenly the room began to shake violently, as the ponies wondered what was going on.

“It must have been booby-trapped!” Mayor Mare exclaimed. “We need to get out of here NOW!”

“Right!” Rarity agreed. “Come along Derpy!”

“I’m coming!” Derpy replied, dropping the map and running after her friends.

The ponies raced up the steps, the walls still shaking.

“Hurry!” Mayor Mare called back. “This place could collapse at any second!”

“Oh dear! Oh dear! OH DEAR!” Rarity exclaimed.

“AHHH!!!” Derpy screamed.

The roof buckled above the ponies, and their world immediately went dark.

A few moments later, the dust from the trap settled, and the castle returned to the eerie quiet from before.

A somber passing

Morning at Town Hall.

Sweetie Belle woke up with a yawn in her room at Town Hall. Even though her sister had told her not to, she and Apple Bloom had been up all night playing games and trying to have fun. She hopped out of her bed and made her way towards the front door to greet the day. Opening the door, Sweetie Belle began to sing to the world.

“Good Morn~!...” She started singing, until a group of ponies caught her attention.

“Oh, good morning Sweetie Belle!” The purple Unicorn from yesterday spoke to her, walking with the same group of ponies.

“Ahhh!” Sweetie Belle screamed, quickly shutting the door from the inside.

“Well that’s a weird way to say hello.” Spike said aloud.

“Leave us alone!” Sweetie Belle called out from inside.

“Fine by me!” Fluttershy replied.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy.

“We’re powerful sorry about the trouble we caused!” Braeburn called back to Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle didn’t respond, unsure of what else to say.

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom, awoken by the scream, snuck up on Sweetie Belle.

“Open the door.” Apple Bloom told Sweetie Belle.

“Gah!” Sweetie Belle jumped. “What!?”

“Open the door. Ah need to talk to them.” Apple Bloom said again.

“What? Why?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking back from the door to Apple Bloom. “Uh…okay I guess.”

Sweetie Belle opened the door enough for Apple Bloom to get through.

“Apple Bloom? What are you doing here?” Twilight asked the filly.

“Yeah, why aren’t you with Zecora?” Spike asked as well.

A tear started to form in Apple Bloom’s eye, but she wiped it away before speaking.

“Ever since you two showed up around these parts, ya’ll have done nothing but cause trouble.” Apple Bloom told the Unicorn.

“Huh?” Twilight replied, confused.

“After you two left, things only kept getting worse for Zecora and Ah.” Apple Bloom continued.

“What are you talking about?” Spike asked.

“Yes. What happened Apple Bloom?” Twilight added.

“Because of you two and everything that you’ve done here…” Apple Bloom told the two, before she could no longer hold back her tears.

Twilight and Spike couldn’t respond, taken aback by the filly’s reaction.

“ZECORA IS GONE!!” Apple Bloom yelled at the two.

“What!?” The group outside yelled.

“Oh no.” Braeburn spoke up. “I guess things were much worse than I thought.”

“What’s she talking about Braeburn?” Rainbow Dash asked the stallion.

“During that meeting yesterday, Rarity said that Princess Luna confronted their home in the Everfree forest.” Braeburn explained. “I reckon she must’ve done more than just yelling.”

“You two made her forget everything!” Apple Bloom said between tears. “And because of her trusting you, Princess Luna came and took her away!”

“She did what!?” Twilight exclaimed in disbelief.

“Oh no…” Spike replied.

“All that was left…(sobbing)… was a patch...(more sobbing)… of DIRT!” Apple Bloom squeezed out, before her tears started to fall heavier.

“Oh no, Apple Bloom…”Twilight told the filly, tears starting to form in her own eyes.

“Ah want Zecora back!” Apple yelled between tears again. “GIVER HER BACK!!”

“Apple Bloom…” Twilight spoke to the filly, trying to hold back her own tears. “I’m so sorry…”

“We had no idea anything like this would happen!” Spike added on.

The two ponies continued to cry to themselves, while the rest looked on in sympathy and confusion.

Braeburn then placed a hoof on Twilight, trying to adjust the situation.

“Twilight. I know that this may be a hard thing to deal with right now, especially for you and your friends…” Braeburn began to tell Twilight. “But we should really keep moving if’n we want to prevent anything else like this from happening again. We should try to resolve this later.”

“You can’t be serious Braeburn!?” Rainbow Dash yelled at the stallion.

“No. It’s hard…but Braeburn’s right.” Twilight agreed, sniffling more of her tears.

“What!? Twilight!?” Rainbow Dashed turned to her friend.

“Zecora would want us to move on, and we can’t let her sacrifice be in vain.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash, before turning back to the still crying filly. “I’m so so sorry Apple Bloom, but we need to go.”

“NOOooOoOoo!!” Apple Bloom cried out behind her tears.

“How could you!?” Sweetie Belle finally replied, trying to comfort Apple Bloom.

“The nerve!” Fluttershy replied.

“Come on everyone.” Twilight told the group, running off away from the fillies, still sobbing a litter herself.

The rest of the group quickly followed, while Apple Bloom let out one final cry.

“ZECORA!!!”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, over the Everfree forest.

“Huh?” Spitfire said aloud. “First that detour last night, now some screaming? Maybe I should check it out?” She thought to herself. “See anything squirt?” Spitfire asked Scootaloo holding onto her back.

“What was that?” Scootaloo asked back, distracted from soaring through the sky with her Captain.

“Do you see anything!?” Spitfire asked again angrily.

“Uh…!” Scootaloo replied, quickly looking around. “I see some ponies running around Ponyville!”

“How many!?” Spitfire asked.

“Looks like four or five!” Scootaloo answered, not sure if the smaller purple one was a filly or not.

“I guess it’s worth a shot.” Spitfire thought to herself, banking around in the air towards Ponyville. “Just keep your eyes sharp up there!”

“Yes ma’am!” Scootaloo replied, giving a little salute.

“I guess it was worth stopping by to grab her after all.” Spitfire thought to herself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, in Ponyville.

The ponies of Ponyville went about their daily lives that morning. While unbeknownst to them, a changeling stuck his head out from behind a corner, checking to see if the coast is clear.

“Heh. Alright, this seems like a safe enough spot for now.” The changeling said aloud. “You sure did take your time following me though.” The changeling spoke behind himself to Soarin.

“Not like you were making it easy to follow you, with all your twists and turns.” Soarin replied.

“Well you’re being hunted right now.” The changeling answered. “You really wanted to take the easy way out of there?”

“I still can’t believe that Captain Spitfire would do that to me. She’s never done anything like that before.” Soarin responded.

“Well it sounds like she’s ready to cut her losses with you.” The changeling replied.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Soarin retorted back.

“Believe what you want, but she really is coming after you.” The changeling told the Pegasus.

“Then maybe I should let her find me!” Soarin replied. “Then I can explain what happened and she can help me get Rainbow Dash!”

“That other Pegasus was the one who was trying to save you from her.” The changeling answered.

“That’s enough. I’m done talking about her.” Soarin replied.

“Suit yourself.” The changeling told the Pegasus, poking his head out again to see if things were still clear.

Soarin walked over to take a look himself, before the changeling shoved him back behind some boxes.

“What the!?” Soarin tried to yell, but the changeling covered his mouth.

“Quiet!” The changeling whispered to him, before turning around to look behind them.

Apple Jack trotted past the alley, talking to herself the entire time.

“Ah can plant some apple trees here, and some apple trees there, and some…” She continued on after going past.

The changeling took a quick look to make sure she was gone, before speaking again.

“Phew! That was close.” He spoke. “It was just that crazy apple horse again.”

The changeling looked back over at the Pegasus, who appeared to be sulking now.

“You okay?” He asked.

“I just can’t believe I have to hide from everypony now.” Soarin said with a sigh. “How could this all happen to me?”

The changeling gave an annoyed sigh of his own, before answering the Pegasus.

“Look, I know this is all pretty confusing to you, and I’m sure…kn..know… you’ve been through a lot in the past days, but we should probably get moving before someone we ‘don’t’ want to find, finds us.”

“Ye..yeah. I guess you’re right.” Soarin answered.

“Good.” The changeling replied. “Let’s get going then. We’ve almost reached the edge of the town. From there we can take my secret path through the forest to get to the ground beneath Cloudsdale. After that, we’ll head straight up into the city. I figure that would be the last place that Captain of yours would think to look for you now.”

“Su…sure.” Soarin replied. “Just what’s going on here?” He thought to himself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Over in the Royal Palace.

Celestia once again found herself staring out the windows in the royal chambers, only to once again be disturbed by the sound of the doors opening.

“Hmm?” She said, turning her attention to the doors.

Discord walked into the room wearing a painter’s outfit, while painting on a canvas floating in front of him.

“I trust the doctors are still taking good care of her?” Celestia asked Discord.

“Oh their doing a stand-up job. She’ll be back to her old self in no time.” Discord replied, paying more attention to the canvas than to Celestia. He then turned the canvas around to reveal a picture of Chrysalis and several other familiar ponies drawn as changelings. “Do you like?”

“How very…appropriate?” Celestia answered, not very enthusiastic about the painting.

Discord’s face grew a frown, as he tossed the canvas into nothing.

“Everybody’s a critic.”

“Back to the task at hoof then.” Celestia told Discord, looking back out the window.

“Yes, about that.” Discord replied, reclining himself in the air.

“Hmm?” Celestia responded, looking back to the draconequus.

“After dealing with royal pains and ponies popping in and out of here like a tourist attraction…” Discord told Celestia, while manifesting a crown, followed by a sunhat onto his head. “Do you even have any clue where Queen Chrysalis might be?”

“No, unfortunately we don’t, and it seems like we have been spending too much time on Luna and those ponies to find her.” Celestia answered, turning back to the window.

“So what do you plan on doing?” Discord asked, popping up outside the window.

“I’m not sure.” Celestia replied, turning and walking away from the window. “This has never happened before in all the years that we’ve been with her.”

“You don’t suppose that little Twinkle pony is the cause of all this? Hmm?” Discord spoke from beneath Celestia, only his face appearing on the carpet with a smile.

“Her?” Celestia asked, looking down at Discord’s face.

Discord then emerged from the carpet head first, until his entire body was standing.

“Yes. Think about it. Since she’s been here, all kinds of crazy things have been happening.” Discord told Celestia, his eyes spinning around. “Queen Chrysalis disappears.” Discord appeared behind Celestia, wearing a princess out fit and looking (oh woe is me).

“She was ponynapped.” Celestia corrected, her eyes looking back behind her.

“Whatever.” Discord replied, before disappearing again. “Princess Luna goes crazy.” Reappears in a straightjacket, before disappearing. “That wannabe magician keeps popping in and out.” Appears holding a magician’s hat and pulls out a very angry white rabbit. “And that apple basket case has been running all over Equestria.” Appearing with ponytails for hair and freckles.

“Hold on.” Celestia interrupted. “Say that last one again.”

Discord stopped pulling on his ponytails, before answering.

“The apple pony has…”

“No, the one before that.” Celestia clarified.

“Oh! The tricky trickster sneaking around.” Discord replied, pulling a cape around and in front of his face while moving his fingers.

“Yes! What do you mean by that?” Celestia asked.

Discord tossed his get-up away before crossing his arms and answering.

“I don’t know. I’ve just seen her around some parts of Equestria lately.”

“Well why didn’t you say anything!?” Celestia demanded.

“Oh please Celestia.” Discord replied, waving his arms at her, before disappearing. “What’s life without a little fun?” Appearing next to Celestia.

“I thought I told you the other night that she was suspected of being in Queen Chrysalis’ chambers when she was ponynapped, and that we should be on the lookout for her.” Celestia told Discord, looking over at him.

“Yes! And that was that night.” Discord replied, pulling out a calendar and pointing to the day in question. “She’s been bouncing around all over today!” He replied excitedly, throwing the calendar up in the air.

“Mother of me Discord. I don’t know what to do with…” Celestia muttered to herself, the calendar falling onto her head and the current day’s date being pierced by her horn. “Never mind!” She told Discord, knocking the calendar off her head with her hoof. “Where was the last place you saw her!?” She asked Discord, stomping her hoof back on the ground.

“Jeez, someone can’t take a joke.” Discord replied, holding his palms up. “She was last seen in Ponyville.” Discord answered, crossing his arms again with an uninterested look on his face.

“Alright then.” Celestia responded, calming down. “Now we just need to…” She began to speak, until the sound of approaching hoofsteps caught her attention.

“Hmm?” Discord asked, looking where Celestia was looking.

The sound of hoofsteps grew closer, until the chamber doors burst open, revealing Apple Jack.

“Howdy Yall!”

“It appears we have a helping hoof.” Celestia said aloud.

Discord looked from Celestia to Apple Jack, confused.

“Sorry ta barge in on ya like that Princess.” Apple Jack spoke to Celestia, taking off her hat and bowing her head before putting it back on.

“No problem at all Apple Jack.” Princess Celestia replied. “What is it that you need?”

“Since Ah was walking around Canterlot looking for places to plant mah apple trees, Ah thought Ah’d just come straight here to let ya know what Ah found.” Apple Jack told the Princess.

“And what have you found?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Ah can honestly say Ah haven’t found a thing.” Apple Jack answered with a smile.

Princess Celestia replied with a raised eyebrow, while Discord looked at the pony with a derp face.

Apple Jack continued to smile, oblivious to the reactions of the other two.

“Well…thank you…for your hard work.” Princess Celestia finally answered, trying to give a sincere expression.

“No problem at all Princess!” Apple Jack replied. “Ah’ll just be on mah way then ta look around some more.” She told the Princess, before starting to make her way out.

“Wait, before you go.” Princess Celestia called to Apple Jack.

“Yeah?” Apple Jack turned back around, confused.

Discord looked at the two, before a lightbulb appeared above his head. He pulled the string attached to it, turning it on, and then spoke.

“Oh Celestia! We should get her to!…” He began to say, before the Princess cut him off.

“No. I have a more productive idea Discord.” Celestia replied, looking at Apple Jack with a smile.

“Beg pardon?” Apple Jack asked.

“Apple Jack.” Princess Celestia addressed Apple Jack.

“Uh, yes your highness?” Apple Jack asked, still confused.

“I need for you to look over a part of Equestria for us.” Princess Celestia told Apple Jack.

“Ah course! Where would ya like?” Apple Jack asked.

“I would like for you to go through Ponyville again.” Princess Celestia told Apple Jack. “This time more thoroughly.

“No problem Princess!” Apple Jack replied. “Looking for something in particular?”

“Anything or anypony you don’t recall ever being there.” Princess Celestia informed Apple Jack.

“Will do your highness!” Apple Jack replied with a little salute. “I’ll get on it faster than an apple pie at my family reunion! YEE-HAW!”

Apple Jack then took off out the doors, letting them slam behind her.

“I was going to say we should have her plant an apple tree in your bed.” Discord said aloud, unamused.

“While I’m sure you would find that funny, there are more important things that need to be done.” Celestia responded.

“Fine.” Discord replied, disappearing and reappearing laying on Celestia’s back. “So where does that leave us then?” He asked, pulling out sunglasses and a tanning mirror.

“I’m beginning to think that perhaps we should start searching Cloudsdale.” Celestia told Discord, tilting her body so he’d fall to the floor. “We may be able to find Captain Spitfire, and if we’re lucky some information on Queen Chrysalis.”

“Oh goodie! Field trip!” Discord exclaimed, before making a school bus with eyes appear in the middle of the room and emerging from behind the steering wheel with curly hair.

“I’ll let the guards know where we’re going, in case somepony stops by trying to find us.” Celestia told Discord, while making her way towards the doors to inform the guards.

“Make it quick Celestia! This bus runs on FUN!” Discord called to Celestia, honking the bus’s horn.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, atop Rainbow Falls.

“How are things looking in Canterlot brother?” Flim asked Flam.

“Nothing in particular since Princess Luna last night.” Flam told Flim.

“Well keep an eye out. You never know when something might happen.” Flim told Flam, before going back to trying to fix the locks that were melted.

“Indubitably.” Flam replied, continuing to look through the telescope. “Hmm? What have we here?” Flam asked aloud.

“See something brother?” Flim asked Flam.

“It looks like Princess Celestia and Discord are leaving Canterlot.” Flam told Flim.

“Well that’s quite odd.” Flim told Flam.

“Yes it is. Especially since that means that Princess Luna is the only one left in Canterlot, and she won’t be leaving anytime soon.” Flam told Flim.

“Any clue where they’re heading brother?” Flim asked Flam.

“It seems to me they’re heading over to Cloudsdale.” Flam told Flim.

“I wonder why they’d be going there. They don’t actually expect to find Spitfire or any of her pawns do they?” Flim asked aloud.

“Beats me brother.” Flam told Flim, pulling his head away from the telescope.

The brothers thought to themselves for a minute, before an idea came to Flim.

“Well with them and those other ponies out of Canterlot, I suppose there’s no more need to keep an eye on the place. Eh brother?”

“Undoubtedly brother!” Flam replied. “But what about Princess Luna?”

“She won’t be going anywhere anytime soon by the looks of it, but it might not be a bad idea to keep an eye on the other two in case something comes up.” Flim told Flam.

“Alrighty then brother!” Flam told Flim, before adjusting the telescope over towards Cloudsdale.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Outside Trixie’s wagon at the Castle of the Two Sisters.

Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Derpy all finally stirred, waking up after what felt like a nightmare.

“Ohh…” Rarity rubbed her head.

“Uhh…”Mayor Mare started to sit up.

“Owie…” Derpy said aloud.

“Ugh…is everypony alright?” Rarity asked the other mares.

“I’ve seen better days.” Mayor Mare replied.

“My eyes feel funny.” Derpy answered, shaking her head until her eyes went back to normal.

“It…it appears we’re back at Trixie’s wagon?” Rarity said aloud, confused.

“How did we manage to get back here after all that rubble fell down?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I don’t know Mayor.” Rarity replied, before remembering why they even came there in the first place. “Ah! Derpy! Do you still have the map!?”

“Oh! Uhh!…” Derpy started looking around herself. “N…no.” She replied, looking down.

“Drat. With that passage way not doubt blocked off, we have nothing to report to the Princess.” Rarity stated.

“We could still report what we found. We just wouldn’t have much to show for it.” Mayor Mare suggested.

Rarity thought about trying to tell the Princess what they had found. However, without a clear way to return to the room, there didn’t seem to be a point.

“No. We shouldn’t bother trying to report to Canterlot without something to present.” Rarity told Mayor Mare. “Let’s head back to Ponyville for now. It’s already morning and I’m sure Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom must be worried sick about us.”

“You’re right.” Mayor Mare replied, standing up.

“Okie dokie.” Derpy added.

They three then started their trek back to Ponyville, leaving Trixie’s wagon and the castle’s secrets behind.

Smoke and mirrors

The streets of Ponyville,

Twilight and her friends had ceased their running, and were now walking along the streets.

“I still feel bad about leaving poor Apple Bloom back there like that.” Spike said aloud.

“There was nothing we could do Spike.” Twilight told Spike, looking down at the ground as they walked. “All we can do now is to stop those three and Chrysalis before they can do any more damage.”

“Twilight’s right.” Rainbow Dash agreed. “There was no way you guys could’ve known what would happen when you got back.”

“And blaming yourselves will only make it worse.” Braeburn added on. “Ya’ll should just try to do all you can for a brighter tomorrow.”

“And by that, we mean we need to get rid of that big meanie bug!” Fluttershy added.

“I guess.” Spike replied. “But shouldn’t we be going the other way? Rainbow Falls is the other direction.”

“I told you Spike.” Twilight responded. “The train had to stop here to resupply and get more coal. We don’t have time to sit around and wait. That’s why we’re going to go to my balloon, so we can make up for lost time.”

“If you say so.” Spike replied.

“Okay, let’s keep moving.” Twilight told the group. “We shouldn’t have much further to go until we reach the library.”

The group continued on, until a shadow dashed over them, causing them to stop.

“Huh?” Twilight said aloud, looking to see where the shadow came from.

The group looked around the sky, but couldn’t see what caused the shadow. Without any luck, they proceeded to start walking again.

Suddenly, another shadow whizzed by, this time dropping a pouch onto the group that burst into a smokescreen.

“Wooah!” Spike called out.

“What was that!?” Twilight exclaimed, trying to wave the smoke away.

“I’ll go take a look!” Fluttershy quietly yelled, before taking off above the smoke.

Rainbow Dash used her wings to blow the smoke away, before something clicked in her mind.

“Only one pony could fly that fast…” Rainbow Dash thought to herself. “Fluttershy!” She called to her friend. “Get down!”

“Huh?” Fluttershy looked back to the other Pegasus, before the pony sped by her, causing her to spin in the air.

“Fluttershy!” The group on the ground called out.

“Who the hay is darting around!?” Fluttershy exclaimed angrily.

“It’s Spitfire!” Rainbow Dash replied, as the pony in question raced by and dropped another smokescreen.

“What do we do!?” Spike asked aloud, unable to see.

“Take cover everypony!” Twilight said aloud.

The three on the ground fled the smoke and headed for the marketplace, while the two in the air reluctantly followed.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, flying around Ponyville.

“Ha!” Spitfire said aloud. “Got them on the run now!”

Spitfire raced after the group while talking to Scootaloo on her back.

“Squirt! Pull out another bag!”

“Yes ma’am!” Scootaloo replied, reaching into Spitfire’s saddlebag pouches again.

Spitfire went in for another dive, while Scootaloo tossed pouch down, this one landing in the center of the marketplace.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

The vendors and shoppers in the marketplace all started to scream and run, as the smokescreen burst into the air.

“Well we found her, so what now!?” Spike asked aloud from behind a crate.

“Since she came to us, we can’t pass up this opportunity to stop her!” Twilight replied.

“We should try and bring her down!” Rainbow Dash suggested.

“Let me just go knock her block off!” Fluttershy yelled.

“We should try to bring her down safely!” Twilight replied.

“I’m doing it my way!” Fluttershy responded back, before chasing off after Spitfire.

“Fluttershy wait!” Rainbow Dash called out.

“So what’s the plan Twilight!?” Spike asked.

“We should try and make a distraction!” Twilight answered. “Fluttershy seems faster now, but I don’t think she can catch her!”

“Let’s hope so!” Spike replied.

“I’ll try and lasso her down if she gets close again!” Braeburn responded.

“Alright!” Twilight spoke back.

“I’m gonna go help Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash told her friends, before zooming off.

“Be careful!” Twilight called out.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Still flying around.

“Looks like their starting to come out now!” Spitfire said aloud to herself, before noticing Fluttershy start to tail her. “Squirt! Keep an eye on her!” Spitfire told Scootaloo.

“Got it!” Scootaloo answered.

Scootaloo turned her head back to watch Fluttershy, before another pony caught her attention and filled her with glee.

“Rainbow Dash!” She called out excitedly.

“What!?” Spitfire called back to the filly, before being blindsided by Rainbow Dash.

The collision sent Spitfire into a tailspin, heading down towards a tent below.

Rainbow Dash caught Scootaloo in the air, after she was knocked off of Spitfire. The filly instinctively hugged Rainbow Dash, happy to see her after so long.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back on the ground.

The group made their way over to the tent Spitfire crashed in. Inside they found her dazed and unresponsive, most likely from hitting her head on impact.

Twilight quickly tied her up with some rope using her magic.

“I’m glad that’s over with.” Twilight said aloud.

“I’ll say.” Spike added on.

The Pegasi in the sky flew down to join the group, with Rainbow Dash still holding Scootaloo.

“Captain Spitfire!” Scootaloo exclaimed, seeing her leader tied up. She hopped out of Rainbow Dash’s hooves and ran over to see if she was okay.

“So now we can force the information out of her!?” Fluttershy asked angrily, punching her fore-hooves together.

“We can at least check her saddlebags to see if she has anything.” Braeburn suggested instead.

“I agree.” Twilight responded. “Let’s see what she has.”

Twilight used her magic to lift the saddle bag off Spitfire and bring it over to them. Spike then started to rummage through the bag.

“What should we do now that we have her? Wait till she comes around?” Rainbow Dash asked, landing back on the ground.

“I say we speed up the process!” Fluttershy yelled quietly, walking over to start shaking Spitfire awake.

“Hold on!” Spike called out, stopping Fluttershy short. “Check this out!” Spike said aloud, pulling a small vial with a purple liquid inside.

“What’s that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“That looks like the love poison that the Flim Flam brothers made!” Twilight responded.

“So does this mean they really were trying to do the same thing again?” Spike asked.

“I guess Trixie was right after all Spike.” Twilight answered. “We should take it with us so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hooves. Braeburn, can you keep this in your vest?” Twilight asked.

“Sure thing.” Braeburn replied, taking the vile from Spike.

“Alright, now let’s keep going to Rainbow Falls.” Twilight told the group.

“Right!” Everyone except Fluttershy replied.

“Fine.” Fluttershy responded, dropping Spitfire back on the ground.

The group then left the tent for the library, leaving Spitfire and Scootaloo behind.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, on the edge of Cloudsdale.

“It seems like a normal day here in Cloudsdale.” Celestia said aloud, landing on the clouds.

Celestia then turned her attention away from the city to watch as an elevator rose from beneath the clouds. After it came to a stop, she watched as Discord walked out of it snapping his fingers.

“Gotta love that catchy music.” Discord spoke.

“Let us move on.” Celestia told Discord, walking away.

Discord disappeared in a flash.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Outside the Wonderbolt’s building.

“Here we are.” Celestia said aloud.

Discord reappeared in a flash, walking towards the building, a bored look on his face.

“No comedic entrance?” Celestia asked.

“Meh.” Discord replied. “A bloodhound in the sky would’ve been too obvious.”

Discord looked around before speaking again.

“I thought you said Luna did a real number on this place?” Discord asked, pulling on his beard.

“It appears the Pegasi must have patched things up since then.” Celestia replied.

Celestia then looked around herself, before she found a troubling sight.

“Discord! Come here!” Celestia called.

Discord, surprised, disappeared and reappeared next to her.

“Well well, isn’t this interesting?” Discord said aloud.

There, before the two omnipotent beings, was what appeared to be a blue Pegasus curled up in a ball against the side of the building.

“Are you alright?” Celestia asked, reaching her hoof out to the pony.

The Pegasus jerked his head around, revealing half of himself to also be a changeling, a terrified look on his face.

“Ah!” Celestia exclaimed, accompanied by a terrified girlish scream from Discord.

Celestia and the changeling looked at Discord, confused looks on their faces.

Discord looked to both of them, before regaining his composure.

“I’m SUPPOSED to be mix-matched.” He replied. “That things just creepy!”

Celestia looked back to the changeling.

“P-please…d-don’t hurt me…” The changeling spoke to them, cowering in fear.

“We’re not here to hurt you.” Celestia replied, sitting down in front of the creature. “Are you alright?”

The changeling looked between the Princess and the draconequus.

“S…sort of…” The changeling replied.

“Who are you?” Celestia asked. “Are you one of Queen Chrysalis’ servants?”

“I…I was…” The changeling answered. “Until I was recruited by the Wonderbolts…”

“Spitfire let you join the Wonderbolts?” Celestia asked.

“Not exactly.” The changeling replied. “She caught me spying on her and her team one day and coerced me into being a spy for her instead.”

“Oooh a double agent!” Discord said aloud, splitting himself into another Discord down the middle. “The plot thickens.” Both Discords said at once.

“I was named Twitters, and was told to use the Pegasus half of me that you see as my disguise.” The changeling told the two.

“But why are you like this now?” Celestia asked.

“The other night, after coming back from Canterlot, I was caught by a group of ponies in Spitfire’s office.” Twitters answered. “Before they convinced me to tell them what Spitfire was up to, I was pulled underneath the clouds by some dark force and saw horrific nightmarish things.”

“You don’t suppose?” Discord asked Celestia, having already pulled himself back together.

“Go on.” Celestia told Twitters.

“When I woke up the next day, I found myself like this. Stuck between my changeling form and pony form.” Twitters spoke. “I was too horrified to move and have been laying here since.”

“I see.” Celestia replied. “So you were originally a spy for Chrysalis, and then became one for Spitfire?”

“Y-yes…” Twitters answered.

“Is there anything else you can tell us?” Celestia asked again.

“Only that I traveled from here to Canterlot and back several times. Collecting information for Spitfire.” Twitters responded.

“I see.” Celestia replied. “Thank you Twitters.”

Celestia then stood up and looked over to Discord.

“Let’s go Discord.” Celestia told the draconequus.

“Wait!” Twitters spoke to Celestia.

“Hmm?” Celestia answered.

“I haven’t eaten anything in days.” Twitters replied. “Could you spare some love?”

“A changeling ‘asking’ for love?” Discord said aloud, changing into a clothes iron. “How i-ron-ic!”

“You have been through so much, and don’t appear to be as malevolent as your Queen.” Celestia told Twitters. “Very well.”

Celestia then lowered her head to the changeling and allowed him to absorb some of her love.

After feeding, Twitter’s appearance reverted back to his changeling form once more. He stood up, looking himself over.

“Thank you. I guess you ponies aren’t so bad after all.” Twitters told Celestia.

Twitters then changed back into his Pegasus form and flew away into the sky.

“Not going to stop him?” Discord asked.

“No.” Celestia replied. “I feel this one may have learned a lesson that even you may learn someday.”

Discord raised an eyebrow, confused.

“Come.” Celestia told Discord. “There are still things that we have to find out.”

Celestia walked over to the cloud’s edge and looked down.

“And I have a feeling I know where we can start looking for more answers.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Currently, in Ponyville.

Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Derpy walked through Ponyville’s marketplace, concerned as to why the place was in such disarray.

“Where could everypony have gone to?” Rarity asked aloud.

She walked over to one of the tents that looked as though something had fallen through it.

“Hmm?” Rarity spoke aloud.

“What is it Rarity?” Mayor Mare asked.

Mayor Mare and Derpy entered the tent Rarity had gone into and found Scootaloo asleep on the ground lying next to a pile of rope.

“Isn’t she supposed to be in Cloudsdale?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I believe so.” Rarity replied, before levitating the filly onto her back with her magic. “No sense in just leaving her here. Come ladies.”

With Scootaloo on her back, Rarity and her companions left the tent and continued back to Town Hall.

Incoming!

Underneath Cloudsdale.

Soarin and the changeling finally arrived at their last stop before flying up to Cloudsdale.

“Here we are.” The changeling spoke, looking up at Cloudsdale above.

“Feels like forever since I’ve been back.” Soarin added on, looking up as well.

Soarin squinted, noticing something in the distance above him.

“Do you see something falling?” Soarin asked the changeling.

“Huh?” The changeling replied, before taking another look.

There did indeed appear to be something falling down, and growing larger by the second.

“Now that you mention it…” The changeling answered, before noticing that the object was approaching at a much faster rate and getting even larger.

“INCOMING!” Soarin yelled, jumping out of the way.

The changeling jumped out of the way just in time to avoid a giant stone face striking the ground with a “THWOOMP!”

The two looked back to see it was the face of an angry looking Discord looking down, before it looked up at them with a smile.

“It’s a me!” Discord’s face spoke to the two.

The two of them took off in a run away from Discord, before Princess Celestia landed before them as well, blocking their path.

“Princess Celestia!” Soarin exclaimed.

Soarin and the changeling tried to run away again, but quickly found themselves caught by Princess Celestia’s magic, stopping them in place.

“P..p..please! Spare me!” The changeling yelled to Princess Celestia.

“What about me!?” Soarin yelled at the changeling.

“You’ve been sneaking around since before Queen Chrysalis was ponynapped.” Princess Celestia told the changeling.

“Bu..but!” The changeling tried to reply.

“You used the resulting confusion from the other ponies escaping to free yourself.” Princess Celestia continued.

“I was! You see!...” The changeling added on.

“And now you’re aiding and abetting another prisoner.” Princess Celestia spoke.

“But you don’t understand! There’s a!...” The changeling spoke once more.

“Enough!” Princess Celestia replied. “I’m taking you both back to your cells in Canterlot, and this time I’ll make sure you won’t leave again.”

“Wait! Wait!” The changeling pleaded.

“THERE’S A LOVE POISON!” Soarin yelled out.

“Hmm?” Princess Celestia replied, looking over at Soarin.

“Oh my!” Discord’s stone face exclaimed, before turning into the normal Discord.

“What did you just say?” Princess Celestia asked.

“I said that there’s a love poison, Princess!” Soarin answered.

“A love POISON?” Discord asked. “Pah-lease. That sounds like something out of a fan-fiction.”

“I thought you had explained everything back in the cell.” Princess Celestia asked.

“I didn’t know about this then!” Soarin replied.

“Even if that WAS real…” Discord spoke, lying on his stomach in mid-air. “Is that really the best excuse you could come up with?”

“Enough Discord!” Princess Celestia told the draconequus. “I gave you the benefit of the doubt before, given your story. Why should I believe you now?” She asked Soarin.

“Because I just recently found out about it your highness!” Soarin replied. “I still don’t even know the full details myself!”

“Perhaps it wasn’t just you sneaking around at night as Luna had told me, but an assassination attempt that ‘you’ were going to commit.” Princess Celestia responded.

“No your highness, please!” Soarin begged.

“I can explain everything Princess Celestia!” The changeling spoke up.

“Hmm? What do you know about all of this?” Princess Celestia asked the changeling.

“I overheard the conversation those outsider ponies and Trixie were having about the love poison.” The changeling answered.

“What!?” Princess Celestia replied, shocked. “Those ponies are working with Trixie!?”

“No! Uh…yes?...I don’t know!?” The changeling responded, just as confused.

“Start talking!” Princess Celestia told the changeling, fire starting to appear in her mane.

“Oh this is getting interesting!” Discord said aloud, leaning back on a lawn chair, a bag of popcorn in his hands.

“Princess Celestia please!” Soarin tried to reason with the royal. “I still don’t know exactly what’s going on either.”

“Talk!” Princess Celestia demanded, more fire appearing in her mane and tail.

“Uhh…yes ma’am!” The changeling answered.

After I had uh…gotten out of my cell, I decided to follow those outsider ponies. They headed for the donut shop in Canterlot, saying something about meeting up with that stallion from Appleloosa.

“Go on.” Princess Celestia spoke, her hair returning to normal.

“Uhh…yes.” The changeling replied.

When they arrived, they discovered that the stallion had collapsed because of Trixie. It was after that that she told them about the love poison. Apparently, Trixie took it when she was in the Royal Palace.

“Why would she do that?” Princess Celestia asked.

“She said that the love poison was all part of a plan between Spitfire and the Unicorn brothers to get rid of Queen Chrysalis.” The changeling answered.

“Hmm…” Celestia thought to herself. “And you REALLY didn’t know anything about this?” She asked Soarin.

“Of course not your highness!” Soarin replied.

“So what were you two doing here then?” Princess Celestia asked.

“We were going to Cloudsdale to hide from Spitfire.” The changeling responded.

“Hide from her? In her own city?” Princess Celestia asked, skeptical.

“Well, we figured it would be the last place she would look since he was now on the run. “ The changeling added on.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Discord spoke up, eating another handful of popcorn.

“But why is she pursuing you?” Princess Celestia asked again.

“My guess is to leave it with me so she could set me up?” Soarin replied.

“But for what purpose?” Princess Celestia continued to ask.

“They said that their plan was to get rid of Queen Chrysalis and blame it on him.” The changeling responded.

“But Queen Chrysalis is still missing.” Princess Celestia spoke.

Celestia reflected on earlier events and everything she knew up to that point.

“This doesn’t make any sense.” She thought to herself.

“If they truly wanted to pin the blame on him…” Discord began to say, before disappearing. “Then wouldn’t they want to set them near each other? Hmm?” He added, appearing between Soarin and the changeling, pulling them together.

“But then that would mean…” Soarin began to speak.

“It means that neither of them knows where Queen Chrysalis is.” Princess Celestia spoke up.

Discord, Soarin, and the changeling all looked at Princess Celestia.

“Spitfire and the Flim Flam brothers want to get rid of Queen Chrysalis.” She started speaking. “To do this, they had planned to use the love poison on her, but she never drank it. This is where you come in.” She continued to speak, looking over at Soarin.

“Me?” Soarin asked, confused.

“Yes.” Princess Celestia replied. “My guess is that you were meant to be a scapegoat, and be there in the event that something went wrong.”

“So Captain Spitfire really was just using me…” Soarin replied, looking at the ground.

“What I don’t understand is why Trixie would be involved in all this, and why she’d take the love poison.” Princess Celestia continued. “If you were meant to be the suspect, then what would be the point of taking it instead of leaving it with you as evidence?”

“Maybe because he didn’t know about it until now?” The changeling suggested.

“But we placed him in the dungeon.” Princess Celestia responded. “What would be the point if he was down there and Queen Chrysalis was nowhere near the palace?”

“You don’t suppose she was trying to protect Queen Chrysalis?” Discord asked.

“There’s a possibility, but if that’s the case, then why was she ponynapped only to leave the love poison in the palace?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Maybe she didn’t want Queen Chrysalis anywhere near the palace while I was there?” Soarin suggested.

“But why wouldn’t she tell anypony about it or its location?” Princess Celestia asked. “Did you overhear anything else?” She asked the changeling once more.

“Uhh…I don’t think so…” The changeling replied. “Wait! She said something about leaving Canterlot for safety.”

“Was that meant to imply that Canterlot wouldn’t be safe had they managed to bring the love poison back?” Princess Celestia asked.

“But I thought Queen Chrysalis was no longer in the city?” Discord asked, pulling off his head to scratch it.

“That’s what we still believe, but it sounds like she hasn’t been found anywhere else yet as well.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Where do you know think she could still be?” Soarin asked.

“Appleloosa, Ponyville, and Rainbow Falls still haven’t sent any word.” Princess Celestia answered.

“But since both of the Appleloosa ponies are with those other ones, then they wouldn’t be able to send anything.” The changeling brought up.

“I suppose so.” Princess Celestia replied. “Discord.” She addressed the draconequus.

“Yes?” Discord answered, putting his head back on.

“Can you return to Canterlot and see if the guards have received anything?” Celestia asked.

“Very well.” Discord answered, disappearing.

A few moments passed, before Discord reappeared once again.

“It appears that Apple Jack stopped by again.” Discord told the Princess, holding up a pair of glasses to his eyes while looking at a piece of parchment.

“What did she have to say?” Celestia asked.

“Let’s see…” Discord began to read. “Blah blah blah…apples…blah blah…some kind of crazy lingo…blah blah blah…apples again… aaaannnnndddd…….nothing.” He finished, moving the glasses away from him.

“I suppose that’s one less place to worry about then.” Celestia added on. “I hope that when the ponies from Ponyville send word that they would also report on the nearby areas as well. Anything else?”

“Nope.” Discord answered, tossing the parchment away.

“Send a letter to Apple Jack and tell her that we need her to check on Appleloosa for us, as well as to check up on the ponies from Ponyville for any news.” Celestia told Discord.

“As you wish.” Discord replied, starting to type the message on a typewriter he had manifested.

“So what about us Princess Celestia? Are we free to go?” Soarin asked.

Princess Celestia looked at the Pegasi before thinking for a second.

“Hmm…no.” She replied. “I have a better idea.”

“Huh?” Soarin and the changeling responded at the same time.

“While we’re waiting on word from Apple Jack; the four of us are going to go pay the Flim Flam brothers a visit.” Princess Celestia said aloud.

“But your highness! We’d be walking right into their hooves!” The changeling argued.

Princess Celestia walked between the still trapped culprits, before speaking.

“It sounds as though only Captain Spitfire is currently pursuing you, which must have something to do with you having worked for her.” Princess Celestia spoke, addressing Soarin. “We should be safe traveling over to Rainbow Falls, as long as you two are with us.” She continued. “We found out that Spitfire was using a spy to keep tabs on Canterlot, and I’m willing to bet that the Flim Flam brothers have something similar.” She explained. “Since you two were coming here after we did, they may only think that Discord and I were there and won’t suspect seeing the two of us head towards them.”

“Done!” Discord said aloud.

Upon finishing the message, Discord ripped the paper from the typewriter and proceeded to appear to breathe fire at it. However, instead of the letter floating off, Discord instead inhaled the paper back into his body.

“Good. Let’s get going.” Celestia replied.

“Umm…can we come down now?” The changeling asked.

“Oh, yes. My apologies.” Princess Celestia answered, releasing her magic grip on the two, causing them to fall to the ground. "Now. About your disguise changeling."

Disappearing act

Town Hall

Sweetie Belle sat outside on the steps of the building, still worried about Apple Bloom resting inside. She had ended up crying herself back to sleep, and Sweetie didn’t know what more she could do.

She let out another sigh as she looked out into Ponyville. The commotion from earlier had calmed down, and while she had wanted to go see what had happened, she knew that it was better to stay and keep an eye on Apple Bloom.

Her spirits were soon lifted however, as Sweetie Belle glanced over to one of the bridges and immediately jumped off the stairs at the site of her sister and the others approaching.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle yelled out, running over to hug her sister. “I’m so glad you’re back! What happened? Why is Scootaloo with you?”

“We discovered a secret room under the Castle of the Two Sisters and came across Scootaloo asleep in a tent in the middle of the marketplace.” Rarity told her sister, finishing hugging her.

“However, we were not able to retrieve anything to use as evidence.” Mayor Mare added in.

“What did you find?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Rarity started to walk towards Town Hall, as she explained things along the way.

“We discovered a collection of diary entries written by Chrysalis and Trixie regarding Chrysalis’ plans for Equestria and Trixie’s own plans for Chrysalis.”

“Wow!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

“We also discovered a map of Equestria, with markings showing different areas of some importance.” Mayor Mare continued.

“Huh.” Sweetie Belle replied.

“But we were unable to retrieve either of them after Derpy accidently pulled a wire trap behind the map which caused the entire room and passageway to collapse on us.” Rarity explained.

“And even though we made it out somehow…I lost the map anyways…”Derpy told Sweetie Belle, hanging her head down.

“Oh no.” Sweetie Belle responded.

Derpy then walked over to one of the shelves and started to look through the scrolls inside.

Rarity set Scootaloo down using her magic, before taking a quick look around the room.

“How is Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle? I don’t see her anywhere.” Rarity asked.

“She’s not doing so well right now.” Sweetie Belle answered, looking away with a sad look on her face.

“Why? What happened?” Mayor Mare asked.

“After you three left yesterday, those ponies from before showed up this morning.” Sweetie Belle replied. “And when Apple Bloom found out they were here, she started to get real upset.”

“Good heavens!” Rarity exclaimed. “Did they do anything to her!?”

“N-no!” Sweetie Belle replied. “Well, not directly anyway. It was when Apple Bloom started talking to them that she started to cry and yell.”

“What exactly happened Sweetie Belle?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I had just woken up and was about to greet the day outside, when all those ponies from before came walking by.” Sweetie Belle started to speak.

“Go on.” Rarity told her sister.

“I told them to go away and leave us alone, and it seemed like they were about to, when Apple Bloom told me she wanted to talk to them.” Sweetie Belle continued.

“She really asked to talk to them?” Rarity asked, surprised.

“Yeah. She said she needed to talk to them and if was after she started talking that she began to cry.” Sweetie Belle explained.

“She stopped them so she could cry to them?” Rarity asked, even more confused.

“I’m still not really sure.” Sweetie Belle replied, confused herself. “I was just doing what she asked.

“Alright then, I guess.” Rarity spoke. “Continue.”

“Well…she started saying that it was because of the purple Unicorn and her dragon that Zecora uhh…is gone.” Sweetie Belle answered, hesitant.

“What!?” Rarity and Mayor Mare exclaimed.

“Please don’t yell!” Sweetie Belle tried to say quietly. “Apple Bloom finally cried herself to sleep not that long ago, and I really don’t want to wake her up by talking too much about Zecora.”

“Oh dear. I do suppose you’re right Sweetie.” Rarity replied. “Is there anything else?”

“Well, after she said that she started crying more and more while yelling at them.” Sweetie Belle spoke. “The Unicorn actually looked like she was about to cry too, but the stallion from Appleloosa convinced her and the others to leave. I’ve been with Apple Bloom ever since.”

“But I thought it was Princess Luna that?...” Mayor Mare started to speak, before Rarity cut her off.

“No. Princess Luna was definitely the one who did it. I’m sure of it.” Rarity told Mayor Mare. “Apple Bloom must have been trying to find some explanation as to why she would have done it. With those two showing up before she vanished; it would only be natural that she would think that they had some part to play in it.”

“Not to mention them talking about heresy against Queen Chrysalis when we still believed that she was ruler.” Mayor Mare added on.

“I’m really worried about Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle said aloud, looking down at the ground again. “I don’t know what to do for her.”

Rarity walked over and put a hoof around her sister, bringing her in for a quick hug.

“Without Zecora or some way to convince her that all of this was a lie, I’m not sure what we can do.” Rarity told her sister.

“Since we’re back now, perhaps we should try and send word about what we’ve learned to Princess Celestia.” Mayor Mare suggested.

“I still don’t think it would matter if we don’t have anything to show for it.” Rarity explained. “It would just be a waste of time.”

“Then how about?...” Mayor Mare started to speak, before she noticed Derpy drawing on one of the scrolls from the shelves. “Derpy, what are you doing?”

Derpy sniffled a tear, still disappointed in herself for leaving the map.

“I felt so bad about losing the map that I thought I would trying drawing it on another one.” Derpy explained.

“Derpy, I know you mean well, but this really isn’t the time for…” Rarity began to speak, before she noticed what Derpy had drawn on the map.

“Would you look at that!” Mayor Mare said aloud. “It looks almost exactly like the map from the castle!”

“But how do you know for sure?” Rarity asked.

Derpy sniffled again, this time feeling a little better.

“They were all in places that were familiar.” Derpy explained.

“Hmm?” The mares and filly said.

“Except for that place beyond Macintosh Hills, they were all places ponies have been before.” Derpy told the group.

“That’s rather insightful of you Derpy.” Mayor Mare praised the Pegasus.

“Thanks Mayor!” Derpy replied, now smiling.

“So they’re places ponies have been before; but why would Trixie or whoever mark someplace ponies haven’t been?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I’m not sure Sweetie.” Rarity replied. “We’d have to ask one of them to find out.”

“Surely we could send THIS to Princess Celestia?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I suppose we could, but I’m not sure how we could explain it to her without taking the time to bring it to her ourselves.” Rarity responded.

“Perhaps Ah could vouch for ya!” Apple Jack said aloud, suddenly appearing behind the group.

Everypony let out a scream in shock.

“Apple Jack!” Mayor Mare scolded the mare. “You really should stop doing that!”

“Sorry bout that Mayor.” Apple Jack replied, still a little oblivious.

“What are you doing here anyway Apple Jack?” Rarity asked.

“Ah was asked by Princess Celestia to take a look at Appleloosa for her, since no pony has responded yet.” Apple Jack told Rarity.

“That’s because the Appleloosa ponies are with Rainbow Dash and those two from the rain storm.” Sweetie Belle explained to Apple Jack.

“What in tarnation!?” Apple Jack exclaimed. “Well that sure does explain why Ah couldn’t find heads or tails of them in Appleloosa. ‘Sides, Ah didn’t find anything important like to report and was about to head back when Ah got another request.”

“And what was that?” Rarity asked.

“To check up on ya’ll and see how ya’ll have been coming along in your search.” Apple Jack answered.

“Well I assume you heard everything we just discussed?” Rarity asked.

“Ah can honestly say that Ah did!” Apple Jack replied.

“Then we would like for you to take what we’ve found and inform the Princess.” Rarity told Apple Jack.

“Sure thing!” Apple Jack agreed.

“Well that settles that.” Mayor Mare spoke up. “So what should we do now? With Apple Jack having already searched everywhere else nearby, which should just leave Rainbow Falls left.”

“You’re absolutely right Mayor.” Rarity replied.

“But what about Apple Bloom, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle told her sister.

“While I did say that once we returned that we would all travel together elsewhere, I’m not so sure about that now that poor Apple Bloom is like this.” Rarity responded.

“Perhaps Ah could look after the little filly?” Apple Jack suggested.

“That would be most appreciated.” Rarity replied. “As I’m sure you would look after her like a little sister, but I’m just not sure if her traveling across Equestria with you would be the best thing right now.”

“Ah guess ya’ll got a point there.” Apple Jack agreed.

“I’m really not sure if she should even stay here any longer either.” Rarity said aloud. “Even this place may leave bad memories for her when she wakes up.”

“But where else could we take her?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I think I know a place!” Derpy spoke up.

“Really?” Rarity asked, surprised. “Where?”

“There’s a treehouse over on Apple Jack’s farm that would be perfect for her to stay in!” Derpy replied, clapping her hooves together.

“Now normally Ah’d say that everypony should stay away from mah farm and mah apple trees, but Ah think that she may have a point.” Apple Jack agreed. “It’s about as far away from anything as ya can get, and it would give her the best view of mah farm and trees!”

“Yes…I’m sure that’s exactly what would make her feel better.” Rarity said with slight sarcasm. “Perhaps we could even bring Scootaloo there. No sense in her staying here by herself.”

“Oh! Can I go too Rarity!?” Sweetie Belle asked. “I wanna make sure that Apple Bloom is still okay when she wakes up.”

“Absolutely Sweetie Belle.” Rarity agreed.

Considering the task now at hoof, Rarity turned to Derpy for the final decision.

“Derpy, would you mind taking Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle to the treehouse?” Rarity asked.

“Sure thing!” Derpy agreed, before walking over to grab Scootaloo and then heading to retrieve Apple Bloom.

“Wait for me!” Sweetie Belle called out, chasing after Derpy.

“Now that that’s settled, let us be off for Rainbow Falls.” Mayor Mare said aloud, making her way towards the doors.

“Yes, let’s get going.” Rarity agreed. “Hopefully there’s a train ready once we reach the station.” Following behind.

“Yee-haw!” Apple Jack called out, heading out the door with the other mares.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Atop Rainbow Falls.

The Flim Flam brothers just finished their latest scam pitch, before returning to their tent.

“Today’s profits should make up for all the damages that featherhead caused.” Flim said aloud.

“They should indeed.” Flam agreed with Flim.

The brothers placed their deceitful earnings in a new stash, ensuring this one wouldn’t be intruded upon like the last ones.

“Say, how are things looking over in Cloudsdale brother?” Flim asked Flam.

“I’ll go take a look.” Flam told Flim.

Flam made his way back outside to the telescope and looked through to see Cloudsdale off in the distance.

“Doesn’t look like anything’s going on.” Flam told Flim as he exited the tent.

Flim looked off at Cloudsdale in the distance, until something else far off caught his attention. He raised a hoof above his eyes to block out the glare of the sun.

“Say Flam.” Flim told Flam.

“Yes Flim?” Flam responded.

“What’s that approaching in the distance?” Flim asked Flam.

“Hmm?” Flam replied, adjusting the telescope to see what his brother was referring to. “I don’t see any…” Flam began to say, until he saw what his brother was referring to.

In the view of the telescope, Flam could see Princess Celestia, Discord, Soarin, and one other pony flying towards them.

“Uh oh!” Flam exclaimed, pulling his head away from the telescope.

“What is it!?” Flim asked Flam.

“We’ve got company on the way!” Flam told Flim. “And not the kind we can make a bit off of!”

“Who!?” Flim asked Flam.

“The Princess, Discord, and that scapegoat of Spitfire’s!” Flam replied.

Now in a panic, the brothers quickly thought of what to do.

“Umm…” Flim replied, still thinking. “Guess it’s time to take our show back on the road!”

“You said it brother!” Flam agreed.

The brothers turned to head to their tent, when a voice caught them off guard.

“Not so fast!” A mare’s voice called out.

The brothers turned to look, and saw a purple balloon quickly rise from beyond the edge of the falls, being pulled by two Pegasi.

“What the!?” The brothers called in unison.

The balloon leveled out in the air, revealing Twilight Sparkle, her dragon companion, and Braeburn sitting in the basket. Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hovered above the balloon; rope harnesses attached to them.

“You’ve got nowhere to run!” Rainbow Dash called down.

“Ya’ll will pay for all the trouble you and Spitfire caused!” Braeburn added.

“And what you were planning to do to Soarin. That’s just mean.” Fluttershy yelled quietly.

“Well technically we haven’t ‘done’ anything yet…” Flam said aloud.

“But opportunity calls and we really must be going!” Flim added on.

“Oh no you don’t!” Twilight yelled, hopping out of the basket as the balloon landed.

Thinking quickly, the brothers reached out with their magic into their tent and pulled out more of the smoke bombs that Spitfire had taken with her. They tossed all around themselves and used the resulting cover to quickly head inside their tent.

“Not this again!” Rainbow Dash said aloud, before she and Fluttershy used their wings to clear up the smoke.

As the smoke cleared, the group could see the brothers escaping in another steam powered contraption, their cart in tow.

“So long suckers!” The brothers said together, lifting their hats off their heads.

“They’re getting away!” Twilight called out.

“Not if I have anything to say about it!” Fluttershy yelled, before taking off after them.

“Fluttershy wait!” Rainbow Dash called out, chasing after her.

The Flim Flam brothers rounded a corner, escaping sight of the other ponies.

“Guess we can’t come back to this town again.” Flim said aloud.

“Aw well.” Flam added on.

“On to the next one!” The two said in unison, leaning against each other.

“Come back here!” Fluttershy yelled out, as she came around the corner at them.

“Gah!” The brothers cried out, before something else got in their way. “Ooof!”

Their contraption came to a sudden halt, as the brothers turned to find a road block stopping them in their tracks.

“Where did that come from!?” Flim asked aloud.

“Look!” Flam exclaimed, pointing up.

Fluttershy stopped as well and looked up to see a giant glass dome fall around them, trapping the three inside.

The three ponies looked around in shock and confusion, before all of them and the dome itself disappeared in a giant thundering red flash.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash called out, rounding the corner finally. “Huh!?”

She looked around, but saw neither the Flim Flam brothers, nor Fluttershy anywhere.

“What in the?...” Rainbow Dash said aloud.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, still approaching in the distance.

Princess Celestia, Discord, and Soarin continued to fly towards Rainbow Falls, while a pink pony with poofy hair sat on Celestia’s back.

“Shouldn’t be much longer now.” Soarin called out, before he and the rest of the group witnessed a giant red flash in the distance. “Woah! What was that!?”

“Hurry! We need to get there before something else happens!” Princess Celestia said aloud. “By the way; nice disguise changeling.” Celestia spoke to the pink pony on her back.

“Thanks!” The pony said in a high pitched voice.

Discord continued to slither along through the air, before turning blue and making a halo appear above his head.

“Ha ha ha!” Discord laughed out loud. “Hello, boys! I’m BAAAAAACK!”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

At the same time, on-board the train to Rainbow Falls.

Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Apple Jack all looked out the window of the train to see a giant red flash up above.

“Waah!” The mares called out.

“It would appear somepony’s gotten to Rainbow Falls before us!” Rarity called out, before yelling towards the conductor. “Faster please!”

“It must be those ponies from earlier!” Mayor Mare added on. “They must’ve been in that balloon we saw rising up there.

“YEE-HAW!” Apple Jack exclaimed. “Things are getting exciting!”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Currently, inside the medical ward of the Royal Palace.

The doctors and nurses looked outside the windows of the ward, captivated by the bright red flash in the distance at Rainbow Falls.

Meanwhile, Princess Luna still lay motionless in her bed. Motionless however, until one of her eyes began to twitch in her slumber.

A touching reunion

Atop Rainbow Falls

Twilight and friends waved away what smoke was left as they tried to assess what was going on.

“Are you both alright?” Twilight asked Spike and Braeburn.

“Yeah. You Twilight?” Spike responded.

“I’m okay.” Twilight answered, before looking around for Rainbow Dash. “We should head after them now.”

The trio started to head down the path the brothers and their friends took, before Rainbow Dash came flying back from up ahead.

“Rainbow Dash! What happened?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know.” Rainbow Dash replied. “One minute I’m following them, and the next they’re just gone.” She finished, landing back on the ground.

“Those brothers have really done it this time.” Twilight said aloud.

“That’s probably the most desperate they’ve been to get away.” Spike added on.

“And most likely the most they’ll ever be.” A voice from behind the group said aloud.

Everypony turned around to find Princess Celestia standing before them.

“Princess Celestia!” The group exclaimed, shocked to see her.

Princess Celestia ignored the announcement and instead turned her attention to Twilight and Spike.

“At long last. I finally meet the infamous ‘outsiders.’”

“I had really hoped YOU would have remembered us Princess.” Twilight replied.

“Don’t tell us that you’re here to take us away?” Spike asked.

“Princess Celestia! We can explain why!...” Braeburn started to speak, before Princess Celestia held up a hoof to silence him.

“Save it.” Princess Celestia replied.

“What, but Princess?” Braeburn responded, concerned.

“Please. There’s no need for formalities right now. There are more important things going on.” Celestia told Braeburn, before turning back to Twilight and Spike. “As for you two.”

“Huh?” Twilight and Spike replied.

“The two of you are going to help me find the Flim Flam brothers and Spitfire, before they find Queen Chrysalis.” Celestia told the two.

“What?” The two answered.

“So, you’re not here to accuse us of ponynapping her?” Spike asked.

“Or to blame us for the love poison?” Twilight added.

“We are already aware of the love poison, thanks to Soarin.” Celestia replied, looking back to Soarin approaching from behind.

“Soarin!” Twilight’s group exclaimed.

“Hey guys.” Soarin replied. “It’s okay. I’m alright.”

“Are you still…you know?” Rainbow Dash started to ask.

“No. I understand now.” Soarin answered.

“So you remember then!?” Twilight asked, excited.

“I said I understand.” Soarin replied. “I didn’t say I remember you.”

“Well so much for hopes.” Spike said aloud.

“So Princess Celestia found you before Spitfire did?” Braeburn asked Soarin.

“More like THEY found HIM!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, as she appeared riding on top of Discord’s shoulders.

“Pinkie Pie!” Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike said aloud.

“Hi!” Pinkie Pie answered, a big smile on her face.

“Hey now! Don’t forget about me!” Discord replied, tilting his head so far up that he was looking backwards, causing Pinkie to fall of his shoulders. “Or our new guests!” He added, now looking behind himself.

“Huh?” All but Celestia replied, looking behind Discord.

Approaching from the train station, everyone could see Rarity, Mayor Mare, and Apple Jack trotting towards them.

“Princess Celestia!” Rarity called out, before noticing the other group of ponies. “You lot again!?”

“Not again…” Twilight spoke up, still disappointed that Rarity and her companions didn’t recognize them yet.

“What’s going on here?” Mayor Mare asked aloud.

“What are you ponies doing in Rainbow Falls!?” Rarity asked the other group.

“Where the hay are all the apple trees Ah planted!” Apple Jack asked aloud.

“ENOUGH!” Celestia yelled, stomping her hoof on the ground and briefly causing fire in her mane and tail. “All sides stand down! We have more important things to worry about than bickering with each other!”

Everyone but Discord yielded with fear, before one of them finally spoke up.

“If Princess Celestia thinks we need to direct our attention to a greater threat, then we should listen.” Rarity said aloud.

“I agree.” Mayor Mare stated. “But what is going on here?”

“We came here to stop Spitfire and the Flim Flam brothers from making and using another love poison against Chrysalis.” Twilight explained.

“We already stopped Spitfire and were about to stop the Flim Flam brothers before they escaped.” Spike added.

“We even have the love poison to prove it!” Rainbow Dash said aloud. “Show’em Braeburn!”

“Or not…” Braeburn replied, looking through his vest pockets.

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash responded, confused.

“It’s gone!? When did!?...” Twilight asked, concerned.

“O…kay.” Mayor Mare said aloud. “What about you Princess?”

“After investigating Cloudsdale, we discovered that Spitfire had been using a spy to secretly monitor Canterlot.” Celestia answered. “Adding in what Soarin and his changeling companion told us as well regarding the love poison; I can assume that none of these ponies had anything to do with Chrysalis’ ponynapping.”

“Also, there’s a telescope here with a clear view of both Canterlot and Cloudsdale.” Spike spoke up, looking through the telescope the brothers had left behind.

“And that also helps to reinforce their innocence.” Celestia added.

“So there really is a love poison after all?” Rarity asked aloud.

“Princess.” Mayor Mare addressed Celestia.

“Yes?” Celestia responded.

“We have some information that we discovered.” Mayor Mare answered.

“Do tell.” Celestia replied.

“While we were investigating the Castle of the Two Sisters, we discovered a secret room that contained entries from over a year ago.” Rarity explained.

“We also found a map of Equestria with specific places marked all over.” Mayor Mare added.

“The map also included an ‘X’ south of Macintosh Hills, but we don’t know what lies there.” Rarity continued.

“Is it possible for us to go and see all of that?” Celestia asked.

“Unfortunately not.” Rarity replied, looking away. “As we were about to leave with the map to bring to you, a trap was sprung that caused the entire room and passageway to collapse.”

“We somehow managed to escape, but we also lost the map in the process.” Mayor Mare added.

“Hmm.” Celestia replied. “Before the structure collapsed; what were you able to find in the entries?”

“The furthest back we found were entries made by Chrysalis; presumably after she was defeated.” Rarity answered. “We also found one when she was admiring Equestria, after she had taken power.”

“The more recent ones we believe were written by Trixie, recalling her actions since a few days ago.” Mayor Mare explained as well.

“She described about abducting Chrysalis and taking the love poison.” Rarity spoke. “She also talked about leaving Chrysalis in a kingdom until her preparations were complete.”

“Hmm.” Celestia replied, thinking everything over.

“So there you have it!” Twilight said aloud. “None of us were responsible for anything that occurred that night.”

“Yeah! It’s been Trixie, Spitfire, and the Flim Flam brothers all along!” Spike added.

“Hmm.” Celestia continued to think. “Chrysalis may have deceived us all in the beginning, but it appears that those four want to have the last laugh in the end.”

“We’ve gotta find them and stop them!” Soarin said aloud.

“I’m still not sure we know who the real threat is here though.” Braeburn spoke up.

“What?” Soarin replied.

“Well let’s stop for a minute here.” Braeburn began to explain. “From what we’ve learned so far; who’s responsible for the love poison?”

“That would be the Flim Flam brothers.” Twilight answered.

“And how do you know that?” Braeburn asked.

“We heard it from the brothers themselves, when Spike and I were first brought here.” Twilight explained.

“And who brought you here?” Celestia asked.

“I believe it was Trixie after she knocked us out after leaving Town Hall.” Twilight replied, rubbing the back of her head.

“Alright.” Braeburn spoke. “Now what about ponynapping Chrysalis?”

“That was most definitely Trixie.” Rarity answered. “As we found the diary entry she wrote saying she did it.”

“Okay, but why?” Braeburn asked again. “Why did she ponynap Chrysalis?”

“That’s what I’m still wondering.” Celestia spoke up. “She took her even though she knew the love poison was still in the palace.”

“While you were unconscious Braeburn; Trixie told us that she took the love poison, and that it would have been left with Soarin so he’d take all the blame.” Rainbow Dash told Braeburn.

“But since we brought him with us from the dungeon, then it would only be a matter of time until they tracked him down.” Twilight added on.

“Come to think of it…” Spike began to speak. “Whenever it came to the love poison, Trixie has always done whatever she could to prevent it from being used.”

“Then why not just get rid of it when she found it?” Celestia asked.

“Or just using it herself on Chrysalis when she captured her?” Mayor Mare asked as well.

“Because she’s been trying to keep it from causing more damage and affecting anyone.” Twilight answered.

“But why did Spitfire want to have a scapegoat anyway?” Soarin asked.

“Oh! Oh! I think I got it!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Huh?” Everpony turned to Pinkie.

Pinkie took a deep breath before speaking non-stop.

"She must have seen that if it had stayed then it could’ve been drunk by somepony else. So she took it and Soarin who was running by. She KNEW one way or another that Soarin would be captured and put in the dungeon where he would be detained. Soarin would be stuck down there, away from anything that Spitfire or the Flim Flam brothers could do further, thus making it the safest place for him. Even if they managed to make another poison, they still wouldn’t be able to pin it on Soarin since they couldn’t reach him!” Pinkie Pie said all at once, finishing with a squee.

Quite confusion filled the air, before Braeburn spoke once more.

“Okay. So that wraps up the poison part. Now what about how Chrysalis ties in?”

Twilight thought back on everything that she’d learned up to that point and everything that she knew about Chrysalis and how she could have accomplished what she did. Any kind of answer alluded her, until one specific event sparked an explanation.

“The Secretariat Comet.” Twilight said aloud.

Everyone looked to Twilight in confusion.

“Chrysalis must have used the passing power of the Secretariat Comet to cast a spell, causing everypony in Equestria to forget the past and altering their memories.” Twilight explained.

“But since neither Spitfire nor the Flim Flam brothers were affected by the spell somehow, then they decided to get rid of Chrysalis themselves?” Spike asked.

“I think we’ve reached the point in the story here where everyone is confused.” Discord said aloud. “Even the readers.”

“Spitfire and the brothers were right in trying to get rid of Chrysalis, since she was the original villain anyway, but they went about it the wrong way, causing them to be just as bad.” Twilight answered Spike.

“Alright then. So where are they now?” Rarity asked.

“Well we tied up Spitfire back in Ponyville.” Twilight answered.

“And we almost had the Flim Flam brothers too, before they escaped.” Spike added.

“We didn’t see Spitfire tied up anywhere in Ponyville.” Rarity replied.

“Well so much for that then.” Rainbow Dash responded.

“So where are the Flim Flam brothers now?” Celestia asked.

“Last we saw they escaped and Fluttershy was following them.” Braeburn answered.

“Wait! That’s right!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Fluttershy disappeared the same time those other two did! We gotta find them!”

“But do we even know where they could’ve gone?” Spike asked.

“They said something about hitting the road, but to no place in particular.” Braeburn replied.

“So where could they be!?” Rainbow Dash asked aloud.

“I believe I have an idea.” Celestia spoke up.

“I think I may be thinking the same thing Princess.” Rarity agreed.

Everyone looked to Princess Celestia and Rarity, before Mayor Mare spoke up next.

“To this kingdom that we’ve been hearing about.”

“But where is that?” Braeburn asked.

“I think I may have an idea of what kingdom they’re talking about.” Twilight spoke. “It must be where Chrysalis ended up after the magic of Cadence and Shining Armor sent her away.”

“But where in Equestria could that be?” Spike asked.

Everyone began thinking on the location of the kingdom, while Discord merely disappeared.

A few moments later, Discord reappeared, dressed like a pirate with a treasure chest.

“Perhaps ‘X’…” Discord spoke, as he opened up the chest, revealing the map from the ruined castle. “Marks the spot.”

“The map!” Mayor Mare exclaimed. “How did you retrieve it?”

“Let’s just say I had to…’Resetti’ your progress to find it.” Discord answered. “Quite the unexpected encounter.”

Twilight took the map out of the chest with her magic and began looking it over.

“Here’s the ‘X’ they were talking about.” Twilight said aloud. “It looks to be south of Macintosh Hills like they said.”

“But how far away is that X supposed to be?” Rarity asked.

“Well in the time we’ve been standing around here, Fluttershy and those brothers are probably there by now!” Rainbow Dash yelled, before taking to the sky. “Which way is it!?”

“Hold on!” Twilight called up to Rainbow Dash.

“Why?!” Rainbow Dash replied, zipping down to just above Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash, we know what you’re planning on doing.” Twilight told her friend.

“Yeah! And you promised that you wouldn’t do it again!” Spike added on.

“But you guys she’s!...” Rainbow Dash tried to reply.

“WE CARE ABOUT HER SAFETY TOO RAINBOW DASH! SHE’S OUR FRIEND TOO!” Twilight yelled at Rainbow Dash, before taking a deep breath. “And we don’t want to lose our friends ever again.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash, wiping a tear out of her eye.

“I…I know…” Rainbow Dash replied, landing back on the ground. “I’m sorry.”

Rainbow Dash hugged Twilight, both apologizing and keeping her from crying further.

“Wow, Ah can honestly say that ya’ll really do care about your friends.” Apple Jack told Twilight.

“And your selfless will to get them back unharmed is most inspiring.” Rarity added.

“I'm just sooooooooooo happy for you!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, pulling the other two of them in for a group hug.

“This is what I miss the most.” Twilight said in-between the tight hugs. “Being together with our friends.”

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie let go of the group, before she, Rarity, and Apple Jack began to float up in the air, their eyes glowing white.

“What’s happening!?” Rainbow Dash asked, as white lines began to form around her floating friends necks, taking the form of necklaces.

“They’re…they’re remembering who they are!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly.

The necklaces of Laughter, Generosity, and Honestly finished taking form, before the eyes of their owners stopped glowing and they floated back to the ground.

“Are you guys alright!?” Rainbow Dash asked her friends.

“Ah…ah think so.” Apple Jack replied, rubbing her head. “What happened?”

“Where are we?” Rarity asked as well.

“Do you have any snacks?” Pinkie Pie asked randomly.

This time, Twilight was the one to rush in and give all her friends a hug.

“You remember! You all finally remember!” Twilight told her friends, tears in her eyes.

“Well a ‘course we remember you sugar cube, but what in tarnation is going on?” Apple Jack replied.

“Yes darling. Why are we in Rainbow Falls?” Rarity asked.

“I’ll explain everything later, but right now Fluttershy is missing, and we have to stop Chrysalis and a few other ponies from ruining Equestria.” Twilight told her friends.

“Fluttershy and Equestria in trouble!?” Rarity replied, shocked and surprised. “Say no more!”

“Let’s go get’em! Yee-haw!” Apple Jack agreed.

“But there’s still the manner of finding and getting to wherever they are.” Twilight responded. “Trixie said that she left Chrysalis in a kingdom, and I don’t know of any kingdoms south of Macintosh Hills.”

“Well, judging by the map, we at least know a general direction.” Mayor Mare told Twilight. “Though it does appear to be on the other side of Equestria.”

“So how are we supposed to get there in time?” Spike asked.

“We can’t all fit in my balloon.” Twilight answered. “So I guess we’ll have to take the train.”

“In that case, I’ll ensure that nothing gets in your way as you travel full speed ahead.” Celestia told Twilight.

“Thank you Princess.” Twilight replied, giving a bow.

“Alright! Let’s get going!” Rainbow Dash said aloud, taking off for the train.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, in a kingdom far-far-away.

Fluttershy and the Flim Flam brothers found themselves released from the glass dome, their heads still shaking from the powerful transportation spell.

“W-where are we brother?” Flam asked Flim.

“I…I don’t know brother.” Flim told Flam.

“Well I don’t care where we are! You’re still gonna get it!” Fluttershy quietly yelled at the brothers, regaining her coordination as she landed.

“I almost forgot about her!” Flim exclaimed.

“As did I!” Flam added.

Fluttershy prepared to charge at the brothers, before the brothers witnessed her get hit in the head by a metallic object, knocking her unconscious.

“What the?” The brothers said in unison, before two more metallic objects stuck them from behind, knocking them out as well.

A mare wearing a black hood then walked out of a building. She looked over at the brothers before walking towards the Pegasus.

“You should’ve just stayed away.” The mare said to the unconscious Pegasi unsympathetically.

She then removed her hood, revealing herself as Trixie, eyes glowing red.

Friendship conquers all

Later that day, on the outskirts of a certain kingdom.

Twilight poked her head outside of the train car window, the fast paced air blowing her mane back.

“Look!” She called inside to her friends. “The kingdom’s starting to come into view!”

“I can’t believe we got here as fast as we did!” Spike said aloud, poking his head out a window as well.

“We need to be on the lookout for anything suspicious!” Celestia said from atop the train, using her magic to keep herself on the train, as well as increase its speed.

Meanwhile, several Discords shoveled coal to one-another down a line, before the last one threw it in the furnace.

“It’s about time!” One of the Discords said.

“I’ll say!” Another Discord spoke. “We’re almost out of coal!”

The train then screeched to a stop, causing all the Discords to fall forward, reforming into the original.

“Talk about running into yourself.” Discord said aloud, his eyes spinning.

All the ponies disembarked the train, looking around at the strange new land they found themselves in.

All around them lay the bleak landscape of a kingdom in ruins.

All the nearby buildings had been covered in a green sappy substance, while a lone decaying castle sat upon a hill in the distance.

Rainbow Dash took to the sky, calling out her friend’s name.

“Fluttershy!”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile, in the center of the kingdom.

Trixie shut the door behind herself as she left a building. Inside she had left the Flim Flam brothers trapped inside a giant green cocoon. She turned her head to the shouting that she began to hear in the distance.

“Sparkle.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash called out again from the sky.

“This place is really a ghost town isn’t it?” Spike said aloud.

“Well what can you expect?” Twilight told Spike. “Whoever lived here before must’ve been run out by Chrysalis and her changeling army when they landed here.”

“An interesting color palate. If I do say so myself.” Discord spoke.

“Bleh! Green! Such an awful color!” Rarity exclaimed, reeling at the horrible décor of the place.

“We should stay together, so as not to lose anypony else.” Celestia told the group.

“I’m getting an uneasy feeling.” Mayor Mare said aloud.

“I am too.” Braeburn agreed. “It’s like we’re being watched.”

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash continued to call out.

“Come on everypony!” Twilight told the group. “Let’s find Fluttershy and put an end to this nightmare!”

The group then took off towards heart of the kingdom.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

The center of the kingdom.

Trixie walked away from a smaller cocoon that she had just placed Fluttershy into, over to a much larger one in the center of the hub of the kingdom.

“Now for you.” Trixie said to the cocoon.

Trixie’s attention shifted however, as the sounds of ponies approaching grew louder.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash called out, arriving first and seeing Fluttershy in the cocoon.

She raced over to her and started to try to free her friend. Apple Jack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie quickly made their way over as well.

“Trixie!” Twilight spoke, spying the Unicorn by a large cocoon.

“Humph!” Trixie retorted. “Sparkle.”

“What’s going on here Trixie!?” Twilight demanded.

“What have you been hiding this whole time Lulamoon!?” Celestia asked as well.

“Trixie is here for a single purpose.” Trixie told the two. “But now that all of you are here, this poses as a problem for Trixie.”

“What are you talking about Trixie!?” Twilight asked.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Meanwhile; Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie finally managed to free Fluttershy from the cocoon, pulling her out.

“Fluttershy! Hey Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash spoke to her friend.

Fluttershy moved a little, before standing up, holding her head.

“…ugh…huh?” She spoke.

“Fluttershy!” The ponies said to their friend, hugging her.

“W-what…what happened now?” Fluttershy asked aloud.

“It’s alright Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash told her friend.

“We’re here for ya sugar cube!” Apple Jack added.

“You’re fine now darling!” Rarity spoke.

“Yay Fluttershy!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Y-you…you all…” Fluttershy said.

As the ponies continued to hug her, a warm feeling began to come over Fluttershy, as different memories started popping into her head.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Conducting a choir of birds at Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s wedding.

Desperately trying to sort cherries at Cheery Jubilee’s farm.

Putting on the Hearth’s Warming Eve play in Canterlot.

Becoming Mare Do Well to help Rainbow Dash.

Eating at Donut Joe’s after the Gala.

Sewing Rarity’s dress for her.

Wrapping up winter.

All her friends.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

As the memories continued to flow through her mind, Fluttershy slowly began ascending into the air, her eyes glowing white. A white line then formed around her neck, before the necklace of Kindness took its place. Her eyes then stopped glowing, as she began flapping her wings, bringing herself back to the ground.

“W-what happened? Eeep!” Fluttershy asked, as she quickly became confused and scared of her surroundings.

“Fluttershy! You remember!” Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy, hugging her again.

Apple Jack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie joined in again as well, while Fluttershy sat in the middle, starting to shake with fear.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, with Trixie and the rest of the ponies.

“I thought you were on our side Trixie!?” Twilight asked.

“Trixie was only making sure that she could reduce the number of possible casualties to as little as possible, but since all of you are here, Trixie cannot promise that anymore.” Trixie replied.

“This isn’t what you told me was going to happen Trixie! Explain yourself!” Celestia demanded Trixie.

“What!?” Twilight exclaimed, confused.

“Trixie told you everything you ‘needed’ to know.” Trixie replied.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

The previous night in the Royal Palace.

“Things are really starting to get out of hoof.” Celestia said to herself.

“Nopony ever said it was going to be easy.” Celestia heard Trixie Lulamoon say.

“You again!?” Celestia exclaimed, turning to face Trixie.

“Calm yourself Princess.” Trixie told Celestia, walking further into the room. “No need to go all supernova on anypony.”

“What have you been doing Lulamoon!?” Celestia demanded, stomping her hoof. “Did you ponynap Queen Chrysalis?”

“It was a necessity that needed to happen.” Trixie replied.

“So it WAS you!” Celestia yelled.

“There’s nothing you can do about it now.” Trixie told Celestia, looking out a window. “Instead, you should shift your attention to a more immediate problem.”

“Why should I listen to you?” Celestia asked.

“Because if you don’t, then you’re whole way of life may change again.” Trixie responded.

“What are you talking about!?” Celestia replied.

“There’s a love poison roaming around Equestria, and you need to find it before it falls into the wrong hooves.” Trixie explained.

“A love poison?” Celestia asked, confused.

“Yes. One that will prove fatal for Equestria if it is not contained.” Trixie told Celestia. “More fatal than what Chrysalis did.”

“What she did?” Celestia asked.

“That’s right.” Trixie replied. “Your wonderful Queen Chrysalis has been deceiving you for some time now, and it’ll be nothing compared to what the love poison will cause if you don’t stop it.”

“And why not you?” Celestia told Trixie. “You sound like you know a lot about what’s going on.”

“Let’s just say that as much as Trixie would love to take the spotlight and attention, it would look better if Equestria’s ‘Shining Princess’ saved the day instead.” Trixie replied, finally looking at Celestia. “Wouldn’t you say?”

Celestia eyed the Unicorn cautiously, wondering what she was really up to.

“What are you planning Trixie?”

“The safest place to be would be Rainbow Falls.” Trixie told Celestia. “If you can get it there and keep it there, then Trixie can retrieve it and dispose of it where nopony will be affected.”

“Why should I trust you?” Celestia asked once more.

“Because ‘this’ world isn’t meant for us.” Trixie explained. “Think about it. Trixie knows that you’ve been having your own doubts for a while now.”

Celestia didn’t respond, quietly admitting that she was right.

Trixie then made her way back to the chamber doors, opening them with her magic.

“Trixie must leave now.” Trixie told Celestia, before turning to her one last time. “Trixie knows you’ll make the right decision Celestia.”

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Presently, in the kingdom center.

“You said that you were going to make sure nopony was hurt!” Celestia told Trixie.

“And Trixie would have, with this.” Trixie replied, pulling the vial of love poison out from under her cloak.

“Twilight! That’s!...” Spike began to say.

“You still have the love poison!?” Twilight asked Trixie.

“Trixie needed it of course.” Trixie replied. “For this!”

Trixie used her magic on the large cocoon behind her, opening up a window to reveal Chrysalis inside. She then summoned a glass dome around her and Chrysalis, her eyes glowing red.

“What!?” Everyone exclaimed.

“This is what would’ve prevented other ponies from getting hurt.” Trixie told everypony.

“That red glow! It looks the same as the one we saw erupt from Rainbow Falls!” Mayor Mare exclaimed.

“What kind of magic are you using Trixie!?” Twilight asked.

“Another time Sparkle, but not now.” Trixie replied, making the dome disappear and her magic returning to a light magenta.

Twilight’s friends, now with all their memories back, joined around Twilight as they readied themselves to try to stop Trixie.

“This isn’t right Trixie!” Twilight told Trixie. “But now that I have my friends by my side, there’s nothing that can stop our friendship!”

The two sides were ready for the first move, when the sky and area around them started to fade in and out of darkness.

“Discord! Now isn’t the time for games!” Celestia told Discord.

“Hey don’t look at me!” Discord replied. “This isn’t NEARLLY random enough for me.”

Everypony looked around for the cause, before a voice called out from one of the spots of darkness.

“…sssiiisssTEEERRR!” The voice called out, starting innocent, but becoming sinister as it finished. “…twwwiiiLLLIIIGHTTT!”

Everyone looked to where the voice was coming from, as they watched the tall dark figure of Princess Luna step out from the darkness. Her appearance shifted like static, as she went from her normal self to Nightmare Moon and back with each shift.

“Luna!” Celestia and Twilight called out.

“Talk about a Jekyll and Hyde.” Discord said aloud.

“What’s wrong with her!?” Spike asked, afraid.

“It’s like she’s stuck between being Luna and Nightmare Moon!” Twilight spoke.

“….cooommmeeee pllllaaaaayyy iiiinnnn thhhheee DAAAARRRRRK!” The alicorn spoke again, before fading back into the darkness.

“Discord!” Celestia called to the draconequus.

“Y-yes!” Discord responded, creeped out from what was going on.

“We have to stop Luna!” Celestia told Discord.

“Stop her!?” Discord replied. “And just how do you propose doing that?”

Celestia then opened her wings wide, preparing to take off.

“Anyway we can.” Celestia replied, before looking to Twilight. “We’ll handle Luna. You take care of Lulamoon.” She told Twilight, before taking off into the darkness.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Discord yelled out, running after her.

Having been distracted by Princess Luna, the ponies turned their attention back to Trixie, only to find her opening up Chrysalis’ cocoon with her magic.

Chrysalis slowly stepped out of the cocoon, before collapsing from not having fed in days.

“Trixie! What are you doing!?” Twilight asked.

“If I were you, I would leave while I still could.” Trixie told the group, before pulling the love poison back out.

“Trixie don’t do it!” Twilight pleaded.

Trixie lifted Chrysalis with her magic, while moving the vial towards her mouth.

“With this love poison Trixie will!...” Trixie started to say, before being blindsided my somepony. She was knocked to the ground, dropping Chrysalis back on the ground, and tossing the love poison up in the air.

“Wha!? Huh? WHA!?” The group all said at once, going from Trixie, to the love poison, and finally to the pony who knocked her down.

The vial fell back towards the ground, before being caught by Spitfire, holding another vial of love poison in her other hoof.

“I’m going to stop your reign of terror once and for all!” Spitfire yelled, kicking Chrysalis in the stomach, before pulling out both vial corks with her teeth and pouring the contents into the changeling’s mouth.

“Spitfire! What do you think you’re doing!?” Trixie, standing back up.

“Save it! I’m doing what needs to be done!” Spitfire replied, pouring the last of the contents of love poison down Chrysalis’ throat, before jumping away.

“Why did you use both love poisons!?” Twilight yelled at Spitfire.

“Double the poison, faster the results!” Spitfire yelled back.

“It’s essentially a love potion with poison joke!” Twilight retorted. “Except using two won’t cancel each other out, or double the original effects! Because she’s a changeling, it will only cause her to gain power!”

“What!?” Everypony yelled.

Seeing the direness of the situation, Trixie’s eyes glowed red once more, as she conjured another glass dome over the changeling queen, trapping her inside.

However, as the love poisons began to take effect, Chrysalis released a surge of power strong enough to shatter the dome.

“What!? That’s impossible!” Trixie yelled, shocked.

“MMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm! Delicious!” Chrysalis spoke. “But I’m still hungry.” She continued, turning back to Trixie.

Trixie jumped and disappeared in a flash of red magic, before Chrysalis fired a magical blast, tearing through her black cloak.

“Hmm…I suppose she wasn’t as caring as she said.” Chrysalis said aloud, before turning to face Twilight and her friends. “But I know YOU have plenty of love to spare.” She spoke, licking her lips.

“Don’t think you’ve won just yet Chrysalis!” Twilight responded. “My friends and I are together again and nothing you can do will ever tear us back apart!”

“Is that so?” Chrysalis replied, grinning.

“Yeah! Just you try it!” Apple Jack yelled.

“We’re not scared of you!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“You’ll pay for making me miss a fashion deadline!” Rarity yelled.

“Put’em up you meanie queenie!” Pinkie yelled, looking like she was ready to box.

“Um…or y-you could just…um…leave. I-I mean if…if that’s okay…” Fluttershy spoke quietly, scared.

“It’s over Chrysalis!” Twilight yelled.

“Not quite.” Chrysalis replied, before using her magic to absorb love out of Braeburn, Soarin, Mayor Mare, and even some out of Spitfire.

Twilight and friends looked on in shock, leaving themselves vulnerable long enough for Chrysalis to trap them all in cocoons. They quickly started banging on the cocoons, trying to free themselves.

“Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!” Chrysalis laughed. “There was never any way you were going to stop me again Twilight Sparkle! Even if you did reunite with your friends; now that I have the power from this failed attempt to stop me, I’ll use it to drain you of not only your love, BUT ALL YOUR MAGIC AS WELL!” She continued, laughing again.

Chrysalis then lit up the cocoons with her magic, as she slowly started to drain the ponies of their love.

Twilight and her friends struggled inside the cocoons, as they could feel their love being taken from them, leaving them weaker.

“YES YES Yes yes…yes!” Chrysalis began yelling, before her voice lowered to a dull roar. “W-what?”

Chrysalis’ magic also started to fade from the cocoons, before the cocoons themselves burst, releasing the ponies inside.

“W-what?...no!...what’s…what’s happening?” Chrysalis exclaimed, feeling herself suddenly grow weaker and hungry once more.

Meanwhile, Twilight and her friends stood back up, facing Chrysalis.

“H-how?...how is this happening?” Chrysalis asked.

“T-that’s…that’s what happens when you mess with poison joke.” Twilight replied, her strength slowly returning.

“What?” Chrysalis responded.

“You see,…even if love potions affect you differently, since you’re a changeling…” Twilight answered, standing strong again. “When you mess with poison joke; the joke will always be on you in the end.”

“No…no! This can’t be!” Chrysalis yelled.

“It is.” Twilight replied. “But the power of our friendship isn’t a joke, and it will always be strong enough to overcome anything!”

Twilight and her friends then gathered the power of the Elements of Harmony and used them on Chrysalis. The rainbow of magic circled around Chrysalis, before exploding off into a giant wave all across Equestria, just like the Sonic Rainboom once did.

“No! NO! NOOOOOO!!!!!!” Chrysalis yelled, as the magic overtook her and she faded into white along with the rest of Equestria.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

As the magic finally settled, a figure garbed in a brown cloak made their way out of Sweet Apple Acres, the moon above their head. The figure looked back at the treehouse within the orchard one last time, before continuing on, a smile on their face.

Epilogue

The next day in Ponyville.

Twilight opened the door to the library and made her way outside, Spike on her back.

She was making her way to the café to meet her friends for breakfast. It was set to be the first normal thing they did after the past days’ craziness.

As she arrived, she found her friends already sitting at one of the tables, waving over to her. She walked over and sat down to join them, before they began talking about everything that had happened.

“It’s so nice that everything is finally back to normal.” Rarity spoke, sipping her tea.

“Ah’ll say.” Apple Jack replied. “Although, just this morning Ah was walking through the fields and decided to stop by the treehouse in the orchard. Ah found Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Derpy all asleep inside. Ah’m not sure if they all spent the night or something, but it was a little strange Ah guess.”

“When I woke up this morning, I found all my animal friends huddled around my bed. They seemed so happy to see me and said that I’d been gone a long time.” Fluttershy told her friends. “I sure hope they weren’t too worried about me.”

“Well I’m just glad that everyone is back to normal.” Twilight said aloud.

Just then a crack let out in the sky, as the girls looked up to see Spitfire and Soarin flying around, before landing outside the café.

“Hey! Soarin’s a Wonderbolt again!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, excited.

“Again?” Soarin replied, lifting up his goggles. “I’ve always been a Wonderbolt.”

“Don’t worry about it Soarin.” Spitfire told her team member, before walking up to Twilight and her friends. “Listen, I just wanted to apologize for everything that I did. It was because of my competitive and stubborn attitude that I wasn’t affected by Chrysalis’ magic.” She went on to say, turning her head to the side. “And when I found out what was going on, I felt like I had to do something. However, I see now that that something wasn’t right, and was made even worse by the ponies I made as allies.” She continued, looking to Rainbow Dash. “I only wish I could have made it up to Soarin and you before he returned to normal.”

“Hey, it’s no problem.” Rainbow Dash told Spitfire. “I’m sure I would’ve done the same thing if I was in your shoes.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Spitfire nodded to Rainbow Dash, smiling. She then put her goggles back on and turned to Soarin. “Let’s fly.”

The two Wonderbolts then took back off into the sky, leaving the ponies and Spike alone once again.

“I’m glad she was able to make peace with herself.” Twilight told her friends. “I just wish she could’ve trusted us more when she was carrying out her plans.”

“When ya get yourself wrapped up tight in something, it’s often hard to know when to ask for help.” Apple Jack replied. “Ah know that pretty well.”

“I suppose all’s well that ends well, hmm?” A voice spoke up from above.

This time, it was Princess Celestia and Princess Luna making the appearance, landing nearby the group.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight called out.

“Hello Twilight.” Princess Celestia replied, smiling.

“So, does this mean you’re back to normal?” Spike asked.

“Oh, I’ve been back to normal ever since Chrysalis took over.” Princess Celestia answered.

“What!?” The group exclaimed.

“But how?” Twilight asked.

“I was suspicious of Chrysalis even after I too fell under her spell.” Princess Celestia replied. “However, after eavesdropping on most of her conversations; it didn’t take long for me to return to normal.”

“But, if you were YOU the whole time; why didn’t you do anything?” Twilight asked again.

“Yeah!” Spike added.

“I wanted to keep a close eye on Chrysalis to see what she was up to.” Princess Celestia answered. “It didn’t take much to fool her, and after I became aware of what Trixie was up to, it was all a matter of time.”

“So you two were in on it from the beginning?” Twilight asked, still curious.

“We never collaborated until the end no, but I played my part just as she played hers to make sure that neither of us were discovered.” Princess Celestia told Twilight.

“So how did Trixie retain all her memories?” Twilight asked. “Did she ever tell you?”

“That I’m still not sure.” Princess Celestia replied. “I feel though, that there was a strong magical presence about her that allowed her to be unaffected by Chrysalis’ magic. What that magic was however, I’m not sure.”

“I guess there’s still more to Trixie that we really don’t know about.” Spike told Twilight.

“What about Princess Luna and Discord?” Twilight inquired. “And furthermore, how was she even able to free him and where is he now?”

Princess Celestia raised a hoof to hold off Twilight’s questions.

“I didn’t want to run the risk of trying to keep both of them on the same page as well during my spying. Honestly, I almost thought that Luna would turn on me when she first caught me listening in to Chrysalis, but luckily she seemed more interested than concerned, so I didn’t need to worry.” Princess Celestia explained. “As for Discord. The imbalance in the world was most likely what released him, and she used her magic from there to somehow control him as well, as unbelievable as it sounds. However, just as he was before, Discord is now once again trapped in stone after you used the Elements of Harmony to restore peace and balance to all of Equestria.”

“Speaking of the three of you though; what happened when ya’ll two ran off after Princess Luna?” Apple Jack asked.

The Princess each turned their heads away from one-another, before Princess Celestia spoke.

“It was a fierce and horrifying battle. Discord and I were doing our upmost to apprehend Luna and stop her, but she was in her natural element in the darkness as Nightmare Moon.” Princess Celestia began to shiver.

Princess Luna then turned back to her sister, and placed a wing on her, comforting her.

“In the end however, before you even used the Elements of Harmony; Luna managed to bring herself back to the Luna I knew, before the elements helped release her from the darkness completely.” Princess Celestia finished, placing a wing on her sister as well, the two now smiling at each other.

“Well from the looks of things everybody made it out okay and is back to normal.” Spike said aloud.

“Not everypony Spike.” Twilight replied, a somber tone in her voice.

The rest of the ponies quickly caught on to whom Twilight was referring to, and soon they too began to feel remorse for the one in question.

“Oh…yeah…Zecora.” Spike replied, a down look on his face as well.

“My sister and I searched all over Equestria.” Princess Celestia told the group. “And even though we ensured Chrysalis was contained back in her kingdom, the same couldn’t be said for Zecora’s whereabouts.”

Everyone remained silent for a bit, reflecting on the zebra they’d once known, before the silence was broken by the waiter talking to a customer.

“I am sorry, but you will have to repeat your order.” The waiter said in his fancy accent.

“I would like mixed with some water, some fresh organic nectar.” The customer replied.

Hearing the bizarre rhyming scheme, everypony immediately turned their head to find Zecora sitting at one of the far tables.

“ZECORA!” Twilight and her friends exclaimed, leaving their seats and rushing over to the zebra.

Zecora turned her head just in time to see all the ponies gathering around her to hug her.

“It is wonderful to see you all, my friends. I trust that you have all made amends?” Zecora told the group finally being released from the hug.

“Zecora! You’re alright!” Twilight exclaimed. “What happened to you?”

“Yeah! We thought that you were a goner.” Spike asked as well.

“I’m am sorry to make you worry, when your future was very blurry.” Zecora replied. “I suppose I should begin, by telling where I have been.”

Zecora then sat down with her friends and the Princesses, explaining how she had woken up in the Everfree Forest where her home used to be and why she didn’t stay when Sweetie Belle and Derpy came looking for her.

As much as she wanted to let everypony, especially Apple Bloom know that she was okay, she knew that her vanishing would leave more motivation to stop Chrysalis than by staying.

She also went on to explain that it was SHE whom had saved Rarity and her friends from the collapsed ruins, as well being the one that freed Spitfire and put Scootaloo to sleep. Zecora had freed her, but was unable to persuade her to stop before she took off, heading after Twilight and her friends.

Zecora was also the one that gave the map to Discord, accounting for the unexpected meeting that he had referred to.

Finally, she told Apple Jack about how she had taken care of Apple Bloom while she was with her and how wonderful of a filly she was.

“Aww geez. Thanks Zecora.” Apple Jack told her friend, giving her another hug. “Ah really appreciate everything ya’ll did for mah family.”

“Thank you Apple Jack, though I must confess. About the reason you had come and made a mess.” Zecora told Apple Jack.

“Pardon?” Apple Jack replied, confused.

“When you came looking for your fruit, I really did have your loot.” Zecora explained. “I indeed took them for Apple Bloom and myself. Hiding them behind a well-hidden shelf.” She admitted. “Forgive me for taking from your farm. Against your crops I meant no harm.”

“Ah shucks.” Apple Jack replied, waving it off. “For what you took’em for, you can have some anytime.”

“I’m so glad everything turned out alright in the end.” Twilight said aloud.

“Indeed.” Princess Celestia agreed. “And I’m sure there’s an important lesson that we all have learned.”

“Yes there is.” Twilight replied. “Under any adversity and against all odds, there’s nothing that can stand in the way of true friendship and the magic it brings to us all.”

“I was gonna say that we shouldn’t go on vacation again for a while.” Spike spoke up.

“Oh Spike.” Twilight replied, laughing to herself.

Everyone else joined in on the laughter as the sun rose higher in the sky, signifying the start of a new day and the bright future ahead.

Author's Note

And that's all she wrote!

Thank you all so much for sticking with this story for as long as you did. And if this is the first chapter you're reading for whatever reason, please feel free to go back and enjoy all that is "Mind Games."

I had so much fun writing this story and my only two regrets are that it took me SOOO long to get back on it and finish it, and that I AM finished with it. I have plans for another long-ish story already, but its kinda saddening to finally walk away from a journey like this.

So again, thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Please feel free to like/dislike and comment as you see fit. :pinkiesmile:

A new challenger appears

The previous night, inside the Royal Chambers in Canterlot.

“What do you mean they’re still alive!?” Queen Chrysalis yelled at her changeling scout.

“I…I didn’t know that they were supposed to be swept away by the waters my Queen! I…I thought that Princess Luna was just making it rain hard in Ponyville for some reason!” The changeling scout responded, cowering in place.

Chrysalis stomped her hooves on the ground in anger, before her eyes and horn began to glow a bright green. She levitated the changeling up into the air, before yelling at him again.

“Why else would I send her down to flood that pathetic town, if I wasn’t trying to get rid of somepony!?” She yelled.

“I…I didn’t know my Queen! I swear!” The scout replied, still cowering in the air.

“You’ve failed me for the last time! Celestia!” Chrysalis called, before throwing the changeling back at the ground.

The doors to the chambers soon opened, and Princess Celestia stepped inside.

“You called your majesty?” Celestia replied.

“Throw this useless drone into the lowest cell we have, and break off his horn so that he can’t try to disguise himself again.” Chrysalis told Celestia.

“As you wish your majesty.” Celestia responded, bowing, before picking up the changeling with her own magic, and walking out of the room.

“NO NO! I swear I didn’t know my Queen! I promise I won’t let it happen again! NOoOoOoOoO!!” The changeling called out, before his voice was silenced by the shutting of the chamber door.

Chrysalis sat down upon her throne once again, contemplating her next step.

“Hmm, this calls for a change of plans. Celestia? Celestia!” She called out for Celestia, seeing if she was still nearby. “Good. You can come out now.” She spoke to a pony hidden in the shadows.

“You haven’t called upon ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ in quite some time Queen Chrysalis. Not since you wanted me to move those barbaric buffalo to the Badlands.” Trixie spoke, as she walked out from a dark corner in the room.

“Yes, that did prove quite useful to me, and you didn’t disappoint. However, now I need you to get your hooves a little dirtier.” Chrysalis responded.

“It can’t possibly be dirtier than moving those smelly beasts around.” Trixie replied.

“There is a young pony and her companion whom have trespassed into my great new world. I need you to find them, and get rid of them.” Chrysalis told Trixie.

“I suppose ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’ could take care of such a task. Who are they anyway? Since you’ve taken over, I haven’t seen anypony get you this riled up.” Trixie replied.

“Oh, these two, especially the Unicorn, have been a thorn in my side for quite some time. In fact, I believe you’ll know who they are once you see them. I believe she’s an old friend of yours.” Chrysalis responded, a wicked smile on her face.

“Humph, ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie has no need for friends, only loyal, worshiping fans. I’ll see to it that this pony is taken care of.” Trixie replied, before causing an explosion of smoke, and disappearing.

“I won’t let you ruin things for me again Twilight Sparkle. You and your little friends prevented me from taking total control last time. Now, it’s my turn to rule.” Chrysalis spoke aloud to herself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

Back in the present, Soarin sat on the edge of a cloud in Cloudsdale, looking towards the ground below for any sign of Rainbow Dash.

“Gee, Dash has been gone for a long time. I should probably go looking for her.” He spoke aloud to himself, before he stood up, about to dive off the cloud.

“Ah, Soarin. There you are.” Spitfire spoke from behind him.

Soarin almost fell off the cloud, as he regained his composure to address the Wonderbolts’ Captain.

“Captain Spitfire! I didn’t hear you fly over. I wasn’t able to relay a message to you yesterday ma’am.” Soarin replied.

“Never mind that. Where’s Rainbow Dash?” Spitfire asked.

“Well, we received a message from Canterlot yesterday ma’am. They were asking for ponies to help form a search party to check on the ponies down in Ponyville, after a massive rainstorm came out of nowhere.”

“Go on.” Spitfire spoke.

“When we got there, we met up with the rest of the group that showed up, and we eventually found a pony and a small dragon. Next thing we knew, the Gypsy Zecora from the Everfree forest showed up too, and she said that the pony and dragon were the ones that caused the rainstorm, so she took them away. She asked Rainbow Dash to help move one of them, and she’s been gone ever since ma’am.” Soarin spoke.

“Hmm, well that’s unfortunate. We could really use every hoof we have right now.” Spitfire replied.

“What’s going on Captain?” Soarin asked.

“I received a letter from Canterlot that they’re finally giving us the opportunity to start recruiting again, and the Queen herself wants to inspect the candidates before we train them. I was going to have Rainbow Dash escort some recruits down there to get her opinion too, but since she’s not here, I can’t.” Spitfire told Soarin.

“Well, that’s still great news Captain! It’s awesome that the Wonderbolts can finally start recruiting again!” Soarin replied.

“Say, you’ve been wanting to join the Wonderbolts for a while now. How about you go down there to see if you can get the Queen’s permission first. I’d send Scootaloo down too, but you’ve seen her flying skills so far.” Spitfire told Soarin.

“That’s amazing! Thank you so much Captain Spitfire! I won’t let you down! So, where do I need to go in Canterlot!?” Soarin asked, full of excitement.

“That’s the best part, you’ll be reporting to the Queen herself in her Royal Chambers in Canterlot.” Spitfire told Soarin.

“Whoa! Really ma’am!?” Soarin asked.

“Yep, she’s realized that the Wonderbolts are a really important part to the kingdom, and I’m guessing that had something to do with that letter we received as well. I’ve already arranged for you to go and bypass all the guards in Canterlot without any issue.” Spitfire replied.

“Wow! Thanks again Captain Spitfire! I’ll get down there as fast as possible!” Soarin responded, before flying off towards Canterlot as fast as he could.

“Good luck!” Spitfire called out, before flying back to her office. “Sorry Soarin. You were always a great flyer, but we need somepony to be the scapegoat in order for this plan to work.” She said to herself.

It didn’t take Spitfire long to reach her office in Cloudsdale, and upon opening the door, she was greeted by an energetic Scootaloo.

“Captain Spitfire! Captain Spitfire! You received a letter ma’am! I’ve been keeping it safe so nopony could take it!” Scootaloo told Spitfire, a big smile on her face.

“Thanks kid, I’ll take that now.” Spitfire told Scootaloo, before taking the letter and opening it.

“What’s it say!?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s a request for an airshow by the Wonderbolts. You should start practicing some more Scootaloo. Maybe we’ll be able to include you in this one.” Spitfire told Scootaloo.

“AAAHHH!!! That’d be so awesome!” Scootaloo spoke with a girly scream, before running out the door to go practice.

Spitfire closed the door behind her, and walked over to her desk to read the rest of the letter.

“Heh, good. Looks like those brothers are almost done on their end. Soon, Operation: Stealth Glider will finally put that so-called Queen in her place, and we can end this nightmare.” Spitfire spoke aloud to herself.

/)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\ /)(\

On-board the train heading from Appleloosa, Twilight and friends sat and talked, as the train continued along.

“So why is it that blue pigeon back there thinks that we’re friends, or you for that matter?” Fluttershy asked Twilight, whom was sitting across from her.

“Well, it’s kind of complicated I guess you could say.” Twilight responded.

“Well then, how is it that you two seem to know her?” Fluttershy asked.

“We’ve all been friends for a very long time, since I first came to Ponyville. Both you and she, as well as a few others from Ponyville, all helped to stop Nightmare Moon from taking over. We’ve been friends ever since.” Twilight told Fluttershy.

“Hmm, I’ve never even heard of Nightmare Moon before.” Fluttershy replied.

“Well that most likely has to do with what happened while we were gone. About a week ago; Spike and I took a trip to the Griffon Kingdom, and during that time, I believe that Chrysalis returned, and somehow took control of all the ponies in Equestria, altering their memories as well.” Twilight explained.

“Well, either way, I’ve never seen you two before, and I’m quite sure about that.” Fluttershy told Twilight.

“Then why do you still remember Braeburn?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, him? Well, I’ve always know him. We’ve known each other in Appleloosa for as long as I can remember. We first met…umm.” Fluttershy began to speak, before she found herself unable to remember when she met Braeburn. “Braeburn!” She called to him, sitting several seats behind her with Rainbow Dash and Spike.

“Yes Fluttershy!?” Braeburn responded, caught off guard by the sudden yelling.

“When did we first meet each other?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh! That’s easy! We…uh, we were…” Braeburn started to respond, until he too found himself unable to remember either. “I don’t really remember Fluttershy. I just know that we’ve always known each other, but I never really thought about ‘how’ we knew each other.” Braeburn told Fluttershy, a confused look on his face.

“You see? His memory has been altered to.” Twilight spoke.

“No, I’m pretty sure I met Fluttershy somewhere, I just can’t remember where or when.” Braeburn replied, shrugging his hooves up in confusion.

“Well, so much for being a big know-it-all.” Fluttershy spoke, turning back to Twilight.

Braeburn turned back around in his seat, and continued his conversation with Rainbow Dash.

“So, you said that you really think that Fluttershy is your friend right?” Braeburn asked.

“Of course I do. We’ve always been friends. Ever since we were fillies.” Rainbow Dash told Braeburn.

“Well that just seems downright impossible. I’m pretty sure that Fluttershy has always lived in Appleloosa, and I’m willing to bet that you never left Cloudsdale until you both grew out of being fillies.” Braeburn replied.

“Well I’m telling you that we are friends, but you just won’t believe me. Isn’t there some way to make you remember?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“We’ve been trying to find a way to help ponies remember us, but so far, we’ve only been able to help you remember, Rainbow Dash.” Spike told Rainbow Dash.

“This is SO un-cool. How are we supposed to help the rest of our friends, and stop Chrysalis, if nopony remembers us!?” Rainbow Dash asked, throwing her hooves up in the air.

“Well, all I know is that I’m the only friend that Fluttershy has had for years, and no other pony has been able to win her friendship since. Well, perhaps nopony except your friend over there.” Braeburn replied, looking back towards Twilight.

“What’s it going to take for you to believe me?” Rainbow Dash asked once more.

“Ah can honestly say, that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have always been friends.” A pony with a cowboy hat on spoke, popping up between Rainbow Dash and Braeburn, causing them both to fall out of their seats in surprise.

“What’s going on back there!?” Fluttershy quietly yelled back, turning around. “Huh? Apple Jack? What are you doing here? Have you been stalking ponies that you think are going to steal your apples again?” Fluttershy asked.

“Nope, not this time sugarcube. Ah’m just hitching a ride back from Appleloosa, after checking on the apple trees there.” Apple Jack replied.

“Apple Jack!” Twilight called out, running up to her friend again.

“Well well. If it isn’t Miss Cast a huge storm that almost flooded mah apple trees, purple Unicorn again? Have YOU been stalking ME?” Apple Jack asked, an unpleasant look on her face.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you don’t remember us yet Apple Jack.” Twilight spoke.

“Darn tootin! And ah wouldn’t exactly want to associate myself with somepony who goes along ruining other pony’s apple trees!” Apple Jack responded.

“You’re the only one with apple trees in all of Equestria you mad apple pony!” Fluttershy told Apple Jack.

“You bet’cha! The best apples in all of Equestria come from mah apple trees, and it’s gonna stay that way.” Apple Jack replied, proud of herself.

“Now wait just one minute Apple Jack!” Rainbow Dash spoke to Apple Jack from behind. “How are you going to say you don’t remember Twilight? What about all we’ve been through?”

“Uh, come again? And more over, who are you?” Apple Jack asked.

“Oh come on Apple Jack, not you too?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“It’s okay Rainbow Dash, we’ll figure out how to turn AJ back to normal too.” Spike told Rainbow Dash.

“Now hold on a second, before yall go on with your friendships and forgetting them again. Apple Jack, why in Equestria would you say that Fluttershy and this Pegasus have always been friends? You know as well as I do, that they’ve both never left their homes till they were young mares.” Braeburn asked Apple Jack.

“Well of course they haven’t, but they’ve still always been best friends.” Apple Jack replied, until something clicked in her head, and she realized she made a mistake. “Uh, wait a minute. What did Ah just say?”

“Oh great, is Apple Jack forgetting even more now Twilight?” Spike asked.

“No, I believe that this has to do with Apple Jack’s element, The Element of Honesty. Even if she doesn’t remember who she is, or any other pony for that matter, she still has her element’s traits inside of her.” Twilight explained.

“Well what about Fluttershy? If Apple Jack still has her honesty, why doesn’t Fluttershy have her kind…” Spike began to say, until he saw Fluttershy glare at him. “Uh, never mind. I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually.”

“Well whatever yall are doing, you can figure it out without me. From the looks of it, we’re almost back in Ponyville, and ah need to get back to mah apple trees in Sweet Apple Acres.” Apple Jack told the group.

“Best to drop her off anyway. We’ll need to stay on the train if we want to reach Canterlot before nightfall.” Braeburn spoke.

“Perhaps we should get off too. There’s still Rarity and Pinkie Pie that we can try to help, and we’ll need all the help we can get if we want to take on Chrysalis." Twilight replied.

“Yeah. I think we almost broke through to Pinkie Pie last time, and when Rarity sees my face, I’m sure she’ll be back to normal in no time.” Spike spoke, to the laughter of Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

Everyone took their seats once more, as the train grew closer to the station in Ponyville. Once it came to a stop, the group said goodbye to Apple Jack, and made their way into Ponyville in search of Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

Tension in the air

Inside the grand hall of the Royal Palace.

As the last of the ponies called upon from Equestria entered the grand hall, Princess Luna used her magic to close the doors behind them.

Apple Jack, Rarity, Braeburn, and the Flim Flam brothers all stood in a line in front of the staircase, while Princess Celestia stood just in front of the first step. Princess Luna remained off to the side of the staircase, an uninterested look on her face.

“I’d like to thank all of you for coming to Canterlot on such short notice.” Princess Celestia greeted the other ponies in the room.

“No trouble at all Princess! So what’s all the fuss about then?” Apple Jack asked.

“Yes indeed Princess.” Flim spoke.

“Did you learn of something new since your visit?” Flam added.

Princess Celestia looked around the room, deciding the best way to tell everypony the news.

“I’ll be honest and straightforward with all of you. Last night, an unknown group of ponies broke into the Royal Palace, and abducted Queen Chrysalis.” Princess Celestia told the ponies.

“What!?” Everypony exclaimed together.

“I’m afraid so. What started off as a misunderstanding, escalated into a full-fledged ponynapping of Queen Chrysalis. Of all the ponies that were involved with the events last night, two of them have already been secured.” Princess Celestia responded. “I’m sorry to say, but it appears that Fluttershy was one of the ones involved last night, Braeburn.” Princess Celestia addressed the stallion.

“But why?” Braeburn asked.

“She aided the remaining ponies in their escape, and assaulted my sister in the process. While we do not know if she was directly involved or not, she is still being held until her name can be cleared.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Fluttershy…” Braeburn spoke, drooping his head.

“So then, what is it that you request from us, your highness?” Rarity asked.

“I have called all of you here in the hopes of clearing yourselves, as well as those associated with you, so that we may narrow down whom the possible culprits are.” Princess Celestia replied.

“Are you suggesting that my sister and I, as well as Mayor Mare and Derpy were responsible for the ponynapping of Queen Chrysalis!?” Rarity responded, shocked.

“No, not at all. This is just a precaution, to ensure everypony’s innocence.” Princess Celestia replied.

Apple Jack looked around the room, at the other ponies whom had arrived with her, and noticed one particular group of ponies missing.

“Uh, say your highness. Where exactly is Spitfire from Cloudsdale, or any Pegasus for that matter?” Apple Jack asked.

“I’m afraid that is another point which I wish to bring up as well.” Princess Celestia replied to Apple Jack. “Along with the events within the palace last night, there was also an altercation that occurred in Cloudsdale as well. From what I’ve been able to gather, and by their lack of presence here, I believe something may have happened to the Wonderbolts.” Princess Celestia spoke, giving a slight glance towards her sister.

“So that’s what that light show up in the sky was about last night.” Flim spoke.

“Indeed. The Wonderbolts must have gotten involved with somepony up there.” Flam added.

“Not quite.” Princess Celestia responded, causing confused looks on all the ponies’ faces. “The other pony that was apprehended last night was Wonderbolts trainee, Soarin. Also, one of the ponies that escaped last night was Wonderbolts member, Rainbow Dash.”

“But how can that be? The Wonderbolts have always been loyal to the Queen. Who could have caused them to betray her majesty like this?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah! This tastes like sour apples to me! We should go looking for the Wonderbolts!” Apple Jack exclaimed.

“I’m afraid that the Wonderbolts are not our main focus right now. While it would be a great success to find their whereabouts, our main goal should be to find Queen Chrysalis and the ponies responsible for her abduction.” Princess Celestia replied.

“But who else was involved?” Rarity asked.

“The only other suspects that we know of at this time are: Trixie Lulamoon, a purple Unicorn, and her pet dragon.” Princess Celestia responded.

“Purple Unicorn and pet dragon…” Apple Jack, Rarity, and Braeburn muttered to themselves.

“So then, what needs to be done in order to prove our innocence then?” Flim asked.

“Yes, and when can we start looking for Queen Chrysalis?” Flam added.

“What I believe will be the most efficient method, is a statement from a third-party, or physical evidence that can prove that none of you were near Canterlot last night.” Princess Celestia answered.

A thought appeared in Apple Jack’s mind, due to her being reminded of the group of ponies she had encountered last night. One of which being a creature that wasn’t present as well.

“Uh, pardon me Princess, but Ah just remembered. Where’s Zecora anyhow? Ah saw her last night in her shack in the Everfree forest, as well as Fluttershy, Braeburn, Rarity, Mayor Mare, and a couple ’a fillies.” Apple Jack told the Princess.

“Is this true?” Princess Celestia asked Rarity.

“Indeed so, Princess. Myself, Mayor Mare, and my sister, Sweetie Belle, all visited Zecora’s shack last night in the hopes to clear up some confusion that had transpired earlier.” Rarity replied.

“There is another that lives with you as well, correct?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Yes, your highness. Although, while I cannot vouch for Derpy never leaving, I can assure you that she would never do such a thing as ponynapping.” Rarity responded.

Princess Celestia thought the statement over, before responding to it.

“Very well, I will accept that.” Princess Celestia replied, before turning to Braeburn. “And what about you?”

“Huh? Me, Princess?” Braeburn replied.

“Yes. What were you and Fluttershy doing at Zecora’s last night?” Princess Celestia asked.

“We were trying to make our way to Sugarcube Corner, after leaving Town Hall in Ponyville, but we got lost. I figure we were the confusion that Rarity just talked about.” Braeburn replied.

“Ah can honestly say that they were there. Ah offered to guide them to Sugarcube Corner, as soon as Ah found mah missing apples; which Ah never did find.” Apple Jack added on, an annoyed look on her face upon remembering about her apples.

“It’s true your highness. Their being at Town Hall yesterday was what caused our confusion. We had hoped that Zecora might be able to shed some light on the situation, with her being, you know, mysterious and everything.” Rarity replied.

Princess Celestia thought upon the new information that she had just received, before questioning further.

“Why then was it that Fluttershy assisted in helping the ponies escape, and assaulted my sister?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Zecora had some kind of vision that there was trouble in Canterlot, and Fluttershy zipped out the door.” Braeburn explained.

Apple Jack and Rarity both nodded their heads in agreement to what Braeburn had just told the Princess.

Princess Celestia considered the explanation, but thought that something still didn’t seem right.

“While I do not doubt the word of two third-parties, I am rather skeptical in believing that Fluttershy would actually stick her neck out for another pony. All due respect to your friend Braeburn, but you should know better than anypony how she normally acts and treats others.” Princess Celestia replied.

“I agree Princess Celestia, and I still find it really strange why she may have done it; but it doesn’t change the fact that she rushed off without knowing what she was getting herself into!” Braeburn replied.

Princess Celestia thought on Braeburn’s response, before bringing up another issue.

“I shall consider what you’ve said for after this meeting has been concluded, but can any of you explain why Zecora isn’t here now?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Ah’m afraid Ah can’t, Princess. Ah left before things must’ve finished up there.” Apple Jack replied.

“What about you two?” Princess Celestia addressed Braeburn and Rarity.

“I left early as well.” Braeburn answered.

“I believe ‘I’ have an answer, your highness.” Rarity replied.

“Really, and what is that?” Princess Celestia asked.

“As my sister, Mayor Mare, and I were in the process of leaving, we were confronted, and I believe Zecora was attacked by Princess Luna.” Rarity explained, pointing a hoof to the other princess.

Everypony, including Princess Celestia, was shocked at the statement Rarity had just made. Princess Celestia couldn’t believe that such an accusation could be made about her sister, but at the same time, she couldn’t dismiss it given her sister’s actions as of late.

“Is this true, Luna?” Princess Celestia asked her sister.

“She speaketh lies dear sister. Perhaps the zebra slept in, and her associate got lost in the forest.” Princess Luna responded.

“But we saw you barge in, and then change into that hideous form! You threatened Zecora with nightmares, and I’m sure poor Applebloom will be having them for a while as well! She didn’t look like she slept at all last night.” Rarity responded.

“Please, I will handle any questioning of my sister from here on out! I do not want any fighting going on while we are already in a dire situation.” Princess Celestia exclaimed, looking back and forth between her sister and Rarity.

“So what about us then, Princess Celestia?” Flim spoke up, after remaining quite for so long.

“That’s right. You visited us last night, and we thought we had already proven our innocence.” Flam added.

“It should be obvious we I stand with you two, but you must still remain.” Princess Celestia replied to the brothers.

Having heard enough to strain her mind, and realizing that tensions were beginning to boil in the room, Princess Celestia decided to end the chaos for now.

“Now, I think that should be enough for me to determine that everypony in this room was not involved in the events last night.” Princess Celestia told the group. “However, Rarity.”

“Yes, your highness?” Rarity replied.

“I’m sorry, but if you are indeed sheltering Applebloom, then I must ask that you bring her here for me to speak with her as well.” Princess Celestia told Rarity.

“But Princess Celestia, she’s still in shock! I’m sure of it! She may not be able…” Rarity began to explain, before being cut-off.

“I understand, and I apologize, but I need to be sure. I promise it won’t take long.” Princess Celestia replied.

Rarity thought about the request, but realized that it had to be done.

“Ye…yes your highness. I’ll escort her here myself if necessary.” Rarity responded, a concerned and worried look on her face.

“Thank you Rarity. I’m sorry to ask of such a thing from you, and especially Applebloom, but it is of the upmost importance.” Princess Celestia replied.

Rarity nodded her head in agreement, not wanting to say anything else.

Princess Celestia then turned to the rest of the ponies once more.

“Now, what I require from the rest of you is your cooperation in the search for Queen Chrysalis, and the apprehension of the remaining ponies.” Princess Celestia told the group.

“I’m assuming there aren’t any leads on either of them?” Flim asked.

“Unfortunately, no. We don’t know if Queen Chrysalis or the other ponies are even within the borders of Equestria any longer, but I must ask for your help in checking everywhere we can, before escalating our search to further lands.” Princess Celestia replied.

“You don’t suppose that any of them might be up in the sky, like Cloudsdale for example?” Apple Jack asked.

“I don’t believe so, no. While Cloudsdale is indeed isolated in the sky, there aren’t many places where any of them could be hidden, without standing out. The Queen is easily recognizable, and the Unicorn and her dragon would require a constant spell to remain up there for too long.” Princess Celestia replied.

“So where are we supposed to start looking then?” Braeburn asked.

“My sister, Discord, and I will continue searching all of Canterlot. I ask that the rest of you search your respective homes, and then spread from there. Seek help where you can.” Princess Celestia answered.

“Yes, your highness.” All of the ponies responded in agreement.

“I’d like to thank all of you for coming to this meeting, and I wish you all luck in your endeavors.” Princess Celestia told the ponies. However, before everypony could leave, she called on one to stay. “Braeburn, would you mind waiting a moment, please?”

“Uhh, yes Princess.” Braeburn replied, confused.

“I know that you care for the safety of your friend, Fluttershy, but I trust that you realize the precautions that we’re taking to ensure everypony’s safety. I’ll do my best to have her released as soon as possible, but for now I ask that you please focus on the task at hoof.” Princess Celestia told Braeburn.

“Yes, your highness. I understand.” Braeburn responded, before taking his leave from the room.

Princess Celestia waited a moment, after the grand hall doors had been shut, before speaking to her sister.

Luna had already started making her way up the staircase, when her sister began speaking.

“What do you have to say for yourself, Luna?” Celestia asked her sister.

Luna ignored her sister’s words, and continued walking up the stairs.

“Luna! I thought you were going to pursue the ponies from Cloudsdale and nothing more!?” Celestia yelled up to her sister.

Luna stopped walking up the steps, but neither responded, nor turned to her sister.

“You said you were fine!? What’s gotten into you!? You’ve never acted this way! Where’s my loving little sister? Why can’t you return to normal?” Celestia asked her sister, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Luna remained silent for a moment, before finally responding to her sister.

“…We cannot forget.” Luna replied.

“What?” Celestia replied, confused at her sister’s words.

“Something deep within the confines of our mind is telling us that we must not forget that day.” Luna replied.

“What are you talking about, Luna?” Celestia asked.

Luna finally turned to face her sister, a serious look in her eyes.

“We shan’t let anypony escape our eternal night.” Luna replied, black slits in her eyes.

“Luna…” Celestia spoke softly.

“Her majesty is still missing. Do you truly think we have the time for thou to be lecturing us, sister?” Luna spoke, her eyes returning to normal.

“I suppose not, but…” Celestia began to reply.

“Then let us make haste, and continue our search.” Luna replied to her sister, before turning and making her way up the rest of the stairs. Once at the top, she proceeded through the double doors, and closed them with her magic.

“Dearest sister, there must such be darkness in your heart. I only hope that you do not succumb to it.” Celestia thought to herself.

Celestia then made her way past the upper staircase, and towards one instead going down. She hopped that by now, Fluttershy had come around from her cold experience, as she descended to the dungeons below.