Chapter 5: Heading to Ponville

After leaving the Crystal Palace to see the sights of the Crystal Empire, the elements of Harmony were all trying to find ways of waiting for Mavis, so they can take her to see Ponyville. Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash all decided to try to find something to eat, along with their children, Rarity took Twilight and their daughters to the spa, while their sons hung out with Fluttershy and her children, as they went to the petting zoo. "Wow, even the animals here are crystal coated?" Toby asked.

"Yes sweetie. The magic of the Crystal Empire affects all living things, making them appear to be made of crystal themselves," Fluttershy replied, as they moved on to some goats, who bleated as they ate some hay some of the foals were feeding them. As he turned to see what animals he wanted to go see next, Toby saw Cadence walking towards him and Fluttershy.

"Momma, its Cadence," Toby said, pointing towards the pink alicorn and the timid little girl.

Turning towards where Toby was motioning, she walked over to Cadence, "Cadence, is everything ok?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes Fluttershy. Mavis just woke up from her nap, so as soon as we get everyone together, Mavis can go with you all while I discuss something over with Aunt Celestia," Cadence replied.

"Ok, well, we can try to find the others, if they're not to busy," Fluttershy suggested.

'I hope they are,' Mavis thought to herself, as she frowned very hard.

"Mavis, would like to look at the animals here at the zoo?" Cadence asked, which the little girl fearfully nodded, "Now I'm not going to force you, I'm asking you if you want to see the animals. So, do you want to see the animals?" Cadence calmly asked Mavis, who then calmly nodded, "Alright. Fluttershy, I'll send some of the guards to find the others, so in the meantime, lets enjoy ourselves," Cadence suggested, as she and Fluttershy took the children around the zoo.

Meanwhile, at the Crystal Empire Spa, Twilight and Rarity were relaxing to a mud bath, while their daughters were getting themselves pampered by the spa patrons, "Now wasn't this a wonderful idea Twilight darling?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, but I still can't get over what happened to Mavis," Twilight replied.

"I understand what you mean darling, but she's in good hooves now. And who knows? If we visit Will's ranch, Will might have a Pokemon to give her, so she won't be lonely," Rarity reasoned.

"You're right Rarity, but that'll depend if Mavis is willing to accept one," Twilight replied.

"Well, while I was reviewing one of the baby Pokemon, I discovered that it shares happiness with the kindhearted," Rarity explained.

"Ooh! That sounds like the perfect Pokemon for Mavis!" Twilight squealed.

"And it looks as cute as it sounds!" Rarity blushed. Just then, one of the salon patrons came over to the two mares.

"Excuse my intrusion Princess Twilight, but one of the crystal guards just came in, requesting that you and your entourage come to the Crystal Palace," the mare said.

"Alright, tell him we'll be right there," Twilight instructed. With a bow, the mare retreated to the front of the spa, leaving the two mares alone, "Alright, lets round up the girls and head to the palace," Twilight said.

"Quite right," Rarity said, as she and Twilight got out of the bathtub, and got the mud off. Once that was done, they rounded up their daughters, and took off for the palace, unbeknownst to the presence of a sinister black shadow.

'Ooh, I can feel the fear in that little brat! I'll use that to my advantage, and conquer Equestria, once and for all!' the shadow said, as it left to go and plot.

Back at the palace, after rounding up the others, the mane six stood outside the Crystal Palace, where Cadence and the other royals were, "Ok, I wish I could spend a little more time with you all, but its time Mavis should go with you all back to Ponyville. I wish you all the best of luck in helping her," Cadence said.

"Don't worry Cadence, we'll bring her back before it gets too late," Twilight said, before turning her attention to the young girl in question, "Mavis, are you ready to go?" the lavender alicorn asked. Mavis only reply was an almost inaudible yes, "Ok, then lets get moving," Twilight said, as she knelt down to let Mavis onto her back. Once she was carefully seated onto Twilight's back, the group departed for the train station.

Once they were out of hearing range, Celestia turned towards Cadence, "Alright Cadence, what is it that you wished to speak to me about?" the alabaster alicorn asked.

"Well, after hearing about Mavis' tragic past, I think I should adopt her as my daughter, so she won't feel neglected," Cadence replied.

"That's a very noble gesture Cadence, and I'm sure Mavis will be delighted to have loving parents again," Celestia said, smiling at her niece.

"I just hope she'll be willing to go through with it," Shining Armor said uneasily.

"Don't worry Shining, I'm sure she'd love us to be her parents," Cadence reassured.

'Hmm, I could use that love you'll give that brat to my advantage,' the shadow snarled, as it left for now.

Making their way to the train station, Mavis was still frowning, but tried to keep it hidden, 'Ooh, I hope I don't get into any trouble for this,' Mavis thought to herself, as they reached the train station.

"Hold on everyone, I need to get a ticket for Mavis," Twilight said, as she let Mavis off her back, and walked over to the ticket booth, and bought a round trip ticket for Mavis.

'I hope I can pay Twilight back for that ticket,' Mavis guiltily thought to herself.

"Ok, ready to go Mavis?" Twilight asked the young girl, who solemnly nodded.

"ALL ABOARD! Next stop, Ponyville!" the conductor called.

"Well, that's us," Twilight said, letting Mavis climb onto her back, and boarding the train. As soon as the last passenger boarded, the train began to make its way to Ponyville.