The Queen and The Stray

by Gone For Now

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Slice of Life, Dark, Comedy
Length: 54687

When Queen Chrysalis finds a stray alicorn in the middle of the Badlands; she takes it in order to raise it as a unstoppable being of destruction against the ponies of Equestria. But as one can imagine, things don't go exactly as planned.

"When Queen Chrysalis finds a stray alicorn in the middle of the Badlands; she takes it in order to raise it as a unstoppable pony of destruction against the ponies of Equestria! But as one can imagine, things don't go exactly as planned."

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-11-09 20:46:26 UTC

The Final Countdown: 10

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 10

The coursing winds of the Badlands only caused irritation to the mysterious mare whom actually attempted to trek through this vast desert. It was idiotic to say the least; seeing as she was alone with nopony to assist her. However the pony appeared to wear a cowl and a cloak in order to shield herself from the harsh winds as she carried something in particular in her hooves. It was a tiny little object also covered up in a sheet, and the mysterious mare glanced down at the object with her face shadowed by her cowl before hurrying on towards a particular rock pillar. She lowered the tiny object gently against the exterior of the rocky pillar before uncovering its face, revealing a tiny purple alicorn foal. The cloaked pony was revealed to be baring a frown as she regarded the sleeping foal.

The sleeping foal blinked a bit soon waking up from beneath its makeshift wrapping and then glanced up at the cloaked pony. It smiled widely at the pony before reaching out to her happily. "Momma! Momma! Momma!"

The cloaked pony gasped before shaking her head hurriedly yet nervously. She raised a hoof almost in the form of a gesture to tell the foal that she was incorrect. "N-No! No no no! Not momma. L-Listen, I'm sorry about all this trouble but you can't think like that about me. Nopony can ever find out I'm the one who created you."

The foal blinked at the pony not understanding one word she was saying.

The cloaked pony lowered her frame; covering the foal up further in her wrapping. "There are often caravans that pass through this area, I'll put a magical barrier around you to protect you from the harsh winds." The pony then glanced up before whining heavily and just sighing afterwords. "Oooooh; how did I mess this all up? I should've been more careful, should've made sure I knew all of the possible results! But now I've got you, an actual living breathing alicorn here. I never would've imagined things could've gotten this bad. Please. Try to live a normal life and DON'T go boasting about being an alicorn if you can in the future."

The baby alicorn's nose was scrunched up as it looked absolutely lost with a raised brow. It then smiled happily and closed its eyes before reaching out for the mare yet again, "Momma! Momma! Momma!"

The cloaked pony groaned heavily before pleading desperately. "N-No! PLEASE! I'm not your-....UGH...okay well technically I am. Fine fine fine! I guess you're too young to see me as anything else; I guess it's only logical." She began pacing back and forth in the sand repeatedly as if questioning what she should do about this situation, panicking in a sense. She then glanced back at the filly with wide paranoid eyes. What she eyed in particular was the fact the alicorn had already grown a thick mane. She gulped. "Are you serious? Obviously there's something off with the aging." She stomped her hooves angrily. "Ugh! Just how much worse can this situation get!? I...I didn't mean to do this. I just wanted to see how capable the magic was; I didn't expect to actually achieve something like this. This is why you shouldn't mess with forbidden magic schools! Ugh!"

The mare paused before placing a hoof over her face. "No no no you can't just sit here and constantly recite your mistakes again and again. You have to make the best of what you've done." She then made her way back over to the alicorn before covering her back up and sighing. "As I said, I'm sorry about this little one. You're probably going to be asked a lot of questions about your origins. You probably won't know how to answer them, and maybe you'll even be forced to be presented before me again someday. But stay strong, despite what you are, everypony's special. I know you'll find a good pony family, Equestria is an amazing place. And erhm; g-goodluck."

The filly then pushed off the sheet covering her face and half her torso as she reached back out for the mare with teary eyes. "Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma!" The baby alicorn was desperate in her attempts as she reached for the mare.

The cloaked mare backed away shaking her head. "N-No. As I said; I'm sorry but I'm not your mom. I-I'm not ready to be a mother yet. I don't know anything about raising a filly on my own. I'm sorry." She cast a spell on the filly as it put a glowing barrier around her as the mare then turned away swiftly before lowering her head guiltily and trotting off. "I'm sorry!...."

The filly then burst into tears; crying as the mysterious mare disappeared into the distant desert.

However watching the whole scenario unravel from afar would be another figure hidden atop the peak of a rocky ledge. It was none other than a looming changeling performing obvious recon for the hive. Its clear blue eyes locked onto both the departing mare whom soon summoned a portal ensuring her quick and easy escape; then over to the unguarded object near the dirt road. The wrapped baby creature who still whined and cried out to the already departed mare who'd left her there. This piqued the little black changeling's interest immensely as it didn't hesitate to flutter down towards the object with its insect like wings. As it touched upon the rocky surface, it trotted slowly over towards the foal from afar, closing the distance between them in a matter of seconds. It just eyed the little creature for some time in curiosity before tilting its head to the right. "Hm?"

The baby continued to cry immensely as it just wailed and wailed.

But the changeling's eyes only widened as it saw that the filly possessed a horn. But it wasn't that which astonished it the most, it was the fact it could also make out the shape of tiny fluttering wings from beneath the wrapping. This creature wasn't any ordinary foal; it was most definitely an alicorn! The changeling was at a loss for words and the steady rise in his excitement only became more apparent the longer he stood there trembling. An actual alicorn left unguarded!? How foolish was that mysterious mare who'd left!? The changeling could only guess the mare was obviously just desperate to get rid of it. Maybe this alicorn was unintentional and she'd hoped somehow taking it down to the Badlands would ensure it be taken somewhere far from central Equestria. The changeling grinned as it picked up the wrapped alicorn filly and smiled.

The foal alicorn blinked as it stared at the changeling with wide curious eyes.

Queen Chrysalis sat in her throne room bathed in candle light as she was accompanied by one other. It was a changeling royal guard who regarded his queen with worry. "My Queen; what are we to do? The meeting draws near. They won't give us the time of day after our stunt in Canterlot and your subjects are hungry. D-Do we have any plan of the sort?"

Queen Chrysalis leaned back on her throne as she wore a tired heavy frown with her cheek resting on one hoof.

The guard persisted, "My Queen?"

Queen Chrysalis however snapped at this point. "Yes yes yes! I'm aware of all the issues I must miraculously find a solution to you blasted fool! I am thinking! If you'd just be quiet for a good five minutes maybe I'd be able to come up with something!"

The guard flinched in reaction before lowering his head with a saddened expression. "Of course my Queen."

Queen Chrysalis's nose scrunched up guiltily as she just reacted in annoyance to him; she felt as if he were attempting to make her feel bad, and it was working. "Oh do forgive me my dear changeling; I am simply frustrated is all. These damned ponies have us bested in all parts of Equestria. We've been resorted to live only underground, if we dare even show our faces out there openly then we will just be forced back into the caverns of the deep. Our hive is dwindling, and this has taken quite a toll on my mind. Perhaps it is time we journey back across the seas to another land in an attempt to restore what our hive once was." She frowned.

The guard shook his head desperately, "N-No my Queen! We can still achieve victory over the ponies!"

Queen Chrysalis slumped back yet again with a heavy sigh before giving herself an amused smile and looking up. "I to would like to believe such a thing my dear changeling, but there is no way for us to best Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they are now."

The guard lowered his head yet again as the two remained there in silence, only comforted by the dwindling candle lights.

Queen Chrysalis glanced to her right to where she could see a large stained green glass window which allowed her to peer out at the distant constructs of her hive; hidden beneath the surface of this bitter world. Large pillar shaped constructs made-up of black carapace. The Queen bore a light scowl then as she glared as if lost in deep thoughts she couldn't manage to find peace from.

"MY QUEEN!" And suddenly bursting into the throne room would be a changeling accompanied by three other guards. The guards all had their weapons fastened on the changeling who encroached upon the throne cautiously; hugging an object to his chest as he did so. He bore a look of pure excitement. "I-I've found something of utter importance I believe would be of benefit to you! Do please give me the time to present to you this wonderful gift!" He nervously unveiled the mysterious object, showing the face of a unicorn foal.

Each of the changelings gasped; well besides Chrysalis herself who wore a bored expression. "Eh?"

The changeling guard beside Chrysalis snarled angrily, "How dare you bring that pony in here! The Queen's very throne room might I add! Get rid of it at once!"

The changeling holding onto the unicorn foal smirked slyly before commenting; "Heh, don't be so quick to judge you imbecile. I dare would not bring this creature here if it were nothing special. But it is indeed worthy of mention. BEHOLD!" And he rose the foal to the air with two hooves as the sheet covering it fell off and two tiny wings fluttered in the air as the foal began to cry and kick its hooves about momentarily. "An alicorn! It is indeed an actual alicorn I have found!"

Almost immediately all the guards fastened their lances on the alicorn foal, snapping at the changeling. "PUT IT DOWN!"

Another guard commented, "You brought an alicorn here!? Impossible! My Queen it must be a trap!"

Queen Chrysalis gasped in bewilderment as she immediately poofed over to the changeling and snatched the alicorn form his hooves, almost inspecting it to see if it truly were the real thing. "Quiet you idiots! It's just a child; no less than a child, a larva."

The guard near the throne shook his head in worry before approaching Chrysalis, "M-My Queen, you must be careful!"

Queen Chrysalis just stared at the foal who stared back at her with wide fascinated eyes. "Where did you find her?"

The changeling who'd brought her lowered his frame in the form of a bow and smiled. "I witnessed the act myself my Queen. She was abandoned by a mysterious mare who would have nothing more to do with her. This foal is truly an orphan."

Queen Chrysalis's look of astonishment slowly melted away as she soon began to smile, and that smile turned into a grin, before that grin turned into wild maniacal laughter and she closed her eyes and rose the foal to the air. "THIS! THIS IS GLORIOUS! To think one would be so foolish as to abandon an alicorn! Bahahahahaha! Do you realize what this means my precious subjects!? We've finally got something to use against the ponies! Something they will not so readily expect from us! This! This is the break we've been waiting for! With this little foal! We shall raise her to be the perfect weapon against the ponies of Equestria! She shall help us reign over the ponies with an iron hoof! Aha...AHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Queen Chrysalis cackled endlessly.

Her guards soon joined her in her laughter, cackling just as much.

The little foal just blinked looking down at Queen Chrysalis with wide eyes at first, before smiling and reaching out towards her happily. "Momma! Momma!" Queen Chrysalis could not hear the foal's words over her laughter. But the foal giggled playfully as it regarded Queen Chrysalis with grateful eyes and a happy expression, wanting to embrace her face. "Momma! Momma!"

It would indeed be a glorious time for the Hive, Queen Chrysalis was sure of it. Yes, wonderful times were truly ahead.

~1 year later ~

Queen Chrysalis had deep black bags underlining her eyes as she laid motionless on her bed. "Uuuuuugh...."

"Momma! Momma! Momma!" Bouncing atop a once sleeping Queen Chrysalis as she laid in that bed in her bedroom chambers would be the same foal from long ago, now significantly larger as she wore a cheery expression. "Wake up wake up wake up! It's time to play! You promised to play with me today! Play play play play play play play play play play play play!"

Queen Chrysalis's eyes snapped wide as she immediately rose with a cry of utter annoyance. "Gaaaaaah! Go play with one of the guards! I am not in the mood today! For the love of Equestria, PLEASE leave me alone!"

The filly gasped as she appeared horrified by the Queen's words, immediately teleporting the two of them out of bed with ease as Queen Chrysalis fell flat on her face on the cold marble floor, groaning heavily as if it were expected. The filly sat on top of her as she poked at the changeling queen. "Momma! You promised you'd play so we have to play! We're also going to read stoooories! And go flyyyying! And make sweeeeets! And feed the animaaaaals! And try on new clooooothes! Oh oh oh and momma! I got so many new spells I want to show you! Don't you want to see them!? Don't ya don't ya don't ya! OOOOOOH please momma I know you'll like them!" She then started bouncing atop the Queen again as she pressed her tiny hooves into the back of her head. "Please momma! Get up, up up up up up up! You promised me! You promised promised promised promised promised prom-"

Queen Chrysalis rose to all fours; crying, as she rose her head with an exhausted expression. "Okay okay...I'm up...."

The filly pressed her hooves against her own cheeks as she appeared ecstatic and gasped happily with a cheer. "HOORAY!"

Queen Chrysalis just trotted sluggishly out of her bedroom chamber's as the alicorn filly sat on her back.

Queen Chrysalis and the filly sat at a small circular table in a room which appeared to be made-up of pony architecture. The room was also made-up of childish posters and bookshelves stacked with books. There was a fridge filled with sweets and there were little stuffed animal dolls spread about all over the place. It was hard to imagine any of this was present in the hive. The Queen was silent as she just observed the filly eating as she herself bore tired eyes. The filly was speaking endlessly to her non-stop, but Queen Chrysalis blocked out all of the audio and simply thought to herself in the process. Day 366, I do not see how I've managed to last this long. It seems Yucca has managed to mature well. Then a spoonful of pudding flung into the Queen's face as it drizzled down onto her snout revealing her annoyed expression. For the most part. Queen Chrysalis then just observed the alicorn filly with curious eyes, leaning forward somewhat as she appeared to be contemplating something. How, how did it end up like this? Yucca was supposed to follow my guidance to the letter, but instead she has grown into this...this strange little abomination of an alicorn. *My** little abomination of an alicorn. To think one so young could be filled with such curiosity on the capabilities of magic.*

Queen Chrysalis then observed as Yucca quickly finished the rest of her snack, still speaking to Chrysalis as she did so. The filly teleported all over her room and began taking out stacks and stacks of books, flipping through each page and pointing her tiny hoof at many passages and phrases. She seems to have a particular love for reading as well. Sweets and reading appear to be her *greatest** joys. Ugh, and tell me Yucca, where have you shoved everything I've taught you about the subjugation of ponies; hm? Queen Chrysalis sighed. *No matter, it seems for the most part Yucca is still loyal to me and sees me wholeheartedly as her mother; the little pest. Queen Chrysalis wore an annoyed expression at first but as Yucca looked up at her and flashed her a cheerful smile, Queen Chrysalis found herself smiling back earnestly and lovingly. She then blushed deeply as she shook her head and almost immediately scowled to herself in annoyance. A-Anyways! I must continue to prepare Yucca for the future! She is still not ready. "Yucca..." Queen Chrysalis glared down upon the filly.

Yucca was still focused on a particular page in a book, "And the algorithm of the-" before she'd paused and immediately looked up at Queen Chrysalis happily. "Yep Momma!?" She bit her lower lip while earnestly waiting for Queen Chrysalis to reply.

Queen Chrysalis continued to glare at her. "Have you been practicing your telekinesis?"

The filly nodded hurriedly. "Mhm mhm!" She lifted Queen Chrysalis up who'd panicked for a second before being lowered back down into her seat with ease. "See?" She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the left with a soft smile.

Queen Chrysalis gulped before refocusing, "What about your transformations?" She regarded her with a serious glare yet again.

The filly began twiddling her hooves and fluttering towards the ceiling a bit, "Uuuuuh..."

Queen Chrysalis' glare intensified. "Yucca....."

The filly sighed before slumping midair and just crossing her hooves with a whimper. "Nooooo..."

Queen Chrysalis snapped, stomping her hoof. "AND WHY NOT!? THAT IS WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT!"

Yucca lowered herself onto the marble floor before pleading with the Queen. "B-But it's so confusing!"

Queen Chrysalis snarled, "You can get everything else so well but not something as simple as transformation!?"

Yucca then began bouncing around the entire room wildly while whining, "Nope nope nope nope nope!"

And Queen Chrysalis sighed, I think I'm starting to see why you were a stray in the first place.

The Final Countdown: 9

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 9

It was a surprisingly beautiful day in the Badlands. The sandstorms weren't as violent as they typically were, but nonetheless, Queen Chrysalis and her band of royal guards were actually hoping otherwise. They all stood atop a rocky peak in the desert wastes, praying for some form of miraculous obscurity to prevent them from participating in Yucca's scheduled play-date. Many of the guards were trembling as they wore their heavy plate armor and Queen Chrysalis herself trotted back and forth frantically as she had her head lowered. They continued to do this until one of the guards in particular just spoke out in a panic, "M-My Queen! Must we do this!? P-Please, it is a waste of resources to participate in Princess Yucca's play-dates. I-It'll only be damaging to our cau-"

Queen Chrysalis however swiped her hoof, cutting him off almost immediately. "Silence you coward! Stand strong. Many have survived Yucca's play-dates before, you can surely do it this time. Besides the rules of the game dictate we're able to abuse this entire landscape. I've played with Yucca in these wastes for many days and months and I know what to expect. Stick with me and we'll be back in the hive and Yucca will be back to working on her studies on pony subjugation in no time. Give and take, that's how the game is played. Now stand proud and tall like the changeling you are! It is almost time." Queen Chrysalis gulped as she glanced to another one of her guards. "What game is it today? Dodgeball? Baseball? Racing? I do hope it is charades this time around."

Another of the guards pulled out a scroll, opening it before he glanced over the checklist of games. His hooves started trembling however as he dropped the checklist out of sheer horror. "M-My Queen it's...it's..."

Queen Chrysalis snarled, "Stop stuttering and tell me what it is!"

The guard lowered his head as his face darkened and he wore a look of utter defeat. "Hide and Seek day...."

Queen Chrysalis blinked a bit before letting off a slight chuckle and confident smirk. "H-Hah! Hide and Seek? That's what had you so frightened!? Hide and seek is an easy one! You are certainly over reacting!"

But the changeling guard interrupted her. "Jailer Edition...."

Queen Chrysalis froze as a tremble ran down her spine as all of her guards suddenly went into a panic. They all began running around in frantic circles as many simply began to bolt off in opposing directions although it wasn't time for the game to begin yet. Queen Chrysalis was now flustered as she looked around at all of them in their panic unable to maintain order and control. "S-Stop you idiots! STOP! If there's anything we mustn't do it's cheat! Cheating is the worst thing one can possibly do in this situation! LISTEN TO ME!"

But suddenly sounding off around a large perimeter of the Badlands would be a melodic siren as all could hear the loud booming voice of a familiar little filly speaking in her royal inherited Canterlot voice.

"READY OR NOT! HERE I COME!"

One of the guards tore at his mane as he screamed. "M-MY QUEEN WHAT ARE WE TO DO!?"

Queen Chrysalis was breathing heavily as she soon pointed in one particular direction. "Over here! That nook shall lead us to an old ravine! It is one of the best places for hiding, we must only last for a few minutes!" And with that the band of changelings all made their way over and down into a small nook. Leaping off the cliff's edge as they fluttered down and descended into the shadows hidden between the rocks. They all crept slowly as Queen Chrysalis lead the way, ensuring to stay out of the light as she glanced back at her changeling guards. Many of them decided to run off on their own, the fools. And sure enough, their screams echoed in the distance with time. Queen Chrysalis closed her eyes in frustration as she frowned heavily. Forgive me my subjects...

"My Queen! I-I can't take this anymore!" Another one of the guards began to back away from the group as they'd made their way through the cramped nook. He shook his head wearing an expression of inherent fear as he trembled. "P-Princess Yucca...She's...She's not normal! We should've left her in desert! She's...She's too much to handle! I can't take this anymore! I'm heading back to the hive!" And with that the guard immediately turned from the group, hurrying out into the open light and onto a more obvious path from between the rocks as he glanced about hurriedly in paranoia. He sighed with relief then, "See! I-It's all safe!"

Queen Chrysalis kept her voice lowered as she glared at him angrily in desperation. "GET BACK IN HERE YOU FOOL."

But soon, the sounds of soft giggles could be heard outside the nook as Queen Chrysalis and the other changelings immediately lowered their frames and remained silent as many couldn't bare to watch.

"Oh oh oh! THERE you are!"

The guards' sense of relief rapidly melted away as he soon started to tremble as he backed up slowly, shaking his head. "N-No!...Impossible, P-Princess Yucca please! Please wait! I-I don't like this game! I just want to return to the hive! PLEASE!" But soon snatching the changeling would be a lasso as he was pulled in slowly inch by inch. "NOOOOOOOO! I don't wanna go to the jail! I don't like sweets or your stories Princess! Please anything but the laws of equestrian moral! M-Mercy! Mercyyyyyy!" And in the next second he was gone as he was pulled in with sheer and utter force with telekinetic magic.

Queen Chrysalis placed a hoof over her face. "Your foolish unintentional sacrifice shall not be forgotten." She stood as she looked back to her remaining band of changelings once again. "My changelings! Now is the time to move! Yucca may be quick but even she has her distractions. She will spend majority of her time reciting stories to the prisoners and feeding them an endless amount of sweets. That or making them try on much pony attire from dresses to skirts or whatever you may think of." A shiver ran down many of the changeling guards' spines then. Queen Chrysalis continued. "I can't promise all of us will make it out of this with our pride intact, but we must try. Yucca will be our representative at the meeting and pleasing her will surely bring us one step closer to the subjugation of all ponies of Equestria." Queen Chrysalis bowed before all of them. "You have my utmost respect brave soldiers."

The rest of the changeling guards then placed hooves over their hearts as they bowed their heads in the form of respect as well.

Queen Chrysalis nodded to herself in confidence. "Let us do this then."

As they all made their way to the opposing end of the cramped nook and out into the open path, the scorching sun beat down on all of their faces. They all huffed as they trotted hurriedly through the wastes. It was practically an entire open field with another large sector of the canyon being only on the far end. All that was available to them in this area was some shrubs and dead trees. They all remained close to one another as Queen Chrysalis suddenly raised a hoof as she snapped, "HOLD!"

Almost immediately all of the changeling guards halted in position.

Queen Chrysalis was silent as she listened closely to the ambiance of the heavy winds going on around them. She possessed an intense glare as if listening attentively and lost in deep thought. N-No...Something isn't right. What's going on?

Suddenly a guard blinked a bit as he eyed a dead tree in particular. He trotted on over to it as something hanging on the tree caught his attention. It was what appeared to be a royal guards' helmet from the changeling hive. He raised a brow at it. "Hey! Did any of you lose your helmet? I could've sworn we were the first to pass through here." He looked back up at the helmet curiously.

Queen Chrysalis' eyes widened as she immediately looked to that guards' position thinking to herself in her own distress. That's because we *are** supposed to be the first ones here. If that helmet is here then that could only mean one thing*. Queen Chrysalis gritted her teeth as she immediately yelled out, "IT'S A TRAP! RUN FOR IT MY DEAR CHANGELINGS!"

But it was too late. Suddenly enveloping the entire area surrounding the band of changelings would be a tornado rainbow magic. Queen Chrysalis snarled fiercely as she saw emerging in the distance would be a filly as she clapped her hooves with an excited smile.

"You're mine again Momma..."

~ Minutes Later ~

Queen Chrysalis sighed heavily as she had her head buried in her two front hooves which were crossed over one another. She was stuck in an elegant dress and was wearing makeup as her mane was fashioned into a ponytail. Her along with the rest of her band of changelings were all stuck in a large makeshift cell surrounded by a purple barrier. "How long did we last this time?"

One of the guards pulled out a rusty old pocket watch as he was dressed in a suit and tie and wearing a monocle. "A new record my Queen! Five minutes and 14 seconds! Isn't that amazing!?" He clapped his hooves as did the rest of the prisoners.

Queen Chrysalis just groaned heavily. At least the play-date is over. She then laid on her back and spread her hooves, just looking off into the open blue sky. She frowned heavily as she thought back to when she'd first received Yucca. Before any of this had ever begun Queen Chrysalis would never have imagined Yucca to be this troublesome. Then she thought back to just a moment ago when she and her changelings had just been seized with such ease. Were they all so easy as to be a child's plaything?

Queen Chrysalis now bore a tired look as she just sighed heavily, "You know..." She recited Yucca's frightening words in her head then.

You're mine again Momma

Queen Chrysalis shivered before continuing. "Maybe I do need some help."

Her changelings glanced over at her curiously, remaining silent as they did so.

Not far from that particular area of the canyon, hiding behind a large boulder would be two ponies. They wore what appeared to be leather brown and gold armor which had the celestial crest in the center of each breastplate. They each also bore a pair of goggles as one pony poked her head out from the side of the boulder. She squinted down at the cage of changelings and particularly at Queen Chrysalis. She turned back towards her partner as she nodded to him. "It's definitely Queen Chrysalis. but I still don't get it. Why's she locked up?"

The male just shrugged as he shook his head. "Beats me. She must be up to something awfully fishy."

The female pony nodded yet again as she pulled out a small notebook, "Right, well I guess we better include this in our-"

"HELLO!"

Both of the celestial guards froze in place as sitting atop the boulder they were leaned against would be an alicorn filly. She leaned forward then as she spread wings somewhat before exclaiming happily. "Oh this is the first time I've seen celestial guards!"

The guards each immediately looked back in bewilderment as they rose from their positions and turned to face the filly. One of them snapped, "We've been compromised!" And they spread their wings and rose to the skies before flying off in a specific direction.

Yucca watched in excitement while bouncing in the process, "Wooooooow! They're fast!" She lowered her frame and wiggled her rear in the air as if wanting to chase after them. "Momma! Momma! Momma! Did you see that!?"

Queen Chrysalis distracted by the sudden commotion, leaned up and peered off into Yucca's direction. "Hm?"

Yucca blinked a bit as her ears perked up as she immediately rose to the skies in excitement. "TAG!?"

Queen Chrysalis' eyes widened. "Yucca, don't you dare!"

Yucca began clapping her hooves happily. "Tag tag tag! I shall show you my awesomesauce!" And with that the filly leaped back and turned masterfully as she spun and immediately flapped her wings, kicking off the air as she'd propelled forward like a torpedo in pursuit of the two escaping pegasi who'd been spying on the Queen. "Ready or not here I come!"

Queen Chrysalis watched Yucca depart with worry as she gritted her teeth. Celestial Guards were spying on me? How long!? I knew bringing her out would be risky, Grah! Blasted Celestia! Always too cautious for your own good! "GET ME OUT OF THIS CAGE THIS INSTANT! WE MUST BE AFTER THEM!" Queen Chrysalis looked to her guards as they all soon started to work at the bars of the cage with their magic. Queen Chrysalis snarled fiercely as she glared at the bars in irritation then at the purple barrier of magic surrounding them.

As the guards continued to fly, they looked to each other with light smirks before regarding one another with approving nods.

"HIIIIIIIIIIIII~"

The celestial guards' eyes widened yet again as they glanced back and up in the sky, seeing a tiny purple filly pursuing them.

Yucca just waved at them as she closed her eyes. "Tag is so fun! Don't you all think its fun!? I just love it! I mean I get to show everypony how fast I've gotten and show them all my cool moves! Like this!" And the filly then spun in a circle before her tiny purple horn started to glow to the guards' astonishment. She cast a spell, freezing the two of them in place as she remained fluttering there happily for a second as she looked at them outlined by her purple magical aura. "Tag you're it!"

The guards however weren't paying mind to the filly's words as they each struggled to move as the female snapped at the filly. "L-Let us go you, you..." but she trembled, still unable to believe she was looking upon an actual alicorn. "Y-You alicorn?...."

The other guard cut in, "We're royal guards for Princess Celestia! You'll be in big trouble if you don't let us go kid! So un-" but before he could finish, the magic holding them in place vanished as they each looked at one another in confusion then back at the filly.

Yucca clapped her hooves, "Whew that was fun! Well I caught you! Now it's your turn to catch me!" With that Yucca just flew back in the opposing direction back towards the Badlands as the two celestial guards just appeared absolutely puzzled.

The male celestial guard reached out attempting to call out to the alicorn. "W-Wait kid! How're you a-....well, nevermind."

The female guard just continued to stare off into the general direction the filly flew in. "What the buck was that?"

Her partner shrugged. "I have no idea."

A few minutes had passed since Yucca departed to go pursue the two celestial guards. Queen Chrysalis trotted back and forth frantically; nervously even. She groaned in annoyance. "Ugh! W-Where is she!?" S-She couldn't have possibly gotten into some trouble right? I mean, she's an alicorn! But she's too dense to understand the dangers out there!? But just as she'd been reciting her worries in her mind, in the distant sky she saw the tiny purple figure approaching rapidly from above. This brought comfort to the Queen as she immediately gasped in relief, flapping her own wings as she rose to the sky to meet the filly. "Y-Yucca!"

Yucca flew into Queen Chrysalis as the two immediately embraced one another in a tight hug.

Queen Chrysalis glanced down at her worriedly, "W-Where are they!? Where are the celestial guards!?"

Yucca spread her hooves happily as she exclaimed, "I let them go!"

Queen Chrysalis gasped. "YOU LET THEM GO!? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?"

Yucca crossed her hooves as she was held close by Chrysalis almost as if she were the confused one. She raised a brow at the Queen, "Because it's their turn to chase after me. That's how the rules of the game works! It wouldn't be fair otherwise!"

Queen Chrysalis' face darkened as she just said nothing and remained there in silence.

Yucca blinked a bit, "Momma? Hellooooooo~ Momma! Say something! Say something say something say something!" She then pushed away from the Queen as she fluttered back and on top of her head before leaning down in front of her face and pulling on the Queen's eyelids. "Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma Momma!"

Queen Chrysalis just wore an extremely tired expression as she just continued to say nothing.

Hours later in Canterlot, the two recon guards made their way immediately to the throne room. At this point in the day, sunset had already arrived as the guards' paced heavily towards the throne with panicked expressions. Princess Celestia was currently sorting through scrolls and the likes as she didn't fail to notice the approaching guards. She flashed them a worried glance seeing as how frantic they were to speak with her. Princess Celestia raised a brow at them, "What is it my dear subjects? Is something wrong?"

The guards immediately knelt down as one of them gulped before speaking. "M-My Princess! After all that time in the Badlands, we've finally caught sight of Queen Chrysalis. She appears to be in good health and is still certainly in Equestria!"

Princess Celestia sighed as she shook her head in disappointment. "So she is still here then? Oh Chrysalis, I'd hoped you would've moved on from all this by now. It seems we will have to raise awareness in the Badlands then to watch out for the changelings."

The female guard spoke out this time, "B-But that's not all Princess! There's erhm...Well there's something else!"

Princess Celestia remained focused on a scroll yet piqued with curiosity. "Oh? Something else? What else could there be?"

The female guard hesitated for a moment before gulping. "Y-You see Princess. Well Queen Chrysalis, erhm, somehow she, well-"

Princess Celestia sat there patiently as she waited for the guard to spit it out already.

The female guard began tapping her muzzle. "Well ugh, how do I explain this? Well she appears to uuuuuhm.."

The other guard rolled his eyes with a moan before stating simply. "She seems to have been taken prisoner by a filly alicorn."

Princess Celestia's scrolls all toppled down the steps leading up to throne as she bore wide eyes and her brow twitched.

The two guards just looked to one another then back at Princess Celestia as they beckoned in unison. "Princess?"

The Final Countdown: 8

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 8

Princess Celestia was frantic as she hurriedly made her way into the Canterlot Castle library. The princess made her way over to a particular shelf before her eyes glanced over all the tomes and volumes. "Impossible. If there was any news of another alicorn arrival then I would've been aware of it. There is no alicorn destined to appear as of now. Yet my scouts tell me there is one who is holding Chrysalis hostage right now, and a filly no less? Who who who? Which aspect is it?" Princess Celestia's eyes widened as she pulled out one book in specific before hurriedly flipping through the pages. "Who could I have missed?" Princess Celestia only appeared more puzzled as she just shook her head. "There is no such filly in existence! I am sure if it!" She gasped before pausing, "Unless..."

Queen Chrysalis laid in her bed locked in her bedroom chambers as she just sobbed into her pillow. She shook her head, looking to the ceiling. "Oh why? Why why why must everything turn out this way!? Just when I thought I'd found something special! My own alicorn daughter is just too dimwitted to understand anything! To even let the celestial guards go!? How absurd!"

One of Queen Chrysalis' guards who stood near the door raised a hoof. "M-My Queen, please calm down."

Queen Chrysalis snapped angrily before turned and swiping her hoof from her bed. "No! Don't you tell me to calm down!"

Princess Yucca made her way hurriedly down the halls of the changeling castle. She trotted atop black marble tiles as small torches lit the way towards the Queen's chambers. Along the way massive windows gave a spectacular view of the grand hive located beneath the surface of Equestria, however Yucca wasn't concentrated on that at the time being. Currently she wore a gorgeous blue gown and a crystal tiara fastened on her head. She also wore a pair of flight goggles and a knapsack on her side with some books. Despite appearing entirely random with what she was wearing, she still seemed happy and excited to show it off to the Queen. And as the filly arrived at the doors to the Queen's chambers, she practically bounced before taking in a deep breath. She adjusted her dress, realizing she'd forgotten to sew room for wings which prevented her from flying fast. But she was still proud of it. She prepared to knock on the Queen's door soon enough. "Momma! Are you in there!? I want to show you something!"

"Yucca is more of a hindrance to me than she is an asset! It's no wonder she was left out in the desert!"

Yucca flinched as she hesitated in knocking then, before appearing a little distraught over the Queen's words. And in her mind, another particular image flashed in her head, a faint recalling of something she could scarcely remember but still affected her all the same.

A hooded mare remained shrouded by desert winds and from within the shadow of her cloak. She shook her head and turned away with a fierce trot as she disappeared with her growing distance, only stating, "I'm sorry!...." before she'd vanished forever.

"I have spent all this time taking care of her and what does she do for me in return!? She whines and complains and yells, oh mother this oh mother that! Now because of her I may have Celestia on my doorstep in the coming days! She has only brought me trouble!"

Yucca gasped silently to herself before her eyes saddened and she just lowered her head and turned in the opposite direction of the Queen's chambers. She sluggishly made her way back down the halls towards her own bedroom chambers then.

Queen Chrysalis just shook her head from in her bedroom chamber as she just sighed heavily. "But of course I do not detest Yucca's presence. She is loyal to me and for that she has my thanks. But she is indeed useless to my cause. Perhaps too much of a burden to bare and too much for I alone to handle. Maybe she would be better off with an ordinary pony family." Chrysalis glanced up longingly as she appeared conflicted. "Oh choices and decisions, how I wished an alicorn on my doorstep would solve all such issues. Whomever is the one who caused all this, you are a cruel one indeed to leave me to decide such a thing."

One of the guards frowned a bit. "My Queen, are you truly considering giving Yucca away to the ponies? How could they handle her when not even you can? It's a little too much to hope for my Queen. Plus Yucca knows everything about the Hive including you, whose to say she won't go spilling secrets to everypony about where we're located and what we're planning."

Queen Chrysalis shook her head as she just sighed covering her face with a hoof. "No, she may be dense but she is not so foolish as to do something that may put me in danger. Yucca is insightful enough to realize that at least. She treads carefully and when it truly counts, she will do what she feels she has to to please me. It is only frustrating I must leave a trail of bread crumbs in order for her to understand what it is I truly want. I am beginning to suspect she is purposely ignoring my lessons on pony subjugation. For what reason I do not know, nor do I care. If she refuses to accept what it means to be a changeling, then she has failed as my daughter."

Another guard just regarded Chrysalis with a saddened expression. "My Queen..."

Queen Chrysalis also appeared upset and saddened by her own words, but she meant every single one of them. She couldn't spend her whole life caring for Yucca if it meant nothing in the end. Yucca was draining all the energy from her, and fast. Yet Yucca never gave anything in return. With all of her potential she still had yet to accomplish anything beneficial to the hive or even show the motivation to do so. It'd only been a year since Chrysalis found her and already the Queen felt as if she'd been taking care of the child for a torturous amount of time. Queen Chrysalis slumped her head as she just muttered. "We shall send her overseas."

The two guards blinked, a little confused by the Queen's words. "Hm?"

Queen Chrysalis bore a tired expression as she touched her forehead with a hoof thinking to herself. "We shall send her to mature overseas. I won't simply send her off to live with the ponies, that'd be too risky and foolish. Perhaps in another hive Yucca can manage to grow into a meaningful asset to the changeling race, and if she chooses to live her own life then she can do it away from Equestria to where she won't become an even bigger hindrance to our cause. Either way it seems like a more reasonable solution." Queen Chrysalis rose before climbing out of bed and then looking to her guards with another sigh. "Let us go speak with her."

Queen Chrysalis made her way down the halls leading towards Yucca's chamber, still appearing somewhat hesitant. As they arrived she stood before the massive wooden doors leading into her adopted daughter's quarters. How long had it been since she'd constructed this little domain for the alicorn? Back then she'd only done it to bring favor to Yucca, to build respect and loyalty. But now it felt like such a familiar thing, such a familiar place. The Queen shook her head as she gulped, before knocking on the wooden doors. "Yucca? It's your mother. I'm coming in now. We have much we need to talk abo-" but as the Queen knocked, she found the door was already slightly open. The doors were already open? The Queen along with her guards proceeded inside. "Yucca?"

The room was silent as Queen Chrysalis couldn't help but glance about the room for a second. On the walls hung poorly drawn pictures of the changeling Queen as well as other notable figures in Equestrian history. Queen Chrysalis could make out the poorly drawn pictures of Celestia and Luna as well, as each of them wore frowning faces in their pictures and appeared to be villains in a sense. This brought a smile to Queen Chrysalis's face as she trekked further into the room. She accidentally stepped on a few toys along the way, and didn't fail to notice Yucca didn't fix her bed nor did she put any of her books away, and the windows were open allowing a chilly a breeze to pour right in. Queen Chrysalis however had an ominous feeling regarding the situation then as she just closed her eyes halfway before proceeding forward towards a tiny round table, which on it looked to be a single piece of loose paper.

Queen Chrysalis's nose scrunched up before she lifted the picture with magic, as it was poorly written. I will make you proud.

The Queen couldn't help but smile a bit in reaction to the letter. But her eyes widened a bit as she saw that beneath that letter there was yet another one. She blinked before picking it up. No I really will this time I promise! But erhm which way was Canterlot again Momma? Oh never mind I found my map! Queen Chrysalis's brow raised as she was beginning to become a little confused. She then noticed there was yet another letter to be read on top of the tiny table, she picked it up.

So I don't know what to pack Momma! I've got clothes, goggles, sweets, and everything I might need! Can you write me back soon!? I might need some help after-all! Wait wait nevermind! I mean! Uhm, oooooooh~ I'm so confused. I need some ice-cream.

At this point Queen Chrysalis was growing a little frantic as she immediately snatched up all the letters and turned to the last one with wide paranoid eyes as she appeared to possess a look of innate fury. It read simply.

I'm off to help stop the Evil Queen Celly Doom Ray and her sister, The Big Bad Moon. Wish me luck! Love you Momma!

Queen Chrysalis opened her mouth as if about to say something before she'd paused, looking back down at the first letter.

I will make you proud...........

Suddenly the Queen appeared piqued with interest as she bore a light smirk and a sinister expression. Aaaaah, or maybe.

One of the guards approached Queen Chrysalis then. "My Queen, shall we send out a search party? It seems Princess Yucca isn't-"

Queen Chrysalis rose a hoof. "Ah! No, no no it's fine. Yucca is just perfect. She's only on a little trip of let's say, self-discovery. A search party isn't needed. But we do need scouts. I'd like them to go keep an eye on things." She glared back at them. "We're changelings, we strike when the opportunity presents itself, and I believe, we've just gained an unexpected opportunity." Queen Chrysalis snickered to herself softly as she lowered her head and grinned fiercely soon afterwords. An unexpected opportunity indeed.

Yucca stood on the borders of the Badlands, the only home she knew, as she gulped to herself yet raised a hoof in defiance. She had her trusty knapsack, flight goggles, and compass. She pulled out her compass as she turned towards the more scenic route away from the Badlands and then nodded to herself. Ahead of her she could see grassy plains and distant mountains as far as the eye could see, and for some reason, it caused her to be a little afraid. "Okay! It may be tough living on my own but I've gotta find a way to make it somehow! Momma is counting on me!" Suddenly Yucca just manifested herself a floating cloud as she climbed atop of it and then sat comfortably as the cloud rose and started to swiftly glide across the landscape. Yucca sighed as she lowered her head, "Oh just how am I gonna do this!?" She gasped, "I-I mean what am I gonna do for food!?" She then manifested a strawberry milkshake as she sipped on it and took a deep breath and then manifested herself a pillow atop the cloud before leaning back and crossing her lower legs and just looked up towards the sky. "Mmmm tasty! But it'll sure be hard, but I have to make it! I can't give up no matter how hard it is!"

Yucca closed her eyes halfway as she rose, leaning up on her cloud ignoring the endless scenery around her as she opened her knapsack and then pulled out a book, or a totem in particular. She began rubbing her muzzle as she crossed her two front hooves while sitting indian style. "Momma wants me to stop the Princess of the Sun and the Princess of the Moon. How will I do this?" She appeared frustrated for some time before she took another sip of her milkshake unknowingly taking a longer sip than she originally intended, causing an intense brain-freeze. The filly immediately fell back onto her cloud before grabbing at her head and rolling around in pain. "Ow ow ow ow ow! Brainfreeeeeeeeeeze!" But she rose almost immediately then with a gasp. "Oh oh oh! I know! YEP!"

Her cloud suddenly came to a screeching halt as with a slight twitch of her wings she turned it towards a different direction. The filly pointed her hoof ahead as she gave herself a reaffirming nod. "We've gotta go to the Everfree Forest! The Forest of Chaos!" The filly began clapping her hooves eagerly as she bounced atop her cloud. "You know what we're going to do cloudy!? We're going to throw the greatest pranks of all pranks! Yes yes yes! A prank that's SO AMAZING that not even the Princesses of Equestria will be able to see it coming! All I need is magic! And a castle! A big scary thing! The help of all the animals! And my awesome moves!" She then lowered her frame as she fastened herself onto her cloud and then peered ahead with confidence. "READY OR NOT, HERE I COME EQUESTRIA! I WILL MAKE YOU PROUD MOMMA!"

And the cloud shot forward with intense speed, disappearing in a matter of seconds.

Princess Celestia sat still in the Canterlot Library as scattered around her was an assortment of books, stacks and stacks of them piled atop of one another. At this point in the day, sunset had already come and the moon was due to rise soon. Princess Celestia's mane was in tatters as deep bags underlined her eyes as her eyes were wide with disbelief. She appeared shriveled up in a sense, shaken as she just sat there motionless staring down at the tiled floor lost in her sea of thoughts.

Soon entering the library with a sense of panic would be Princess Luna herself, "S-Sister, there you are! What're you doing he-"

Princess Celestia spoke, "It isn't here Luna."

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she raised a brow at Celestia in worry then, remaining silent with curiosity.

Princess Celestia had a tremble in her voice as she looked down at her hooves in horror. "The Tome of Transmutation. I checked every quarter, every sector, every nook and cranny I could find. It, isn't, here! Luna! The changelings may have stolen the Tome of Transmutation! Even worse they may have created an alicorn with it!" She hurried to her hooves breathing heavily. "We must find it Luna! We must find whatever alicorn was created! That tome is too dangerous to be toyed with, and to think somehow, someway, the changelings have gotten their hooves on it is beyond worrying!" Princess Celestia immediately teleported up towards her sister as she grabbed hold of the fellow alicorn. "Do you recall what that tome is capable of Luna!? Do you understand!?"

Princess Luna blinked a bit as she let off a nervous chuckle, not used to seeing her sister act in such a manner. "N-No Sister, I do not. Erhm, would you care to enlighten me as to what might've happened? I do wish to help you if I can." She then became serious regarding Celestia with an intense glare. "Do explain what this tome is, it seems I may have been absent during its creation."

Princess Celestia huffed before backing away from Luna for a moment to regain her composure. "F-Forgive me Luna. I forget that the Tome of Transmutation was only constructed in a recent generation. Forbidden from the common unicorn it was; yes, but still, it possessed helpful knowledge that may have been of use someday. But now it has caused us this." Princess Celestia paused with a deep and heavy sigh. "And I can't imagine how anypony managed to find it unless they found themselves in all sectors of the library practically all day and night let alone use it! The spells that this tome is capable of teaching sister, given the right components and magical capability, essentially one could craft a living being from anything. But who would be so masterful as to be able to actually use it besides us? The skill required is tremendous. They must have had the utmost confidence in their ability and possessed a high amount of knowledge regarding the tome itself. To think Queen Chrysalis might have somehow been the one to trifle with such magic is questionable to say the least. Either way we must find out what's happened to the tome and what was created from it! For all we know we could have an alicorn who is the master of pudding or picking flowers! Something entirely unnecessary! Or something completely dangerous! We need to find out if the rumors of this supposed alicorn are actually true!"

Princess Luna's eyes widened. "W-Wait what? Another alicorn!? When, where!?"

Princess Celestia just shook her head. "That's what I've been saying sister! My scouts have stated that they themselves came across a mysterious alicorn filly who not only let them go, but took Queen Chrysalis hostage. It seems that whoever this alicorn is she may have been created for the sole purpose of thwarting the changeling threat which means whoever created her might have had good intentions for the whole of Equestria. Either that or Queen Chrysalis bit off more than she can chew."

Princess Luna scoffed, "Hah! I'm willing to bet on the latter sister. Queen Chrysalis would be one so foolish enough to trifle with such magic and to botch it up nonetheless. She would be willing to risk much in order to take the whole of Canterlot and all of Equestria."

Princess Celestia nodded yet again. "I agree sister. We must investigate this issue with haste, all of Equestria could be at stake!" And the two hurried out of the Canterlot Library, shutting the door behind them as they moved onto the more pressing matter.

Riding atop a manticore would be Princess Yucca as she pet the top of its head happily. "Thank you kitty!" And as she peered off into the distance having emerged from a particular forest path, it was revealed she stood before a wooden bridge leading towards the Castle of the Two Sisters. Yucca hopped from the top of the manticore as she just trotted merrily towards the the castle, crossing the bridge along the way as she stated simply. "Just what I was looking for! I shall put on the best show for all the princesses to see!"

The Final Countdown: 7

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 7

Princess Luna stood on the border of Canterlot Castle on the porch of the throne room, peering off into the distance with a disturbed expression. Lightning echoed from the distant landscape of the Everfree Forest, and even more troubling, in a location she felt was awfully close to her heart, close to home. She sat there continuing to stare off in that particular direction, and soon making her way beside her would be Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia regarded her sister with a look of worry. "Does it trouble you that much Luna?"

Princess Luna nodded plainly. "Yes sister, something just isn't right about all this."

Princess Celestia glanced down silently at her sister before looking off into the same particular direction she was staring. "I understand your worries Luna. But you and I have other pressing concerns we need to address. Besides, we've already gotten help in regards to your worries, so try not to think about it too much." Her brows furrowed. "We must get to the bottom of this alicorn issue first. We are the guardians of this realm, if an alicorn has somehow been created under our watch, then we must do whatever we can to correct it." And as Princess Celestia spoke, the doors to their throne room opened slowly, as a smile slowly crept upon her face. "Speaking of which, here they are." And as the two princesses turned to face their guests, Princess Celestia exhaled softly. "Hello, Twilight."

Twilight Sparkle, who was accompanied by the rest of the mane six, halted before both princesses. Twilight just flashed Princess Celestia an affectionate smile before bowing her head a bit. "We've come to help Princess Celestia, just as you've asked."

Princess Celestia chuckled softly before trekking lightly towards the mare. "As you always do my dearest Twilight." And the two took a moment to embrace one another in a one hoof hug before Princess Celestia took a few trots back towards her throne and Princess Luna didn't hesitate to follow behind her. "I thank you all for coming. I assure you, both issues are just as dire."

Rainbow Dash rose, fluttering as she cocked a brow at the princess. "Both issues?"

Princess Celestia nodded in confirmation before she and her sister lowered their rears to sit. "Both issues."

The mane six then sat as well, listening attentively to Princess Celestia as she prepared to brief them on the current situation.

Princess Celestia then continued to proceed. "It seems an ancient tome has been stolen from Canterlot, one that holds both wondrous capabilities, and deadly consequences. This tome was known as none other than the Tome of Transmutation."

Twilight's eyes widened exponentially as she froze in place, remaining silent.

Applejack raised a hoof, appearing just as confused as most the others. "Tome of transmu-....what now?"

Princess Celestia continued. "Transmutation. I won't go into detail regarding how it was created, such things matter little as it stands. But I will say it was intended as a fail-safe, not a weapon. In all honesty I intended to provide it for Sunset Shimmer, then as one would naturally expect the right fell to you Twilight once certain events transpired, even for Princess Cadence, and you as well, little sister."

Princess Luna cocked a brow at Celestia then.

Princess Celestia just continued to address the mane six. "But I locked the tome away, fearful of what it might have wrought upon Equestria had I continued to experiment with it. And it seems my fears have come into fruition. "

Twilight started to tremble lightly then as she lowered her head, still utterly frozen by the proclamation. She asked somewhat hesitantly, taking a moment to glance up at Princess Celestia in that moment. "W-What happened princess?"

Princess Celestia glanced down at Twilight silently before sighing, "But I digress, the tome is not why I've called you all here."

Twilight suddenly appeared puzzled, as did the rest of them, but especially Twilight as her eyes widened at Princess Celestia, absolutely perplexed. If the tome wasn't the reason they were coming here then why were they called in the first place!? Twilight rose, unable to accept the idea that actually wasn't the issue. She opened her mouth as if about to say something, but before she had the chance to speak, one of her friends already took hold of the reigns to voice their concerns, Rainbow Dash in specific. "W-Wait? So there's something even worse than this tome thing going on? What could that possibly be?"

Princess Luna spoke out then. "Not necessarily worse, as of yet. But the reason you've all been called here today is because of none other than I. There is a favor I'd like all of you to personally delve into. It regards the old castle, something I'm sure you're all very familiar with at this point. Something stirs within the castle grounds, and whatever it is it attempts to harness my magic."

Fluttershy trembled as she covered her head with her hooves. "EEP! S-Something hiding?....I-I-In the old castle?"

Twilight's squinted, appearing a little irritated by how clueless she felt as she muttered, "What?"

Pinkie Pie grabbed at her mane as she started rolling around on the ground like a dog. "Gaaaaaah! So confusing! Is this a test!? This is soooo hard! Twilight can I copy your answers!? I forgot to study last night! Pleeeeeease! PRETTY PRETTY PLEEEEASE!?"

Even Applejack started to tremble as she gulped. "T-The Shadow Pony?....N-Naw it couldn't be...."

Princess Luna continued. "Yes you heard me correctly Princess Twilight. I've felt a strange magical anomaly drawing me back towards the old castle. For obvious reasons you can imagine I'm not very fond of returning to that place. But I still cannot shake the feeling somepony or something is trifling with the magical essence which has lingered there, my magical essence. I'm not sure what it's doing or what it's goal is but I believe it is certainly worth investigating, and it'd put me at ease if you managed to put a stop to it. My sister and I would go personally but we believe you and your friends are more than capable for this. And whatever lingers there, I have an odd feeling it is attempting to purposely draw us there. Celestia and I would be better suited to deal with the tome, it is our responsibility to keep balance in Equestria. But Princess Twilight, please, if whatever is there is too much to handle, retreat at once."

Twilight raised a hoof, "W-Wait! Princess Luna, Princess Celestia! P-Please, would you at least tell us what is it is that you two are going to do? What's happened!? Where is this tome? What've you two discovered?" She appeared desperate to say the least.

Princess Celestia also appeared fairly concerned with Twilight's sudden outbursts of curiosity. "Twilight?"

Twilight blinked a bit, before flinching and turning red in the face before twirling her hoof. "I-It's just..I mean, I'm worried you know? You two seem like you're getting involved with something extremely dangerous. And you aren't telling us all the details it sounds like! I-I'm just concerned! Maybe we can all work together on settling each issue one at a time! It'll only be faster don't you think!?"

Princess Celestia shook her head as she glanced down at Twilight tiredly. "No Twilight, this cannot wait, nor do I want the situation at the old castle to escalate if possible, especially if it's as worrying as Luna says."

Twilight looked up at them desperately, almost pleadingly. "Then would you two at least tell us, what's happened with the tome?"

Princess Celestia gave Twilight a long questionative stare, as if running a few thoughts through her head regarding how the mare was acting but, eventually she'd sighed and just nodded to Twilight. "Of course Princess Twilight, you've all more than earned the right to know these things. I guess you must've noticed I'd have preferred not to share such news with you, but, it seems I have no choice now." Princess Celestia took a deep breath as she closed her eyes and frowned. "It seems due to my carelessness, Queen Chrysalis may have managed to create an actual living, breathing, alicorn. But it seems her actions have backfired on her and the alicorn may have rebelled against the Queen and taken her hostage. But nonetheless, a rampant alicorn is what worries me."

The mane six gasped, well each one besides Twilight. Rarity's jaw dropped, "CREATED, an alicorn!?"

Twilight just froze again as she could hardly speak, appearing as stiff as a statue. Pinkie and Rainbow blinked as they nudged their friend a few times before Twilight shook her head, looking at them as Rainbow blinked and raised a brow at Twilight. "Twilight are you okay? I know this is bad but, even then, you're acting pretty fishy! Is everything cool?"

Twilight just kept her eyes fastened on the rainbow maned mare for some time before her eyes saddened and she sighed, lowering her head and frowning heavily as she spoke out to Princess Celestia in a solemn tone. "Princess Celestia, d-do you know if this alicorn has managed to hurt anypony? Is she a danger to us?" Twilight glanced up hopefully. "I-I mean she helped capture Chrysalis right?"

Princess Celestia's brow rose then in confusion. "She?"

Twilight blinked a bit before recovering and chuckling lightly. "N-No I mean I'm only assuming! Sorry, I guess we can never be certain. But will you be bringing her back here Princess Celestia? She'll be rewarded for helping us against the changelings right?"

Princess Celestia's nose scrunched up as she raised a brow. "Twilight what're you even sugges-"

But Rainbow Dash rose, smirking and raising a hoof then. "Hah! I agree with Twilight! Why're we making a big fuss out of an alicorn who took care of Chrysalis for us!? If the alicorn is that awesome maybe she can join us! Heck, probably tell us how the heck she did it!? I mean to take on Chrysalis by herself! That sounds pretty amazing! And if that's all she did then I see no problem!"

Princess Celestia glared at Twilight then. "Twilight, you....."

Twilight nodded hurriedly as she smiled at Rainbow Dash. "I agree Rainbow!" She looked up at Princess Celestia, "Princess Celestia we should really consider this. I mean, w-what's the harm in taking her in if she's only helped us-"

Princess Celestia snapped. "ABSOLUTELY NOT TWILIGHT! I thought you'd understand how dire this situation is!"

The mane six staggered back as Princess Luna peered at Twilight in disappointment.

Twilight just looked up at Princess Celestia wide eyed herself, unable to react herself to the princess's sudden outburst.

Princess Celestia frowned heavily. "I can see where you're going with this. But an alicorn constructed from the Tome of Transmutation obviously is no natural occurrence. It isn't meant to be, nor is it meant to exist. I won't deny the possibility of keeping this supposed alicorn isn't completely absurd, but it is highly illogical. It is more than likely an unstable creation, made-up not of organic material at its core, but only of magical essence. The tome will only derive life from the lifeless. This alicorn is ultimately unpredictable, and if watched at all needs to be under guard 24/7. Only with the perfect guidance can she be trusted to be responsible with such powers. The privilege of being an alicorn isn't just something that should be given carelessly Twilight, that is the tome's biggest fault."

Twilight stomped a hoof angrily. "B-But Princess Celestia if she was created by this tome then isn't it only-"

Princess Celestia sighed before cutting off Twilight yet again. "Enough Twilight. We will discuss this matter further when she is actually in my custody. Then I will determine whether she's responsible enough to bare the burden of responsibility that comes with being an alicorn." She gave Twilight a reassurring glance. "I can understand your concerns Twilight as the Princess of Friendship but this is not your area of expertise, you know little of the Tome of Transmutation and what it can cause, especially the creations from those who carelessly use it as if it's some toy or plaything. It involves an extremely delicate magical process. So no, I sadly cannot simply allow you to befriend this alicorn and add her into our ranks, there's a process that goes along with all of this, a process we need to ensure remains instilled and if this alicorn truly is a danger, then leave it to my best judgement on what needs to be done."

Twilight's eyes saddened as she just turned sluggishly towards the exit doors and proceeded by herself on the way out. "I understand Princess Celestia." How come I knew you'd say something like that? She just trotted tiredly towards the open doors. She glanced back at her friends, "I'll be outside whenever you guys are ready to go." She then disappeared in a poof of violet smoke.

Princess Celestia frowned yet again before glancing down at the rest of them with a troubled expression. "Girls, has Twilight been like this recently? What's with her today? She has been awfully involved with this whole matter which isn't surprising, but, I'm not feeling comfortable with the way she's been acting. Has she been under much stress as of late?"

Rarity shook her head. "Not from what I recall Princess, Twilight was just fine before this."

Pinkie Pie nodded to Rarity. "Yep yep! She was really happy! Maybe she just really loves alicorns hehe!"

They all looked back up towards the princesses.

Princess Celestia just appeared questionative before nodding to them. "I see. Well either way thank you girls, and do please tell Twilight that I said the same thing, although I'm fairly certain she knows this already. We will give you an update on the situation when we return. And girls, do please be careful out there. Remember, do not overestimate yourselves. Despite all you've accomplished, there are many dangers out there still, and we must be on guard at all times." The Princess bowed along with her sister then in the form of a courteous and grateful thanks. "We thank you again for all your efforts in helping us keep peace in Equestria."

The Mane Six then bowed their heads as well with pleased smiles as they all proceeded out through the door as well.

Princess Luna glanced at Princess Celestia as they departed. "Sister?..."

Princess Celestia was silent as just appeared to be lost in thought and concern. "Twilight..."

Some time later, Twilight and the others all stood on the border of the edge of the Castle of the Two Sisters. Twilight glanced around a bit, taking notice of the beautiful scenery. It was an awfully quiet and beautiful day, and nothing as of yet seemed too suspicious. The castle from the outside looked fairly ordinary to say the least. Twilight groaned, "Ugh...let's be careful guys."

Applejack blinked as she proceeded beside the mare and raised a brow at her. "Ya feel anything funny Twi? Like errrrr, any tinglin sensation that sets off your magic meter. If ya have somethin like that that is."

Pinkie Pie gasped happily, clapping her hooves. "Like my Pinkie sense!"

Twilight shook her head. "Nope! Nothing setting off, well at least not at the moment. Let's take a closer look." They all then went into a crouching position as they proceeded closer towards the castle, remaining entirely cautious along the way.

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie all remained crouched as they made their way through the front doors of the old castle. They remained silent, glancing at one another as if sending signals to approve of individual movements. But as they proceeded further inside, the doors immediately shut behind them as the entire pathway leading down the massive throne room became dark. Fluttershy let off a light yelp as Twilight spoke out, "Everypony stay close!"

But just as she'd said those words, lights towards the end of the throne room came on as a cloaked figure sat on the end with her head covered by a cloak and a cape wrapped around her body. The figure was tiny as she peered at the six individuals who'd entered the castle as they all looked back at her with piercing glares themselves. Twilight gritted her teeth as she lowered her head, analyzing the strange tiny creature from afar to determine whether it was possibly dangerous. "W-Who are you!?"

The tiny figure began chuckling menacingly on the far end as she just continued to peer at the lot of them. "Who am I?" But as she stood there for some time only causing a lasting silence, she burst on her hind legs as she spread her forehooves happily and chuckled, revealing herself from beneath the cloak as none other than Nightmare Moon herself in filly form! The young alicorn chuckled heartily and evilly as she exclaimed. "YOU DARE NOT KNOW WHO I AM LITTLE PONIES!? I AM NONE OTHER THEN THE SCARY AND FEARSOME NIGHTMARE MOON HERSELF! I have returned to put everypony in darkness, FOREVAAAA!!!!" Nightmare Moon then blinked a bit as she placed a hoof on her muzzle and began tapping it and muttered. "W-Wait..Uhm, what was next again? Eeeerhm...o-oh no oh no oh no this isn't good! O-One second please!" She then turned around, glancing down at a piece of paper on the throne as she clapped her hooves together in remembrance. "O-Oh yes! That was it!" She took in a deep breath, preparing to speak again. "So GO! Go and grab your princesses and bring them back here if you wish to stop me! Mweheh....MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Her laughter soon died down as she blinked a bit and stared at the others on the far end of the throne room curiously. Did it work?

Twilight and the others just regarded the filly with puzzled expressions as Twilight exclaimed. "No, really, who are you?" It was obvious to each and every one of them this Nightmare Moon was an obvious fake. It was apparent even the color of the coat was some sort of black powder and not even legitimate. Plus the armor was made out of cardboard with crayon markings on it.

Rainbow Dash groaned heavily as she crossed her forehooves, "Ugh! So it was just some kid throwing a prank!?"

Rarity brushed her mane back with a hoof for a second before muttering. "What dreadful acting."

The filly gasped as she whimpered heavily and lowered her head. "I tried hard okay..."

Fluttershy smiled hopefully. "Oh, w-well she is a filly. She just wanted to have some fun."

Twilight proceeded forward as she to had a raised brow in regards to the supposed Nightmare Moon filly. "We promise you won't be in big trouble but you can't just do things like this. Tell us what you were doing here, why were you trying to scare us?"

The filly whimpered as she looked upon the approaching mare with saddened eyes. "I guess I thought my performance would be nice enough to trick you all. But I guess we'll just have to play tag instead." She crossed her hooves and then slowly started to pull off her wig and cardboard armor, revealing a naturally ruffled mane. She flashed them a smile. "Do you like tag?"

Twilight was almost immediately thrown off as were the others. "H-Huh?"

Pinkie Pie rose as she bounced, "Oh my gosh oh my gosh! I love tag!"

The filly squeed as she placed her hooves on her cheeks and nodded hurriedly. "Me to me to! I want play! Momma said she needs the Princesses of Equestria. But none of you ponies will go back and get them for me so I'm just going to keep you all here for awhile okay!? Don't worry it'll be fun! I'll feed you and clothe you and we can play many games while we wait for ponies who will help us do as Momma says! Sorry I'm not very good at planning stuff, but I'm really good at games!" She clapped her hooves. "Okay! So the rules of the game is simple! I capture you and you run away! It's really easy, but NO cheating! You're only allowed to stay in the castle and if you leave then you're cheating and I'm going to be very sad! I also worked really hard on the banishment spells I created!"

Twilight shuddered for a moment. "B-Banishment spells? What are you going on about little one, you can't create-"

The filly nodded hurriedly as she spread her hooves in a grand gesture. "Mhm! I made banishment spells, but they need a very big area to happen in so I need to bring the princesses of equestria here in order to send them away! Oh my gosh! Isn't it awesomesauce!? It's like the coolest plan ever! I thought it all up myself!" The filly hurried behind the throne as she began grabbing stacks on stacks of books as she began flipping through the pages hurriedly and speaking as she did so. "I mean it took quite a lot of work and it was really tough figuring out the procedures for the timeless school while trying to manifest the link between the suitable location and the runic requirements of the atomic breakdown process! But there were lots of old books in this place! Hehe, I think with this I'll be able to go up to 2000 years at least!" She began bouncing up and down happily as she looked at them. "Momma would be proud don't you think!?" The filly then glanced down at herself as she noticed she was still covered up in her black powder. She chuckled, "Oh one second!"

Twilight continued to proceed, approaching the filly a little more cautiously. "Just who are you? Who's your mother?"

And as the filly's horn started to glow, she was suddenly enveloped in a purple mist before that mist removed all of the black powder covering the filly's body. And as the power dissipated in the air, Twilight and the others eyes widened slowly as similar looks of horror began to emerge on each of their faces, especially Twilight who shook her head as she backed away slowly. There sitting before the throne would be a purple alicorn filly, with wings as definite as any other and baring a horn obviously just as definite. The filly shook her head and ruffled her mane yet again as she exhaled and tilted her head to the right with a giggle. "My Momma?"

The mane six were silent as they all just continued to sit there and stare in deathly silence.

The purple alicorn filly continued. "Queen Chrysalis!"

And Twilight's expression sunk as she'd appeared to be struck by everything she'd just seen and heard. "W-What?"

The Final Countdown: 6

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 6

Twilight took a few trots forward, shaking her head in the process. "T-That can't be true...."

Rainbow Dash called out to Twilight. "Twilight! That's the alicorn isn't it!?"

Applejack worriedly trotted forward then, extending a hoof out towards the still encroaching Twilight. "Twi!? What're you doin!? You heard her! She's trying ta banish the princesses! Not to mention she's all weird in the head! Don't go just trottin up to her!"

Rarity motioned the mare back over as well, "Yes Twilight, get back over here darling!"

But Twilight couldn't help herself. She just continued to trot forward as she shook her head, unable to accept the idea that this filly was calling Queen Chrysalis her mother of all things. "Why? Why're you saying such things? Why're you even here?"

Princess Yucca just regarded Twilight with a wide and bright smile. "Because I love her silly! She's my Momma, she took care of me. But you don't look okay? Are you sick?" Princess Yucca then disappeared in a flash before reappearing beside Twilight, glancing up at her as she trailed around the mare, inspecting her with wide eyes. "Yea yoooou don't look so good! Maybe a cupcake will help!?" Yucca disappeared yet again as she fluttered, flapping her wings and reappearing in front of Twilight's face as she was now holding a plate with a cupcake. "I went and grabbed it! Fast right!? I'm very very very very fast!" She shook her head as she whimpered. "Oh no no no!! We all still have to play a game!" She placed a hoof on her muzzle, "But you can't play tag if you're sick. Sweets always made me feel better! They have been embedded with sugary goodness!" She then shoved the cupcake into Twilight's muzzle immediately causing it to splatter and the remnants to drip onto the marble floor as she pressed her nose against Twilight's. "Good right!?"

Twilight immediately swiped her hoof in a reaction to the filly as it caused Princess Yucca to immediately stagger back, avoiding what appeared to be a light assault. Twilight wore a pained expression, one of sorrow as she regarded the alicorn bitterly. As Twilight stared into her eyes and gazed upon her, she gritted her teeth for a moment, wearing now an angered look before falling to the floor and slumping her head down, appearing appalled. She just shook her head as she covered her face with her hoof.

This caused Yucca to blink a bit as she just cocked her head to the right. "Eh?..." She pointed a hoof at Twilight as she just made a troubled expression and puckered her lower lip, looking at the others towards the castle entrance. "Your friend is acting funny!"

Rainbow Dash only cupped her muzzle, yelling at Twilight. "Twilight! Get up! We need to stop this before she does anything funny! Or worse, she ends up using one of those banishment spells on us! Snap out of it!"

But Twilight gave the pegasus no reply. She just remained there in silence with her eyes closed.

This caused Rainbow to only become more flustered. "T-Twilight? What's wrong!?" She immediately glanced back to all her friends. "It looks like Twilight's freezing up again. It has to be that alicorn! Ever since Twilight's gotten wind of her, she's been stuck like that!"

Applejack just regarded Princess Yucca with a blank stare as she peered across the throne room. "Well, yea, that alicorn sure is a strange one. I can probably see why Princess Celestia is worried about her. She is a little, uuuh, I can't find a word for it?"

Princess Yucca was trailing around Twilight with her muzzle on the ground and her front half lowered, prowling around the fellow alicorn like a dog and sniffing. As she found a leftover piece of the cupcake, she leaped at it before snatching it up with her mouth. "ARF!" She spun her tail and propelled it like a helicopter, rising into the air before continually poking at Twilight from all directions while munching on the sweet delicacy. "Hey hey hey hey hey  hey hey hey! You have a purple coat! Or is that lavender? Violet? Grape flavored?" She licked Twilight's cheek to where the mare didn't react. Immediately Princess Yucca lowered herself, scraping off her tongue. "Eeeeeew!" She then stared at her own hoof and gasped. "Oh my gosh! I'm a grape to! How exciting!" She twirled in circles before poofing away then grabbing a book and flipping the pages and shoving it in Twilight's face. "Maybe we're sisters! It's a reasonable theory!"

Rarity frowned heavily. "She's a wild little thing, isn't she? It's no wonder she's worrisome. But what's with Twilight? I still don't get it."

Pinkie Pie gasped wildly. "That alicorn must have some amazing powers! She did make a cupcake appear out of thin air!"

Fluttershy blinked a bit before raising a brow herself and muttering. "I-It's a little like Discord..."

Rainbow Dash readied herself as she glared at the filly. "Well either way, whatever's going on she's obviously the one making Twilight act all weird. She's also the alicorn the princesses are looking for! And she admitted to Queen Chrysalis being her mom and trying to banish the princesses! I think we lucked out seeing that she just admitted to everything for us! Now might be our only chance."

Applejack glanced over at Rainbow Dash with a chuckle. "How hard can it be to catch a little filly like that? Especially one who doesn't even seem to know what the heck is goin on, I mean just look at her." Applejack motioned a hoof over in the direction of Yucca who just continued to talk to a Twilight who didn't even acknowledge her presence. "Let's just snatch her up and bring her back to Canterlot."

Fluttershy immediately cut in with an objection, raising her hooves and waving them. "WAAAAAAAIT!!!!" She then placed a hoof in front of her muzzle as she lowered her volume. "W-Well if you all don't mind that is." And as the rest of them just continued to give her their attention then, she smiled. "W-Why don't we just ask her to come with us? I mean, she looks like she's so so nice and erhm, well, maybe she isn't dangerous at all. I mean look, she's so sweet and adorable." They all then looked back over at Yucca who then was pulling on Twilight's cheeks, complaining about the fact Twilight still didn't seem to acknowledge her even being there. "Maybe we can just tell her to follow and she'll listen. L-Let me try at least, pretty please. I just want to know."

Rarity shook her head. "Absolutely not Fluttershy! Just look at what's happened to Twilight darling! You might end up the same!"

Rainbow Dash nodded her head in agreement. "Yea, it's way too risky. You heard her yourself Fluttershy! She's coocoo!" Rainbow then started doing a twirling hoof motion at the side of her head with her own hoof. "She may be acting confused now but it could all still be a trick to lure us in! We still gotta be careful! All we're saying is she's probably underestimating us is all."

Fluttershy lowered her own head with a whimper then. "B-But...."

Rarity raised a hoof. "No buts darling, our safety is what's most important."

Fluttershy remained silent then as she just faced towards throne room doors with a sigh. "Okay...."

Rainbow Dash returned the sigh as she continued to flutter as she crossed her forehooves with half closed eyes.

Applejack frowned in regards to Fluttershy. "Ya think we were a little too harsh?"

Rainbow shook her head. "Naw, that's just Fluttershy being Fluttershy." She sighed before flexing a hoof and smirking before looking back in the filly's direction. "Besides, we've got to remain concentrated, one false move and we can end up-" but as Rainbow looked back to where Twilight was, Rainbow's eyes widened as she muttered. "W-Wha? Where'd she go?" The filly was gone.

Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie then followed Rainbow's gaze, taking notice of the fact that the filly had disappeared.

"Here I am!"

They all froze, looking between one another as sitting in the middle of their group would be the alicorn filly. The tiny purple alicorn sat there, just simply looking at each of them with wide fascinated eyes. She clapped her hooves. "Sorry! The other one doesn't want to acknowledge me so I came over here! And this was WAY more interesting! You all want to talk with me right!?" She chuckled before lifting herself into the air by pushing off the surface with her forehooves and doing a quick twirl with her wings, as she glanced around at each and every one of them. "The princesses are also looking for me!? Wow this feels so awesome! And if they sent you here to look for me then that means they're gonna help me with Momma to!? Hehe oh my gosh oh my gosh! This is all so amazing! Are you all their secret agents!? I read stories about super cool secret agents sometimes! They were really cool, there was this one time-"

And suddenly lunging towards the filly with spread hooves would be Rainbow Dash with a determined expression.

"WHOOP!" Princess Yucca did a twirl in the air before dodging the mare as she clung then onto Rainbow's back and chuckled, nuzzling her mane. "Your mane is so pretty! And you're really fast to move that quick like that! I don't think I can outrun you if we both tried."

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as she also did a spin in the air, sending the filly flying off her back as she herself touched upon the ground with her hind legs and then leaped back in the filly's direction, now reattempting to grab hold of her again.

Princess Yucca came to a sudden halt midair as she giggled playfully. "Whee!" Before she touched upon the marble floor, practically shaking with excitement as she bounced. She looked at Rainbow the entire time as the mare approached, before her ears twitched and she smiled playfully, "Oh there's another!?" And she poofed out of the way with telekinetic magic, causing both Rainbow Dash and unknowingly a pursuing Applejack to crash head on into one another. Princess Yucca blinked a bit as she hopped upon the ground once again and looked at the two dazed mares as they barely had a clue what was even happening anymore.

Yucca placed her hooves upon her cheeks in adoration at them. "Oh gosh! You two are very good! Momma usually never tries to coordinate with the guards to get me like that! It's so amazing! You're all so amazing!" She then blinked before turning around and catching sight of a sudden Pinkie Pie who just stood there smiling in the filly's face. The two just stared at one another.

Pinkie then yelled out, "HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!"

Yucca repeated in her Canterlot Voice.

"HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Pinkie gasped, before glaring at the filly angrily. "IS THAT A CHALLENGE!? STARING CONTEST!"

Princess Yucca clapped her hooves as she stared into Pinkie's eyes with a wide smile and super wide eyes. "OKAY!"

The two just sat there staring at one another. It seemed like the seconds drew on for hours, as eventually Princess Yucca's brow twitched and tears started to swell in the alicorns eyes. She gulped as Pinkie smirked soon enough.

Yucca twitched her wing then, and suddenly Pinkie blinked reactively and sneezed as well. "ATCHOO!"

Princess Yucca hopped on hind legs. "I WIN I WIN!"

Pinkie gasped before swiping a hoof, "NO, YOU CHEATED!"

Yucca immediately sat, biting her lower lip as she suspiciously shifted her gaze from left to right.

Applejack called out to Pinkie, "Yeeeeeep! She's lyin!"

Pinkie blinked a bit, "How do you know?"

Applejack cupped her muzzle. "Just trust me on this one!"

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie backed away towards the throne room doors slowly as Yucca approached them. They all gulped as both Rarity and Fluttershy were already huddling next to one another as they trembled.

Rainbow Dash frowned heavily. "W-We can't catch her without a better plan guys..."

Applejack frowned. "I-I agree Rainbow! She's pretty reactive, that's for sure."

Rarity looked to the both of them. "Well we've gotta do something girls!"

Princess Yucca chuckled as she trotted closer and closer. "Shall I capture you all now?"

"Do you really not remember me? How long will you continue to play around?"

All their eyes immediately widened as the mane six focused back in Twilight's direction.

Princess Yucca as well, turned to glance back at the mare who'd finally spoken again with wide curious eyes. ".........?"

Twilight rose sluggishly as she still bore a heavy frown. She turned to face the filly baring sad eyes accompanied with that frown as she squinted at the filly. "It's only been a year. And you were taken in by Queen Chrysalis of all creatures. How frustrating, and sad..."

Princess Yucca chuckled a bit, appearing a little nervous as she didn't enjoy Twilight's tone of voice. "I-I'm not sad, I'm-"

Twilight approached the filly slowly, unfaltering. "You are sad. There's no way you could've been happy with her."

Princess Yucca pouted as she lowered her head, whimpering in complaint. "N-No. She loves me. Momma is just a little angry is all, but once I capture the Princesses of Equestria, she'll be happier than ever!" Yucca spread her hooves in a grand gesture. "And we'll-"

Twilight squinted a bit, as if annoyed by the filly's defense of Queen Chrysalis. "How? How can you defend her!? You think she truly loves anypony besides the changelings? If anything, she's only just using your love to sustain herself. She's a monster at heart, and will do anything to manipulate you!" Twilight lowered her head, placing a hoof over her forehead. "This has all gotten out of hoof. If only I wasn't so careless that night, none of this would be going on. But I've got to fix my mistakes, there's no more running away this time."

The rest of the mane six all regarded Twilight with worry, each of them coming to a faint realization regarding her words. Applejack however wanted to confirm, she still felt Twilight was being too broad with what she was saying. "T-Twilight? What're you sayin?"

Princess Yucca was awfully silent as well as she looked upon Twilight with a worried glance.

Twilight looked to each of her friends guiltily before frowning, glancing to the lower right. She then looked back to Yucca, "You think Chrysalis is the one who really protected you? Who really did anything?" She closed her eyes with a sigh and an almost amused smile. "Honestly, it hurts a little to hear you speak of her so highly. And to realize that you probably don't even remember who I am, I mean y-you were originally-" Twilight paused hesitantly, then flashed her an affectionate yet nostalgic smile, before her brows furrowed in discomfort. "Despite how things turned out, I'm glad we ran into each other again. But you've grown into the complete opposite of what I'd hoped you'd become, but I guess your traits aren't too alien to me." She took a few trots closer towards the filly, still obviously upset with her. "But regardless little one, it looks like Princess Celestia was right. Being the daughter of Queen Chrysalis, and I being a Princess of Equestria, we can't just ignore what you said." She frowned. "I will correct the mistake I made."

Rainbow Dash shook her head, puzzled. "Y-You're the one who created her Twilight? But wouldn't that mean-"

Twilight groaned as she lowered her head guiltily. "Yes, I'm the one who took the Tome of Transmutation...."

This caused Yucca's eyes to widen exponentially as she just looked at Twilight, almost in anticipation, anxiety, all in one. She was waiting for one confirmation, one more little piece of information for Twilight to provide in that moment. "....."

Twilight continued. "And I'm the one who created her, the alicorn."

And as Yucca heard those words, her entire demeanor changed. She looked upon the mare, and imagined the shape of the cloak around the fellow alicorn's body, now taking notice of the fact that she did indeed mirror the pony from that day. "M-Momma?" And despite being a bundle of usual energy, she appeared fearful of Twilight who only regarded her with a piercing, disappointed glare. As she backed away from Twilight, the rest of the mane six steadily kept their gaze upon both the alicorns cautiously, worriedly, as they watched with confusion. Yucca however backed against the throne room door trembling, before putting on a nervous smile.

Twilight's glare persisted as she trotted forward slowly, "No. That's Queen Chrysalis, remember?" And a light purple magical aura began to surround the alicorn as magic radiated from her very being and her horn started to glow. "I'd hoped this moment would never come honestly. For so long I respected the magical rules and regulations Princess Celestia made clear to me. But that night was just...different, I couldn't help myself from believing in the faint hope that maybe, there was this other route to irrefutable peace in Equestria." Twilight frowned yet again in regards to Yucca. "How wrong I was." She glanced to each of her friends before back at Yucca tiredly. "But despite what's happened, I still wish to help you in some way. So I will give you an easy choice, here and now."

They all remained silent, especially Yucca whom was still thrown off by the fact Twilight was this mare from so long ago.

Twilight stopped before Yucca before stating asking simply. "You're a pony, so come back with us."

Yucca glanced up at her hesitantly, only staring in silence. "H-Huh?"

Twilight continued with a now hopeful smile, "You're not a changeling. It's only logical isn't it? Come back to our side."

As Twilight loomed over the filly, her trembling became more and more apparent. "P-Princess? of Equestria?..." Princess Yucca chuckled nervously as her voice was shaky. She glanced to the lower right as she turned red in the face. "Y-You see uhm, I don't really want to play anymore. I've, um, I've got somewhere I need to be! T-This was highly against my calculation of possibly logical outcomes you see! E-Erhm..I...I...I have to go um. F-FEED! Yes, feed my, er, kittens! And, bake sweets! And, well uuuuh, I've got much things that need to be knitted for the coming play. You knooow, magical palpitations and all, things can get a little bad when, em...when, I don't do my stuff!" She twiddled her hooves as she began pacing heavily, and Twilight only looked upon her as if it was expected. "B-BYE!" She then disappeared in a flash, leaving only a cloud of pink and purple smoke in her wake as all of the mane six coughed.

As they finished coughing and the smoke cleared, Twilight took a moment to exhale as her sudden scarier demeanor disappeared as she smiled softly then looked to her friends happily. "Good, it worked...well, for now. But she'll be back."

They all blinked a bit, looking at Twilight in confusion.

Twilight chuckled as she continued, trotting back towards the middle of the throne room. "That alicorn had more than enough capability to outplay me if she tried, I'm sure of it. Actually, she had more than enough capability to capture all of us, I had to find a way to temporarily diminish that confidence of hers'. She'll probably go off for a bit but I doubt she'll hurt anypony, we can deal with that after we're done here." Twilight paused as she closed her eyes halfway, "Meanwhile, we gotta work on finding out just what sort of banishment spell she was trying to setup here, dismantle it, and then ensure everypony is safe. Fear is a trait I'm well aware she has." Twilight glanced back particularly at Fluttershy before frowning heavily. "I'm sorry you guys had to find out this way, I guess it was bound to happen eventually."

The rest of the mane six were still awfully silent.

Rainbow Dash proceeded forward, "S-So it's true Twilight? You're the one who took the tome? Why?"

Twilight suddenly appeared troubled yet again, hesitant to share. "I-It's...It's a long story."

Rarity gulped before proceeding, "Well, as much as I'd like to know as the rest of you why Twilight felt it was necessary to experiment with such magic, time is not on our side. We still must ensure the banishment spells are not already setup in place around the castle, as well as find out where the alicorn ran off to girls. We can't just sit here and gossip about what happened, there's a time for that."

Twilight flashed Rarity a thankful smile.

Rarity returned the smile in earnest as she nodded to the mare.

Rainbow Dash glanced down at Rarity as she sighed. "I guess."

But Fluttershy still seemed a little bit upset, "W-Why were you acting like that Twilight?.."

Twilight shook her head. "She had to get a clear picture and know I was serious. That alicorn is a lot more complicated to deal with than even now you guys might believe. She probably wouldn't take me seriously unless I was extremely convincing. Which I was. The fact she's been adopted by Queen Chrysalis only complicates things more. We gotta show our dominance despite how capable her magic is. It's perhaps the only way we'll be able to ensure we make it through this, because in the end, she's still just a young pony, but she's also still a very powerful alicorn, made-up of some very uuuuh, special, objects."

Applejack squinted a bit at Twilight in suspicion, "For some reason Twi. I have a feeling a lot of what you said, wasn't entirely false."

Twilight remained silent to that comment for a moment, before stating, "Let's just hurry and find out what she did here." Her eyes remained half closed, dazed, as she still appeared to be considering or contemplating something in particular. "Hm..."

Princess Yucca currently trekked hurriedly through the Everfree Forest, rushing through the shrubbery before stopping on a dirt path and placing a hoof upon a tree. She was silent as she huffed and huffed with her head lowered, gasping for breath as she'd managed to put as much distance from herself and the castle in that short amount of time. But she felt stuck, as if she could no longer progress, no longer turn from the path she chose to follow. She felt as if she were sinking in that moment, and it'd the first time she'd ever felt such a way in her entire life. She recalled Princess Twilight's words first. And I being a Princess of Equestria.... Then she recalled Queen Chrysalis's faintly. Now because of her I may have Celestia on my doorstep in the coming days! And as she thought about such things, she rose her head, revealing wide eyes and dilated pupils and only an entirely lost expression, as emerging in the corner of each eye would be a tiny buildup of liquid moisture. And as she hadn't even noticed, she thought of Twilight's sudden offer.

You're not a changeling. It's only logical isn't it? Please, come back to our side.

What did that question even mean? She didn't understand any of it. Yet for some reason it left her feeling so distressed, and as she sat there and thought about such important words, she uttered. "T-This was not in my logically calculated possibilities of awesomeness. I-I am now a sad cookie, for I have no cupcakes left, and I have captured no princesses. I am sorry Momma..." And she lowered her head and sniffled. "I am sorry.." She pushed her hooves into her face and let off an annoyed grunt before weeping. "WAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" As she'd let off childishly so many times in front of Queen Chrysalis. She sobbed yet again, unsure why she felt in such a way.

And the frustration the alicorn felt was the first time in her life she'd had such annoyance. She certainly needed some sweets.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna each flapped their wings as trailing behind them would be a band of both Celestial and Lunar guards. Both princesses wore determined expressions as they continued to push forward through the desert winds in pursuit of the alicorn who'd captured Queen Chrysalis. Princess Celestia squinted a bit as she glanced over at her sister and muttered, "Careful Sister, whatever happens we must remember we're dealing with potentially two extremely dangerous adversaries. But our top priority is to find the alicorn, and ensure she is placed under our care. I wish to see her capabilities for myself." And Princess Luna nodded to her afterwords in understanding, as the two along with their guards continued to push forward against the violent gusts of wind.

And watching the alicorn sisters approach from all directions would be changelings camouflaged as sand colored ponies atop the rocky peaks which made up the Badlands. Their eyes remained focused, as deep within their circular iris's, another shared their view.

Sitting and waiting patiently within her throne room as she let off a light chuckle would be Queen Chrysalis herself as her horn sparked with all the colors of the rainbow, and her very subjects trembled as they were hesitant to approach the hive Queen. Queen Chrysalis just continued to snicker to herself however as she leaned atop her hoof as she pressed it into her cheek and scoffed. "Oh do hurry up, I grow tired of waiting. Besides, what harm is there in coming to see little old me dearest Celestia? I only wish to strike a deal."

The Final Countdown: 5

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 5

In the middle of Ponyville near the highly popular Sugarcube Corner, it appeared to be any other ordinary day. The sun loomed overhead, bright and beautiful as ever before, and there was a light breeze which'd also made the weather more tolerable. Ponies trotted about, going on with their ordinary days, conducting their usual business, or just going for a stroll. Yet despite how ordinary this day seemed, something was amiss, well, something only a few others were currently aware of. And that feeling of isolation caused them to feel trapped like rats.

Mrs.Cake stood, trembling behind the front counter of Sugarcube Corner as she gave a light nervous chuckle, while talking to somepony in particular. "I-Is that so hunny? O-Oho...that must've been quite hard on you." Mrs.Cake was only attempting to sound convincing as she glanced over at her husband on the far end of the eatery, as he to was trembling as he was cleaning a glass with a cloth. Many of the fillies, colts, and ponies were all huddled up trembling in the corner with shocked expressions. Mrs.Cake then looked back to the estranged guest still with that nervous smile, "S-So, erhm, what happened after that? Did you manage to choose?"

Sitting on a rotatable chair at the front counter with a milkshake and a bitter expression would be a tiny purple filly alicorn. She sipped on her milkshake but her cheeks were flushed red, as she also had a jug of apple cider. Her eyes were droopy as she took both a gulp of her apple cider and then downed her milkshake as well, even going so far as to grab a donut grumpily, then munching on it. She just sat there with tears in her eyes as she sniffled. "M-Mhm! And they just don't get it! Neither of them! Momma is mad at me, but that's not all! Momma #2 is now making me choose!? It's just not fair, no no no!" She paused with a gasp, "THIS IS THE WORST, POSSIBLE, THING! I mean, I-I gave her enough play time didn't I!? SO WHAT!? Hmph! Both of them can...w-well they can-..." She puckered her lower lip and burst into tears then. "WAAAAAAH!!!" Yucca just continued to wail and wail in misery. Her voice practically shook the entirety of Sugarcube Corner as she was crying in her Canterlot Voice.

Mrs.Cake just cringed in that moment out of panic. What was she supposed to do in this situation!? She then began patting the alicorn's head cautiously before looking to Mr.Cake in order to help her out. She chuckled nervously yet again, "O-Oh I'm sure neither of them meant it, I'm sure everything will work itself out soon enough honey, eheheheh. S-So don't cry please. P-Please!"

Suddenly approaching hurriedly would be Mr.Cake as he to let off a light and nervous chuckle. He then chimed in, "Y-Yea don't feel so beat about what's happenin kid! With every down there's also an up, something positive will surely come of this!" He frowned heavily as he whispered in his wife's ear. "You all leave, I'll talk to her for the time being. But find out who she belongs to please, it's not often we get a random alicorn stumbling on in here! Especially one like this, Princess Twilight will more than likely know what to do." He then went back to distracting Yucca, talking to her casually and attempting to stop her from wailing and disturbing all of Sugarcube Corner. "S-SO! Come on, instead of crying, why don't we do something fun? Something a little more enjoyable? I've got two kids of my own you see, and they just love their pops! So maybe we can play a game? You like games?"

Mrs.Cake gulped as she was already leading the other customers out of the store cautiously and slowly, before nodding to her husband and blowing him a kiss before they all proceeded outside trying to make as little noise as possible.

Princess Yucca sniffled as she glanced up at Mr.Cake. "G-Games?" She crossed her forehooves and shook her head grumpily. "NO! I don't wanna play any more games! Nopony ever likes playing with me!" She blinked a bit in thought, as if not wanting to waste this opportunity or offer for that matter. She paused, before tapping her muzzle. Her eyes soon widened as she thought about it, as if she'd became enlightened about what to do. She suddenly seemed a little excited as she muttered quietly. "Althooooough, there is ooooone thing! Hehehe!" She bit her lower lip and buried her cheek into her shoulder before shoving both forehooves into her hind thighs while looking up at Mr.Cake almost frighteningly expectant now. And Mr.Cake actually gulped in reaction to such words. Princess Yucca grinned fiercely then, still quite excited to share her thoughts with Mr.Cake. She then raised her forehooves to the air, looking up as her horn glowed, and appearing above her would be a large brown one-strapped satchel. "I shall show you all my stuff!"

Mr.Cake glanced around the eatery, taking notice of the fact that everypony had already gone. He raised a hoof in that moment, seizing his chance. "O-One second kiddo, j-just make yourself to these sweets alright? I'll be right back!" And Mr.Cake didn't hesitate to sprint for the door as he'd made his way out of Sugarcube Corner, retreating to safety with his wife and kids.

Princess Yucca just blinked, just sitting there for a moment before gritting her teeth and just swiping her hoof angrily atop the counter and knocking everything down, then using her telekinetic magic to toss the bag away from her. She just sat there for some time with a blank stare as she thought back to the decision Twilight had given her, while also reflecting on Queen Chrysalis's disappointment with her. She then frowned heavily before muttering while slumping over, "Why is everypony so serious?" She just began spinning her tail, propelling herself into the air like a helicopter while flapping her wings to keep herself elevated. She just made her way out through the front doors of Sugarcube Corner, as gathered outside would be a large crowd who just stared at the filly. Princess Yucca just looked at them for a moment, then began just continuing on in her depressed manner throughout town.

Many of the citizens only watched with curiosity as the stray alicorn just continued to go about the town. It wasn't long before actual news ponies were starting to appear frequently throughout the town and just start snapping photos of the filly. Princess Yucca didn't care however, she just made her way to a curb and sat on it while looking at the dirt pathway silently. Her cheeks were puffed and she was obviously upset, not her usual bundle of joy. Of course she knew the ponies were there taking pictures of her, but she really didn't understand why. She glanced up at some of them for a second questioningly as they all reacted in suit, scurrying behind the houses they were attempting to remain hidden by. Princess Yucca just muttered, "Jeez, ponies are so weird." She continued to sulk alone then.

As the crowd continued to follow the filly's movements, Mare Mayor in particular just stated loud and clear. "N-Now everypony! Don't go approaching her so hastily! Give the child some space. She may be an alicorn but we still have no idea which kingdom she belongs to! So until then, for your own safety and her's, keep your distance unless she requests you to approach!" Mayor Mare just covered her face with a hoof and sighed, before suddenly being approached by four particular individuals from the crowd. It was Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Mare Mayor just raised a brow at them for a moment before greeting them warmly. "Why hello there you four, as said, please don't go readily approaching the alicorn. She seems to be upset for the time being."

Apple Bloom peeked in the distance at the alicorn sitting on the curb. "Oh wow! She iiiis an alicorn!"

Scootaloo seemed puzzled, "Why can't we talk to her though? We talk to Twilight all the time!"

Mare Mayor shook her head. "This is different girls, Princess Twilight and the other princesses are familiars of Equestria, yet nopony, not even I, have any idea who this little one is. She also doesn't really to seem very well aware of her, erhm, prestige. She could be a missing foreign princess for all we know. Or she could be something else entirely, for now we don't want to test the waters judging by her mood. It's best to probably just see who she's waiting for and let them come pick her up and explain the situation, better yet, hopefully Princess Celestia or Luna, or Princess Twilight, any of them really, just comes to lend us a hoof! But for now, I like where this is going. Everypony is safe including the alicorn, and nothing is going blatantly wrong!"

Big Macintosh nodded plainly. "Eeeeyup!"

Sweetie Belle frowned with a light whimper. "What happens if she's lost?"

Mrs.Cake cut in at that point. "N-No! It seems she isn't lost whatsoever. Apparently she has had a quarrel with her, erhm, mothers?"

Mare Mayor appeared puzzled as did the rest of them. "Mothers?"

As Princess Yucca just continued to sit there, ominously watching from the background would be two ponies with absolutely cold stares as they just continued to peer at the princess from afar. And in a brief second, both of their eyes flashed green as they remained silent and hidden in the background, blending in with the other ponies who also just continued to watch the alicorn.

Queen Chrysalis peered up from her throne room as she watched everything play out. She could see Yucca in a floating hazy image, a sight she shared with the changelings whom she tasked with ensuring they didn't lose track of Yucca. "So there she is..."

Her changelings remained silent as the Queen seemed annoyed by the entire situation, as if hesitant.

Queen Chrysalis bore a light frown and a bitter expression as her eyes saddened in regards to her adopted daughter's depression. But she didn't comment on this, she only remained silent as she sat patiently on her throne, waiting for something in particular. "Good Yucca, just stay there for the time being. Don't run off too far." She sighed heavily and leaning forward, and glaring ahead. "On guard my loyal subjects, here they come." And suddenly, the sounds of crashing could be heard down the halls of the ebony castle.

A changeling spoke out, "Are you sure it was wise to make the entrance so obvious my Queen?"

Queen Chrysalis only spoke with little reaction, "I do not plan to be cooped up in here after today. Everything else matters little now."

One of the changeling guards nodded before glancing up at the floating scene of Yucca and then with a swipe of his hoof, causing it to disappear. He unsheathed his own lance as the rest of the guards present in the room got into defensive positions as they pointed their carapace lances towards the throne room door. Queen Chrysalis remained leaned forward with piercing eyes as the sounds of the fighting steadily grew closer and closer, and soon enough, bursting through the door would be a bundle of changeling guards.

Trotting in without hesitation would be Princess Celestia beside her sister, Princess Luna. Accompanying the two would be also a group of their own personal guards, consisting of bat ponies and celestial pegasus, whom each glared at Queen Chrysalis.

Queen Chrysalis chuckled happily, spreading her hooves in a welcoming gesture. "Aaaaaw, unhappy to see me my dear ponies?"

Princess Celestia didn't hesitate to get straight to the point. "So, it seems you weren't taken hostage Queen Chrysalis. How come I'm not surprised?" Princess Celestia's face darkened as her look of innate rage intensified. "Where is she? Where is the alicorn?"

Queen Chrysalis shrugged. "Whatever might you bet talking about dearest Celestia?"

Princess Celestia was losing her patience. "I have little patience for such jokes Chrysalis. We know that you've created an alicorn! Now where is she? I shall not tolerate your childish games!" Princess Celestia and Princess Luna fluttered into the air as their horns started to glow, fastened on Queen Chrysalis as the changeling matriarch just glanced up at them tiredly.

Indeed, that amused expression Queen Chyrsalis had, melted away. She just sat there in annoyance as her face darkened and she glared up at Princess Celestia. "Created? Now isn't this interesting, I didn't find you as one who'd often dabble in dark magic Celestia."

At that moment Princess Celestia's eyes widened as she realized her fatal mistake. S-She didn't know?

Queen Chrysalis was now the serious one as she even seemed to regard Celestia with disappointment. "Hmph. I guess I shouldn't be surprised however, you were one who also didn't hesitate to plunge herself into the study of King Sombra's black magic as well. But to think you actually played around with something such as this Celestia, oh, I'm quite impressed indeed."

Princess Celestia gritted her teeth with a squint, absolutely frustrated as she just let off a light grunt, before lowering her head. It's pointless to try bluffing out of this now. We'd only be wasting one another's time.

Princess Luna whom was puzzled, looked upon her sister in confusion and worry. "Sister, what're you-"

Queen Chrysalis understood perfectly, as did Celestia, this was her playing field now. Queen Chrysalis continued, not budging from her throne. "I always had the suspicion that this situation was far too convenient, well, how about a trade-off then Celestia?"

Princess Celestia commented tiredly, "So it truly wasn't you then Chrysalis?" She sighed, How come that's such disappointing news?

Queen Chrysalis shook her head. "No, it wasn't. You might want to question one of your own perhaps?"

Princess Celestia sighed, lowering her head as she commented yet again. "I already have an idea..."

Queen Chrysalis closed her eyes as she leaned back, uncaring about Celestia's drama. "Well, then I wish you luck in correcting the issue. But how about we get back to business? If you possess the knowledge of such magic, I'd like to have it."

Princess Celestia's eyes widened, baffled by the idiocy of such a lay to claim. "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Queen Chrysalis glared at her then. "Don't test me Celestia. Who do you think you're talking to? I'm not one of your measly little subjects nor am I some powerless little girl. How long would it be before I discovered this magic myself now that I'm certain it's a possibility? That, and I have what you desire most, an alicorn created from this magic. You would only be delaying the inevitable, what I offer you is an easy way out, for the both of us. No matter what you say, I will find the method towards creating such weapons, I only wish to speed up the process. Or perhaps you would rather I have some fun with the little alicorn, finding out what she's made of myself?" Queen Chrysalis smirked at Princess Celestia then. "After-all, I have little interest in experimental rejects."

Princess Celestia snarled. "I couldn't give it to you even if I wanted to, I no longer possess the book with the spells."

Queen Chrysalis burst into laughter, causing Celestia and Luna to stagger back a bit.

Queen Chrysalis paused soon afterwords. "Don't play dumb with me! You think I'd actually believe that you simply forgot how to abuse such powerful magic? No no no, you're far more careful than that Celestia. Now how about you stop attempting to dance circles around me and we just get on with a very charitable deal which I'm offering you? A perfect trade-off. You can have the alicorn which I have kindly sought to raise in your absence, and I can have knowledge on the spells to create my own weapons. Or you can reject this offer, I can continue to trifle with my little alicorn's inner workings to find out what she's made of, and I can learn of these dark magics myself now that I'm aware she's not naturally born, and have the best of both worlds. What do you say Celestia? Would you like that?"

Princess Celestia lowered her head before glancing up at Chrysalis curiously before stating. "Now who's playing games?"

Queen Chrysalis flinched.

Princess Celestia only smirked. "And for what reason would you be interested in simply handing over an alicorn Chrysalis?"

Queen Chrysalis turned red in the face as she glanced to the lower right, as if a bit embarrassed as she'd cringed. "Uuuuuh..."

Princess Celestia now raised a brow. "What? Having trouble raising an alicorn? Although can't say you'd make a good parent any-"

Queen Chrysalis snapped angrily then on impulse. "YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH! YOU KNOW NOTHING!" but she flinched and immediately cut herself off, before just dying down in her tone and mood and slumping forward, shocked by her own outburst. She snarled fiercely, trembling even, as if trying to hold back innate feelings of great rage and frustration as she exhaled eventually, just cooling off before continuing. "I-.....My changelings are what come first, not some pony I found in the desert..."

Princess Luna cut in. "It seems you've taken a gamble, changeling Queen."

Queen Chrysalis didn't seem to be too keen on listening to Luna, but she raised a brow at her in interest out of curiosity.

Princess Luna continued, "But was this the result you were hoping for I wonder? Were you truly hoping for an alternative to keeping this alicorn you've found, or perhaps you were hoping instead we'd have nothing to offer. It makes me wonder."

Princess Celestia seemed humored then as she raised a brow at Chrysalis. "Truly, Luna was quite a bit of trouble in our younger days but she wasn't so hard to manage. I'm sure this alicorn is little different in comparison."

Queen Chrysalis just gave her a long dead stare then.

Princess Celestia chuckled confidently for a bit before her chuckles steadily died down as Chrysalis just continued to stare. Soon Princess Celestia's expression sunk slowly as she just commented. "W-What?....What's with that face?"

Queen Chrysalis just covered her face with a hoof and shook her head. "You...have no idea..."

Princess Luna blinked a bit as she regarded the changeling guards. "Erhm...Celestia?"

Princess Celestia then looked to the changeling guards as well as she noticed all of them were also making sickened faces as if they were just extremely tired. Princess Celestia raised a brow at them confused. "Eh?...I erhm, I don't get it.."

All the changelings just had their eyes closed and their heads lowered, just shaking their heads almost as if saying Celestia and Luna and the ponies in general were innocent in the fact they had no idea what they'd been through this past year. Queen Chrysalis just frowned heavily as she seemed a bit depressed about the idea of what she was doing, but commented, "You will, soon enough. I doubt any of you can expect what she's capable of."

Princess Celestia smirked before raising a brow at the Queen. "Try us."

Queen Chrysalis just frowned yet again glancing to the lower right. She then just burst into laughter yet again, unable to contain herself.

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia just glared at Chrysalis in annoyance.

And soon, all the other changelings started bursting into laughter, unable to comprehend such foolish words.

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia then turned red in the face, as Princess Luna commented. "W-What!? What's so funny already!?"

As Princess Yucca just continued to sit on the curb with each hoof planted on her cheeks, she still didn't pay any mind to any of the ponies watching her. She glanced up momentarily as she took notice of a few other colts and fillies  in particular. "Hmmm?..."

The fillies and colts watching her curiously from afar, but then began to tremble and back away.

Princess Yucca just blinked a bit before raising a brow at them, before she glanced at the ground noticing a large shadow looming over her. This caused the princess's eyes to widen before she immediately rose, and looked behind her. "Hmmmm?

Standing there with his arms crossed and a curious look was Discord himself as he stated, "Now now now, who might you be?"

Princess Yucca's eyes immediately grew wide with utter fascination as her jaw dropped.

Mayor Mare immediately called out to Discord in desperation as most ponies remained weary of him. "M-Mr.Discord! PLEASE!"

Many of the ponies started to back away from the scene, frightened and hesitant about what would unfold from such a situation.

Discord ignored Mare Mayor of course. He just continued to observe the filly before scratching his chin. "Could've sworn I met all of the Princesses of Equestria? Or perhaps, you're not a princess at all hmmmm? Ohooooo how interesting!" He placed both his claw and paw on his slender hips before lowering his head almost at eye level with the filly. "You knoooow~ you seem oddly familiar but I can't place my tongue on it. Hmmmmm, who else do I know of that's a purple little-" Discord immediately paused before his expression died down a bit and he glanced to the right not only in silence, but utter annoyance. He then snapped his claw, immediately manifesting a fake horn on his head as well holding a thick book. "Oh my oh my! Pwincess Cewestia will be ever so angry with me if I do not learn yet another lesson on friendship!" Discord snapped his claw causing both manifested items to disappear before sighing. "Kidding kidding! No need to get dramatic." He then rose and glanced back down at the alicorn. "But this is surely strange. I wonder what-" Discord's eyes widened as he paused, looking down at his leg with a raised brow and blank stare. "What do you think you're doing?"

Princess Yucca was too busy nuzzling Discord's leg with her eyes closed while all four hooves were wrapped around it.

Discord immediately teleported away and into the sky, as he stood atop a pink cloud. "Eyeck! A little too touchy for my tastes if I do say so myself! But the little twerp is quite fast, hmmmm, guess I shouldn't be surprised with her being an alicorn no less."

"Oh gosh oh gosh! Will you be my pet? Pretty please!? You look like such awesomeness! We can be the best of friends!"

Discord's eyes snapped wide as he immediately looked behind him to see the filly fluttering no more than a few feet away happily.

Princess Yucca spun around in a circle before spreading her hooves happily. "I promise I'll take care of you! I'll feed you and give you so much yummies and we can go on so many adventures! Momma never let me have pets so I just can't help myself! You look so cool!"

Discord blinked a bit, before soon becoming a little weary and cautious while remaining silent. He simply snapped his claw before a cage appeared around the filly and then plummeted down towards the ground while she was still talking.

"Hehehehe, fluffyyyyyy~"

Discord's pupil's dilated as he glanced back, feeling the sudden frightening sensation on his tail. And what he saw only horrified him even more, as the tiny alicorn was wrapped around it, hugging him tightly. A shiver ran down the draconequus's spine. This isn't any ordinary filly. I can't keep track of the speed of her spell casts. She cast a teleportation spell with no traces of magical residue or smoke left behind in the blink of an eye, then snatched onto my tail. Where'd this little monster come from? Discord crossed his arms in irritation before flinging his tail towards the right and causing Yucca to flail off and into the air. Discord immediately pointed one sharp claw at the alicorn before muttering, "Sorry to say, but nopony makes child's play of I, chaos itself!" Discord used his free paw and placed it casually upon his chest with a snicker. "I mean, do you know who I am? I am Discooooord~ I play the tricks, and have the impressive gimmicks! Not the other way around my dear." He smirked, "So how about we just tone you down a notch?" And the draconequus let off a rapid fire of ethereal licorice ropes and blobs gum. "Quite a sticky situation! If I do say so myself!" Discord placed his paw and claw on his hips as he closed his eyes, throwing his head back yet again. "Bwahahahahaha!"

"HYAH HYAH HYAH HYAH!"

Discord flinched, before he looked hesitantly upon the filly yet again.

Floating beside Princess Yucca would be two ethereal pairs of giant scissors, as behind her would be what was left of Discord's ropes and blobs of gun, now segmented into tiny little floating pieces. Yucca's tongue was sticking out as she immediately pursued Discord with a greedy expression of both anticipation and excitement. She also had a collar floating above her head.

Discord's heart raced as he barely had time to react, literally sidestepping and dodging the filly by a fraction of a second.

Princess Yucca immediately turned as she made the scissors disappear, and immediately spread her hooves. "MINE!"

Discord cringed with a light gasp, before poofing away in a ball of smoke and then reappearing higher in the sky overlooking Ponyville. The draconequus now seemed desperate, serious even. "T-THIS! WHAT IS THIS!? BY CELESTIA WHERE DID YOU COME FROM!?" Discord was beyond flustered as he commented, "Such a devious little creature you are! Where are those blasted six and their cheap magic when you need em? Stay back! Back I say!" He then began letting off yet another rapid fire of chaotic magic towards the filly as he swiped both arms left and right in reaction to her. He raised his arms to the air, summoning a giant gumdrop. "A mere little filly alicorn shouldn't be able to treat my magic like some toy, my word, just- I do believe it is time we stop playing around and I show you just how risky the game you're playing is. Do you see this gumdrop? Mhmmmmm~ yes yes it's quite scary isn't it, and I mean it, I will surely toss it at you if you decide to come anywhere close to me with that collar. Quite a tempting deal if I do say so myself!"

Princess Yucca chuckled as she placed both hooves over her cheeks and her look of adoration only remained. "Ooooooh~ so amazing! You can make candy! Do really cool magic! Talk! And you're like every creature ever in one! I'm so super duper in love Mr.Creature!" She then didn't hesitate in her approach as she immediately disappeared in a flash causing Discord's eyes to widen, before she reappeared in a split second right in front of the draconequus with wide eyes herself. Her muzzle touched Discord's snout as she pressed against it and touched their foreheads together. "I've been feeling sad. But maybe a pet like you will make things, better, hehe."

Discord felt frozen as he just remained in place, "Why in Celestia's name are you here?......"

Princess Yucca just stated simply, "I don't know anymore." And for a split second her eyes saddened, "I don't like thinking about it."

And the ponies of Ponyville just watched the spectacle unfold from below in awe.

Princess Yucca spread her hooves happily, "I won't think about it anymore."

In the Everfree Forest, travelling along the dirt path would be Twilight Sparkle as she sighed heavily, then glancing to her left and right, noticing most of her friends were spread apart the forest, each of them looking for signs as to where Yucca went.

Rarity approached Twilight then, before exclaiming softly. "T-Twilight? When are you planning to let us know what you were thinking by taking that tome and creating that alicorn? Princess Celestia won't be happy with this at all. Just what were you thinking?"

Twilight looked to Rarity in frustration with a squint. "Rarity, I get it alright? I messed up. But I didn't mean to create her. I was actually aiming for something a little different, but it turned out far more dramatic than I initially intended. I guess it's karma that she showed up back here under Queen Chrysalis's care no less. Maybe I wasn't right in the head at the time, but there's no point in dwelling on it now, I made my choices, but I can fix them here and now. We can make this whole alicorn situation work."

Rarity frowned as she spoke softly, "I do hope so Twilight.."

"TWILIGHT! OVER HERE, I THINK AH FOUND SOMETHIN!"

Twilight's eyes immediately widened as she looked to Applejack, as did Rarity's as the two nodded to one another then.

Soon the entirety of the mane six made their way over to Applejack, as the mare lowered her frame and squinted at what appeared to be tiny hoofprints in the grass. She then rose, pointing at them, "It looks like she couldn't have been here less no more than 20 minutes ago!" She looked to each of her friends. "I guess she really isn't movin too fast eh? Wonder why?"

Rainbow Dash then scratched at the back of her mane. "Hey, guys. I don't wanna be the barer of bad news, but," she pointed her hoof ahead, "Isn't that the direction of Ponyville?" As through the trees one could see the small town far off in the distance.

Twilight chuckled nervously a bit, almost appearing just as nervous. "Ahahaha, no no way, she would never go to Ponyville. R-Right?"

Each of them gave Twilight a dead stare.

Twilight sighed lowering her head as she closed her eyes and frowned.

And just as they'd said that, they all looked to the skies to see bright pink flashes followed by purple ones.

Twilight's brows furrowed as she groaned.

The Final Countdown: 4

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 4

Queen Chrysalis trotted silently down the halls of her castle while trailing behind her would be a few guards, along with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, who ensured to stay somewhat close to the changeling Queen. Queen Chrysalis took a moment to glance back at the two of them, before smirking a bit. "What's wrong? Worried I'm going to do something?"

Princess Luna commented as she glanced around. "I wouldn't be surprised."

Queen Chrysalis snickered. "Hah, you are indeed your sister's sibling. Isn't that right Celestia?"

Princess Celestia didn't answer, and only regarded Chrysalis with a steady glare.

Queen Chrysalis chuckled as she rolled her eyes, looking ahead yet again "Hah". She lead them down the black halls for some time, until she came upon two large doors. She smirked keenly before using her magic to push open the doors, revealing Princess Yucca's room with a satisfied expression.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's eyes both grew wide with surprise.

Queen Chrysalis chuckled softly due to their expected reactions. "What, you didn't think I was going to let my little alicorn live in the dumps did you? You should know that I out of all individuals, would know the benefits of love, and the rewards one can reap for pursuing it, especially from an alicorn. My adopted daughter lived a lavish life, and has never wanted for anything."

Princess Celestia didn't hesitate to make her way inside as she glanced around momentarily. She then glanced back at Chrysalis, absolutely baffled. The child's room was certainly in great condition, and she was supplied with all she could ask for from what it looked like, in all honesty Princess Celestia expected a shabby corner somewhere in the deepest area of the castle. "I do not understand Chrysalis. Why? Why would you trade this child for secrets you may never learn to master? What do you gain from achieving what you already have? And where is this child anyhow if she is your very own daughter!?"

Queen Chrysalis sighed as she glanced to the lower right yet again in annoyance.

Princess Celestia stomped a hoof angrily, desperately even. "TELL ME!"

Queen Chrysalis glared at the princess. "Why must you force me to say it Celestia? Must I spell it out for you?"

Princess Luna only looked upon the two in confusion, as the guards remained silent as well, observing.

Princess Celestia wore a frighteningly anxious expression, as if needing to hear Chrysalis' reasoning.

And the Queen soon stated simply, "I am afraid."

Many besides Queen Chrysalis' appeared stunned, as many of the changeling guards however didn't seem all that surprised.

Queen Chrysalis continued. "I have come to realize, Yucca is far too much for me to handle. And trust me Celestia the last thing I want to do is hand her over to you ponies but, even then I doubt you can handle her. But knowing you Celestia, you're my best chance." She smirked softly, "It's how you've always been. Always so judgmental, all-knowing, so sure of yourself. Nopony is beyond saving right? Not even me, if I decided to say the right things. You're far too forgiving. But I digress, I'll allow you to deal with it."

Princess Celestia glared at the changeling Queen then. "I didn't come here for your opinion of me Chrysalis. But still, none of these motives seem well placed. It's awfully strange for us to have to seek you out for your both unexpected and sudden offer."

Queen Chrysalis then ported in front of Celestia with wide almost paranoid eyes that it caused Princess Celestia to flinch cautiously for a moment before staggering back and raising a hoof slightly as Queen Chrysalis said nothing. Queen Chrysalis actually appeared to tremble before the alicorn princess then. "Y-You do NOT understand Celestia!" Queen Chrysalis' eyes shifted steadily from left to right as her pupils quivered in the center of her eyes. Her voice was shaky now. "It's...it's different. Yucca, she's not, right. I can't sleep without her looming over me, I can't plan, I can't care or rule my subjects, I can't abuse her gifts, I can't be the Queen I'm supposed to be! I am at my wits end! For the FIRST time, I have just realized-" she paused, "Yucca has left, without my say so. For the first time since I'd found her in that blasted desert, she has given me the time of day to think straight...."

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Chrysalis, a little puzzled by her attitude. "That seems more like a motherhood problem to me Chrysalis."

Princess Luna couldn't help but chuckle in the background as she attempted to remain inconspicuous. "Hmhmhmhm..."

Queen Chrysalis turned red in the face as she snapped at Luna. "WHAT DO TWO YOU THINK IS SO FUNNY?"

Princess Luna gasped before turning away, still chuckling a bit. "O-Oh it's nothing, n-nothing at all. Just a little ironic."

Queen Chrysalis gritted her teeth angrily before glaring back at Celestia.

Princess Celestia shrugged lightly. "What did you expect? A frantic changeling who complains of motherhood issues while raising an alicorn, it's expected for alicorns such as ourselves to find at least a little humor in it. You must understand Chrysalis."

Queen Chrysalis' face darkened as she squinted at the both of them and all fell silent in the room. "Okay then? You think you two are soooooooo smart, that you know what it's all about?" She smirked before giving them a confident sneer. "I mean it's understandable. Aha, I have raised countless changelings, I would laugh in the face of anything that told me otherwise that this is such a difficult task to overcome. But you see, the difference here is, I have proof. I will show you just what I'm talking about."

Princess Celestia raised a brow, "Proof? What sort of proof could you possibly have?"

Queen Chrysalis then clapped her hooves before uttering, "GUARDS!" And the guards moved with swift haste towards a back wall of Yucca's room, behind a dresser in particular as they didn't hesitate to move it out of the way with telekinetic magic, revealing a massive opening in the wall, a whole which descended into an entirely separate corridor. Queen Chrysalis glanced back at that pitch black opening with almost cautious eyes, and Princess Celestia didn't fail to notice this, what could the Queen possibly feel threatened about in her own kingdom? She was a changeling, she ruled here, yet she still reacted as if she were afraid even.

Princess Celestia blinked a bit before inquiring, "Must I ask?"

Queen Chrysalis shook her head plainly. "No. I only recently discovered it myself, and to be honest with you, I didn't have much of a problem with it. But it does shed some light on some more direct worries of mine. Worries I hope even you two, can address." Queen Chrysalis gulped, as she trotted on over towards the opening in Yucca's quarters, before the two alicorn princesses followed closely behind. Soon they all stood in front of the opening, as within it was revealed to be a magical barrier almost as if acting as a portal to an area cut off from the rest of the castle. Queen Chrysalis frowned, "Let's go." And the three proceeded inside.

Once inside however, it was revealed that there was nothing but a small room and an endless abundance of scrolls stacked upon a large wooden desk towards the back. A long raggedy white drape hung on the far wall of the room, while small wooden chairs were spread about the room almost acting as a makeshift cinema. The only light source available to them was either their horns, or a small unlit candle upon the desk towards the back. Queen Chrysalis chose to light the candle from afar as the three proceeded further within. Queen Chrysalis remained silent, before simply picking up one of the scrolls and beginning to unwrap it. She glanced over at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna whom were still awfully silent and extremely curious. "This is the first one." She blinked a bit, noticing the two were still standing, she sighed. "Go on, take a seat. You can sure bet that I did when I managed to discover this place."

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna each tried to take a seat in the tiny chairs, but their rears were too big. They each passed one another an awkward glance before looking back towards Queen Chrysalis in curiosity.

And upon opening the scroll, it didn't fail to begin moving on its own as it disappeared, and then a picture made its way onto the hanging drape almost like a recording. Queen Chrysalis didn't need to say anything for Celestia and Luna to know this was bizarre.

Princess Celestia blinked a bit, "Wait a moment, Chrysalis. This is grade-A transition. The child did this?"

Queen Chrysalis nodded.

Princess Celestia leaned forward with interest then, almost frighteningly curious about the alicorn now. "Hm...."

And appearing on the drape would be a hazy scene of the room itself, at first with nothing in it. Then suddenly popping up in the scene would be a vibrant purple alicorn filly dressed in the armor of King Sombra, well, a cardboard version of it. "HELLOOOOOO~"

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's eyes widened a bit as they each made scrunched up peculiar faces.

The filly on the drape continued. "IIIIIIIII am none other then Queen Sombrero!" She then placed her hooves on her lap before coughing and continuing. "Now then! I really really really really really thought it was such a cool idea to do this! I mean, I can't let Momma know of course! But that's the thing! Momma has left! She, has, LEFT! My loyal subjects, we have a grave issue on our hooves!" The filly began to appear somewhat belligerent with her speech. "Where did she go? T-The guards, they said Momma went on a trip! But I didn't see her go on a trip!" The filly rose and began frantically moving back and forth. "Maybe she's planning to leave? B-But I did nothing wrong. Momma would never leave me would she? Would she K-5933994838!?"She immediately glanced back at a doll on one of the chairs.

Princess Luna's brow raised before she glanced to her right to see the same exact doll except its head was torn off as white cotton stuffing stuck out of its opening.

Princess Yucca looked back ahead with a frown from within the scene. "But nonetheless, I have not made these for you to talk about Momma. I have been having strange nightmares lately. I believe the evil pony of nightmares is on a mission to take Momma from me. But I have defeated her many times already with my super pony blaster." She then possessed a steady glare, just staring silently at the viewers. Before chuckling and clapping her hooves, "I have yet to find the pony in the hood! My search continues! Mhmmm~"

And the hazy scene cut off then.

Princess Luna seemed a bit embarrassed and offended. "S-Super pony blaster?"

Princess Celestia sighed, raising a brow. "I don't understand Chrysalis. What? She acts just like any child would."

Princess Luna however was skeptical, as she glanced at Celestia, almost hesitant to speak.

Princess Celestia caught this as she uttered, "W-What? What is it Luna? Did you notice something?"

Queen Chrysalis sighed with relief, "I'm happy to know at least one of you noticed. Let's skip to a future day." She grabbed another scroll from atop the bundle, before loosening the ribbon tied around it and then unrolling it. As the scene began to manifest itself upon the drape, Princess Celestia immediately caught on to the strange, abnormalities, Chrysalis was attempting to point out.

The filly was frantic, maddened even. Her mane was in tatters as she was chewing on her hoof, her horn was glowing as the dolls scattered about the room were flailing about wildly. She wore an extremely paranoid expression as she had her other hoof wrapped around herself, she was obviously very distraught about something. "She's gone! GONE GONE GONE GONE! I didn't disappoint her did I? I didn't make her mad? I was generous! I was kind! I was loyal! I was honest! I played games with her! So why? Why is Momma not here? Do you have an answer for me Fluffy King?" Fluffy King the doll did not reply. Princess Yucca's eyes snapped wide as she began to giggle wildly before bouncing around the room and off the walls. "I know I know I know I know! I-It's the pony of nightmares! I'm in another nightmare! I'm just dreaming! Where's my super pony blaster!? Where, IS, it!? WHERE K-5933994838!?"

Soon the filly began hyperventilating as she immediately puffed up her cheeks and froze. She then fell back onto her back, playing dead with a gasp as she remained there, still and motionless. The scene cut off from there.

Princess Celestia continued to sit there, as now she was focused on the drape still with fascination. "I see. But I still don't fully understand your point Chrysalis. She loves you, she would do anything for you, a loyal child worrying for her mother's whereabouts doesn't strike me as particularly odd, regardless of how attached she may appear to be. You'd left her cooped up in this room for days!"

Queen Chrysalis glared at Celestia then, "That's just it.....I was gone for only five hours when these blasted scrolls were made!"

Princess Celestia's eyes snapped wide. "W-What!? You said they were categorized in days!"

Princess Luna frowned heavily, glancing at Celestia. "S-Sister, this alicorn isn't right in the head. Don't you recall my transformation into Nightmare Moon? Emotions play a key role in the manifestation of darker magics, and of our darker selves. Jealousy and spite managed to contribute much to my transformation. But it seems this alicorn has a very, erhm, peculiar abandonment complex."

Princess Celestia's looked to her sister, disturbed a bit by what she might be implying.

Princess Luna continued. "If we do not get to the bottom of this soon sister, I fear for the worst."

Princess Celestia lowered her head, deep in thought about the situation.

Queen Chrysalis interrupted. "As do I Celestia. I know you think me heartless at times, stubborn, selfish, as I do of you. But not even you know just how capable my little Yucca is. If she could only grasp just how far I would've gone to dethrone you, then I could've had Canterlot firm in my grasp. But even I know when I've come close to a line that shouldn't be crossed. There is a reason that child was left in the desert, and I truly believe that only you may know the answer to why Celestia. As well as know just how important it is that I involve you two. But of course everything comes at a price. I do not expect for this all to end without me benefiting in some way."

Princess Luna cut in with a worried glance. "Sister, what happens if this wasn't unintentional?"

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Luna.

Princess Luna continued, as if lost in deep thought herself. "What happens if this was all meant to happen? This whole situation. It's unexpected, random, and impractical, almost like the alicorn we're dealing with. You, I, Twilight, Cadence, are only a few examples of those who appeared exactly when they needed to, representing exactly what they mean to. What happens if this alicorn is no different?"

Princess Celestia uttered in discomfort, "What could this stray alicorn possibly represent?"

Princess Luna shrugged, unsure and uncertain. "Your guess is as good as mine sister. Magic, love, the sun and the moon. Our possibilities as alicorns seem endless, it wouldn't surprise me if it were something entirely random and unexpected."

Queen Chrysalis sat, crossing her forehooves. "I might have an idea."

Princess Luna and Celestia looked to Chrysalis in curisoity.

Queen Chrysalis continued. "You two and your little minions have accomplished much with your twisted elements. Left and right, those who have opposed you have simply fallen off the map. Perhaps, fate decided to deal you all an ill hoof for once."

Princess Celestia now appeared a bit distraught over such a possibility. "Perhaps, but despite this alicorn being as capable as you claim, you would trade her for secrets that may prove meaningless in the end? What is the point?"

Queen Chrysalis smirked. "Freedom, and peace of mind. I know I can stop you Celestia, someday somehow, you are still within my reach." She cackled softly lowering her head, "The fact I'm willing to side with you just this once to find a way we can all manage to find a solution to this issue should tell you something Celestia. I have managed to win Yucca's heart in the year I've been with her, I am the closest thing to family she has. If anypony has any idea what makes her tick, and just how little of a chance you'd have if she managed to ever become a problem someday, it'd be me. A clueless juggernaut that one, my clueless juggernaut."

Princess Celestia rose then, as she sighed, as did Luna, before Celestia spoke. "Then tell us Chrysalis, what does make her tick?"

Queen Chrysalis' smug expression disappeared as she sighed heavily."We'll have to discuss getting her back here first."

As the mane six rushed towards Ponyville, Twilight in particular appeared frantic as they all came to a halt. They all looked towards the sky, noticing as if it were a stream of spells going off while the clouds slowly started to amass as if a huge storm were coming. Thunder boomed throughout the vast entirety of the sky for miles on end, while a massive opening began to unveil itself in the center of these clouds. It felt like an obvious reaction to the intensity of the magic being used by whomever was participating in the apparent light-show. This upset Rainbow Dash in particular as she just glared towards the sky, before flapping her wings as if preparing to charge.

Twilight however reached out towards Rainbow with a hoof, "Stop Rainbow!"

Rainbow flinched, before glaring back at Twilight angrily. "W-Why Twilight!? Why're you always hesitating with her!? Is it because you made her or something? Do you have some sort of obligation to her? Do you see what she's able to do? Hear who she was raised by!? I think it's safe to say that by this point that she's Chrysalis' daughter."

Twilight snapped at Rainbow then, "D-Don't say that! She's not Chrysalis', and she isn't anypony's property!"

Rainbow flinched before regarding Twilight with a light scowl. "What?..." She sighed before regarding Twilight with actual pity while crossing her hooves. "Twilight, come on. What's this about? Where're you going with this?"

Pinkie blinked before looking to both of them. "What she's not Chrysalis daughter!? Oh gosh! I knew they didn't look alike!"

Many of the mane six still appeared somewhat worried for Twilight's well-being in regards to this situation.

Twilight turned red in the cheeks before glancing down hesitantly. "W-What does it matter Rainbow? I'm the Princess of Friendship, if there's a chance of us not resorting to conflict, then I need to pursue it." She then appeared flustered, angry and annoyed. "And what, what does it matter if I don't want to resort to anything drastic? What'll happen once Princess Celestia has her kept up? An alicorn with no apparent destiny to have ever been an alicorn? A pony created from forbidden magic?"

Rarity stepped forward before exclaiming. "T-Twilight, I'm sure Princess Celestia wouldn't be so harsh. Surely she'd find a place where this little alicorn can learn. She's a wild child, but surely she'd grow out of it. She is a-"

Twilight interrupted out of desperation. "That's just it. She won't grow out of it! She never will! It's who she is, she's meant to be unstable, unpredictable, wild, fun, innocent! She's all these things, and she doesn't have any sense of responsibility!" Twilight sighed, lowering her head with a light frown. "She's not just any alicorn. The ingredients I chose, well-" she paused hesitantly, "Were all of you. With all the positives, came some negatives regrettably."

There was a lengthy pause between all of them as they regarded Twilight as if she were crazy.

Rarity comment with a light scoff, "A-Aha! Well IIIIII~ certainly don't act anything like that!"

Applejack muttered, "S-Say what now Twi? What exactly do ya mean by, erhm, all of us?"

Twilight glanced up, continuing. "Of course I never intended to create a living alicorn. I felt I was capable of using certain aspects of the tome for the betterment of Equestria, such as being able to craft a stable yet powerful object imbued with magical essence, calmed by intent and my own stabilization spells. I was obviously wrong, I couldn't calm the object I created." She looked to each of them slowly, pausing briefly yet again before continuing. "It was a staff of harmony, a symbolization of our friendship, and a tool that would aid me in protecting you all more often, something besides the elements themselves." She lowered her head, closing her eyes. "I was selfish I know, but I was tired, tired of risking you all constantly, of being forced to watch you all be put into danger. I underestimated the of our friendship and instead found faith in some powerful tome. Instead I watched as the stabilization process withered away and crumbled before me, and instead became unstable, just as the tome had always intended. I watched as my chosen ingredients shattered, then came together in one unique form. The form of a little filly that I should've taken responsibility for."

Everypony was silent, as they all seemed a bit hesitant to speak, all eyes were focused on the ground.

Twilight continued. "She was only a filly, but I saw her as the staff, well; a failed result of it. I couldn't think past what she was intended to be and how she'd became the exact opposite. Imbalance, unreliability, wild, unstable, dangerous. She was an alicorn who was never meant to be, an alicorn without a destiny. Her cutie mark wasn't there nor will it ever be." Twilight began steadily trotting back and forth, deep in thought as she spoke to her friends. "Princess Celestia, would never accept this. How could she? That's what I kept telling myself." Twilight paused, "How could she accept one so powerful yet so beyond our help?" She shook her head. "I knew the tome was capable of amazing things, I've actually known so for a long time. Ever since Princess Celestia had granted me access to the archives. But I never imagined I would actually use it, or feel the need to. Since then, of course I've realized Princess Celestia was absolutely right. Experimenting has gotten me into enough trouble as is, perhaps this is just one more lesson I needed."

Rainbow grunted, before crossing her forehooves with a sigh. "So what're we supposed to do? Just wait here until Princess Celestia comes back and ignore her for now? Or do we actually go down there and try to do something meaningful, like, I don't know, stop her from messing up the whole town with her playful antics? She obviously doesn't know when she's taking things too far."

Applejack nodded "I agree Rainbow. Twilight as much as I see what you're trying ta say, regretting things won't stop the here and now. We gotta calm that filly down and somehow teach her not to be so abusive with her magic. It'll only make things worse for her for when Princess Celestia actually comes out here and sees what she's been doing, and plannin for that matter."

Twilight nodded plainly. "I know, which is why I've already thought of a way we can make her stop using her magic while still getting her back to our side without any use of force." Twilight paused with a glare, "We'll beat her at one of her games."

As Twilight and the others arrived in Ponyville however, things weren't quite what they expected.

Many of the citizens of Ponyville were dressed in extremely random attire, nearly sending Rarity into shock. An assortment of mares, stallions, colts, and fillies, all trotted around the small town wearing rainbow dresses consisting of different patterns and fabrics. They also bore many entirely out of place accessories such as necklaces of rings and tiaras combined with crowns. Of course the mare immediately went into a belligerent rage. "MY WORD, WHAT ARE YOU ALL WEARING!?"

One of the ponyville citizens halted, before taking a lick of his icecream. "Oh, erhm. It's a free costume, we got it from-"

Rarity snapped, interrupted and throwing her hooves in the air. "OH HUSH! I KNOW WHERE YOU GOT IT FROM DARLING! But WHY are you wearing it!?...It's...It's an insult to all of pony fashion! This, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

The citizen just frowned a bit before scratching at the back of his mane. "Y-Yeeeea, I wasn't really too keen on wearing it either. But hey, the princess promised a bunch of free sweets and seemed really down about anypony not wearing them. How could I refuse?"

Rarity was still fuming however as she just snarled. "Where has she gone!? I mean to get to the bottom of this wardrobe malfunction!"

Rainbow Dash cut in, "Yea! Not only has she totally messed up the weather! She's sticking everypony in weird clothes!"

Both mares immediately glared back at Twilight as Twilight flinched and then snickered a bit nervously. "E-Eheh..."

The citizen then pointed in the direction of the schoolhouse. "She went over down there earlier, there's a whole lot of others still there at the schoolhouse as well. Seeing as she's a new princess and so nice, it's hard for anypony to stay away from her apparently."

They each immediately looked over in the direction of the schoolhouse as Twilight decided to take the lead. She nodded to each of her friends as they all appeared fairly determined from this point forward, and trotted on ahead towards the schoolhouse.

Upon arriving, not only did Twilight and the others have to force themselves through the massive crowd of ponies gathered around outside, but even more so upon stallions whom enacted themselves as guards for Princess Yucca. One of these stallions glanced down at Princess Twilight with a frown, "Forgive us Princess Twilight, it seems Princess Yucca is currently in the middle of school."

Princess Twilight blinked a bit, a little struck by what he'd just said. "Uhm? Excuse me?"

"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

Everypony's eyes widened for a moment.

As shoving her way through the crowd would be Ms.Cheerilee with an enraged expression as she shook her head, obviously distraught about something. "That child thinks she's so SMART!? So what she has a grasp on the ornate workings of the ponies of the third era! So what if she's aware of the multilevel algorithm trotting-ham theory!?   SHE STILL HAS A LOT TO LEARN! H-Hah! And she thinks IIIIII need to go back to school just because she knew a little more than me!? Why!...Why!...I'll-" And Cheerilee's eyes swelled with tears as she simply began trotting off hurriedly flailing her hooves in the air as she retreated back down to Ponyville.

The stallion continued. "Princess Yucca is in the middle of school right now so please come back la-"

Twilight simply teleported further into the schoolhouse as bouncing on the front desk would be the filly, and surprisingly enough, Discord who'd been leashed onto a collar would be sitting slumped against the wooden desk with an extremely irritated expression. The draconequus couldn't have been happier to see Twilight as his eyes immediately swelled with tears and a bright smile appeared on his face, "WHY, it's about time! Where have you all been!? Do you know everything I've been through!?"

Fluttershy and the others made their way past the random stallion guards as well as Fluttershy gasped in horror, "D-Discord!"

Rainbow however burst into laughter, "BAHAHAHAHAHA!"

While Rarity was attempting to hold in her chuckles. "My my, why this is quite surprising."

Meanwhile  still bouncing on the front desk with the leash floating beside her would be Princess Yucca as she'd just currently finished writing down a multitude of mathematical formulas on the board and then spread her hooves. "And that's it everypony! Did you all get it? These are only a few of the simple ones, so now we can move onto the more intense geometrical sect of Grade-A teleportation!"

Apple Bloom's eyes were spinning as she just fell out the side of her chair.

While Scootaloo slammed her pencil onto the ground. "THIS IS DUMB! We're not even supposed to be in school!"

Sweetie Belle looked to Scootaloo with a gasp, "H-Hush Scootaloo, she's a princess! You don't want to get her angry!"

Scootaloo snarled, "But Ms.Cheerilee left! Why do we have to be here!?"

Twilight however, cut into the conversation immediately causing all eyes to focus on her as there was then a drawn on silence. Twilight frowned heavily before speaking. "She's no princess, and there's no need to treat her like royalty."

Princess Yucca's eyes immediately widened before she raised a brow, and looked towards Princess Twilight. "Hm?" Yucca cocked her head to the left before lowering her hind legs and sitting, just chuckling. "Oh hi Momma #2, you all looking for me?"

Twilight sighed, "So I'm guessing this is your answer? Taking over the town and trotting about like you're a Princess of Equestria?"

Princess Yucca blinked a bit before she chuckled and manifested a cloud before leaning back on it like a chair. "Huuuuuuuh? Princess? What're you saying Momma #2!?" She paused, "I'm just playing with Mr.Creature and going to school like a normal pony should!" A light smirk appeared on Yucca's face as she'd clapped her hooves. "Did you find my banishment runes? They were good weren't they!?"

Twilight glared at the filly then. "They were. But they were easily dispelled as well. It looks like you still got a lot to learn."

Princess Yucca gasped before she disappeared and reappeared in front of Twilight before looking up at her with wide fascinated eyes. "OH? I DO?" She then teleported higher into the air before chuckling with an excited expression. "Well I bet there are still a lot of books out there I haven't discovered! Or maybe there aren't? Hmmmmm!" She began tapping her muzzle before spinning in the air. "But I don't feel like reading right now! I want to play a game and none of you will play with me! So I'm going to play pretend and go to school for a day! Plus I got a new pet! He's oh so amazing! Amazing amazing! And everypony is wearing my outfits to! Yep yep yep!" She then did a spin in the air before manifesting four milkshakes and gorging all of them down at once and rubbing her belly.

Twilight lowered her head before glancing up at Yucca. "That's where you're wrong."

Princess Yucca's eyes widened before she looked down at Twilight yet again. "Huh?"

Twilight continued, as each of her friends stood beside her. "We'll play your game. If you win, we'll agree to go with you as prisoners. If we win however," there was slight hesitation in Twilight's voice. "You will leave Equestria."

There was suddenly light gasps spread about the room.

Discord crossed his arms before shaking his head at Twilight, "Aaaaand there goes all sense of hope I had before."

However, even some of the mane six seemed confused, as Applejack raised a brow at Twilight. "T-Twilight? Are you sure about this?"

Rainbow shook her head, "Twilight! Aren't we supposed to capture her to? Why let her leave Equestria!?"

Rarity also couldn't wrap her mind around it. "That does seem a little out of place darling."

Pinkie Pie chuckled before appearing below Rarity with a smile, "What're you talking about silly? Twilight could never lose!"

Rarity glanced down at Pinkie, "It's not just that Pinkie. It's that, the reward for winning doesn't seem all that great either."

Princess Yucca appeared deep in thought for a moment before clapping her hooves together. "OKAY!"

All of their eyes immediately widened as they looked to Yucca.

Princess Yucca chuckled as she spread her hooves. "I'll play! Sounds like fun! So what game are we playing?"

Twilight remained silent before raising her head and commenting. "Let's call it the special talent game."

The Final Countdown: 2

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 2

"OUTRAGEOUS!" Queen Chrysalis shouted angrily from within her throne room, letting off a spell which nearly shattered all windows.

Knelt down behind Queen Chrysalis would be two changelings who bore worried expressions, the same two individuals who'd been assigned to scout Yucca in Ponyville.

"WHEN WAS THIS!? I DEMAND AN ANSWER THIS INSTANT!" Queen Chrysalis snarled as she'd immediately turned to face them.

One of the scouts spoke hesitantly. "N-No more than a day or so ago my Queen. She has taken the path towards the frozen north in the Crystal Mountains.."

Standing towards the entrance of the throne room would be Princess Celestia and Luna as they'd attempted to hurry towards the changeling queen themselves. Princess Celestia shouted out to Chrysalis in a desperate attempt to calm her. "Chrysalis! Calm yourself! We CAN recover from this. Surely the Crystal Ponies will run into-"

Queen Chrysalis' horn started to glow fiercely as she'd growled beneath her breath, still absolutely enraged. "DON'T YOU DARE PLAY KIND WITH ME CELESTIA, WHEN IT WAS NONE OTHER THAN YOUR WHELP WHO DID THIS!" She glared at both sisters then, before approaching them in kind. "I should've known you were too self-righteous to not have planned something as despicable as this! It's just like you to resort to using those meddlesome little brats of yours you wench!"

Princess Celestia now appeared fairly annoyed herself as she trotted up to the changeling Queen. "Now hold on just a minute Chrysalis! I had no idea Twilight had even made contact with the child. How would I? I sent her off on an entirely different assignment. I've been here the whole entire time with you!"

Queen Chrysalis' glare never let up as she huffed, before trotting back and forth. "Well then you need to keep better control of your little protege Celestia, because she's already caused more than enough trouble for the three of us as is!" The Queen was fuming as her enraged expression only intensified. "Banishing my daughter in a GAME? Who does that little runt think she is? How could she ever hope to banish Yucca? Of course it'd be through means of manipulation and children's games! Now what will you do Celestia!? Now what will you do when Yucca travels across the seas, makes new allies, and returns in support of their goals and ideals!? What will your little princess do when she has a demigod on her doorstep? Not ANY of you are aware of how great little Yucca was, if she had even a sliver of common sense, she would decimate the lot of you!!!" Queen Chrysalis growled yet again, attempting to calm down. "Such idiocy! Now there's a possibility she's doomed us all!"

Princess Celestia scoffed, "Don't talk down to me Chrysalis. Your ignorance speaks for itself. Twilight surely must've had reasons for doing what she did, nonetheless, we never played a role in any of her recent acts. If I'd known Twilight had ulterior motives in regards to the alicorn, I wouldn't have alarmed her about the situation. It was only recently I'd found out she was even involved with the theft of my tome." Princess Celestia paused as she'd glanced to the lower right, "But Twilight is far too smart to have simply let the tome lie around, which could only mean she's somehow lost it. I wouldn't be surprised if she'd managed to lose it in the actual manifestation process. But I'm curious as to which ingredients she chose in order to result in doing so." Princess Celestia glanced up at Chrysalis, almost apologetically. "Twilight certainly does have a lot to answer for Chrysalis, with time. But she and her friends have done more than enough for the betterment of Equestria, I would like to hear my old student's reasoning, before I dig too deep into her personal motives for this. We have a bigger problem anyhow, as it seems we have a very powerful filly, about to enact her own banishment."

Queen Chrysalis' face calmed a bit as she still looked heavily upset with what'd occurred. "Hah, whatever you say Celestia. Just be glad I do not head out there myself. To blatantly disrespect my daughter despite being a pony, I should demand much more as retribution." Chrysalis swiped her hoof as she began to snap yet again. "DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO THIS CHILD'S MOTHER IS!? I BATHED HER, FED HER, CLOTHED HER, GAVE HER ALL THAT SHE HAS!!!! WITH THE CLAP OF A HOOF SHE WOULD DO ANYTHING I ASKED!!! SHE COULD TWIST THE SKIES WITH A GIGGLE, BRING UPON CRASHING THUNDER WITH A CLAP, SHATTER BOULDERS WITH A SNEEZE!!! She was a gift never intended to exist. But MY gift nonetheless!" Chrysalis' face darkened as she lowered her tone, looking upon Celestia in a silent rage. "So you can imagine how upset it makes me when I hear how she was belittled in front of your troublesome lot. I do hope you understand Celestia, I can take back this deal any moment I'd like. Yucca, is, miiiiiiiine."

A light shiver ran down both Celestia and Luna's spine as they remained silent, only returning Chrysalis' glare.

Queen Chrysalis exhaled, before raising her head and continuing. "Know that it is only out of our neutral understanding that we do not wish for Yucca to play any part in these measly war-games of ours that you're still here." She sighed before appearing a bit more at ease. "It is because I trust you to do the right thing Celestia, that I have welcomed you here. It is because I trust that you know what it takes to raise such a creature, that I have welcomed you here. It is because I wish to keep what we have going, without disrupting the balance of power, that I've welcomed you here." Queen Chrysalis paused, "If you ever forget that, balance or not, I promise you shall regret it. Ensuring Yucca doesn't develop into a tyrant is our main priority as of now." She began trotting back and forth. "So obviously your little student knew exactly what it was that made Yucca tick, no doubt she's her legitimate mother. And no doubt she knows something seeing as she obviously didn't want Yucca making contact with any of you..."

Princess Celestia lowered her hind legs, sitting for a moment before glaring up at Chrysalis questioningly. "Strange how you've been acting all motherly all of a sudden Chrysalis, seeing as you were originally planning to develop the child as a weapon. The irony of it all is quite flattering if I do say so myself."

Queen Chrysalis snarled yet again as her muzzle scrunched up. "And what wouldn't you know about that Celestia? You who sends those six children out to do her dirty work whenever she feels it's suiting! You have done nothing different, raising weapons!"

Princess Celestia gasped beneath her breath. "I WOULD NEVER CONSIDER THEM WEAPONS!"

Queen Chrysalis scoffed, "HAH! Now that's funny! If I recall, wasn't it a certain six who-"

Princess Luna cut in, yelling in her Canterlot voice. "ENOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUGH!!!!!"

Queen Chrysalis and Princess Celestia fell silent then on.

Princess Luna was breathing heavily as she just shook her head in annoyance. "Let us all agree we've ALL been dealt an ill hoof here. Certainly Princess Twilight was doing what she thought would be best for everypony. The child is a potential danger, we've already agreed to that, it is only natural for Twilight Sparkle to realize the inherent threat this alicorn poses regardless. Queen Chrysalis, it would be foolish to deny that even you, whose managed to raise the child, has had worries about if she managed to turn on you someday, thus explaining why we are here. Is us being here more out of a calling of fear, or out of love for that child? I wouldn't be too eager to bet on the latter."

Queen Chrysalis growled a bit as she avoided eye contact with Luna.

Princess Luna looked to her sister. "And Sister, we must agree that Twilight has certainly overstepped her bounds in this situation. She may be a princess but she has ignored your orders, and used her own personal judgement to deem what was best regarding the situation. Now we've likely missed our chance to seize Princess Yucca and ensure she doesn't somehow fall under the influence of more needy species. We must focus on getting her back before it's too late, or we risk all of Equestria for a later day." Princess Luna looked to Celestia worriedly before sighing heavily and lowering her head. "We cannot let her leave sister, she can still be housed under us if we manage to catch up to her in time."

Queen Chrysalis groaned as she rolled her eyes. "Anoooother reason your little protege is quite the fool in these regards."

Princess Celestia looked to Chrysalis, still annoyed. "What was that Chrysalis?"

Queen Chrysalis raised her hoof slightly as she cocked a brow, amused. "You two obviously do not know Yucca. She takes her games very seriously, of course I can imagine this was your brat's intention from the get-go using such a game on my daughter." She placed a tired hoof over her face. "When Yucca has agreed to something such as this, it is very hard to convince her to not go through with it. She takes her games very very very very seriously. She is without a doubt heading straight for the borders of Equestria as we speak, I give us less than seven days before she's beyond our reach for good. In other words, you two, have no more than a week."

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's eyes widened at Chrysalis as Celestia spoke. "W-What!? Are you not coming!?"

Queen Chrysalis made her way to her throne. "Of course not you idiots. Yucca would run straight back to me if she were to see me. I'd say the only hope you two have is if somepony manages to conveniently buy you some time somehow. But I doubt either of you can get a message out from here in such a short amount of time." She paused with a sigh, "Otherwise, you must do all that you can to race against the clock and find her yourselves in the massive land which is Equestria."

Princess Celestia cringed as she glared at Chrysalis in silence.

Queen Chrysalis cackled, "Bahaha! Is that a look of disappointment Celestia? You can't win them all can you? Isn't it oh so convenient how your student placed Yucca on my doorstep rather than yours? Then also managed to boot her right out of yours!? Remember Celestia, if you fail, you only risk losing everything you hold dear."

Princess Celestia's cheeks turned red as she glanced to the lower right in frustration.

Queen Chrysalis raised a hoof however, done picking on Celestia. "BUT don't fret!"

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both raised brows at Queen Chrysalis.

Queen Chrysalis lowered herself into her throne before slumping down. "For many months, I have played with Yucca. I have played her games, I have seen her favorite tricks, her hobbies, habits, how she acts and plays." Queen Chrysalis paused with a light smirk, "So allow me to teach you, how to win an impossible game of tag.... "

~ 6 Days Later ~

The Crystal Mountains of the frozen north, the weather was calm as the day was beautiful with freshly fallen snow, despite the sun providing decent warmth.

Princess Yucca trekked up a snowy path as she wore a thick furry coat and chuckled as she bounced. "SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!" The filly's mane returned to that ruffled state it was once before, and was now fashioned in the form of a ponytail. She buried her face into the snow playfully as her tail swayed left to right. She believed she was alone in this vast mountains, unaware and not even considering the idea of anypony having followed her. She gasped with a wide smile, "It's just like the stories! White like marshmellows! I really like marshmellows! They're so yummy and you can mix them with so much stuff! Like milkshakes! I shall mark this in my super adventure journal!" She suddenly poofed out a thick tome with magic before biting on her tongue, sitting on her rear, scribbling a poorly drawn marshmellow in it before closing it and making it disappear yet again.

And observing over the top of a particular mountain would be six beady eyes as they watched the tiny alicorn filly make her way up the path. The figures soon lowered themselves as it was revealed it was a group of three crystal guards; huddled. The guards then immediately nodded to one another as they raised their scarfs covering their muzzles and then hurried back down another particular route, sliding down the snowy slope and touching down upon the hidden trail. And standing on the pathway would be the prestigious Princess of the Crystal Empire, accompanied by her Prince as they both bore worried expressions as a stream of guards remained close behind them.

Princess Cadence had her own scarf, as did Shining Armor as she looked to her guards. "Where is she?"

One of the scouts spoke. "Reporting in princess, the alicorn is only following a beaten route, she's taking the path furthest into the crystal mountains."

Shining Armor only raised a brow as he began to rub his muzzle with his hoof. "Why? For what reasons?" He looked to Cadence in deep thought, "A random alicorn filly heading for the furthest route into the Crystal Mountains? Who is she? Where did she come from? And why is she here?" He looked back to the guards, "I almost thought you all were just pulling our legs when you told us this story. But now I'm glad we came ourselves, it looks like we have come across something totally strange."

Princess Cadence looked to Shining Armor worriedly, "S-Shining we should talk to her. It could be anything, she could be lost!"

One of the guards cut in, bowing his head. "I doubt this my Princess, it feels as if she's heading for somewhere in particular. In all actuality she's actually far more complacent with what's happening than we expected even of an alicorn, we assume she has a particular destination in mind."

Shining Armor cut in, "But where? There's nothing out there but snow, dead forests, and creatures better left alone."

Princess Cadence glanced back to Shining Armor. "Don't be so quick to assume dear. Who would've thought an alicorn would simply be trekking through our mountains heading north in the first place? I was certain there were only four of us in existence. But now I don't know what to think, maybe Princess Celestia knows her?"

Shining Armor shook his head, glancing down. "No, I don't think so. I was a part of Princess Celestia's royal guard for a long while, and not once did I ever hear mention of an alicorn such as this. But what mind boggles me is the fact that she's so young. Something just doesn't sit right with me here."

Princess Cadence remained silent for some time afterwords, deep in thought before glancing up and looking straight towards the slope. She made a determined expression before glaring, "I'm going to go talk with her. We won't figure out anything if we just sit around here and talk without acting."

Shining Armor looked to Cadence for a moment worriedly before sighing and nodding reluctantly. "Well then, I'm going with you."

Princess Cadence flashed him an affectionate smile, before nuzzling him softly.

The guards all immediately stood at attention as they bore salutes towards the two of them. "As are we!"

Princess Cadence glanced back, shaking her head. "Sadly, no, I cannot allow any of you to come, stay back and watch. And should we require assistance, we will call for you."

The guards gasped as one spoke out, "B-But Princess!"

Princess Cadence continued, "I do not want her to get frightened. Appearing with all of you might be quite intimidating. Stay here until we give the order."

The guards all immediately bore frowns, reluctant to let Princess Cadence and Shining Armor go on alone as they watched as both their Prince and Princess made their way up the snowy slope, soon peering down the distant mountain, looking for the alicorn. Both Cadence and Shining nodded to one another in determination, before glancing back to their guards and nodding to them as well, and hopping down and over the opposite end, disappearing from their sight.

As Princess Yucca continued down the route further into the mountains, she trotted silently with wide eyes as she was forced to raise her legs super high for each and every trot. She also moved awkwardly, almost as if her furry coat was too big as she soon made her way up another pathway, this time along the side of a mountain. She blinked a bit as she trailed the side of this mountain, almost as if scaling the side of a cliff as it allowed her to glance down and look off towards the distant scenery of the Crystal Mountains. She raised a hoof over her brows as she squinted, peering off into the distance and attempting to see between the mountains, and soon enough she caught sight of what she was trying to find. It was none other than the glistening blue sea, barely visible through parted clouds. Yucca's smile grew wide as she clapped her hooves! "Yay yay! Welp, I guess this means it is aaaalmost time!" She lowered her hind legs in order to sit, as her horn started to glow and she then summoned a campfire. "BUT FIRST! A break! Breaks are needed on long hikes! And hiking is healthy for the body! I must remain healthy to defeat the strong ones!" She puckered her lower lip and did a hoof pump looking up towards the sky.

Princess Yucca then looked back off in the distance to her right off the side of the cliff, taking in the beautiful sights of the sparkling blue mountains covered in a pure white with the thick clouds looming overhead. Her eyes appeared fascinated as she looked particularly towards the sun, and stretched out her hoof towards it, almost obsessively. She blinked a bit, before squinting, concentrating as she focused on the sun while sitting there.  And as she shifted her hoof upwards, so did the sun slightly, and she could feel the motion of her hoof connected with the massive scorching sphere of energy. A slight playful grin formed upon the filly's muzzle as she chuckled, "Preeetty..."

"STOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened almost immediately as she looked to the right and at the origin of the voice. And trotting towards her swiftly would be an older pony, and one who looked extremely pretty baring a pink coat and elegant mane. Yucca appeared infatuated as she just continued to sit there with her hoof outstretched over the cliff, looking at the oncoming pony. But almost just as quick as she looked, she cocked her head to the right. "TAG!?" Before she'd been tackled, causing her to roll along with the pony as she found herself laying on her back with her hind legs curled in along with her forehooves as she just blinked curiously up at the strange pony. "I have wings silly!"

Princess Cadence breathed heavily as she bore a horrified expression before stating angrily, "STILL! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING!? I didn't know if you could fly yet!"

Princess Yucca spread her hooves as she closed her eyes with a giggle. "Plaaaaaying with fire. GET IT!? GET IT!? No no, seriously you get it? I think that's clever!"

Princess Cadence whom was still trying to catch her breath just shook her head as she picked up the filly, embracing her in a tight hug worriedly before stretching out her forehooves while holding her to manage to get a good look at her. "No! I mean what're you doing in general! Playing so dangerously close to a cliff, trotting out here by yourself, just...everything! Who're you!? Why're you here!?" She sighed as she just closed her eyes and shook her head, holding the filly close and patting her head. "It doesn't matter, it's alright now. You don't have to wander aimlessly anymore. Princess Celestia will probably have more answers I'm sure."

Princess Yucca remained there in her hold with a simple smile before blinking. "Sorry Miss! I am officially banished!" She manifested a pair of round thick rimmed glasses as she pushed them up slightly. "Officially officially! Well probably not officially cause then I'd have to go somewhere! But I'm going nowhere! Wait nowhere!? Yea nowhere! Well somewhere out of Equestria! YEP!" She looked up curiously as she placed a hoof on her muzzle and began tapping it. "So that means I'm very awesome right? I mean the scary ponies are scary but they're kinda awesomesauce I think as well." She shrugged and looked to Cadence with a blank expression and allowed her hooves to slump down.

Princess Cadence could only reply with a gasp as she shook her head. "B-Banished!? By whom!?"

Yucca spread her hooves and raised them to the air. "I lost! So I'm leaving just like I said! You've gotta follow the rules! But I guess I can play a little bit at least!"

Shining Armor approached the two with a raised brow. "Cadence, she's an alicorn, and she just said she was banished." He frowned heavily before raising appearing a bit hesitant in regards to the situation. "It's a possibility she just escaped. It would explain why we've never seen her before."

Princess Cadence glared at him before turning while still holding the filly in her hooves. "Do you hear yourself Shining!? We both just saw the same thing. She's not evil."

Shining Armor sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Not saying that Cadence, just saying, she's a bit...." He made a crooked expression at the filly.

The filly just gave him a blank stare for a moment before placing her hooves over she cheeks and scrunching up her face playfully.

Shining cringed a bit, "Strange, is all I'm saying. But I guess it makes more sense to just take her along and find out what this is all about anyhow."

Princess Cadence nodded before flapping her wings and holding the filly a bit closer. "Not like there was a choice in the matter anyhow, hmph!" Before she flapped off and away, preparing to go and meet the guards. Shining Armor just shrugged with yet another sigh before heading back on hoof.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts bordering the Crystal Mountains stood three individuals, accompanied by guards of both changelings and ponies, practically an entire battalion.

One of the individuals spoke. "Are you ready for this sister?"

And another replied, "Of course, after all of our rigorous training I do believe we're finally ready."

And the third cut in, "Don't grow overconfident you two. Despite everything I've taught you, you aren't your student Celestia. She had leeway being both Yucca's creator and knowing her personally, while you two, shall be heading in blind. If she hasn't already left Equestria that is."

And it was revealed the three standing upon the outskirts would be none other than Queen Chrysalis, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia was adorned in a gown riddled with designs of different sweets while she wore a cardboard helmet symbolizing King Sombra and having an intense amount of eye makeup as well as combat paint spread across each cheek. She had a utility belt assorted with different cupcake flavors as well as confetti grenades. "I am aware..."

Princess Luna to was adorned in a gown as hers was decorated with the symbols of the stars and she wore a makeshift version of Nightmare Moon's armor while also baring a utility belt with a magical tracking radar and a multitude of wands attached to her back left hind leg. Princess Luna turned red in the face as she groaned, "Ugh! Do I haaaave to be Nightmare Moon? Isn't there anypony else she can target? Why do I have to play the bait?" Princess Luna grumbled as she lowered her head.

Queen Chrysalis groaned herself. "I've told you already that she has a peculiar attachment to those two for some odd reason! And who better than to play the role than you herself! If you want to get Yucca to play with you two in an override game then listen to what I tell you! So stop complaining!"

Both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia glanced at one another with a sigh before nodding then looking ahead once again.

Princess Celestia glared ahead towards the mountains as she frowned. I promise I won't let you end up like the last one. And Princess Celestia began to dwell on a particular as within that memory, both she and a certain bearded pony looked upon the Crystal Heart with saddened eyes. She shook her head head before appearing fairly determined, "Let us hurry, not another second is to be wasted."

And meanwhile in Ponyville, Princess Twilight Sparkle sat upon her throne as she rested her cheek atop her hoof. She was alone and appeared to be a bit troubled over something in particular, as much like her old mentor, she was lost in old memories. And she frowned as she recalled a key memory, in relation to her now departed creation.

Twilight was only a filly in the memory, as she'd peeked around a corner with wide eyes, blinking momentarily. She peered from the upper level of the Canterlot Library, as it was the early evening, and supposedly only in the library with the filly unknowingly would be the Princess of the Sun herself.

Standing in front of a particular bookcase would be Princess Celestia with her head lowered and a saddened expression as she closed her eyes and ran her hoof over the bookshelf. Princess Celestia shook her head as she only sighed, "I'm sorry Starswirl. I hope the day will never come when we must use it again. Such objects should never be created, lest they end up no different from the Crystal Heart. But I fear our dependence on such powerful artifacts has grown too much, for I had even resorted to using them even on Luna." Princess Celestia's eyes swelled with tears as she just shook her head, "I'm sorry, I had no choice. I'm so sorry Luna, Starswirl, for even considering it....."

Twilight only continued to watch with wide observant eyes as she blinked a bit, listening intently.

And Princess Celestia left the library, trotting out sluggishly soon afterwords.

Twilight sparkle then teleported, poofing her way down to the particular bookshelf curiously as she glanced around a bit, to see if Princess Celestia was still inside. And just as she looked, the lower level doors creaked shut behind the princess who'd just left. Twilight then looked back towards the book shelf as she placed a hoof over her muzzle, glancing about a bit in worry, before shaking her head and rising to her hind legs, attempting to reach up to a particular book. Being unable to reach it, she struggled to use her telekinetic magic as she soon stumbled back, causing the particular book to be forcibly pulled back as there was a slight screeching noise as she'd stumbled back.

And suddenly disappearing, fading as if it were never there into a magical transparent mist would be the bookshelf itself, revealing an opening and bright light.

Twilight's eyes widened with infatuation as she looked upon the opening, silently and curiously.

Princess Twilight cut off the memory as she just remained in the throne, and then leaned forward as she closed her eyes, and sighed. Remaining there in silence.

The Final Countdown: 1

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 1

Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis, and Princess Luna now stood near the grassy plains and a lonesome dirt road as each of their guards followed all of their movements. However all three appeared horribly frantic as they stood there and Princess Luna stood with one hoof holding her magical radar which continued to let off an erring bleeping noise which continued recurrently. She frowned heavily as she shook her head, "There's no mistake about it sister, she's definitely there."

Queen Chrysalis raised a brow at a radar, "So, it actually does work?"

Princess Luna nodded to Chrysalis. "Indeed, it's not hard for us to create our own magical artifact that can trace Yucca since she to is made up only of magical essence. In all reality, you mentioned how you'd see what she's made of didn't you? Well, all you'd find is a swirling void of magical essence if we are truly correct."

Princess Celestia's expression sunk as she glanced down worriedly, conflicted about the entire situation. "We have no choice but to show face there then."

Queen Chrysalis backed away some as she herself wore a bitter expression as there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. The sun hanging overhead and behind them would cast a shadow down upon the changeling Queen as she stood some distance away from them. "You both know I cannot go with you in there. Besides if Yucca truly is there, then this is where we must part. I no longer play a role in her life. She and I, no longer have any more connections."

Princess Celestia looked to Chrysalis at first with wide eyes questioningly, before frowning at her. "Chrysalis..."

Queen Chrysalis continued. "Promise me Celestia. Promise me you won't use her against me, that you'll keep your word. That you'll do what you must to ensure she is taken care of. I want to hear you say it." She paused, lowering her head and remaining silent for a moment. "We may not have had a whole lot of time to get to know one another. But, I've come to grow fond of the little runt in some ways. But I realize now she does not belong with my kind, she belongs with her own. I cannot give her the time of day a mother should. Nor can I look at her without feeling slight annoyance, without believing she is a nuisance, I cannot help but think negatively of her." Queen Chrysalis almost looked guilty, admitting such things. "I can no longer bare the thought of using her as a source of power, as well as be her mother. It hurts more than I expected it to."

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both remained silent as they looked upon Chrysalis, each with saddened expressions.

Queen Chrysalis sighed heavily, as she cocked her head to the right in irritation looking upon the two. "Don't stare at me like that. It's embarrassing."

Princess Celestia bore a smile, nodding to Chrysalis. "I promise."

Queen Chrysalis flashed both Celestia and Luna a true smile then, as she closed her eyes and simply regarded the two with a nod as she then turned away from them.

Princess Celestia tilted her head to the right a bit. "Visit anytime...."

Queen Chrysalis didn't reply to that, as she'd just remained silent with her head lowered, continuing to face away from them.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned away from Chrysalis themselves, before nodding to one another as Princess Luna peered down at her makeshift radar. They each spread their wings as their guards followed their motions, and then proceeded to take towards the skies the distant Crystal Empire itself.

Queen Chrysalis just lowered her hind legs, as once they'd departed, she immediately went into coughing violently, covering her muzzle with her hoof. The Queen had deep bags beneath her eyes as she appeared fairly sick and sighed heavily before smirking to herself lightly. "I guess my body isn't used to not having her around either anymore....."

One of the changelings approached the Queen worriedly before asking, "My Queen, shall we get started on the project in order to recreate-"

Queen Chrysalis looked up towards the sun before simply replying. "We will be doing nothing of the sort." She appeared fairly calm, serene in her demeanor.

The guards all gasped before regarding their Queen in confusion as one cut in, "B-But my Queen! Then Princess Celestia shall have-"

And Queen Chrysalis didn't hesitate to cut this one off either. "She shall have everything I intended her to have from the very beginning. I shall grant her this special exception, for I will do everything in my power to ensure this goes smoothly. Should that mean I don't trifle with the powers that created Yucca then so be it, I had little care for them anyhow." She smiled softly, "But I couldn't appear as if I'd lost control in front of Celestia now could I? No, I think I like how things shall end here. Yucca left feeling as if she'd disappointed me, she'd even gone so far as to face those meddlesome six for me, and despite having lost, I am a proud mother. If Celestia can somehow find a way to ensure she does not end up becoming destabilized and securing her future, then I shall be happy. That child should never have played a role in our politics, and I pray she no longer ever will. This is between us changelings and ponies, separately." Queen Chrysalis paused to regard her changelings as she turned red in her cheeks, absolutely embarrassed she was speaking in such a mushy manner. "B-But nonetheless! LET US STOP SPEAKING OF THIS! It's over and done with! Let us be off."

The changelings all saluted as they gathered in formation behind their Queen.

Queen Chrysalis smirked in satisfaction of their loyalty, these to, were her dear children who would go so far as to die for her. And she cared for each and every one of them deep down inside, much like she did her brief daughter for a time. She smiled, looking off into the direction of the Crystal Empire yet again before sighing and shrugging lightly and only thinking to herself. Farewell Yucca, do take care of yourself, wherever you may end up you little demon of a child, my little stray.

As they glided through the skies over the Crystal Empire, Princess Celestia paused as she took a moment to regard her sister. Their guards followed their motions, pausing as well as Princess Celestia looked seriously towards her. "Luna, I'd like for you and the Lunar Guards to wait at the gates; and once there, I would like for you to bring upon night only for a brief amount of time. As Chrysalis stated, Yucca has a particular attachment to you. But I don't believe this is solely due to the fact that she seems to have a knack for blaming you for her issues. It isn't odd for a filly to do such childish things." She frowned a bit, "But I also believe it may be a form of denial."

Princess Luna raised a brow at Celestia, "What do you speak of Sister? Denial? You heard Chrysalis yourself over this past week. Besides, we had to use quite an amount of tall tales to excuse our lengthy absence, I'd like for us not to take any risks in this whole ordeal. We're so close anyhow, so now's certainly not the time for such games."

Princess Celestia shook her head as she'd pointed to her utility belt. "Exactly my point sister, the time for games is over. Yes, I've heard Chrysalis and I understand that she does indeed know the child best, but I to have learned much from watching her in the scrolls, and I knew my old student well, and I know a part of Twilight lives within that child. This, these cans of confetti and muffins galore, this is no game, this is no play-date, we are extracting an extremely powerful alicorn and ensuring she has a secure future as a pony, one that does not disturb the peace. This was never a game from the moment it started. So there's no reason to treat it as such. That little filly Luna, she may be a child, but so was Twilight. Twilight's inner potential that drew me to her, that allowed me to see just how capable she was, that dangerous potential is obviously here as well. "

Princess Luna frowned a bit as she'd looked at Celestia questioningly. "I do not understand sister, just what are you talking about? You're speaking in riddles."

Princess Celestia sighed before looking to her sister in a straightforward manner. "What I'm saying Luna is, she needs to come to a realization for us to make any progress with her. She realizes just how dire the situation is, perhaps all she'd ever want to do is run away from the truth of it all. She is only just a filly."

Princess Luna shook her head, "I don't understand how I remaining alone at the gates solves any of this..."

Princess Celestia glanced down through the parted clouds at the grand castle of the empire itself. "Trust me when I say that we'll need quite a bit of free space away from the innocent citizens to accomplish what we're here to do. It also gives me time to prepare. Lest forget Chrysalis raised this alicorn, not us..."

Princess Luna cocked her head to the right, "Prepare what?"

Princess Celestia looked up further into the sky. "We're not only tasked with ensuring Yucca doesn't leave Equestria, but ensuring she comes to our side."

Princess Luna remained silent, only listening to Celestia.

Princess Celestia continued, "I think it's time we brought an end to all of these games sister."

"Wooooooooow! THIS IS SO SO SO AMAZING! SO PRETTY! SHINY! Like glass stone, and walls, and everything! GLASS PONIES!?" She spread her hooves happily. "You defeated the evil Sombrero! You are so so so amazing! I've always wanted to see the glass ponies!" Princess Yucca had her hooves spread and her eyes closed as she sat upon a tiny chair in Princess Cadence's private quarters. And sitting across from her observantly would be Princess Cadence herself who'd only been chuckling as she looked down upon the filly.

Princess Cadence nodded plainly afterwords, "Yes yes, you flatter me little pony. But it took the help of many of my friends as well." She glanced about her private quarters affectionately, obviously grateful for her current conditions, "This is something I could never achieve alone. And not without the power of the Crystal Heart to aid me as well."

Princess Yucca's eyes widened then as she puckered her lower lip and then lowered her head as her mane suddenly became straight and less full of fluff as she'd frowned. "Friends? I don't have any friends. Does that mean I will never be able to defeat the evil ones like you did?"

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she appeared a bit distraught over what the filly said. "I didn't mean it like that! I...I just-"

Princess Yucca snickered as she'd leaped up and got in Cadence's face. "KIDDING! Hehe, of course I've got friends dummy!" She then leaned back in her chair with a smug smirk as she'd crossed her hind legs and closed her eyes with a snicker. "PFT! Everypony needs friends to support them in the scary times."

Princess Cadence suddenly seemed hopeful for the filly, "O-Oh really!? That's great little one. So, what're their names?"

Princess Yucca continued smugly. "Well of course, first there's Fluffy King, and then there's K-5933994838. They're my dolls. Impressive huh?"

Princess Cadence's gaze shifted a bit as she just replied hesitantly, "Well, uh- a-anyway! So, why aren't they with you?"

Princess Yucca sighed heavily as she whimpered softly, leaning forward and crossing her hooves over her lap. "K-5933994838 was beheaded in the Battle of Doogi'vera against the pony of nightmares. And Fluffy King retired afterwords." Princess Yucca sighed with a slight glare, "They've seen too much bad stuff to continue the battle." And for a moment, the filly seemed lost in her thoughts with her hooves crossed. She then glanced up up at Princess Cadence for a moment, before appearing hesitant and avoiding eye contact, as she looked back towards her yet again. "Glass Princess, do you ever have scary dreams?" She closed her eyes halfway. "Of things you think you should remember?" She paused for a moment before muttering silently to herself, "Because I think I remember you. I remember the pony of nightmares, and the evil Sombrero as well. But I still don't get a lot of it, no matter how much I studied or read my books, the problems are always too tough for me."

Princess Cadence blinked a bit as she just looked down at the filly.

Princess Yucca then rose with a determined expression and swipe of her hoof. "That is why I can't give up pretty pony princess! Momma wanted me to take over the ponies and I failed! BUT MAYBE! I can still win by defeating the pony of nightmares! I am on a journey of awesomesauce! A journey of the pony niceness rules! Momma #2 has showed me I am still not prepared! I still have lots and lots to learn!" She stomped a hoof before looking up at Cadence. "Which is why I must go now!"

Princess Cadence only gasped before she hurried to the door, practically blocking the filly. "Absolutely not."

Princess Yucca raised a brow, "B-But, I won't be able to defeat the pony of nightmares if I can't go! I-I...I, it's all I have left!"

Princess Cadence looked down at the filly questioningly. "And where exactly do you plan to go? You're banished."

Princess Yucca's eyes widened for a moment as she just looked at Princess Cadence for a moment as she said in a cold lifeless manner. "Wherever I have to..."

And Princess Cadence didn't fail to notice the sudden shift in the filly's mood as she began to regard her worriedly.

The filly appeared dazed, lost in her thoughts as her eyes remained exponentially wide. "Dreams, the dreams never stop. Momma #2 was right. So I have to go now. I ignored it, I kept ignoring it. Ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore is all I ever did. She was right. Right right right. Don't you think so? Don't you think she was right? I saw it, but it had to be the ponies of nightmares. Giving me the dreams. I see them, I see her, I see myself playing with ponies I don't know, stopping ponies I never stopped. I don't want to think about it, I never did. Ignore ignore ignore ignore ignore, all I ever do is ignore. Momma is gone because I couldn't stop ignoring. All I wanted to do is play play play." She'd whimpered.

Princess Cadence's expression sunk more as she only looked upon the filly worriedly as she continued to listen to her rambling. But what also caught Cadence's attention was as the filly continued to ramble, her ruffled mane only started to become more straight as magic seeped from her body.

The filly just paused as she sat there, as if still lost before exclaiming questioningly as a hint of moisture appeared in both her eyes, "Am I scary?" And as quickly as she'd said that, the filly felt herself pulled in by a tight embrace as she just sat there stuck in that embrace as a hoof wrapped around her head.

Princess Cadence shook her head, wearing a serious expression as she'd actually appeared somewhat upset while stroking her mane. "Not at all...."

Princess Yucca closed her eyes as she lowered her hind legs to sit before hesitantly attempting returning Cadence's embrace, and that she did.

And suddenly, just as the two had embraced, the light in the entirety of the castle had faded away, becoming consumed by a pure atmosphere of darkness.

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she cocked a brow, suddenly hearing the sound of much shuffling going on outside in the halls. She rose before nudging Yucca along softly, "Stay close to me little one." She then opened the doors of her private quarters as she peeked out into the halls, seeing guards rushing about attempting to figure out themselves why it had suddenly gotten so dark. But as Princess Cadence then looked back to continue guiding Yucca, she'd seen Princess Yucca wasn't even paying attention and appeared lost once again as she just looked at the filly curiously, unsure why she was acting the way she was. "Little one? Are you alright?"

Princess Yucca was deathly silent as she'd only stated simply, "She's here?" As a wide playful grin spread from cheek to cheek. "Here here here?"

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she only questioned the filly further, "W-What? Who's here?"

Princess Yucca rose, fluttering her wings as she spread her hooves exclaiming in absolute excitement. "SHE'S HEEEEEEEEEEEEERE!!!!!" And with that she disappeared.

Princess Cadence gasped as she'd hurried back into the room, "W-WAIT!!! L-LITTLE ONE!? WHERE'D YOU GO!?" She began to look around frantically as she'd checked under the bed, behind the curtains, near the dresser, anywhere in the room she could think of. She began pacing heavily as she rushed out of her private quarters, only to see a series of guards approaching as well as Shining Armor as they'd all appeared just as frantic. Shining Armor called out to his wife then. "C-CADENCE!"

Princess Cadence shook her head, "S-Shining she just disappeared! I don't know where she ran off to!"

Shining Armor paused, raising a hoof as his guards halted as well. "The alicorn? Cadence I think that's the least of our-"

But suddenly, there'd been an interruption in their conversation. "Cadence, Shining. There's no need to worry about what's happening."

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as did all of the guards as well as Shining's in recognition of that sudden voice.

Shining squinted a bit as he peered off down the distant hall, looking in particular at an emerging figure. "You're..."

Standing in the background would be Princess Celestia, at first cloaked by shadows as she'd appeared before them. "I'm glad to see you two are alright. Worry not, although I have not shared all the details with Luna either, the reason we're here is to address your concerns. I have a much more reliable plan in regards to that alicorn's well-being."

Princess Cadence only blinked a bit as she'd appeared fairly confused. "Auntie, I don't mean to go off topic but erhm; what're you wearing?"

Princess Celestia sighed as a hint of crimson appeared in her cheeks as she'd shook her head. "What I'm wearing isn't important! W-What's important is that you two stay out of what's about to occur at the gates of the Crystal Empire. Allow Luna and I handle this situation, meaning the alicorn you've found Cadence. We shall take her off your hooves."

Princess Cadence gasped as she'd leaned forward, making her way up to Princess Celestia with stride. "So then you do know her!? Who is she Auntie Celestia!? Why's she here?"

Princess Celestia frowned. "She is a creation, an entity of pure magic drawn from Twilight and her friends. An amalgamation of the six, crafted from the power of an ancient and powerful tome. Why she is here, well, that's a long story. Luna and I are only here to retrieve her so we may ensure she does not do anything that may result in future harm."

Princess Cadence's brow twitched as she couldn't wrap her head around what Celestia was saying. She placed a hoof over her face for a moment before just looking back up to her. "W-Wait, Auntie? I don't get what you're saying. Twilight, amalgamation, tome, what is all of this? How long has all of this been going on? She'd mentioned she was banished Auntie, were you the one who would banish such a child? I can't imagine so, she seems far too innocent."

Princess Celestia still only regarded her with a bitter frown. "I know you have a lot of questions Cadence, but I have little time to answer them. Perhaps someday, when it is truly necessary, we can sit and talk in regards about what little Yucca truly is. For now all you need to know is she is an imbalance in the scale of power that's been tipping Equestria in our favor. Fate has decreed that the balance of good and evil in the land has to be met, Yucca was that answer. She may wear an innocent form, but if left unchecked she could've grown to seize the thrones. Luna and I are ensuring that Yucca's destiny which we believe involves returning all of Equestria to a neutral state, is not met. We believe now that to simply put it, she was meant as a hard reset to everything we've accomplished. That is how capable she is. And no, I wasn't the one who banished her."

Princess Cadence shook her head, "If not you then who?"

Princess Celestia shook her head as well as she'd sighed. "Twilight."

Both Cadence and Shining's eyes widened for a moment as Shining just spoke out in question and shock, "T-Twilight!? Then she must've had some sort of reason to do it."

Princess Celestia nodded. "Yes, she wanted to keep the child from me. She knows that I would never allow this alicorn to remain as reckless as she is now so openly, such irresponsibility with magic is uncalled for. Which is why I aim to take her and ensure she doesn't make anymore brash decisions. Twilight aimed to make a personal call."

Princess Cadence frowned heavily herself in these regards. "Auntie, are you sure it's smart though to instigate such a situation?"

Princess Celestia lowered her hind legs before sitting. "Instigate? Or stagnate? Twilight also had her own ideas to what the best solution would be. She believed simply sending off this alicorn would be best. Allowing her to drift from Equestria, learn to live on the outside, perhaps create a kingdom in a land distant from here, away from the rest of us, out of sight out of mind if you will. Why she felt it was in her best interest to trust that this little alicorn wouldn't someday return or even drift from what she'd intended is beyond me, perhaps its the sliver of loyalty she's acquired from Rainbow. But you think similarly as well Cadence? What are your reasons behind these thoughts?"

Princess Cadence continued, raising her head. "Not a standstill Auntie! But love! Why is that so hard? Can't we do something without resorting to some form of conflict?"

Princess Celestia shook her head, before appearing a bit saddened by what she was about to say. "I'm certain you're already aware of the fact that this alicorn has a very strange, erhm, bubbly personality. Twilight has already forced us to conduct ourselves in such a manner due to her deal she'd made with the alicorn, it seems the alicorn has a strong sense of honesty and loyalty; she aims to keep her promise for the time being. My priority is ensuring that I mean to make it clear, her talents are restricted, and she will listen and know that it is wrong for her to use her magic so openly. She will cease to progress, and be learning how to live by our guidelines."

Princess Cadence's face scrunched up, "Cease to progress?"

Princess Celestia nodded plainly. "Yes, I want her to stop using her magic. It should be simple enough, and it'll ensure her own safety as well as others."

Princess Cadence sighed a bit as she sat and glanced to the lower right, "Auntie, you and I both know that's not going to happen if you'd seen her. She's utterly reliant on using her magic, it is only second nature to her. She would never listen to you. Besides, I would be awfully careful around her if I were you."

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Cadence.

Princess Cadence frowned, "I'm not sure if bubbly is how I'd describe what I saw."

Princess Celestia smiled softly, closing her eyes. "I've taken that into consideration. From what I recall with her encounter with another quite close to her, I believe it's safe to assume intense situations tend to cause her to be unable to concentrate well on her magic." She paused, "Which is why I'm sure Luna will be able to handle it."

Princess Cadence only raised another brow questioningly, "Luna?"

Shining Armor raised a brow at Celestia, but remained silent, keeping his thoughts to himself. Another one quite close to her? Hm...

Princess Luna stood at the gates of the Crystal Empire patiently. She groaned as she'd pulled out her radar and just stared it silently, annoyed. "Where is she?" Princess Luna frowned as she looked up towards the midnight sky, realizing that it was far too early for her night to be up. But she knew she had no choice as she just remained there. She then looked to her guards, whom remained steadfast at her side, ready and waiting. She also looked up towards the gates of the Crystal Empire as she didn't fail to notice that many of the Crystal Guards looked upon her in curiosity, wondering what she was doing and what she was waiting for, let alone the fact she was wearing cardboard armor and a belt with an assortment of cupcakes and confetti cans. She just sighed heavily as she only wished for this situation to be over with. But she also couldn't shake the thought that this alicorn was much like when she'd transformed in a sense, a negative reaction, and much like she was, unstable.

"P-Princess?" One of the guards beckoned. He then pointed a hoof straight ahead, "PRINCESS! S-STRAIGHT AHEAD!!!"

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she peered off into the distant sky, and not only could she see in that distance the sky was rapidly forming into a pale gray color, but that rapidly approaching would be a stream of rainbow ice emerging from a single source making its way towards her. And in a split second, that rapidly approaching source let off a violent rainbow ring as it'd shot off from it's current distant location, causing Princess Luna to stagger back as she'd immediately raised a magical barrier, "Back away my guards!" And upon raising that barrier the source had made contact with it no more than a second later with a violent and crackling slam. And Princess Luna for the first time, met eyes with the filly, as the filly looked back at her with anxious eyes, as if anticipating this moment for such a long while. It only caused Princess Luna's annoyance to grow as she'd felt her barrier become overwhelmed with the impact of the filly's kick, as she also didn't fail to notice that the filly's leg had turned to ice. Her brows furrowed, S-She's not playing. This is elemental magic. "S-So you're the alicorn hm? Nice to see that Queen Chrysalis wasn't simply telling tall tales about you." She'd cringed a bit.

And Princess Yucca leaped back from the barrier, before flapping her wings and propelling herself even further back, before launching herself upon Princess Luna's barrier yet again and this time, letting off a series of rapid bucks wildly upon a single point of the barrier, causing it to shudder and crack, before smashing it entirely, sending Princess Luna flying and skidding back in the grass. The Crystal Guards all gasped as they'd watched the spectacle occur, while many citizens to watched, as the single filly only paused in her relentless assault. Princess Yucca now wore a serious expression as she'd touched upon the ground before swiping her hoof and draping over her would be a thick elegant robe as she spread all four of her hooves, positioning herself in a combat stance. She growled beneath her breath, "So you've come back Nightmare Pony! I beat you before, I can beat you again! This time I will stop you like Momma wanted, sister of the evil princesses!" And Princess Yucca rose her hoof to the air, as she'd summoned what appeared to be a uniquely crafted golden staff, baring on it a circular tip consisting of six pendants, and upon summoning it, to her horror; Princess Luna recognized what it was. Princess Yucca used telekinetic magic to levitate the staff beside her, as she was not yet done. She'd then swiped her hoof, as appearing beside her would also be a tome in particular, a thick tome which Princess Luna could only further assume the identity of. "NO MORE GAMES, NIGHTMARE PONY!"

And as the sky was enveloped with a bright light, it shined with all the colors of the rainbow as the spectacle spread for miles on end. Yet it didn't end there, as pink lightning began to crash and boom across the landscape, Princess Yucca kept her hooves raised to the air as she wore a wide grin, snickering as her tiny body crackled with power.

And as the ground started to tremble, many individuals spread about Equestria didn't fail to notice the strange happenings as well.

Princess Twilight in particular situated near Ponyville made her way outside her grand castle; only to peer off towards the distant north and even from her current location, she saw the tiny flashing light across the vast sky. The alicorn only continued to peer ahead with wide eyes, staring off into the distance curiously.

Spike raised a brow at her curiously, before looking off in the same general direction himself.

And Queen Chrysalis to watched, turning for a brief moment as she'd already made some progress back towards the Badlands. But as she looked upon that rainbow drenched sky, she could only frown in discontent, as her eyes saddened and her brows furrowed as she'd faced ahead again in frustration.

Her changelings looked to her curiously as one inquired, "Shall we head back my Queen?"

Queen Chrysalis shook her head as she stated simply and in a hollow tone. "No, now let's go....." And sluggishly, she continued to fly on.

A shiver ran down Princess Luna's spine as she'd immediately looked to her guards. "RETREAT! THIS HAS ESCALATED BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITIES! RUN MY GUARDS!"

The guards however remained steadfast, hesitant to leave their princess behind as they stood beside her with determined expressions.

And with a simple squint, Princess Yucca caused each and every one of the guards to freeze in place as she'd tilted her staff, and each of them began to float into the air, before freezing completely, wrapped up by telekinetic magic. Princess Yucca glared at them, before smiling softly and closing her eyes as suddenly manifesting would be a row of purple cells and cages as she'd tossed each of them into one and locked the doors to them afterwords. Princess Yucca gave Princess Luna a bitter expression, "I shall show you my super ultimate combos which I have practiced! I hope you're prepared! This one is called, the ultimate cupcake crasher thrashing butterfly snatching micro lance!" She then placed a hoof over her muzzle before thinking about what she should use for a second. "Or maybe I should use the pony blaster! It's much much stronger!"

Princess Luna, despite what absolutely bad taste the filly had in names, that was the least of her concerns. She rose, as she'd immediately took to the air and began to make for her retreat, realizing that Princess Yucca in these regards, was fully meaning to use everything she had against her. This situation was far different than Chrysalis described.  This wasn't the game they were meant to play, nor did Princess Luna believe that Yucca had ever truly went serious with Chrysalis at any time during their games. However, upon attempting to retreat, Princess Yucca appeared before her, still wearing that determined expression. Princess Luna halted with a gasp.

Princess Yucca roared in her Canterlot voice. "SILENCE NIGHTMARE PONY!!!! YOUR EXCUSES WILL NOT SAVE YOU!!!.....The time has come." She then charged Princess Luna fiercely, but this time with an angry craving expression. She had her staff and tome each levitated by her side as they began to ignite with magical aura.

Princess Luna glanced around hurriedly, as suddenly her eyes widened and she'd realized something important. My training! Almost immediately the princess pulled from her utility belt a strawberry flavored cupcake, immediately holding it before Yucca with a determined expression. "HALT!!!"

And Princess Yucca almost immediately halted as that look of rage she wore dissipated and she bore wide eyes staring upon the cupcake. "Cupcake?" Princess Yucca then began to circle Princess Luna as she'd began to sniff her and trail around her in all sorts of directions. "Cupcake?" Princess Yucca's look of sudden obsession never disappeared as she just stared at the cupcake, before reaching for it desperately. "Gimme..."

Princess Luna gulped as she'd blinked, observing all the filly's actions closely. Now's where the real test begins. Princess Luna lowered her head with a slight glare, remaining focused as she'd recalled her training in the past week to counteract Yucca's actions. She recalled Chrysalis' words.

When offering her a cupcake, you must do so with caution. Yucca isn't foolish, sooner or later she will take the cupcake by force. It is only meant as a brief distraction as many of the tools at your disposal are. The cupcake can manage to give you a valuable 10-50 seconds worth of time. Whatever may force you to use the strawberry flavored cupcake, settle the matter as quickly as possible. Yucca will not remain distracted for long.

Princess Luna then tossed the cupcake with telekinesis fiercely. "GO GET IT!"

Princess Yucca's tongue hung out as she'd hurriedly turned and rushed for the cupcake.

Princess Luna then rose for the skies as she'd peered down at Yucca. H-How long must I keep this up Celestia!? Princess Luna looked up towards the rainbow covered skies and back down towards Yucca, whom despite rolling around happily while munching on a cupcake, shimmered with lightning and two legendary artifacts at her side. Princess Luna appeared obviously nervous as she'd cringed looking upon the filly. "I'm not sure if I can last as long as you'd like me to..."

Princess Yucca soon rose after finishing her cupcake as she'd licked her muzzle and hooves. "YUMMY! That suuuuure tasted a lot like Momma's! Anyhow!" She then glared yet again, snarling as she hopped around on all fours in similarity to a canine before sniffing and peering up towards the sky, then pointing fiercely at Princess Luna. "NIGHTMARE PONY! THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES! SOON YOU SHALL NEVER HAUNT ANOTHER PONY AGAIN!"

Princess Luna gulped as her heart started to race. Here comes round two. She further recalled Queen Chrysalis' advice.

Yucca's charge is untraceable. Granted her speed is far more abnormal than anything I've ever seen. So of course I had to come up with a fail-safe for when she'd managed to corner me in games such as Hide and Seek. I call it the confetti crash. In order to perform the confetti crash, you must activate a confetti can, I've given you many. This will release a multitude of tiny strips of multi-colored paper. Yucca seems to have a strange obsession with all the colors of the rainbow, so much so that once taking notice of the confetti, she'll immediately seize the opportunity to grab each and every single one. This takes her a good few seconds, and a few remaining in the same general location. The confetti can is a counterattack measure, used to briefly distract Yucca long enough to allow you to do whatever you must to win the game or subdue her.

Princess Luna readied herself as she'd snatched a confetti can from her satchel. She glared at Princess Yucca before muttering, "Let's play then child." And Princess Luna frowned nervously, feeling as if she'd been tasked with dancing with a demigod. And as Princess Yucca hopped once before disappearing from sight, Princess Luna to closed her eyes as she calmed herself in that moment, taking the time to listen to the sounds of the wind as she knew panicking during the sudden rush would only cause her to be caught under the filly's spell; or whatever she was currently planning. And as Princess Luna heard the particular sound which sounded no different from a mighty gust of wind coming from her right, her eyes snapped wide as she'd pulled the pin on the confetti can with her muzzle and then tossed it. "HERE!"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she suddenly was met with a face full of confetti and as she'd peered around at the multitude of strips of paper, her eyes could only grow wide. She smiled happily as she'd began collecting each and every one of them, "Oh oh oh! CONFETTI! How cool! What colors!? Blue, red, green, yellow hehehe."

Princess Luna gulped as she'd flapped her wings making her way higher into the air. "C-Celestia...where are yooooou?"

And as Princess Yucca collected the last of the confetti, a cold look had suddenly came over her as she'd glared at Princess Luna stubbornly then, puckering her lower lip as she'd continued to shimmer with magical essence and her ears perked up. "Princess Celestia? The other evil sister?...OOOOH; I get it now." She smirked as she'd raised a brow at Princess Luna and then began dropped the confetti as she'd let it float down towards the bare earth. "You want to cheat and be on teams with her!"

Princess Luna cringed as looked upon Yucca worriedly.

Princess Yucca shook her head as she'd bounced around in the air before chuckling and summoning a large cloud as she'd stood atop it, then raised her forehooves to the air before summoning a massive ethereal cannon. "BUT THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN NIGHTMARE PONY!" And as she'd done so, the pink lightning had only grown more intense as her staff began to shimmer with a mighty glow as all six gems began to glow, trailing six different magical auras into the cannon as the tome had opened itself, and as it did so pink lightning struck any Crystal Guards who strayed too close to the scene, turning them into entirely different creatures.

Princess Luna's eyes only widened as she looked upon the massive cannon and the sky above Yucca with a horrified look. I'm already out of time? Princess Luna glanced down at her guards who only looked up at her worriedly with saddened eyes, as her eyes then trailed back towards the Crystal Empire in which many of the citizens were huddled, frightened as they'd watched from afar and many of the guards only kept their distance from the alicorns, realizing they were of little help. Princess Luna glanced down, lost in thought. I'm out of time. I have to give them time, somehow, I have to give them time. She'd gritted her teeth. But, what can I do?..... There's, nothing....

Princess Yucca chuckled playfully as she'd cheered towards the sky, giggling wildly with her hooves raised. "GAME OVER GAME OVER GAME OVER! BANISH BANISH BANISH YOU! I win Nightmare Pony! I won't ignore anything anymore! EVERYPONY WILL ALWAYS PLAY AND BE HAPPY! WE'LL HAVE PARTIES, CUPCAKES, SLEEPOVERS, AND READ LOTS OF BOOKS WATCH LOTS OF STUFF! IT'LL BE PEEEERFEEEECTOOOO YEP YEP YEP~" Her giggling only grew more intense as she was ecstatic about the situation.

Princess Luna was at a loss for words, as she'd backed away slowly. She then took one last look at all the citizens of the Crystal Empire in the distance before looking back down to her own guards as she'd appeared absolutely frustrated and desperate. THAT'S IT!!! She tore her helmet off and tossing it to the ground. She then removed the utility belt and all of her items before spreading her hooves desperately. "THIS! THIS IS WHO I AM LITTLE ONE! I AM NOT THE NIGHTMARE PONY! I'VE CHANGED!"

Then almost immediately there was a slight sense of hesitation in Princess Yucca's eyes as she'd remained there, floating with wide eyes. "W-Wha?...But, why?"

Princess Luna continued, "I-It was only a way to draw you out. There never was any Nightmare Pony, we heard it was the only way to get you to listen, this is why."

And Princess Yucca's brow twitched as her face scrunched up as she just remained elevated in the air looking down at Princess Luna.

There was never any Nightmare Pony....

was never any Nightmare Pony...

Never any Nightmare pony...

Nightmare Pony...

Princess Yucca's eyes only widened further as she remained absolutely silent, before her cheeks turned a tint of red and she'd simply began to tremble as she'd let off a wailing frustrated cry, an unending shattering cry which shook the walls of the Crystal Empire, causing majority to cover their ears as the very surface of Equestria shook.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!"

Princess Luna felt herself thrown back by the sheer force of the yell, as she'd immediately teleported while observing Yucca from the ground with an astonished expression.

She'd snapped, and ironically, just for the reason stated. Nightmare Moon actually wasn't there, it was just another piece of false hope on her part. Another way to ignore the fact she couldn't pin her problems on somepony else. But despite that, it was her confusion. Her confusion as to why this was all happening. Where she was going, what she was doing with herself, and what she was overall. She just should've never left the hive she'd thought. But why was she so different from her mother? Whom wanted to end all of the ponies and take them over, yet she didn't want to? Why did she feel what her mother wanted was wrong deep down inside? And why did her actual mother want to leave her behind so desperately? And why had she just been pranked!? Princess Yucca was pretending to be ignorant, ignorant of the fact that whatever she was, it wasn't right. Her dreams, weren't actual dreams, nor were they some curse of some nightmare pony, they were simply fractions of memories that were never hers to begin with. Princess Yucca simply wailed violently then, as she'd slammed to the ground, and began to grip at her mane with her forehooves and wail. Nightmare Moon hadn't arrived, she was no savior, she still disappointed Chrysalis, and still didn't know the answers to anything. Nothing had changed since she went on her mission.

And as Princess Luna looked upon the filly in pity, she raised her hoof slightly. I wonder if she'll be-

"Don't touch her Luna." Princess Celestia stated simply, as along with Princess Cadence, she approached with a determined glare. "The time is now."

Princess Luna flinched in regards to Celestia's demeanor. "Sister!? Where have you been!?"

Princess Celestia didn't answer as she'd immediately swiped her hoof at the filly with a determined stare.

And suddenly snatching onto Princess Yucca's hind leg would be a golden chain as it'd shot from the dirt. Princess Yucca almost immediately went into a slight panic, as she'd turned, looking at it in confusion. She growled as she tugged at the chain, attempting to remove it. "W-What? What is this?" She spoke with a sluggish tone, and that excited bubbly persona of hers had disappeared for the time being as her mane had became straight and unruffled yet again. She looked up at Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence with bags underlining her eyes as she almost appeared sleepy with her half closed eyes, she sat slouched over as she just tugged at the golden chains. But as she tugged at it, there was yet another snap as she'd felt her left forehoof snatched by a golden chain as well. This stirred Yucca's anger as she glared up at Princess Celestia, simply muttering. "W-What're you doing you big meany head? G-Get these off me!" And she'd felt her free hind leg snatched as well by the golden chain, only for her one remaining hoof to be wrapped up also in the golden chain, as the chains all slowly began to spread, wrapping around her entire body like a cocoon. "S-STOP!" Princess Yucca struggled to budge, as she'd felt her body become absolutely still. "Leave me alone! I'M DONE! DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE! I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE ANYMORE! I'M LEAVING!"

Princess Celestia approached Princess Yucca tiredly herself as she raised a hoof, tilting Yucca's head up and looking into her eyes pitifully. "I promised your mother I would take care of you. So there will be no more of that, no more crying, no more running around on your own personal goals and vendettas. From now on you will have a strict regime little one, and you will listen and listen well." She glared a bit at the filly, "I understand that you're hurting, but like it or not you've had a great burden placed on you, and you must take responsibility for what you are. You will learn to be an ordinary pony, no more wildly using your magic. And most importantly, no more of these." And with a clap of her hooves, Princess Celestia ignited both the tome and and staff with flames, causing both Cadence and Luna's eyes to widen.

Princess Yucca began to shake her head as she'd cried out, "NO! M-MY TOYS! THOSE WERE MY FAVORITES!!! Y-YOOOOU...YOU BIG MEANY!!!" She huffed and huffed, trying to move as the chains only remained wrapped around her body, and also leaving her magically suspended in the air. Tears only filled the filly's eyes as she stubbornly and desperately tried to get free, not used to the idea of being so powerless. She quivered as she made a light scowl, "I don't like this. I don't like any of this!"

Princess Celestia became upset then as she'd glared, pressing her muzzle against the filly's. "Those weren't toys, they were weapons."

Princess Yucca's eyes swelled with tears as she began sniffling to herself, and she shook her head yet again. "Y-You're mean. MEAN MEAN MEAN!!! I don't want to go with you!" Princess Yucca began to huff and squirm desperately, going so far as to cry for her mother. "Momma! I want to go back home! I don't want to be around anymore ponies! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma!" She bit her lower lip, obviously frustrated. "I WON'T LOSE TO ANY OF YOOOOOOU!!!"

Princess Celestia tilted Yucca's head up and still, forcing her to look at her and into her eyes yet again. "It's called tough love Yucca." She'd paused, "So don't cry."

And a bright circular light enveloped Princess Yucca as she'd shut her eyes tight and let off a frustrated cry before the light enveloped her, soon the filly's body began to dissipate as she'd made an angry frustrated expression, breathing heavily as she cringed at watched herself disappear as if she were made of nothing but a pile of ash. Her body faded away from left to right and as she did so, she cried out to Princess Celestia. "BIG DUMMY FACE MEANY JERK SAUCE CHEATING PONY PRINCEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!" And she disappeared entirely, as that white light wrapped into  a ball, before shooting off and towards the stars. With Yucca's departure, soon the rainbow skies faded away returning to their original state as did the guards who'd been transformed. All remnants of what the alicorn had left behind had simply vanished.

Many of the guards and citizens all emerged from the nooks and crannies of safety, as they'd watched the skies of the north clear up as well.

Princess Celestia stood there and exhaled, looking up towards the sky as the clouds started to clear as she'd appeared, relieved, to say the least.

Princess Cadence strode up to Princess Celestia with a heavy frown. "Auntie,...."

Princess Celestia glanced back at her, raising a brow. "She's alright Cadence, don't go over thinking things again. I made a promise I would treat her delicately. In all honesty I was surprised by her reaction to Luna, it was more than enough time to complete the spell. I shall have a more private talk with her once Luna and I return to Canterlot. That, and Yucca is just stubborn but she's also stressed, I can mend her mental state a bit with the right words I'm sure."

Princess Cadence raised a brow at Celestia, "Promised who Auntie?"

Princess Celestia lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought for that moment. "I don't believe you want to know Cadence."

Princess Luna and Cadence just looked upon Celestia questioningly, as Luna glanced over at Cadence with a reassuring  nod and smile.

Princess Celestia peered up towards the sky, "Many things, are better left unsaid."

~ And time passed; within that distant star ~

Princess Celestia opened her eyes slowly, as the world came into view. She glanced around a bit, as it'd only reminded her of when Twilight had ascended into an alicorn. The stars were bright and the ethereal plain could only make her feel even more nostalgic from events that predated even Twilight. This realm had its uses and she knew to always keep her access here fresh in her mind for such situations. But this day's occasion was far from a joyful one, as days before she'd struggled to come up with something meaningful to say to the individual who was currently housed here. Granted, at this point in time, she felt she was prepared for what the right words were, or else she'd have not come in the first place. Princess Celestia looked around searchingly for some time, simply trotting in this mass of ethereal landscape. And as she trotted for some time, in the far off distance, Princess Celestia caught sight of something she could tell appeared tiny from a distance, but was massive in reality. It was a beautiful shack.

Princess Celestia closed her eyes halfway as she'd sighed, making her way towards that shack, with many thoughts streaming through her mind as she did so. She'd visited Twilight, but still hadn't mentioned what'd occurred between her and Yucca; and the princess was now starting to question whether or not she'd ever be able to actually bring up the subject with her past student. Twilight appeared at ease with the idea that Yucca had left Equestria, and her guilt regarding the situation was apparent. She glanced down towards the ground for a moment, recalling the scene. Twilight refused to delve deep into the subject, and seemed a lot less reluctant to discuss the issue. However she'd still pay Twilight more visits until she worked out a solution, but all things came with time of course. Perhaps, a later time would suffice. Nonetheless, things had calmed down once again, much like when they dealt with all threats in the past. They would deal with it, move on, and then together face down yet another. Equestria was once again at peace.

As Princess Celestia made her way steadily closer towards the shack, she soon came to a tiled pathway, guided by lamp posts which led to the large beautiful pink shack. Upon arriving at the door of the pink shack, Princess Celestia took in a deep breath yet again, before knocking on it with a hoof.

She was soon greeted by a playful voice, "Come in!"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened a bit in surprise, as she'd soon made her way into the tiny shack. The inside was beautiful, and it was decorated to the brim with pony furniture, while also possessing this hollow atmosphere to it. However there was a bedroom, a main living area, and a kitchen, in which the individual she'd come to see was in. Princess Celestia decided to play along, as she'd made her way towards the main dining room table and took a seat in one of the chairs. She sighed heavily as she just glanced around curiously, as she waited for the individual to come out and personally greet her. Princess Celestia noticed a stream of drawings hung on the walls, mainly of those focusing on Queen Chrysalis, as well as other scenes even she could recall. Twilight's defeat of Tirek, as well as Cadence's defeat of King Sombra, alongside their banishment of Discord. Princess Celestia's brows furrowed as she soon looked towards the ground, noticing a long endless mane coursed throughout the house. A mane which hadn't been cut for quite some time, but the growth was exponential. And soon enough as she'd been lost in thought in those regards, a tiny filly came out hurriedly to greet her.

"Hello hello welcome welcome!" Princess Yucca still appeared largely the same, as she was holding a plate with her mouth which had a freshly made cake on it. "You made it just in time for my special cake! Now don't eat it to fast now!" She then rose onto her hind legs, struggling to place the cake on the table as she'd pushed it in front of Princess Celestia with a hoof. Soon afterwords Princess Yucca turned hurriedly as she'd rushed back for the kitchen, "I'll go grab the milk! Don't worry, I've got lots of it!"

Princess Celestia's expression of angst never left her as she'd leaned forward. She pushed the cake away, before looking tiredly over in the direction of the kitchen. Princess Yucca was standing over atop the counter, attempting to pour a glass of milk as she'd chuckled while doing so. Princess Celestia spoke simply, "What're you doing Yucca?"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she glanced back at Princess Celestia then, before closing her eyes and smiling. "What do you mean? I am going to feed you!"

Princess Celestia leaned her head back somewhat, "Are you acting like you don't remember me?"

Princess Yucca chuckled a bit as she shook her head. "What're you talking about silly? I've never had you as a customer before."

Princess Celestia scooted back from the seat as she'd stated simply. "Ignoring everything that's happened won't stop me from doing what I came here to do. It's time for you to go back, you can't remain here any longer, nor did I ever intend for you to be here this long. It's time to stop playing make believe."

Princess Yucca fell silent then, as she'd remained in front of the sink as she'd just stared at the glass of milk for some time with a tired expression. "But I don't like it out there. I like it in here. Momma isn't her. Momma #2 isn't here. You're not here. There's no bad things here. I'm happy here."

Princess Celestia smiled softly, affectionately. "And you can be happy out there as well. Not all of us are happy with the way destiny works, but we must make the best of it."

Princess Yucca frowned heavily as she'd closed her eyes halfway before turning to face Princess Celestia. "Momma always talked about stuff I was supposed to do, it made her sad that I never did those things; but I always knew what she wanted. Momma #2, she was different. She was scared I would do those things. She was scared of me." She paused looking at Princess Celestia still wearing a saddened expression before speaking softly, "You're like Momma, aren't you?"

Princess Celestia strode up to Princess Yucca reaching out a hoof towards her. "You shall not do anything you don't want to. But Yucca, the view of the world you love is protected by the things we must do. Your mother strove for it with all changelings, and your true mother has always done such things to protect her world. But you're different; you can be a shadow in an ever expanding light, nopony will detest you. You were meant for such great things, just like both your mother's. You're a great pony little Yucca, but you've run away for far too long. Ignored everything for far too long. It's only natural for us to run away from the things were afraid of, it takes time to muster up the courage to accept what we must do. Everypony saw you as a child burden, but I don't see you that way, I see a gift. I see a scared little filly unsure what to do with herself, one who needs nurturing and guidance. I can give you a home, a family who'll love you, a mother who won't deny you. You will have no reason to fear destiny any longer, because I will teach you how to accept that part of yourself. Twilight intended to create a powerful artifact, and she created one of the greatest. Now come with me; back where you belong, back home."

Princess Yucca looked up at Princess Celestia hesitantly, "But-"

Princess Celestia continued. "You've lost everything little Yucca. Queen Chrysalis has moved on, as has Twilight. Nopony wants to be alone. Do you want to be alone?"

Princess Yucca glanced to the lower left, before slowly reaching out her hoof to touch Princess Celestia's. "No ma'am..."

And with such actions, Princess Celestia closed her eyes as she'd smiled softly. "Welcome home,-"

Princess Yucca remained silent as she looked towards the ground.

Princess Celestia continued as she'd lead the filly towards the front door of the shack. "Princess Yucca."

It was the middle of night in Canterlot City, and Princess Luna peered observantly over the porch of the throne room as she'd observed the quiet peaceful city streets all around her. She smiled at how peaceful it was, of course as a Princess of Equestria, she was forever grateful for another quiet night, a night of no troubles. And as she watched her city streets, however, she'd soon caught sight of something that'd broke her concentration and ultimately, made her uneasy. Lightning consisting of a multitude of different colors soon flashed in the far off distance as she'd immediately knew what it meant. Princess Luna closed her eyes halfway as she'd glanced down at the castle courtyard and took notice that approaching the castle, would be a tiny figure wrapped up by a cloak. She'd glared at that tiny hooded figure, before disappearing in a flash of blue mist as she'd soon took form again on the steps leading up and into the castle. Princess Luna bore a light scowl, "Halt. Where have you been? You know it's far past your bed time."

The figure remained silent as it glanced up at Princess Luna, and as she'd trotted with a slight sway, she made her way up the steps before stopping before Princess Luna, and bowing her head with a soft chuckle. She'd spoke with a tired tone, before yawning somewhat. "I'm sorry princess, I'm returning from a long trip. The griffon kingdoms were terrorizing innocent ponies along the coast of their lands. They weren't playing nice, so I went to challenge them to a game, but it took longer than it expected." She flicked her tail before smirking softly and just striding past the princess. "I've got school early tomorrow morning, and it's culinary class. So can I please go inside now?"

Princess Luna turned, before glaring at the filly angrily. "You know you've got a strict bedtime. Don't believe just because you've been given more privileges as of late that means that you're able to start breaking all the rules. In the end you're still a filly. Now make sure you hurry and get some good sleep."

The figure nodded to Princess Luna before making her way further into the castle.

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she didn't fail to notice the individual's drape had left a disturbing moisture left on the stone panel. She sighed heavily, before cleaning it with magic herself, ensuring any traces of it was gone. Princess Luna then began to peer ahead again as she'd frowned, continuing on with her own duties.

As the individual strode to one particular chamber merrily, that merry demeanor faded fast as she'd soon strode sluggishly, before lowering her head. She stood on her hind legs and opened the door, pushing it open fully with her front hooves. And waiting in that room, would be Princess Celestia with a smile. "Welcome back."

~ THE END ~

The Final Countdown: 0

"I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfill our destiny, but our fate is sealed."

~Paulo Coelho

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 0 (BONUS CHAPTER)

~4 months later ~

"Destroy it." Queen Chrysalis wore a blank expression as she looked upon her changelings who all stood in front of what was once Princess Yucca's chambers. Four changelings were situated at the four corners of both doors, they nodded to their Queen before their horns started to glow, dismantling and tearing the doors apart with telekinetic magic.

Queen Chrysalis watched with half closed eyes as she seemed lost in her own bittersweet memories regarding the filly, as she didn't seem to pay any mind to the whole deconstruction of Yucca's living quarters. And as the changelings continued to go about destroying Yucca's room, Queen Chrysalis soon turned with stride as she'd made her way down the opposite end of the hall. Had it truly been so recent since Yucca had left? Queen Chrysalis felt as if it'd been ages, and she had yet to hear word from Celestia of how the alicorn was doing. Of course, Chrysalis was doing as much as she could to forget the whole ordeal. She sighed heavily as she'd trailed down the hall alone afterwords.

Soon enough however, she came across a lone changeling who continued to peer off towards the general direction of Yucca's quarters. The changeling seemed absolutely entranced by the deconstruction, almost as much as she was, and it caught her curiosity to see another reacting this way. Queen Chrysalis just looked at him observantly for a moment, before raising her brow, realizing who he was. She soon muttered, "You're the one who found her."

The changeling's eyes widened as those words sent him back into reality, he looked at Queen Chrysalis questioningly for a moment, before bowing his head. "Yes my Queen."

Queen Chrysalis closed her eyes halfway and glanced down towards the tiled ground with an amused look. "Are you upset with me for giving her away?"

The changeling paused for a moment, before he himself smiled at the Queen. "My Queen, for the entirety of the year I to helped take charge of Princess Yucca and was also assigned to helping clean her quarters. I to saw her as a paragon of the changelings, one who'd one day bring us victory over the ponies. But I to saw how dangerous she was over time. Her love for you filled us with such power, endless power, much like it did to you. She truly was an entity, a deity in her own right. I believe it's around that point we all realized not even we, had a means to ever fully control her. I do not believe she was ever meant to play a role in war, nor understand the meaning of it. Our race was not meant to stand side by side with such a creature. I can see why you feared to rely so heavily on her, and would rather incorporate her into pony normality. "

And there was a slight sense of ease which appeared on Chrysalis' face in that moment, obviously due to her subject's words.

"But I do believe your trust was misplaced my Queen." The changeling immediately added on.

Queen Chrysalis' eyes widened as she regarded her subject with a raised brow.

Her guard looked to her with a stern expression. "I do not believe the ponies, especially their leader, are yet beyond the temptations of seeing what that alicorn can potentially do for them. It is hard not to fall into such a category when you so desperately rely on such things already. It is only by ill luck Princess Celestia alone is the one able to provide for that creature exactly what it needs, to be passively subjugated, to forget just what she is, and to become one with society never again to use her powers." The changeling lowered his head as he frowned in question. "I believe those who are of great natural talent will more than likely abuse that potential should they learn of their difference in status my Queen. Which is why I believe you fight so hard for us, and why many tyrants, ponies, draconequus, dragons alike, have risen and fell in the past. You believe we're worth more than a hive beneath the earth, much much more. As the ponies believe they are above hive's in the ground as well. Princess Yucca to may realize someday that she is above the very foundations of Equestrian society, or we could be over-thinking it, but, there will never be a safe reassurance my Queen. Never."

Queen Chrysalis frowned as well as she'd closed her eyes and appeared greatly exhausted. "Yes, I juggled such thoughts in my mind as well. But I have had time to get to know Yucca, grow used to her presence, and ultimately see she truly was a living weapon. For the first time, I had acquired something the changelings' never had. I had given us a drawback device, a weapon of our own we could use and abuse, much like those Elements of Harmony. I'd finally found my own little weapon. But I also saw the differences between them." She regarded her changeling subject with a serious glare then. "Weapons do not think for themselves, nor do they harbor such emotions. They do not make decisions, nor take into consideration what is right or wrong, they act on their wielder's orders, as they should. The changelings will no longer suffer the burden should anything happen now. Even I see the value of the peace Equestria has established, and the lands in which the ponies have acquired. I will play no part in risking all of it, should it be no different from risking the lands I've fought for all this time. I'll put my trust in Celestia, and should she fail, it will be her price to pay. There is little choice, for Yucca is beyond the scale of one that could bare use, while also being one who could potentially cause great catastrophe. A burden of responsibility too great, a creature never meant to exist."

And the changeling subject looked to his Queen worriedly, "And should Princess Celestia fail in her duty of making Yucca realize? What of us my Queen?"

Queen Chrysalis regarded her subject with a bittersweet smile. "Then I will do what I must to protect my dear and precious subjects, but I have faith Celestia will keep watch and temper that girl for many years to come. In the end, I believe we have reached a standstill, and the story of this living weapon has come to an end." She glanced back towards the ground. "But I to believe even Yucca must've seen it. That she to was struggling to come to terms with her bitter fate. Happiness, laughter, games, sweets, it all reeked of the fluffiness of pony society. In the end I believe she simply wanted to be normal. But her birth had already defined her fate as an alicorn, one who could never be normal, or could never be looked upon without prestige, fear, and responsibility. She will forever be shackled by duty she carries, and that is why I believe she simply wanted to run, even from me." She looked back towards her changeling for a brief moment, "Denying her fate was a habit of hers. It is somewhat cruel is it not? To be destined for such great things to the point where you're no different from a puppet on strings? I do wonder, if those meddlesome six ever have such feelings; I wonder, if Princess Twilight ever does."

The changeling was silent as they both looked to one another in silence for some time, before both peering back and joining one another in sitting and watching the deconstruction of Yucca's quarters. Queen Chrysalis' brows furrowed as she continued to watch, as her changeling subject nodded to her. "Is it hard to say farewell my Queen?"

And Queen Chrysalis did not comment on this,  as she'd just watched, with a displeased look, before baring a soft and grateful smile, only muttering. "Yes, more than I imagined."

And together, they watched in those hollow halls as the one bastion of disgusting cuteness crumbled to pieces.

Princess Cadence stood in the streets of the Crystal Empire, as her eyes were currently locked onto the melting rainbow shards which still remained in some areas of her city, caused from Yucca's assault on Princess Luna. She wore a look of contemplation, as her guards continually worked at chipping away the rainbow shards, and many of the fillies and colts remained close to the shards; licking them hungrily as it seemed they possessed actual flavors. Princess Cadence glared a bit, as if in deep thought. And soon joining her would be Shining Armor, as he'd paused, standing beside his wife. "Something on your mind?"

Princess Cadence shook her head as she'd frowned heavily. "No, I'm just wondering how a child could've possibly done all this. She comes out of nowhere heading to her own banishment, and then here comes Auntie Celestia and Luna to take her away just as fast. Was she truly so strange that they had to isolate the situation in such a manner? Could we not have accepted her with open arms? Even now Auntie Celestia doesn't tell me much of how she's doing. I can't help but wonder...."

Shining raised a brow at her. "Maybe we're better off not knowing? Knowing Princess Celestia the kid is fine, she just needs a little bit of guidance Cadence. Trust me, I served under Princess Celestia as Captain of her Royal Guard for many years, whatever she's done with the kid, I'm sure it's for the best." Shining Armor paused and looked up towards the now clear skies of the Crystal Empire as well. "Maybe Equestrian society just wasn't ready for such a alicorn to be around. Isolating the situation, maybe that's all we could do. Many would prefer to shrug off such a overwhelming situation, forget it ever happened. It's all for the greater good, for the peace we've established. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna worked to build this peace we have, we've gotten used to their kindness and love. As your dear subjects have gotten time to grow used to you Cadence. Now Twilight has her own kingdom, and she has managed to build a relationship with the ponies of Equestria as well, and in return receive their love along with her friends." He shrugged, "But out of the blue comes another, one of overwhelming magical talent, she had no love built, nor affection, she was alien to us. Everypony was scared."

Princess Cadence shook her head and lowered it with a sigh. "I know I know, it all just feels so unfair though, doesn't it Shining? Doesn't Auntie Celestia trust us enough to tell us what's going on though? So many things are unanswered. And the fact she has forbidden me from telling Twilight what's occurred is even more mind-boggling."

Shining sighed as well before shaking his head. "She never forbade you from anything Cadence, don't use such strong words. She requested you don't tell Twilight. Besides, you heard her, Twilight was the one who banished the kid. After seeing all this damage she left behind, I can't see how my sister managed to even pull that off, but I can see why she felt it was necessary. Like it or not Cadence the kid was dangerous, she was a blitz ball of powerful magic, and she needed to be toned down a notch. Whatever means Princess Celestia uses to ensure that, I won't judge her for it. She's managed to keep the peace for so many years anyhow, she has experience with these things."

Princess Cadence huffed, as she and Shining began to course down the city streets alongside the rainbow shards as they simply conversed along the way. "Of course, I guess I to am just a bit bitter in these regards. We could've had a new family member, a new friend and ally, yet all I'm left with is a bunch of mysteries I fear to delve my head into. I guess I just imagined a happier end to things, rather than what I witnessed. I only hope wherever she's gone she's alright. Our brief period allowed me to see that despite the fact she was a dangerous little pony, she was also a very troubled one. But I guess in this case, ignorance is bliss hm?"

And Shining trotted alongside her as they were then joined by a few guards. He smiled, nuzzling his wife and nodding. "Right..."

And in Canterlot, Princess Celestia sat on her throne with a smile as her eyes scrolled over many documents. It was a beautiful day in the region, as was her reign, and she appeared to be at peace with the current happenings in her city, as well as Equestria as a whole.

Soon entering the throne room however would be Princess Luna, wearing a night gown as she yawned, patting her muzzle. "Sister..."

And almost immediately, Princess Celestia's eyes widened in regards to seeing her. "Luna! What're you doing up? You should be getting some rest."

Princess Luna shook her head before regarding her sister with a gentle smile. "Of course of course, but before heading to bed I wanted to discuss with you the behavior of Princess Yucca, she seems to be staying up majority of her nights. I cannot see her dreams, and most of what I can see I believe also requires discussion...." Princess Luna's fatigue seemed to fade then, as she wore a serious expression. "You know what I speak of, don't you sister?"

Princess Celestia to looked at Luna with a slightly serious expression before using her telekinetic magic to completely shut the throne room doors and give themselves some privacy. "Luna, you and I both know that what Yucca does during her off-time is private. She is still learning to use her magic for meaningful reasons. In regards to her dreams, I realize that she does not have any. The scrolls gave us enough signs that Yucca's dreams are in fact memories of Twilight and her friends. Granted she still can't make sense of many of them, but she has been doing well enough. So what must we speak of sister that we do not already know?"

Luna sighed heavily as she strode up to the throne in irritation. "Sister! And when were you planning to tell me you knew about these dreams? Besides that, why're you sending her out so late? This is not what a normal child does. Normal children do not go out and tend to private tasks for princesses. Wasn't the whole idea behind taking her in to ensure she doesn't use her magic, that she learns to live the life of a normal ordinary pony and allow her to drift away from her constant use of magic? And what of Twilight?"

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Luna. "And what of Twilight Luna? What're you suggesting?"

Princess Luna stomped a hoof, baffled. "Well, I believe it would be of both of our best interests should she know not to dabble with such things!"

Princess Celestia frowned somewhat. "I don't believe Twilight needs to be told the obvious Luna, she did it once and never again. She possessed no ill intentions."

Princess Luna cocked a brow, before lowering her tone. "Sister, what is it you really want to say? You're side-stepping the issue constantly. It is quite frustrating."

Princess Celestia remained silent to this for a moment before smiling somewhat. "Luna, I understand your concerns. But what I have Yucca doing is for the benefit of both her and Equestria. She learns proper use and control of her magic, while realizing the value of keeping the peace. She is young and has had little time to learn the major differences between right and wrong, granted she has a good sense of morale due to being split between Twilight and her friends, but now she is able to receive proper education. She is also going to school is she not? So what is the problem with this Luna? What is so wrong about the path I have chosen for all of us, even Twilight? It is the path of peace."

Princess Luna stomped a hoof, "You're attempting to incorporate her through use of her magic sister! The exact opposite of what we should be doing! If anything couldn't we have made her play the role of a pegasus? She could have easily found a future in the Wonderbolt Academy."

Princess Celestia glared at Princess Luna then. "Sister, do not turn this into such a trivial task. I am doing the best I can with what I was given. It is foolish to pretend that we could give Queen Chrysalis everything she asked. Yucca was never an ordinary pony, nor could she ever be. She was an alicorn from birth, her responsibilities will be tied to her wherever she goes. This is far from the happy occurrence many would imagine it to be. Many would assume that to live this life, is to live a life of luxury, friendship, love, happiness, kindness, and acceptance. While such a life is expected, those with great inherent natural talent have a far more important duty to uphold. To protect and serve. I can give that child the normal life she desires, but she must also realize that normality for her differs from one such as Twilight. Twilight was a sweet child growing up Luna, she has had the privilege to learn under me, to grow as a unicorn, to study, to make friends, and to inevitably rise as the Princess of Friendship. Yucca must come to terms, that not all alicorns have this privilege. Being such a creature does not guarantee a free pass in the slightest. But slowly, she has come to realize what her destiny is." Princess Celestia smiled, "She is a shadow. An alicorn not held back by the daily happenings of being royalty, an alicorn whom can protect Equestria as a shade, a nameless ghost. She does not exist, nor will she ever truly exist in the history of Equestria. She is loved, adored, and accepted, by us. And that is all she will ever truly need."

Princess Luna frowned slightly then as she glanced to the right, avoiding eye contact with her sister. "So this is your way of tempering the situation."

Princess Celestia nodded, "Luna, we have both seen that there are monsters out in the world, monsters who would hurt others beyond repair. We are reluctant to get Twilight and her friends involved, for their innocence is always precious, and risking them is always a great ordeal. We now have one who could boldly go in and do what must be done to relieve the stress of those we care for. One willing to make a sacrifice. Yucca is a weapon, as are we. She didn't start off as a unicorn, nor a pegasus, she was an alicorn from birth. As much as we try to deny it, even she has accepted she is a weapon, not destined for an ordinary life. You must come to terms with this as well." She paused, "Come to terms with the fact that we are not risking a child, she is fulfilling the purpose for which she was created, and living the only normal life available to her. She is learning the risk of what she is, and coming to terms with it. She is realizing that, she can never be fully herself, or else she risks everything, including Chrysalis. She accepts that." She sighed, "This is the fate of those born as alicorns. We are not a race of royalty, we do not sit on our hooves and play games all day, we are shackled by our responsibilities from birth."

Princess Luna glanced up at Celestia silently. "We are those who must remain true to our duties, should we neglect them, we neglect the great good of the world and risk it."

Princess Celestia nodded somewhat. "We were never destined for things such as freedom. Creatures such as you, I, or her. We do not let such distractions carry weight upon us. Marriage, friends, such things matter little in the bigger picture. Sister, you and I are symbols, until now, we've been held down by a certain image we must carry for ourselves. But no longer, for we've acquired a nameless one of us, one nopony knows of, we've acquired our own sense of freedom as well. There are many days in the past which I looked to the sky and wondered, if I could simply choose to not raise the sun, neglect my duties. But we have seen what happens should we let such desires cloud our judgement."

Princess Luna frowned to this as she lowered her head and looked towards the ground. She turned then, heading back to her own quarters. "I understand now Sister. Well, that is all I wanted to know, for now I will be going back to my quarters to get some rest. But please, tone down on the assignments, she needs to stop going out so often." She then glanced back at Celestia before exiting out of the throne room doors. "Just be careful sister, I know what you're trying to accomplish is noble, but keeping that child around for so long and constantly letting her get involved in such things, I'm not sure if one so young can understand the value of such meanings."

Princess Celestia's eyes saddened as she cocked her head to the right. "Yes Luna, I will give her some time off starting tomorrow then." And as Princess Luna had left the throne room, Princess Celestia sighed as she glanced up for a moment. "Well, if only I could get her to stop having fun on these assignments, then maybe that'd be plausible." A tired expression washed over her as she just remained sitting there for some time before manifesting a blank scroll and beginning to write on it. Speaking of which.....

Princess Yucca sat alone looking up towards the wide open sky atop a surface of yellow tiled plating. She was atop Princess Twilight's castle with a bored expression as floating behind her steadily would be two stuffed dolls. She wore a thick dark violet robe with the hood raised as Winter Wrap-up ornaments hung on the side. She leaned forward with half closed eyes and an annoyed expression before resting her cheek on her hoof. "Mr.Fluffs, is there anything else fun to do? I'm bored. Do you want to have some icecream or something?" She then fell flat on her back as she'd just whined and cried, kicking her hind legs as she'd complained. "I wanna do something fun fun fun fun fun!!! Why won't Princess Celestia ever give me access to the library!? All I wanted to do was study!" She then laid on her belly as she'd puckered her lower lip and sniffled looking up at the dolls with wide puppy eyes. "IS THAT SO WRONG!?" Her pupils dilated as she strangled one of the dolls, "IS IT!?" Before letting go of it with a wide smile and then propelling onto one leg and doing a joyful spin. "Whatever! I guess I can just visit the other libraries. Other libraries are awesomesauce anyhow, and always nice and fun. Maybe I can even stop by and buy some homemade sweets!" Her eyes then widened as her brow raised and that tired look returned to her again as she glanced to her lower right.

Princess Yucca then clapped her hooves before a back thick with scrolls appeared, and she pulled one out before opening it and beginning to read it.

~

From Princess Celestia,

Yucca, there is a dragon causing much worry on the southern borders of Equestria. Although it has not struck anypony as of yet, I would like for you to take care of this.

~

Princess Yucca just closed the scroll stubbornly before crossing her hooves and just closing her eyes and smiling, before gazing off towards the distant sunset with a bored expression. "Yes yes yes,.... Princess Celestia." She snickered softly to herself, before leaping from the tower and touching down onto a marble porch, as that marble porch was connected to the private quarters of Princess Twilight herself. Princess Yucca smiled softly to herself before closing her eyes halfway, almost wearing a devious expression as she'd smirked. "I'll be right there." She then began trotting up towards the glass doors, before flicking her hoof and pulling them open forcibly. Princess Yucca didn't hesitate to trek into Twilight's quarters, to where she saw a beautifully elegant bed and a dresser. She only made her way towards the dresser and then climbed atop of it, sitting on her rear as she began kicking her hind legs back and forth as she pulled down her hood and just sat there with a blank expression and half closed eyes, waiting.

And Princess Yucca continued to sit there, kicking her legs back and forth atop the counter, as shadows soon crept into the room as the sun lowered with the passing minutes and night was welcomed into the land of Equestria once again. The room was now quite dark, and what little light there was originated from the pale full moon hanging now in the sky where the sun once was. And soon enough, the door slowly creaked open, as Princess Yucca didn't react, and just continued to sit there with her robe.

It was indeed Princess Twilight, as she hadn't even noticed that the little alicorn was there for the most part. "Alright you guys, just make sure you get some rest." She chuckled, flashing her friends an affectionate smile as they each departed into their own rooms down the hall as she waved at them, and then shut her door soon afterwords. And as Princess Twilight made her way towards her bed, she began patting her muzzle with her hoof as she yawned tiredly. "Well I guess it's time I-"

"Princess Twilight..."

Twilight's eyes widened as her horn immediately started to glow due to the fact she couldn't recognize the voice right away. She immediately turned towards the origination of that voice, as she'd gasped, "W-Who's there!? Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, I swear if you two are trying to prank me aga-,....." but she cut off, for upon seeing who the actual intruder was, her brows furrowed in discomfort, and she almost appeared angry with the guest. She was both angry and confused, and Princess Yucca didn't need to look her in the eyes to know she'd be upset with her presence, so she kept her own eyes on the ground, as Twilight's eyes soon saddened and that angry expression dissipated. She frowned heavily as she lowered her hind legs, glancing to the lower right herself as she appeared frustrated yet again. "Yucca? What're you doing here? You promised you'd left...."

There was a long drawn out silence between them, an awkward silence.

Princess Yucca now took the time to glance up at Princess Twilight. "I won't be long, Princess Twilight."

Twilight glanced back at her with tired eyes. "You're addressing me differently. Did something change?"

Princess Yucca shrugged, as she tilted her head to the right with a bitter smile. "No. I just understand what you were saying now. I am only a creation, I was made for a purpose, it'd be silly for a hammer to call its maker momma, wouldn't it? I've learned a lot, about myself, and about you." She frowned, "I only wanted to ask you questions if I could."

Princess Twilight then appeared somewhat reluctant, before nodding to her plainly and flashing her a smile. "Of course."

Princess Yucca continued, muttering somewhat, "Am I like the Elements of Harmony?"

There was yet another brief silence between them.

Twilight nodded yet again before continuing herself. "Yes. In all honesty, you weren't meant to have emotions, feelings, to be able to move, think, and react. You came out as a chaotic artifact, a living one. But even now I question whether your emotions are truly there, your feelings thoughts and desires, I wonder if they're all simply a side effect of being the Staff of Harmony, or you're truly living. You aren't made up of what we other ponies are made of, you are magic in itself, created as a living void. Your sadness, your happiness, your hyperactivity, your interests; is all what makes you who you are true? Or is it all forced due to your ingredients? Do you even know? Yucca?"

Princess Yucca glanced to the lower right as she muttered, "No. I'm still very confused myself. I have been doing things recently, things that I haven't felt sad about anymore. I haven't felt much of anything recently. Is this because of what I am? Am I changing Princess Twilight?"

Twilight squinted at the filly for a moment, before closing her eyes as she stated. "Perhaps, you've finally tempered as the Staff of Harmony. I always had an interest in the schools of magic, so if there's anypony that can look at you from a somewhat neutral perspective it's me. You really weren't meant to react, in all cases, this would be, normal."

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she appeared a bit stunned by the words for a moment, as she looked towards the marble floor with a blank lost stare. However some seconds afterwords she recovered, as she closed her eyes and flashed Princess Twilight a thankful smile. "T-That's all. Thank you Princess Twilight." With that Princess Yucca clapped her hooves as she muttered, "Take us to our next place Mr.Fluffs! It's time we leave." She shot her hoof up in the form of a hoof pump, "YEP YEP!" And as she did so, her dolls each held out their arms, as a portal appeared in Princess Twilight's room as Princess Yucca leaped from the top of the dresser, making her way towards that portal.

Twilight called out to the filly, "W-Wait! Yucca! What're you doing back in Equestria!? You never said anything."

Princess Yucca glanced back at her with wide eyes for a moment before smiling at her. "Sorry Princess Twilight, I can't say."

Twilight's expression sunk, "B-But this wasn't a part of the deal. Yucca do you know what would happen if Princess Celestia saw you?"

Princess Yucca gave Twilight a blank expression, almost as if she were surprised. "She already knows, Princess Twilight. And she forgives you."

And Twilight's eyes widened exponentially then, as she stood there, speechless. She sat, raising a hoof to her head in deep thought.

Princess Yucca continued, "Did you ever love me, Princess Twilight?" And Princess Yucca made her way through the portal silently, before disappearing, alongside her dolls.

Princess Twilight however didn't answer, as she just continued to sit there. She muttered, "I don't know..."

And as Princess Yucca and her portal dissipated entirely, she chuckled. "That's alright, yep yep." She paused, "I heard everything I needed to. Goodbye, Princess Twilight."

And Princess Twilight reached out to the filly in that moment, "Y-Yucca! Wait! What do you mean she knows!?"

But the filly as already gone, and only a hollow wind followed from Twilight's open porch doors.

And Twilight sat there, lowering her head as she sighed heavily with a light whimper.

And as Princess Yucca now stood in the pitch dark of a hollow empty space, she raised her hood yet again as she'd possessed that tired look yet again. Before, she never felt she had a set path, or a destiny she had to follow. She longed to return to those days as well. Her eyes were hollow and cold, and she simply stood there in deep thought.

And soon, in the impenetrable darkness, wide serpent eyes suddenly batted open as they focused on the tiny filly. The eyes rose in the darkness, before hot air huffed and soon enough, a mighty roar bellowed throughout the hollow empty space as fire spread about the air, revealing a behemoth of a reptilian beast, angered by this sudden disturbance.

Princess Yucca ignored it as she just continued to stand there, and as the dragon's hot breath surged forward, it sent her robe and cloak fluttering up and rippling through the air. And revealed on the filly's tiny purple rump, would be a pair of crossed swords on each outer thigh.

The dragon snarled beneath its breath, as it sneered angrily. "Idiotic little whelp, your last day has arrived. How dare you venture in here alone, and disturb my slumber."

Princess Yucca began to chuckle, the more she thought about it.

But ignorance was bliss, and fate didn't have time to entertain lost innocence.

And she giggled wildly, before smiling widely herself from cheek to cheek and glaring while she did so, at the reptilian beast. "Let's play a little tag."

The dragon roared yet again, "YOU DARE CHALLENGE ME!? YOU, A TINY LITTLE PONY!?" And in that instant, the tiny purple filly appeared in front of the massive beast as she just remained elevated there, wearing her pleased smile as she giggled some more and placed a hoof over his moist eye.

She closed her eyes halfway before nodding plainly. "Yes, Mister Dragon. You've been very mean to ponies recently, very very very mean. There is no laughter with you around. There is no happiness or harmony. There is only sadness. But even so I will show this kindness and generosity, I will play nice with you one last time."

The dragon felt a shiver run down his spine as it felt as if its body were completely frozen. "W-What do you think you're-"

Princess Yucca interrupted, "Tag, you're it."

& All that followed, was an echoed agonized roar with the repulsing sound of tearing meat.

The least one could do, was turn it all into a fun game. And it was a game she played awfully well.

It was a game, she knew she would play, alone.

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The Final Countdown: 3

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: 3

Twilight stood in Golden Oaks Library, frantically panicking as she scurried around, digging through a multitude of different books, tossing them left and right as her eyes scrolled through the pages of the ones she grabbed before tossing it and repeating the process. But amidst her frantic attempts to fix whatever it is she did, somepony called out to her from the upper level of the library.

"T-Twilight! Is everything okay? What're you-"

Twilight yelled out in reply, "E-Everything's just fine Spike! Go back to sleep okay!?"

Spike stood on the top step of the stairway as he just scratched at the back of his head with tired eyes. "Wha- well, alright Twilight. Whatever you say I guess." Spike tiredly yawned as he patted his mouth before heading back into the room.

Twilight sighed with relief before closing her eyes.

"Momma momma momma momma!"

Twilight's eyes snapped wide as she immediately glanced back and down at the ground, revealing a tiny purple alicorn foal sitting there in the middle of her library surrounded by magical dust consisting of all colors of the rainbow.

The foal had a blank expression as it sat there. It then reached out towards the mare before its horn started to glow, forcibly pulling her towards her steadily. "Momma momma momma!" And it suddenly squinted, as if concentrating to bring Twilight closer to her.

Twilight cringed as she immediately used her own magic in order to try scurrying back, but it was taking its toll on her and she knew this was dangerously surprising. She struggled to speak as she also tried to stay away, "I-I'm...noooot...y-your....mom!" before the foal let go of her telekinetic grip on Twilight causing the mare to stumble and role back and slam against her desk.

The foal clapped its hooves. "Play?" It then started to disappear as it was now sitting on top of one of the bookshelves. "PLAY!"

Twilight gasped as she shook her head at the foal. "N-No! No play! C-Come down from there please!"

The foal blinked a bit, before scrunching up its face angrily at Twilight. "WE PLAY!" And with a swipe of its hoof, it brought down one of the bookshelves causing an intense crashing noise. It crossed its hooves before closing its eyes stubbornly.

Twilight now appeared annoyed. "NO! I SAID-"

"T-Twilight? What's happening down there!? D-Don't worry I'm coming!"

Twilight gasped yet again before she'd hurriedly teleported over and up in order to snatch the filly, before teleporting yet again and reappearing outside Golden Oak Library. It was the middle of the night as she gulped, breathing heavily as she glanced around in paranoia, unsure of herself. She then looked down at the foal whom was still exposed, and actually nibbling at Twilight's coat hungrily. Twilight shook her head, as if realizing just how dire the situation was. She muttered, "What have I done? What am I going to do with you?" Twilight then ran a hoof down the filly's cheek for a moment before frowning heavily.

The foal then spread its wings before it disappeared yet again.

Twilight shrieked as she looked around hurriedly, "No no no no! Where'd you go!?"

And in the distance she saw the little alicorn foal crawling upon the dirt, before it looked to the fountain, igniting it with its magic and causing the water to turn into sludge. "HOORAY!" The foal just clapped its hooves in excitement.

Twilight teleported over to her, before snatching her up yet again now pacing heavily. She looked around frantically as well, questioning what she could possibly do. And in the distance, she caught sight of Rarity's boutique. She then glanced down at the filly, "Rapid progression in magical capability. Only seconds old and has already common knowledge of basic words. Just how talented are you?"

The foal spoke to Twilight, spreading its hooves. "Everything!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she continued to observe it.

The foal continued. "Everything everything! Everything mine! You mine! Momma mine! Magic! Everything!"

Twilight blinked a bit, before her brows furrowed. "I see...."

And Twilight bore a blank expression as she looked upon Yucca now, cutting off what seemed to be, distant memories.

The mane six stood in a different area of Ponyville now, near the same fountain from long ago.

Princess Yucca sat some distance away from them upon a white puffy cloud, as she just looked upon Twilight with half closed eyes and an interested smile as she blinked. "Rules? All games need to have rules you know! Rules rules rules!"

Twilight sighed, "Okay okay, just be a little patient okay? We're discussing the rules still." She continued, "Can you do that for me?"

Princess Yucca just groaned as she rolled onto her back and began kicking her hooves. "BUT I WANNA PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY!"

Twilight just shook her head as she turned back towards her friends and nodded to each of them. "Just like we discussed..."

They all nodded back to her.

Rarity whispered, "You can count on us darling."

And Rainbow added in, "Definitely, we got this."

Twilight smiled at them with confidence, trusting them.

While in the distance, Discord and many others simply watched, observing the game about to take place.

Scootaloo had tears in her eyes as she shook her head. "P-PLEASE RAINBOW! DON'T PLAY THIS GAME!"

Apple Bloom replied in suit, "Yea Applejack! What're ya gonna do if you lose!?"

While Sweetie Belle didn't hesitate either, "Rarity! You better not lose!" She sniffled as she lowered her head with a whimper.

Discord called out to Fluttershy, "FLUTTERSHYYYYY~ OH don't think you don't have a fan out here as well!"

Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake sat with sad eyes as they each waved at Pinkie Pie.

Mr & Mrs.Cake each looked to Pinkie Pie, giving her a reluctant nod.

And Twilight took a moment to look at Spike in the crowd, who appeared equally as worried.

Twilight gave him a reassuring nod, before she looked back to Princess Yucca with a determined glare.

Two anonymous ponies in the crowd seemed particularly focused on Princess Yucca, as they bore cold expressions.

Princess Yucca yawned as she laid on her belly with a bored look, poking at her cloud.

Princess Twilight spoke out. "The rules of the special talent game are this. The game will consist of six tests, each test focusing on a certain aspect of one of our special talents. If you can manage to pass each of these tests, then you win. But if you fail even one, then we win. So basically it's all of us, against you. Of course you can back out if you don't want to play or you think that's unfair."

Princess Yucca rolled onto her back before kicking her legs as if she were riding a bike. "Nope! It's okay! I always used to play games where I was outnumbered by Momma! I like it that way! Makes it harder!" She spread her hooves. "Haaaaaaarder! Yep yep yep!"

Princess Twilight smiled. "Good." Confident, just as I expected. "Then how about we start with the first test?"

Princess Yucca's eyes widened as she raised a brow at Twilight, obviously curious.

Twilight stated simply. "The test of speed. A race against Rainbow Dash, the fastest pony in Ponyville. 10 laps around the town."

The crowd gasped, as Princess Yucca chuckled playfully, immediately rising as her ears perked up. "OH!? A RACE!? FUN!"

Rainbow Dash rose to the skies as she made her way towards the border of Ponyville, while appearing quite bored herself. She patted her muzzle as she leaned on her own cloud as well. "Well hurry up kid! I've don't got time to waste!"

Princess Yucca clapped excitedly as she hurriedly made her way towards Rainbow Dash, bouncing on her own cloud. "RACE RACE!"

Scootaloo cheered as she appeared confident and happy. "AWESOME! A RACE!? THAT PRINCESS STANDS NO CHANCE!"

Fluttershy fluttered up towards Rainbow and Yucca, before blinking a bit and looking to each of them. "E-Excuse me? Are you two ready? I mean, n-not to rush you or anything of course. B-But, I would like to get the race started with your permission."

Rainbow shooed Fluttershy as she yawned, "Yea yea, I'm good. Just hurry and start it."

Princess Yucca nodded hurriedly at Fluttershy with her tongue sticking out like a dog. "Uhuh uhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuh!"

Fluttershy nodded plainly before raising a hoof. "Reeeeeeady, seeeeeeeeeeet,...........................go please..."

And Princess Yucca blitzed off from the starting point, having already completed two laps in mere seconds.

Rainbow Dash just continued to sit on her cloud, yawning.

Scootaloo cringed as she shook her head, then yelled up at Rainbow Dash. "R-Rainbow Dash, what're you doing!?"

Much of the crowd raised their hooves to their heads, also in complete bafflement of what Rainbow was doing.

As Yucca completed her fourth lap she immediately paused at the start, looking down at Rainbow. "You're not playing!"

Rainbow gave a bored glare towards Yucca, before rising off her cloud and just fluttering there for a second. "You know what? Because I don't feel like playing! I'm not risking my freedom for these bozos!" She turned and faced the mane six, glaring down at them. "Why should I? Hah! I got much better things to do with my life, such as becoming a Wonderbolt! If Twilight wants to become a prisoner, then she can do it by herself! You win kid, I'm done with this." And Rainbow simply fluttered off. "Hah, games, seriously? What a joke!"

Princess Yucca gave Rainbow an absolutely estranged look. "W-Wha?..B-But that's so mean! Where's your loyalty!?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Hah! Loyalty? PFT!" She then continued off and on her way, before winking at the crowd and Twilight.

Twilight smirked, as she nodded back to Rainbow, as Scootaloo and the others only looked even more confused.

Apple Bloom looked to Scootaloo, "What was that about?"

Scootaloo shrugged, just as clueless as the rest of them were.

Twilight then frowned heavily before shaking her head, calling out to Rainbow angrily. "FINE! WHO NEEDS YOU ANYWAY!"

Princess Yucca crossed her hooves as she raised a brow at the departing Rainbow, confused. "Huuuuuuh?"

Twilight and the rest of her friends sighed heavily as Twilight just shook her head sitting there.

Princess Yucca once again sat some distance away from them, looking upon them curiously as she blinked.

Twilight looked to each of her friends. "Alright guys, we don't need Rainbow to win. We'll just continue with the next test."

Princess Yucca smiled as she propelled her tail, rising up and into the air as she crossed her forehooves. "You suuuuuure you wanna keep playing? You'll be my prisoners forever you know! There's no way you can beat me! I play lots and lots of games! I'm also the legendary Queen Sombrero and Princess of Nightmares! I defeated the second one in my dreams ya know."

Twilight and the others just looked at Yucca as if she were crazy, well all besides Pinkie, as Twilight just shook her head and continued with a confident smirk. "Yea, we're not giving up just yet. Besides the next test is a harder one, it's the test of strength!" Twilight then looked to Applejack with a nod. "You ready for this Applejack!? This is the rock toss contest!"

Applejack smirked as she nodded to Twilight, "Ya betcha Twilight, let's do this!"

They all now stood in an open field near Ponyville, with the crowd having followed.

Princess Yucca and Applejack stood off in their own little area, each with a rock of similar size.

Twilight made her way over to the two of them, as she glanced down at each of their rocks. But she looked in particular at Applejack's rock as she blinked a bit. "Applejack, is there something wrong with your rock? It looks a little funny."

Applejack gasped, "W-What're ya talkin about!? There ain't anything funny goin on with my rock! It's a completely normal rock!"

Princess Yucca blinked a bit, as she just sat there, tilting her head to the right curiously.

Twilight shrugged before smiling, and made her way over to Yucca's rock before glancing down at it. "Hm, looks good! Well then!" She then teleported her way further down the field, before raising a hoof and looking at the two. "Everypony ready to start? Get in positions!"

Yucca just lifted her rock easily with one hoof and a blank expression.

Applejack turned as if she were preparing to buck a tree as she lowered her frame.

Twilight nodded before raising her hoof, "3!.......2!.........1!.................START!"

And just as quickly as Twilight said start, Princess Yucca tossed her rock as it flew far and off into the distance. She rose to both hind legs as she clapped excitedly and did a twirl on one leg, "Hooray! Nopony can beat that! Sorry apple pony! YOU LOSE!"

And as Applejack kicked her rock, it burst into a bunch of pieces of crumpled up paper colored gray.

Yet again, the crowd gasped as they looked upon the scene.

Twilight to gasped as she shook her head, "A-Applejack! YOU LIED!?"

Princess Yucca's face scrunched up angrily as she fluttered over to Applejack. "H-HEY! Why'd ya lie to your friends apple pony!?"

Applejack immediately made a scrunched up face herself as her eyes shifted from the left to right suspiciously as she retreated, running off and through the crowd hurriedly in her escape. "I DIDN'T DO NOTHIN! YA'LL DON'T KNOW WHAT YA TALKIN ABOUT!"

Princess Yucca just glared angrily at the retreating Applejack as she started to fume as her cheeks puffed up. "Rrrrrrrrrr...."

As they'd returned to the fountain, Princess Yucca still appeared upset with Applejack as her hooves were crossed and she just fluttered there in annoyance with a frown. "Hmph! Sompeony needs to teach those ponies a lesson!"

The crowd just continued to watch as they all seemed just as upset as Yucca.

Especially Apple Bloom who looked to Big Mac, "Did ya find her Big Mac?"

Big Mac shook his head. "Nope!"

Twilight chuckled as she shook her head as they all returned to their original positions as she raised her hoof. "No, they can do what they'd like. Maybe if you win you can go and teach them a lesson, but for now we concentrate on the game."

Princess Yucca snarled beneath her breath as she grumbled, sitting upon her cloud. "HMPH!"

Twilight continued, "Next up is the test of style. Whomever can sell the most clothes is the victor! Rarity of course is our choice!"

Princess Yucca immediately manifested a cart full of clothes as she stood beside it with a determined expression. "Well I've already given away lots and lots of my stuff! So does that count? I mean I can make some more if you want you know!"

Twilight smiled with a nod, "Why yes, it actually does count. So Rarity will have to pick up the pace!"

Rarity gasped as she looked to Twilight. "What? Why I never agreed to this part of yours Twilight! What is this nonsense?"

Twilight looked to Rarity worriedly. "R-Rarity what do you mean? We need your help to win the game."

Rarity shook her head with an annoyed expression. "At the cost of my marvelous clothes!? Hah! Why I spent ages creating them and you simply want me to give them away for free? Darling you obviously do not know the first thing about me!"

Twilight frowned heavily as she shook her head. "B-But Rarity, please!"

Rarity just began trotting off and away, much like Applejack and Rainbow. "HMPH! In your dreams sister!"

Twilight growled with an intense frown as she watched Rarity depart.

Princess Yucca however didn't appear very surprised as she just appeared to be holding in her silent rage.

Twilight just shook her head, "You know what! FINE! None of you could've pulled this off anyhow!"

Fluttershy gasped, as did Pinkie.

Twilight continued, "I'll just deal with this myself! If none of you are willing to step up to the plate either! I'll win this alone!"

Fluttershy whimpered as she made her way closer to Twilight. "B-But Twilight, I promise I won't be so-"

But Twilight swiped her hoof. "NO Fluttershy! I don't need your help! You wouldn't really be able to anyway." She glanced to the lower right with a conspicuous look. "To be honest with you, I suspected that you'd lose from the beginning."

Fluttershy's eyes watered as she just lowered her head and began trotting off, sniffling supposedly.

Pinkie Pie blinked a bit before looking at both Twilight and Fluttershy, her eyes widened then. "O-Oh yea! That's my que right!?" She then gasped before looking to Twilight, before trailing after Fluttershy with a bounce. "Fluttershy! I will be with your bestest friend!"

Now Twilight stood alone as she smirked, then looked to Yucca with a determined expression. "As said, I'll end this game myself."

Yucca's eyes were wide as she appeared dead in her expression as she just glared at Twilight seriously. "You hurt her feelings..."

Twilight cocked her head to the right. "What's it matter? She's not your friend."

Princess Yucca shouted angrily in her Canterlot Voice. "YOU WERE FRIENDS!!!!! SO THAT'S, NOT, NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE!!!!!!!!!"

Princess Twilight sighed heavily. "Well, neither is taking us as prisoners but you were going to do that right?"

Princess Yucca rose to the air, flapping her wings before poofing on her cardboard uniform of King Sombra's armor as the air around her began to shimmer and distort as the chaotic storm only became more intense. "BUT THAT'S DIFFERENT! YOU ALL KEPT BREAKING THE NICENESS RULES! AND SO YOU MUST SAY SORRY! MY SIX NICENESS RULES! BEING NICE, GIVING FRIENDS LOTS AND LOTS OF STUFF, TELLING TRUTH TO FRIENDS, ALWAYS HELPING YOUR FRIENDS AND THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT, AND ALWAYS HAVE FUN! YOU ALL MUST BE PUNISHED!" Princess Yucca rose her hooves to the air as she growled. "YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THE EVIL PONY OF NIGHTMARES! NOW, I SHALL USE MY SUPER PONY BLASTER!"

The entire began to cower as they backed away, in fear of Yucca's oncoming destruction.

Princess Twilight then yelled out to Princess Yucca, "Wait! We haven't finished the game yet!"

Princess Yucca's face scrunched up as she glared down at Twilight, "HUH!?"

Princess Twilight smiled as she swiped her hoof, and lowered her frame. "The final test, the test of magic." And suddenly appearing over her head, as well as Yucca's almost as if she'd expected them to reach this point, would be floating flags. Each of them bore a distinct color and symbol, as Twilight's flag was blue while Yucca's flag was red. "Whomever destroys the other's flag first, wins."

Princess Yucca touched upon the ground before puckering her lower lip. "You will be my prisoner Momma #2! I won't let you win!"

Twilight lowered her frame as she spread each of her hooves. "We'll see about that. You remember our deal right?" Twilight's eyes saddened as she just looked upon Yucca, and for a moment she saw a flash of that same foal from long ago. "If I win, you must leave Equestria, and learn to live in a land far away from here. Returning is out of the question."

Princess Yucca growled as she poofed on a drinking hat with two large jugs attached to the side as she sipped out of the straw, revealing the two large jugs were filled with milkshakes as she uttered. "I don't lose to meany heads."

Twilight remained silent to this as she just took in a deep breath, then nodded to Princess Yucca.

As the wind-blow only continued to pick up, much of the crowd had already begun to retreat away from the scene.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders in particular were shielded by Big Mac, as somepony suddenly called out to the four of them.

"Over here you guys!"

They all immediately glanced back, to take notice of Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity all huddled together behind a house.

They all raised brows at the three of them, as they hurried over to them and joined them in that location.

Apple Bloom looked angrily to Applejack. "APPLEJACK! WHAT WERE YA THINKIN! NOW LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!"

Scootaloo crossed her hooves and turned away from Rainbow Dash in disasppointment. "Yea Rainbow, I thought you were better than that."

While Sweetie Belle didn't fail to join in as well. "How could you all abandon each other like that?"

Big Mac nodded in agreement. "Yup!"

The three of them soon burst into chuckles as they just continued to laugh in amusement.

The four others just looked at them in puzzlement, lost.

Rainbow was the first to speak, and answer. "Don't ask us, ask Twilight! It was all her plan!"

"Ah, what a strange plan it was. But it looks like it worked."

They all then glanced back and over in a different direction, as approaching with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, would be the collared Discord as he had his arms crossed. "I say, I figured it out the moment the multi-colored one pulled her little abandonment performance. But I must say, what is the point? What would handing that filly your own defeat accomplish? But then I thought about it!" Discord frowned as he tugged at his collar a bit before forcibly tearing it off. "Saving the test that requires the most concentration for last? And while poking at the buttons that obviously made that little devil operate. I see when she's not looking at it in such a fun fashion, she ends up becoming a bit, unstable, if I do say so myself." But Discord raised a brow with an interested look, leaning down towards the three of the six. "But I must inquire, how is it that ol Ms Twilight Princess managed to come across such precious information?"

Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack all glanced to one another nervously as if avoiding the question.

Discord peeked out towards the two powerful alicorns with a little cackle. "Unleeess, ohohoho, one is very familiar with the other."

Yucca started by letting off a ferocious multi-colored spell towards Twilight.

Twilight however simply teleported out of the way before reappearing atop the fountain, glancing down at Yucca. Her own horn began to ignite then, but she didn't fire, almost as if she were charging up her spell for a later moment.

Princess Yucca frowned heavily as she stood on her hind legs and gritted her teeth at Twilight. "STAY STILL MEANY HEAD!" And she flapped her wings, rising to the air before letting off a series of spells at Twilight's flag, as Twilight simply continued to dodge with ease using her own teleportation spells. As the spells began to follow and pick up on Twilight's trail, Yucca's annoyed expression never left her face as she just began to think back on certain memories. Despite Twilight having been so mean to her friends just now, such issues weren't the only things that poked at Yucca as she continued to let off a rapid series of spells while remaining in place.

In the image, Princess Yucca saw the hazy image of Princess Twilight as she bore a hood, and turned away from her.

Princess Yucca shouted angrily, "STAY STILL HOODED PONY!" And she teleported reappearing in front of Twilight as her horn ignited.

Princess Twilight gasped as she leaped back and began to fade, preparing to teleport yet again, unsure if she'd make it. And by mere seconds, she disappeared, reappearing some distance away as she huffed. "What're you talking about?"

Princess Yucca turned angrily towards her as she only continued letting off an infinite amount of spells which began to kick up dirt and sand from the surface it touched. "YOU'RE THE HOODED PONY! ALL ALONG YOU WERE HERE! YOU BIG JERK!"

Princess Twilight frowned as she just continued to teleport. "That sounds like an entirely different issue." She paused, "But how come I suspected it'd come up in this situation? Are you mad at me? Have you always been mad at me on the inside little one?"

Princess Yucca didn't answer her as she then raised her hooves to the air, manifesting what looked like a massive floating cannon.

Discord smirked, "Looks like she's made herself vulnerable."

Princess Twilight, who hadn't cast a spell yet had soon disappeared as she reappeared in front of Princess Yucca. "But that isn't the issue here." She closed her eyes halfway before just staring at Yucca, "You still chose to side with Chrysalis in the end." And as Twilight prepared herself, she muttered, "But even now, I still know what you are isn't your fault, and for that-" she paused, "I'm sorry." As she'd let off a spell towards Yucca, aiming straight towards her flag in that moment as she gritted her teeth, now just as determined.

Princess Yucca's eyes snapped wide as she'd disappeared, dodging Princess Twilight's spell.

Rainbow gasped, "D-Did she just dodge it?"

Discord continued with his arms crossed, "Well, that she did, but-"

And as Twilight's spell faded, Princess Yucca had reappeared, but immediately froze a few seconds afterwords, slumping down.

Discord continued, "It looks like she was a little too heated for that even hmhm."

Princess Yucca was slumped down beside the fountain with wide eyes as she held a piece of her flag in her hooves. She just continued to look down at it with a saddened expression as her raggedy mane lost its vibrant purple shade and became straightened.

Pinkie Pie blinked a bit as she puckered her lip with a saddened expression.

Princess Yucca however didn't bear an expression as she just continued to look down blankly at her piece of flag, almost in disbelief as she began to connect the pieces of Twilight's words and the actions of her friends. Soon the storm surrounding Ponyville began to disperse as ponies emerged from the background scenery, slowly encroaching upon the alicorn yet again as Princess Yucca just didn't react as she took another sip from her drinking hat, as her hat tipped over and then fell onto the ground, spilling her milkshakes. She absently dropped her piece of remaining flag as she just lowered her frame onto the dirt, and began to scoop up the milkshake with a worried look with, almost as if protecting it and the hat as she pressed it close to her. "..........."

And soon a looming shadow came over.

Princess Yucca looked up at the individual with her straightened and sulking mane. "Did, did Yucca lose?"

Princess Twilight nodded plainly. "Yes, you did. You lost concentration, and ultimately, lost track of the objective of the game. And now, you've lost the game entirely. As promised you will leave all this behind, Queen Chrysalis, and the changelings included." She frowned, "You're smart, smarter than most on the inside. You just ignore these qualities about yourself, and play around all the time."

Princess Yucca looked back down at her drinking hat with her milkshake mixed in with the sand and dirt floating inside it while wearing a saddened expression as she didn't answer Twilight, and just remained silent for a moment.

Twilight raised a brow as she watched Yucca, along with many of the others who just continued to watch from afar.

Princess Yucca smiled a bit, before shrugging her shoulders. "You were the first to win, Momma #2." She lowered her head and just continued to stare at her floating milkshake. "Sweets made me so so so happy. Because they're really delicious and stuffs. But they also give me energy, and the happy colors always made me not think about Momma's troubles. Momma wanted to take over the ponies, she wanted a lot of stuff, pony kingdoms are very very pretty and look so nice. I can see why Momma wanted them as I read about them in so many stories, with veeeeeery big castles like, like big giant clubhouses. But I could never do what Momma wanted, and I love Momma." She lowered her head as her ears lowered and her eyes saddened, "But Momma can't depend on me."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "I guess, if I can't help her, she'd be better off. She can't win with me there."

Twilight's eyes saddened as well as she shook her head. "That's because, she was never meant to. You two are far too different."

Princess Yucca rose to all fours as she just looked up at Princess Twilight silently and pressed her hoof against Princess Twilight's cheek. "Fluffy. Mhm, yep, I definitely remember you." She chuckled as she then turned away from Twilight and shrugged before spinning her tail and propelling herself into the air like a helicopter. "I didn't want to see anymore black anyway! Black is so scary and always makes me think of the pony of nightmares!" She pointed to the sky, "Well Queen Sombrero is off!" And she manifested a apple as she munched on it, and then looked down at the apple with a soft smile and saddened eyes. Princess Yucca then looked to the entire crowd of ponies, and the creature who stood beside Fluttershy as well. She wondered if things would've been different if Twilight maybe decided to keep her long ago, but also understood what Princess Twilight wanted. She nodded. "Yep yep! Well I lose! And I alwaaaaays remain true to the games I play!" She tossed them a wave, "Welp! See you everypony!" And Princess Yucca casually began making her way off towards the border of Ponyville, in the general direction of the Frozen North, accepting defeat.

Twilight called out to her, "Fly high! And make east for the land of griffons! B-Be careful!"

Princess Yucca glanced back as she chuckled, "What's a griffon?" She shrugged, "KK, bye bye then!" She waved yet again as she began humming a soft tune to herself and making her way further off. Just as simply as she came, she started to leave. It was almost surprising to Twilight, and she didn't fail to notice Yucca's mane didn't return to normal for the time being, yet even that felt expected.

Twilight called out to her again, this time with an obviously displeased look as she appeared a bit torn over how this all ended and the direction she'd chosen. But for some reason, she couldn't stop herself from not pursuing this route. As wrong as it felt, she still felt it was right at the same time, or perhaps it was just her own hesitation that stopped her from preventing it from continuing any further. She raised a hoof to her muzzle, before crying out to the filly. "I'M SORRY!!! AND, AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!"

Princess Yucca just glanced back, before tossing Twilight a wave and smile, and continuing on.

Princess Twilight watched the filly fly off with a sigh before glancing over at her friends whom stood on the side, before flashing a smile.

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all made their way over to Twilight hurriedly.

This caused most of the crowd to look upon the scene in confusion, especially after all the abandoning they'd just did.

Rarity gasped, "T-Twilight, are you sure it's wise to just let her go like that?"

Rainbow Dash frowned while crossing her hooves. "Yea what happens if she comes back? Although I guess the kid wasn't so bad."

Applejack just shook her head. "Shucks Twilight, I have to agree with the others, why just let her go? She's raised by changelings."

Twilight looked to them with a soft smile herself. "She'll be alright. She's different from us, and has her own answers she has to pursue. I doubt she'll come back now that she's lost a game, as said, she's a little different. I think she and I will be leaving on good terms." As they all continued to watch Yucca's departing figure fluttering in the distance, fading into a tiny dot as it did spins in the air and twirls, Twilight just continued. "She understands that she has too much history here, and due to my mistakes, far too much capabilities and responsibility. I hope one day she can forgive me. But she has to make a new start, somewhere away from the ponies and changelings, she'll bring too much trouble here as is. And if possible, I'd like to keep this a secret from Princess Celestia if we can. I, hope you all get what I'm trying to say, I guess, I'm still just trying to do what's best for all of us."

Fluttershy whimpered a bit, "B-But do you think she'll be okay? She's still so young..."

They all looked to Fluttershy as if she were crazy for a moment, almost suspended in disbelief.

Rainbow started, "Fluttershy...."

While Applejack continued. "Ya did see what she was able to do right?"

Fluttershy turned red in the cheeks as she just glanced to the lower right. "O-Oh I know, but, it's just, I guess...well, erhm,..nevermind."

Twilight glanced down at Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie, what're you doing?"

Pinkie Pie was currently lapping up the remnants of Yucca's milkshakes. "SHE MAKES YUMMY MILKSHAKES!"

And Twilight just covered her face with a hoof as the others only just started to chuckle. "Probably read up the best recipes."

Applejack sighed as she just smiled a bit, "Well, I guess we can all manage to not share all the details with the princesses."

Rarity continued, "True that darling. But can we just rest for a bit, and get to cleaning up Ponyville?"

Twilight nodded to Rarity, "Agreed. This place is a complete mess."

And watching still beside the house, would be Discord with a bored expression as he glanced down at his broken collar. "Hah..."

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo soon emerged from their hiding locations as they rushed towards the mane six happily, and practically in tears, each of them embracing their specific few in a hug. While other ponies also emerged, now approaching Twilight and the others, many curious about why exactly they'd decided to pull that little stunt from earlier, while also curious about Princess Yucca.

As did Spike, as he looked back at two particular stallions who appeared distracted, but then shrugged and hurried on over to Twilight.

The stallions nodded to one another, as they each made their way behind one of the houses, as suddenly a green flash emerged from behind that particular house, as two changelings fluttered and rose to the skies, making their way in the southern direction.