Neighpon tales

by Seanzilla115

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Anthro, Main 6, Romance, Original Character, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer
Length: 148209

One night, Fluttershy confesses to her friends she wasn't born in Cloudsdale, but in the foreign land of Neighpon. Little did she know was she was going to encounter something from her former home..or rather, somepony she once knew.

One day, Fluttershy confesses to her friends she wasn't born in Cloudsdale, but in the foreign land of Neighpon. Little did she know was she was going to return to her former home, and encounter something...or rather, somepony she once knew. And to think, it all started with a dream

(Fluttershy X OC, TwiDash and possibly other pairings)

(Characters are anthro, SS2sonic's style of anthro to be specific)

Published 2015-04-27 04:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-03-09 00:49:18 UTC

The dream, and the explanation

Author's Note

Before we begin, just want to say a few things. One; I do not own anything in this story except my OCs(which you'll be seeing soon). Two; since this is a AU, there will be a few human stuff in here, such as cell phones and stuff. 3: We haven't gotten a name for the world Equestria is set in, so my buddy Pikatwig came up with Equina. 4: as stated in the discription, this will contain multiple pairings. 5:...I hope you enjoy and leave a good comment/review as it took me quite a while to make this. Well.,.I had help from my friends KKD Silver and Pikatwig of course. But never teh less, I hope you enjoy

The dream, and the explanation

"So...you're really leaving then..." a voice asked sadly.

"H...h...hai(yes)," a rather shy voice replied.

"...I see..."

"...W...will we ever see each other again?" the shy voice asked.

"..I hope s-"

"..H..hello? Hello? Wh..where'd you go?!" the shy voice whimpered as the first voice went silent, "No..no please..don't go please. Please!"

"Don't go!" Fluttershy shouted as she shot up from her bed, a cold sweat on her face as she tried to reach out for something.

It took a moment for her to calm down as she retracted her arm, the shy mare panting a bit.

'I...it was just a dream..but...who was I calling out too?' Fluttershy thought to herself before a bit of the morning sun's rays shined down on her, '..I..I'll worry about it later. I need to get ready for today...'

“M-morning everypony. S-sorry I’m late,” Fluttershy apologized as she met up with two of her friends in the park, the shy mare wearing her usual forest green sweater and dark brown skirt, “I-it took me a while to get ready.”

“Eh. it’s cool, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash shrugged as she turned towards Twilight, the Alicorn currently sitting on a park bench “So, what’re we doing today?”

“Hmm… not sure really. Sunset, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are busy, so I guess it’s just us for today,” Twilight replied.

“Oh… alright,” Rainbow Dash shrugged before her stomach grumbled a bit, ”...Uh… you girls want a bite to eat or something? There’s this new place that opened up, and they look like they serve some good food.”

“Alright,” Twilight nodded before looking over at Fluttershy, “You coming, Fluttershy?”

“Um, n-no thank you. I… actually ate this morning,” Fluttershy answered.

“Oh...I see,” Twilight noted as she stood up, ”I guess we’ll see you a bit later then.”

Fluttershy nodded as she walked off, her mind being in another place as she did so while Twilight and Rainbow Dash walked off in the opposite direction. All she did was stare at the sky for a bit in thought and eventually let out a soft sigh and then sat down.

“...Odd dream… reminded me of home,” she admitted to herself, as she just watched the clouds roll by.

Her train of thought was interrupted by a small giggle as she turned her head to see a couple walk by, the two close to each other. Seeing this caused the anthro pegasus mare to feel a small twinge in her heart.

“...Why do I… feel so… lonely all of a sudden?” she muttered to herself. She felt like she was missing something… but what? What was missing? She sighed before walking off, the shy mare looking down at the ground as she did so, “Atashi… lonely… just… lonely…”

Fluttershy just sat down at the bench she was by and had begun to lie down on it in relaxation. She felt her phone buzz as did so, she took it out and saw a text from Rarity.

-At the spa. Where are you?-

“Oh...um…” Fluttershy began as she began to send a reply, “I am at the park right now. I was going to meet Rainbow Dash and Twilight, but they left.”

-Okay. Hurry if you can.-

“O-okay. I will be there shortly,” Fluttershy replied as she got up, ‘I-I wonder what she wants to talk to me about?'

“Sorry I’m late, Rarity,” Fluttershy apologized as she showed up.

“It’s alright, darling. I was just wondering what was taking you is all,” Rarity nodded before she spotted something on Fluttershy’s face, “...Fluttershy...were you crying?”

“...A little… I just… saw this couple and… well… I… just… felt alone… I don’t know why,” Fluttershy replied, rubbing her eye a bit to get rid of the tear.

“...I see,” Rarity noted, “Have you ever like anypony?”

“Well… I’ll admit… I like both… and… well… I uh… think you’re… kind of… beautiful…” Fluttershy responded.

“Why thank you, dear.”

“Y-you’re welcome but… but… Rarity? C-can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what is it darling?”

“W-well, I-I had a st-strange dream. N-not sure what it was but...I-I think it involved me as a filly but...”

“...But what, dear?”

“It was… blurred.”

“Blurred?”

“H-hai…” Fluttershy nodded before covering her mouth a bit.

“...Uh, greetings again?” Rarity replied confusingly.

“...it’s a different language… my… original one,” Fluttershy admitted, “It means ‘yes’ or ‘right’.”

“Oh,” Rarity noted.

“So...um, a-are we still up for our daily s-spa treatment?”

“Of course,” Rarity smiled, as she took Fluttershy’s hand and guided her on to their time at the spa. Fluttershy tried to hide her blush with her hair as the two mares walked through the spa.

“Ahh~ Fantastic as always,” Rarity sighed in bliss as she and Fluttershy left teh spa, “Right, dear?”

“R-right,” Fluttershy nodded, her mind elsewhere at the moment.

“So… where are you from, if you mind me asking?”

“Ara… er… huh?”

“You said you had a different language… so that would mean you might be from somewhere else… so, where would that be?”

“...N-ne…” Fluttershy whispered, hardly being able to be heard.

“....pardon me?”

“...wh-why don’t I tell you and the girls later when we go and meet them at Twilight’s place?”

“Sounds fine with me,” Rarity smiled, as they walked along.

‘...Rarity…I-I want to tell you but...I-I’m unsure of how you’ll react to where I came from...’

“So… what’s going on?” Dash asked as the group met up at Twilight’s.

“Well, Fluttershy wanted to tell us all something,” Rarity replied

“Fire away Sugarcube,” Applejack told her.

“O-okay… but… promise me something first…” she told them, “I-if I tell you all this, p-please promise me this won’t change your opinion on me.”

“It won’t, I promise,” Sunset smiled.

“Th-thank you,” Fluttershy smiled, again hiding a blush with her hair.

“We promise too, Sugahcube,” AJ added with a soft smile.

“So do we,” Twilight and Rainbow added.

“Yeah! So what do ya want to tell us?!” Pinkie asked in a semi-excited tone.

“...W-well, h-has anypony here heard of N-Neighpon?”

“I have,” Sunset informed.

“So have I,” Rarity nodded.

“Yea. But… not much of it good. Their ruler made some sort of negative comment about Princess Luna while she was still in the moon, and Celestia declared war on them. Many lives were lost, and it badly damaged our relationship with them for many moons. Travel to and from there was banned, so was trade, and ponies who already moved and lived here had a bad reputation,” Twilight informed, “And in fact, that’s why we didn’t see Luna at the Grand Galloping Gala. She was off making peace with the rulers there.”

“...I-I see.”

“Yeah. Wait, why bring Neighpon up?”

“B-Because…” Fluttershy paused as she gave a small sigh, “I-I’m from Neighpon.”

Everyone gasped at this, and Fluttershy hid her face with her hair, a bit nervous.

“That’s amazing darling! I heard it has some of the best fashion in all of Equina,” Rarity informed.

“Wow… to think we have a friend from there,” Sunset smiled.

“So… what’s it like, if you remember?” Rainbow asked.

“...Well… it’s very bright…A-and the cherry blossom trees are absolutely beautiful and the most romantic flower in the world… but…” Fluttershy paused as she looked down, “Those’re the only good memories I have of it. W-when I was a filly, even younger than when I met Rainbow Dash, and went to school…I...I was constantly bullied on for being shy. I...I had no friends whatsoever.”

“So… sort of like the Crusaders… just sort of?” Pinkie asked.

“No...even worse.”

“Don’t bring up bad memories if they hurt, that’s sort of my look on memories,” Sunset said, putting her hand on her shoulder, making Fluttershy blush and hid her face behind her hair.

“Yeah. I mean, are you sure you didn’t have at least one friend, Fluttershy?”

“...I-it’s blurry, but… I-I remember a colt that used to make me smile.”

“Aww…” Rarity smiled.

“But… if yer from there, how come yer over here?” Applejack asked.

“...Remember that war Twilight mentioned?” she told them, “...*sighs* B-before the war, my mom and dad sent me here to stay with my grandma for a bit. And then…months later once it was over…” she paused as tears formed in her eyes, “I...I found out they died…”

The room fell silent as Fluttershy began to cry, the shy mare’s tears hitting the floor as they fell from her face.

“Sugahcube… A-Ah’m so sorry to hear that,” Applejack whispered sadly.

“I miss them… I miss them so much… I haven’t even seen their graves to pay my respects once…” Fluttershy cried, the shy mare hugging herself as tears continued to form in her eyes.

Rarity and Sunset walked over and hugged her, neither of them noticing the deep red blush that appeared on Fluttershy as they did so.

“Darling, we’re so sorry to hear this… but… don’t let such sad things get to you,” Rarity spoke softly.

“Yeah...if you remember the good memories you’ve spent with them, they’ll always be with you,” Sunset added.

“...M-my grandma used to say the same thing to me when I was a filly,” Fluttershy spoke with a small smile.

“So, you lived with your grandmother when you were in Cloudsdale?” Rainbow asked.

“Yes,” Fluttershy nodded, “I lived with her until I was old enough to move out, even after I had gotten my Cutie Mark. I didn’t want her to be alone, and I didn’t want to be alone. I-I visited her from time to time… until...she passed on...”

“Do you have anymore family?” Applejack asked.

“...The only one I’m aware of is back home in Neighpon…a cousin, and her name is Posey.”

“Posey?”

“Y-yes. I-I think I still have a picture of her,” Fluttershy replied as she searched through her clothing before pulling out her wallet,”I-I know it’s somewhere around h-oh! Here it is,” she smiled a bit as she pulled out a picture of herself as a filly, and one that looked almost like her.

“Are you sure that’s a cousin and and not your twin?”

“A lot of ponies said the same thing when they saw us together,” Fluttershy giggled a bit, “While I still lived in Neighpon, my cousin and that colt I mentioned where my best friends… I… just wish I can see them again.. .e-especially that colt.”

“Oh?”

“I-I know this might sound a bit silly but…” Fluttershy paused as she blushed, “I-I used to have a crush on him. Wh-whenever he made me happy, m-my heart would feel like it’s beating a thousand miles an hour.”

“...So… you haven’t seen them for a long time?” Twilight asked.

“Hai,” Fluttershy nodded, making everyone look in confusion, bar Rarity.

“It means ‘yes’ or ‘right’,” Rarity informed.

“Ohh…” the others nodded in response.

“...Hmm… I think I can do something on the matter, but I’ll need to check with Celestia first,” Twilight informed, walking off.

“Heh… you and your cousin look so much alike… did you ever get mixed up?”

“Three times,” Fluttershy informed, “And… we occasionally pranked people by pretending to be the other.”

“Oh? You had a prank-ish side, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked with a slight grin as she and Pinkie looked at her.

“Y-yes I did,” Fluttershy nodded with a slight giggle.

“Heh...cool. Maybe next time we go pranking, we’ll take you with us,” Rainbow Dash chuckled a bit.

“Yeah! I bet you can come up with some pretty funny ones too, Shy!” Pinkie beamed.

“...Y-yeah…” Fluttershy nodded slowly

“So… what’s the food like over there?” Applejack asked.

“Well… it’s all yummy… though… they do use some fish… dunno why… and oh, there’s a rather famous strawberry farm there, sort of like Sweet Apple Acres. I actually knew the son of the parents who owned the place.”

“Huh. Interestin’ Was he th’ same colt y’all mentioned before?”

“N-no. But he was friends with him,” Fluttersyh replied, “..ooh! there was also some thigns I used to collect back in Neighpon. Manga.”

“...That’s weird,” Pinkie spoke as she tilted her head slightly, “Why would you collect mangos?”

“No no. Manga, Pinkie,” Fluttershy corrected the excitable pinkette, “It’s a colorless comic book, and it’s the opposite direction of our books.”

“That’s why you always opened up your textbook the wrong way back in school,” Dash realized.

“Yea… well… there was one I loved really well… it was called Sailor Moon,” she informed, “A-and before you ask, no. It has nothing to do with Princess Luna. Though..” she paused to giggle slightly, “There was a cat in it that was named Luna.”

“Neat,” Dash smiled.

“I actually brought one over with me when I left… though… I only brought one because I thought I was going back home… and it was the first issue I brought… I actually got it signed by the author,” Fluttershy informed.

“Really?” Twilight asked as she walked back in, overhearing what the shy mare said.

“H-hai. Demo (but)... it’s back home, and I’d have to move a lot of stuff just to find it,” Fluttershy admitted sheepishly, “And… we wore something beautiful back there… it was called a kimono. In fact, I helped my mom and grandmom sew them a lot.”

“...Please tell me you still have one,” Rarity begged the shy mare a bit.

“I have several, and I can make a lot more… if you’d like.”

“Please do. I would love to wear a Kimono.”

“And it’s because of that, I know quite a bit about sewing,” Fluttershy admitted.

“So that’s how you knew all that stuff when I was working on your Gala dress,” Rarity realized.

“And how ya knew how ta finish that dress fer Rarity ta get her outta that funk,” Applejack added.

“Y-yes,” Fluttershy nodded before giggling a bit, “G-gomen (Sorry), girls. It’s just, I didn’t thnk the conversation would change over to dresses and stuff.”

“Anything else about your home you’d like to mention?” Sunset asked.

“Well… hmm…n-nothing much really…”

“Aw poo,” Pinkie pouted, “I was hoping to hear more about it.”

“Well… I think I can show you all pictures.” Fluttershy informed, taking out her phone and looking up the name of the city she lived in as a filly, being Shibuya, “Here we go. Oh, here’s a famous landmark, the Shibuya 404.”

“Why’s it called that?” Rainbow asked as she and the others looked at the picture, Twilight taking a notepad out so she could write down the information.

“Since there’s a 404 on it,” Fluttershy informed, “Hold on… let me see if I remember the name of that strawberry farm…”

She thought for a moment, and typed it in, finding pictures of it.

“It’s called the Hikari Ichigo Nojo, which is Neghiponese for Hikari Strawberry Farm,” Fluttershy informed.

“I see...interesting,’ Twilight noted as she wrote it down. Just as Fluttershy scrolled to the next picture, she spotted one with what looked like a statue of a Shiba Inu, “Fluttershy? What was that dog statue?”

“Oh. It’s a statue honoring Hachiko, who waited for his master to return. But… he never came as he had died. But.. Hachiko waited for him still, even after he died.”

“Wow… that’s… that’s what I call true Loyalty…” Twilight gawed while Rainbow Dash stayed silent.

“...Twilight?” Rainbow Dash spoke, causing the Alicorn to look at her, “If we ever go to Neighpon, remind me to go visit that statute.”

“...Did you read my mind or something? How’d you know I was going to ask Celestia if we could go there?”

“...You mentioned it before leaving the room and coming back, Twilight,” the tomboy replied.

“Guess you were the only one who heard her, cause we didn’t know,” Sunset informed.

“Well I was standing next to her before she left the room,” RD shrugged.

“...Y-you’d do that for me?” Fluttershy asked, tears forming in her eyes.

“Of course. We’re friends afterall, Fluttershy,” Twilight smiled in response, earning a smile from Fluttershy as the pale yellow pegasus hugged her.

“Well… I think I should prepare you all for the trip…” Fluttershy smiled, “I’ll make you all kimonos.”

“Yes!” Rarity exclaimed, earning her looks from her friends, “...Ahem. I mean, that sounds splendid, darling.”

They all arrived at Rarity’s botique, with Fluttershy having brought books and examples to work off of.

“Alright…H-here’s all the designs I have on me,” the shy mare spoke as she opened one of the books, showing the different designs for the kimonos.

“They’re so stunning…” Rarity awed before complaining a bit, “Why don’t we have something like this in Equestria?!”

“...”

“oh...right. The whole ‘ban’ thing…” Rarity chuckled sheepshily a bit before frowning, “Still, to keep something like this is a crime.”

“...Uh… I’m going to need measurements…” Fluttershy informed, “...so… uh… can I take them?”

“That won’t be necessary, dear,” Rarity spoke up as she handed the shy mare a small book, “I keep a record of each pony’s measurements in here, including yours, mine, and the others.”

“Is Sunset’s in here, just checking?” Fluttershy asked.

“She went back home for something,” Twilight replied, “...Not sure what though.”

“Okay… well… I’ll get started,” Fluttershy informed, “Th-this may take a while though. I am a bit rusty when it comes to making kimonos.”

“It’s okay, sugahcube. We can wait,” Applejack said.

Fluttershy began to work really hard to make sure they looked right and looked beautiful, a bit of sweat on her forehead as she carefully made sure not to mess it up

As she worked, her mind wandered a little bit, thinking about her old home a bit, her cousin, her old friend… before it changed course a bit. Fluttershy paused for a moment and leaned back into her chair.

‘...Rarity… Sunset… so… kawaii...’ she thought, looking over at two of the finished kimonos, ‘I’m sure they’ll love them.’

She couldn’t help but continue to think of them, blushing as she did so. She then quickly shook her head as she got back to work. But..something popped back up into her head...that dream.

‘That colt… that was his voice…but...why? Why can’t I remember his name...or what he looks like?’ Fluttershy thought. She wanted to remember much of him but...will he remember her?

Meanwhile, back over in Neighpon, a girl had noticed a text, and it read this:

-I’m coming home to visit. See you soon.-

The girl giggled, looking over at a picture… of herself with Fluttershy, the two smiling.

“I can’t wait to see you, itoko-chan (cousin),” the girl smiled, ‘Oh! should I tell him she’s coming back… no. I want to see the look on their faces when they finally realize who they are.’

Arrival in Neighpon, and Cousin Posey

Fluttershy had finished the final kimono, the shy mare wiping her forehead a bit as she stood back, checking her work. She thought all of them simply looked wondrous and that everypony should enjoy them.

“So Twi, any info on Neghipon culture you could find?” Dash asked as the group headed over to Rarity’s boutique.

“Not much…” Twilight spoke as she read a book on Neighpon culture, “I’ve read this book multiple times last night, and I’ve learned only a few things.”

“Such as…?” Pinkie asked.

“Honestly… I can’t even remember half of what I read…” Twilight admitted.

“Oh...oh by the way!” Pinkie began as she pulled out a book from her mane, “I bought a translation book in case we get separated from Fluttershy while we’re in Neighpon!”

“Neat-o,” Dah smiled.

Rarity let the group in, and Fluttershy moved out the kimonos from the next room, the mares (especially Rarity) looking at the neighponese dresses in awe.

“I tried to make sure to incorporate something of each of us in it… like Pinkie’s having balloon designs on them, Twilight’s having stars, and the colors to try and match our manes…” Fluttershy informed with a smile when Pinkie noticed something.

“Hey Fluttershy, why do you have sticks in your hair?” Pinkie asked, noticing the chopsticks that were holding Fluttershy’s mane into a bun.

“Hmm? You mean this?” Fluttershy asked as she moved her hand up to the chopsticks in her mane, “Oh. I did this to make sure my mane didn't’ get caught up while I was working on the kimonos. That, and it’s something mare’s tend to do in Neighpon for special occasions.”

“Well, I think it makes your mane look adorable,” Rarity smiled.

“Thank you,” Fluttershy giggled slightly before walking over and getting something else, “And… since I sort of thought about it… I also made these,”

She then pulled out outfits that looked sort of like sailor fukus, each one in the Mane 7’s respective colors.

“Hey…I remember these. They're from your reverse comic book, right?” Dash asked.

“Yes...well techincally, these are something young mares wear while going to school and stuff. But the ones in the manga I showed you are special. They are the outfits worn by the leads while they fight the bad guys,” Fluttershy informed.

“How did you know that?” Rarity asked.

“Fluttershy loved showing me those books when we were in Cloudsdale… before Daring Do, it was the only book I gave the time of day because Fluttershy liked it,” Dash informed.

“Oh, I see,” Rarity noted.

“I… just wanted to make them…” Fluttershy admitted, twirling a stray strand of her mane with her finger in a shy manner.

“...Well I think they’re lovely, dear,” Rarity smiled as she walked up to the outfits, “They seem really well made.

Fluttershy smiled and blushed at that before shaking her head a little, “Th-thank you.” She then looked over at Twilight, “So um...did you send the letter yet?”

“I did, and I should be expecting a response anytime soon,” the alicorn nodded in response.

“Good. I can’t wait to see itoko-chan again,” Fluttershy smiled.

“...I’m guessing that’s…cousin?” Dash asked.

“Yep,” Pinkie nodded.

“Ah’m sure she’ll be happy t’ see ya too, sugahcube,” Applejack smiled a bit.

“Ind-ooh! I completely forgot!” Rarity gasped, “What about Sweetie Belle? i can just leave her alone by herself.”

“...funny you mention that…” Twilight spoke up with a slight sheepish chuckle, “I...asked Celestia for ten passes. One for each of us, and then three for the Crusaders,”

“And… I already made them outfits anyhow…” Fluttershy informed.

“Ohh...I see.”

“Yeah. So once the Crusaders are done at school, we’ll head out to the dock,” Twilight informed, “...After, the tickets show up.”

“Girls, pack your things. We’re going to Neighpon,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Thanks for letting me come, girls,” Spike smiled.

“No problem. Sorry I forgot to mention you in the letter to Celestia asking for the tickets and she sent us a spare one,” Twilight giggled sheepishly.

“It’s fine,” Spike nodded.

“So Fluttershy, is there anything you can tell us about Neighpon before we get there?” Rarity asked Fluttershy.

“Well… it’s a lot brighter than Equestria, and there are a lot of myths about Equnia’s creation and that sort of stuff. And there are a few things you should know…” Fluttershy informed, “Among them is that you should never hurt a firefly.”

“Why’s that?” Twilight asked.

“Firefly’s are sacred to Neighpon. You see, after the war between the two nations, Neighpon was on the brink of collapse. Lives were lost, crops were destroyed, and lakes had dried up. But luckily… they saw fireflies, and it helped them to rebuild. So fireflies have become sacred. Another sacred animal, dragons.” Fluttershy informed.

“Huh?” Spike blinked as he heard that last part, “Dragons are sacred in Neighpon?”

“Yes. It’s said the nation was under attack by a terrifying army, and we were rescued by a dragon. But one day, after the dragon defeated the army, it had mysteriously disappeared. But it left its mark, a jewel known as the Sun Dragon Eye. It’s Neighpon’s most sacred treasure, kept by the empress. She keeps it sealed up in someplace safe, because if something were to happen to it…” Fluttershy paused in her explanation as she gave a slight gulp, “Terrible things would happen.”

“So… what would happen when they see Spike?” Rarity asked.

“Not sure…” Fluttershy admitted with a shrug, “So… apart from that, there are some other interesting things about Neghipon. As I mentioned, they do use fish in some food, and fillies are supposed to always wear fukus to school. Oh, and there is one part rule part tradition I just remembered. Fillies and mares don’t wear anything on their feet, even while out in public,”

“...Really?” Twilight blinked.

“She’s the expert. Plus, she lived there,” Dash shrugged.

“Good,” Sweetie Belle smiled before groaning a bit, “Because almost half of what Rarity packed are shoes!”

“I wanted to be prepared if we were to go to something important!” Rarity argued before sighing.

“And that also explains why you used to walk around almost everywhere without shoes or socks when we were younger,” Dash realized.

“Well… sandals aren’t frowned upon, but most fancy sort of stuff. It’s an old tradition from some years ago,” Fluttershy elaborated, “And yeah. You’re right Rainbow,”

Rarity blinked for a moment, looking down at one of the bags holding most of her shoes before sighing.

“Too late for me to put them back then.”

Sweetie Belle gave a very loud an annoyed groan at the fact she had to continue pushing the bags to the dock.

“Hey, y’all. Sorry we’re late,” Applejack spoke as she and Applebloom walked up to the group, the two carrying a pair of backpacks.

“AJ, Applebloom, what’s up?” Scootaloo smiled.

“Nothin’ much. We just had t’ finish up some chores before gettin’ ready,” Applebloom replied, “And th’ thing about shoes, well, we’d fit right in since me and AJ don’t tend t' wear em anyhow,”

“Something I really wish I could make you stop doing…” Rarity muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” Rarity waved her off as she looked over at Twilight, “So...what tiem does teh boat come?”

“About ten minutes or so,” Twilight replied as she looked at a nearby clock, “Hopefully Pinkie will…”

“Hey girls!!!” the group turned to see a certain excitable pinkette running towards them, carrying a large backpack with some things sticking out the top.

“Hey Pinkie, what’s up?” Dash asked.

“Oh a lot of things! I almost stayed up all night thinking of the things I’m going to do once we get to Neighpon! I packed my bags with a ton of stuff, such as clothes, sweets, dental stuff, sweets, baked goods, did I mention sweets?”

“Yes,” they nodded.

“Alright. And I also brought a book on the language, and I also packed some sandals, cause, I knew that Neghiponese mares and fillies tend to either wear sandals or be barefoot.”

“Something you should’ve checked into first,” Sweetie Belle muttered to her sister, who glared at her a bit in response.

Fluttershy just blinked a little before rolling her eyes. She then saw Sunset walk on over, smiling.

“I’m honestly ready for a little bit more vacation,” Sunset smiled, “Especially with my friends.”

“Agreed,” Twilight nodded as the boat arrived.

“Konichiwa,” the boat driver smiled.

“Konichiwa,” Fluttershy bowed in response, “Atashi wa, Fluttershy.”

“Greetings, Fluttershy-san,” the boat driver smiled, “If you and your friends show me your tickets, I’ll be glad to take you to Neighpon.”

The eleven all showed their tickets in response.

“Excellent. Come aboard, minna-san,” the boat driver said.

The group all got on and they all relaxed a little. Sunset was lounging around by Fluttershy, the shy pinkette looking otu at the ocean with a small smile.

“Fluttershy… how long has it been since you were in Neghipon?” Sunset asked.

“...it’s been years,” Fluttershy answered with a small, sad smile, “To tell you the truth, I don’t know how much has changed since I’ve been gone.”

“...Hey, I’m sorry about your family…” Sunset told her, hugging Fluttershy.

“...I-it’s fine,” Fluttershy stuttered a bit, the pinkette blushing a bit from the sudden hug, “E-even though they’re gone, I know they’re watching me from heaven.”

“That’s sweet. And… you’re lucky to have gotten to know the ponies who gave birth to you. I never did,” Sunset admitted, causing Fluttershy to look at her with slightly wide eyes, “Celestia raised me when I was a filly…”

Fluttershy stayed silent as she listened to the red/yellow maned mare. Rarity looked over at the two from nearby. She smiled over at them before walking off to her cabin to relax.

“Honestly, as far as I’m aware, Posey’s the only family member I have left,” Fluttershy informed.

“Maybe….” Sunset nodded slowly before giving a small smile, “Who knows? Maybe she’ll be happy to see you again.”

“...I hope so,” Fluttershy whispered, “Or that colt…I hope to see him again.”

Sunset just pulled Fluttershy into a hug, the two blushing a little bit. They smiled at each-other, Fluttershy hiding a blush.

-Attention, minna-san! We shall be arriving at our destination in a few minutes. Be sure to gather your things as we will be arriving shortly!-

“Alright,” Dash smiled.

“Rainbow… can you help me into my kimono?” Twilight asked.

“Huh?” Dash blinked at that as she turned around, seeing Twilight having trouble getting into her kimono. Dash blushed a little bit at Twilight before shaking her head, “S-sure. i’ll help out.”

“Thanks,” Twilight nodded with a slight sheepish chuckle as the tomboy walked over to her, “And I’m giving you one warning, touch me inappropriately, and I will hurt you.”

Dash just rolled her eyes, trying not to blush at this as she helped Twilight with her kimono, the tomboy trying her best to not inappropriately touch her.

“You look gorgeous in that, Twil,” Dash smiled.

“Thank you, Bowy,” Twilight giggled.

“Heh. No prob,” Dash chuckled a bit as she adjusted the hakama around Twilight’s waist, making sure to keep her kimono from falling off.

Twilight smiled,before she turned around and pulled Rainbow into a quick little kiss, the tomboy returning it with a slight blush.

“...Heh,” Dash smirked a little as the two seperated the kiss, “So how long we gonna wait until we tell the others our little secret?”

“Who knows,” Twilight shrugged, “But I’m sure they’ll be happy for us once they find out.”

Fluttershy just so happened to overhear them from the otherside of Twilight’s door and was not sure what to say or do for a moment, her eyes widened slightly in shock as she held a hand over her mouth

“Fluttershy… somethin’ up?” Sunset asked, passing by.

“Nothing!” she responded quickly, Sunset blinking a bit in confusion before shrugging and walked by the shy pinkette, ‘T-Twilight and Dash are...are...those kind of ponies? ...M-maybe I should’ve seen it when they were acting a bit strange that one day.’

Fluttershy then walked off to get ready for docking.

The eleven all walked off, and there was nobody there.

“Alright, here you all are, Ao Safaia Dock,” the boat driver smiled.

“Arigato gozimasu,” Fluttershy smiled as she bowed.

“You’re welcome, miss. I hope you find what you’re looking for,” the boat driver smiled as he moved the boat away from the dock

Fluttershy giggled happily as they all walked off, the girls all in their kimonos.

“So...this is Neighpon huh?” Dash spoke as she looked around, “Honestly, I thought it would be a bit bigger, and brighter like you said.”

“We haven’t gotten to the main city yet,” Fluttershy answered, “We have to walk North-East, if my memory is correct,” she informed.

The group walked along a stone path before they arrived at a sign.

“Uh… what is this?” Twilight asked.

“This is Neghiponese writing. It reads, ‘Welcome to Ponikyo’, the biggest city in all of Neghipon, come on,” Fluttershy smiled, motioning the others to follow her as she walked ahead.

The others nodded as they followed the shy mare before they stopped, seeing the large city.

“Minna-san… welcome to Ponikyo,” Fluttershy smiled as they saw some beautiful buildings with lights. There were also some cottages as various ponies walked through the streets, most of them being pegasi.

“Waoh...so cool,” Scootaloo awed.

“And big,” Applebloom added.

“And bright,” Sweetie Belle added.

"Yeah..." Spike agreed.

“This is the ‘lower level’. There’s a ‘higher level’, above us in the clouds,” Fluttershy informed, pointing up to the clouds as a few pegasi flew up to the clouds above while some flew down from them, landing on the ground.

“Cool! Wait..how’re we gonna get up there?” Pinkie couldn’t help but ask, “I mean… if we want to go,”

“Cloud walking spell, remember,” Twilight reminded.

“Oh...right...” Pinkie Pie chuckled sheepishly.

“Well…If you girls will be okay by yourselves, I’m going to head someplace, and I’d like to be alone,” Fluttershy informed as she was about to leave.

“Is it… where your parents are?” Rarity asked.

“No. I don’t know where that is… I’d have to meet up with my itoko to find that out. But, it’s someplace important from my fillyhood,” Fluttershy informed, walking off.

Somepony happened to notice the group, mainly Fluttershy as she was about to walk off. After the shy mare left, the pony watching group of ten giggled a bit.

“Alrighty, where do we go first?” Applejack asked as she looked around, “Unless we find ourselves a tour guide, we’re gonna be more lost then a rabbit in a field of white flowers,”

Somepony then tapped on Twilight’s shoulder, but the mare didn’t pay this pony mind at first. The pony kept it up, with Twilight turning to see… Fluttershy?

“Fluttershy, how’d you get back here so quick?” Applejack asked.

The pony did not say a word, just giggling and smiling.

“And… where did you get that amazing kimono?! It’s so lovely!” Rarity added.

Again, the pony did not say a word.

“...and where are the wing holes? I can understand you wanting to hide Twilight’s, but why hide your own?” Dash asked.

Once again, the pony did not say a word, just smiling.

“Somethin’ wrong Fluttershy?” Applejack asked.

Silence.

“...Wait…” Pinkie spoke as she took a closer look at the mare, “...You’re not Fluttershy.”

“Pinkie are ya alright? That’s obviously her,” Applejack responded, “But Ah wanna know what’s with th’ silent treatment.”

The pony again didn’t say anything, before looking at the group a bit, gawking a little bit at Spike, but only for a short moment.

“Konichiwa,” Fluttershy smiled as she arrived at a book store.

“Konichiwa. How may I…?” the store owner, an old pegasus stallion with pale grey fur and a white mane began before he got a good look at her, “...Oh! Well if it isn’t young Fluttershy. I haven’t seen you since you were a filly.”

“It’s great to see you Mr. Tozoki,” Fluttershy giggled, hugging him.

“Same here,” the owner smiled as Fluttershy released the hug, “My my. You’ve grown into quite a beautiful mare, young one. You almost look like your mother.”

“Thanks…” Fluttershy blushed, “...Heh. I still remember being here, waiting for every Sailor Moon manga that came out…”

“I still remember the night you camped outside in order to get at least one issue autographed by the author,” he smiled, “You were so excited until you eventually passed out.”

“I know,” Fluttershy giggled a bit as she looked around the store a bit, “It seems you’ve added some more manga since I’ve been gone.”

“Hai. I was really lucky my store was left standing, and… I’m really sorry you weren’t there for your parents funeral…” he apologized.

“...Part of why I came here is to pay my respects. Can you tell me where they are? I want to go there at some point.”

“Certainly, young one. They’re in the graveyard where the old sacred tree used to be.”

“...Even the tree is gone?” Fluttershy gasped.

“Hai…” the owner sighed sadly, “It was a harsh blow to us when we lost it.”

Fluttershy began to get teary-eyed, sad the tree she loved to sit against as a filly was gone. It was then another memory came back to her.

(Flashback)

A young filly Fluttershy sniffled a bit as she sat against a tall tree, her face covered in some dirt and bruises as tears poured down her face.

“...why? Why me?” she sniffled as she rubbed the tears from her eyes.

“Ano, excuse me.”

‘E-eh?” Fluttershy sniffled a bit as she looked up, seeing a shaded figure of a colt standing above her.

“Are you okay?” the colt asked in concern, “You look like you took a rather nasty fall.”

“...the colts and fillies at school keep bothering me…” Fluttershy whimpered, “A-all because I’m shy.”

“...Well that’s a stupid reason,” the colt said as he sat next to her, “Did the teachers do anything to help you out?”

“...Only my Literature teacher. Every other one… just ignores it,” young Fluttershy sniffled.

The colt was silent as the pink maned filly wiped some tears away from her face.

“U-usually after school, I like to come here and talk with Kaito-san.”

“Eh?” the colt blinked at that.

“Th-the tree,” young Fluttershy answered as she motioned to the tree behind them, “Fr-from time to time, he likes to talk to me.”

“...you talk to a tree? That’s kawaii…” the colt smiled.

“...r-really?” Young Fluttershy asked, the pink maned filly blushing heavily.

Before the colt could say anything else, somepony called out for Fluttershy.

“Who’s that?”

“My itoko-chan. I need to get home before Okaa-san and Otou-san worry… uh… here, this is where I live,” the young Fluttershy informed, taking a piece of paper and writing down her address. Once she was done, she handed the colt the paper, “H-here you go.”

“...Ano, arigatou,” the colt replied as he took the paper, “I guess I’ll see you later then...ano…”

“Oh! G-gomen. I forgot to tell you my name… b-boku wa, Butterfly.”

“Okay. Ore wa…”

(Flashback end)

“Silver Hawk…” Fluttershy whispered as the memory ended.

“Hmm? You say something, dear?”

“Oh… nothing,” Fluttershy responded when he handed her a poster, “Ara?”

“I had that set aside, because I knew I’d see you again someday. I’ll tell ya, practically everything Sailor Moon related is sort of reserved by this filly, who’s just as big a fan as you are… and… she’s actually a lot like you…” the owner informed.

“Really?”

“Hai...though she usually pops in by this time. I wonder what’s keeping her?” the owner wondered, but Fluttershy shrugged a little bit.

“Well, I’m gonna go now. Ano… how much is this poster?”

“Oh no. It’s on the house, for my favorite little customer… I missed you a lot… Butterfly.”

“I missed you too,” Fluttershy smiled a bit, putting the poster carefully away in her bag as she left, “I hope to see you again, Mr. Toziko.” The mare then headed for the door before pausing and turning around, “Oh hey. Before I forget, how’s Posey been?”

“She’s been doing just fine, dear. She misses you greatly, you know.”

“I know. I write and talk with her on the phone a lot. Anyway, I’m gonna go meet up with my friends and maybe see if I can’t find Posey and introduce them. Bye Mr. Tozoki.”

“Bye, Butterfly,” the owner smiled as the shy mare left.

The look-a-like of Fluttershy sort of danced around the group of ten, dodging their questions with ease.

“...Okay, seriously. This is starting to get annoying,” Dash groaned a bit.

“Think it could be a Changeling or something?” Rarity asked Twilight.

“I’m not sure,” Twilight answered.

“I don’t think she’s a Changeling. Besides, don't’ they feed on love mostly? If so, then she’s doing an awful job with her disguise,” Pinkie spoke up, “Not to mention she got a lot of details wrong. What Fluttershy was wearing, her mane style is too short, she doesn’t have wings, and most of all…” She paused, and turned the look alike to her side, “Her chest is WAY too flat to be Fluttershy,”

The Fluttershy-look alike rolled her eyes a bit as she jumped back a bit, giggling a little.

“...Huh. She kinda has a point there,” Applejack admitted.

“...You do need to remember that was one of the few things the Changelings got wrong when we fought them a while back… albeit, it was only slightly off, but this… if she is some sort of shapeshifter, this is kind of a pathetic job,” Twilight added.

The look-a-like got a bit of an annoyed look as a small tick mark appeared on her head for a bit.

“...Posey-chan?” Fluttershy’s voice asked.

Everyone turned around to see the shy pegasus, the ten looking back and forth between the look alike and Fluttershy.

“Hai. Ano, good to see you again, itoko-chan,” the look-a-like smiled.

“You too, Posey-chan,” Fluttershy smiled as she hugged her look alike.

“...Wait. didn't’ Fluttershy mention she had a cousin, and they looked like twins?” Dash spoke up as she began to put two and two together.

“Yes. This is my cousin, Posey.” Fluttershy informed.

“Hello!” Posey waved.

“Aha! I knew she wasn't’ a Changeling!” Pinkie shouted..

Posey began to tell Fluttershy something in Neghiponese, with Fluttershy turning over to Pinkie with an annoyed look.

“You said she couldn’t be me because of what?!” Fluttershy asked.

“...I don’t know what she told you, but it’s true!” Pinkie said as she turned Fluttershy and Posey to their sides, “See! Your cousin has a flat chest and you have huge boo-”

*CLANG!*

“Owie~” Pinkie whimpered as she nursed a bump on her head, courtesy of Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s fists.

“Thank you/Arigato,” Fluttershy and Posey responded.

“No prob,” AJ nodded as she picked Pinkie up, “Ah’ll be keepin’ an eye on her incase she tries something’ like that again.” She then gave Pinkie a stern look, “Right, Pinkie?”

Pinkie just nodded.

“Good.”

“So y’all are really Fluttershys cousin?” Applebloom asked as she and her friends stood in front of Posey.

“Hai. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Sparkle Twilight-hime. Yoroshikune, Applejack, Pie Pinkie, Dash Rainbow, Rarity, Shimmer Sunset, Belle Sweetie, Applebloom, Scootaloo and Spike,” Posey smiled, making most of teh group blink in confusion.

“She said, ‘it’s nice to meet you’ in Neghiponese, though, the version she used when she said it to Twilight is the formal version, and ‘hime’ means ‘princess’,” Fluttershy explained.

“Ohh,” most of the others nodded in response.

“But...she said our names backwards,” Rainbow Dash noted, scratching her head in confusion.

“In Neighpon, you say the last name first, even if it’s technically not your legal last name. Like, Dash, your last name is Spectrum, but you call yourself ‘Rainbow Dash’, so Posey would say ‘Dash Rainbow’ instead of ‘Spectrum Rainbow’.”

“Oh...I see,” Dash noted.

“And, you don’t have to call me ‘hime’, Posey,” Twilight told her, “I’m just a normal pony like everypony else.”

“Eeyup. Except that she’s a al-Hpmh!” Pinkie muffled yelled as Applejack put her hand over her mouth.

“There’s a reason she doesn’t have wing holes, twit,” Rainbow Dash informed.

“The ‘a-pony-type’ is considered…” Fluttershy paused, not sure how to explain to her friends, “...L-look. Why don't’ we change the subject. In fact…” she turned towards her cousin, “Posey-chan, can I speak to you privately?”

“Hai, Butterfly-chan,” Posey smiled.

“Wait… ‘Butterfly’?” Dash asked.

“I’ll explain later,” Fluttershy told them as she moved Posey further away so the group wouldn’t hear them.

“What is it you want to talk about, Itoko?” Posey asked, her English being a little bit shaky, just a little.

“Well first; I’d like to know how you’ve been since I’ve last saw you. Second; ...ano…” she paused as she blushed, “D...did you ever run into a pegasus pony named Silver Hawk?”

“Hmm… I’m not gonna tell ya,” Posey giggled.

“Demo-”

“I’ll let you find out for yourself, itoko.”

“Mou. No fair, Posey~” Fluttershy pouted a little.

Posey giggled a little bit, skipping off over to her cousin’s friends as the shy mare followed after her.

Author's Note

Here's yet another chapter. I hope you enjoy, and leave a good review/comment. And please no flames.

Tour, and a farm visit

Author's Note

Now before we begin(and I shoud've done this in the previous chapters), I don't own anything in this story, nor do i own the series MLP: FiM. I do though own a few OCs that'll appear in this story while my co-writer, Pikatwig owns the two ponies that appear in this chapter.

Tour, and a farm visit

“So, this is the famous Ponikyo Tower… it’s the tallest tower in all of Equnia. It was damaged during the war, but in time, it was repaired,” Posey explained as she and her cousin took Twilight and the others on a tour of Neighpon, the group standings before a tower.

“Wow…” Dash gawked as the group looked up.

“I can’t even see the top,” Scootaloo awed.

Posey nodded as she guided them onwards to a dock, “Here, is where fish are caught and turned into one of our best delicacies, sushi.”

“Why do you use meat anyway?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah. I mean, isn’t that considered being a…” Pinkie paused as she looked around before whispered ,”Carnivor?”

“...Uh. Well…technically, we don’t eat them. We return them to the ocean.”

“...But what abo-”

“We use mostly vegetables and a fish substitute, mainly tofu to replace the fish part of sushi. We do occasionally use a small bit of fish skin, but it’s duplicate off of the fish by unicorn magic. us actually eating the fish is just a common misconception,” Posey informed.

“Ooh...” Pinkie nodded.

The group continued to walk along, the group looking around the sights of the city before Fluttershy stopped, seeing a large school before her.

“...Is something wrong, dear?” Rarity asked as she was the first to notice the shy mare staring at the school

Posey turned around, seeing the two standing there, she walked over and put a comforting hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder.

“...I didn’t think I’d see this place again,” Fluttershy admitted with a slight whisper, the shy mare looking down as her hair hid her eyes.

“...This is the school me and Butterfly went to when we were fillies,” Posey informed.

“Really?”

“Yes. We-”

“Let’s move on,” Fluttershy whispered as she began to walk away.

“...’Butterfly’? I don’t see any butterflies,” Pinkie commented as she looked around.

Fluttershy came to a stop as she took a deep breath, “It’s...my old name.”

“Huh?”

“...Butterfly is my birth name,” Fluttershy spoke once more, “I changed it to my current name after I came to Equestria. It was changed due to ponies calling me that by mistake. Heart Butterfly Misaki is my full name.”

“Wow really?” Pinkie asked, earning a slight nod from the shy pinkette, “...That’s cool. Kinda like how my full name is Pinkamena Diane Pie.”

“Well to me, it doesn’t matter,” Dash informed, going over to Fluttershy, “I don’t mind if it’s Heart Butterfly, or Fluttershy Heart. To me, she’s still the same shy mare I grew up with in Cloudsdale.”

Fluttershy blushed and hugged Dash, “...Thank you.”

“Heh, no prob,” Rainbow smiled a bit as Fluttershy released the hug, “So… where to next?”

“To the hotel you all are staying at,” Posey spoke up, “Don’t worry. I helped pay for your rooms in advance. And while you girls unpack, me and my itoko will spend the rest of the day together.”

The others all began to unpack while Fluttershy walked along with her cousin outside.

“...Posey, I missed you so much,” Fluttershy informed, tears forming in her eyes.

“Same here, itoko-chan. But I read all your letters, and… apart from...a certain accident involving your assertiveness, you seem to live a happy life in Equestria,” Posey said as the two sat down on a nearby bench, “So, what’s that rainbow haired girl’s deal with you?”

“Ara?”

“You two seem close. Are you two… an item or something?”

“Oh no. Rainbow Dash is like a big sister to me. She and her mom sort of watched me when Grandma couldn’t. And… Rainbow’s mom sort of thought I’d be a good influence on her,” Fluttershy replied.

“Really?”

“If I wasn’t with Grandma, I was with Rainbow and her mom. We played a lot, we shared secrets, we played games, and she… sort of became my defender. Even after I moved, bullying didn’t stop,” FLuttershy admitted sadly, “There were these two colts that liked to pick on me, but Rainbow stepped in to defend me. Plus...well,” Fluttershy paused as she moved her hand to one of thighs, “It’s thanks to her I got my Cutie Mark.”

“Neat.” Posey smiled, “...I got my Cutie Mark in gardening, but I like to take photographs from time to time.”

“That’s nice to hear,” Fluttershy smiled back.

Posey nodded as she took out her camera and smiled at it.

“So…do you have anypony special?”

“...No. Demo…um. I think I kind of like Rarity and Sunset, but I don’t know if it’s love or not. Plus…” the shy pinkette paused as she held her hands over her heart, “I… want to see ‘him’ again, but… mou, I’m just so confused right now.”

Posey gave a small nod, before hugging her cousin, “...All those stupid bullies were wrong about you. You’re beautiful in every single way.“

“...Thank you, itoko-chan,” Fluttershy smiled a bit as she returned the hug before blushing a bit, “Th-though...wh-what do you think of how...S-silver would react if he saw me?”

‘If she only knew’ Posey thought, hiding a mischievous smirk with her hair before giving a smile, “I think he’d think you’re beautiful. Because… you are,”

Fluttershy giggled a little bit, the shy mare blushing still before she shook it off, “Well, we have the rest of the day by ourselves, so what should we do?”

“...There is one place I know you’ve wanted to go to very badly.” Posey smiled, guiding Fluttershy somewhere as the two arrived at an onsen(hot spring).

“The onsen?”

“Hai. I knew you wanted to come here once we were old enough when we were fillies, so I figured since you’ll be here for a while, we can head here to unwind.”

Fluttershy gave a giddy and happy smiled as they walked in.

“....I’m bored,” Scootaloo admitted in a dull tone as she, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Spike had a room to themselves, “Why can’t we go out and explore some more?”

“Cause we were told not ta, and after runnin’ off twice already… Ah think Ah’m actually gonna listen and stay put,” Applebloom replied.

“I guess you mean by circumstances since Applejack said you ran off at least four or five times…” Spike spoke as he looked up from his comic book, the young dragon laying on one of the beds.

“...Ah would want to ignore ya, but whatever. Ah’m just gonna look out a window,” Applebloom shrugged, looking outside.

“...I’m so glad to get away from Ponyville. No more of Rarity kicking me out of my own room to work, no more homework for a little while, and above all else, no more Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon!” Sweetie Belle smiled happily.

“Agreed,” Scootaloo and Applebloom nodded in agreement.

“...I had a civilized conversation with Silver Spoon on the way back from the flag carrying contest. She even got me an ice cream,” Scootaloo informed.

“...and Sweeetie Belle, if ya just jinxed it, and those two twit heads show up, ah’m blamin’ you fer it.”

“I really hope they don't’ come,” Sweetie belle sighed a bit, “...Silver Spoon maybe, but Diamond Tiara? No.”

Scootaloo looked up at the ceiling for a moment before they heard the door that connected their room to the room of the others, the three fillies and young dragon overhearing the voice of a certain shy mare greetings her friends.

“I feel so relaxed,” Fluttershy sighed blissfully as she laid down on her bed, her mane spread out as she looked up at the ceiling, “It was so worth waiting…”

“Where’d you go?” Rarity asked.

“A Japanese spa of sorts,” Posey informed, “It was so relaxing…”

“I see. Well maybe next time you go, you can invite me along as well?” Rarity asked hopefully, the mare wanting to try a Japanese Spa.

“We will…I’ve never felt more relaxed,” Fluttershy admitted, “It’s as if my worries have been washed away.”

Rarity sat down by Fluttershy, the shy mare giggling happily.

“Hey uh… Posey, can Ah ask ya somethin’?” Applejack began.

“Sure.” Posey nodded.

“That strawberry farm around here. Ah sorta wanted to go and see it.”

“Strawberry farm?” Applebloom asked, walking in as she looked at her sister, “Why do ya want t’ go to a strawberry farm, Applejack?”

“Fluttershy said it’s like Sweet Apple Acers, “Applejack replied, “Ah figured since we’re here, we’d go check it out and stuff.”

“Oh, you must mean Hikari Kazoku Ichigo Nojo. It’s supplies all of Ponikyo strawberries,” Posey spoke up, “Once you’ve had a bite of one… mmm~ My mouth's watering just thinking about it.”

“Can we go there?” Applebloom asked.

“Sure, I can take you both there,” she nodded.

Posey had brought them to a bit more of a rustic part of Ponikyo, a few cherry blossom trees around the area as they walked down a small dirt road.

“...Why are these trees pink, Miss Posey?” Applebloom asked as she looked up at the trees, seeing the pink leaves.

“Oh. Those are cherry blossom trees,” Posey explained, ”They’re native to Neighpon, and look absolutely beautiful at night. They’re also considered very romantic.”

“Really? These are considered romantic?” Applejack asked.

Posey nodded as the three continued to walk before they came across a sign writen in Nieghponese writting.

“It’s the Hikari Kazoku Ichigo Nojo,” Posey told them, “Fun fact, I’m actually a friend of the son of the owners,”

“Really?” Applejack blinked, as they walked down to it.

They saw a male pegasus working on picking strawberries. He had blue skin, teal eyes, and a black mane with purple highlights in it. He was wearing a light blue shirt with a white jacket, green cargo shorts, blue and black shoes, and a pair of black goggles with blue lenses.

“That’s the son of the owner, Hikari Kota,” Posey informed,

Applejack just watched him work, a small, unnoticeable blush beginning to form on her face. Posey walked over to Kota and began to chat with him in Neghiponese, while Applebloom looked around at the farm.

“It looks really amazing, doesn’t it sis?! "Applebloom asked, getting no response as she looked up at her sister, "Uh…are you feelin’ okay? Yer lookin’... red.”

“Uh...ahem, A-ah’m fine,” Applejack cleared her throat, her small blush disappearing as she walked with her sister.

“Hey,” Posey waved, getting the apple sibling’s attention, “Go on, he speaks your language.”

Applebloom nodded as she walked over with a smile, “Hi. Ah’m Applebloom, and this is mah sister, Applejack.”

“Nice t’ meet ya,” Applejack tipped her hat a bit.

“Nice to meet you both as well,” Kota smiled as he rubbed some sweat away from his head, ”Sorry you caught me like this. I probably look like a mess from working the field all day.”

“It’s cool,” Applejack smiled, looking at the goggles resting on Kota’s forehead, “Cool goggles.”

“Thanks,” Kota smiled as he adjusted his goggles a bit, “I’ve had them since I was just a colt.”

“I can vouch for that,” Posey added.

“Why don’t you all come on in and have something to eat?” Kota offered.

“Y’all sure? Ah mean, ya were kinda workin’ before we interuptted y’all,” Applejack said.

“I just finished my work for today anyhow. Go on, I insist,” Kota smiled.

Applejack just smiled back, “Alright. Ah guess a quick bite wouldn’t hurt nopony.”

The three sat inside and waited for Kota to come back with some food for them to try. Applejack noticed how rustic, yet homey the house that Kota lived in was… and yet, it seemed sort of big for just one pony to be in.

“Hey Kota-san, how have you been anyway?” Posey asked.

“I’ve been good. Farm’s been doing good, and so have sales. And Ai’s been doing great as well,” Kota told her.

“Where is she anyway?” Posey asked.

“She’s in the living room napping,” Kota told her as he turned towards the Apple siblnigs, “And before you ask, Ai’s my little sister.”

“Does she have a Cutie Mark?” Applebloom asked quickly.

Before Kota could respond, he heard somepony softly moan. He turned to see a pink pegasus filly on the couch as she began to wake up. She had a yellow and light blue mane and tail, and was currently wearing a cyan and white female school outfit.

“No, not yet. But I’m sure she will soon enough,” Kota told Applebloom before turning to Ai, “Hey. You feeling okay?”

“Yea… I am.” Ai smiled with Kota helping her off and guiding her to a seat at the table.

“These are Applejack and Applebloom. They’re actually from Equestria,” Kota told Ai.

“Wow. I heard about Equestria from one of my teachers,” Ai awed a bit as she looked at the youngest Apple sibling, “Is there really an empire made purely of crystals?”

“Eeyup. Ah’ve been there before,” Applebloom nodded in response.

“Really?!” Ai asked with stars in her eyes, earning a slight nod from Applebloom, “Sugei~!”

Suddenly, Ai began to cough rather badly, her brother immediately handing her a glass of water as he patted her back.

“Th...thank you, onii-chan,” Ai panted a bit as she drank the water.

Kota then walked over and took out a strawberry pie from the oven.

“Is she alright, Kota?” Applejack asked as the male pegasus sat down, “That was a rather nasty cough she was givin’ off.”

“...I’ve always been a bit sick,” Ai informed, “Coughing fits, dizzy spells, nausea, and exhaustion. The doctors said they don’t know if there’s any sort of cure, and….” she paused as she looked down at her cup sadly, “...I’ve just… been here, being a burden.”

“You’re no burden,” Kota told her as he hugged her, “You’re my little sister. Don’t ever think yourself as a burden…”

Ai gave a nod as Applejack looked over at Kota for a moment, being sort of reminded of herself and Applebloom. Kota began to slice the pie, dividing into pieces for everypony as he put the first slice on a plate.

“Here, Nee-chan,” Kota smiled as he put the plate down in front of his sister, “I know you had a tiring day at school today.”

“Arigato,” Ai smiled, as she took a fork and slowly began to eat it a little bit.

“Speaking of school, how was it today?”

“....Timid-chan got bullied again,” Ai sighed sadly, “She just ran and hid after school, but she calmed down a bit when I talked to her.”

“...Ugh, was it Tomoe and her friends again?” Kota asked with a sigh, earning a nod from his little sister, “...Mou…”

“What’s wrong?” Applebloom asked as she and her sister overheard this.

“Ai gets bullied for not having a Cutie Mark. Same with her friend, Timid Swallow,” Kota replied with another sigh,”You see, Tomoe’s the daughter of one of Neighpon’s wealthiest ponies. I tried to talk to some of the teachers of her bad behavior, but they say nothing’s wrong, and that Ai and her friend were the ones that started it.” He then frowned a little, “If you ask me, Tomoe’s father is most likely paying them off.”

“Deja vu…” Applebloom stated with a small eye roll.

“...Have ya’ll tried talkin’ t’ the principal about it?” Applejack couldn’t help but ask.

“I tried. But…he won’t see me, claiming I’m just a dumb kid,” Kota sighed, making AJ frown a bit in response.

“...Ah’m sorry about that,” Applejack apologized as Kota handed her a slice of the pie.

“It’s fine. But…” Kota paused as he put another slice of pie down on a plate, “I just wish I can help Ai and her friend out and get them out of that school.”

Posey simply sighed, “...They go to the same school me and Fluttershy went to when we were fillies.”

“You mean that school we passed bah earlier today?” Applejack asked, earning a nod from the pinkette, “...I see.”

“Let’s just eat,” Applebloom told them, Kota handing her the third slice of pie as she began to eat.

They had all soon finished the pie, the apple siblings having enjoyed it.

“Heh, boy that was good,” Applejack chuckled a bit as she patted her full belly.

“Ya were right about this place Posey… it’s good,” Applebloom giggled.

“I know,” Posey giggled a bit before she noticed the time, “Oh my! I didn’t realize how long we were gone!”

“What time is it?” Applebloom asked.

“It’s about 8 Am.”

“Well that’s not so b-” AJ began before Posey motioned to the window, the farmpony turning her head to see it was starting to get dark out, “..What in tarnation? Why’s it gettin’ dark out?”

“It’s because of our location compare to Equestria,” Posey explained, “You see, since it’s morning over in Equestria, it’s night over here in Neighpon.”

“...This place can be so confusin’ at times,” Applejack admitted, scratching the back of her head a bit.

“Ah agree,” Applebloom spoke up.

“Anyhow…” Posey began as she stood up, “I guess we’ll be on our way.” She then turned towards Kota and gave him a slight bow, “Thank you again, Kota.”

“No prob,” Kota nodded with a small smile, “Feel free to stop on by again when you have the chance.”

Posey began to head out, before Kota turned to Applejack.

“Here," he told her, handing her a slip of paper with a phone number on it, “It’s my number.”

“Oh. Uh...thank ya kindly,” Applejack nodded with a slight, unnoticable blush before she shook it off, “But, why y’all givin’ me this?”

“...Uh...N-no reason,” Kota replied, the pegasus blushing a bit as well, “J-just figured you could use it in case you needed some help.”

Applejack smiled before taking out some paper and writing down her own number and handing it to Kota. She tipped her hat, and the Apple siblings took their leave.

“Ya like that Kota fella, don’t ya Applejack?” Applebloom asked with a small, teasing grin as the group left the farm.

“...Ah… Ah have no idea what yer talkin’ ‘bout, Applebloom,” Applejack replied, turning her face away as she began to blush a little more.

“Yer blushin’ as red as an apple.”

“...”

“...Y’all do l-”

“Applebloom, if y’all don’t be quiet, Ah’ll ground ya fer a week,” AJ warned with a slight frown, though the blush on her face says otherwise.

“Onii-chan, do you like Applejack?”

“E-eh?!” Kota shouted, blushing brightly as he nearly dropped the dishes, “Wh-what’re you talking about, Ai?! We just met today!”

“I’m just asking…” Ai shrugged a bit.

“Oh.”

Ai just began to cough, the filly starting to get a bit tired as Kota helped her up.

“Let’s get you to bed, Nee-chan. You need your rest after all.”

“Hai,” she nodded as her brother helped her up to her room.

“Welcome back, Applejack,” Pinkie greeted as the farmpony returned to her shared hotel room, “How was your mini-tour?”

“It was good,” Applejack replied as she sat down on her bed, “Met some of th’ ponies that live at th’ strawberryfarm. And ah gotta say, th' owner’s son is pretty nice,” she then took her stetson off and put it to the side.

“And I think Applejack may-” Applebloom began.

Applejack glared at her sister before she could finish.

“...Nevermind," Applebloom squeaked a bit as she ran off to her room.

“...What was she about to say?” Pinkie asked.

“Nothin’,” Applejack replied as she picked out some clothes from the drawer, “Ah’m gonna get in th’ shower, then head fer bed.”

“Alright,” Pinkie nodded as AJ left for the shower, leaving Pinkie by herself as she laid back on her bed, “...I wonder what the others are up to?”

“So how was the farm?” Scootaloo asked in a yawn.

“It was good. Me and mah sis met some of th’ ponies livin’ there,” Applebloom replied as she climbed onto her bed, “Ah think mah sister likes that Kota fella, one of th’ ponies we met.”

“Really?” Sweetie Belle asked as Spike slept.

“Yup. She’s denyin’ it like crazah,” Applebloom replied with a slight nod, “Ah’ve never seen her act this way around anypony before.”

“...Huh,” Scootaloo blinked, “I see...come to think of it, Dash has been acting weird lately around Twilight.”

“What do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“...Hard to say, But…” Scootaloo began before she yawned, “Why don't’ we talk tomorrow?”

“Good idea,” Applebloom agreed as she yawned as well, “Ah’m gettin’ pretty tired.”

“Night…” they all waved.

Sometime later, Applejack had poked Rarity awake and they walked over to a balcony to speak privately.

“*yawn* So what do you want to talk about, Applejack?” Rarity yawned.

“First off… promise me this stays between us.”

“...Why of course, dear. But...what is it exactly?”

“...Alright,” Applejack began as she took a deep breath, “Ah need some advice on romance.”

“....Excuse me?” Rarity blinked, not sure she heard her friend right.

“Dang it. Ah said Ah need some advice on romance.”

Rarity was taken a little bit back by this, “...Why sure but...if I may ask, why?”

“...”

“Wait. You met somepony, didn’t you?” Rarity asked with slightly wide eyes.

“...Yeah,” Applejack nodded, blushing a bit.

Rarity gave a quiet, yet excited cheer at that ,”Oh that’s wonderful, dear! What’s he like?”

“He’s kind, and a bit sweet. He cares a lot for his littler sister, and… well…” Applejack paused as her blush increased a bit, “Ah have t’ admit, but he’s kinda cute.”

“I see…Well starting tomorrow, I will tell you everything I know about romance. By the time I’m done with you, the stallion you have your eye on won’t know what hit him!”

“...Just remember, don’t tell nopony,” Applejack said in a serious tone, “Okay?”

“I promise I won’t.”

"Thanks Rarity," Applejack smiled before she yawned, "Well, Ah'm gonna go back t' bed. G'night, Rarity."

"Good night Applejack."

The Searchers

Author's Note

Sorry it took long, but this chapter's finally finished. Now...before we begin, I don't own anything except the OCs that appear in this while Pikatwig owns his OCs Ai and her brother, Kota. And with that, I hope you enjoy this chapter, folks.

The Searchers

Posey giggled as she walked into the bookstore that was located a block or two away from the hotel her cousin and friends were staying at.

“Konichiwa, Mr. Tozoki-san,” Posey greeted when she saw there was a certain somepony looking at the mangas, reading over volumes of Sailor Moon almost as intently as Fluttershy would. Posey walked over to Tozoki, who smiled a little.

“I told her that Timid is as big a fan as she is. I think they’d get along really well,” Mr. Tozoki admitted.

“I hope so,” Posey smiled, “Especially when she finds out who Timid’s brother is…”

“So… where is Butterfly and her friends anyway?”

“Uh… hmm… they’re staying at the hotel that’s a block or two away from here,” Posey answered

The young fily who was reading walked over, said filly having pale pink fur, a pale yellow mane and tail, and was currently wearing a school outfit similar to Ai’s.

“...H-here,” she informed, placing down some money for the mangas.

“Yosh… arigato, Timid-chan,” Mr. Tozoki smiled.

“H-hai… j-ja ne, Tozoki-san,” the filly waved in a near shy manner, grabbing her small pile of manga as she began to leave.

“Just like itoko-chan when she was a schoolfilly,” Posey giggled.

“Heheh...agreed,” Mr.Tozoki chuckled a bit.

“Anyhow… is my Megahero Starwave order here?” Posey asked, with Mr. Tozoki nodding and bringing up about eighteen mangas.

“Mind my asking why you got these? You have every issue,” Mr. Tozoki inquired.

“They’re for itoko-chan.”

“Oh? Really now?” Mr.Tozoki asked in interest.

“It’s really something I wanted to show her if she came back, and if we don’t have time to read it together, she can have the whole set to take back home with her,” Posey informed, taking out the needed money to pay for it.

Before she took her leave, she saw a unicorn filly a year older than Timid with light violet fur, and a mane that was a soft evening red with a orange highlight in it. She was wearing the same outfit Timid had, but wore a pale night sky blue jacket on top of her school outfit.

“Hey… isn’t that the filly who hangs out with the Cutie Mark Searchers?” Posey asked.

“Hmm?” Mr. Tozoki blinked a bit before he saw the filly in question, “Ah yes. Dawn Star I believe her name is… though I’m not sure why she likes to wear that jacket all the time.”

“...Eh,” Posey shrugged as she headed out.

“So, what’s this series about anyhow?” Fluttershy asked, being shown the Megahero Starwave mangas.

“Well… it’s about a sort of future, and in it, there are these things called ‘data waves’, which store intel. info. and the like. However, there’s a group out to destroy the world, said group also using data waves to their advantage. A loner stallion works with a being made out of these waves, combining with him to form a hero known as Megahero. The “star wave” part, comes from the fact stars are used to power these waves,” Posey explained.

“Oh...I see,” Fluttershy noted as she picked one of the mangas up and began to read it.

“There are so many allusions to the story of Summer Triangle, it’s amazing,” Posey smiled, “...oh by the way, where are your friends at? There’s something I’ve wanted to show them.”

“Oh...well, Twilight and Dash decided to explore the town a bit, same with Pinkie and Applejack. Rarity’s watching Scootaloo and her friends with Spike’s help, and...well that’s pretty much it,” Fluttershy answered.

“...Alright,” Posey nodded, “So I guess it’s just you and me today.”

“Hai,” Fluttershy nodded, the shy mare still looking into the manga her cousin gave her.

“Do ya’ll two think the city needs Crusaders?” Applebloom asked Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

“I don’t know,” Scootaloo shrugged, “We haven’t seen anypony without a Cutie Mark yet.”

“Do you all think there could be others like us Searchers out there?” a voice asked from an alleyway.

“Huh?” Sweetie Belle blinked, the unicorn filly overhearing the voice as she slightly peaked in.

“Yeah! I mean, there has to be! And who knows, maybe they’re searching for filly’s like us!” a near excitable voice spoke up.

Scootaloo and Applebloom both turned to the alleyway and slowly walked closer,joining their friend.

“A-ano, are you s-sure, Q-Quirky-chan?” a rather shy and timid voice asked.

“Yup! I know so!” the second voice beamed.

Scootaloo looked up and saw a sign that had a “CMS” written on it in their native language, but the rest was written in Neghiponese.

“What does it say?” Applebloom asked quietly.

“Don’t know. The rest is in Neighponese,” Scootaloo replied quietly.

“Minna… we aren’t alone,” another voice added.

“What makes you so sure, Dawn-chan?” a fourth voice added.

“I hear whispering.”

‘Uh oh...’ the CMC mentally gulped as they quickly jumped into a nearby box to hide.

“Do you think they’ll find us in here?” Sweetie Belle whispered.

“If you whisper in a way others can hear you, yes,” the third voice, Dawn, informed, opening up the box, “Who are you?”

“...wait… Applebloom?” the fourth voice said, walking over, “Applebloom, it’s good to see you,”

“Ai, good to see you too,” Applebloom greeted back.

“Wait..you know her Applebloom/Ai?” the two fillies’ respective friends asked.

“Yea… I met her and her older sister yestdeday,” Ai informed before she coughed a little bit, the first girl going over and helping her sit down.

“Ya al’ight?” Applebloom asked.

“Y...yeah,” Ai panted a bit.

“...Is she alr-” Scootaloo began.

“Hi there!”

“Ahh!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle yelped when a filly with dark green fur and a baby blue/sky blue mane and tail almost as poofy as a certain pink party pony’s popped up in front of them.

“I’m Quirky!” the filly introduced herself, “Who are you guys?! *GASP* Are you friends of Ai’s just like that Applebloom girl?! Oh it’s great t-!”

“Ahem, Quirky?”

“Yeah, Dawn?”

“You’re talking a bit too fast again.”

"Oops. Ehehe...sorry."

“...huh. Remind you of somepony?” Sweetie Belle whispered to Scootaloo.

“Yeah… kinda like Pinkie,” Scootaloo whispered back.

“...well, the four of us are called the Cutie Mark Searchers. We’re searching for our Cutie Marks,” Ai informed.

“Really? What a...wait. four?”

“Yup,” Quirky nodded, “Though Timid’s really shy and stuff.”

“...Ah see,” Applebloom noted.

“A-ano…” the shy voice spoke up before Timid walked up to the group, a bit of her hair covering her left eye, “Is everything o-okay, minna?”

“Yeah,” her friends nodded in response.

“Oh. O-okay,” Timid nodded shyly.

Ai was abotu to say something before she began to cough more, the pegasus filly falling to her knees with everypony looking on in worry.

“...I think we should get her to Onii-chan…” Timid suggested.

“Good idea,” Dawn nodded.

“Onii...who now?” Scootaloo blinked in confusion with Sweetie Belle.

“Timid’s brother is a doctor,” Dawn explained as Quirky helped Ai up, “The hospital he works in is not too far from here.”

The CMS and CMC soon arrived at the hospital as they hurried inside, seeing a few ponies waiting in line.

“Ano...e-excuse me,” Timid tried to speak up to a nurse,only for said nurse to walk by, “Ano..excuse me, miss? ca-” seh tried with another nurse, only to get silence in response once more.

Somepony tapped Timid’s shoulder, making the sh filly look behind her to see a Pegasus stallion with snow-white fur, and an Ice blue mane. He was dressed in a normal doctor attire with a small silver pin shaped like a hawk’s wing attached to the left front pocket.

“Onii-chan,” Timid smiled.

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

“Ano...well,” Timid began before Ai began to cough harshly.

“...Soka. Hurry and follow me,” Timid’s brother instructed them

“So who is this guy?” Sweetie Belle asked as Timid’s brother was currently checking Ai’s temperature, “He’s kind of cute,”

“That’s her brother, Silver Hawk,” Dawn explained, “Like I said, he’s a doctor that works here at this hospital.”

“Eeyup,” Quirky nodded, “A few of the nurses here really like them, but he sorta turns them down gently. If you ask me...” she looked around before whispering to the CMC, “I think there’s somepony he already likes.”

“Well… you’re going to be alright, Ai. Were you in your hang out spot again?” Timid’s brother, Silver Hawk asked.

“Hai. We were…” Ai paused as she coughed a bit, “Talking on how to find our Cutie Marks before we ran into Applebloom and her friends.”

“Applebloom… is that the girl you mentioned before?” silver asked, motioning over to the youngest Apple sibling.

“Hai,” Ai nodded.

“I see…” Silver noted, “But you all need a new hang-out spot. You know that the area there will make you sick.”

“I know. Demo…”

“Timid, you and your friends need a new hang-out spot. Why are you even in that alley anyway?”

“So we can avoid… you know who,” Dawn answered for Timid.

“...Soka(I see),” Silver noted with a small sigh, “Still, you should really consider a new hang-out space.”

“Hey. It’s not our fault that meanie Tomoe keeps taking the good spots,” Quirky pouted.

“Tomoe?” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo repeated.

“She’s a jerk that bothers us on our lack of a Cutie Mark,” Quirky frowned a bit, “She even says some things that go WAY too far sometimes.”

‘Indeed,” Dawn nodded slightly, a frown on her face, “She’s stolen every one of our hang-out spots. The alley you saw us in is the only one we’ve managed to hang on to. And despite the risk it may present to Ai’s health… we really have no other choice.”

“Oh...That Tomoe really sounds like somepony we know, but we dont’ want to talk abotu her,” Scootaloo said with a slight frown.

“Agreed/Yeah,” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle agreed before the former got an idea.

“Hey uh...Ai. Don’t y’all have any trees at yer family’s farm?”

“Yea,” Ai nodded.

“Well, why don’t y’all just build a treehouse there? that way, Ai’s health won’t be at risk, and that Tomoe girl won’t take it as it’s on yer family’s farm.”

“...That’s not a bad idea actually,” Dawn admitted.

“Yeah. Why didn’t we think of that?” Quirky asked.

“...Who knows,” Timid shrugged.

“So… you three are looking for your Cutie Marks like us?” Timid asked a bit later.

“Yup. We still haven’t gotten them yet, but I’m sure we’ll get our Cutie Marks,” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“So…we’re the Cutie Mark Searchers, what are you three?” Dawn Star inquired.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Scootaloo answered.

“Ooh~! That’s a cool name!” Quirky awed.

“It was my idea,” Sweetie Belle stated.

“Wait..ah thought it was mine?” Applebloom blinked.

“No. It’s mine..or..was it?” Sweetie Belle pondered, “I know one of us came up with it, but who?”

“...Moving on then,” Dawn cleared her throat a little, “So uh...what brings you three here to Neighpon?”

“A friend visiting family,” Scootaloo informed, “We’re currently staying at the hotel a few blocks away.”

“I see…” Dawn noted, as she stretched a little bit, “Well… thanks for coming you three, It was nice meeting you.”

“Yeah!” Quirky smiled excitedly, “Maybe we can see each other again while you girls are staying here in Neighpon!*Squee!*”

“...Maybe,” the Crusaders shrugged as they waved and headed on back for the hotel.

“...So, ya’ll met a group similar to the Crusaders?” Applejack asked later that evening.

“Yup,” Applebloom noded before sheepishly rubbing the back of her head a bit, “‘Course, Sweetie Belle’s sister was a bit worried and mad at us for gettin’ lost.”

“I’m sorry I lost the girls,” Rarity apologized to Applejack.

“It’s fine. As long as their okay,” Applejack nodded.

“To be fair, I thought you said we were going to go right, not left…” Sweetie Belle admitted.

“She kinda has a point,” Spike spoke up, “I almost went the wrong way before I noticed you were walking to the left.”

Applejack simply rolled her eyes for a moment.

“We met with Kota’s little sis and her friends,” Applebloom informed.

“Yeah. Though...we kinda had to take her to the hospital when she started coughing really badly,” Scootaloo admitted.

“But we met Timid’s brother, Timid being one of our new friends,” Sweetie Belle informed.

“I see,” Rarity noted, “...Well I’m glad you girls are okay, and that your new friend was okay. ...did you happen to see Ai’s brother at all?”

Applejack tensed up a little bit, the blond lowering her hat a bit to hid the small blush forming on her face.

“No. He had somethin’ t’ take care of,” Applebloom informed.

“Oh...I see, “ Rarity nodded.

Applejack shook her head a bit as she lifted her hat up, the small blush gone. She then heard the door open as Fluttershy and her cousin walked in.

“Welcome back, Fluttershy. Did y’all have a good day with yer cousin?” the eldest apple sibling asked the shy mare.

“Yes. After we read some mangas that Itoko-chan bought me, we roamed around the city a little bit,” Fluttershy informed.

“Uh… Fluttershy, did you tell… you know who, where we were going to be?” Twilight asked as she walked into the room.

“...No. Why?” Fluttershy blinked.

“Letter,” Twilight informed as she held out an envelope to the shy mare.

Fluttershy hesitantly took it and opened it, the shy mare pulling out a letter and began to read it.

“‘Dear Fluttershy- I came over for our Tuesday Tea Time and I saw a note on your door that said you were on a trip. Where are you? -From’...” Fluttershy paused, remembering some Neghiponese myths about the sender, “‘A friend’.”

“Uh… it clearly says it’s from-” Twilight began with Fluttershy quickly tossing a pillow at her mouth to stop her from talking, “H-hey!”

“Twilight…” Fluttershy began as she whispered into her friend’s ear, “It’s best Discord doesn't’ come here, or up in conversation.”

“Huh? Why?” Twilight couldn’t help but ask before Fluttershy whispered something to her, making her eyes slightly widen, “...I see.”

“...What’s up?” Posey asked.

“It’s nothing,” Fluttershy told her.

“...Soka,” Posey noted as she, “Ano...I’m gonna go now.”

“Eh? Why?”

“Let’s just say I have to meet with somepony.”

“Alright. See you later, Itoko-chan.”

Posey headed off from the hotel, skipping with a smile as she as she walked down a street before she was within a park. She then proceeded to go to a nearby bench, seeing a familiar snow-white pegasus stallion sitting in it, said stallion wearing a blue jacket on top of a grey shirt, and a pair of black shorts.

“Posey-chan, how are ya?” Silver asked.

“I’m doing fine, Silver-san,” Posey smiled a bit as she sat next to him.

“That’s good to hear. Ano..sorry I couldn’t talk with you the other day. I was busy helping around the hospital,” Silver apologized, “But since we’re free at the moment, what is it do you want to talk about?”

“Oh… my itoko-chan… remember her?” Posey asked.

“...How can I not?” Silver replied with a sad smile, the pegasus stallion pulling out a ribbon from his pocket, the ribbon having a small imprint of a butterfly on it, “I’ve never forgotten her, even after she left.”

“...She sounds like a nice pony,” Timid spoke as she walking over.

“..She is, Timid-chan,” Silver said, the sad smile still on his face, “You remind me of her at times, you know.”

“Eh? I-I do?”

“You’re like her… in a nice way. When I hang out with you… I miss her less…” Posey giggled.

“S-soka,” Timid smiled as she giggled a bit.

“I mean, heck, you’re as big a Sailor Moon fan as she is,” Posey added.

“Heh...Oh yeah. I remember that,” Silver chuckled lightly, “Whenever I saw her by herself, she was always reading one of her mangas,” the sad smile soon returned to his face, “...I truly miss her, Posey-chan...Timid-chan...I’d do anything to see her again.”

“...Really now?” Posey giggled.

“Hai…” Silver nodded as he looked back down at the ribbon in his hand, “I would.”

“...Hey, hey, Onii-chan… What was she like? What was her name?” Timid couldn’t help but ask

“...Her name was Butterfly. And to me...she was like an angel,” Silver replied, a small blush forming on his face, “Whenever I saw her smile, my heart would beat like crazy…” he then held up the ribbon to his little sister, “This ribbon belonged to her...I was going to give it back to her before she left, but...I was too late...I’ve held onto it ever since, secretly hoping she’d come back one day.”

“...I’m really sorry that she couldn’t, but you know all the laws and stuff that got passed after the war…” Posey reminded.

“I know,” Silver sighed sadly, “But...just once, I’d want to see her again…But...” he paused as he put the ribbon away, “She probably forgot me a long time ago…”

Posey didn’t know how to respond to this, a sad smile on the mare’s face.

“...That’s not true.”

“Huh?” Silver blinked a bit at that as he turned to face her, “What do you mean?”

“Remember when I asked you if you remember her?”

“Hai,”

“She mentioned… in a letter, she misses you. And that she wants to see you again…”

“...Soka,” Silver noted.

“Onii-chan? Are you...crying?” Timid asked as she saw a small tear escape her brother’s eye.

“...Heh. I guess I am,” Silver chuckled a bit as he wiped the tear away, “I guess I’m just… really happy, knowing she never forgot me after all this time.”

Posey smiled with a giddy look.

“...Come on, Timid-chan. We’re gonig home” Silver said as he got up. He then looked back over at Posey, “It was nice seeing you again, Posey-chan.”

“Hey wait… before you go, you wanna go to dinner tomorrow?”

“Eh?” Silver blinked, “You mean...like a date?”

“...hai, but just between friends.”

“...Okay. I don’t see why not,” Silver smiled a bit, “What time is good for you?”

“Tomorrow at… 8:15pm?”

“Sounds good to me,” Silver nodded.

Two Dates and a Dilemma

“Okaa-san… is everything alright? ...Please tell me I’ll see you and Otou-san again…” a young Butterfly whimpered, talking with her mother on the phone.

-...I don’t know, Butterfly-chan… hopefully soon.- her mother responded, -Until we find you, don’t tell anypony where you came from… the Equestrians are getting sort of… racist, so to speak.-

“...Okay,” Butterfly nodded, “I love you… please… come back…”

-Tsuyoki mono dake ga kitto, sekai mo hakanai negai mo mamoreru hazu to, (I’m sure the strong will be able to protect the world, and fleeting wishes there.)-

The phone line began to fritz a bit, but Butterfly could hear her mom still.

-...I love you, Butterfly. Be strong… my little angel...- her mom told her before the connection went dead.

Fluttershy awoke, tears dripping down from her eyes, remembering the last time she ever spoke with her mother.

“Okaa-san…” the pale yellow pegasus whispered before Applejack walked in, the farm pony already dressed.

“Mornin’ Sugah Cube. H…” AJ began before she noticed the sad look on her shy friends face, “...Sugah cube, what’s wrong?”

“I… dreamed of… the last time I ever spoke with my mother…” Fluttershy informed, wiping the tears away from her face.

“...Y’all miss her, don’t you?” AJ asked as she walked up to the shy mare’s bed and sat next to her.

“...I hardly knew my parents…” she sighed sadly.

“...Guess that puts us in the same boat…” Applejack sighed, “...Ah lost mah parents not long after Applebloom was born. Ah was actually the one who gave her the name ‘Applebloom’, actually.”

"R-really?”

“Yeah,” AJ nodded slightly as she took her stetson off and looked at it, “It was one of th’ things mah gave me before she and pa…”

“I’m sorry…” Fluttershy apologized, pulling Applejack into a hug, “But…. you have a giant family. I don’t know of any other relatives apart from Posey.”

“...Well what about yer cousin’s parents?”

“...I honestly don’t know where they are. Posey doesn’t really talk about them much anymore. I’ll have to ask her about it…” Fluttershy admitted, “...My mom used to have a saying… Tsuyoki mono dake ga kitto, sekai mo hakanai negai mo mamoreru hazu to, which means ‘I’m sure the strong will be able to protect the world, and the fleeting wishes there’.”

“Ah see… Yer ma’ must’ve been quite a mare.”

“...She was,” Fluttershy nodded, a sad smile on her face.

“...Mind me tellin’ ya a little apple secret? The farm we have back in Ponyville… it got it’s name from mah ma’. Sweet Apple,”

“Eh? Really?” Fluttershy blinked a bit as she looked at her friend.

“Mah pa’ showed it ta her the day he asked her to go steady,” Applejack informed, “Honestly, Ah wish Ah could find that… special somepony. But… who would like somepony like me?”

“...That Kota fella?” Applebloom’s voice spoke, the younger Apple sibling walking in.

“Gah! A-Applebloom!” AJ yelped a bit in surprise, blushing a tiny bit, “...How long were y’all listenin’?”

“When ya were talkin’ about ma’,” Applebloom replied as she walked over and sat next to her sister.

“...So… you like that ichigo farmer?” Fluttershy blinked.

“...Ah...ah don’t know what y’all mean,” AJ tried to deny, but the blush on her face increased a bit.

“Then why y’all blushin’, sis?” Applebloom pointed out.

“...No offense Applebloom, but Ah don’t think Ah’d want to tell ya about my romantic life, given what you tried to do for Big Mac…” Applejack responded.

“Don’t remind me. Ah’m not tryin’ to play matchmaker, Ah just want you to be happy,” Applebloom responded, “And ‘sides, Big Mac and Cheerilee are… kinda close nowadays.”

“...Huh. Now that Ah think of it, Big Mac’s usually gone most of th’ time after we’re done with chores and such,” Applejack admitted.

“Honestly, I don’t know what sort of romantic life the Ponies of the Beginning have in mind for me, but I’ll wait and see…” Fluttershy admitted as she got off her bed, “I’m going to go get ready. Posey wanted me to meet her somewhere before she left last night.”

After Fluttershy left for the bathroom, the two sisters exchanged a confused look.

“‘Ponies of the Beginning’? Who in the hay is she talkin’ about, Celestia and Luna?” Applebloom wondered.

“Ah’ll ask her later…”

A bit later, Fluttershy (now fully dressed) was walking down the main hallway of the hotel she and her friends are staying in before she spotted her cousin sitting on a bench near the entrance.

“Itoko-chan!” Posey waved, “Good morning!”

“Good morning, Posey,” Fluttershy waved back as she walked up to her cousin and sat next to her, “So...ano, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

“A dinner.”

“Eh?” Fluttershy blinked at that, “Ano...it’s morning, and you’re already thinking of dinner?”

“No. I mean, set something up for tonight,” Posey clarified, “Remember that fancy place that your parents and my parents used to take us to?”

“Ano… what was the name again?” Fluttershy blinked, trying to remember it.

“The Star Blossom. Remember? It was made by a pair who saw this rare star cherry blossom?”

“...Oh! I remember that place, “Fluttershy gasped, “Demo… it’s so expensive. I don't think we have the money to eat at a place like that.”

“Remember how my mom worked their part time? ...I do that, along with my photography, I can get you there…” Posey giggled.

“Y-you can?!” Fluttershy gasped, earning a nod from her cousin, “Wow...”

“So, tonight at 8:15 work?”

“H-hai” Fluttershy nodded as she got up, “I’d better pick out what I’m going to wear then...hopefully Rarity-chan can help me with that.”

With that, Fluttershy headed back to her room while Posey giggled a bit.

‘And thus, Operation: Get Itoko-chan and Silver Hawk Together is in motion,’ Posey thought.

“Hey Fluttershy. Wh-” Rainbow Dash began before the shy pinkette walked past her, “?”

“Can’t talk right now,” Fluttershy informed quickly.

Applejack simply relaxed a little bit before she heard her phone ring. She looked over to the caller ID and saw it was Kota, causing her to blush a little bit before she shook it off. She took a deep breath before she answered the call.

“Hello?”

-Hey there Applejack- Kota smiled, -How are ya?-

“Well, ah’m doin’ alright,” Applejack replied, “How y’all and yer sister doin’?”

-She’s doing good. Lot better since the Searchers moved out of that alleyway and into a treehouse. So… are you… going to be busy tonight?-

“...Uh...no. Ah got nothin’ planned tonight. Why y’all ask?”

-Do you… wanna hang out? I’m going to be doing this sort of myth reading. I’m going to read some Neghiponese myths. So...what do you say?-

“...Sure.” Applejack nodded.

-Great. See you soon-

“So, both of you are going on a date tonight? Oh that is spectacular, darlings!” Rarity smiled happily.

“I-it’s not a date, Rarity. Me and K-kota are just gonna do some readin’,” AJ clarified, using her hat to try and hid the blush on her face.

“And I’m just going with my cousin…that just sounds like one of those boring novels that came from the Griffons… First Impressions, was it?” Fluttershy stated.

“Oh...I see…” Rarity noted before clearing her throat a little, “Well then, even though it’s not technically dates you two are going on, I’m sure I can find or make something nice for you two to wear.”

“Alright,” they nodded.

“Why are you so nervous Onii-chan?” Timid asked her brother, who was now wearing an azure colored dress shirt, a pair of dark grey pants, and black dress shoes.

“Gomen, Timid. Demo...even though it’s not a date or anything, I haven’t really gone to somewhere as fancy as the Star Blossom,” Silver replied as he adjusted his shirt a little.

“Plus it’s Posey, you never know what she’s gonna do,” Timid added, “I remember that one time where she came dressed in that black outfit… what did she say it was called? Dominatrix or something like that…?”

Silver Hawk paused for a moment before clearing his throat, “I-I’ll tell you when you’re older, Timid.”

“Bu-”

“When. You’re. Older.”

“Hai, hai, hai…” Timid nodded a little, rolling her eyes.

“...Now look Timid, while I’m gone tonight, you be good while staying over at your friend’s place, okay?”

“Ok, Onii-chan,” Timid nodded.

Posey saw that Fluttershy had arrived first, the shy pinkette currently wearing a silver dress with a pale rose ribbon on the front, and her hair done up in a stylized, yet elegant ponytail, a small bang hanging off her face as it covered her left eye a little.

“You look great, itoko-chan,” Posey giggled before she took out a blindfold, “Now put this on.”

“Eh? Ano...what for?” Fluttershy blinked before her cousin wrapped the blindfold around her eyes, “H-hey!”

“A surprise…” Posey giggled as she walked inside and sat her cousin down at a nearby table. She then walked out and saw Silver Hawk walking into the resteraunt, ‘Perfect.’

“Where is she? She told me to meet her here,” Silver pondered to himself as he looked around for Posey. He saw a pinkette nearby, but could only see part of her hair peeking out from the corner, ‘There she is.’

‘Here he comes,’ Posey thought with a small giggle, looking from her hiding spot as she saw Silver Hawk approaching her cousin.

“Posey, you certainly look nice. if I didn’t know any better, I would think it’s… you know who,” Silver Hawk informed as he sat down.

“Huh?” Fluttershy blinked for a moment behind her blindfold, ‘You know Who’...Wait. Posey?’

“...Why’re you wearing a blindfold?” Silver asked, “And when did you let your hair grow out, Posey?”

“That’s not me~” Posey’s voice giggled in a sing-song voice.

“Eh?” Silver blinked at that as he looked over his shoulder to see Posey poking her head out from behind a pillar. She walked over and took the blindfold off of Fluttershy, making her gasp and blush.

“...Masaka…” Fluttershy gawked.

“Silver Hawk… Butterfly Heart. Itoko-chan, Silver Hawk,” Posey introduced the two before both pegasi’s eyes widened in surprise.

“...B...Butterfly-chan?” Silver Hawk gasped, “I...is that really you?”

“...Hai,” Fluttershy nodded slowly, her hands shaking a bit as small tears began to form in her eyes, ‘I...It’s him...it’s really him...’

“...Posey?” Silver Hawk blinked as he looked at Fluttershy’s cousin.

“She’s been here a few weeks now. I wanted to set something special up for you two,” Posey giggled.

“And you offered both of us a dinner here at the Star Blossom, me thinking Butterfly-chan was you?”

“Hai,” Posey nodded with a small giggle.

“...You clever girl,” Fluttershy smiled.

“I know. Now…” Posey began as she began to leave, “Have fun you two~”

Applejack soon arrived at a library, the blond wearing a white shirt under a bright red vest, blue jeans, and a pair of white shoes. She then began to look around before she saw Ai sitting in a chair, reading something.

“Howdy, Ai,” Applejack greeted as she walked up to the pegasus filly.

“Oh, hi Applejack.” Ai giggled as she looked up from her book, “Onii-chan was waiting for you.”

“Ah know. Mind tellin’ me where he is?”

Kota then walked over, a few books in his hands as he took a seat at a nearby table.

“Hey,” AJ waved.

Kota turned to her and blushed a bit before shaknig it off.

“H-hey, Applejack-san,” the pegasus stallion waved back as the blond took the book across from him, “You..ahem. You look nice.”

“...One of my friends insisted Ah… look nice,” Applejack replied with a small blush. She then shook it off a bit and cleared her throat, ”So uh… how’s yer business doin’?”

“Good.” Kota smiled, as he looked through the myth book.

“...Is there a myth about some ‘Ponies of the Beginning’? Mah friend, Fluttershy mentioned them earlier…”

“Oh? The kami-sama and megami-sama of the world… well, there’s rarely any books on them but…”

“...But what?”

“It’s said because of them, we exist now,” Kota explained.

“Huh?”

“From what is known, our world was once barren…but they brought life to it,” Kota explained, “But..not much else is known really.”

“...Ah see,” AJ noted, “...Maybe Ah can ask mah friend Twilight about it. She’s bound t’ have a book or two about it back home.”

“Maybe.”

“Hmm… any other myths?”

“There are two other ones that always interested me. One is based around the holiday Tanabata, and the other is the tale of Amaterasu.”

“Ah see...mind tellin’ me about those fer a bit?”

“Sure thing.”

-Back at the restaurant-

“Butterfly, you honestly look so… stunning,” Silver admitted, blushing a bit.

“...A-arigatou,” Fluttershy blushed, “Y….you look nice as well, S-Silver-k...s-san.”

They just smiled at each-other, still blushing a little.

‘...Come on, Silver. say something else!’ Silver Hawk mentally berated himself, “So uh...how’ve you been?” ‘Dang it! Why’d I start off with a question like that?!’

“Ano...well, I’m doing fine,” Fluttershy replied.

‘...Roll with it,’ Silver thought, “That’s good to hear. S-same here. Been helping out at the hospital and such.”

“Oh? You’re a doctor?”

“Yea, and I’m really good at it,” Silver nodded, “What about you? What kind of job do you have?”

“Oh..well, I take care of animals...but from time to time, I volunteer at the local vet and hospital,” Fluttershy answered.

“Soka(I see)...Heh. We have such similar paths in life…” Silver chuckled.

“I guess we do,” Fluttershy giggled a bit before blushing a little, “...I missed you while I was away.”

“Same here. I mean, sure I have my sister and my job… but…” Silver paused.

“...But what?”

“...I lacked somepony like you…” Silver admitted, making Fluttershy blush heavily, “G-gomen! I didn’t mean to s-”

“I...it’s fine…” Fluttershy answered, blushing still.

“Man… that’s a sad story,” AJ stated after hearing one of the stories Kota told her about, “...Separated and only allowed to meet once a year?”

“Yea…It is,” Kota nodded, “The sad story of Altair and Vega, separated by the great river, but meet once a year, on the bridge of Deneb. ...you know, some people say, this myth is easily paralleled in real life, given the whole shebang with Equestria and Neighpon.”

“I guess so. But… Ah wouldn’t peg Celestia to declare war on another nation,” Applejack admitted.

“Same here with the empress,” Kota admitted before he turned to the page of the Amaterasu legend/myth, “So… shall I tell you this one?”

“...Go ahead,” AJ smiled.

“So… where are we going now?” Fluttershy asked as they had soon left the restaurant to go and do something.

“...Butterfly, let me ask you something. Have you… seen your parents grave?”

Fluttershy stopped at that before she looked down sadly.

“...I’m assuming you haven’t?”

“...Never.”

Silver Hawk put his arm around her shoulder, making her blush a bit.

“Come. We’re gonna go see them,” the snow-white pegasus said to her as he began to lead her somewhere, the path slowly becoming familiar to Fluttershy.

“...Posey told me the sacred tree was lost, and the place where many ponies were buried is around that area…”

“...It’s true…” Silver nodded sadly, “From what I can remember, your parents were buried next to where the sacred tree once stood,”

The two soon arrived at a graveyard. Fluttershy slowly walked forward, knowing the path to well. She came to a stop, looking at two stones by the ground, near the remains of a burnt tree.

Here lies Lana Heart

Mother

Librarian

A proud thinker

Here Lies Passive Heart

Father

Aerobolt Member

Dream chaser

“Okaa-san… Otou-san… Kaito-san…” Fluttershy whispered, tears beginning to pour down her face as she knelt down in front of the graves, “I… I’m home. I… I… I miss you all...”

Silver Hawk walked over to her side, kneeling next to her as he placed a hand on the pegasus mare’s shoulder.

“Butterfly-chan… I’m sorry… you-” Silver began before Fluttershy pulled him into a hug, the pegasus stallion blushing a bit as the shy mare cried into his shirt.

“...Hey,” Posey greeted, making Silver Hawk and Fluttershy turn to see her, some bouquets of flowers in tow, “...I came to see Auntie Lana and Uncle Passive…”

“That’s more flowers than for just two places…” Fluttershy noted before she realized something, “...You lost your mom and dad too, didn’t you?”

“...I...don’t want to talk about it…” Posey responded sadly.

Neither Fluttershy or Silver said anything as Posey walked past them, stopping in front of a pair of tombstones before placing the flowers before them,

“...Mommy… daddy… I’m okay. I promise I’m alright… I miss you… a lot… But, I have itoko-chan and her friends… so… so I… I… I…” Posey couldn’t finish as she began to cry, tears pouring down her cheeks, “...Why did I have to lose you? Why am I all alone? ...why?!”

“Itoko-chan…” Fluttershy whispered, releasing the hug she was giving Silver before she walked over to Posey, “You’re not alone… you have me.”

Posey didn't say anything as she took in what her cousin said, the tears still pouring down her face a little.

Eventually, Posey was able to stop crying long enough to hand flowers to Fluttershy, who walked over to the two tombs of her mom and dad.

“...Okaa-san… Otou-san… I have a great life in Equestria… I made such great friends… I wish you could meet them. Twilight, Rarity, Sunset, Pinkie, Applejack… and Rainbow Dash...she’s like my big sister,” Fluttershy told the tombs, placing the flowers down, “...And I still have itoko-chan and Silver Hawk…” She then looked at the last bouquet of flowers and at the remains of the tree, “Kaito… you… I don’t know what to say. You… were such a great friend when I was a little filly…whenever I felt sad… you would be there for me… you were one of my first friends… and I’ll never forget you…”

She put the flowers down, before she saw a special sign by the tree, albeit, covered in a bit of dust.

Here lies Kaito.

A dear friend.

A true companion.

Best friend forever...

“Kaito-san… I’ll promise you something. When I get married and I have kids, one of them… I’m naming them Kaito,” Fluttershy added, a small yet sad smile on her face as she got up. She then turned around to face Silver, “Silver Hawk...I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here...to see my parents and Kaito-san one more time.”

“...You’re welcome,” Silver smiled softly before Fluttershy hugged him once more, the snow white pegasus blushing a bit before he returned the hug, holding the shy pinkette close.

“So… because of this Amaterasu and her siblings, our world has the sun, the moon, the seas and the sky?”

“That is correct,” Kota nodded as he finished telling Applejack the story of Amaterasu.

“That’s kinda neat,” Applejack smiled before she looked over to Ai, who was fast asleep, “...Ah think ya might wanna git er home…”

“Yea… hey… thanks for the time of day AJ…” Kota smiled.

“No prob, Kota. Ah had a good time here,” Applejack nodded with a small smile. They headed out, Kota carrying Ai on his back. Before he left Applejack, he smiled at her and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. Kota then ran off as fast as he could, Applejack totally stunned by this, but blushed and smiled, holding the spot Kota kissed her on.

“I had a good time today,” Fluttershy smiled as she and Silver arrived at the hotel, “If it wasn’t for my cousin… I… .I…” she paused as she blushed, “I wouldn’t have had a chance to see you again…”

“...Here,” Silver informed as he pulled out the ribbon from before, “I believe this belongs to you.”

“My… my ribbon,” Fluttershy gasp softly as she took it from him, “Y-you’ve kept it… after all this time…”

“I did, “Silver nodded before blushing, “I… kept it with me… hoping you would come back someday, Butterfly-chan.”

“...Silver-kun...I...I don’t…”

“...You don’t wh-” Silver began before Fluttershy planted a quick kiss on his cheek before she ran into the hotel, leaving the pegasus frozen on the spot as he blushed like crazy.

“You kissed him?!” Rarity gawked as Fluttershy told them what she had done that evening.

“J-just on the cheek,” Fluttershy replied, her entire face redder than a tomato right now.

“I think he just might be the pony you’re destined to be with,” Rarity added.

“He does something bad to you, I’m gonna grind him into dust,” Dash stated.

“Isn’t that a bit overprotective, Dash?” Twilight sweatdropped a bit at that.

The rainbowette giggled for a moment, “Well, Fluttershy doesn’t have a sister, so I gotta play that card. But seriously, I was exaggerating a bit… but if he does hurt you, tell me, and I’ll make sure he pays for it.”

“Oh come on, Dashie. He can't’ be that bad,” Pinkie giggled as she picked up Fluttershy’s ribbon, “I mean, he was holding onto Fluttershy’s ribbon for a long while! If you ask me, that sounds like that… uh… Ribbon of Fate thing I heard about.”

“That’s thread of fate, Pinkie,” Twilight corrected.

“I do have to agree with Pinkie Pie here…” Rarity spoke up, “For Fluttershy and Silver Hawk, it is more the Ribbon of Fate...in fact, it almost sounds something out of a romance novel!”

“Oh geez...Rarity’s gone romance nut on us,” Rainbow facepalmed.

“Hey girls,” Applejack smiled as she walked on inside, “...That was… something.”

“How was your date, AJ?” Dash asked.

“Again, not a date,” Applejack corrected before blushing a little, “But in honesty, it was pretty nice. Learned a couple of things and such.”

“...Did you give him a kiss?” Fluttershy couldn’t help but ask.

“No…” Applejack blushed, “Rather he… ahem, me kissed. But just on th’ cheek and such.”

“Ooh~ I think somepony else found their special somepony today,” Pinkie giggled.

“Ah knew it! Ah knew ya liked him!” Applebloom’s voice squeaked, with Rarity opening the connecting door, causing the Crusaders and Spike to fall over, “...Uh… hi.”

“...How long were you listening in?” Rarity asked with a slight frown.

“Since we saw Fluttershy run back inside,” Scootaloo informed.

“But in our defense,” Applebloom began.

“It was Sweetie Belle’s idea!” both Scootaloo and Applebloom shouted as tey pointed at their friend.

“Eh?!” Sweetie gawked.

“...Sweetie…”

“Okay...it was my idea. But I was curious why Fluttershy’s face was all red and such when she came running into your guys’ room,” Sweetie Belle stated.

Everypony simply rolled their eye for a moment, before sighing.

Later that night, Fluttershy was still awake, just a bit nervous about something. She slowly crept on over to Applejack.

“...Applejack… you awake?” Fluttershy whispered, nudging Applejack a bit.

“Huh...wha-?” Applejack blinked a bit, yawning as she turned over, “What is it, Fluttershy? It’s like 1 in th’ mornin’..or afternoon… however night time works here in Neighpon.”

“I wanted to talk with you…” Fluttershy informed quietly, motioning for Applejack to follow her out to the balcony.

“...Alright,” Applejack nodded, yawning once more as she got out of bed, stretching a bit before following her shy friend outside, “What is it y’all want t’ talk about? Somethin’ about those batpony dreams?”

“No. I haven’t had those for a while now thankfully…” Fluttershy informed, “...But, it’s a matter only we could speak of. We… both have romantic feelings for a stallion native to Neighpon.”

“...Y-yeah…” AJ blushed before shaking it off, “But what does that have t’ do w-”

“...We’d both be in a long distance relationship.”

“...That is true…”

“Yes but…” Fluttershy began before small tears began to form in her eyes, “I… I don’t want to be away from him. I… I just found him and… the thought of being away from him once more…”

“But we can’t just up and leave Ponyville… and they can’t leave t’ be with us…” Applejack sighed.

“Exactly! I...I don’t want to lose him, Applejack…” Fluttershy whimpered as the tears poured down her face, “I really don’t…”

Applejack just hugged Fluttershy, the blonde trying to make sure her tears stayed on the inside.

“Shh shh. It’s okay, Sugah cube… Ah’m sure there’s a way we can both be happy..” Applejack assured her shy friend, 'Ah really hope so...'

Timid and Fluttershy's day

“Onii-chan…” Ai began, as her brother brought in some strawberries, “If you get married to Applejack, can I be your flower girl?”

Kota nearly ended up dropping the strawberries, a heavy blush on his face before he quickly shook it off.

“Wh-what brought this up, Ai?” the pegasus stallion asked his little sister

“Your date. Quirky-chan said *cough* first comes dates, and then marriage,” Ai informed.

“...Ahem, well yes that’s true. Demo…” Kota paused as he looked down.

“...But what, Onii-chan?” Ai asked.

“...It’s nothing, Ai,” Kota told her.

“..Eh?” Ai tilted her head a bit.

Soon, the Searchers were on their way to the park, the Crusaders having asked them to come on over.

“So… do you think Ai’s brother and Applebloom’s sister will get married?” Quirky asked, “Or Timid’s brother with that pink haired girl?”

“...I don’t know.” Ai shrugged.

“A-ano, I...I…” Timid stuttered a bit, “I’m… n-not sure. I-I mean, Onii-chan just found her again. S-so it might be a little too soon to talk about marriage, Quirky-chan.”

“Like your brother would marry some dopey flower girl,” a voice stated.

The Searchers turned their heads to see a light red Unicorn filly with dark raven hair, and was wearing a slightly fancier version of the searcher’s school outfits.

“...Ugh… What’re you doing here, Tomoe?” Dawn Star groaned

“You Cutie Mark Stupid-heads think that somebody as awesome as Silver Hawk would marry a flower girl? You ever hear the phrase ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’? Cause that’s what this girl is,” Tomoe informed.

“How would you know. You haven't’ even seen her yet, Tomoe-meanie!” Quirky shouted, blowing the unicorn filly a small raspberry.

“I have my dad’s company look at any girl that Silver Hawk hangs out around. And this flower girl is the cousin of that Earth Pony who’s nothing but a silly filly. What was her name? Dopey?”

“It’s Posey! And you have no right to call her dopey!” Timid shouted, much to everybody’s surprise.

“You better watch your mouth, or I’ll have daddy get your brother fired and banned from the hospital he works at,” Tomoe threatened, sending the normally shy filly a glare.

Suddenly, a soccer ball almost hit her, making the Searchers turn to look and see it was the CMC, Scootaloo having caught the soccer ball as it bounced off a tree and back to her.

“...Can I help you three?” Tomoe demanded the three, a small frown on her face.

“Sorry… didn’t know the ball would bounce that way…” Scootaloo apologized.

“Tch… Equestrians. As if I had to deal with these blank flanked losers, now I have to look at a bunch of losers from the boonies?” Tomoe scoffed, “Great. Only thing worst than an Equestrian is an Alicorn.”

With that, Tomoe walked off with Dawn Star shooting daggers out of her eyes, so to speak.

“That Tomoe?” Applebloom asked.

“Eeyup,” Dawn Star nodded.

“She bully you all?”

“Eeyup,”

“She uses her daddy as a threat and such?”

“...Yup,” Dawn sighed at that last part.

“Man… those without Cutie Marks have it tough. Think that Babs had her own version of Diamond Tiara in Manehatten?” Scootaloo asked.

“Ah hope not,” Applebloom replied.

“Are you girls okay?” Sweetie Belle asked as she walked up to the CMS (Cutie Mark Searchers).

“Yea,” they nodded.

“She didn’t have to call Posey such a mean thing…” Timid growled as she began to calm down.

“...Posey a friend of hers?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well, she is childhood friends with Timid’s brother, so I can imagine it,” Scootaloo admitted.

“Same here,” Applebloom nodded in agreement.

“Well it’s a good thing you three arrived in time,” Quirky spoke up, “Who knows what else that meanie Tomoe would’ve said.”

“So… what was her deal?” Applebloom asked.

“Tomoe is the daughter of one of the richest people in Neighpon, second only to our Empress. She wants her older sister to marry somebody she claims is ‘sophisticated’ and she’s deemed that pony to be Silver Hawk.” Dawn explained.

“And worse… if she does it… she’ll… she’ll… she’ll remove me from the family!” Timid stated, causing the CMC’s eyes to widen.

“What?! She can't’ do that!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed before whispering to Scootaloo, “Can she?”

“...uh… I’m not sure…” Scootaloo admitted.

“You’re really nice, Silver Hawk-kun…” Fluttershy giggled as she and Timid’s brother walked along a path in the park.

“Not as nice as you, Butterfly-chan,” Silver smiled softly at her.

“Ahh… darling. I’ve been looking all over for you,” a new voice spoke up, making Silver and Fluttershy turn their heads to see a unicorn mare with lavender fur and a blue-black mane done in a small pony tail, “...who’s this wall flower?”

“..What do you want, Aki?” Silver asked her with a slight frown.

“I came to see you,” Aki smiled before frowning a bit, “But seriously, who’s the wall flower? ...She looks familiar.”

“I’m Posey’s cousin, Fluttershy,” she informed.

“...oh yea. The dumb Equestrian… ick. Don’t you just hate them, my Silver-kun?” Aki asked as she walked up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

“...I’m not one of those kind of ponies, Aki,” Silver Hawk frowned at her as he moved back.

“...Aki?” Fluttershy blinked, the name ringing a bell in her mind, “Oh no… not you…”

“Wait a second…” Aki responded, looking at Fluttershy a bit closer, the shy pinkette starting to shake, “...I know you! You’re that stupid shy loser from when i was a filly! So…” she began with a slight smirk as she leaned in close to the shivering pegasus, “What have you been up too, Loserfly? Or should I call you… Losershy now?”

“A-ano… ano…” Fluttershy stuttered, the pinkette starting to pant in a nervous manner.

“What’s wrong? Too nervous to speak as usual?” Aki teased.

Fluttershy’s eyes began to water, the pinkette starting to hyperventilate at this point.

“...I think you need to leave, Aki,” Silver Hawk frowned at the unicorn mare.

“Why? Just so Losershy here can cry to her family? Oh wait… that’s right… they’re not here anymore.”

Fluttershy ran off, crying.

“Okay, that was just too far!” Silver Hawk shouted.

“Whatever,” Aki scoffed as she leaned in close to him, “Now we can be together, d-”

Silver Hawk turned away from her, a look of disapproval on his face before he ran off to find Fluttershy.

Timid has gotten lost from her group of friends and had wandered by the cemetery for the ponies who had lost their lives in the war with Equestria. The pegasus filly gave off a small, nervous whimper as she walked through the graveyard, hoping nothing would pop out to scare her.

“Mou...I-I shouldn’t have separated from the g-” timid began before she heard what sounded like somepony crying, “...N-nani?”

She looked and saw Fluttershy crying. She was over by the graves of her parents and the remains of Kaito, the shy pinkette sobbing into her arms as tears trailed down her face.

“Posey-san…” Timid muttered. She slowly approached her, before putting a hand on her shoulder, “S-somethin’ the matter?”

Fluttershy gasped before she looked and saw it was Timid, the filly looking at her in worry.

“Wh-why are you crying?” the shy filly asked further..

“...I was mocked about not having any family…” Fluttershy responded.

“D-don’t you have your cousin?”

“...I-I do. Demo… she’s busy with something right now…”

“Not to mention usually on another continent,” Timid added, “...I would like to meet your cousin some time, Posey-san. From what you and Onii-chan told me, she sounds really kind… m-much nicer than that nasty Aki, a-and her sister, Tomoe.”

“...oh. You must think I’m-” Fluttershy began.

“Uh… ano, when did you get… uh… ano… h-how do I word this? Wh-why is your ch-chest bigger, Posey-san?” Timid asked with a slightly heavy blush.

“...I’m not Posey,” Fluttershy informed.

“...oh. So…y-you’re… Misaki Butterfly?”

“Hai. Demo… These days, I-I’m called Fluttershy,” the older shy mare replied.

“...oh. Onii-chan keeps calling you ‘Butterfly’ though.” Timid blinked.

“Oh. You must be Silver Hawk-kun’s little sister,” Fluttershy realized.

“Hai. A-ano, watashi wa T-Timid Swallow,” Timid introduced herself in a shy manner.

“Nice to meet you, Timid-chan,” Fluttershy smiled softly.

“...oh. These are Posey-chan’s aunt and uncle. And that would mean… your parents, hai? ...Aki’s a real meanie.”

“I know…” Fluttershy sighed sadly, “She used to bully me a lot when I was a filly… d-demo…” she paused as she blushed a bit, “Y-your onii-chan would always be there to help cheer me up a bit.”

“That’s my Onii-chan. But… I know what you’re going through. Her sister torments me and my friends for not having our Cutie Marks,” timid admitted before whimpering a bit, “Sh-she even goes too far, l-like when she takes the spots m-me and my friends like to play in.”

“...well, you don’t have it as bad as I did,” Fluttershy sighed sadly once more, “Aki convinced more than half of the school to bully me. Th-they even went as far to… to… I don’t want to remember it,” she whimpered as tears began to form in her eyes once more.

Timid hugged Fluttershy a bit, surprising the older mare a little.

“T-timid-chan?”

“D-don’t cry, F-fluttershy-san. E-even though we had to deal with bullies, w-we still have our friends… h-hai?”

Fluttershy giggled and proceeded to hug Timid back.

“You’re a sweet filly, Timid-chan,” the older mare smiled softly, “Your Onii-chan did a fine job in raising you.”

“H-hai… a-arigatou, Fluttershy-san,” Timid smiled back.

“...if you want to, you can call me ‘Butterfly’.”

“...O-okay, F...I mean, Butterfly-san,” Timid smiled a bit more until.

“Butterfly-chan! Buttterfly-chan, where are you?!” Silver hawk’s voice called out, making the two turn their heads to see the snow white pegasus looking around the graveyard.

“O-onii-chan?” Timid blinked a bit, “O-onii-chan, over here!”

“Eh?” Silver blinked, turning to the left to see the shy mare and filly, “Timid-chan? What’re you doing here? Weren’t you with your friends?”

“Ano, I-I was… u-until I got separated from them,” Timid answered, looking down a bit before looking up at Fluttershy, “I-I ran into Butterfly-san while I was looking for them. Sh-she was crying, so I wanted to check on her and see if she was okay.”

“Let me guess… you thought she was Posey?”

“Pretty much,” Timid giggled.

“Eheh… you’re not the only one that made that mistake,” Silver chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.

“We used to prank people by switching clothes and such when we were younger. Doubt we could keep pulling that joke cause…” Fluttershy paused, trying to think of the right way to put it, “W-well...of certain things.”

“I-I can see that,” Silver Hawk nodded, blushing a bit. He had to admit, Fluttershy changed a lot since they were kids. Her hair had gotten longer, her wings were more angel like, and her chest….he couldn’t help but blush heavily at that last part before he shook it off.

“...You wanna come over?” Timid asked Fluttershy before she shyly began to poke her two pointer fingers together, “I...I want to hang out with you a bit, B-butterfly-san.”

“...Ano, w-well...if it’s okay with your onii-chan,” Fluttershy replied, blushing a bit.

“You’re always welcome to our home, Butterfly-chan,” Silver spoke, causing the shy pinkette to blush.

“...O-oay. I..I’d love to come over, Timid-chan.”

The three were soon at the home of Timid and Silver Hawk. The home was rather large, but was still rather homey with a few flowers up front, and what looked like a doggy door on the front door.

“O-oh my…” Fluttershy awed as she looked at the place, “S-silver-kun, your home is big.”

“Heh...yeah,” Silver Hawk chuckled a bit, “Just wait until you see the inside.”

He took out a key and opened it up, letting Fluttershy walk in as she looked around in slight awe. It was rather nice inside with a couch or two in the living room, various paintings based on some old Neighpon stories Fluttershy read about, and a few plants here and there.

“Oh. I want to introduce you to somebody,” Timid giggled, as she ran in, “Peaches-chan? You here? Peaches-chan?”

Fluttershy let out a small, surprised gasp as she looked down to see a cat with pale yellow fur (a small bit being pink on its head) rubbing against her leg, purring a little as it looked up at the mare.

“That’s Peaches, Timid’s pet kitty,” Silver stated with a small smile.

“Aww… kawaii,” Fluttershy cooed as she gently picked Peach up and began to rub her gently, “Are you just a cute kitty?”

“Do you have a pet?”

“I do,” Fluttershy nodded, “His name’s Angel. He can be a bit of a handful, but he’s my special little guy.”

“I love animals, especially kitties and foxes,” Timid giggled before gasping a bit, “Oh! I haven't introduced you to Yuki-chan yet!”

“Yuki?”

“A fox kit Timid rescued a few months ago,” Silver explained before chuckling a bit, “Timid had to beg kaa-san and tou-san to keep her. But she became a member of the family since.”

“Ahh..that’s nice to hear,” Fluttershy smiled as she looked down at Timid, “can I see her, Timic-chan?”

“Hai. She’s most likely resting in my room right now,” Timid giggled before walking over to the nearby stairs, “Ne ne, come on, Butterfly-san!”

The two, alongside Peaches, arrived at Timid’s room. And needless to say, it was otaku overflow in there. There were various posters, manga, and a few stuffed animals here and there. Sleeping on the bed was what looked like a fox kit, its tail a pure white as it swayed a bit.

“I see why you call her Yuki.” Fluttershy giggled, before seeing the mangas and posters of Sailor Moon, “Oh? You collect Sailor Moon manga?”

“Hai! She’s one of my favorites!” Timid giggled, the normally shy filly really excited at the moment.

“Same here,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Oh really?” Timid responded before clearing her throat, “Ahem… ‘Ai to seigi no sera fuku’,”

“‘Bishoujo Senshi. Sailor Moon!’” Fluttershy completed.

“‘Tsuki ni kawatte, oshioki yo!’” the two said in perfect unison as they did a small pose.

“Teehee. I haven’t said those words in a long time,” Fluttershy giggled before she noticed one of Timid’s mangas and gasped a bit, “Is that… Kamen Rider? I remember reading those when they were just starting out!”

“That was… uh… what series again, when it began?”

“It was… simply just ‘Kamen Rider’. Followed by the tales of V3, Stronger, Super-1 and the Blacks,” Fluttershy recalled, “I moved away after that, so I don’t know what other Kamen Riders have come out since then.”

“Oh..well I have most of the Heisei era, and all of the current Neo-Heisei riders.”

Fluttershy smiled before she saw a drawing of the first two Riders, Ichigou and Nigou, alongside a third warrior.

“Who’s that guy?” Fluttershy asked, pointing to the stallion in a green armor that looked just like Ichigou and Nigou’s armor, but was different.

“The Rider stronger than Ichigou and Nigou…” Timid began, before doing some poses, and hand gesturing three with her fingers, “Kamen Rider… Sangou,”

“Kamen Rider Sangou?” Fluttershy repeated, “Ano… I thought V3 was the third Kamen Rider to come out after Ichigou and Nigou.”

“He came into existence in the most recent crossover with the Super Sentai. Long story short, Shocker made him to go back in time and kill Ichigou and Nigou. ...he actually managed to do it, though… that does leave the unanswered question of how V3 still exists, but whatever.”

“I...I see,” Fluttershy noted.

“I really like how he still manages to exist, even after the end, which… ironically, once again, means the Showa and the Heisei have equal numbers.”

FLuttershy gave a small nod in response before looking back at the mangas.

“Ano...d-do you want to read a couple with me, Butterfly-san?” Timid asked.

“I would love to,” Fluttershy giggled.

The two read a bit of the mangas that Timid had, and Fluttershy had a blast with the young filly, the two occasionally getting up and doing the motions, poses and quoting some lines from the mangas.

“I’m really having a good time, Timid-chan,” Fluttershy giggled as she was currently reading a manga with the words ‘Kamen Rider Den-O’ on the front, “And I’m liking some of these Heisei adn Neo-Heisei Riders, especially Den-O.”

“Hai. He’s one of my favorites too,” Timid giggled, “He’s one of the more popular ones. The creator of his story has considered doing a spin-off based on the Rider who was in the OOO crossover, who is Ryotaro’s great-grandson, Kotaro, Kamen Rider New Den-O.”

“Sugei,” Fluttershy awed a bit before gigglnig at one page, “Those Taros-tachi are pretty funny.”

“They got a spin-off manga. It was a comedy one… it was okay. But it wasn’t written by the same person, so it wasn’t as successful.”

“Oh...that’s a shame,” Fluttershy admitted before Timid gave a hug to the shy pinkette, resting her head on Fluttershy’s chest.

“You’re so nice, Butterfly-san… I really wish you and Onii-chan could be together,” Timid said with a small, yet sad smile, “That way, I could call you Onee-chan.”

Fluttershy blushed a deep red before shaking it off as best she could, the older pegasus giving Timid a soft smile as she returned the hug.

“Butterfly-chan, I think you should be heading back soon, it’s time for Timid to get to…” Silver Hawk began, the pegasus stallion walking into the room before he saw that Fluttershy was asleep with Timid, the filly resting in the older mare’s arms as said mare rested against the bed. He took out his phone and snapped a picture of this, smiling happily.

“Mm…” Timid muttered a bit in her sleep before getting a bit closer to Fluttershy, “Onee-chan...”

Silver’s eyes widened a bit at that last part, the stallion blushing a bit before he gave a soft smile. He then carefully moved Timid onto her bed, wrapping her up in her sheets before he carefully and gently lifted the sleeping Fluttershy up, making sure not to disturb her peaceful slumber as he carefully took her down stairs. He then gently placed her on the couch and placed a blanket on her before moving a bit of her hair out of her face.

“...Silver-kun…” Fluttershy whispered in her sleep, a small blush on her face as she smiled.

Silver then planted a kiss on her cheek and headed off for his own room, turning his head to look at her one last time.

“Good night, Butterfly-chan...see you tomorrow,” Silver Hawk whispered as he left for his room, a soft smile on his face.

Author's Note

You like? Leave comment/review if ya can. Also, next chapter is slowly on its way

Confessions

Dash and Twilight walked through town, Twilight making sure her jacket could keep her wings covered up.

“You doing okay, Twi?” Dash asked her as the two walked down a path, “You’ve been rather quiet these past few weeks since we’ve came here and stuff.”

“...Fluttershy said that the Neighponese are sort of… racist to Alicorns, given the whole mess with Celestia and Nightmare Moon… I just want to be careful,” Twilight answered.

“Ahh...right,” Rainbow Dash nodded, “By the way, did you see Fluttershy come in last night?”

“No… I think she slept over at… what was his name again?”

“Silver Hawk.”

“Thank you,” Twilight nodded.

“No prob,” RD smirked a bit before chuckling a little, “Man… I haven’t seen Fluttershy act this way around a stallion before.”

Twilight giggled a bit, before she took out her phone, “We’ll still be a ways away from the statue, so we can keep talking a bit.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Rainbow shrugged a bit.

“Yeah,” Twilight nodded, “So...what do you think Rarity, Sunset, Pinkie, and Applejack are doing?”

“Well… Rarity took Sunset to a fashion store, Pinkie is looking for Fluttershy, and Applejack is hanging out with Kota and his sister.”

“Again?”

“Yes,” Twilight nodded before giggling slightly, “I think Applejack found her special somepony,”

“You think so?”

“I know so,” Twilight nodded before planting a slight kiss on Dash’s cheek.

The two continued to walk, Dash having bought a book for Twilight to read as they walked to the statue, being a Neighponese myth about a fifth pony race, squid ponies.

“Squid ponies?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow in slight confusion as she looked over Twilight’s shoulder, “I’ve never heard of those.”

“Well, it says they used to live in the seas a long time ago, but just disappeared one day,“ Twilight explained before cupping her chin in thought, “Come to think of it, it almost reminds me of this one book I read about a similar race, Sea ponies.”

“...Sounds interesting,” Dash admitted, “And knowing us, we’ll probably end up finding them or something.”

“Maybe,” Twilight shrugged a little, as she closed her book and looked at her phone, “well, we’re almost where the statue is located… want to grab a bite to eat or something?”

“...sure. I think I saw a bakery or something a few blocks back,” Rainbow Dash replied as she flew up a bit, “I’ll go and get us something from there. Be back in a bit.”

“Gotcha,” Twilight nodded as Rainbow Dash flew off, the violet alicorn sitting at a nearby bench as she waited for her.

“Squid ponies…” Twilight muttered, continuing to read about them in her book. She then looked out in the corner of her eye to see what looked like a unicorn filly sitting by herself at another bench, reading something, ‘...What’s she doing out here by herself?’

Said mentioned filly gave a small sigh, wiping a bit of sweat off her face as it was a bit warm out. She looked around a bit, hoping no one was watching as she slowly began to undo her jacket, taking it off so she could feel a bit cooler. However much to Twilight’s slight surprise, she saw the unicorn filly had a pair of wings.

“...Stupid war… Why’d it have to make it so Alicorns are seen as filthy creatures here?” the filly muttered to herself as she stretched her wings a bit.

“...Excuse me,” Twilight spoke up.

“Ahh!” the filly yelped as she quickly put her jacket back on and zipped it up, hiding her wings as she noticed the older mare walking towards her, “Ahem, y-yes miss? Can I help you with something?”

“What are you doing here, all on your own?”

“...before I answer that, you answer me this. How much did you just see?”

“Everything.”

“...I see… please don’t tell anypony what you saw,” the filly begged her

“...I won’t because…” Twilight began, before removing her own jacket, showing a small portion of her wings to her, “...I’m just like you.”

“Who… who are you?” the filly asked.

“...My name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m from Equestria, and I’m the Princess of Friendship,” Twilight introduced herself with a small smile, “May I know who you are?”

“...Dawn Star,” the filly introduced herself, “My name is Dawn Star, Miss Sparkle.”

“Pleasure,” Twilight smiled.

“...I know the Princess of the Night came here to make diplomatic things during the Equestrian Grand Galloping Gala… but why are you here?” Dawn Star asked.

“I’m here with my friends on a vacation, so to speak,” Twilight explained, “But really...well, one of my friends was originally from here, and wanted to come to pay her respects to her late parents.”

“...Fluttershy?” Dawn responded.

“Yes,” Twilight nodded before blinking a bit, “Wait… how do you know her name?”

“Her cousin told us about her,” Dawn answered, “Most of me and my friends haven't’ really seen her yet to tell you the truth.”

“Alright,” Twilight nodded, “...so… are you a Neighponese Princess? ...I’m just curious to know if this land has princesses like Equestria,”

“Nope. Neighponese natives treat all alicorns in one way: dirt. ...no joke, one time I had a nightmare that they found out I was an Alicorn and literally buried me under dirt, saying I had to ‘live with my own kind’...and that…” Dawn paused as she looked down, “I was an impurity… that Alicorn’s shouldn’t exist to begin with, beyond the mythed Ponies of the Beginning.”

“...But what about your parents?”

“...I...don’t know who my parents are,” Dawn admitted sadly, causing Twilight’s eyes to widen, “For as long as I can remember, I’ve been living in the orphanage with my friend Quirky.”

“...I’m sorry about that,” Twilight apologized, hugging her.

“...I was always told to never show my wings… not even Quirky knows I’m an alicorn, nor do any of my other friends. ...Miss Sparkle, can I ask you something?”

“Sure,”

“...What’s it like to have others like you, even though you’re an alicorn?”

“...Well...at first, I was surprised when I first became an Alicorn… but, the princesses and my sister in law have been helping me get adjusted to being one. And my friends… even though I changed, they still accept for me who I am. I’m even with an amazing mare… she makes me feel so special,”

Dawn simply smiled, looking up at the older mare.

“...Do you think my friends will still accept me, even though I’m an alicorn?”

“Yes. Because there’s one thing in this world that is stronger than any kind of magic,” Twilight explained as she knelt down to look at Dawn face to face, “Friendship.”

“...Thanks,” Dawn smiled, “So… are you on a date with your special somepony?”

“Yes, actually. In fact…” Twilight began as she noticed a familiar cyan pegasus flying towards her, “Here she comes now.”

“Hey Twil,” Dash smiled, as she handed Twilight a bag full of some pastries. “...who’s this?”

“This is Dawn Star,” Twilight smiled, “Dawn, This is Rainbow Dash, my…” Twilight paused as she blushed a little, “Very special somepony.”

“...But… aren’t you two mares?”

“Kid, gender isn't important when you love someone,” Rainbow stated as she smiled at Twilight, “Especially when it’s a cute egghead like her.”

“Oh you,” Twilight giggled a bit.

“...Um, you’re not gonna tell her...are you?” Dawn asked Twilight.

“Huh?” Dash blinked at that, “Tell me what?”

“It’s not important.”

“So… where are you two going?” Dawn couldn’t help but ask

“To see the Hachiko statue,” Dash informed.

“...you’re not going the right way,” Dawn informed.

“Pardon/excuse me?”

“The statue’s located near the Odate Station, which is half way across town since you took the wrong way,” Dawn explained.

“....”

“Eheheh...whoops,” Twilight chuckled sheepishly, “ I guess I read the directions wrong.”

“I can take you two there,” Dawn smiled, “I like going there myself,”

“You don’t have to kid,” Dash responded.

“You got lost… I think you may get lost again,” Dawn stated before whispering to Twilight, “Plus, it’s the least I can do for helping me keep my secret, Miss Sparkle.”

Soon, Dawn was guiding Twilight and Rainbow to the Hachiko statue, the filly keep her jacket on to make sure no one would see her wings.

“Well… Scoots told me that she’s already there and is waiting for us.” Dash informed Twilight.

“Well… guess Rarity got her there first,” Twilight shrugged.

“Scoots? ...you two mean Scootaloo? She your daughter or something?” Dawn asked.

“No. She’s more like a little sister to me. But…” Rainbow paused as she smiled a bit, “I wouldn't’ mind adopting her.”

The three continued to walk, Dawn singing something.

“Hade ni ikuze, do the action… ugoki daseba climax… kobore ochiru suna no youni, dare mo toki tomeraraenai. Sono sadame okasumono, ‘boku ga/ore ga’ keshite miseru kanarazu. (Let’s proceed in style, do the action… it’s coming alive, this climax… like the sand that is ever falling, time can never be stopped by anyone. Any violator of this never-changing law, ‘I/I’ will erase him, for sure),” she sung.

“What’s that you’re singing there?” Twilight asked as she overheard what the filly sang.

“Oh… it’s a song from this manga that my friend Timid likes. It’s popular,” Dawn informed.

“Huh, I see,” Dash noted, “Well it sounded cool.”

“You understood that?” Twilight blinked as she looked at her marefriend.

“Fluttershy taught me some Neighponese when we were kids. I… understood a little bit…” Dash informed.

“Ahh...I see,” Twilight noted.

“You’re here!” Scootaloo’s voice cheered, causing Rainbow to look ahead to see the pegasus filly running up towards her.

“Hey, Scoots,” Dash greeted as she hugged her, “Sorry for being so late. We… eheh, kinda got lost.”

“You waiting is… symbolic, in a way…” Dawn giggled, “...just like Hachiko.”

“Huh?” Scootaloo blinked as she looked over to see Dawn, “Dawn? What’re you doing here?”

“I helped lead them here after... sorta bumping into Twilight,” Dawn explained.

“Ahh,” Scootaloo nodded as she looked back at Rainbow, “Anyway, I’m glad you're here, Dash. Rarity wa almost about to take me into one of those saloon things.”

Dash simply rolled her eyes a bit, before looking at the statue.

“Hey Dawn-chan, what’s the story of this thing?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well…it’s touching and sad at the same time,” Dawn stated before clearing her throat, “You see, Hachiko waited everyday for his master to come home after work. He would always greet him with open arms… per say. But…” Dawn paused as she looked down sadly, “One day, his master died in a terrible accident. Even though he was gone, Hachiko waited for his master still… until the day he died. But..they say the spirit of his master came to see him and take him home, a small smile on his face as he went home… with his master.”

“Wow..that’s a-” Twilight began before she heard Dash sniffling a bit, ”...Rainbow?”

“...Wh-what? I just...got something in my eye is all,” Rainbow Dash denied, though the small tears in her eyes proved otherwise.

“You’re such a sensitive goof. And I love that about you,” Twilight giggled.

“Yeah...I mean, I know i’m the element of Loyalty and all, but…” Rainbow paused as she looked up at the statue of Hachiko, “Hachiko...he’s the true embodiment of loyalty. To wait for his master, even after he died… that…” Dash paused as small tears trailed down her cheeks, a sad smile on her face, “That’s true loyalty right there.”

Twilight just hugged her, before Dash turned to her.

“...I love you so much Twilight…”

“I love you too, Rainbow,” Twilight smiled, kissing her gently on the lips.

“...huh?” they heard others gawking.

They split, and turned to see the rest of the Crusaders and Searchers, along with Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Sunset.

“...Uh…”

“We can explain?” Twilight said with a slight, nervous chuckle.

“You’d better,” Rarity told the two.

“...Fine,” Twilight sighed, “Do you remember the second Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Yeah. What about it?” Pinkie asked, tilting her head slightly in confusion.

“Well...after that whole situation with… you know who, me and Dash went outside for some fresh air to talk,” Twilight explained.

“One thing led to another and… well…” Rainbow Dash paused as she blushed a little, rubbing the back of her head, “...We became a couple.”

“And Celestia approves of us… but… I haven’t told my brother yet. I’m gonna wait a while…” Twilight giggled with a mischievous smirk.

“Well what about your parents?” Rarity asked.

“...I haven’t had a chance to tell them,” Twilight admitted, “I… don’t know how they’ll react really.”

“Well… I haven’t told my mom yet either,” Rainbow Dash admitted as well, “But it’s more out of just… well… not having the time to write or go tell her in person. I...haven't’ seen her since I’ve moved to Ponyville.”

“..Maybe when we get home, we’ll go see her,” Twilight suggested as she held the tomboy’s hand.

“...you two are cute together,” Sunset smiled.

“...you approve of this?” Rarity asked as she looked at Sunset with slightly wide eyes, ”They’re…”

“There’s nothing wrong with that, Rarity,” Sunset told her, “Love works in many ways after all.”

Rarity just didn’t know what to say after that.

“...hey uh… Dash, can I speak with you alone for a second?” Scootaloo asked.

“Sure thing,” Rainbow nodded as she walked off with Scootaloo until they were out of listening range, “So what’s up?”

“...I’m like you and Twilight. I… like a filly…” Scootaloo informed, “...I can trust you with this secret, right?”

“I trusted you with my feelings about Twilight for how long? Yea… you can trust me with this,” dash smiled as she put her hand on Scootaloo’s shoulder, “So...who’s the filly you’ve fallen in love with? One of the Crusaders?”

“...Silver Spoon,” Scootaloo admitted with a blush.

“Silver Spoon? But… isn’t she… you know who’s friend?”

“After what happened when I ended up in the hospital… no,” Scootaloo replied, “...she’s… she’s… cute.”

“Ooh… well…” Dash began with a soft smile, “I’m sure you two can work things out,“ she then looked over her shoulder to see Twilight talking with the others, “I know I did with Twilight.”

“To be honest… I wanted her to come with us, but we didn’t have enough tickets,” Scootaloo sighed a bit.

“Oh… Well maybe I can talk with Twilight about it.”

“I would love that,” Scootaloo giggled.

A bit later after that, Silver Hawk had on a belt and a sort of bracelet, while being dressed like a cop.

“So… you wanted to do a scene from that new Drive manga?” Silver Hawk asked.

“Yea. I think it’s amazing… and I wanted to see how it would be if it was… acted out, you know?” Timid giggled.

“So… he’s the Rider, and I’m uh… Kiriko was it?” Fluttershy asked, the shy mare dressed up in a female cop uniform.

“Hai,” Timid nodded.

“Alright,” the two nodded.

“Hey… this isn’t you right? You can’t just stop your engine here… you have to keep it going…” Fluttershy said, with Timid watching her imitate a certain event from the manga.

“If your devotion is put into it… you can use the greatest Shift Car… one that will bring your heart out into full throttle!”

Silver Hawk, now in a different part of the room, gawked before he attempted to reach for Fluttershy, about to grab her hand.

“Henshin Tomari-san… TOMARI-SAN!” she called out, managing to put in a Shift Car into the brace. She gasped, but then proceeded to turn the Ignition Key, the standby sound filling the air.

“HENSHIN!” both of them shouted, as Fluttershy pushed the Shift Car up.

=DRIVE: TYPE… TRIDORON!=

Silver Hawk let out a shout, as Timid made the Shift Cars roll over to him, acting as though they came together to form the greatest power.

“That was… amazing…” Timid giggled.

“...and this manga is popular how?” Dash asked, the rest of the Mane 7, the Crusaders and the Searchers having watched this.

“Ano...w-well…” Timid began in a slight nervous manner, “It’s not just the story and such, one of the other things that makes the Kamen Rider series popular are the fight scenes, and the character development throughout each series.”

“...okay,” Dash shrugged.

A knock soon came from the front door, with Silver Hawk going over to open it.

“Oh… you…” Fluttershy blinked, seeing it was Aki and Tomoe.

“Hello, Losershy,” Aki greeted with a cruel smirk, “I figured you’d leave town by now.”

“What. Did. You. Just. Call. Fluttershy?” Dash demanded as she stomped over to the unicorn.

“I called her ‘Losershy’. What’re you gonna do about it, loser?”

Dash was about to charge right for her when AJ and Sunset held her back.

“Let me at her! Let me at that stuck up jerk!” the tomboy barked

“Twilight. Do. Something,” Rarity whispered.

“I wish I could, but I can’t,” Twilight whispered back.

“Hey Losershy, tell the rainbow haired freak to calm down. Those things she’s shouting at me are hurting my eardrums,” Aki scoffed.

“...what. Did. You. Say about my Onee-chan?” Fluttershy asked calmly.

“Like you care. But seriously, tell her to calm down, or else I’ll have daddy boot you and the rest of your loser friends out of here,” Aki threatened.

“I see… so that’s the game we’re playing here…” Fluttershy stated next, clenching her fist.

“I wouldn’t keep making her angry if I were you. You won’t like her when she gets angry…” Pinkie warned.

“Nopony asked for your opinion, you pink doofus,” Tomoe snorted.

“How. Dare. You… make fun of my friends?!” Fluttershy shouted having finally snapped, actually startling Aki for a moment.

“Why do you care for these Equestrian losers anyhow?!” Aki argued, “For all I care, they’re probably here to start another war!”

“These ‘losers’ are my best friends! Not like you would understand friendship!” Fluttershy snapped.

“Pft! Friendship? Please… friendship is stupid. You can just buy friendship anytime you want,” Aki scoffed.

“Agreed,” Tomoe nodded.

Fluttershy said nothing more.

“...leave.” Silver Hawk told the two.

“Not unless you come with me, d-”

“LEAVE NOW!” Silver shouted, startling Aki.

“...Fine. But know this,” Aki began with a dangerous frown, “You all just made a powerful enemy. Tomoe, let’s go.”

“...we’ve met a lot worse. There was the manticore, there was Nightmare Moon, a hydra, a minotaur-centaur thing that could steal magic, Changelings, a-”

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” Aki asked in a non-caring mood, “All I heard was ‘bla bla bla, I’m an idiot. blah blah blah.’”

With that, Aki and Tomoe left with Fluttershy sighing, trying her best to calm down.

“Did I get mean?”

“No,” Applejack replied, “But y’all just snapped when that Aki girl was makin’ fun of us.”

“...I’m sorry… it’s just… she made my life a living nightmare and… I finally wanted to shut her up.” Fluttershy informed, “But...even though I stood up to her, she just ignored it.”

“Some ponies are mean like that,” Twilight sighed.

“...she’s the girl who turned almost your whole school against you?” Dash asked.

“...Hai,” Fluttershy nodded sadly.

“Aki and her sister Tomoe are the daughters of the second richest pony in all of Neighpon,” Silver explained, “They can get away with anything they want cause they’re father can just buy out the company of the pony who denies them anything and fire them.”

“...they’re meanies…” Timid stated, “...Aki wants to marry my brother… and Tomoe says when she does, I’ll be kicked out of the family…”

“She can’t do that… can she?” Sweetie Belle asked Twilight.

“Technically, that is possible… but it’s nothing I ever would recommend,” Twilight replied with a slight frown.

“Then… Fluttershy’s just going to have to marry Silver Hawk first,” Dash said absentmindedly, “...wait. Did I just say that out loud?”

“M-m-m-m-me?!” Fluttershy exclaimed, her entire face redder than a tomato, “M-marry Silver-kun?!”

“It’s possible, yes. But… there’s one problem,” Twilight spoke up, “Silver would have to leave Neighpon... or Fluttershy would have to stay here.”

“...I didn’t think before I spoke,” Dash said sheepishly.

“You not think before you speak, wha?” Applejack responded sarcastically.

“...Nevermind. But seriously, if Silver and his sister just end up moving with Fluttershy back at Ponyville, then bam! They won’t have to deal with that spoiled brat and her sister.”

“They would then A. Leave behind these girls,” Scootaloo began, “And B. Timid would have to deal with an even BIGGER spoiled brat,”

“...Oh yeah… her,” Rainbow frowned, “..Still mad at her for what she did to Scootaloo… that, and she and her pops had a slight hand in causing Ponyville to split up that one day.”

“Wait what?” Sunset gawked at that.

“Don’t ask…” Applejack and Rarity responded sheepishly.

Celestia gave a small sigh as she rested. She had just finished with her daily duties, and she decided to have a small rest at the royal hot springs.

However, as she began to relax, she saw a letter from Twilight had appeared. She simply levitated it over, joyful that Twilight was alright in a land rather prejudice against Alicorns.

“I’m glad she’s enjoying herself,” the sun princess smiled before she saw one part, “Oh? ...Well that’ll be easy. Just one ticket won’t h-” she then spotted one part of the letter, “...Luna.”

“Yes, sister?” Luna asked, walking over.

“You may want to prepare your things,” Celestia suggested, “We’re going to Neighpon for a small meeting.”

A Plan

Scootaloo stood in the park, watching as couples walked around. She hoped she would share something like that Silver Spoon one day, but she was all the way back in Ponyville. Hopefully that letter Twilight sent to Celestia got through okay.

She sighed as she took out a small chip bag and began to eat some chips. She was hoping to hang with her friends today, but they were all busy, whether it was school for the Searchers, or their sisters taking them out somewhere.

She popped in another chip, a look of boredom on her face. She really wished she had brought her scooter with her. She let out a heavy sigh and leaned back, when suddenly, a pair of hands covered her eyes.

“Guess who~,” a voice said in a sing song tone.

“...Silver Spoon?” Scootaloo gasped, the hands moving and sure enough, there Silver Spoon was.

“Hello,” the silverish grey filly smiled before Scootaloo pulled her into a hug, causing her to blush.

“You came… you really came!”

“...yes, I did. But, my mom said she had to come too. She’s at the hotel right now with Twilight,” Silver Spoon explained, “Plus… well..” she whispered to her, “I had to make sure you know who didn’t find out.”

“...Good idea. Bad enough there’s two copies of her here.”

“...what?” Silver Spoon blinked, not sure if she heard that right.

“A pony who used to bully Fluttershy, and her little sister, who are jerks to the Neighponese version of the Crusaders.”

“Oh… wait. there’s a Neighpon version of the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

“Yes… well, technically they’re called the Cutie Mark Searchers,”

Silver Spoon nodded, the two walking together.

“So uh… Platinum, right?” Twilight asked, currently talking with a silver furred Earth pony with a long snow white mane done in a small, elegant pony tail.

“Yes, that is my name. My occupation is a nurse… so you know,” Platinum informed, “I appreciate you letting my daughter come here so she could be with her friend.”

“It’s my pleasure. Scootaloo was telling me how much she wanted to share the experience of being here with Silver Spoon,”

“...can I ask you something?”

“Sure,”

“You and Rainbow Dash are close… uh… would Scootaloo be either of your’s adopted daughter?”

“...Well… no but… Dash hopes of adopting her one day,” Twilight answered.

“Alright…” Platinum nodded, “I just had to ask. Because… she is around you two a lot, and you two are dating… I just thought…”

“I understand,” Twilight nodded, “You know… since you’re here and all, do you want to come with me and Dash to one of the local hot springs? My friend Fluttershy says they’re the best in Neighpon.”

“...sure. I’d love to,” Platinum nodded.

“So… why’d you call us to this meeting?” Timid asked as the CMS were now at their treehouse club.

“...I have… a secret I’ve been keeping from you guys,” Dawn Star informed.

“A secret?” Quirky blinked before gasping loudly, “Are you an otaku like Timid?! no no wait! You’re the princess of Neighpon!”

“No. I’m a… ugh. Best if I show you all,” Dawn sighed as she began to unzip her jacket and took it off, letting her wings spread out, “...I’m an… Alicorn.”

Everypony gasped, looking at their friend with wide eyes.

“I’ve… hid my wings from you all this time… not even the others at the orphanage know I’m an Alicorn. Well… apart from the caretakers, who kinda have to know. Are you… mad at me? Are you going to call me names? ...are you not going to let me play any of our fun games?”

“...Now why would we do that?” Ai asked.

“You look… so regal, Dawn-chan,” Timid gawked.

“Yeah! Having an Alicorn for a friend sounds really awesome!” Quirky beamed.

“...really? ...being honest Quirky, I thought you would’ve hated me the most since… you know, we’re like sisters.”

“Hate you? Why would I hate you, Dawn?” Quirky asked, “Now that I know you’re an Alicorn, you’ve just become even more awesome!”

“H-hai. You’re our friend, Dawn-chan. Nothing will change that,” Timid smiled softly.

“Agreed,” Ai nodded.

“Girls…” Dawn Star whispered, tears forming in her eyes as she shook a bit, “Th-thank you…”

“That was the best…” Twilight smiled, “I feel so relaxed…”

“I’ll say…” Dash agreed as she popped her neck a bit, “My body feels like it was just molded like clay.”

“Agreed,” Platinum smiled as the three mares walked back towards the hotel, “Thank you for inviting me, Miss Twilight.”

“So Twi… did they see your wings?” Dash whispered.

“No.”

“Phew...thank goodness,” Dash sighed in relief before her phone rang, “Huh?”

“You going to get that?”

“...Yeah,” Dash nodded as she answered, “What’s up?”

-Uh Dashie? You and Twilight might want to come back to the hotel room- Pinkie suggested.

“Huh? What for?”

-...That Aki girl was here-

“...We’ll be right there,” Dash replied as she hung up, “Twi, we better hurry back.”

“What for?” Twilight asked before dash whispered something to her, “...I see,” she then looked at Platinum, “We’ll meet you back at the hotel.”

“Huh?” Platinum blinked a bit at that as Twilight and Dash ran off back to the hotel.

“What happened?” Twilight asked as she and dash ran up to their friends, who were standing outside their hotel rooms..

“Is Fluttershy alright?” Dash asked with concern in her tone.

“She is,” applejack assured her, “Though… Ah can’t say th’ same fer our hotel rooms and stuff.”

‘What do you mean?” Twilight asked before AJ opened the door to her and Fluttershy’s hotel room, the alicorn’s eyes widened in shock to see the place torn and in shambles, various clothes strewn about on the floor, “Oh… my… Celestia…”

“That’s not all,” Sunset spoke as she handed them a note.

“‘This is only the beginning for you and your friends, Losershy. Next time, I’m coming for you personally,’” Rainbow Dash read before her body began to shake a bit in anger, “Why that no good….!”

Fluttershy searched around before seeing that her Sailor Moon poster that she was given by Mr. Tozoki was torn in half.

“Fluttershy… Are you okay, darling?” Rarity asked the shy mare, her body beginning to shake as she tried to force some sobs back.

“She… she… she… she won,” Fluttershy stated, tears practically rolling down her face, “She won… I want to go home now...”

“...no,” Applejack spoke up, a frown on her face, “We can’t jest let her mess with y’all like that.”

“But…”

“But nothing!” Dash shouted as she walked in, “You’re our friend, Fluttershy. No way we’re gonna let her bully you like this.”

“...oh. Your poster… she…” Twilight blinked, “Don’t worry. I can fix this, easily,”

“Re-really?”

“And I’ll even make it so it looks like she never touched it,” Twilight assured her.

‘...Th-thank you, Twilight-chan,” fluttershy smiled, rubbing the tears away from her face.

“No problem, Fluttershy. In fact… why don’t you go see Silver Hawk? Dash, mind going with her?”

“After what just happened, yea. I wouldn’t mind keeping her company.”

Fluttershy nodded, with Dash helping her off.

“Hey… wanna get ice cream? Like we did when we were fillies?”

“I-I’d love that.”

“Honestly, the nerve of that woman,” Rarity huffed as she and Sunset were cleaning up their shared room, “To go this far to abuse poor Fluttershy like this?”

“...the amount of deja vu I’m having right now hurts,” Sunset muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing… nothing at all,” Sunset stated as she picked up a few cloths off the floor, “But I agree. This Aki girl went too far.”

“Indeed. But… what did that letter mean when she’ll be going after her personally?”

“...I’m honestly scared…” Sunset admitted, “...I think it’s best if somebody stayed by Fluttershy at all times from now on…”

“...Agreed,” Rarity nodded as she finished straghtening up the bed, “In fact, I think Twilight had the right idea to have Rainbow Dash go with Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy slowly licked the sea-salt ice cream bar that Dash had bought for her.

“Thank you for coming with me, Rainbow Dash. I really needed this,” Fluttershy smiled.

“No prob. I know Sea Salt ice cream is one of your favorite flavors, so I figured it would do the trick.”

The pinkette giggled as she took another lick of her ice cream. Back when she and Rainbow were fillies, the tomboy would always cheer her up after a hard day at Junior Flight Camp or of school with this ice cream. Dash knew that it came from Neighpon, so she had made it a special request from the pony who sold them the ice cream.

“Onee-chan… I’m honestly scared,” Fluttershy admitted, “...especially that note. What do you think she meant?”

“Ahh who knows. She’s probably just blowing out hot air,” Rainbow Dash told her before smirking a bit, “Besides, no way she would try anything funny with me around.”

“...Can you stay by my side? ...Just in case…” Fluttershy asked.

“...Of course, Shy,” Dash smiled at her, “You're like a sister to me. No way would I leave you by yourself.”

The two hugged, a soft smile on their faces.

“That’s a nice thing to hear,” a voice spoke, causing the two to turn and see Posey walking up to them, “Sea salt ice cream? I have’nt seen you eat that in a long while.”

“Rainbow bought it for me,” Fluttershy smiled as she looked at her cousin, “...Demo, what’re you doing here, itoko-chan?”

“I heard what happened back at your hotel room, and decide to give you some company to help calm you down.”

“Thanks…” Fluttershy giggled.

Twilight had easily managed to mend the damaged poster, making it look like nothing ever happened to it.

“There we go. Good as new,” Twilight smield a bit as she looked at her work, “Fluttershy is sure to be happy once she sees this.”

“What happened in here?” a certain somepony asked. Twilight turned to see it was Celestia, the older and slightly taller alicorn holding a few briefcases.

“Celestia? When did…” Twilight began before clearing her throat, “Nevermind. As for what happened here...it’s sorta hard to say.”

“...alright,” Celestia nodded

Twilight blinked at that, “You’re...not at least curious about what happened here?”

“Slightly yes, but I’m sure it’s nothing you and your friends can handle, Twilight.” Celestia smiled as she hugged Twilight, “I just wanted to drop by and make sure you knew I’m here. Now if you’ll excuse me, Luna is waiting on me back at our room. See you a bit later, Twilight.”

“R-right,” Twilight nodded as Celestia left teh room.

“Onii-chan… I’m scared,” Timid informed, handing him a letter from Aki.

“‘Dear ‘darling’, just want to let you know I paid Losershy and her freak friends’ hotel rooms a visit. Unless you want something terrible to happen to her or your sister, marry me, and I’ll call the whole thing off. Aki’,” Silver read before frowning, “...She’s going too far this time.”

“...I’m scared…” Timid gulped, “And on an unrelated note, you have more laundry to do. Being the skirt and underwear I was wearing earlier.”

“Right,” Silver nodded as he left for the laundry room, “Timid, if anyone aside from kaa-san, tou-san, Butterfly-chan, her cousin, her friends or your friends, knocks on the door, don’t open it. Understand?”

“Hai,” Timid nodded, as she let Yuki and Peaches back in, before locking the pet door close.

“Good,” Silver nodded as he resumed walking to the laundry room.

“Yuki-chan, Peach-chan..I’m scared,” Timid whispered to her pets as she held them close, “I don't’ know what Aki or Tomoe are planning.”

Yuki and Peaches looked at their owner in worry before somepony knocked on the door, startling Timid as the two animals stayed close to her.

“A-ano… ano… wh-who is it?!” Timid asked nervously.

“It’s me, Timid-chan,” Fluttershy’s voice answered, ”M-may I come in?”

“Hai,” Timid nodded, going over slowly to unlock the door. She then opened it up, letting Fluttershy walk in with Rainbow and Posey following behind before the filly closed and relocked the door.

“...What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked, noticing the nervous look on the pegasus filly’s face.

“..Th-this,” Timid replied as she showed them the same note her brother read.

“..Oh for crying out…!” Rainbow Dash facepalmed, “I’m seriously considering decking that bi...ahem, witch in the face right now.”

“...Timid-chan…where is your brother right now?” Fluttershy asked the filly carefully.

‘H-he’s in the laundry room.”

“I’ll go check on him,” Posey offered as she left to check on Silver Hawk.

“Thanks,” Fluttershy nodded.

“Is there anything I can do?” Rainbow Dash asked her shy friend.

“Just keep us safe…” Fluttershy smiled.

“Got it,” Rainbow dash nodded, giving her a thumbs up.

“...Posey, I’m worried about Timid,” Silver admitted as he was folding the laundry, “Tomoe’ has been bullying her even worse lately… and then there was the recent threat letter Aki sent me.”

“...you got one too? There was one sent to Twilight-hime-tachi… after tearing up their hotel rooms and tearing the poster Tozoki-san gave my itoko,” Posey informed.

“...Mou… I really wish there was something I could do,” Silver sighed.

“Uh… *sighs* You know, I hate to say this but-”

“If you even think about saying I should take up her offer I will throw you out!” Silver snapped at her.

“I was going to say ‘maybe you should go to Ponyville’.”

“..Eh?” Silver blinked, having calmed down a bit.

“Think about it. If you and Timid moved there, you wouldn’t have to deal with Aki or her sister. Plus you get to be with my itoko, so it’s win-win for both of you.”

“...Demo… what about Timid-chan’s friends?”

“Well… Kota likes Applejack, so there’s one easy fix. I think Pinkie would get along fine with Quirky… Dawn though… I’m not sure,” Posey replied, cupping her chin in thought, “...Oh! Maybe Twilight-hime could adopt her or something.”

“...And what about you? If Timid-tachi are out of the picture… that would mean you’re in danger.”

“...I guess I could just move with Itoko-chan. I always wanted to see what Ponyville was like and stuff,” Posey admitted.

“...Do you really think it would work?”

“I know so.”

“I… I… don’t know…” Silver Hawk sighed, “I… I need to think about this.”

“Alright. But… if it’s alright, I think I want Timid-chan should stay with me tonight.”

“Well, you’d need to take her pets, they won’t remain still if Timid’s not around. I swear I had to take time off of work, so I could get Timid and get Yuki and Peaches to be at the vet.”

“Right...oh! Maybe you could have my itoko watch them. She’s really good with animals.”

“...Actually, I was hoping to look after her for tonight. After what you told me involving the incident at the hotel… I can’t afford to leave her alone.”

“Okay,” Posey nodded.

“Silver Hawk-kun… I… I’m so scared. Maybe it was a mistake to come here… maybe I should just go home.” Fluttershy sighed as she sat on the couch, the moon shining outside.

“Soka…” Silver noted as he sat down next to her, “...Posey suggested me and Timid to move to Ponyville.”

“Eh?”

“That’s what she suggested… demo… I’m still not sure. I don’t want to leave Neighpon but...” Silver paused as he turned his head to her, “I don't’ want to lose you either, Butterfly-chan.”

“...can I ask you something?” Fluttershy asked.

“Anything,”

“...if I wasn’t here, and you didn’t keep hope I would be around… would you date somepony else?”

“...Shy-chan,” Silver whispered as he took her hands into his, “Even if you weren't’ here, there’s no way I would find anyone else. You’re kind, sweet… beautiful… and… w-well…” he paused as he blushed, “T-to me...you’re like a tenshi (angel)… you’re one of a kind,”

“...Thank you,” Fluttershy smiled, hugging him.

Silver smiled gently as he returned the hug, after a while, the two pulled away from each other before looking into each other’s eyes, their hearts starting to pound in their chest as they felt a blush forming on their faces. Just as their faces started slowly moving towards each other, clouds began to cover the moon, darkening the room.

Situation

Fluttershy whimpered, an injury clear near her heart as blood stained her shirts. She was having trouble moving as her breathing was ragged.

“Well… well… look who’s crawling around on the dirt where she belongs?” a voice spoke, making Fluttershy weakly turn to see Aki, a dark smile on her face as she held a dagger with bits of blood on it, “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you too much, Losershy? Or were you expecting your parents, or Silver Hawk?

“Shut up… you… you… you st-” Fluttershy weakly began before Aki stepped on her chest, “Gah!”

“I don’t listen to worms like you...I’m just going to enjoy grinding you back into the dirt, Losershy...and once I’m done, I’ll toss that little brat Timid into the nearest lake, and make Silver Hawk all mine.”

Fluttershy coughed. Aki then seemingly vanished. She tried to get up and slowly walked forward, seeing a lake. Standing in the middle of it was a faint image of Silver, Timid, and a pair of pegasus ponies she immediately recognized.

“K-kaa-san… Tou-san..” Fluttershy whispered, small tears in her eyes before the four dissapeared, “M-matte! D-don’t… leave… m-” she couldn’t finish as she dropped to her knees, coughing up blood as he throat felt like it was on fire.

“N-no… please don’t leave me…” Fluttershy whimpered, a cold sweat on the shy mare’s face before she shot up and seemingly reached for something, “Don’t leave me!-!-!”

“Shy-chan! Daijoubu?!” Silver called out, making the shy pinkette look to see the snow white pegasus quickly coming down the stairs to check on her, “I heard you scream.”

“...it was just a nightmare….”

“...no. From the way you just screamed, this sounds like something more than just a nightmare,” Silver stated as he sat next to her.

“...I...I don’t want to talk about it,” Fluttershy whimpered as she turned away from him, small tears forming in her eyes.

“Soka… do you… want to… uh…” Silver Hawk began as a heavy blush formed on his face, “S-sleep with me? I-in my room that is!”

Fluttershy’s face turned a very bright red, as she simply nodded. He took her hand and guided her upstairs, the shy mare trying her best not to faint as they reached upstairs and headed towards one of the rooms.

“W-we’re here,” Silver blushed a bit more as he opened the door, “I-it’s not much, but the bed sh-should be big enough.”

They soon walked in, the room being rather large, having various shelves, books about medicine and of course a queen size bed big enough for two.

“...Y-your room l-looks n-nice, S-silver-kun,” Fluttershy stuttered, the heavy blush still on her face

“...thanks,” Silver Hawk smiled as he sat down.

“...what are these?” Fluttershy blinked, pointing to some mangas.

“...Uh… th-those are nothing,” Silver replied, blushing up a storm as he turned away from her.

“...They look like harem manga,” Fluttershy noted as she took a closer look.

“....Th-those’re mine...b-but I hardly even read them!” Silver yepd a bit, the heavy blush still on his face, “They’re just some things an old friend of mine gave me when I turned sixteen.”

“...alright,” Fluttershy giggled, as she sat down by the edge of the bed, “But do you read them at all? Even if it’s just…” she paused before flipping her hair away from her face, giving him a sorta cute look, “Curiosity?”

“...uh…” Silver tried to find the right words, but couldn’t due to the look she was giving him, “K...kawaii…”

“...well?” she asked, “...sorry. I just… couldn’t help myself. But… do you look at them on occasion?”

“...O-once or twice on occasion,” Silver admitted with an embarrassed blush on his face, “I’m going to sleep now.”

“...I’m scared… to sleep…” Fluttershy admitted, as she sat down on the ground, “I….I don't want to have that nightmare again.”

“Uh… something I do… when Timid has a nightmare, I tell her a story to calm her down…”

“S-soka…” Fluttershy noted as she got off the floor and looked at him, “W-will you read me one then?’

‘...Kami-sama dang she’s so kawaii!’ Silver mentally exclaimed, his blush increasing before he managed to shake it off, “S-sure thing, Butterfly-chan.”

“Thanks,” Fluttershy giggled, giving the cutest smile she could ever give.

Silver Hawk tried his best not to faint right there and then. He had to admit, Fluttershy was acting just too cute right now

“...You alright?” she asked with concern

“P-peachy,” Silver cleared his throat, “S-so what story do you want to hear?”

“Uh… hmm… do you remember the story of the Ponies of the Beginning?” Fluttershy asked.

“...yea,” he nodded.

“...can you tell me it?”

He blinked for a moment before giving a small nod in response.

“Arigatou,” Fluttershy smiled softly as she laid on the bed, “You may begin.”

“Alright… so, the Ponies of the Beginning hailed from an amazing paradise… before they were banished, nothing more than a golden fruit in hand… they went to a place where there was no life, no light, no water, nothing. A barren planet…”

“A-a barren planet?”

“Hai,” Silver nodded as he continued, “There was a forest and some mysterious life forms taken with them, because they were also banished from this paradise. However, with time the life forms parashied. The two who were banished soon began to populate the planet with new life. Most of small… like dogs, birds, cats and the like. However… one day, the male Pony of the Beginning had attempted something more complicated… and made a draconique by accident,”

“Okay, I remember this part.”

“The female Pony of the Beginning… saw potential, and allowed them to breed and continue to live. However… one of them broke a sacred law, which was to never enter the remains of the banished forest. The draconique who did so gained great power… this would be the younger brother of a terrible monster…” Silver Hawk continued.

“Oh my…” Fluttershy gasped softly.

“While the draconique were disciplined not harshly, the female Pony of the Beginning had made a new form of life… do you know what that was?”

“...ponykind?” Fluttershy asked.

“Ping-pong,” Silver smiled, “The ponies at the time were mainly Alicorns, given control of different kindgoms, one of them being Negihpon. During a time, the draconique grew jealous… they crafted a sort of black apple, and created monsters. Sirens, hydras, dragons, among other things… the male Pony of the Beginning told them to stop, but they did not listen. So… he assumed the form of an armored warrior, a Dai-Shogun, and was forced to kill the draconique.”

Fluttershy gasped softly once more at that.

“Us ponies began to prosper, all the while dealing with occasional monster threats. But there was a time… the Ponies of the Beginning were gone, so to speak. The various tribes of the worlds suffered, not only having to lick their wounds from the great war with the draconique, but now without the protection of their Kami-sama and Megami-sama, it was only a matter of time before we fell. But then…”

“Came Hearth’s Warming?”

“Ping-pong. And… ponykind continued. And whether or not these Ponies of the Beginning, as alicorns or some other pony type, exist or not, is unknown. But… there is one famous myth about them.”

“What’s that?” Fluttershy asked.

“...they had children. Two daughters, and I think you might know them.”

“Two daughters…” Fluttershy whispered, thinking for a moment before her eyes widened a bit in realization, “Wait… y-you don’t mean…?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“Wow…” Fluttershy giggled before she yawned.

“Tired?”

“Hai…” Fluttershy nodded before yawning once more. She then dozed off a moment later on the bed, a small smile on her face as she rested.

Silver gave a soft smile as he looked at the sleeping mare.

“...if you were the female Pony of the Beginning… I would be honored to be your partner,” Silver Hawk smiled, the stallion starting to get tired himself before he laid down and began to fall asleep.

The next day, Twilight was simply awakened by somebody nudging her awake.

“...what is it?” she asked, turning to see Platinum, who gave her a shush and motioned for her to follow. She nodded, before she saw Silver Spoon and Scootaloo asleep side by side, “Aww~”

“I know. Is it just so adorable?” Platinum asked her quietly, “I took a picture of it.”

“...they’d be cute together, wouldn’t they?”

“...Yes they would,” Platinum nodded, a soft smile on her face.

Timid slowly woke up, having slept on a futon and with Yuki and Peaches nearby her. She let out a yawn as she began to slowly open her eyes

“Morning Timid,” Posey smiled.

“M-morning, Posey-san,” Timid smiled back.

“Did you sleep well?” Posey asked her as she helped the filly out of the futon.

“I guess… I was just scared since… I… I uh…I…”

“Shh...it’s okay, Timid-chan. I won’t let anything happen to you...your Onii-chan and my itoko wouldn't like it if I ended up losing you, so it’s my duty to make sure you’re safe.”

“Arigato… Aunt Posey-chan,”

“Eh?” she blinked, blushing.

“Well… Butterfly-san would be my Onee-chan… and even if you aren’t her sister… Aunt suits you best,” Timid stated, a small blush on her face.

Posey giggled, as she hugged Timid.

“...Aunt Posey, can I tell you something?”

“Hai.”

“I...ano...I really want Butterfly-san to be my onee-chan. Sh-she’s so much nicer than that mean Aki. Plus, Onii-chan really likes her.”

“Honestly… I would be honored to be the relative of you two,” Posey giggled, “...so… do you think that Aki was serious about hurting you or Itoko-chan?”

“I wouldn’t put it past her…” Timid admitted, “I-I mean, Tomoe steps over some various serious subjects, S-so her sister would… Aunt Posey, I… I really don't’ want her to hurt Onee-chan.”

“...what do you think we should do? I made the offer to try and run but… I don’t know if it would work,” Posey admitted.

Suddenly, rapid knocking came from outside Posey’s door, along with a voice begging for her to open up.

“...Timid, stay here,” Posey told the young filly as she headed towards the door. She cautiously opened it up, and in came Dawn Star, her jacket being in tatters, “Dawn, what’s wrong?”

“They know…” she told Timid, making the shy filly’s eyes widen.

“Oh no…” Timid whispered.

“...Your secret?” Posey gawked, with Dawn Star showing her a newspaper, the main article being pictures of Dawn with her wings exposed, “Oh dear…”

“I… I don’t know what to do…” Dawn whimpered, “I… I have nowhere else to go…”

“Stay here… we’ll think of something,” Posey told her.

“Uh… you’re not gonna like this. ‘Pictures taken by Aki and Tomoe Kisha’.”

“....Darn it,” Posey groaned before an idea popped into her head. She then pulled her phone out and quickly dialed for her cousin, “Itoko, it’s me. Do you have the number for your friend, Twilight Sparkle? ...Ok good.”

Twilight was currently waiting for Dash to leave the shower, the alicorn already dressed for the day before her phone rang.

“Hmm? Who could that be?” Twilight blinked as she picked her phone up, seeing an unknown number on it before she answered, “Hello?”

-It’s me, Posey. We have major trouble-

“Why? What’s wr-” Twilight began before Posey told her what’s wrong, causing Twilight to frown a little, “...I see...thank you for telling me, Posey. I’ll make sure to send somepony to meet you. Take care.”

“Who was that, Twilight?” Dash asked from the bathroom.

“It was Posey. Bad news… uh… remember that Dawn Star girl? Uh… she’s an Alicorn, and… all of Neighpon knows that…”

“Well how’s that …ooh… right.” Dash sighed.

Twilight had rushed off to meet up with Posey and make sure Dawn Star would be alright. But by the time she got to Posey’s place, there was a crowd outside, demanding for the alicorn filly. And guess who was spear heading said crowd?

“We will ask you again; give us the alicorn filly now!” Aki called out over a megaphone, “If you do, we promise to go easy on you!”

“Leave her alone, she’s just a kid!” Twilight told the crowd as she ran to the door, but unknowingly, her jacket got caught on something, and her wings were now exposed.

The entire crowd gasped with Twilight slowly turning and sure enough, they could see her wing.

“It’s another one of those winged unicorns!” somepony in the crowd shouted.

“Get her!” another pony shouted.

“Enough!” Twilight shouted as she summoned a barrier to force the crowd back, “You all should be ashamed of yourselves! Attacking a filly just because she’s different from you?!”

“She’s an impurity, much like you,” Aki stated with a cruel smile, “And impurities must be cleansed, or sent back to where they belong… in the dirt.”

Twilight backed away, the crowd getting very angry as they gave her a death glare. Just as she was about to be cornered, Posey quickly opened the door.

“Quick, get in!” Posey whispered loudly to her.

Twilight quickly nodded as she ran inside, letting Posey get the chance to lock the door before anypony else could get in.

“...ahem? What happened to your jacket?”

“I lost it, it got snagged on something and… I didn’t see it,” Twilight sighed.

“...A-ano… wh-what’re we going to do?” Timid asked nervously, holding Peaches and Yuki tightly.

“...I can try and teleport us out of here,” Twilight suggested, “But it’s going to take most of my magic to make it work.”

“Alright,” they nodded.

Twilight focused for a moment with Timid holding her pets close. Posey, Timid and dawn stayed close to Twilight as the Alicorn’s horn began to glow. Twilight began to sweat and pant a bit before she focused on the area she wants to reappear in before her horn glowed brightly, causing a big flash to happen before the group was out of sight.

Within a second, Twilight, and her small group reappeared back in her and Rainbow Dash’s hotel room, the alicorn panting heavily as she collapsed to her knees.

“Miss Sparkle!” Dawn gasped as she checked on the older Alicorn, “Are you okay?”

“I’ve been better. Don’t worry… you’re safe now,” Twilight assured.

“...R-right,” Dawn nodded before Rainbow Dash walked into the room.

“Twilight!” the tomboy gasped, seeing the current state of her marefriend before running up to her, “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah… just… never really teleported this many ponies in a hurry before,” Twilight panted, “Though now… w-we have a bigger problem… Aki knows I’m a Alicorn as well.”

“..shoot…” Dash gulped.

“Yeah…” Twilight managed to nod before her eyes widen, “Oh no… Fluttershy.”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Since Aki knows I’m an Alicorn now, she’s most likely going to go after Fluttershy and convince the town she was ‘harboring an Alicorn.’”

“...Kami-sama… Megami-sama… please…” Dawn began, on her knees and in a praying position, “Let Fluttershy-chan and Silver Hawk be okay… please…”

“Onegai (Please),” Timid added.

“...I’m heading out,” Rainbow spoke up as she grabbed her sky blue jacket.

“but dash...you…”

“I’m not letting that witch hurt my sister,” Rainbow stated, “Twi, once you recover enough, check and see if Celestia is still here. And before you ask, I saw her and Luna not too long ago before this mess happened.”

“Alright. Just please be careful, Rainbow.” Twilight begged.

Rainbow Dash gave a small nod as she ran towards the window and leapt out, her wings spreading as she flew off as fast as she could.

“Butterfly-chan… are you feeling okay?” Silver Hawk asked, the shy pegasus in the bathroom at the moment.

“Hai. I just feel… funny. It’s not like a sick funny but…wierd funny,” Fluttershy admitted.

“Soka...well I hope you’re okay in there. Do...you need anything?”

“No…” Fluttershy assured.

“You two need to get out of here!” Dash’s voice shouted as she flew in from a window.

“Eh? Rainbow-san, what’s wrong?” Silver asked as he opened the window, letting the cyan pegasus fly in.

“Long story short, Aki knows Twilight and Dawn Star are alicorns, and is most likely headed here to come after Fluttershy for ‘harboring an Alicorn,’” Dash explained, causing Silver’s eyes to widen in shock and worry.

Fluttershy walked out in worry, a nervous look on her face.

“Wh-what are we going to do?”

“...How fast can you fly, Silver?” Rainbow asked the male pegasus.

“A bit, but if there’s an emergency, I can be pretty fast,” Silver Hawk replied.

“Good. Because we’re going to head out the back, and stick to the clouds until we get back to the hotel,” Rainbow dash explained, “The clouds should give us enough cover for us to go unnoticed.”

He nodded and took Fluttershy’s hand, the shy mare blushing as she looked into his eyes.

“I promise I won’t let anything happen to you, Butterfly-chan,” Silver assured her.

“S-silver-kun…” Fluttershy whispered before she heard a faint yelling in the distance, “Th-they’re coming.”

“Come on. Let’s hurry,” Rainbow motioned the two to follow her.

The three managed to run out the back and took off to the air, and just in time as Aki and her crowd had just arrived.

“Shh…” Dash whispered to them, the three hiding in the clouds as the carefully and quietly flew through it.

“Losershy, I know you’re in there!” Aki called out over the megaphone, “And I know one of your friends is an Alicorn, so come out this instant and confess to your crime!”

Fluttershy simply rolled her eyes at this while Rainbow shot daggers at the unicorn from her hiding spot.

“Oh dear...where are they?” Rarity said in worry as the rest of the Mane 7 heard of this.

“...don’t worry about Rainbow. She’s one of th’ toughest mares we know,” Applejack assured her.

“I know… just… I hope they’re okay… also… I’m worried Sweetie Belle and the others might over hear about this. We don’t need to get them all worried.”

“...Please be okay, Kota…” Applejack muttered, looking at her cellphone before it rang, “Oh thank Celestia...” she then quickly answered it, “Hello? Kota, are y’all alright?”

-Yea. It’s just, Ai’s not really stable to be moved. She’s in a coughing fit again…- Kota explained, causing AJ’s eyes to widen -I..I don’t know what to do. The town’s seemed to have gone crazy, and I don’t know where the doctors are.-

“...Don’t worry. Ah’ll be there as fast as ah could,” Applejack assured him.

“What?! But Applejack, you’ll get torn to shreds out there!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Ah’m not leavin’ Kota and his little sistah out there bah themselves,” Applejack stated in a serious tone.

“But-” Pinkie began before Rarity put her hand on her shoulder, “Rarity…”

“...Go Applejack. We’ll keep an eye out for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.”.

“...I can help,” Spike informed, “Remember how Dragons are important to the Neighponese?”

“..Oh! I see what you’re thinking off!” Pinkie realized.

“Yeah. I haven’t really done much during this vacation, so I want to help out as best as I can,” Spike stated

“Thanks Spike. I owe ya,” Applejack smiled.

“Ooh~ What’rewegonnadowhat’rewegonnadowhat’rewegonnado?!” Quirky panicked as she was over at her friend Ai’s place, the filly panting heavily as her brother placed a wet cloth on her head to help cool her fever down.

“Please be alright… please…” Kota said with worry.

“O...onii--chan…”Ai panted as she looked at her brother, “I...I’m…”

“Shh… don't’ talk. Please, just rest.”

“H.-hai…”

“Ooh~ I’m worried about her, Mr. Kota. She’s never been this bad before,” Quirky whimpered, her hair starting to lose its puffiness, “What’re we gonna do?”

“I don’t know…” Kota sighed, “We need a miracle...demo…”

A few quick knocks echoed off the front door, catching the two’s attention.

“Kota, Ai! It’s me, Applejack!” the voice of the blonde farm pony called out.

“And me too!” Spike shouted.

Kota opened up the door, seeing Applejack and Spike as the two walked in.

“Oh thank kami-sama…” Kota sighed in relief.

‘...Where’s Ai?” Applejack asked quickly, Kota slowly pointing towards the couch.

“..She doesn’t look very good,” Spike noted in worry.

“...I can’t move her without risk to her health,” Kota sighed, “I tried calling a doctor, but there weren’t any available.”

‘Ah can imagine who’s behind that,’ Applejack thought with a frown.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure there’s a doctor available,” Spike assured.

“I hope s-” Quirky began before a literal light bulb appeared over her head, “Wait! Timid’s brother is a doctor!”

“But he needs to hide…” Spike sighed.

“Hi,” Dash smiled, popping her head out from a nearby window.

“Gah!” Spike yelped, “D-dash! Were’ you supposed to be getting Fluttershy to the hotel?”

“We did. She’s there already,” Rainbow replied as she flew in, “Twilight told me where AJ went, and I came here to see if I can help.”

“...Well we appreciate that, Dash, but we need a doctor,” Applejack told her

“Yo,” Silver Hawk smiled.

“You were saying?” Rainbow asked with a slight, teasing smirk.

“...J-just get him in here,” Applejack groaned a bit as Rainbow and Silver quickly flew in through the window.

“Okay, Kota. Where’s Ai?” Silver asked the pegasus, who pointed towards the couch as the snow-white pegasus hurried over, “...This doesn’t look good. Her condition seems to have gotten worst.”

“...how worse?”

“...First, I need you to tell me what she was doing before this happened, Kota.”

“She was helping me with my work… and she did her homework… and then she was with Quirky in the clubhouse I built for her and her friends…” Kota explained before his eyes slightly widen, “..Quirky, what were you two doing in there?”

“Nothing. We were waiting on Dawn and Timid before that meanie Tomoe decided to show up and sprayed some kind of dust in Ai’s face,” Quirky replied.

“...dust?” Silver Hawk asked.

“I have some of it,” Quirky informed, showing a small bit of it in a container, “It’s weird too. It looks like...”

“Quirky, put that down this instant!” Silver shouted, startling the filly, “This is worse than I expected. This is an extract from a very poisonous flower. Kota, what kinds of medicine do you have?”

“Most of it is cough medicine and some children’s cold medicine,” Kota explained.

“Damn…” Silver cursed as he looked over at Rainbow Dash, “Rainbow-san, I need you to head to the hospital and get me my medical supplies fast. When you get there, tell them you know me, and that this is an emergency. Got it?”

“On it,” Rainbow saluted as she flew out the window.

“Kota, I need you to gather all the medicine and herbs you can. I might be able to make something to stabilize her condition for a little while.”

“Alright,” Kota nodded.

“...Some sort of a poisonous plant? ...That little… little…” Applejack muttered in anger, before saying something under her breath in anger.

“Come on. Where is it? Where is it?” Rainbow muttered to herself as she flew through the skies, looking for the hospital. Just before she could fly any further, her phone began to rang, “..oh for the love of…” she quickly answered her phone, “Make this fast.”

-Rainbow Cumulus Spectrum, what’s going on?- Twilight asked.

“It’s a long story. Is Posey there?” Dash asked.

-Yes.-

“Put her on. I need to talk to her about something.”

-Alright-

After a moment, Posey spoke up.

-Your middle name is ‘Cumulus’?- Posey giggled.

“Where does Silver Hawk work?!”

“Eh? He works at the Kokoro Hospital. But why...-

“Kota’s little sister Ai got poisoned by some sort of poisonous plant thanks to Aki’s little sister, and I need to get Silver’s medical equipment fast!”

-Oh boy…-

Posey hung it up, and then saw the worried looks of Timid and Dawn.

“I-is Ai-chan alright?” Timid as the first to ask.

Posey wasn’t sure how to respond at all, on the one hand, she could tell them the truth and they would be in a worried panic, but on the other hand, she could lie and keep them from finding out. She didn’t want to send them into a panic, so she decided to try the second option.

“...don’t worry. She’ll be fine,” Posey assured them with a small smile.

Dash was able to get Silver’s equipment and took off as fast as she could, but slow enough to make sure none of the supplies fell out.

“Come on Dash… you’re almost there,” the tomboy muttered to herself before she spotted Kota and Ai’s home in the distance, “There it is. I just hope I’m not too late.”

Ai was still coughing and was slowly getting pale. Quirky was doing her best to keep Ai from worrying about her condition while Silver was busy working on something before he walked over, carrying a small spoon with some medicine on it.

“Here Ai, drink this. It should help keep it down,” the snow-white pegasus told her gently as he held the spoon near Ai’s mouth. She was able to sip it and just smiled.

“...thank you…” she said with a smile.

“...Kota… Ah know yer worried… but y’all need t’ be strong,” Applejack said as she and Kota waited in the next room, “Especially fer your little sistah.”

He turned to her and simply pulled her into a hug, causing the blonde to blush before she returned the hug.

“I know I need to be strong… but she’s the last family I have. I...I don’t want to lose her, Applejack…” Kota whispered, trying his best to calm down, but small tears had formed in his eyes.

“Kota…” Applejack whispered as she held him close, ‘Ah swear… if Ah ever see that Aki or her little sistah, Ah’ll...Ah'll...No no...Ah need t' calm down...fer both Kota and Ai.’

Silver Hawk was slowly looking over Ai with his medical equipment (courtesy of Rainbow once she came up), and was currently checking her pulse.

“Okay. She’s stable for right now, but she still has a fever,” the snow-white pegasus sighed a bit, “Hopefully I can help her as best I can…”

“...Please let her be okay…” Quirky said in a praying position, “Please please please let her be okay.”

“...Don’t worry, Quirky,” Silver spoke up, giving her a soft smile, “I promise I won’t let anything happen to her.”

“...I’m scared…” Quirky said in a whisper.

“How are you two doing?” Dash asked Twilight over her phone.

-I’m starting to feel better, and the girls are helping Fluttershy to calm down-

“...What about Scootaloo a-”

-Don’t worry. They haven’t found out yet-

“And Dawn Star?”

-She’s sleeping right now. I managed to get her to calm down enough to fall asleep-

“You’re a natural mother, you know that?”

-Eheh… well I did sorta have practice with Spike when he was a baby-

Dash gave a small giggle before she looked over to Applejack and Kota, the two of them just sitting together and talking.

“...Twi?”

-Yes, Dash?-

“...Do you think Kota and his sister will be alright?”

-...I sure hope so…- Twilight sighed before she heard Posey call for her -Hold on. Posey’s calling for me-

“Huh? What for?”

-I’m not sure. I’ll let you know when I call back- Twilight replied -Just be careful, Dash-

“I will…” Dash smiled, hanging up.

“Is there something you need, Posey?” Twilight asked quietly, making sure not to wake Dawn Star up as she opened the door to look at Fluttershy’s cousin.

“Yea. Itoko-chan says she’s not feeling well,” Posey replied in a slightly worried tone.

“What do you mean? Is she okay?”

“She’s just says she feels ‘funny’ but hasn’t said anything else,” Posey explained, “I tried to talk to her about it, but she won’t say anything.”

“Alright…” Twilight nodded, but she couldn’t help but ponder what exactly was wrong with her shy friend. Hopefully it wasn’t serious or anything, ‘...I hope it’s nothing bad. Things already bad enough as it is.’

Plan in Motion

Fluttershy sat down, simply trying to relax a bit as she did a few calming breaths. Things really went from bad to worse since yesterday. Since Aki found out about Twilight being an Alicorn, she’s been on a witch hunt to find her, and anyone else who ‘harbored the Alicorn’.

“Fluttershy, are you alright? You’ve been telling Posey you’ve been feeling ‘funny’. How so?” Twilight asked as she walked in.

“It’s just… hard to explain,” Fluttershy replied in a slight nervous manner “I’m not sure if I’m sick, or if it’s just me being nervous due to what’s happening.”

“I see…” Twilight noted as she sat down on the bed, “What kind of symptoms have you been feeling?”

“I’ve had a bit of a headache, I’ve been rather hungry, yet queasy at the same time,” Fluttershy told her, “Does that help?”

“I suppose… hmm… let me think…” Twilight pondered.

“So… what is this flower or whatever, that you know who, got the poison out of?” Dash asked.

“It’s almost an non-existent flower,” Silver Hawk informed, “Myth says it’s a plant of the time of the Ponies of the Beginning… ah, here.”

He showed Dash a picture of it, making the tomboy blink a bit by the appearance. It almost looked like a budded rose, but at the same time, it looked a bit more like a fruit or something, almost sort of like an unripe radish.

“So… what is this thing called?”

“It’s supposedly called ‘Helheim no Kajitsu’. It’s poisonous to ponies, and to almost anything else that comes into contact with it,” Silver explained.

“Is it known to grow anywhere?” Dash asked next.

“Only one place in all of Equnia, the Everfree Forest.”

“Wait...these grow in the Everfree Forest?!” Rainbow gawked, “But… that’s impossible! I’ve been in that dang forest a few times, and never saw any of these things!”

“It’s only under certain events they grow… so they say,” Silver added before sighing, “I don’t know how Tomoe got her hands on an extract of one, but we need to figure out a way to expel it from Ai’s body fast.”

“Right. So what do we need to do?” Rainbow asked.

“...fruit juices. It’s said that counters the effects of it’s power. The strongest of them being oranges, strawberries and apples.”

“Apples? But where are we gonna get… ap… ples…” Rainbow trailed off as her eyes widened, “...Applejack! You might want to get in here!”

“Why?! What’s wrong?!” Applejack shouted as she ran into the room.

“Please tell me you have some apples with you,” Rainbow Dash begged.

“Yea, why?”

“Turns out the cure to that dust Tomoe blew in Ai’s face is fruit juices, and one of the most potent is apple's,” Rainbow explained.

“...Rainbow Dash, Ah swear t’ Celestia and Luna if yer lyin’, Ah…” Applejack began in a serious tone.

“She’s right, Applejack-san,” Silver spoke up as he showed her the book, specifically the page showing the flower/fruit.

“Huh… alright,” Applejack nodded.

“So… what’s with that fruit anyway?” Applejack asked as she brought in some apples.

“Supposedly, it would change the form of whoever ate it, and the Ponies of the Beginning did something to us ponies so that wouldn’t happen, but it had the counter effect of becoming poisonous,” Silver explained as he took a few apples from her, “Luckily, it could be curable if fruit juices were used, oranges, strawberries, and apples being the most potent.”

“It makes sense…” Kota admitted, bringing in the other fruits needed, “Is this enough?”

“It’s plenty, yes,” Silver nodded as he placed the apples on the table, “Do you know where your juicer is, Kota? ...That is if you have one?”

“I have one… but I’ve never known how to use it,” he admitted sheepishly as he pointed to one by a clock near the countertop, still in a box.

“Don’t have one, but Ah can make it th’ old fashion way,” Applejack offered, “But Ah dont’ think we have th’ time fer that.”

“...I think opening that would be our best bet…” Dash shrugged.

“...I’m so bored…” Timid sighed, looking at the ceiling back at the hotel.

“Me too…” Scootaloo yawned as she hung off the bed.

“There has to be something we can do,” Sweetie Belle muttered as she rested her head on the carpet, her butt sticking up in the air.

“I wanted to go out and see some sights…” Silver Spoon admitted, looking out the window, which was closed up tight, “But Twilight doesn't’ want us going out for some reason.”

“...Hey yeah… Why is that?” Applebloom asked.

“Think it has something to do with our room being broken into?” Scootaloo asked.

“Wait what?!” Silver Spoon gasped at that.

“Somepony broke in and damaged our stuff…” Applebloom informed.

“...did you try and talk to the police?” Silver Spoon asked, worry evident in her tone.

“Our sisters did,” Sweetie Belle informed, “But we don’t know much about what happened next.”

“I...I see,” Silver Spoon noted slowly, “...Still, th-this is just wrong!”

“We know,” Scootaloo nodded sadly, “And whoever did this, she hates Fluttershy...a lot.”

“Huh? But… who would hate her?”

“...A-ano… I-I know who,” Timid spoke u.p

“...Really? And… I’m sorry, I don’t think I ever got your name.” Silver Spoon responded.

“T-Timid Swallow,” the shy filly introduced herself, “A-and as for who attacked T-twilight-tachi-san’s rooms… i-is the same pony who sent me and O-onii-chan a threat letter.”

“...that Aki girl. What is her problem…?” Sweetie Belle wondered.

“Sh-she really doesn’t like F-fluttershy-san b...because…” Timid paused as her eyes widened slightly, “I...I think Aki thinks she’s trying to steal Onii-chan from her.”

“...so, she’s jealous?”

“And dragged her stupid sister into it…”

“...Um, don't get me wrong or anything, but I think this is more than just jealousy,” Silver Spoon spoke up.

“What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked.

“Attacking Twilight and the other’s bedrooms and sending… um…”

“Timid.”

“Thank you. Timid and her… uh… brother?”

“Hai,” Timid nodded.

“Again, thank you. Sending Tmid and her brother a threat letter doesn’t sound like jealousy to me.”

Everypony gave Silver Spoon a look of curiosity if she had a theory on what was going on.

“To me, this might sound like something being done out of pure hate. Remember when…” Silver Spoon paused before looking away with a guilt and slight upset look, “Diamond Tiara ‘accidentally’ messed with your scooter, Scootaloo?”

“It landed me in the hospital for almost a month,” Scootaloo replied, frowning a bit at the memory before blinking a bit, “But...why ask?”

“...Well… back when me and her were… ’friends’, she told me about what she intended on doing to you to prevent you from getting your Cutie Mark,” Silver Spoon explained, “She told me in her own words that she couldn’t bear to see one of you ‘blank flanks’ have a Cutie Mark, so… well… I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldn’t listen. After I heard about you being in the hospital, Scootaloo… my ‘friendship’ with Diamond Tiara ended right there and then.”

“And you became somepony special to me,” Scootaloo muttered quietly to herself.

“But… what does this have t’ do wit’ that Aki girl?”

“...If I can guess right, she can’t stand the fact that Timid’s brother likes somepony else, that she’ll end up ruining somepony’s life, just so she can be with him…. now that I think about it, that sounds more like a… a…” Silver Spoon trailed off as she tried to say the words right, “P...py...sy...Psychopath.”

“...Maybe,” the others nodded.

“I heard Love can make ponies do stupid things, but...” Sweetie Belle paused as she recalled what happened to the hotel rooms earlier, “Attacking somepony’s and their friends hotel rooms and sending a threat letter is going a bit too far.”

Ai let out a soft moan, slowly starting to wake up as her eyes began to open.

“*gasp!* Mr. Kota! Miss Applejack! Ai’s waking up!” Quirky called out to the next room.

Kota rushed over to see his sister, who simply smiled at him.

“Hi… Onii-chan… I’m sorry… I worried you,” Ai smiled tiredly before her brother pulled her into a hug, tears dripping down from his eyes.

“Don’t be…” he assured.

“Well, the poison has been cleared out of her system, and she should be safe enough to move now,” Silver Hawk told Kota as he walked in, “However, I suggest you keep a close eye on her in case Tomoe comes back and tries to do this again.”

“Gotcha.”

Soon, everypony was back at the hotel rooms and were ready to try and figure out a plan.

“...so… what’s our best plan of action right now?” Kota asked.

“I managed to talk to Celestia about this, and she and Luna are heading to see the empress as we speak, hopefully to talk,“ Twilight explained.

“...Oh boy. Aki and Tomoe are in totally big trouble if Celestia and Luna are involved.” Kota said, a certain realization in his mind.

“...uh-huh. The children of them will be able to do anything,” Ai giggled.

“I hope Celestia and Luna will be able to talk to her, because what Aki and her little sister did makes them applicable for arrest,” Twilight said with a small sigh.

“...they would probably just get instantly bailed out by their dad.” Timid sighed.

“Knowing Aki...I wouldn’t put it past her,” Fluttershy sghed as well before Silver placed his hand on her shoulder, making the shy pinkette turn to face him.

“Don’t worry, Butterfly-chan.” Silver Hawk assured.

Celestia and Luna were soon seated in a waiting area, the two of them simply waiting for the guards to get the attention of the Empress. While they waited, they saw a painting, which depicted the myth of the Ponies of the Beginning, and near the end of it, were two fillies…

“...brings back memories, doesn’t it?” Celestia asked Luna.

“...Indeed it does, sister,” Luna nodded, a small sad smile on her face, “...I miss them, sister… truly I do.”

Celestia looked at the ponies depicted, both of them were alicorns, the first one was female with blonde hair that had red highlights, beautiful pure white fur, and a Cutie Mark that resembled a swirling galaxy with a star in the center, hidden underneath the golden yellow kimono. The second one was male with dark brown hair with golden yellow highlights, a pure white coat of fur, and a Cutie Mark resembling a golden apple hidden under his pure silver armor.

“...where do you think they could be?” Luna asked.

“I’m not sure,” Celestia sighed a bit, “No pony has seen them in ages.”

“Celestia, Luna, the Empress will see you now,” a guard informed.

“Thank you,” Celestia nodded as she and Luna stood up, the latter noticing her sister’s hands shaking a bit.

“...Sister, are thou nervous?” Luna asked her sister.

“...Yes,” Celestia nodded in response, “I haven’t seen her since… since the war.”

“...She was a bit cold to me when I came to make peace,” Luna admitted as the two walked down the hallway before approaching a pair of large doors.

“IT was not her fault, Luna. The war….” Celestia began as she looked down sadly, “Changed her.”

The two entered the room after the guards have opened the door, the inside being large and ornate with a pair of statues in the room. Sitting on the throne at the far end of the room was a unicorn with a mane of pure azure with a slight crimson red highlight located in the front, pure magenta fur, and a Cutie Mark resembling a crown hidden under her elegant, pure blue robes.

“Hello...Celestia,” the unicorn greeted her, the unicorn having a cold look in her emerald green eyes.

“It is nice to see you again, Empress Evening Nova,” Celestia bowed with Luna.

“...Yes,” the empress nodded slightly, “Now… what brings you here, Princesses of the Sun and Moon? Apart from… obvious trouble with your little student. What was her name again?”

“...I do not take offense to my students lightly,” Celestia told her with a slight frown.

“No seriously, I can’t remember your student’s name. What was it, like… Sunrise Sparkle or something?”

“Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia corrected her, her frown growing a bit more.

“Thank you.” Evening smiled, “...but what brings you here?”

“..My student has informed me of something dire,” Celestia sighed, “It seems a few of your subjects have found an alicorn filly, and are on a witch hunt to find her.”

“...Is this some sort of joke, Celestia?” Evening Nova frowned, “No Alicorn has been born here in decades.”

“...Well, there is one. And she sure isn’t my daughter, Tia’s, Cadence’s or Twilight’s.” Luna stated.

“...Choose your next words carefully, tsuki-no-hime (Princess of the moon),” Evening Nova warned her, a scowl on her face, “Or should I call you Akumu-no-hime (Princess of Nightmares)?”

“Do not bring my sister into this, Nova,” Celestia frowned at her before calming down, “...I apologize for acting out…”

“....It is fine...just do not let it happen again,” Nova stated.

“And please… don’t continue to sling mud at my sister… that’s what got our nations into war in the first place…” Celestia added.

“...hold up a second… twas I, the cause of the war?” Luna gasped, her eyes widened upon hearing that.

“...It was my counselor who said those things,” Nova explained, “I tried to calm your sister down, but things escalated, and… I said some things, and it resulted in the war between Neighpon and Equestria.” Nova sighed, “...but before we continue, I never encourage any sort of racism or prejudice against alicorns.”

“Then why is my student and the young Alicorn filly being targeted?”

“...they grew scared of you. After the war… they feared alicorns.” Nova informed, “Apart… from a certain two…”

“...mother and father,” Luna clarified.

“Indeed,” Nova nodded, “I tried to convince the ponies of Neighpon all Alicorns aren’t truly evil, but a few believe they belong in the dirt… that they’re nothing but impurities to Equina. One such pony is Yuji, and he convinced his daughters to think the same way.”

“...I see…”

“...And he has committed a crime. You recall… Helheim no Kajitsu? He… was able to find some…” Nova informed with a sigh, causing Celestia and Luna’s eyes to widen in horror, “...We both know how dangerous those plants are. Please… find the plants and be rid of them…”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Luna nodded.

“...and please… we must do something about this whole alicorn situation. There’s some unease from Shibuya and Osaka. They say they blame you two, and there are some ponies who want to… go to war again.”

“...I will not let that happen,” Celestia assured her in a serious tone, “The war caused so much pain between our nations… I do not wish to see that happen again.”

Celestia and Luna then proceeded to head for the door, but Nova paused Celestia before she left.

“If you find this alicorn filly… bring her to me.” Nova said in a whisper.

“...I will,” Celestia nodded.

“Thank you…” Nova began as her eyes softened, a small smile forming on her face, “Old friend.”

“...These ponies are going mad.” Twilight muttered quietly as she and the group poked their heads out of a nearby alley to see a group of ponies carrying picket signs that had various kanjis for war on them. Twilight watched, the alicorn’s fur being a light pink and her mane being a white-ish color with a purple highlight.

“Do they not remember how much suffering the first war caused?” Posey added in a whisper, before she looked at Twilight, “...You know I don’t know why, but you disguised like that… it’s ringing a bell for some reason,”

“Ya feelin’ that too?” Applejack blinked.

“For some odd reason… same here,” Dash admitted, her cyan fur now a reddish-pink color and her rainbow mane being a pure light blue, “...Though I don’t know why I had to disguise myself as the legendary Firefly, Twilight.”

“...I don’t know why I did that, being honest with ya,” Twilight shrugged.

“...Wasn’t your dad’s name Firefly?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yea, it was.” Dash nodded.

The group slowly made their way out, simply all trying to figure out what to do now.

“So… what’s the plan going to be?” Ai asked.

“...We’re going to get you all to Ponyville,” Sunset stated.

Quirky and Ai both came to a total halt at this.

“What/excuse me?” the two filly asked as Dawn came to a stop.

“With the way things are here… it’s not safe for you girls,” Rarity explained, “Which is why Twilight rearranged a few tickets for you girls to come to Ponyville.”

“B-but what about Onii-chan?” Timid asked in worry, “A-and there’s also m-my kaa-san and t-tou-san, not to mention Yuki and Peaches. I...”

“I talked with them this morning, Timid,” Silver spoke up, “I promised them I’ll watch you, Yuki, and Peaches while we’re living in Ponyville.”

“...Aren’t we going to have some time to go home and pack?” Quirky asked.

“That’s what we’re doing now,” Twilight reminded, “Yeesh… you’re as scatterbrained as Pinkie can be…”

“She is/I am?” Pinkie and Quirky asked in unison, tilting their heads at the same time.

“...Oh my Celestia/kami-sama they’re exact copies,” most of the group groaned.

“A-are you sure this is okay?” Dawn finally spoke up, catching Twilight’s attention, “To...to just leave Neighpon?”

“Sometimes in order to win, you need to run,” Twilight informed, as they passed by the bookstore, “...Fluttershy, Posey, can you two stay here a little while?”

“...Why?”

“No offense… but you two are kinda going to be a problem. Because, well, Aki claims you two are ‘harboring’ myself and Dawn. Mr. Tozoki said he’d be fine watching you both,” Twilight explained, “We’ll call you to let you both know we’ll be coming to get you once we’re done.”

“...A-alright,” Fluttershy nodded in slight worry, “J-just please be careful, minna…”

“Gotcha,” Twilight nodded.

“So… what’s Otou-san’s next big plan so those pests are outta our way?” Tomoe asked, “...and please tell me it’s not poison, I seriously didn’t want to go through with that…”

“He says… lead the angry mob to the hotel and have those ponies arrested.” Aki informed, looking at her phone, “...That’s pretty much it, really.”

“Good. The poison was just to far…even for our dad’s brilliant plans,” Tomoe admitted.

“Agreed… same when he hired some of those ninja to trash the hotel rooms Losershy and her friends are staying in. All I did was leave a note at darling’s house, and on Losershy’s door.”

“Hey,” Sunset waved, as she walked into the bookstore.

“Sunset… what are you doing here?” Fluttershy asked.

“...I was worried about you two, so I decided to come back and keep you two busy,” Sunset replied.

“Oh? Is this one of your friends?” Mr. Tozoki asked.

“Hai. This is Sunset Shimmer,” Fluttershy informed, making Mr. Tozoki’s eyes widen.

“...Sunset Shimmer? As in… the adoptive daughter of Princess Celestia?” he asked.

“...Yes,” Sunset nodded.

Tozoki smiled and shook her hand, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Same,” Sunset smiled back, before she turned over to Fluttershy, “Hey uh… can I speak with your privately for a moment?”

“...Ano, sure,” Fluttershy nodded as she followed Sunset to the back of the store, “Wh-what is it?”

“...I know you like Silver Hawk… but… there’s something I need to get off of my chest… I… uh… have a… small… uh…”

“...A small what?”

“A small crush on… on…” Sunset paused as a heavy blush formed on her face, “...you.”

“Wh-what?” Fluttershy gasped quietly, her eyes widened a bit in surprise, “Y-you have a crush...on me?”

“Yea,” Sunset nodded, the unicorn blushing still, “B-but I’m not sure if it’s you...or...th-the other you.”

“Other… me?”

“...long story,” Sunset sighed as she looked down, “I-I’m just so confused right now...I-I like you… but at the same time, I like the other you… I… I really wish Twilight was here to help me with this.”

“...Y-You know… you are… cute,” Fluttershy admitted, a small blush on her face

“...Really?”

“H-hai. D-demo…”

“You like Silver Hawk, I know,” Sunset sighed, “And...I know he likes you back.”

Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush heavily at that last part.

“...I’ll be fine, I promise,” Sunset assured her, a small sad smile on her face, ”I don’t want to get in your way of your happiness, Fluttershy.”

“I sort of… felt… something for you,” Fluttershy admitted, “I don’t know if it’s a crush or not… but whatever it is, I felt it for both you and Rarity.”

“...Wait. Rarity?” Sunset blinked at that.

“I’ve just…known her a long time. And if I didn’t remember Silver-kun…I think I might have tried and pursued her affection…and then you came in… and… uh…w-well…” fluttershy blushed, poking her pointer fingers together in a shy manner.

“...You’re so cute…” Sunset giggled, making her blush further.

“...A-arigat-” Fluttershy began before she felt a bit queasy, “Ohh~ N-not again…”

“Fluttershy? Are you alright?” Sunset asked her in worry.

“Hai… demo… I’ve been feeling… funny… for lack of a better term,” Fluttershy panted before she covered her mouth, the pinkette dropping to her knees as she tried to keep it down.

“Oh crud…Posey!” Sunset called out to Fluttershy’s cousin, “Help! Something’s wrong with Fluttershy!”

Soon, a doctor had arrived and was looking over Fluttershy, currently checking the shy pinkette’s heartbeat.

“Now butterfly-san, do you remember eating anything funny before these symptoms kicked in?” the doctor asked her.

“No. The only thing out of the ordinary I’ve done was… sleep alongside somepony…” Fluttershy informed, blushing a bit.

“...Soka…” the doctor noted, “...Did you two...ahem, you know…?”

Fluttershy blushed heavily in response, knowing what the doctor was trying to ask, “...no.”

“Are you sure? I need to be certain, Butterfly-san.”

“...W-well… I s-sorta spent the night at Silver Hawk-kun’s place. He comforted me and… w-well…” Fluttershy paused as she blushed further, ”O-one thing lead to another and…”

“...Itoko-chan…” Posey blinked in surprise, “I always thought you’d be the type of girl to wait until you got married to do… that,”

“...I-it was the threat letter Aki sent that...l-lead to me and Silver-kun d-doing…I-it,” Fluttershy admitted, “I-I really wanted to wait but… I-I just felt so safe in his arms. My… my heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest. N-next thing I knew...w-we kissed and...”

“So that would mean…” Sunset blinked before her eyes widened, “...Yea, we need to get you out of Neighpon. If Aki hated you before, she’s gonna want to send you right to Tartarus if she found this out…”

“...G-good idea,” Fluttershy nodded, “B-but please don't’ let Silver-kun or the others find out. We all already have enough to worry about.”

“That is true,” Posey nodded.

“Yeah...I just hope Twilight and the others are alright,” Sunset hoped as she looked out the window.

Ai put a sunhat on before looking around her room for a few other things, the pegasus filly trying her best to hurry up as her brother was waiting downstairs.

“Oh… what else to take?” she muttered, looking around her room before she spotted a picture on her nightstand, “...Kaa-san and Tou-san’s picture…”

She picked it up and looked at it, small tears forming in her cheeks. She then hugged the picture, holding it close to her heart.

“Ai-chan, are you r-?” Kota began, walking in to check on his sister before he noticed her hugging the picture, “Oh…” he then walked over to her and knelt down, placing his hand on her shoulder, surprising her a bit as she turned to face them ,”You miss them too...don’t you?”

“Hai,” Ai nodded, sniffling a little as she rubbed the tears out of her eyes, “I wish they were here, Onii-chan.”

“Same,” he nodded, hugging her, “Why don’t we bring that with us?”

She nodded as she carefully put it in her bag, adding it to the various things she’s taking with her before she closed the bag.

“I’m ready, Onii-chan.”

The two headed on down slowly, they looked around the house, memories of their life there flashing before their eyes. The two actually hugged and began to cry. They made so many memories here. Their parents opening the farm, meeting new friends, farming out in the fields, birthdays in the kitchen, so many good memories here. They wish they could stay..but due to recent events, they had to say goodbye.

“Onii-chan… I don’t want to go…” Ai whimpered.

“Me neither, Ai-chan…” Kota sighed, “But so much has changed these past few days…”

“...Atashi… atashi…” she began.

“Eh?”

“...I don’t want to go…” Ai cried.

“...we’ll come back. I promise,” Kota assured as he guided her out, allowing Applebloom to try and calm her down.

Kota then turned over to Applejack, “If things calm down… we are going to come back, right?”

“Ah guarantee it, Sugahcube,” Applejack assured him with a soft smile, “Fer th’ meantime, y’all can stay with me and mah family when we get back t’ Ponyville.”

“...thanks,” he smiled.

Timid looked at her room, the forest green walls looked sort of barren without the posters that once decorated the walls.

“Nee-chan… you okay?” Silver Hawk asked as he poked his head in.

“I… I… don’t know… is this really the best plan?” Timid asked.

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“M-moving away from home...from kaa-san and tou-san…”

“...Timid-chan…” Silver spoke as she walked in, “They’ll be okay… I promise you that. In fact… Kaa-san and Tou-san wanted me to tell you something.”

“N-nani?” Timid blinked a bit as she turned around to look at her brother.

“They told me to tell you, ‘No matter how far away we are, even if we’re not of this world anymore… we will always be with you. Be brave, continue to do what you love… and find somepony special to share your life with… that is until you’re old enough. But...above all else...’” Silver paused as he hugged Timid, a soft smile on his face, “‘We love you and your brother with all our hearts,..my little Swallow...’”

Timid began to cry at this, tears forming in her eyes as she hugged her brother back, staining his shirt with her tears.

“So… you fully packed?”

“Almost…” Timid informed, “I...I just need to pick one or two more things to take with me, Onii-chan.”

“Alright, but please hurry,” he told her.

“Bye-bye house…” Ai whimpered while waving to the house, “Maybe I’ll see you again some day…”

“...Don’t worry, Ai,” Applebloom spoke up as she put her hand on Ai’s shoulder, “Ah sure y’all love Ponyville. Plus, like mah big sistah said, y’all can stay with me and mah family until you and yer brother can go home.”

“...Thanks,” Ai smiled, hugging her.

Soon, everypony had arrived at the bookstore, most of teh group noticing the slightly nervous look on Fluttershy’s face.

“...Is somethin’ wrong, sugahcube?” Applejack was the first to ask.

‘...I-it’s nothing,” Fluttershy replied, “I-is everypony ready?”

“Yes. We just…” Twilight began before she noticed somepony missing, “...Where’s Dawn?”

“What do you mean? She’s r-” rainbow began before she noticed the Alicorn filly wasn’t there, causing her eyes to widen.

“What if Aki and Tomoe got to her?” Quirky asked in worry.

“...I hope not,” Twilight whispered as she began to leave.

“Woah woah woah! Where are you going?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she got in front of Twilight.

“I’m going to go find her.” Twilight informed.

“Uh… not with Aki out there you're not!” Rainbow Dash argued.

“I’m not gonna leave her out there!” Twilight snapped back, “She’s probably alone and scared right now!”

Dash gave her marefriend a look, the alicorn having a serious look on her face.

“...Alright,” Rainbow sighed in defeat, “Just...be careful out there, Twi.”

“I will. ...I love you.”

“I love ya too,” Rainbow smiled softly as Twilight gave her a quick kiss on the lips before she ran out.

“Dawn! Dawn Star, where are you?!” Twilight shouted as she ran through the streets, hoping to find the filly. The alicorn mare was very scared at this point, hoping Aki didn’t find her first. She soon skidded to a halt when she noticed the unicorn not too far off, talking on the phone.

“Seriously dad, why do we have to keep continuing this hunt? She’s just a kid,” Aki stated, not noticing Twilight hiding in a nearby alley, “I mean, I know to get that Losershy out of the way, any means are necessary… but… seriously? A freaking witch hunt?”

-All will make sense once we capture her, Aki. She’ll be good for negotiating-

“Nego-Negotiating for what?!”

-Why, to make sure you can marry Silver Hawk of course. He’s one of the best doctors at the Kokoro Hospital, so my daughter should have the best after all-

“Yes, guilty as charged. But...I think we went too far when you had Tomoe blow that extracted plant dust in that Ai girl’s face,” Aki admitted.

-One sacrifice is needed to make sure this plan works-

“Yes but…”

-But what, Aki? ...Unless you want that wall flower to steal Silver Hawk away from you?-

“....”

-Well?-

“I won’t let that wall flower get him. He’s mine, and mine alone.”

-That’s my girl. Now, find her, or you can forget coming home tonight-

“What?! but d...and he hangs up...of course,” Aki muttered as she closed her phone, “...I’m starting to think Silver Hawk’s not worth this…” she then cupped her chin in thought, “Then again… I don't’ want Losershy to have him either…”

‘She doesn’t have Dawn,’ Twilight gave a mental sigh of relief, ‘But...what was she talking to her father about?’

Twilight then saw Aki get up and walk off, the unicorn looking around for her target. Once she was out of sight, the Alicorn carefully got out of the alleyway and resumed her search for Dawn Star.

Dawn was simply wandering around the park, trying to get some memories before she left. She stopped as she looked in the distance, managing to see the castle. She didn’t know why, but something about it felt...familiar to her.

“...Why did my mom and dad leave me? Is it… because I’m who I am?” she wondered aloud. She then heard somepony approach, causing her eyes to widen as she ran towards a nearby tree to hide behind, folding her wings so nopony would see them.

“Dawn! Dawn Star, where are you!?” the voice of a certain violet haired Alicorn called out causing Dawn to look out from her hiding spot, and sure enough, there Twilight was.

“Miss Sparkle?” Dawn whispered before Twilight noticed her.

“Dawn!” Twilight gasped as she ran over to the filly and hugged her, “Oh thank Celestia you’re alright.”

Dawn looked at her with wide eyes before she returned the hug, the Alicorn filly starting to cry a bit as she held onto the older Alicorn.

“Shh… it’s okay. I’m here…” Twilight assured her in a soothing tone, “I’m here…”

Author's Note

I hope you enjoy this chapter, minna(everyone). Also, as for the bit with Firefly being RD's pops...remember, this is AU and stuff as Firefly slightly shares to same name as the one who helped found the Wonderbolts. Though for this story, we'll refer to her as 'Fyrefly' while we refer RD's pops as 'Firefly'..confusing I know. So if you enjoyed this chapter, leave a review/comment if ya can. Oh, and the part involving Celestia and Luna being the children of the Ponies of the Beginning...again, AU. I cannot state this more clearly.

Return Home

The boat had arrived early the next morning, and the group was able to get aboard it and were on their way to Equestria.

“Bye-bye Neighpon…” Ai waved.

“We hope to see you again someday,” Timid added..

The four Neighpon native fillies watched as their home faded out of sight as the boat continued to move, the morning mist blocking it from their view until it was no longer seeable.

“Man… I can’t even see it on my camera anymore…” Posey sighed as she was focusing on the spot where Neighpon was. She then noticed that some bytes of memory on the camera had been filled up by something, “...I let Twilight borrow this… wait, why is my camera in ‘Film’ mode?”

Twilight and Rainbow Dash froze a bit at that, mainly the former.

‘Uh oh...I accidently set it to Film mode!’ the Alicorn mentally screamed.

“Let’s see… about… five minutes of footage?!”

“Uh… I can explain, Posey,” Twilight chuckled sheepishly.

“...I seriously need to teach you how to use a camera,” Posey sighed after Twilight and Rainbow explained everything.

“I know… I know,” Twilight sighed a bit.

“...Man… so much crazy stuff has been happenin’,” Rainbow groaned a bit, ‘But… I guess a few good things came out of it.”

“Yea,” Twilight nodded, “Hey Posey, how are the girls doing?”

“...Timid and Quirky have shut themselves in their rooms, Ai is with her brother…and I think Dawn Star is with Scootaloo.”

“I see… and what about the others?”

“Everypony else is most likely resting in their rooms. But Platinum is with my Itoko-chan right now.”

“Why? I something wrong?” Twilight asked, earning silence from Posey and Rainbow, “...Well? Is she alright?”

“...We think,” they responded.

“So… how are they?” Fluttershy asked as she rested on her bed.

“They’re looking good right now,” Platinum smiled as she put her medical equipment away, “...I still only know the gender of one… being the colt. Do you have any name plans at the moment?”

“...Kaito,” Fluttershy answered, “Demo… I haven’t come up with a name for the other one yet since I don’t know if it’s a colt or a filly.”

“I see. But… mind me asking where ‘Kaito’ came from?”

Fluttershy blinked and began to think back to the day she first met him…

The young Butterfly had gotten lost in a small part forest-part park like area, the pegasus filly having a look of sadness on her face. It was the same thing everyday… Aki would torment her, and most of the school would occasionally join in. She really wished she had a friend apart from Mr. Miya, her English teacher.

“...Why do so many ponies have to be so mean?” she whimpered, tears in her eyes as she walked on the path. She was about to turn before she noticed what looked like a very large tree standing not too far away from the path, “Wow… you look really tall…”

“Tall is correct,” a voice responded, making the filly blink a bit.

“Ano… W-who said that?” Butterfly asked as she looked around for the source of the voice.

“I’m right in front of you,” the voice informed, Butterfly turning to the tree.

“Sugoi… wait. Are you a…tree spirit? My Okaa-san said there are friendly spirits that live in trees and help people…”

“...I guess you can say that,” the voice answered.

“...Do you have a name?”

“The name ‘Kaito’ kind of… sticks out to me,” the tree informed.

“S-soka…” Butterfly noted as she sat down in front of the tree, “...it’s nice to meet you, Kaito. My name’s Misaki Butterfly,”

“Butterfly?”

“...My parents saw this big butterfly migration the day I was born. They decided to name me Butterfly after that day, Kaito-san.”

“Soka,” he noted, “Are you lost?”

“No,” Butterfly shook her head before looking down sadly, “I...was walking home after a really bad day at school. I was being chased and… I was able to hide out. I know the way home… but I just need someone to talk to.”

“I’ll be your friend kid,”

“...He’s an old friend,” Fluttershy stated simply before looking down sadly, “But… he’s no longer with us.”

“Oh… I am so sorry to hear that, dear,” Platinum said as she hugged her a bit, “He’ll live on in spirit… because you remember him. And… as one mother to one-to-be, I want to give you the best advice I can.”

“What’s that?”

“Keep good kids away from bad influences. I… learned that the hard way when my daughter use to be friends with….Filthy Rich’s daughter.”

"R-right, "Fluttershy nodded, “Can I ask you something? ...Are you or her father around all that much?”

“...Her dad’s almost always busy, and I tried to be a supportive mother. But…” Platinum paused as she sighed sadly, ”She never let me into her social life. Whenever I tried to ask her how her day was, she always told me to butt out, or tell me her day was ruined because of Scootaloo and her friends. Ugh… Filthy Rich’s daughter was such a bad influence on her. And I talked with him after Scootoaloo landed in the hospital and… he mentioned another daughter. She was an old friend of uh… Rarity, was it? And their mother sort of… left them.”

“...Was this other daughter’s name ‘Suri Polomare?’”

“Why yes. But...how do you-” Platinum began to ask.

“Rarity met her during our stay in Manehatten. She… ended up stealing some clothing Rarity worked so hard on.”

“...” Platinum could only sigh at that, “...He said their mother was the bad infleunce, and he couldn’t get it out of them. I can’t remember what he said her name was… but I remember meeting her once. She… she was a horrible mare, thinking Cutie Marks are a bad influence and that they make you better than everypony else.”

“I see…” Fluttershy noted before thinking, ‘Why does that sound familiar?’

“But… just promise me that your kids will be kept away from bad influence, even if you have to personally drag them away and ground them to do so.”

“...Don’t worry,” Flutttershy replied as she placed a hand on her stomach, “I won’t let that happen.”

Unknown to them, Timid happened to be passing by the room at the time and overheard parts of their conversation, the filly’s eyes widened in surprise as she stood against the wall.

“O-Onee-chan’s pregnant?” the pegasus filly whispered, “No wonder we had to leave…”

She had a million thoughts race into her head. She was of course happy for Fluttershy, but since Aki was out looking for her back at Neighpon, there was a possibility the foals would be in danger. But one thing mostly flew through her head...does her brother know?

The boat was still ongoing that night with Twilight and Dash telling the others of their engagement, the group out on the deck.

“You’re… engaged?” Rairty asked with wide eyes.

“Ooh~ This is so cool!” Pinkie beamed before gasping loudly, “We have to throw you a party once we get back!”

“So Scootaloo…” Dawn Star began as she and the orange pegasus filly were sitting next to each-other, “Since I’m adopted by Twilight, and you were recently adopted by Rainbow Dash… that would make us sisters when they get married.”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo nodded before smiling a bit, “Being sister’s with an Alicorn… that sounds pretty cool.”

“Don’t expect me to be any good at this sister stuff. Only pony I’ve ever had in my life that’s close to family is Quirky,”

“...I can relate. Only… until Rainbow sort of took me under her wing, I had nopony period. Sure the Crusaders were around, but nopony was there to call me family… to tuck me in at night, to read me a bedtime story, to calm me down if I had a nightmare…I never had any of that,” Scootaloo explained with a sad sigh before she smiled a bit, “But that changed when Rainbow Dash adopted me. I’m really happy to be her daughter.”

“I see…” Dawn noted before smiling, “I’m glad we both got what we wanted, but…”

“But what?” Scootaloo asked.

“...There’s Quirky,” Dawn replied as she pointed to the excitable filly, “She doesn’t have anyone.”

"I’ll watch her.” Pinkie smiled.

“Huh?” the two blinked as they looked up at the excitable pink party pony.

“We set that up before we left. She reminds me a lot of… me,” Pinkie giggled, “Plus, my sister did want to meet her. I wrote her a few letters during our stay in Neighpon.”

“Yup!” Quirky beamed as she poked her head out between Dawn and Scootaloo, startling them a bit, ”I really want to meet Pinkie’s sister! She sounds like a real blast! *squee!*”

“Oh she is! I know she’ll just love you!” Pinkie smiled brightly as she picked up and hugged Quirky.

The boat continued on with Scootaloo having fallen asleep on her lounge chair. The pegasus filly snored softly in her seat before Silver Spoon walked out. She looked out at the sea for a moment, the stars in the night sky reflecting off the clear ocean water..

“...Beautiful,” she smiled.

She heard somebody walk over, and turned to see it was Scootaloo.

“Oh, did I wake you up?”

“No. I just dozed off for a bit until I heard you,” Scootaloo replied as she walked up and stood next to her, “...The stars look beautiful at night, don’t they.”

“...I heard an Equestrian myth that they’re monsters trapped up in some sort of a prison…” Silver Spoon admitted.

“Really?”

“Yea. It’s an interesting myth…”

The two just looked at each-other for a moment, Scootaloo blushing at Silver Spoon a bit as she looked at her.

“...Is something wrong?” Silver Spoon asked as she noticed Scootaloo looking at her.

“N-nothing,” Scootaloo replied as she turned away, blushing, “Just… thought I saw something on you is all.”

“...you’re so cute, you know that?” Silver Spoon giggled, before she just realized what she said and blushed, causing Scootaloo to blush heavily in response.

“...Uh...I think I hear Rainbow Dash calling me!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she bolted for her room, “Good night, Silver Spoon!”

“Sc-scootaloo wait,” Silver Spoon called out to her, but the pegasus filly was already gone, “...Ugh… I’ll try talking to her tomorrow.”

“Mom… I feel like such an idiot…” Scootaloo told Dash, “...Silver Spoon called me cute and… I ran. I just… ran. Ugh… I feel like such a coward.”

“Romance is different for everypony, you know?”

“You and Twilight make it look so easy.”

“True, but it can be hard at times too,” Rainbow shrugged a bit, “We get in a argument on occasion, but we usually make up in the end. ...let me ask you something.”

“Huh?”

“Why did you fall for her?”

“...huh?”

“You heard me. Why did you fall for her?”

“...I’m not following.”

“Let me explain. Want to know why I fell for Twilight? Because she makes me feel complete… she brings out amazing qualities in me, things I never knew I even had before,” Rainbow Dash explained, “So again, why did you fall for Silver Spoon?”

“...She’s… sweet. When I was in the hospital, she often came to visit and make up for what happened, even though it wasn’t really her who put me in there.”

“...Good answer squirt. You feel for her for the right reasons. Someponies… don’t fall for others for the right reasons… it’s not even love…”

“Like Aki?”

“....Yes, like Aki,” Rainbow nodded, the tomboy wanting to forget about that Unicorn after what she did.

“...Mom? Do you think that… Silver Spoon will be my Special Somepony?”

“I hope. ...hey, it just dawned on me. Your names all start with an ‘S’. Scootaloo Spectrum and Silver Spoon.”

“...Hey yeah. Our names do start with an ‘S’.”

“Maybe your child would have an ‘S’ ‘S’ name too,” Dash joked.

“...maybe,” Scootaloo blushed.

Scootaloo woke up a bit later that night and went back outside, but saw Silver Spoon was awake as well.

“...Hey,” Scootaloo spoke up as she walked up next to her, “Sorry for bailing out like that.”

‘....It’s…” Silver Spoon began before she yawned, “Alright.”

“...Have you been out here all night?

“...I’ve been having trouble falling asleep,” Silver Spoon admitted as she turned her head towards Scootaloo, the greyish-silver pony having small bags under her eyes, “...I’m just scared…”

“...I had a feeling,” Scootaloo sighed, hugging her.

“But… I’m not scared if… you’re by my side,” Silver Spoon smiled softly, blushing a bit.

“...Silver Spoon… can I… tell you something?”

“Sure but… what is it?”

Scootaloo took in a deep breath, before she looked at Silver Spoon, “...Ever since I met you… I always thought you looked… amazing.”

“...Th-thank you, Scootaloo,” Silver Spoon blushed before looking down sadly, ”Though… I wasn’t exactly friendly to you, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle back then.”

“...I always sort of… admired you from afar…” Scootaloo stated with a heavy blush.

“...I’ll admit, I always thought you were lovely. I wanted to hang out with you and your friends, but…”

“Because Diamond Tiara was always around?”

“Exactly,” Silver Spoon sighed.

Again, the pegasus took in a deep breath and took Silver Spoon’s hands into her own, “...She’s not here now. She doesn’t control you. You’re own pony, Silver Spoon… don’t let someone like Diamond Tiara tell you otherwise. And now… I have to confess…”

Silver Spoon began to blush.

“Silver Spoon. I… I know we’re both girls and all, plus…well, I know we’re not old enough yet, but… I have to say this,” Scootaloo stated as she took in a deep breath and then said three simple words, “I love you.”

Silver Spoon’s eyes widened at that as she blushed heavily.

“...I had to get that out of my system. It’s… okay if you don’t feel the same,” Scootaloo assured as she was about to walk away, but Silver Spoon put her hand on the pegasus filly’s shoulder.

“Scootaloo… I… I love you too but… we’re still young. And I don’t think it’s safe… if Aki followed us somehow. Ponies… can be scary when they’re afraid of things they don't understand…”

“...I… understand…” Scootaloo sighed.

“But...we can still be friends. When we’re older…” Silver Spoon began as she blushed, “I wouldn't mind being in a relationship with you.”

Silver Spoon then fell asleep in Scootaloo’s arms, the pegasus filly smiling softly as she hugged her.

“Come on. Let’s get you to bed…”

The boat docked the next morning, most of the group still trying to wake up as they began to walk onto the dock.

“Thank you for bringing us back here,” Twilight bowed to the boat driver.

“No problem, Twilight-san,” he smiled as they all got off.

“Wow. It looks… rural,” Timid awed a bit as she looked around.

“And woodsy,” Quirky added, noting the various trees around the area.

“The forest that is rumored to have that poisonous plant… the forest mythed to be the remains of a forest brought by the Ponies of the Beginning… once known as Helheim, but now known called Everfree,” Dawn stated.

“...You lost me,” Ai blinked.

“Sorry. Just...remembering something I read in a book,” Dawn said in a slightly sheepish manner.

“Oh…”

“So This is Equestria…” Silver Hawk noted as he walked up next to Fluttershy, “...It’s beautiful, Butterfly-chan.”

“It is. Come on, I’ll show you three where you’ll be staying a-” Fluttershy began before Twilight cleared her throat, catching the shy mare's attention.

“Uh… you did remember to message a certain someone and tell him to vacate the premise?” Twilight asked, making Fluttershy tense up.

“...You rent a part of your house out?” Silver Hawk asked.

“...W-well kinda, yes,” Fluttershy replied.

“Cool,” Posey giggled as she stood next to her cousin, “I’m sure whoever’s staying at your place wouldn’t mind sharing.”

‘Or get over the top jealous like last time,’ most of the Mane 7 and CMC thought.

Thus, the groups split off, all either guiding their new guests or just going home.

“See you soon…” Scootaloo waved to Silver Spoon.

“Same here,” Silver Spoon waved back as she and her mother left for home.

“Wow… such a cute cottage,” Posey noted as she, Timid, and Silver Hawk saw Fluttershy’s home.

“You live all the way out here, Butterfly-chan?” Silver Hawk asked.

“Hai,” Fluttershy nodded, “That way, I can keep an eye on my animal friends… speaking of which, Angel! Mommy’s home!”

The door was slammed open by the rabbit in question, a look of irritation on his face as he tapped his foot on the floor.

“Angel?” Posey blinked.

“He’s my first pet,” Fluttershy replied with a small smile as she walked up to the small bunny, “Hello, Angel. I’m so glad-” she was interrupted when Angel held up a book to her, showing off a bowl of fruit and veggies, “...You haven’t eaten since I left?”

Angel shook his head ‘no’ as he tapped the picture again, almost like he was asking ‘feed me now.’

“Oh dont’ worry. I’ll go ahead and feed you now,” Fluttershy assured him as she walked in.

Angel shot a stare at the three non-native ponies before his eyes shrank, seeing the fox inside one of the pet carriers timid was holding. Angel then actually proceeded to panic and slammed the door shut before locking it and boarding it up.

“Angel, what’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked, the shy mare wearing a apron over her normal clothing.

Angel jumped onto the window sill and pointed outside, mainly pointing towards the fox inside one of the pet carriers.

“...Yuki?” she blinked before going over to fix the door. Angel then attempted to shoved it closed, “I don’t care how much you are scared of foxes Angel! You. Will. Share. Your. Living. Space. With. Yuki. Got it?!”

Angel flinched at the tone she used. He was actually surprised she would even use that tone of voice around him. He simply nodded and hid by his pet bed, not wanting to tick her off further.

“Good boy,” Fluttershy nodded with a small smile, her anger having disappeared as she unlocked the door and opened it for her guest, “I apologize for Angel’s behavior, minna.”

“...Are you sure he’s an angel?” Posey joked.

“Itoko-chan!”

“...I couldn’t resist. Gomen nasai.”

“...It’s fine,” Fluttershy sighed a bit, “P-please come in, minna. Timid-chan, you can let Peaches-chan and Yuki-chan out”

Timid put the cages for her two pets down and let them out. Peaches nuzzled up by Timid while Yuki began to search for somewhere to relief herself, sniffing the area a bit before she came up to the couch and lept onto it, the fox curling up into a ball as she began to relax.

“Where can we put our stuff, Butterfly-chan?” Silver Hawk asked the shy pinkette as he motioned to himself and Posey. However, before she could respond...

“Yuki-chan! Not on the sofa!” Timid gasped as she ran up to the small fox, “Bad girl, bad!”

Angel snickered at this display from his resting spot.

“Gomen nasai! Gomen nasai!” Timid apologized, bowing to Fluttershy repeatedly, “Y-Yuki-chan didn’t mean to g-”

“She’s in a new place. I can let it slide,” Fluttershy informed.

“Ooh… o-okay,” Timid nodded as she left to find Yuki another place to rest.

“Are you sure this is okay, Butterfly-chan?” Silver Hawk asked as he put the bags down, “I mean, you already have somepony else here and all.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind,” Fluttershy assured before thinking in slight worry, ‘At least...I hope so.’

They suddenly heard somebody laughing. Everypony turned to see a small..’creature’ the size of Angel. He seemed to have the body of a dragon, but his arms, legs, and horns seemed to belong to other kinds of animals.

“Hey, Onee-chan, what is this thing?” Timid asked.

“Looks like some sort of an alligator with horns…” Posey blinked, “And that laughter… was it the pony that’s renting out part of the place?”

“...You could say that,” Fluttershy blinked.

Silver Hawk closely looked at the creature, before gasping.

“Timid, get away from that thing, right now!” he ordered.

“N-nani?” Timid blinked, almost about to pick up the small creature before it ‘exploded’ in a puff of pink smoke, “Kya!”

“Oh… no. Nonononononononono!” Posey gawked in worry as the small creature turned into a much larger creature, “...They’re angry! The Kami-sama and Megami-sama are angry about something… that’s what a draconique means!”

“Butterfly-chan, why is there such a thing in your house?!” Silver Hawk shouted.

“...A-ano...well…” Fluttershy began in a nervous manner.

“Butterfly?” the creature repeated as he reappeared around the shy mare, “Her name is ‘Fluttershy,’ good sir. And honestly, I do not know what you’re talking about.”

“...We’re dead… it was nice living while it lasted…” Posey said in a panic, going over to her cousin, “...An ancient destroyer come down to kill… that’s the highest punishment anything can get. It would be even worse if it was that one draconique that the Ponies of the Beginning’s children killed…”

“...Okay, you ma’am are making little to no sense,” the creature stated as he appeared in front of Posey.

“Kya! Don’t eat me!” Posey freaked as she zipped behind the couch.

“...Discord, you are familiar with the Neighponese myths about our world, right?”

“...Oh. Those,” Discord sighed, rolling his eyes, and they actually came out of his head and turned into dice, landing on snake eyes, “Neighpon… I haven’t been there in ages. And honestly, you grow to giant size one day, and everypony is screaming ‘Gojira! Gojira!’ and starts running away.”

“Your kind tried to kill every pony on the planet, along with an army of monsters!” Posey shouted.

“Well, the Ponies of the Beginning more or less replaced us with you ponies. Can you blame the draconequus for being upset?”

“Upset enough to-”

“AHEM!” Fluttershy shouted, getting Discord and Posey to shut it, “That is enough you two! I can tolerate Angel for his behavior earlier, but I don’t need you two to argue! Now apologize to each other this instant!”

“But-”

“APOLOGIZE THIS INSTANT!”

“I’m sorry,” Posey squeaked out.

“...I apologize. Yeesh… what sort of odd ponies did you bring this time Fluttershy?” Discord asked before motioning to Posey, “And why does this one look like you?”

“That is my cousin, Posey,” Fluttershy answered, the normally shy pinkette taking deep breaths to calm down as she motioned to Silver Hawk and Timid, “And this is Silver Hawk, an old friend of mine from when I was a filly, and his little sister Timid Swallow.”

“...I am Discord, the last Draconique.”

“May I ask a question?” Timid said raising her hand.

“You just did,” Discord responded, dressed as a teacher and holding a teaching stick.

“Ignoring that…” Fluttershy sighed.

“...why is he free?”

“Oh… well you see, Celestia was hoping to reform him, and entrusted me to help with that,” Fluttershy replied, “And so far, he hasn’t caused any problems… outside of what happened at the second Grand Galloping gala.”

“Which again, I apologize for what happened,” Discord added

“...you almost banished my friend into another dimension for all eternity. I get you’re sorry and still learning the friendship thing, but you still shouldn’t have done that! I was having such a good time, but you had to ruin it for being jealous of my friend!”

“I know, but-”

“But nothing!” Fluttershy snapped, making him flinch at the tone she was using..

“I’m going to go and hide and let you simmer down…” Discord informed, making a brown pipe appear below him and dived down into it.

“...I overreacted again, didn’t I?” Fluttershy asked her cousin, who slowly nod in response

“Is that normal for a pony who is expect-” Timid began to ask, when Posey covered her mouth, “Hpmh?!”

“Timid-chan, can you help me with something real quick in the kitchen?” Posey asked her, earning a slightly confusing nod from her, “Good. We’ll be right back, Itoko-chan,” she smiled sheepishly, walking backwards with Timid until they were in the kitchen.

“Ano… what’s wrong, Posey-san?” Timid asked once Posey took her hand off her mouth.

“How. Do. You. Know?” Posey asked her in a verious serious tone.

“Oh… about Onee-chan expecting? I heard her talking with Nurse Platinum about it,” Timid replied before looking down in a guilty manner, “G-gomen...I-I didn’t mean to overhear, P-Posey-san.”

“Please. Don’t tell your brother… he already has enough things to worry about,” Posey told her.

“Alright, but he’ll find out eventually…”

Kota and Ai soon arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, the two non-native Ponies aweing at the groves of Apple Trees in the area.

“It looks… nice,” Kota smiled.

“Thank you, Kota,” Applejack smiled, “Once we reach th’ house, jest make yerselves at home.”

“Hai,” Kota and Ai nodded.

They soon saw a male working in the fields, said male having pure red fur, messy orange-ish brown hair, and was currently wearing a white sleeveless shirt and a pair of jean pants.

“...who’s that?” Kota asked.

“That’s our big brother, Big Macintosh,” Applebloom replied, “Though we like t’ call him Big Mac fer short.”

“Hello,” Ai waved.

Big Mac gave a wave to her before he went back to work.

“He...doesn't’ say much, does he?” Kota asked Applejack.

“Eh. He’s not much of a talker,” Applejack shrugged, “Most of th’ time, he jsut says ‘eeyup’ r ‘nope’ to certain things.”

“Alright,” Kota nodded.

“So… who’s this filly?” Mrs. Cake asked Pinkie.

“This is Quirky! She’s gonna be staying with me!” Pinkie beamed as she hugged the filly, “Isn't’ that right, Quirky?”

“Yup yup yup!*squee!*” Quirky smiled brightly

“Is… she a relative?”

“...Hmm…” Pinkie and Quirky pondered, looking at each other before looking back at Mes. Cake, “We don’t know! *Squee!*”

“You two seem more like sisters than Pinkie and Maud do,” Mrs. Cake noted.

“...We do?” the two tilted their heads, making Mrs. Cake sweatdrop a little.

“A-amazing,” Dawn Star awed as she looked around Twilight’s castle, “This place is amazing.”

“Now… Dawn, Scootaloo, if you two want to share a room, you can go right ahead and do so,” Twilight told the two fillies.

“Right,” Dawn nodded as she continued to look.

“...You know, I do have a library here if y-” Twilight began before Dawn was right in front of her.

“You have your own personal library?!” Dawn asked in near excitment, earning a slow nod in response, “...Please show me where it is.”

“Okay… okay…” Twilight nodded with a slight chuckle.

-Back in Neighpon-

“Uh… Evening Nova,” Celestia began, walking to her, “...Twilight and her friends have gone back to Equestria… and… well…”

“...Well what?”

“It seems the Alicorn filly you wanted to see left with them.”

‘...I see,” Nova sighed, “...Did you at least get the filly’s name?”

“Her name is Dawn Star,”

Hearing this, the empress let a glass of water slip out of her hand and shatter on the stone floor.

“Wh-what was her name?” Nova asked, her voice quivering a bit as her eyes were completely wide.

“Dawn Star,” Celestia repeated.

“....Sh-she’s alive…”

“Eh?” Celestia blinked before she noticed tears rolling down Nova’s face.

“I-I don't’ believe it…” the empress of Neighpon whispered as her hands slowly covered her mouth, tears practically rolling down her face, “Sh-she really is alive…”

“Also… uh… one of Twilight’s friends is uh… expecting.”

“...Do I even want to know which one?”

“Butterfly?! Tou-san… please tell me, she isn’t carrying kids of Silver Hawk,” Aki begged.

“...from what the ninja’s I hired gathered...it seems that way,” a male Unicorn with pure red fur replied, said unicorn wearing a pitch black business suit.

“That… that… that… that little…” Aki snarled in pure anger, “That little… I’m going to kill her!”

“Onee-chan… I thought you said we wouldn’t hurt anyone after the whole po-” Tomoe began.

“BUTT OUT OF THIS!” Aki shouted, scaring her little sister, “Father, I want that stupid wall flower’s head on a pike!”

“...I wish I can do that for you, daughter, but she’s within Celestia’s protection now.”

“Screw that stupid bitch!” Aki shouted, causing some of the servants nearby to look in worry, “I don’t care if she’s one of the daughters of those Ponies of the Beginning, if she gets in the way of my revenge, I’ll destroy her!”

“I like this fire in your eyes… good girl…” their dad smiled.

“...What’s happening to my family…?” Tomoe said in a whimper.

“So what’s the plan, tou-san?”

“Hmm…” Aki and Tomoe’s father pondered a bit before looking at today’s paper, “...Well well… it seems the princess of the Crystal Empire is expecting. A boy...”

“SO?! What does she have to do with me getting revenge on Lose-?!”

“We can make this work in our favor,” Aki’s father smirked darkly.

‘Why does he keep tempting the dark thoughts in her mind? Why is he like this? ...I just like to tease ponies because it makes me feel better about myself. But… why are Tou-san and Aki like this?’ Tomoe thought, tears dripping down from her eyes.

“Father, I demand you answer me this in-!” Aki began.

“Aki, do you recall when the empress’ child disappeared?”

“Yeah. What abo… oh.” she said with a dawning smirk.

“...No. You’re not thinking of-” Tomoe began, a feeling of dread growing in her as she realized what her father is planning...

Author's Note

Phew...so many updates, so little time. Oh, and also, don't worry about Aki and her pops...they won't pop up until later in the story. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, folks. If so, please leave a comment/review if ya can.

Lucky, but Unlucky

-Dear Honey, yea journal, I named you. I don’t know why I picked Honey… but I did. It’s been a couple weeks since Twilight-kaa-san-tachi have brought us to Equestria, And so far, I’m enjoying it here. The teacher, Ms. Cheerilee is really nice, and cares deeply for her students, much more than most of the teachers back in Neighpon. Quirky-tachi have gotten used to this new home… but… if I’m honest… I miss home. I really wish we can go back, but with how things were with Aki and Fluttershy-san, it’s not safe at the moment. Also… something super funny I wanna tell you, Twilight-kaa-san has yet to tell her brother she’s getting married. When I asked about it, she said it was ‘payback’ for not telling her when he and Cadance, the Princess of the Crystal Empire, were getting married. I’m homesick… but Twilight-kaa-san, Rainbow-san and Scootaloo-nee-chan are a lot of fun to be around. Heck, Rainbow-san is helping me learn how to fly properly since… well, I had to hide my wings most of my life, so, much like Scootaloo-nee-chan, I can’t fly.- Dawn had written in a journal that she was given by Twilight, -But hopefully one day, me and Scootaloo can fly, especially with Rainbow-san’s help. Also, before you ask Honey… she’s been… okay, with not being an item with Silver Spoon-san just yet. She has woken up crying from nightmares on some nights, but Timid-chan’s been helping her calm down and talked to her about it.-

Dawn placed a book mark in it and simply looked around the room that was all her’s. She had a pair of bookshelves to hold all the books Twilight gave her to help her get adjusted to Equestria, and she was already done reading half of them. She also had a medium-large bed to sleep on with white sheets, a night stand with a lamp on it, and a few windows to let her see outside, one showing Canterlot in the distance. Dawn aimlessly looked outside before she glanced at her barefeet. She openly admitted to herself it was second nature to not wear shoes indoors, and something she and Quirky always used to do, have a bit of a tickle game.

“...Yeah. I wanna unwind,” Dawn giggled as she took the quill she was just writing with and used the feather end to tickle herself, causing the alicorn filly to giggle like crazy as she tickled herself, “Still… remember… when we first did this…”

(Flashback)
Dawn Star had sat down in her room at an orphanage, reading a book she had managed to borrow from the library.

“Hey Dawn!” Quirky shouted as she poked her head up from the side of the bed, “What’cha doing?”

“Reading,” she replied, not looking up as she continued to read her book.

“You read all the time… let’s play a game!” Quirky giggled.

“Quirky, I need to focus on this. We have school tomorrow you know.”

“Ohh…” Quirky pouted before an idea popped into her head. She rummaged in her mane for a moment before taking out a feather. A slight smirk grew on her face as her gaze turned to one of Dawn Star’s barefeet.

“Hmm… so that’s it… very intere-” Dawn began before she felt a tickling sensation on her feet, “?!”

“Come on Dawn… I wanna see you smile!” Quirky giggled as she gently rubbed the feather against Dawn’s feet.

“Q-Quirky… Ple-tee-hee-Please stop that,” Dawn stated, trying her best to not laugh, but a few giggled managed to escape her lips.

“Not until I see you smile~!” Quirky giggled in a sing songy tone as she moved the feather faster.

“Quirky, I’m serious! Please stop~!” Dawn snickered before she began to laugh out loud, holding her stomach as Quirky continued to tickle her, “AHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!”

“Got ya!”

“OKAHAHAHAHAY! YOU DID NOW, STAHAHAHAP IT! I-I CANT BREAHEEHEHEHEEHTH!”

Quirky stopped, but not before Dawn tackled her and used her magic to snatch the feather from the dark green filly’s hand.

“I...told you to stop…” Dawn panted as a mischievous smirk grew on her face, “Now… it’s time… for payback.”

“Go right ahead! I love to be tickled.”

“Oh?” Dawn smirked as she used her magic to get three more feathers from her pillow, “Do you now?”

Quirky gave a nervous smile as Dawn lifted her arms up and used her magic to gently, yet quickly rub the feathers on Quirky’s feet and armpits, making the dark green filly laugh like crazy.

“I LOAHAHAHAHAVE IT! KEEP IT UHAHAHAP!”

“...If that’s what you want,” Dawn smirked as she made the feathers go faster and faster, causing Quirky to laugh uncontrollably as tears practically rolled down her cheeks. After about ten minutes, Dawn had stopped and Quirky hugged her.

“See? I got you to smile! Wasn’t that fun?”

“...Well….y-yeah,” Dawn admitted before giggling a bit, “It kinda was.”

“I really wanted to see you smile, Dawn. I’ve been here a while, and I’ve never once saw you smile. And I knew this was the best way to do it. Wanna know why?”

“...Why?”

Quirky giggled a bit, “Because my Cutie Mark is tickling others.”

“I s-wait what?” Dawn gasped as she looked at her, “You got your Cutie Mark?”

“Nope! Just joking!*Squee!*” Quirky giggled, making Dawn face fault, “But I am serious. I do want a Cutie Mark, one that represents me making everypony happy through smiles and giggles.”

“...You’ll get it someday. ...You want to be… uh.. well… I mean… You...want to be my friend Quirky?”

“...I’ll do you better!” Quirky beamed as she hugged Dawn, “I’ll be your sister, Dawnee!”

(end flashback)

A knock soon came from the door, with Dawn opening it up with her magic.

“Hey Dawn. I heard a funny sound coming from here and…” Twilight began before she noticed the feather near the Alicorn filly’s feet, “...were you tickling yourself?”

“Hai. It just… brings back fond memories of when me and Quirky became friends,” Dawn explained, a small soft smile on her face as she looked down, “Quirky...was one of the first friends I’ve ever made growing up...eventually, we met Timid and Ai, and… well, we kinda formed our own club, much like Scootaloo and her friends.”

“I see,” Twilight smiled, “So…What do you think of Quirky personally, Dawn?”

“...Well. She wants to make Ponies smile and laugh, and is a great friend. I mean, I thought she was just… random at first, but we soon became best friends, sisters even,” Dawn replied as her soft smile grew, “And… she occasionally gave me a kiss, just like during certain events like holidays… and I’ll admit… it made my heart race.”

“...I see,” Twilight noted, “Do you ever… dream of her?”

“...Sometimes. Especially since we left Neighpon. She’s so tied up with Pinkie… I don’t see her as much anymore. The only times I see her is at school, and a few times during the meetings at Scootaloo-tachi’s clubhouse at Sweet Apple Acres.”

Twilight gave her a small pat on the back, before she headed out.

“So… what was that noise?” Dash asked Twilight.

“Nothing. Dawn was just tickling herself,” Twilight giggled a bit, “She said it was connected to how she and Quirky became friends and did it because she missed her.”

“...well, Pinkie has been keeping her around. I mean heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if Quirky got her Cutie Mark while she was with Pinkie.”

“Yeah…” Twilight nodded, “...Dash, how long until the next Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Until Luna and Celestia get back from Neighpon. Why ask,T….ooh,” Rainbow Dash nodded in realization.

“Yeah. I figured it would be nice if they could see each other again in a nice setting,” Twilight smiled.

“Pinkie I want to be tickled,” Quirky told Pinkie.

“I’m sorry… I’m really busy right now,” Pinkie responded as she was busy selling cakes and other kinds of baked goods, but also texting on her phone.

“...talking to your stupid boyfriend!” Quirky growled.

“What? No, i’m talking with a friend and such,” Pinkie replied as she handed a cake to a pair of mares, “Thank you, come again!”

“...I’m gonna go and see Dawn Star!” Quirky shouted, heading for the back door.

“Okay! Have fun!” Pinkie waved before turning around to face her next customers, “Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner!”

“Hey Pinkie,” a male voice smiled. Pinkie saw it was Soarin’, and she promptly got a pie.

Quirky soon arrived at Twilight’s castle and headed for Dawn’s room, feathers in tow as she looked for the Alicorn filly.

“Oh Dawnee~! It’s me, Quirky!” the dark green filly called out in a sing songy tone, hiding the feathers behind her back, “Come out and playay~!”

Dawn wasted no time running out of her room and charging over to hug the green filly, surprising her a bit.

“Quirky! I’m so glad t-” Dawn began in a excited tone before realizing what she did and let go, blushing a bit before clearing her throat, “I mean… it’s really good to see you, Quirky.”

“You don’t need to be shy, I missed you too,” Quirky giggled, making sure she had her feathers.

“Right… so what brings you h-” Dawn began before she noticed one of the feathers slightly poking out from behind Quirky’s back, causing a small unnoticeable grin to grow on the Alicorn filly’s face, “...Wanna know what I was thinking a lot about today? When we tickled each-other, I felt really happy.”

“Well of course, Dawnee! That’s what tickling does!” Quirky smiled brightly, before she was about to tackle Dawn, the Alicorn filly simply laid down, “...Why aren’t you trying to run? It sorta beats the purpose of our tickle games.”

“The floors are kinda hard…”

“...Your room then?”

“Yea.”

The two soon began their tickle game in Dawn’s bedroom, Dawn laughing uncontrollably as Quirky was currently tickling both her feet.

“I… I… I’VE GROHAHAHAN TO LOVE THIS…” Dawn admitted while laughing before she began to laugh harder when she felt Quirky start using her fingers to tickle, “AHAHAHHAHAH! N-NOHOHOHOHO FAIR QUIRKY!”

“Your feet are so soft…” Quirky giggled as she continued. Suddenly, she felt something… funny. She then stopped and looked around.

“...Why’d you stop?” Dawn asked.

“...oh…” Quirky blinked as she lifted her skirt up and looked at her flank, seeing what looked like a smiley face laughing with some feathers next to it, “...O...M...C!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT TI! I GOT MY CUTIE MARK! OMC OMC OMC OMC OMC!”

“Congratulations!” Dawn giggled as she tackled the dark green Earth pony into a hug before… she planted a kiss on her cheek, “Oh. OH! Oh… oh my gosh, I’m so sorry Quirky, I’m like so, so, so very sorry!”

As Dawn began to blabber on apologies, Quirky giggled a bit before planting a kiss on her cheek, causing the Alicorn filly to blush brightly.

“It’s okay, Dawnee! It’s just a good kiss between friends after all!” Quirky giggled.

“...Is it bad if… I wanted to do it again…?” Dawn asked before muttering the last part under her breath.

“Eh?”

“...On your…” Dawn muttered.

“...Didn’t catch that.”

“...Would it be bad if… I wanted to kiss you on the lips? LIke… just once or… uh…”

“...I know we're young and all, but I suppose one kiss won’t hurt until we’re much older. So…” Quirky began before she planted a quick kiss on Dawn’s lips, making her freeze in place as her entire body turned a bright red, “...that felt nice, didn’t it?”

“...t...g..a….” Dawn couldn’t find the right words as she babbled nonsense.

“...we can have more tickles later. So… see you soon,” Quirky giggled, skipping off.

“So… how are you sis?” Twilight asked Cadence over the phone.

-I’m doing good Twilight. The doctor said the foal will come within a few weeks or so- Cadance replied

“So… what’s his name?”

-I picked Lapis.-

“Lapis?”

-It’s a gem-

“I know that, but...why Lapis?”

-Because it’ll match his mane- Cadence giggled before asking in a slight teasing manner -So...I hear you and Rainbow took your friendship to the next level, Twilight-

“Yea. But don’t tell Shining,”

-Oh I won’t. I promise…- Cadence assured her -Oh. I also heard one of your friends are expecting.-

“...Excuse me?” Twilight blinked.

-Wait. You mean you don’t know?-

“No..wait. Which of my friends is it?”

-...It’s Fluttershy- Cadence replied, causing Twilight to gawk -Huh… You know, I would’ve pegged her to be the kind to wait until she was married.-

“I… wh… how…” Twilight blinked, then it hit her, “The threat… that makes so much sense now. Hold on… I’ll call you back, Cadence!”

“Rainbow Cumulous Spectrum Dash!” Twilight called out from the next room, “Get your flank in here now!”

“Uh oh. She’s pissed,” Rainbow quietly cursed to herself, getting up off the couch she had brought from her old home as she walked into the next room, seeing a very mad Twilight standing in the middle of the room with her arms crossed, “Eheh… hey, Twilight.”

“...Why didn’t you tell me Fluttershy was expecting?”

“....Uh….”

“Well. I’m waiting, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight frowned as she tapped her foot on the floor.

“Because I promised her not to tell anypony else, otherwise Silver Hawk would find out!”

“...Fair enough,” Twilight sighed, “Anyway… Cadence’s son is doing well. His name is going to be Lapis.”

The word “Lapis” echoed in Dash’s mind, seeming all so familiar…

“Welcome to my sekai…” a calm male voice said.

“Why does there have to be more fighting?”

“...You’re brave… I just wish I could be brave too…”

“...snake?”

“There’s that smile I’ve been waitin’ to see from you. Here,” a second voice spoke.

“Ikuzo,” a third male voice smiled.

Dash’s eyes flashed silver before she almost passed out, the tomboy grabbing the wall just before she could hit the ground.

“Rainbow? Rainbow Dash, are you alright?” Twilight asked in concern.

“My head…It just started hurting when you brought that name up…” Rainbow Dash groaned as she held her currently throbbing head.

“I got you… I got you…” Twilight assured as she held her up, putting the tomboy's arm over her shoulders, “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

“Ugh...r-right,” Rainbow nodded as Twilight helped carry her to her room, “Hey Twi..”

“Hmm?”

“...Sorry for not telling you about Fluttershy. It’s just...I promised her not to tell anypony because she was scared of what they would think.”

Cadence waited by the phone for Twilight to call back, tapping her foot on the crystal floor before her phone rang and answered it.

“Hello?”

-Hey. Sorry it took a while. Rainbow wasn’t feeling good, and I had to take her to bed,- Twilight’s voice stated.

“You mentioned a threat letter… what’s the deal with that?”

-....Ugh- Twilight sighed -Don’t let my brother find out about this but...back in Neighpon, Fluttershy met an old bully of hers, and...well...she made a few threat letters to leave, or let Silver Hawk, an old friend of Fluttershy’s, marry her-

“...That is not love,” Cadence frowned.

-I know...and it’s why we had to leave Neighpon, because...she found out I was an Alicorn, and was out on a witch hunt for me and my friends, the latter ones because they ‘harbored an Alicorn’..and since I found out Fluttershy is expecting… it was was good idea to leave Neighpon sooner-

“Yea. Anyway… make sure Dash gets some rest… she told me you two are looking after two kids… and I heard both of them are in love,”

-Well… I know for fact Scootaloo is, but who the heck does Dawn Star like?-

“That dark green filly who’s similar to Pinkie Pie.”

-Quirky?-

“That's the one,” Cadence nodded.

-...Really?-

“Yes really.”

-...I’m...surprised by this. I mean, Dawn told me she and Quirky were like sisters but...I didn’t think Dawn liked her that much- Twilight admitted.

“Love works in mysterious ways, Twilight,” Cadence smiled.

-I know. Just...a lot of things have taken me by surprise today is all. Anyway… I’m gonna go and make sure Bowy is alright…i’ll catch you later, Cadence-

“Okay. Take care, Twilight.” Cadence smiled.

After a bit, the phone began to ring again, but Cadence saw it read “Unknown Number”

“Who could this be?” the Alicorn pondered before she answered it, “Um...hello?”

-Greetings, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza- a voice replied on the other line -You may not know who I am, but I will assure this… best keep an eye on your foal once he or she’s born. It would be a shame if they suddenly...disappeared-

“....Who is this?” Cadence demanded with a frown.

-That is no concern for you, my dear. Best you don’t ask, or else something might happen to you, much like your late mother-

“...You leave her out of this,” Cadence frowned.

-Apologies then. But I was serious about you keeping an eye on our colt one it is born-

Cadence growled a bit, the crystal princess trying her best to stay calm.

-However, I am willing to negotiate with y- the voice began before the phone was taken from Cadence.

“Shining?”

“I overheard your conversation,” Shining Armor answered his wife before he talked to the figure on the phone, “Now who is this?”

-Ahh… Prince Shining Armor, how unexpecting. Though like I told your princess, I will give you the same thing… best keep an eye on your foal, or-

“...You listen here,” Shining began in a serious tone, “I don’t know who you are, but if you ever threaten me or my family, I swear I will hunt you down and make you pay.”

The other side hung up wordlessly, the unicorn giving a sigh as he hung up.

“Cadence...if you ever get that number again, let me know.”

“I will,” Cadence nodded.

“Also… it’s best if you stay in the castle after our son is born,” Shining Armor added

“I… was planning on visiting Twilight after Lapis was born and I’m clear to move around…”

“I know, but after a call like that… I can’t risk anything happening to you or Lapis,” Shining Armor sighed

“I know, I’m just saying. But… what if there’s a double agent working for this mysterious caller, and they try and make their move anyway, and we would’ve been safer if we actually went to see Twilight?”

“...okay, you’ve been reading too many action and mystery novels.”

“Not my fault there’s hardly anything to do here,” Cadence pouted, “I had to go on maternity leave from my roller derby team.”

“...” Shining sighed a bit, “We’ll go pay her a quick visit, then head immediately home.”

“Good,” Cadence giggled.

-So… are they still going to visit Twilight?- a voice asked a guard via a phone.

“Yep.” the guard nodded.

-Good. Make sure you go with them and not only find Losershy, but also the alicorn filly. I heard the royal sisters are looking for her, for whatever reason.-

“...If that’s true, then maybe we should abort th-”

-Abort nothing! I want to make Losershy suffer anyway possible! And don’t forget our deal. You help me with Silver Hawk, I’ll help you get Twilight… why somebody would fall for an alicorn, I’ll never understand, but hey, your romantic call.-

“...I still say this is wrong.”

-Well My daddy didn’t pay you to think. Now do your job or else, got it?-

“....Got it,” the guard sighed.

“Flash Sentry, are you finished with that conversation yet? Princess Cadence called us to a meeting!” a guard shouted.

“Yes sir!” the pegasus in question saluted before he whispered into the phone, “I gotta go now.”

-Whatever. Just don’t fail me or my father- the voice scoffed before they hung up.

“Hey… you feeling better?” Twilight asked, walking in.

“Heads still throbbing a bit, but yeah,” Rainbow nodded as she rested in her bed.

“...What happened?”

“Dunno…”

Twilight sat down by Rainbow, the alicorn looking at her in concern.

“Are you sure? I’ve never seen you faint like that before.”

“...Twilight… have you ever heard of ‘reincarnation’?” Dash asked.

“...I have, yes,” Twilight nodded.

“If it’s true, do you think ponies could be able to remember a past life?”

“...It’s probably possible, yes.” Twilight nodded, “Why? Did the name ‘Lapis’ remind you of a past life, if you were reincarnated?”

“...Yeah,” Dash nodded, holding her head for just a short moment, “...I remember this male saying ‘Welcome to my world’... but in Fluttershy’s native language.”

“Really?”

‘Yeah… but, that’s all I can recall really,” Rainbow added, holding her head, “...and a silver apple, for… whatever reason.”

“...I see,” Twilight noted, “...I think I’ll go look into this. Excuse me.”

With that, Twilight left the room, holding her chin in thought as she left through the door before she ended up running into Dawn, “Hey Dawn… uh… where’s Scootaloo?”

“She went to go and see Silver Spoon.” Dawn informed.

“...Silver Spoon, you there?” Scootaloo asked, knocking on the door, “...Silver Spoon, hello?”

“Go away Blank Flank!” a voice shouted from a window.

“Huh?” Scootaloo blinked a bit as she looked up at the window.

“Didn’t you hear me?! I said get lost, Blank Flank!”

“...Diamond Tiara…” Scootaloo growled, “What do you want?”

“I’m not telling a stupid blank flank. Now again, get lost!” Diamond Tiara barked.

Scootaloo attempted to open the door, but it was locked. She then remebered where Silver Spoon told her a spare key was hidden and quickly got it and opened up the door and ran up to her.

“Why are you here?” Silver Spoon whimpered, seeing her now broken glasses on the ground.

“I have some questions. My father mentioned an alicorn filly in a business call. What’s that all about?”

“...I don’t know.”

“...I know you’re lying,” Diamond tiara frowned, “You better talk now or else.”

“...I’m not talking to the filly who had a hand in splitting the town up that one day,” Silver spoon frowned.

“Shut up about that. It’s bad enough ponies like us have to live in a backwater town full of nobodies,” Diamond Tiara countered, “Plus, those dumb Blank Flanks multiplied. There’s that freaky dark green idiot, that one pegasus filly with those really sour strawberries, that stupid wall flower… Timid… whatever her name is, and then there’s that Dawn girl… tch. What a nerd.”

“...Don’t insult my friends…” Silver Spoon growled.

“Oh? Your ‘friends’? Like Squeaky Belle, Apple-princess-wanna-be and…Scootaloser?

“...Never. Insult… the pony I… I… I love!” Silver Spoon demanded, before she attempted to tackle Diamond Tiara, but without her glasses, she missed and crashed right into her bed.

“...Love? You love her,” Diamond Tiara asked before laughing, “That’s the stupidest things I’ve ever heard! I mean really...who ever heard of two mares falling in love?!”

“...There’s Twilight and Rainbow Dash.” Silver Spoon countered.

“As I have heard ponies say, and can not spell, touche. But still, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re supporting the Cutie Mark Losers, along with their new friends, Dorky, Yawn, Timid Wallflower, and… uhh… Coughie.”

“...that last one doesn’t even fit,” Silver Spoon said bluntly.

“Her name is hard to make insults out of. ‘A-I’ how can you make an insult out of that?”

“...You shouldn't even be insulting anypony to begin with,” Silver Spoon frowned.

“Why? You did with me before,” Diamond Tiara scoffed.

Silver Spoon’s eyes began to tear up as she glared at Diamond Tiara, “...I’m a better pony now.”

“Pft… please. All you did was visit Scootaloser in the hospital after I ‘accidently’ loosened the wheel of her scooter when she tried to get her Cutie Mark.”

Unknown to them, Scootaloo was listening in to this, a frown on the filly’s face after hearing the spoiled brat mock not only her friends, but insult everypony and Ponyville...again.

“...Why are you like this?” Scootaloo asked, walking in and slightly surprising the two before Diamond tiara glared at her.

“...you wanna know Blank Flank? Fine! It’s because every single day, I have to deal with looking at every single loser that lives in this backwater town! Me, my sister, my mommy and my daddy used to live up in Canterlot, but we had to move after my mom left us!” DIamond Tiara snapped.

“Scootaloo… how much did you hear?” Silver Spoon asked, attempting to look for her.

“You two love-doves can just go away for all I care… in fact, I don't care if Twilight and that stupid pegasus are in love, mares being in love is just stupid! And seriously, Princess Twilight could do a whole lot better than hang out with those six losers!”

*BAM!*

Silver Spoon gasped a bit as she heard the sound of somepony punching someone before she managed to find her glasses and put them on, allowing her to barely see a bruise on Diamond Tiara’s cheek, and a angry and panting Scootaloo glaring at the spoiled filly.

“Never… ever… insult my parents!” Scootaloo shouted, looking ready to strangle her before Silver Spoon held her back.

“You… you hit me…” Diamond Tiara whispered before angry tears dripped from her eyes, “Fine! You’ll be sorry for this! I’m gonna have daddy get you for this!” she then ran off crying, “Daddy~~~~~!!!!”

“Scoots… I don’t want you to do anything you’d get in trouble for,” Silver Spoon informed as Scootaloo got her another pair of glasses out of her closet.

“I’m sorry. She just… just… I couldn’t take it anymore. She was outright insulting Ponyville, and everypony in it, including my parents,” Scootaloo replied, the pegasus filly still trying to calm down.

Now that Silver Spoon could see Scootaloo’s expression, worry colored her own. Suddenly, an idea hit her, and she planted a quick kiss on Scootaloo’s lips, surprising her a bit as her anger seemingly melted away.

“Better?” Silver Spoon asked as she walked back a bit from the pegasus filly.

“...Yeah,” Scootaloo nodded.

“You know… as much as I think she’s an irredeemable brat, I honestly hold some hope she can get better…” Silver Spoon admitted with a sigh, “I mean, the only reason we became friends is because neither of us had one and our parents were friends.”

“I see… though if I may ask back, why did you have to join her in mocking me and my friends back when you two were friends?”

“...she didn’t leave me a choice. It was either I go along with her, or I didn’t have a friend,” Silver Spoon sighed, tears forming in her eyes.

Scootaloo then leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips, causing the greyish silver filly to blush before Scootaloo separated the kiss.

“Better?”

“Yea. I would love for us to keep kissing and be in a relationship… but…”

“But what?”

“...My mom said I can only be in a relationship when I’m 16.”

“16?! But that four years from now!”

“I know...I know,” Silver Spoon sighed.

“...It’s like our conversation on the boat over again,” Scootaloo sighed.

“Again, I know,” Silver Spoon nodded, “...But...we’re still young and stuff, Scootaloo. We don’t have worry about things like relationships until we’re sixteen.”

Scootaloo sighed, but Silver Spoon quickly planted a kiss on her cheek.

“But maybe we can sneak in a little kiss every now and then. Okay?” she said in a whisper.

“...Heh. Okay,” Scootaloo smiled a bit as she hugged her.

“Seriously Discord, they’ve been her how long, and you still don’t get why they call me Butterfly?” Fluttershy asked in a bit of an upset tone, her stomach slightly big.

“N-now now. I’m sure I can figure this out,” Discord assured her before a professor’s hat appeared on his head, “Hmm...They call you Butterfly because it’s either A: It’s a nickname they decided to give you. Or B: It’s your actual birth name.”

“Thank you!” Fluttershy said in joy, “It’s the second one.”

“...Honestly, that’s a sillier name than Fluttershy,” Discord laughed.

“...Grr.”

“...What? It’s t-” Discord began before he barely ducked under a lamp thrown at him.

“MY PARENTS, MY LATE PARENTS, NAMED ME THAT FOR A BUTTERFLY MIGRATION THAT HAPPENED THE DAY I WAS BORN!” Fluttershy roared, continuing to throw things at Discord.

“Ahh! Okay okay! Sorry!” Discord yelped as he dodged the objects being thrown at him, “Yeesh! Even you came back from your vacation, you’ve become a lot more vocal and violent!” he then poofed into smoke and reappeared in front of her, poking her belly a bit, “Not to mention a bit chubby. Did you and Rarity go on a ice cream spree or something?”

“Are. You. Really. That. DENSE?!?!” Fluttershy screamed as she grabbed a nearby frying pan and whacked Discord in the face with it, leaving an imprint of his face on it, “I. AM. PREGNANT YOU IDIOT! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED IT ALL THIS TIME?!”

“....You’re pregnant?!” Discord muffedly exclaimed as he managed to pull his face out of the frying pan, “Why didnt’ you tell me?! I thought we were friends!”

“I have hardly told anypony this! It’s because I don’t want Silver Hawk to find out because he has ENOUGH things to worry about!”

“...Wait. That snow white pegasus was the one that got you pregnant?” DIscord gawked before frowning, “I think I sh-”

“Discord, you will NOT go anywhere near him! If you do and try what you did at the Second Grand Galloping Gala, so help me I will give you the harshest Stare I’ve ever given in my entire life!” Fluttershy snapped before she began to tear up, “I-if anything had happen to him, I… I wouldn’t know what to do. I… I…” she whimpered before she began to cry hysterically, the normally shy pinkette crying waterfall tears.

“Uh… oh chaos-bringer who with-a-single-snap-can-destroy-us-all, what did you do to itoko-chan?” Posey asked, poking her head inside.

“N-nothing! All I did was ask her why you and those two pegasi kept calling her Butterfly, and the next thing I knew, I found out she’s pregnant, threatens me if I go anywhere near that Hawk guy with that news, and started to cry her eyes out!” Discord explained with a small yelp.

Posey moved over to hug her cousin and calm her down, the shy pinkette sobbing a bit as her cousin comforted her.

“Honestly, it wasn’t my fault she started crying, honest,” Discord added as he was suddenly dressed up a as boy scout, “Scouts honor and all.”

“Mood swings, you ignoramus,” Fluttershy growled.

“Uh oh. Angryshy is back,” Discord gulped as he changed into a turtle and hid into his shell.

“Hey itoko-chan, look!” Posey giggled, taking out a watch and catching her attention.

“Shiny…” Fluttershy awed, stars in her eyes as she stared at the watch.

“You want it? You want the watch?”

“Hai…” Fluttershy nodded, her gaze still transfixed on the watch.

“...calm down, okay?”

“Hai hai, Itoko-chan,” Fluttershy nodded before Posey handed her the watch, the normally shy pinkette giggling as she looked at it, “Shiny~”

“Always worked when we were fillies,” Posey whispered to Discord, who was still a turtle, “Even got her to do my homework if I used a shiny object to catch her attention,”

“I see…” Discord noted.

Suddenly, a clattering sound was heard with Posey turning to see it was Angel running away from Yuki, the fox looking like she wanted to play.

“Mou… not again,” the yellow earth pony facepalmed as she ran off after the two, “Angel, Yuki, stop it at once!”

Angel hid under a blanket, with Yuki just looking sad at him.

“Shiny…” Fluttershy giggled with Posey moving the watch to Angel’s side, “Oh. Angel, what happened?”

Angel pointed an accusing paw at Yuki, who tilted her head slightly before she tried to sniff the rabbit a bit, only to yelp when Angel smacked her in the nose and caused ehr to back up.

“Angel!” Fluttershy gasped before frowning and picking the rabbit up, “No! Bad Angel! We don’t hit around here!”

Angel began to whimper a bit, with Fluttershy putting him down,

“We do not hit. I am disciplining you Angel, stay there. And Yuki,” she paused, turning to Yuki, “Are you okay?”

Yuki let out a small whimper as she nuzzled against Fluttershy’s leg, begging to be petted.

“I… can’t reach you… sorry…” Fluttershy informed, as she attempted to reach down, her now slightly larger stomach in her way.

Yuki’s ears drooped a bit with Posey picking him up and moving her a bit closer to Fluttershy. The pinkette then proceeded to pet her, the fox seemingly purring a bit as she nuzzled her head against Fluttershy’s hand.

“...Onii-chan… I’m getting really worried about Fluttershy,” Timid informed with a sigh, as she and Ai were playing a game of “Go Fish”.

“I am too…” Silver sighed as he sat down, “She’s been acting really strange lately… I hope she hasn’t caught anything.”

“Well…if she is sick, you can take care of her, easy.” Kota shrugged, “I mean, you are one of the best doctors back in Neighpon, and I’ll admit… I haven’t heard very much good about the doctors here in Ponyville.”

“Well, Nurse Redheart is a nice mare, and I’ve tried asking her what was wrong with Butterfly-chan, but… she won’t tell em anything,” Silver sighed, “I tried asking Posey, but I got the same result.”

“Maybe it’s a secret,” Ai shrugged, “You got any 8s?”

“Yes,” Timid sighed, handing her a card, “G-got any 10s, Ai-chan?”

“...Mou,” Ai groaned as she handed her two cards.

“So… how have things been with Applejack and her family?”

“...Her brother doesn’t really like me.” Kota admitted sheepishly, “He told me a bunch of things I can’t say in front of kids… and one of the things I can say around kids that he told me, ‘my goggles are stupid’. ...I got these from my parents.”

“Soka…” Silver Hawk noted, “Hmm… maybe he’s being overprotective or something.”

“...Maybe?”

“What about their grandmother? Onee-chan said they had a grandmother,”

“Haven’t met her, Applejack said she’s off taking care of something.”

“Soka…” Silver noted once more.

Kota and Ai soon returned to the Apple Family home and began to try and help with their apples, but Big Mac continued to glare daggers at Kota, the pegasus giving off a small gulp from teh glare the taller stallion was giving him.

“Hey, Big Mac,” Applejack spoke as she walked up to him, “Ms. Cheerilee just called. She wants t’ talk to ya.”

Big Mac nodded and left to take the call.

“...we’re you just saying that so you could talk to me, or did she really call?” Kota inquired.

“Little bit of both,” Applejack replied as she walked up to him next, the blonde wearing her usual red and white checkered button shirt and blue jeans shorts, “So how was yer day today, Kota?”

“It was nice. I met with Silver Hawk, and we talked. Hey Applejack… do you think your grandmother will be okay with me and Ai?”

“I’m sure she will, Kota.”

“Are you sure? Because...well, I don’t think your brother likes me very much.”

“...we’ll wait and see,” Applejack smiled, hugging him a bit, “Yer cool, y’know?”

“...Thanks,” Kota smiled, blushing a bit.

“Ah know… but Ah just don’t like ‘im,” Big Mac said over the phone.

-Look, Applejack and Applebloom are going to date. I know you’re their brother, but you need to give them some space- Ms. Cheerilee stated.

“Ah know… but still, Ah just don’t like that Kota feller fer some reason.”

-Maybe it’s because he’s from Neighpon or something? Look… give him a chance. And… you may want to apologize for calling his goggles ‘stupid’. Ai told me they were a present from his parents… his late parents.-

Big Mac’s eyes slightly widened a bit at that before he looked down in a guilty manner.

“...Ah feel like such a jerk now… maybe Ah should go and apologize t’ him.”

-Attaboy. Now take care, and I hope to see you later-

“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded, a small unnoticeable blush on his face.

“Hey Applejack. Can Ah… borrow yer friend fer a bit?” Big Mac asked as he came back outside.

“..Why sure, Big Mac,” Applejack nodded, “But what fer?”

“...Nothin’ much,” was all Big Mac said as he lifted Kota up over his shoulder and carried him off to the barn.

“...if you’re going to beat me up, just do it in a way it won’t land me in the hospital.” Kota gulped as Big Mac put him down.

“Didn’t mean to scare ya. Ah jest needed t’ talk t’ ya,” Big Mac explained, “...Look, Ah apologize fer calling yer goggles stupid, Ah didn’t know they were somethin’ yer… late parents gave y’all.”

“...well, they are and they mean a lot to me.”

“And… Ah’m also sorry for callin’ you all those things, just… uh… well… Ah jest want t’ protect mah sister and all,” Big Mac admitted with a small sigh, “Y’all know that hat she wears on her head?”

“Yea,” he nodded.

“...It was pa’s before he…” Big Mac paused as he looked down, “Before he and ma passed away.”

“...Oh.” Kota blinked, “...it does look nice.”

“Ugh...look. Just…if you do date her, please take good care of her. Because if you make her cry…” Big Mac began as he lifted Kota up by the scruff of his shirt, “Ah will personally end you. Got it?”

“C-crystal,” Kota squeaked out, as Big Mac put him down and walked out.

“So… what did you two talk about?” Applejack asked, walking in a bit later, “He… didn’t hurt ya, did he?”

“No. He just wanted to talk is all,” Kota replied before looking down, “And… that your hat was your father’s.”

“Yea,” she nodded, sitting down by him, “...Ah miss him. ...we lost our parents not long after Applebloom was born. In fact… Ah was actually the one to name Applebloom,”

“I know… you told me that before back in Neighpon.”

“...guess Ah forgot.” Applejack chuckled a bit before sighing a little, “...Ah loved ma and pa so much… but when they passed, Ah felt… empty inside. Has Pinkie ever told ya Ah cry on the inside?”

“...She mentioned it once, hai,” Kota nodded.

“It’s true,” Applejack informed matter-of-factly.

“Soka…” Kota noted.

“Ah put on a smile, but sometimes I just feel… empty,” she informed, “...something Ah look for in a friend is… if Ah can trust ‘em with that,” She then turned her head towards Kota, “Can Ah trust y’all with that, Sugahcube?”

“...you can. Even if your brother threatend to kill me if I make you cry… if you need somepony’s shoulder to cry on… I’ll be there for you,” Kota assured her with a soft smile.

“...Thank y’all, Sugahcube,” Applejack smiled before she quickly, yet placed a kiss on Kota’s cheek, causing him to blush, “Ah really appreciate that.”

Applebloom watched as the phone rang, and it’s caller ID was their grandmother.

“It’s Granny! I wonder what she wants?” Applebloom pondered before she answered the phone, “Hello?”

-Is this thing workin’? Hello? Hello?! Anypony there?!-

“Ah’m here, Granny,” Applebloom replied.

-Ah Applebloom. Sorry about yelling in th’ phone, dear. It’s jest so hard t’ use these got dang phones- Granny Smith apologized.

“So, how’s Aunt and Uncle Orange, oh and Babs Seed?”

-They’re doin’ just fine, though Babs wish she can see you-

“Alright. So… when ya gettin’ back?”

-Tomorrow at the latest.- she informed.

-Hey, let me talk with Applebloom!- a child’s voice shouted.

-Babs, we told you to go to your room!- a male’s voice informed.

-But!-

-We told you we have company coming over, so either get dressed up like a normal girl, or stay in your room for the rest of the night- a female voice stated in a stern tone

“Hey uh… before Ah ferget, uh… we-” Applebloom began, when she heard some yelling and something fall with the call ending there, “And she hung up on me. Terrific.”

“Is everything alright?” a voice asked in concern, causing Applebloom to turn and see Ai in the doorway

“Ah was just talkin’ with mah granny, and Ah was about to tell her about you and your brother staying here, but the call ended before Ah could.”

“I see,” Ai noted, “...Well I hope to meet her soon then.”

“Y’all might be able to meet her tomorrow actually,” Applebloom stated, “Ah wish Babs can come wit’ her, but… Ah think she’s in trouble with her parents.”

“Is she the former leader of the Manehatten Crusaders?”

“...She’s still their leader. We adjusted the rules for ponies who get their Cutie Marks,” Applebloom explained.

“Ahh… soka,” Ai nodded, “Timid has a cousin in Osaka who leads that team of Searchers. Her name is Honey Robin.”

“That’s neat,” Applebloom smiled, “Anyway… Ah hope Granny Smith will like you and yer brother.”

“I hope so too,” Ai nodded.

The next day, the group living in the Apple house was woken up by a rather loud knock on the door.

Applejack woke up first and walked down to open it up, while the second Apple sibling rubbing the sleep out of her eyes to get a good look at who was standing outside.

“Oh!” she smiled, “Welcome home, Granny.”

“Your grandmother is here?” Ai blinked, rubbing her eyes as she walked down the stairs.

“Yup!” Applebloom nodded.

After Granny Smith had unpacked, she saw Kota and Ai currently talking with Applejack about various matters, and… she initially gave a glare at them.

“Who are those two?” she asked.

“Those are Kota and Ai, some ponies me and Applejack made friends with in Neighpon,” Applebloom smiled, “They’re currently stayin’ with us since...well...certain things happened back and Neighpon, and they had t’ come with us.”

“The country that had a war with us? That Neighpon? ...why did you go there?”

“...Fluttershy wanted t’ pay respects to her late parents, and...well, she wanted t’ find somepony she hasn't seen since she was a filly,” Applebloom answered.

“I see…”

“Good day Ms. Smith,” Kota smiled, walking over.

“Hello,” Ai smiled as well.

“I hope you’ll allow us to stay here a little while…”

“...Of course, dears,” Granny smiled a bit, “You can stay fer as long as y’all like.”

“Cool. I was honestly worried you would throw us out or something,” Ai admitted.

“We wouldn’t do that, dear. Y’all are guest here in our home after all,” Granny Smith added.

“Ah,” Ai nodded.

Timid and Silver Hawk looked over at Fluttershy, who was currently eating some pancakes with fried rice and whipped cream on top of them.

“...Ano, Onii-chan?” The shy filly spoke up, “Is it normal to eat pancakes like that?”

“No.” Silver Hawk blinked.

“Ohh…”

“...I’m starting to get a bit worried, Timid,” Silver Hawk admitted, “Butterfly-chan’s been acting strange ever since we came back from Neighpon. First the mood swings, then the strange cravings.”

“Itoko-chan… Silver Hawk’s going to notice sooner or later. Why don’t you just go on and tell him already?” Pose whispered to her cousin, causing her to nearly choke on her food before she swallowed it.

“I’m still scared of what he’ll think. I dont’ want to worry him further after wh-”

“What he’s worried about is you right now, Itoko-chan. I know you don’t want to make him worry further, but not telling him… that is making him worry even more!”

“...Mou…fine,” Fluttershy sighed in defeat, “Demo, I want you near me when I tell him.”

“...Tell me what?” Silver Hawk asked, making the shy pinkette tense up as he and Timid approached.

“...A-ano…” Fluttershy stuttered, the pinkette now completely nervous.

“Go on. Tell him,” Posey urged her cousin

“You not telling Onii-chan this is making him really worried,” Timid added

“Wait… you know what’s going on?” Silver asked as he looked at his little sister.

“Not by choice…” Timid admitted.

“...Alright.” Fluttershy nodded, as she took a deep breath, “But promise me, you’ll fully listen to me before you react, okay?”

“...I promise,” Silver Hawk, both confused and worried for her.

“Silver Hawk… I’m pregnant.”

Good News & Bad News

Silver Hawk was hawk dead silent as he looked at Fluttershy with wide eyes, a guilty look on the shy mare’s face.

“Wh-what did you say?” the snow-white pegasus whispered.

“...Silver Hawk… I’m pregnant, with twins. One boy and one girl,” Fluttershy said as she looked down sadly, “I… I didn’t want you to find out because of what was happening with Aki back in Neighpon…”

“And part of the reason for us getting the heck out of dodge is because of this,” Posey added.

“...Butterfly-chan… I… I… I don't know what to say…”

“You… can leave if you wish,” Fluttershy sighed, “...if you don’t want to help me, you can leave. It’s totally an option if you want it to be. But I will not abort them.”

“...Abo… why would I want you to abort them, Butterfly-chan?” Silver Hawk asked her.

“...I’m just saying.” Fluttershy informed, “...I...I know you must hate me right now a-”

“Hate you? ...Why would I hate you?” Silver asked as he took her hands into his, “Butterfly-chan… thi-this is just… amazing.”

“N-nani?” Fluttershy gasped a bit as she looked up at him.

“Butterfly-chan… you should’ve told me sooner. I will support you. And… I’m honored to be their dad.”

“And that means I’m an aunt,” Timid giggled.

“And… uh… what would that make me?” Posey asked, “Am I an aunt as well, or a grandma?...I’ll wonder that later.”

“And I wish to tell you something,” Discord informed as he appeared via a puff of smoke, “So… Silver Hawk, correct?”

“Yes…” Silver Hawk slowly nodded.

“Treat her right, or else. And trust me, you don’t want to know what the ‘or else’ option is,” Discord warned him in a serious tone.

“Given what your kind can do, no, no I don’t,” Silver Hawk nodded slightly as he looked back at Fluttershy, “So...did you decide on names for the foals, Shy-Tenshi?”

“...Sh-shy-Tenshi?” Fluttershy repeated as she blushed at the name.

“My nickname for you because to me…” Silver began as he blushed a little, “You’re an tenshi… I know I told you that already back in Neighpon… but it’s true.”

“...Only one, for the boy. Kaito,” Fluttershy informed.

“For your Tree Spirit friend?”

“Hai,” Fluttershy nodded with a small sad smile, “It’s to honor him… even though he’s not with us anymore.”

“But… it needs something… something… to make it fly, so to speak,” Silver said as he pondered for a bit, “Hmm...maybe… Kaito Breeze?”

“...it works. It… always did feel like he was talking to me in a breeze,” Fluttershy giggled, “But… I need a girl’s name for the filly.”

“Soka…” Silver noted, “...Maybe… Snow Angel?”

“...Snow Angel. ...Silver-kun… it’s beautiful,” Fluttershy smiled softly.

“Thank you… Shy-Tenshi,” Silver smiled back as he hugged her, “I know they’ll be good foals… because their mother is amazing.”

“...Thank you,” she smiled.

“Please pick up… please pick up… please…” Silver Hawk muttered as he heard the dial tone.

-Hello. Gentle Snow here. Who is this?- a female voice asked.

“Kaa-san, it’s me. Silver Hawk.”

-Silver Hawk! Oh… hold on a moment.- she responded, she put the phone down and Silver Hawk could hear her call out ‘Feather Scroll’, the name of his father.

-Hello, son?- a male voice answered the phone now.

“Hey, Tou-san,” Silver greeted with a small smile.

-What’s up? How’s Ponyville and how’s Butterfly? Or… what does she call herself now? Flitterbye?-

“Fluttershy, Tou-san,” Silver Hawk corrected, “And she’s doing fine...though, I called you and kaa-san because… well, I sorta have a surprise for you both.”

-Oh? What is it, son? Hold on… let me put it on speaker so we can both hear you.- he responded, pressing a button, -Go ahead-

-What is it?-

“...Kaa-san, Tou-san…” Silver Hawk began as he took a deep breath, “I’m...going to be a dad.”

-...what.- Feather Scroll blinked.

-SILVER TEMPEST HAWK! YOU DID WHAT TO BUTTEFLY?!-

“I-I didn’t even know she was pregnant!” Silver yelped, “Y-you see, on the time she spent the night at my place after the whole thing with Aki… w-well… one thing led to another after I comforted her and…” he paused as he blushed heavily, “...I-I’m sorry. It just… we were scared we would never have the chance.”

-*sighs* I’ll let it go this once- Gentle Snow sighed, -Besides, I’m too excited right now because i’m going to become a grandma!-

-That is if he plans on marrying her- Feather Scroll stated -Right son?-

“...I’m really worried to even try that.”

-Why son? Don’t you love Butterfly?-

-It’s Aki, isn’t it? She hasn’t given up on you. *groans* Honestly. She needs to learn to let it go- Gentle Snow sighed, -And… I’m really sorry for what’s happened to Butterfly and her friends.-

“Yea… I know.” he sighed.

-So… how many kids does Butterfly have with her? What are their genders? Are there names picked out yet?- Gentle Snow asked next.

“Twins, a colt and a filly, and their names are going to be Kaito Breeze and Snow Angel,” Silver Hawk answered in order.

-Kaito. Why does that sound familiar?- Feather Scroll wondered.

-Wasn’t that the name of Butterfly’s imaginary friend?-

“Tree Spirit, technically,” Silver Hawk corrected, “...he’s by where her mom and dad are buried. Butterfly-chan wanted to honor him.”

-Aw~ What a dear- Gentle Snow smiled softly -...and I’m really sorry about what happened to her father and mother. I could only imagine how excited they would be.-

“I know.”

-Also… uh… can we talk with Butterfly for a moment?- Feather Scroll asked.

“...Sure. I’ll bring the phone to her,” Silver Hawk nodded as he walked upstairs and knocked on the door, “Shy-Tenshi, can I come in?”

“Hai~” she responded.

With that, Silver Hawk opened the door and walked in, seeing Fluttershy lying on her bed, wearing a gentle green nightgown.

“My parents would like to talk to you,” Silver Hawk explained as he walked over to the bed and handed her the phone.

“Alright.” she nodded, taking the phone, “Moshi-moshi?”

-Hello, Buttterfly- Gentle Snow was the first to greet her.

“Gentle Snow-chan, it’s nice to hear from you again.”

-Same here, dear. Ooh I wish I can see you right now- Gentle Snow giggled.

“...how have you and Feather Scroll been?”

-Oh we’ve been doing fine, dear… and we recently found out that you’re expecting- Gentle Snow explained.

“It’s exciting and nervous. I think Pinkie would call it ‘nervicited’.” Fluttershy giggled.

-Oh I know that feeling. When I was pregnant with Silver Hawk, I was so excited and nervous, I didn’t know how to act- Gentle Snow giggled.

“...but I’m also scared for their safety. I’m sure Silver-kun has told you about what happened to cause us to leave Neighpon?”

-He told us everything before you all left Neighpon… especially the part about Aki and those threat letters- Gentle Snow frowned before calming down, -How’s Timid been?-

“She’s good. She’s asleep right now, my itoko-chan is watching her and her pets. I swear I always see Timid asleep with Yuki and Peaches.”

-That’s Timid for you. She always loves sleeping with her pets- Gentle Snow smiled gently.

-Ano, dear?-

-Oh right. I apologize dear. Here you go- Gentle Snow said as she handed her husband the phone.

“Is something wrong, Mr. Feather Scroll?”

-Nothing. I just want to make sure my son is taking good care of you, Butterfly-

“He is. He’s such a gentleman,” Fluttershy smiled, causing silver to blush a little.

-That’s the way we raised him- Feather Scroll stated -We told him if he ever found himself a marefriend, he should treat her like a lady-

“He does. He’s so nice… I’m glad that I’m his marefriend.” Fluttershy giggled, “Hey uh… can I ask you two something?”

-Sure- they nodded.

“...would it be alright if I called you two… ‘Okaa-san’ and ‘Otou-san’?”

-...Of course dear- Gentle Snow smiled.

-We don’t mind at all- Feather Scroll added.

“Alright. I’ll talk to you two later, Okaa-san, Otou-san,” Fluttershy smiled as she hung up.

“Wait wait… and she hung up,” a male pegasus sighed, his fur a deep ice blue color with his mane a light yellow and was slicked back a bit. He currently wore a brown dress jacket on top of a dark grey dress shirt and a pair of black pantes.

“So… you couldn’t tell her about our ‘guest’?” a female pegasus sighed, said mare having a pure snow-white coat, almost like freshly fallen snow, and a soft pink mane with a yellow highlight in it. She wore a Sea-blue blouse and a gentle blue skirt.

“No.” he sighed, “Go make sure she’s alright, okay?”

“Hai,” she nodded as she headed off to another room, where an injured Tomoe was currently in, “...are you okay?”

“...why are you helping me? I’ve done nothing but torment your daughter and her friends…” Tomoe sighed, the filly having a black eye and her arm in a cast.

“Yes, but we believe ponies can change,” Gentle Snow stated with a soft smile, “So… you were saying your father and sister were doing what now?”

“...they have an agent amongst the guards in the Crystal Empire. You’ve heard about Princess Cadance expecting, right?”

“Why yes, dear. Why ask?”

“...Let me answer that with another question… do you recall when the Empress’ child disappeared?”

“...Oh no… you’re not saying,” Gentle Snow began, a look of horror growing on her face.

“Hai... they plan on stealing Cadance’s child, most likely to get Silver to marry Aki, and to make that Butterfly girl suffer.”

“Oh dear…” Gentle Snow gulped, “Dear, can you call them back up? We need to warn them,”

However, before anything else could happen, the power went out.

“...H-hello?” Tomoe whimpered as utter silence fell upon the room, “I-is anypony still there?”

“Tomoe, can you see me?” Gentle Snow asked.

“N-no. It’s too dark in here… t-too… dark…” Tomoe whimpered in pure fear.

She felt a hand take her, and she screamed and began to hit the pony.

“Ow… ow… Tomoe, it’s me!” Gentle Snow told her.

“...I-I’m so sorry. It’s just…” Tomoe began as she whimpered, “I’m… afraid of the dark.”

“Don’t worry… I’m here. You’ll be safe.” Gentle Snow assured.

A few weeks passed since that call, and it was a day or two after the birth of the child of Princess Cadence, Prince Lapis.

“He’s beautiful...don’t you agree, Shining?” Cadence asked her husband as she held a small colt with silver-white fur and a bluish colored mane.

“Yea, he is,” Shining Armor replied with a gentle smile, “Our son…”

“Yes… our beautiful son,” Cadence smiled as she hugged the currently sleeping foal, small tears of joy in her eyes, “I’m so happy he’s here.”

“Some day… I think I can do better with Twilight,” Flash Sentry smiled, being the guard assigned to the room at the moment.

“...I don’t think so,” Cadence giggled.

“Hmm? What do you mean?” Shining blinked at that.

“Oh nothing, dear,” Cadence waved him off with a light giggle.

Flash simply let out a quiet groan, thinking that Twilight was already seeing somepony else. He was about to speak before his phone went off.

“...I gotta take this,” the bright orange Pegasus informed as he walked out the door and answered his phone, “Hello?”

-Aki here. What’s up with the plan?-

“...The prince has been born. He’s currently resting in his mother’s ar-”

-Excellent. When they least suspect it, grab the little brat and grab the nearest boat out of there-

“...if I go through with this, you promise Twilight is all mine. Cadence sounded like she had somebody else. Who is that?”

-The cyan pegasus… what was her dumb name?-

“...Rainbow Dash? ...are you serious?!” Flash exclaimed.

“Is everything alright out there?” Shining Armor asked from the room.

“Everything’s okay, sir!” Flash replied before turning back to the phone, “Are you serious?”

-Yes Yes. Look… I don’t care what you do with that stupid Alicorn, just bring me the prince so I can have my negotiation item-

“...expand on this deal. I can even bring you Cadence.”

-...keep talking.-

“If I do that… you have to help me get Rainbow Dash out of the picture so Twilight will be mine.”

-...I’ll do you one better. Help me with this, and my father will make sure her other friends disappear in case she has feelings for them as well-

“Deal.” he smirked.

“So… how’s Lapis doing?” Dash asked Twilight, who had just gotten off the phone with her brother.

“He’s doing fine. He’s currently sleeping right now with his mother,” Twilight replied with a smile, “And my brother is still totally clueless about us.”

“You are evil,” Dash giggled.

“I know,” Twilight giggled, “...Oh! Anyword on Fluttershy and her soon to be born foals?”

“She’s doing fine. After Silver Hawk found out about them, he’s been helping her with anything she needs,” Rainbow Dash replied.

“That’s good to hear,” Twilight nodded, “Oh… and about the other thing… how has that girl adjusted to being a pegasus… uh… what was that name again…? Oh right, Sonata Dusk. How has she been?”

“Pretty good. Been helping her out with the basics and stuff...though she keeps asking for tacos afterwards and stuff,” Rainbow Dash replied, “She and Sunset are kind of close.”

“Raelly?”

“Yeah. Heck, it probably won’t be long until they’re going steady,” Rainbow shrugged, “But that’s just me.”

Twilight gave a shrug, “Anyway… Shining and Cadence are going to be coming over really soon. I hope the place looks nice before they come.”

“Twilight, knowing you, the place probably looks spotless,” Rainbow Dash chuckled a bit.

“...I have a feeling,” Twilight giggled.

“Espically after I spent the ENTIRE WEEK cleaning it!” Spike shouted, “Honestly… you spend the entire week watching hoofball, and you have to clean up the ENTIRE castle!”

“...I honestly worry she’d make a bigger mess…” Twilight admitted.

“Oh low blow, Twilight!” Rainbow laughed, “Eheh… well, at least it wasn’t one of Pinkie’s messes after she throws one of her parties.”

“Or one of her stupid confetti cannons… I swear I still find those things. And I don’t know what motivated Pinkie to put one in the BATHROOM!” Spike shouted.

“...OH yeah!” Rainbow laughed, “I remember that day! You screamed like a girl, Spike!”

“It wasn’t funny!” Spike barked.

“You’re right… it was hilarious!” Rainbow laughed as she fell on the floor.

“...it’s still stupid you posted that on the INTERNET!” Spike responded.

“Now now, you two,” Twilight giggled a bit as she got between them, “Let’s not blow this out of proportion.”

“...Ugh….fine,” Spike groaned as he left the area, “I’m going to go visit Rarity and see if she needs anything.”

“Have a safe trip,” Twilight waved.

“Kaito-san… Snow-san… how are you?” Fluttershy asked as she was eating breakfast, the shy pinkette looking down at her now larger stomach.

She felt small kicks, causing her to gasp a bit.

“Oh my… S-silver-kun! Come here!” Fluttershy called out to the snow-white pegasus in the next room before said pegasus dashed over quickly.

“Is everything alright, Shy-Tenshi?” Silver Hawk asked in concern.

“Just… come here…” Fluttershy motioned him to come over, Silver Hawk nodding as he did so before Fluttershy motioned to her stomach, “Now… feel.”

Silver nodded as he put his hand on Fluttershy’s stomach before he felt a small kick, Fluttershy giggling a bit in the process.

“So cute…” he smiled.

“Go ahead. Say something to them.”

“Okay,” Silver nodded as he moved in a bit closer to her stomach, “Hey there you two. It’s me… your tou-san. I’m waiting for you.”

Fluttershy giggled as she felt a few more kicks.

“They really want to meet their father,” the pale yellow pegasus giggled.

“You forgot one more person they can't’ wait to meet,” Silver chuckled a bit, “You, their beautiful mother.”

“S-silver-kun,” Fluttershy blushed.

“Ano… mind me asking something?” Timid asked as she walked over with Peaches, Yuki and Posey.

“..You may, Timid-chan,” Fluttershy nodded.

“...when you two get married… where are you going to raise them? Here in Equestria, or back in Neighpon?”

A silence fell the room, the two parents to be not knowing how to answer.

“...I… I haven’t even thought about that,” Fluttershy admitted.

“Me neither…” Silver Hawk agreed.

“Silver-kun, what’re we gonna do?” Fluttershy asked, worry evident in her voice, “I… I don’t want to leave Equestria, but I don’t want to keep you, Timid-chan, and Itoko away from Neighpon.”

“...I don’t know,” he sighed, “I...wish I had the answer, Shy-Tenshi.”

“Well… you could live in one place and visit the other.” Posey informed, “...but the question, what place is best to live in?”

“...I don’t know,” Fluttershy sighed sadly as small tears formed in her eyes, “I...I don’t want to leave me friends, but at the same time… I-I don't’ want to be away from Silver-kun.”

“Shy-Tenshi…” Silver Hawk whispered as he took her hands into his once more, “It’s true I miss home, but… if it means I might not see you again, or if you won’t be able to see your friends… then I’ll stay here in Equestria with you.”

“Onii-chan..” Timid gasped as she looked at her big brother, “Demo… what about your job?”

“I could always help out at the hospital here.”

Fluttershy blushed at this, rubbing tears out of her eyes for a moment.

“...I need to think about it.”

“...I understand,” Silver Hawk nodded as he stood up, “Come on, Timid...let’s give her some time to think. Posey-chan, mind helping me out with somethings?”

“...Okay,” Posey nodded.

Cadence and Lapis were already waiting for Shining to show up in the carriage that would take them to Ponyville. They would’ve taken the train, but it was being repaired due to an incident last week.

“...Come on Shining, what’s taking so long?” Cadence muttered, tapping her foot impatiently, “Normally you’d be done by now.”

“The prince ain’t coming,” a voice told her, as a thing of knock out gas was tossed into the carriage, causing Cadence to cough as she covered her son’s mouth, making sure he wouldn’t inhale any of the gas.

“Wh-what’s… ha…” was all Cadence could say before she fell unconscious.

“The child and princess are secure sir,” a ninja told Flash Sentry.

“Good job,” Flash nodded as he looked down at Cadence, “I’m sorry princess, but I need you so I can make Twilight mine. And no is not going t-’

“FLASH!” Shining's voice roared, causing the bright orange Pegasus’ eyes to widen as he saw the Captain of the royal guard charging towards him from the castle gate.

“..I thought you said you knocked him out!” Flash snapped at the ninja.

“Don’t worry,” the ninja assured, snapping his fingers, and causing about ten or twenty ninja to appear around Shining Armor, “Go. We shall keep him busy.”

“Flash, you-!” Shining began, anger evident in his voice before he summoned a shield to block the flurry of kunai and shuriken sent at him, “Get out of my way!”

However, more and more Ninja continued to appear, and weaken his shield a bit. During this, Flash was able to take Cadence and Lapis and get the heck out of dodge.

“I said get out of my way!!!” Shining roared as his horn glowed brightly, causing a large shield to appear and forced the ninjas out of the area. However, he was too late as Flash was gone with both Cadence and Lapis, “No. No… no…”

“Sir! Are you alright!?” a few of the guards, some being Crystal Ponies, asked as they ran up to him.

“...Block all possible escape routes, and make sure no boats leave the dock,” Shining armor ordered, “Send this out to Canterlot and Ponyville as well! I don’t want Flash Sentry to get away with my wife and son!”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

Aki and her father were soon on a boat to Equestria, the former being a bit disgusted at the idea of being there, but knowing it was so she could make Butterfly suffer, made her okay with it.

“...Ugh...how far until we get there, father? I want to be out of that backwater country as soon as we get what I want,” Aki stated with a slight huff.

“Now now, be patient, Aki. The sooner we meet our agent, the be-” Aki’s father began before he noticed what looked like guards standing at the dock, “...It seems the former captain of Celestia’s guard had anticipated this.”

The boat docked and a guard approached.

“State your business,” he ordered.

“We are simply some ponies who wish to see this land as it has now been opened up to us Neighponese…”

“...You may go,” the guard responded, as a ninja disguised as a servant helped move luggage off of the boat.

'Perhapes this will be easier than I expected,' Aki's father thought with a slight, hidden dark smirk as.

Author's Note

...Well that's not good. Things have gone from good to bad. Let's hope things get better in the next chapter.

Dawn's Mother?!

“...what happened to Cadence and Lapis?” Twilight’s eyes widened as she was talking to Shining Armor over the phone.

-They were captured… by Flash Sentry- Shining replied, trying his best to calm down -I already have guards out everywhere, and sent a message to Canterlot, and Ponyville. If anypony catches any sign of him, I’ll know-

“Alright. …*sighs* I can’t believe I even thought I liked him for half a second…” Twilight growled.

-...So you liked him once…- Shining Armor noted before sighing, -I should’ve seen it… all Flash thought about was you… though, Cadence thought it wasn’t real love. More like an obsession…-

“...I guess you have a point. Anyhow…” she began when somepony else called, “Oh hang on a sec. Another call,”

-...Alright. But if anything happens, or if you hear any word from Cadence and Lapis, let me know.-

“Right,” Twilight nodded as she changed calls, “Hello?”

-Are you… Princess Twilight?-

“Speaking,”

-Then… you know where Dawn Star is, correct?-

“...Why do you want to know?”

-Just tell me if she’s alright…-

“She is. Now again, why do you want to know?”

-...I’m a relative of hers.-

Twilight’s eyes slightly widened a bit at that before she calmed down, “...Continue.”

-Is she with you? And if so, can I come to your location?-

“...She’s in her room reading, so yes,” Twilight nodded, “We’re at the castle in Ponyville.”

-Excellent. I’ll see you soon.-

“Okay,” Twilight nodded as the voice hung up, “Dawn never mentioned any relatives… Dash!”

“Yea?” Rainbow responded as she poked her head in.

“If you don’t have anything to do today, mind staying here with me? I just received a call from a relative of Dawn’s, and she wants to see her.”

“Oh? That’s neat… I bet she’ll be kind of sad when she hears Dawn doesn’t remember her family at all.”

“Huh?”

“She told Scoots that she doesn’t remember her family. All she could remember was waking up in the orphanage seh and Quirky grew up in.”

Later that day, a pink unicorn mare knocked at the door, her mane done up in a small ponytail.

“Who is it?” Twilight’s voice asked.

“My name is Evening Radiance. I spoke with you on the phone earlier, Ms. Sparkle,” the unicorn answered.

“Oh… hold on,” Twilight replied as she opened the door, “Please, come in.”

Back in Neighpon, Empress Nova was in deep thought as she laid in her bed. If this Dawn Star really is who she thinks she is...then she had one thing to do...

“...Kasumi?” the empress spoke to a sky blue pegasus mare.

“Hai, Nova-sama?”

“Please help me gather my things,” Nova answered as she stood up, “I think I should pay Celestia’s student a visit.”

Back in Ponyville, Evening soon sat down in one of the main room, the unicorn looking around the place, before she was seated in a living room.

“So… who are you to Dawn Star?” Dash asked as she sat by Twilight, keeping a slight suspicious eye on her..

“I’m sorry, but forgive me for responding to a question with a question, but, who are you?”

“I’m Rainbow Dash, Twilight’s marefriend.”

“Oh?” Evening blinked a bit, “I was not aware Princess Twilight was one of those kinds of mares.”

“...yes, I am. And along with Dawn Star, we have another filly under our care. But… again, I ask, who are you to Dawn Star?” Twilight responded.

“...I am Dawn Star’s mother.” she informed.

Silence fell over the room, Twilight looking at Evening with wide eyes, but Rainbow Dash glared at her.

“...You have some nerve abandoning your daughter, lady!” Rainbow growled.

“Dash, calm d-”

“No! Does she have any idea what Dawn’s been through back in Neighpon?!” Rainbow dash argued, “She was objected to a witch hunt because she was an Alicorn!”

“G-gomen nasai…” she responded, getting on her knees, “I just couldn’t afford to raise her… me and my husband lost our jobs, our home… nopony would take us in… I-I couldn’t let Dawn be raised as a homeless pony, so I had to give her up.”

“...but that doesn’t explain how Dawn lost her memory,” Twilight informed.

“She… what?”

“...Dawn doesn’t remember her family at all. All she can remember about anypony who’s biologically related to her is that her mom’s name is ‘Evening something’,” Rainbow dash explained.

“....I see,” Evening noted as she stood up, “Please… excuse me for a moment.”

“Go ahead,” Twilight nodded as Evening Radiance left with the alicorn turning to Rainbow, “You didn’t have to be so rude.”

“I know, but… I was so mad that she left her daughter and stuff,” Rainbow Dash sighed before blinking, “...Wait… something doesn’t feel right.”

“...Rainbow. Please… let’s just let her talk, and maybe help Dawn remember her mother.” Twilight told her, making Dash remain quiet for a moment.

“Hey Dawn, Scootaloo, can you two come here a moment?” Dash asked.

-How’s it going?- a male voice asked Evening on her phone.

“Good so far. They think I’m that Alicorn filly’s mother,” Evening replied with a slight smirk, “I’ll be leaving with our ‘little girl’ soon.”

“My… mother?” Dawn blinked in surprise.

“She wants to talk with you… we don’t know what she wants to talk about, but promise us you’ll hear her out?” Twilight asked.

“...I’ll hear her out,” Dawn replied after a moment of silence, “So… Evening Radiance was her name. Heh… I was right about her name… part of it, anyway.”

Evening walked back over before gasping at Dawn, tears about to fall from her eyes.

“Dawn… i-is that really you?” Evening asked, her voice a bit strained as she held back a sob.

“...hai,” Dawn nodded, dropping her jacket down, “...why did you leave me?”

“...Dawn, I… I wish I could’ve kept you, but me and your father were broke. We…” Evening paused as she choked back another sob, “We were homeless.”

“...and my memory?”

“...I honestly wish I could answer that.” she admitted, rubbing a tear away from her eye, “Uh… can I have a moment alone with my daughter?”

“...Sure th-” Twilight began.

“Hold on…” Scootaloo spoke up, giving Evening a suspicious look, “If you’re really Dawn’s mom… then what’s her father’s name?”

“Easy. It’s Dusk Cloud.”

“Dawn?” Scootaloo responded as she looked at her adoptive sister.

“...I can’t verify it. I’ve told you all… all I remember about my family is that my mom’s name is ‘Evening something’.”

“...let’s give them their space,” Twilight told the two pegasi, actually dragging them away by their ears.

“Ow ow! Okay, Twi!” Rainbow winced as the Alicorn dragged her and Scootaloo off, “Just easy on the ear!”

With that, the door was closed, leaving only Dawn and her mother in the room.

“...I… I have so many questions… and I know you have answers…” Dawn responded nervously, “...well, some anyway. ...but… are you really my mother? I... I can’t remember anypony who-”

Suddenly, Evening’s horn began to glow and touched Dawn’s forehead, the filly was about to gasp, but a relaxing wave flowed over her. Her eyes became sort of glossed over, just being a pale blue and white.

“...Okaa-san…” Dawn smiled as she hugged Evening.

“Yes Dear… it’s me,” Evening nodded as she rubbed her head, a small unnoticeable smirk on her face, “We have so much catching up to do…”

“Where’s Dawn?” Scootaloo asked later that night seeing her sister was gone.

“...uh… she went home with her mother,” Twilight informed.

“What?!” Scootaloo gasped as she looked at her with wide eyes, “You… You just let her go like that?!”

“We tried to keep her here. She threw a wild tantrum… a-”

“Dawn would never do something like that!” Scootaloo argued.

“She hasn’t known her family… she just wanted to go with her mother. But… we don’t know where they live so we can visit,” Rainbow sighed a bit.

“But… but…”

Before anypony could say anything else, a knock came from the front door.

“Huh? Who could that be at this time of night?” Twilight pondered as she walked towards the door, Rainbow staying near her just in case, “Hello?”

“...may you open up, Princess Twilight Sparkle?” a regal voice asked.

Twilight was a bit confused and hesitant at first, but she slowly opened up the door to see the Empress of Neighpon standing there.

“...aren’t you…” Twilight began in surprise.

“I am. Watashi wa Evening Nova, Empress of Neighpon,” the unicorn bowed slightly, “May I please come in? I wish to speak to you about the Alicorn filly in your care… Dawn Star.”

“...Oka-”

“Hold up,” Rainbow spoke in slight suspicion, “Why do you want to talk about Dawn?”

“...Please, it’s important I talk to you about her.”

“...Try and find her mother. That’s all we can really tell you at this point,” Twilight responded.

“...I beg your pardon?”

“Dawn’s mother came by earlier today, and left about an hour or so ago,” Twilight explained.

“...But… that’s impossible,” Nova gasped with wide eyes.

“Huh?” Twilight and Rainbow blinked at that.

“Why’s that?” Dash inquired.

“...This...might be hard to explain but… I’m Dawn Star’s mother,” Nova replied, causing Twilight and Rainbow’s eyes to widen in surprise.

“So… how did it go?” a certain pegasus stallion asked as Evening and Dawn arrived at a cave somewhere in the Everfree Forest.

“I got the filly,” she informed.

“Otou-san…” Dawn smiled as she looked at Flash.

“Good,” the bright orange pegasus nodded, “And Twilight and… Rainbow don’t suspect a thing?”

“Did run into a few small snags with that annoying rainbowette, but nothing I couldn’t dance my way around.” Evening informed before dropping an illusion spell and turning into Aki, “It was a piece of cake actually.”

“Okaa-san… Otou-san… are those bad ponies going to do anything to me again?” Dawn asked.

“No Dawn… no they’re not. You dont’ have to worry about those nasty ponies ever again,” Aki assured her, “Just relax, okay?”

“Okay,” Dawn nodded.

“So, whoever took Dawn earlier wasn’t actually her mother?” Scootaloo gawked.

“No…” Rainbow sighed before hitting her fist against the wall, “Ugh! I should’ve kept a close eye on them!”

“Don’t blame yourself, Rainbow… I was the one who escorted us all out of the room…” Twilight responded before turning to Empress Nova, “...so… why did you leave Dawn?”

“...I didn’t,” Nova sighed, “She… was stolen from me.”

“What?” Twilight blinked.

“On the night she was born...she was taken from me,” Nova explained as small tears formed in her eyes, “I… I thought I’d never see her again… but when Celestia told me about her… I… I was so happy. I...I wanted to see my daughter but…” she paused as she wiped the tears from her eyes, “It seems she was taken from me once more…”

“...We are so sorry,” Twilight apologized, “...now we have another search and rescue mission to deal with.”

“What do you mean?”

“My sister-in-law and her newborn son were taken as well,” Twilight explained, causing Nova’s eyes to widen, “My brother sent out a search party to find them.”

“...it might be the same ponies.”

“First we had that stupid Aki, then we had Flash make off with Cadence and Lapis, and now this? Ugh… when can we ever have a normal day?” Rainbow Dash groaned.

“Twilight, Rainbow! We have news!” Posey informed as she ran in alongside Timid with Silver Hawk and Fluttershy following them, “Aki is going to take Dawn Star captive!”

“...that was Aki earlier?” Twilight gasped.

“You gotta be kidding me! She’s here too?!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“But… that’s impossible. How… could…” Twilight began as it dawned on her, “...that pony from before… it was her. She used illusion magic to trick us!”

“Why do those spells even exist?” Dash wondered.

“Shinobi invented them,” Posey informed, “It was to trick their enemies so they could get the upperhand, or make a quick escape.”

“...I’m gonna go get Applejack,” Rainbow stated as she flew up, “I’m not letting that manipulative witch get away with this!”

Soon, most of the Mane 6 had gathered… but there was a head missing.

“Where’s Sunset?” Twilight asked.

“She’s busy with a friend,” Posey sighed, “...We can’t worry about her right now. We need to come up with a plan.”

“Good idea,” Twilight nodded.

“Um, Twilight dear?” Rarity spoke up, “Are you sure it’s okay to leave Fluttershy, Silver, and Timid alone back at your place, especially with Aki running around?”

“I’ve assigned Spike and every guard I have at my castle to protect them. And the Empress is with them as well, so I doubt Aki would try anything with her there,” Twilight explained, “But right now, we need to focus on finding Dawn.”

“Right,” everypony nodded.

Meanwhile, unknown to the Mane 6 at the time, somepony happened to be flying above the Everfree Forest, and saw Aki walking with Dawn and slowly followed them…

Romance in Captivation

“Okaa-san, lookie here,” Dawn giggled, showing a cell phone with a video pulled up, “It’s a reveal trailer for a new game! Can I get it when it comes out, pretty please?”

“...I’ll think about it,” Aki shrugged, not really caring.

“Yay!” Dawn giggled, “So… ‘Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice’ sounds promising…”

“Yes yes, it does,” Aki nodded, not caring still as Dawn Star walked off, “...honestly, why did I give her that phone again?”

“So she’d have something to do that isn’t distracting us, nor messing with the hostages,” Flash reminded.

“Ahh… right,” Aki nodded, “Speaking of hostages, how’s the princess and her little brat?”

“The brat was crying like crazy… I put him and his mother into a magic proof cage to at least make sure they’d be together and stay silent.”

“Good. I dont’ think I could take that little brat crying any longer,” Aki stated

“Just remember our deal. You help me get with Twilight by removing Rainbow Dash and the rest of her friends fm the picture, got it?”

“Yes yes, I got it,” Aki waved him off, “Just as long as I can make Losershy suffer and make Silver Hawk mine.”

“Mind me asking how you can get the kids of her’s out of the picture?”

“....”

“...You didn’t think about that, did you?”

“I did. I just don’t want to spoil it…” she smirked, “Now why don’t you make yourself useful and check on the hostages?”

He nodded and walked over to another part of the cave, where Lapis and Cadence were sitting in a cage that had a magical aura around it, which prevented the use of magic on either side of it.

“...Flash… it’s not too late to stop this…” Cadence said she gave him a sad look, “You don’t have to go through with this.”

“...I’m sorry, but I’m not backing out of this now… as long as I can be with Twilight, and Aki can be with who she wants… then I’ll be happy,” Flash stated.

“...What happened to that loyal guard who used to be Shining’s friend? You’re turning out as rotten as your dad did. At least he had the decency of not kidnapping Sunset, even though he didn’t like her.”

“I’m not my father!” Flash snapped as she slammed his hands on the cage, startling Cadence, “I’m doing this out of love for Twilight! I don’t care who gets hurt in the process, I just want to be with her!”

“...Give it up. I don’t know what my husband, Celestia and Luna will do to you…” Cadence pleaded, “...I want to believe there is good in everypony, even if they are corrupted… just like my dad…”

“Oh yes. King Sombra…” Flash scoffed, “How does it feel knowing you had a hand in doing your own father in?”

“...I freed him from his suffering and let him go and be with mother again…” was all Cadence responded with.

“...I…”

“Is she still talking?” Aki scoffed as she walked in, “Honestly, I was starting to get bored after the ‘I still believe there’s good in everypony’ line. Tch, please..” she leaned in towards the cage, “Get real Princess. This is reality. there’s no ‘good’ in anypony. In the end, the only pony you can trust is yourself, and if anypony gets in your way, crush them into dust.”

“...Twilight told me you had a sister… Aki, was it?”

“Aki is my name, and I don’t have a sister,” Aki stated before scoffing a bit, “And if you’re referring to Tomoe… tch. My father tossed her out long ago.”

“...Why are you doing this?” Cadence asked, “All this… why do all this just to get back at Fluttershy?”

“Because she stole what was rightfully mine!” Aki snapped, “I want to see that stupid little wall flower suffer!”

“Do you think Silver Hawk would still want you after that?” Cadence rebuttled.

“Puh-lease. Once I rub that stupid pegasus out of his memory, he’ll be mine, all mine,” Aki smirked, “And don’t think I’m telling you what I did to Dawn Star, I’m to smart to do that.”

“...I see… the spell you used on her is a memory spell,” Cadence realized, making Aki frown, “Aki… even if you wipe Silver Hawk’s memories away, do you think he’ll still love you? You may be able to alter a pony’s memories, but you can never wipe away their feelings.”

“...In time, he’ll grow to love me,” Aki scoffed as she walked off, “As long as I have him and Losershy has nothing...I’ll be happy.”

“Rainbow, I’m really worried…” Twilight admitted as they walked, “...What if we don’t get to Dawn in time?”

“Don’t worry Twi,” Rainbow Dash assured as she wrapped her arm around Twilight’s shoulder, “We’ll find her. I’m sure of it.”

“...I’m worried to, but I know we’ll find her and bring our Dawnee back,” Quirky giggled.

“Yeah. I h-QUIRKY?!” Twilight gawked as she noticed the dark green filly following them, “What’re you… don’t you know how late it is?!”

“Dawnee is too important to me to just not help,” Quirky replied as she was suddenly dressed up as a female warrior, “I’ll even go down to the depths of Tartarus just to get my friend back!”

“But…” Twilight began before she sighed a bit, “Please tell me the other Crusaders aren’t involved in this.”

“....Okay, I won’t.”

Timid looked at Fluttershy, who was slowly eating at the moment.

“O-onee-chan?” the shy filly spoke up, getting the pale yellow pegasus’ attention, “I-I’m scared… I… I had really hoped… you know who didn’t follow us back here…”

“I know…” Fluttershy admitted, holding her stomach, “...Kaito and Snow are supposed to be due soon… so… I have that worry.”

“...I-I really hope Twilight-san-tachi find Dawn-chan,” Timid hoped.

Some guards simply remained by the group of four, with the Empress also being nearby.

“...I’m going to go and get some air…” the Empress told the three before turning to the guards, “Protect them.”

Some saluted while some nodded in response as the Empress of Neighpon walked out onto the balcony for some air.

However, a door outside was locked by a guard.

“Eh?” Silver Hawk blinked as a guard stood by him in a protective stand, “Nani?”

“Sorry… but our boss has plans…” a guard informed trying to hit the one protecting Silver Hawk.

“Shinobi…” Timid gawked.

“When did…” Fluttershy began with wide eyes.

“We will not hurt you… we just have come to deliver a message.” a ninja informed, as he took out a small machine.

-Hello there Losershy, my darling Silver Hawk, and… anyone else there- Aki began on the recording. -Did you miss me?-

“...Aki,” Silver frowned a bit.

-New life is a rather… interesting thing, is it not?- Aki continued, as she motioned for the camera to show Cadence and Lapis, -I’m sure Princess Cadence would agree with me.-

“...she is in cahoots with Flash…” Fluttershy growled.

-Now then… I-

-Hey Okaa-san, what are you doing?- Dawn’s voice asked, as she came on screen.

-Not now… here, take this and play with it.- Aki told Dawn, handing her a cellphone.

-Okay!- Dawn beamed as she ran off.

-Now then…- Aki began as she cleared her throat -let’s discuss business, shall we? I know Losershy is expecting… and I don’t like that. It pisses me off… or ticks me off, in the off hand chance there are little fillies, such as that Timid Birdbrain around.-

Timid whimpered a bit as she held onto Fluttershy, the older pegasus frowning as she glared at the recording.
-So here’s what’s going to happen… I will give back the Princess and her brat. And in exchange…- Aki began as her dark smirk was a replaced with a serious frown -Silver Hawk comes back with me to Neighpon. But before that… I’m giving my ninjas coordinates for Losershy to follow, and Silver Hawk will come, but nopony else.-

-Ahem…- Flash’s voice said, getting her attention.

-Oh right. My ninja will give that rainbowette, whatever her dumb name was, will give her a letter to come to the same area… alone. If I see anypony following either of you… well- Aki began as the dark smirk was back on her face, -I can’t guarantee the prince’s safety, nor can I assure Losershy’s unborn brats. See you soon.-

The message ended and a piece of paper was handed to Fluttershy by a ninja, with all of them disappearing.

“...I’ve always liked ninja… but now I’m scared of them…” Timid admitted.

“...Timid,” Fluttershy spoke up in a serious tone, “I want you to listen to me. Find Spike, and have him write a letter to the princesses.”

“But… but what if…” Timid began in worry.

“Please… just do what I ask of you. If Celestia’s not around… there is somepony else the Canterlot Guards would listen to.”

“...Sunset Shimmer?”

“Right.” Fluttershy nodded, “...just do what I tell you, stay out of harm's way… and get help.”

“...O-okay,” Timid nodded, “J-just please be careful, Onee-chan. I-I don’t want to lose you or Onii-chan.”

“...hopefully, you won’t,” Fluttershy said with a comforting smile.

“...Well, what’s it say?” Twilight asked.

“...They got everypony else in our group but Fluttershy and Sunset,” Rainbow answered with a frown, making Twilight’s eyes widen in shock, “And they want me to meet them… alone.”

“I won’t let you.”

“...Twilight… listen to me. Take Quirky and get her to Zecora… and then you hide yourself… you’ve studied ninja right?”

“...oh! I get it…” she realized, nodding.

“Good. Just promise me one more thing…” Rainbow began as she hugged her, “Be safe… okay?”

“Yea,” she nodded, “But you promise me something. You’ll come back to me… okay?”

“...Heh, don’t worry Twi,” Rainbow dash grinned as she separated the hug, “Like anything’s gonna happen to me. I’m one of the best fliers in all of Equestria, remember?”

“...but Flash has been trained by the military.”

“So have I.”

“Right… Wonderbolt Academy.”

“Yup,” Rainbow nodded as she flew up, “Just find someplace safe!”

“Hey wait!” Quirky shouted out, “How come I have to hide?!”

“You’re a kid. We don’t want any innocents to get hurt…” Twilight responded.

“...how did we get caught so easily?” Pinkie asked as she, AJ, Rarity and Posey were tied up together.

“Ya blew our stealth, that’s how,” Applejack sighed.

“...at least I understand why I’m in cage away from all of you…” Kota blinked, “...but still… that Flash guy is nuts. How do you all even know him?”

“...he was a friend… and one of my best guards,” Cadence informed with a sigh, “I honestly didn’t expect him to do something like this…”

“Okaa-san said to be quiet,” Dawn told them, before she looked over at Kota for a moment, “...Do I know you?” she asked in a whisper.

“Eh?” Kota blinked as he manage to hear that, “What do you mean, Dawn? It’s me, Kota. Ai’s big brother.”

“...Who?” Dawn tilted her head in confusion, causing Kota’s eyes to widen.

“Wait. How come she doesn’t remember Ai?” Pinkie asked, “She’s one of her best friends.”

“...you ponies don’t know when to shut up.” Aki groaned as she walked, “Flash, watch Dawn for a moment.”

“Got it,” Flash nodded slightly as he grabbed Dawn’s hand and walked off with her.

“...Y’all did somethin’ t’ her, didnt’ you?” Applejack frowned at Aki.

“Wow… you southern ponies aren’t as dumb as you seem to be,” Aki giggled.

“Okay that was rude on so many levels!” Kota shouted.

“You be quiet. You’re lucky I’m letting you go after this is all over,” Aki stated before looking back at AJ and the others, “Anyways… yes. ‘Ah did somethin’ to Dawn Star’.”

“...Okay, that was just insulting right there,” Pinkie spoke up with a slight frown.

“Butt out, you pink doofus.” Aki responded.

“What do you even want with us?” Rarity asked.

“You are all leverage. Even if I warned that Twilight to stay away, she won’t once she learns I have you all, including that stupid tomboy, Rainbow… Blitz ...Dash...whatever her last name is.”

“Nickname, technically,” Pinkie informed.

“One more word from you, and I’m taping that mouth of yours shut,” Aki growled at her before looking at Posey, “So… how’s Losershy been?”

“Why would I tell you?” Posey growled.

“Because I want to see how she is… before I cause her heart to shatter,” Aki grinned in a cruel manner.

“You’re worse than a Changeling and a Siren put together. You lack love…” Cadence told Aki.

“So? That doesn’t change the fact I want to make Silver Hawk mine. One of the best doctors in Neighpon? How can I not pass that up?”

“...what are you going to do to us?” Applejack demanded.

“...if you must know…” Aki sighed, as she reached for something, turning out to be a gun, “Flash and I struck a deal. If he got me Cadence and her brat, I would get any possible love interest for that stupid violet alicorn out of the way. And that includes all of you, especially that stupid tomboy.”

“...I’ve hardly known Twilight…” Posey reminded.

“I was not addressing you,” Aki clarified.

“...you seriously take us all to be those kinds of mares?” Rarity asked with a disgusted look on her face.

“I know from my ninja You…” Aki began as she pointed at Rarity, “Had a slight crush on Losershy before Silver Hawk ‘stole’ her from you.”

“She’s got you there,” Pinkie whispered.

“Who’s side are you on?” Rarity hissed.

“The pinkette… eh, she’s either. Better safe than sorry,” Aki shrugged before turning to Applejack, “...you… are the least among threats. What stupid pony in their right mind would fall for you? You’re nothing but some stupid kid who grew up on a farm.”

“...you…” Applejack growled.

“Oh. I’m not done,” Aki smirked as she rubbed her gun a bit, “But first, you all probably think that once i’m done with you, that Celestia and Luna wont’ notice you gone..right?”

“...They’ll find out eventually,” Rarity frowned at her.

“I have my ways,” Aki chuckled.

“...ya’ll never get away with this.” Applejack growled.

“I. Will. Maybe I should shut your dumb trap up… you stupid, redneck, country, apple loving hick,” Aki grinned as she aimed her gun at AJ, “You should’ve stayed away and been a prim and proper pony in Manehatten. Maybe then you would be half decent.”

“...shut. Up.” Kota growled.

“Oh?” Aki raised a slight brow as she turned towards him, “Are you defending her?”

“I am. Because you know what…? I’ve never met a better pony in all of my life!” Kota told her, “She’s amazing… more than you could ever think. She’s beautiful, kind, hard-working, loyal, honest, she cares for others, you can depend on her, She’s… she’s just amazing!”

“Kota…” Applejack whispered, an apparent blush on her face.

“...Oh yeah. I forgot you grew up on a farm too,” Aki scoffed a bit, “You two deserve eachother, because you both grew up in the mud.”

“...we both struggled to raise younger sisters without our parents… we both worked long hours to make sure bread could be on the table… we both were there for our family, no matter what. How can you compare ponies like me and Applejack to dirt?!”

“...Actually, I take it back. You two are lower than dirt, because that’s where Alicorns belong. You two belong with the bugs,” Aki scowled as she aimed her gun at him.

“...if this is it for me… Applejack… I want to tell you something…” Kota sighed, “...I love you.”

Applejack’s eyes widen at that as a heavy blush formed on her face.

“...You two farm ponies aren’t worth it. Yet anyway…” Aki stated, rolling her eyes as she opened up the cage and tossed Applejack in it, “Here. Enjoy your last moments together.”

With that, Aki left, leaving the captive ponies there to sit.

“...Do ya… really mean it?” Applejack asked, the blush still on her face as she looked at him, “A-all those things ya’ll said about me?”

“Every word. You are the most amazing mare in all of Equnia. And if these really are my last moments… then…” Kota began, a blush forming on his face as he smiled at her, “I’m glad...it’s with you.”

“...aww,” Rarity and Pinkie smiled.

“...well…If this is mah last moments as well…” Applejack began as she smiled softly at him, “Ah’m glad it’s wit’ you too, Kota.”

“A tenshi sent from above…” Kota smiled softly.

“A real gentleman…” Applejack smiled back.

The two leaned forward and kissed, their hearts seemingly beat as one as they kissed.

Demands

“So… they’re in danger?” Sunset blinked.

“Hai. O-Onee-chan had me have Spike-san t-to send a letter to Celestia-hime and Luna-hime. Demo… if that didn’t work, then I would try you, S-Sunset-san.”

“I get you.” Sunset nodded, looking at a note that had all of the info that Timid knew about the situation, “You can relax now…”

“B-but,”

Suddenly, a soft voice began to sing. Timid could hear this voice and was slowly lulled to sleep.

“N-na...ni…” was all Timid could say before the shy filly fell asleep, Sunset catching her before she could hit the floor.

Dash looked rather nervous as she slowly approached the area where she was supposed to meet the foalnapper.

“...where are you?!” Dash demanded in anger, “Show yourself! Or are you too much of a coward to do that!”

“....You…” Flash’s voice spoke as he walked out of the shadows.

“...tch. Why do this?” Dash inquired.

However, Flash did not respond as he hit Dash, the tomboy just standing there in place as she slowly turned back to him and spat out the blood in her mouth.

“That all you got...coward?” Dash frowned. She was kicked close to her chest, “...”

“That good enough,” Flash frowned, his foot inches away from Rainbow Dash’s chest, “Thief?”

“...Look who’s talking!” Rainbow dash shouted as she grabbed his leg and tossed him into a tree, his back slamming right into it.

“Gh!” Flash winced from the blow before he got up and charged at the tomboy, the bright orange pegasus throwing punch after punch at Rainbow Dash, who easily dodged each blow, “Grrr! Stand still!”

“...you called me a thief.” Dash blinked, evading his punches, “...why?”

“Because you stole Twilight from me!” Flash yelled, “She was mine, and you stole her from me, you stupid tomboy bitch!”

Dash caughted a punch and pinned Flash down to the ground, “How long have you known Twilight? Couple months, at best?”

“Years… I met her when I was about Dawn Star’s age.”

“I may not have known her as long as you… but I wouldn’t throw my morals away…”

“...What would you… know about morals!” Flash snapped as he grabbed some dirt and threw it into Rainbow’s eyes.

“Gah!” Rainbow winced as she got off him and rubbed the dirt out of her eyes, “That was a cheap trick!”

He simply did a couple punches, with Dash not being able to defend herself due to not being able to see him.

“...Otou-san… will he be alright?” Dawn asked Aki.

“I’m sure he will, Dawn,” Aki assured her, rubbing the filly’s head as a small, unnoticeable grin grew on her face, ‘Besides, I’ve got a back up plan in case Flash ends up losing.’

Unknown to her, a female ninja was observing her and Dawn, this ninja remaining completely still as she hid in the shadows.

Flash began to toss shurikens at Dash, the tomboy flying up into the sky to evade them as she flew down and delivered a spin kick to Flash’s head, sending him spinning in the air for a few seconds before he landed, arming himself with more shurikens and kunai.

‘...hope that move that was in that ninja manga Timid showed me will work,’ Dash thought as she watched Flash throw them, “Ninja… GO~!”

She then began to spin, actually creating a rainbow colored vortex around her. The vortex then moved towards Flash, who tried to defend himself before he was caught up in it and was sent flying straight through a nearby tree, causing a few splinters to fly out.

Dash continued to spin in this vortex for a moment before she slowed down and came to a stop, panting as she stared at Flash Sentry, who tried his best to get back up.

“St-stay down, Flash…” the rainbowette panted, “You… you can’t… beat me….”

Flash then lost consciousness with the rainbowette giving a small smirk.

“Heh… guess you need to go back to boot camp,” Rainbow joked a bit as she looked at the cave behind her, “Now… time to go rescue Dawn and th-”

“OTOU-SAN!” Dawn Star shouted out, running forward and hitting Rainbow with a magic blast, “You’re gonna pay for this!”

“Gh!” Rainbow winced from the hit as she managed to skid to a halt, the blast having burnt the front of her shirt, “Dawn… what the heck?”

“Otou-san…” Dawn said in worry, going over to Flash, “Otou-san, Daijoubu!?”

“Dawn… what’s wrong with you?!” Rainbow shouted, “Flash isn’t your father! He-”

“Shut up… Shut up…” Dawn whimpered as her horn glowed brightly, “SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Rainbow’s eyes widened as a large blast of magic engulfed the area, blowing the tomboy and various trees away.

“What. Was. That?” Rarity gasped as the group saw a bright flash outside.

“Alicorn Magic Explosion. Get an alicorn upset enough… that happens.” Aki smirked, “Not what I planned, but it works.”

“You dirty…” Posey growled.

“You’re not in the position to make threats,” Aki smirked as she flicked Posey on the head, “I hold all the cards, so to speak.”

Quirky was able to see the explosion and slip away from Zecora to go and see what had happened.

“Dawnee…” Quirky whispered before she hightailed it to the source of the bright light, “Don’t worry, Dawnee! I’m coming to save you!”

“That’s what you get for hurting Otou-san!” Dawn growled, stomping on Dash’s back.

“Snap… out of it…Dawn…” Rainbow Dash said weakly her body badly injured as blood dripped from her mouth and head, “I… don’t know what… Aki did to you, but… you… gotta snap out of it.”

“Shut up!” Dawn shouted, however, before she could hurt her further, Aki walked out.

“That’s good enough dear.”

“I did… good, right?”

“Very good. Now you can rest.”

“Okay…” Dawn smiled before she fell asleep, hitting the floor.

“You… bitch…” Dash growled weakly as she managed to glare at Aki, “What… did you do… to Dawn Star?”

Aki just ignored her and put her in the cave, tying Dash up with chains.

“Dawnee!” Quirky shouted, running out to try and find Dawn, “Dawnne, where are you?! It’s me, Quirky! DAWNEEE!!!!!”

Dawn woke up, hearing the voice. With Aki currently busy with matters that she was told to not ask about, Dawn slowly walked out and saw the dark green filly.

“Dawnee! Dawnee, where are you?!” Quirky called out.

“...Ano, hello?” Dawn spoke up, catching the dark green filly’s attention.

“*GASP!* Dawnee!” Quirky beamed as she ran up to her and hugged her tightly, “I found you! Ohh~ I’m SOOOOO happy that I f-”

“G-get off me you crazy green pony!” Dawn shouted, shoving Quirky off of her.

“Eh?”

“...her…” Aki groaned, “It’s another bad pony. Go on… get her.”

“Hai, Okaa-san,” Dawn nodded, charging forward, summoning magical energy claws.

“D-Dawnee?” Quirky whispered as she jumped back from Dawn’s attempted slash, “I-it’s me, Quirky. Don’t… you recognize me?”

“All I know is that you’re a bad pony!” Dawn shouted.

“...B-bad?” Quirky whimpered, her hair seemingly lost its puffiness as it straightened out.

“Aki did something to her! That’s not actually Dawn Star speaking!” Pinkie shouted, “We don’t know where Twilight is… so if there’s anypony who could bring the real Dawn Star back, it’s you!”

“...m-me… bad?” Quirky whimpered, tears in her eyes, as Dawn smacked her with the magical energy claw, sending her tumbling on the ground a bit, “...no. Don’t worry… I’ll bring you back, Dawnee!”

“Stop calling me that stupid name!” Dawn shouted, smacking Quirky again.

“No… That’s my name for you… because you’re my friend, Dawnee!” Quirky shouted, fighting back the tears in her eyes.

“I said stop calling me th-Kya!” Dawn screamed as Quirky forced her on the ground, “Get off me this instant!”

“I won’t let go. Listen… this isn’t you… this is me, your best friend… this is everything but true! Snap out of it!”

Dawn was able to toss Quirky off of her and strike her in her back. Quirky seemingly fainted and Dawn just flew away. However…

“RIDER KICK!” Quirky shouted, striking Dawn in the back with a frontal kick, “...I’m not going down that easily, Dawnee.”

“I… said… stop… calling me that!” Dawn snapped as she used her magic to bind Quirky’s arms and legs down to a tree. She then used her claws and sent energy waves out from them, however, Quirky was able to move and it shattered the binds.

“...never underestimate me.” Quirky smirked as she ran forward and hugged Dawn.

“Drop her from the sky,” Aki told Dawn, who nodded and took to the air.

“This is me, your best friend, but this isn’t you! This is everything but true right now… Dawnee! Please! Wake up!” Quirky shouted as Dawn lifted her into the air.

“I said shut up!”

“Ooh… what can I… oh!” Quirky gasped as she got an idea, the dark green filly moving her tail to Dawn’s feet and began to tickle them.

“Gh?!” Dawn froze mid-flight at this, the Alicorn filly’s eyes twitching a bit as she tried her best not to snicker, “St-stop that…”

“This is what made us friends… our little tickle games. Can’t you remember? We always played this whenever the other was sad and needed something to smile about!” Quirky told Dawn, “Come on Dawnee, smile!”

Dawn could see the memories, but the face of the dark green filly was almost scribbled out with a marker of sorts.

“St-stop that. S-teehee… seriously. Stop that,” Dawn tried her best not to laugh, but the smile that began to grow on her face proved otherwise. However, this, combined with the kick to the spot on her back where her wings would generate their flight magic caused Dawn’s wings to stop working, “Stop this… let me go!”

“I won’t let go until you remember me Dawnee! Please, remember!”

“I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know!” Dawn shouted as the two began to plummet to the land below, the falling duo above a river.

“Come on, Dawnee! I know you can remember everything! Your friends, your family… even your real mother!”

“M-my… real… mother?” Dawn’s eyes widened at that last part as an old memory began to appear in her head, the face of Evening Nova smiling down at her as a filly, “..M-mother… mom…”

The two hit the river and Quirky just held on tighter to her dear friend.

“Go find them,” Aki ordered the female ninja, who nodded and hurried off, “Grr… I’m not gonna let that stupid green filly ruin my plans...not when they’re this far ahead.”

Pinkie attempted to shout something back at her, but her mouth was taped shut at this moment, so all she could do was give out muffled yells.

“And you…” Aki began as she looked at the weakened Flash and kicked him, “You’re worthless!”

“Kicking somepony when they’re down… that’s just… wrong!” Rarity shouted.

“You want tape on your mouth too?!” Aki responded.

Rarity just shut up there.

“That’s what I thought.”

The female ninja was able to find both Dawn and Quirky, both of them soaking wet at the moment with Quirky still conscious, if barely.

“Daw...nee…” the dark green filly said weakly as she looked at Dawn, “Are...you...you again?”

Dawn was out cold, but Quirky could see what looked like a small smile on her face.

“Yes… I… did...i-” was all Quirky could say as she instantly fell asleep.

The female ninja picked the two up and carried them off to Aki’s cave, but making sure a trail could be left…

“...is that a trail?” Silver Hawk blinked as he and Fluttershy came across the same river Quirky and Dawn fell into.

“I think so,” Fluttershy guessed as she looked forward, seeing the trail go deeper into the forest, ”I think somepony wants us to follow it.”

Thus, they slowly began to follow it.

“Oh…” Fluttershy moaned, feeling her stomach get a bit upset, “...Please… just wait…it’ll be over soon…”

“Don’t worry…” Silver spoke as he took her hand into his, giving the shy mare a soft smile, “We’ll finish this before they're born… I promise.”

“Okay,” Fluttershy nodded, as they arrived at the cave, “...I’m scared…”

“Hold onto my hand, we’ll do this together,” Silver Hawk told her.

“...H-hai,” Fluttershy nodded as she held onto Silver Hawk’s hand.

With that, the two began to walk into the cave, Fluttershy staying near Silver Hawk as the two pegasi entered.

“Fluttershy!/Itoko-chan!”

“Girls!” Fluttershy gasped as she saw her friends tied up with Rainbow Dash in chains, the tomboy still injured after what happened with Dawn, “Oh no… Rainbow.”

“About time you two showed up,” Aki’s voice snorted, making the two look to see the Unicorn leaning against the cage Cadence and Lapis were in, “Hello again, Losershy.”

“...Let them go,” Silver Hawk growled as he gave her an angry scowl.

“Oh? Now why would I do that?” Aki asked as she walked towards him, “...Oh that’s right. The deal we made. I let them go, and you come back with me to Neighpon, darling.”

“Fat chance of that happening,” Fluttershy growled.

“You’re one to talk about, fatty,” Aki joked, causing Fluttershy and Silver Hawk to frown at her, “But enough talk. Time to get back to business,”

She then used magical chains and moved Fluttershy away from Silver Hawk, the shy pinkette screaming as the chains binded her to the wall.

“Butterfly-chan!” Silver Hawk shouted before shooting a glare at Aki, “Let her go, Aki!”

“Once you’re all mine, I will. There’s an easy way to this and a hard way to this. Only one of them will allow you to remember this little loser here.” Aki informed.

“...This wasn’t part of the deal, Aki,” Silver scowled.

“I half-lied,” she shrugged, “And since you’re going to be hard to get… hard way it is!”

With that, she ran up to him and pinned Silver Hawk to the ground before putting her horn against his forehead, said horn glowing.

“Silver-kun!” Fluttershy gasped.

“Now… you’re all mine,” Aki smirked before her eyes widened, “Wh-what?”

“Memory spells don’t always work,” the female ninja informed, “If somepony has a strong enough will… they can resist.”

“Wh… but… that’s impossible!” Aki shouted as she tried the spell again, only to get the same result, “This spell worked before! Why the tartarus isn’t it working?!”

Suddenly, Fluttershy was freed from her chains, as was Rainbow. Aki turned to see it was the female ninja.

“You damn traitor!” Aki growled.

“Oh… trust me,” the ninja began, before tossing off her gi, revealing herself to be Twilight, “I was never on your side. You made an enemy out of me the moment you began to target my friends!”

“Wh… but how did you…?!” Aki began in shock.

“It was simple, really,” Twilight began with a slight smirk, “One of your ninjas tried to blindside me, but I knocked them out with a sleeping spell. Then I took his outfit and… well, you can guess the rest.”

“...well, guess I need to fight fire with fire!” Aki growled, as Dawn walked over.

“Dawn Star…” Twilight gasped softly.

“Dawn, see her?” Aki motioned to Twilight, “She’s the nasty filthy Alicorn that tried to keep you from me… you know what we do with impurities like her, don’t we?”

“...They go bye-bye?” she blinked, “But… does that mean… I’m an… impurity?”

“No no, dear. You’re an exception,” Aki smiled before pointing at Twilight, “She isn’t.”

“Dawn, snap out of it. She’s not your real mother!” Twilight shouted.

“Don’t listen to her! She’s trying to feed you lies, Dawn!” Aki shouted to her daughter, “Listen to your mother and get rid of that impurity to Equina!”

Dawn held her head in pain, the filly falling to her knees as she began to whimper in pain. She saw her “mother” taking care of her, but Twilight in another memory. She didn't’ know why, but she felt… happier in the memory with Twilight.

“Dawn Star, you get off your knees right now and destroy that Alicorn this instant!” Aki ordered, “Good fillies obey their mothers! Bad fillies get disowned, much like your sister!”

“S-sister? …I.. don’t… have.... a…” Dawn managed to get out, the memories flooding into her head, “What am I… WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO REMEMBER?!”

“Dawn, look at me!” Twilight told her as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small gold medallion with the image of a star within a galaxy in it, “This...this belongs to your mother, your real mother.”

“...I know… that picture…” Dawn muttered, as Twilight tossed the medallion to her.

“Don’t listen to her! She’s just spouting nonsense!” Aki shouted as she attempted to catch the medallion, only to miss thanks to Silver Hawk holding her back as it landed in front of Dawn.

“...mom? This is… yours…” Dawn muttered, tears flooding her eyes, which slowly began to return to their normal form, “I… I recognize this…”

“Yes, Dawn. Like I said, it belongs to your real mother,” Twilight stated as a soft smile grew on her face, “She’s waiting for you now back at the castle.”

“Come on Dawnee!” Quirky shouted, “How can you forget those who helped you so much? How could you forget your best friends…? How could you forget the filly who loves you more than life itself!”

“...I ...I…” Dawn whimpered, her tears falling on teh medallion as she looked at it.

“Dawn Star so help me if you do not get rid of that Alicorn, I will personally drown you in the nearest river!” Aki shouted

“...I’m scared of water. My mother would know that…” she muttered as she got back up, sneaking the medallion into her back pocket and slowly walking forward, “I want my Okaa-san… I want my mom… I know where I belong,”

She stood right in between where Twilight and Quirky stood and where Aki was standing.

“Good girl. Get rid of that alicorn now!” Aki shouted.

“Dawn Star…”

“Dawnee no…”

Dawn Star charged up a magical energy punch, but then turned and fired it right at Aki, knocking her off of Silver Hawk.

“GAh!” Aki screamed in pain as she hit the cave wall, coughing up a bit of blood before she glared at Dawn, “Why you little… how?! How did you break my spell?!”

“...my real friends… my real family… helped me remember,” Dawn smiled, moving her mane out of her face, showing her eyes were now back to normal. She ran over to Twilight, giving her a quick hug, and then quickly planting a kiss on Quirky’s cheek.

“Dawn…” Twilight smiled.

“Dawnee, you’re back!” Quirky beamed as she hugged the filly.

“...good to have you back kid,” Rainbow smiled.

“...I’m so sorry… can you ever forgive me?” Dawn asked Rainbow, the Alicorn filly having ran up to the injured cyan pegasus.

“...Heh,” Rainbow managed to chuckle as she hugged her, “Of course I forgive you… you weren't yourself after all.”

Twilight and Dawn used their magic and freed everypony, who all smiled and hugged really quick.

“...You ready to give up now?” Twilight asked Aki.

“I will never give up! I won’t rest until Silver Hawk’s mine! He should be mine!” Aki barked as she began to stomp her foot on the ground, “He’s mine mine mine mine mine mine mine mine MINE!!!!!!!!”

She then pulled out her gun, blasted some rocks down, and injuring one of Fluttershy’s legs and wings.

“Butterfly-chan!/Itoko-chan!/Fluttershy!”

“Check. Mate!” Aki smirked.

There was a gun shot…

A scream…

And silence befell…

A life was taken…

Two unborn lives weren’t given life…

Miracles

Everypony gasped as Fluttershy’s lifeless body laid there.

“No… no… ITOKO-CHAN!” Posey screamed, rushing over to her cousin, “No… I can’t lose you too… no…”

“Her babies…” Pinkie whimpered.

“...I… I’LL MURDER YOU!” Dash screamed at Aki.

“Sh-she’s gone… eh...eheh…” Aki began as she began to break out into an insane laugh, “SHE’S FINALLY GONE! AAHAHAAHAHAAAHAAH!”

Twilight ran over and looked at the shot, it had hit Fluttershy in the right spot to kill her and her two unborn babies…

“No…” Twilight cried.

“Now Silver Hawk is all mine,now that she’s gone,” Aki smiled in an insane manner as she looked right at the Snow White Pegasus, "isn’t that right, darling?”

“...You… You…” Silver Hawk panted, his blood starting to boil as he pinned the unicorn against the cave walls, a look of pure rage and anger on his face, “YOU BITCH!”

“D-darling?” Aki gasped as fear replaced her insanity.

“GIVE HER BACK!” Silver roared, tears practically pouring down his cheeks as he began to hit the wall, “GIVE ME BACK MY TENSHI NOW!”

“...I’m your tenshi now,” Aki smiled.

“...We have a word for ponies like you Aki, and it is not ‘tenshi’.” Posey growled, “It’s ‘akuma’!”

“...D-devil?!” Aki growled as she glared at Posey, “You dare call me a Devil?!”

“You took an innocent life away, and you took two unborn babies lives!” Twilight shouted.

“All's fair in love and war, you Alicornbitch!” Aki growled before grinning, “And before I forget..” she managed to aim her gun at Rainbow, “I promised Flash I’d take that tomboy out of the picture… well I’ll do just th-” she couldn’t finish as her gun was forced out of her hand, “Hey!”

She looked to see it was an alicorn...correction, two Alicorns standing in the cave's entrance.

“Princess Celestia… Princess Luna…” Twilight gasped.

“Empress…” Dawn added as she saw the Empress of Neighpon with the two Equestrian princesses, along with Sunset, Shining Armor and the royal armies of both Canterlot and the Crystal Empire.

“I apologize for not arriving sooner, Twilight.” Celestia informed

“How did you know we were here?!” Aki demanded.

“A little birdie told us, and then a bigger birdie showed us the way,” Sunset informed as she motioned for a friend to come forward.

“Sonata?!” Twilight gasped.

“Hi Twilight,” Sonata waved, this pegasus being blue with a light blue mane and tail with a purple highlight in them, “Sorry our reunion is sorta like this, but I saw that Unicorn take that Alicorn filly with her and decided to give out the info to the princesses!”

“Wh… how… I…” Aki was at a lost for words.

“Akamizu Aki, you are under arrest,” Nova frowned.

“Wh… for what?!”

“For assisting in the kidnapping the princess and her son, assault, and murder,” Shining Armor frowned.

“What about Tomoe and my dad?!”

“Your father has already been put under arrest, but your younger sister was cleared of all charges upon investigation proved she was forced into whatever it was she did.” the empress informed.

“...Ha! You think I’ll stay behind bars?! I’ll just use my fa-”

“Your father’s company and assets are already frozen and inaccessible,” the empress informed.

“WHAT?!”

“...Take her to jail… and let that akuma rot,” Silver Hawk said bitterly as he walked over to Fluttershy and took her into his arms, “I will never forgive you for what you have done…”

“Wh….b….i… D-darling…” Aki whispered before teh guards handcuffed her and binded her in anti-magic chains and dragged her away.

“...Dawn, Quirky, can you two come with me for a moment? I think everypony here needs some space…” the empress requested, the two fillies nodding and soon following the Empress, leaving only the Mane 5, Sunset, Sonata, Silver Hawk, Celestia and Luna with Fluttershy.

“...Oh no. Is she…?” Sunset asked with Rarity nodding sadly.

“...Butterfly-chan… I… I’m sorry…” Silver Hawk whispered, tears rolling down his face as he held Fluttershy’s lifeless body in his arms, “I promised you everything was going to be okay… but… but… I failed. Kaito… Snow… I’m so sorry you couldn’t come out and live with us… even for just a minute…”

Dash began to cry with Twilight comforting her.

Pinkie whimpered as Applejack tried her best to hold her tears back.

Rarity sobbed as Sunset, Kota, and Sonata looked down sadly
…

…

…

Suddenly, a golden glow began to shine. Everypony looked and saw two white alicorns emerge from this white, the male wearing a white cape with some armor and the female wearing a bit more of a regal attire with golden boots of sorts.

“Eh?” every Equestrian Pony gawked.

“...it can’t be…” Silver Hawk gasped.

“The myths are true…” Twilight gawked.

“...Mother, Father, you’re here…” Celestia smiled.

Luna was about to say something, but she ended up turning away, a look of guilt on her face. She couldn't bare to face them after the whole Nightmare Moon Ordeal a few years ago.

“It’s good to see you two again, Tia, Lulu,” the female pony smiled.

“You two have grown so much,” the male smiled.

“The Ponies of the Beginning…” Silver Hawk whispered as Posey immedeatly bowed to the two beings before her, praying in her native laguage.

“...You two… you’re the ones who found our planet?” Twilight asked.

“Hai,” the male nodded, “You are Princess Twilight Sparkle, the bearer of the Element of Magic, Princess of Friendship, correct?”

“...Y-yes sir,” Twilight nodded slowly.

“We have known of you for some time now,” the female smiled.

“...That explains why my Cutie Mark is on the Tree of Harmony,” Twilight realized.

“Tia, Lulu… what did you need us for?” the male asked.

“...Father… I know you aren’t one to mess with the deceased… but…” Celestia began as she looked over at the lifeless body of Fluttershy, “Fluttershy, One of the Elements of Harmony… sh-she’s gone, along with her two unborn children.”

“If we had gotten to her in time...” Luna finally spoke, keeping her back to the two, “...She would still be alive…”

The female pony looked at her second born daughter before giving an annoyed sigh, “...Princess Luna Eclipse Kazuraba… turn around right now,” she told Luna.

“...I...do not deserve to gaze at thee, mother,” Luna sighed sadly, “I… caused terrible things when I was Nightmare Moon.”

“Luna… listen to me,” the female pony began as she walked up to Luna and turned her around, letting the moon princess see her face, “You were scared. You have made mistakes… everypony does. It’s important to move past them and get on with your life. I… made a royal blunder once…”

“Mother… I…” Luna began as tears began to form in her eyes, but she tried to force them back.

“...Strong ponies cry.”

“But… I am a princess, Mother. It… it is unlike a princess… to…” Luna paused as she choked back a sob, “To cry in front of her subjects…”

“I’ve cried in front of past subjects. Crying is nothing to be ashamed of Luna… it’s what makes ponies who they are…”

“...I ...I …” Luna paused the tears began to flow, “I could not even save one friend, mother… I… I’m a failure as a princess…”

“Don’t give me that,” the female pony stated as she wiped the tears from her daughter’s eyes, “You are amazing as a princess. The night sky you’ve help create is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen… you’ve come such a long way since you were a filly… my little angel of the night.”

“Mother…” Luna smiled, as they hugged and Luna finally allowed herself to cry.

Meanwhile, the male had turned to Rainbow Dash.

“...I feel like… I know you… but, we’ve never met before,” Rainbow admitted.

“A part of you has.”

‘Kouta-san...’ a voice in Dash’s head whispered.

The male took Dash’s hand, causing her eyes to turn a silver color.

“It’s good to see you again,” a male voice spoke from Rainbow.

“Eh? ...Rainbow?” Twilight gasped.

“It is good to see you again,” the male smiled.

“It is,” ‘Rainbow’ smiled

“Wait a moment… who are you?!” Twilight demanded.

“An old friend… who I reincarnated into your friend. Rainbow Cumulous Spectrum, correct?”

“....Y-yes. That’s her name.

“...gomen nasai. It’s just…I felt like I had to live once more…” ‘Rainbow’ informed, “...I don’t mean to be selfish,”

“He wanted a chance to live in a peaceful world.”

“...Peaceful? Rather lousy pony to be reincarnated into, seeing as Rainbow likes to get into fights from time to time.”

“In hindsight, I see that irony now.”

“I don’t mind…” ‘Rainbow’ chuckled, “...but if you want to know who I am, beyond a past version of the person you love, I’m… like a guardian angel, a conciousnes… basically, I’m there for Rainbow, even if she can’t see me,”

“...Lapis?” Twilight asked.

“...That is my name, yes,” ‘Rainbow’ nodded, “...Or rather, once was. Regardless… I give some personality to Rainbow in a small way. I give her a passion to protect others and follow moral standards, I give her the strength to help her protect those she cares for, I guide her through tough times… I’ll admit, the whole reason she even likes girls instead of boys is… kind of because of me, just kind of. But Rainbow… she’s separate from me at the same time. And her feelings for you, Miss Sparkle… are true.”

Twilight rubbed her eyes a bit before hugging her marefriend’s body.

“I’m glad I can be here to help keep peace… and Rainbow?”

‘Yea?’

“I’m always there if you need help.” he smiled, as Rainbow’s eyes returned to being magenta.

“I’m glad you found your spot in this world, Lapis-kun.” the male smiled as he turned to Silver Hawk and Fluttershy’s body, “Now… for the reason we were called here…”

Silver Hawk looked down sadly at the lifeless mare in his arms.

“...I know this might sound selfish, but… please…” the snow white pegasus began as he held back a small sob, “Please bring her back to me… my Tenshi... and our unborn children.”

The male and female exchanged a look, before the male guided his hand into the air, and seemed to do an unzippering motion, which caused a golden zipper to appear in the air and then open up.

Suddenly, out of it flew a golden spirit, being an outline of Fluttershy.

“Wow…” Fluttershy’s voice giggled, “So this is what it’s like to be a spirit.”

“Sh-Shy-tenshi?” Silver Hawk gasped in slight hope.

“Siver Hawk-kun… itoko-chan… minna,” she smiled, looking at them with a smile, she attempted to hug Silver Hawk, but simply phased right through him, “Oh. Right… dead.”

“Itoko-chan… you… are you okay?” Posey asked.

“...I am,” Fluttershy smiled sadly, “I really wish I can be with all of you, but… I’m glad the Ponies of the Beginning can let me be with you… one last time.”

“...Butterfly?” a voice asked as Fluttershy turned to see two more ponies emerge from the zipper, making her tear up.

“Okaa-san… Otou-san…” Fluttershy gasped, “I-It’s really you…”

“It is…” the male of the two nodded with a soft smile.

Fluttershy wasted no time and flew up to hug them, tears of joy flowing from her eyes as she hugged the two.

“I… I missed you both so much,” Fluttershy said tearfully.

“Lana-san… our baby girl… what… happened?” Passive Heart inquired.

“Yes… please tell us,” Lana Purity added.

“...Her life was taken by a pony… one who lost her sanity a long time ago,” the male Pony of the Beginning informed.

“That Aki girl? She never let go of Silver Hawk?” Lana asked.

“...Sadly no. Her obsession with him grew out of control… her dad only feeding fuel to the fire, and when she found out about your daughter was with child… any sanity she had left was gone. All that fueled her was revenge, and she wanted to achieve it by any means necessary,” the female Pony of the Beginning informed.

“Butterfly… are you alright?” her father asked.

“I am. But… as much as I want to see and be with you two again… *sighs* I can’t.” Fluttershy told them, turning to her friends, “I have too much to keep living for. My friends… my itoko-chan… Silver Hawk-kun… and my two children. I won’t deny them the gift of life…” she paused for a moment, looking to her mother, “Or the gift of having their mother.”

“....My little girl’s all grown up,” Fluttershy’s mother cried softly as she hugged her, “We love you, but please… don’t forget about us..”

“And that we’ll always be with you… in your heart,” Fluttershy’s father added, a gentle smile on his face as he joined the hug.

“And… remember one thing for me,” Fluttershy’s mother started, “Tsuyoki mono dake ga kitto, sekai mo hakanai negai mo mamoreru hazu to. (I’m sure the strong will be able to protect the world, and fleeting wishes there.)”

“...I will remember it. Okaa-san… Otou-san… I’ll miss you. See you again someday,” Fluttershy said with tears in her eyes as she hugged them.

The male Pony of the Beginning floated over to Posey and did something to her camera, before he snapped a picture of the moment between the three.

“So your camera could see them…” he informed with Posey looking to see the picture on her screen, which indeed had Fluttershy’s mom and dad seemingly alive and well in it.

“Butterfly-chan… you are somepony special. Go on… let’s give you your life back…” the female Pony of the Beginning smiled.

“Hai, Megami-sama,” Fluttershy nodded as she separated the hug with her parents, “Good bye… Okaa-san… Otou-san.”

They waved to her daughter, who rubbed tears out of her eyes as her spirit flew back to her body, with the two Ponies of the Beginning helping her back.

Everypony remained quiet as a faint glow covered Fluttershy’s body, which slowly caused her heart beat to come back…

Her eyes fluttered open, her gaze a bit blurry before it cleared, letting her see the surprised look on Silver Hawk’s face.

“Silver-kun…” the pale yellow pegasus smiled weakly.

“Sh-shy-tenshi…” Silver Hawk whispered, his tears coming back in full force as he hugged her, “You’re back… my… my Tenshi is back…”

“Silver Hawk… I love you…” Fluttershy smiled.

“...I..I love you too, Butterfly,” Silver Hawk smiled back, rubbing the tears out of his eyes as he looked into the shy pinkette’s eyes.

They then smiled, but before they could do anything more, Fluttershy looked up to the Ponies of the Beginning.

“Ano… can I… ask you two something?” The shy Pinkette asked.

“You may,” the female of the two nodded.

“I uh… had this Tree Spirit friend back in Neighpon, he lost his life during the war… can you… uh… bring him back?” Fluttershy asked.

The female took a moment to look at the male, considering the pinkette’s request for a moment.

“...Why of course,” the male nodded as he and the female closed their eyes, a faint glow coming off them.

Suddenly, the remains of the tree began to take life as it slowly was restored to it’s former glory.

“...Thank you, Butterfly… and you too… old friend,” a male voice smiled.

“Mother… Father… thank you so much,” Celestia smiled, as the four hugged.

“It was no problem, Tia,” the female smiled gently before she and the male began to fade in and out, “...It seems our time here is almost done.”

“No… mother. We… we just got to see you and father again,” Luna said sadly.

“We can only allow ourselves to stay here so long. We promise to see you both again in the near future.” their father assured.

“Mommy… Daddy…” Celestia whimpered like a young filly, tears forming in her eyes before she wiped them away, a small sad smile on her face, “We will make sure your next visit is on better terms…”

“We can’t wait for it,” their mother smiled.

“See you two soon…” their father smiled.

“Our little Angel of the Night,”

“And our little Sun Princess.”

“Farewell…” Luna began sadly as the Ponies of the Beginning faded from view, “Mother… Father...”

“See you soon… Mommy, Daddy,” Celestia added, the two ponies now out of sight.

“...Tia… I miss them already…” Luna sighed.

“So do I…” Celestia added.

Silence befell the area for a short while until…

“WAGH~!” Fluttershy screamed in pain.

“Ahh!” Pinkie and Quirky yelped in surprise from the sudden yell.

“Butterfly-chan, what’s wrong?” Silver Hawk asked the pale yellow mare in worry.

She couldn’t speak, but just pointed to her stomach.

Author's Note

Sorry for the suspense last chapter, but dont' worry, this story is almost over. Oh...and as for the Ponies of the Beginning being Celestia and Luna's parents, along with Sombra being Cadence's father....I said it once, I'll say it again, this story is AU, which means most of the things in it are non-canon. But other than that, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter

Arrival

Silver Hawk and Fluttershy were soon taken to the hospital, the shy pinkette breathing heavily as she was carried to the emergency room via wheelchair.

“It’ll be okay, miss Fluttershy,” Nurse Redheart assured her as she walked beside the pinkette, Silver Hawk being the one that was pushing the wheelchair, “We will assure your children are born healthy.”

“S-silver-kun…” Fluttershy panted as she looked up at the snow-white pegasus, “I-I’m scared…”

“...I’m nervous too,” Silver Hawk admitted as a small smile appeared on his face, “But everything’s going to be alright, Shy-Tenshi.”

“...S-silver-kun?” Fluttershy began as she looked down a bit, “I...I apologize in advance for anything I might say during the birth…”

“Got ya,” he nodded.

It had been two hours since Fluttershy entered the emergency room, her friends waiting outside as they looked on in worry.

“Ooh~ the suspense is killing me,” Pinkie admitted as she shook a bit.

“Remember Pinkie, if you bother babies again, you might just get banned from that part of the hospital until you have your own kids,” Rarity reminded.

“I know. It’s just...I can’t help but worry about Fluttershy,” Pinkie replied.

“Hey I’m nervous too, but you don’t see me shaking,” rainbow stated, though her legs were shaking like crazy, “..I’m going to check real quick.”

“Y’all sure that’s a good idea?” applejack asked.

“Come on..how bad could it be?” rainbow asked as she sat up and walked towards the doors. However… once she opened them just a small crack…

“AHHH! YOU *yay*! YOU DID THIS TO ME YOU SON OF A…!”

Rainbow immediately closed the door after that, her hair completely blown back.

“...I never knew Fluttershy could be that loud…” Dash said in a quiet voice like Fluttershy would, “I think she stole the loud out of me…”

“I never knew Fluttershy could curse like that,” Pinkie added before blinking, “...come to think of it, I’ve ever EVER heard her curse before.”

“Glad I always carry earmuffs in case such an emergency,” Rarity informed, showing every filly had earmuffs on.

“What? I’m sorry, I can’t hear you!” Scootaloo shouted.

“What?! What did you say?!” Quirky shouted.

“Huh?!” Sweetie Belle shouted, her voice a bit squeaky right there.

“What?!”

“Huh?!”

“What?!”

“Huh?!”

“What?!”

“Shh!” Twilight and Dawn hushed them, “You’re in a hospital.”

“Onee-chan… Onii-chan…” Timid whispered as she looked at the doors.

“Don’t. Open. That. Door,” Posey ordered.

“I-I’m not,” Timid shook her head, “I-I’m… j-just worried for Onee-chan and Onii-chan.”

“They’ll be fine…” Posey assured.

“DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!” Fluttershy shouted, her hand practically crushing Silver Hawk’s,the pegasus stallion trying his best not to faint from the amount of pain he was feeling.

“Miss, we need you to calm d-” one of the doctors began.

“DON’T YOU TELL ME TO *yay* CALM DOWN!” Fluttershy barked, her voice very deep, almost demonic like, “I’M IN A HUGE AMOUNT OF *yay* PAIN HERE!”

“...Note to self: never make her angry… ever,” Silver Hawk wrote down.

“YEA, YOU BETTER NOT MAKE ME ANGRY!”

Discord had soon appeared in the waiting room, causing a bit of a panic for the non-Equestria native ponies to panic a bit, mainly those who didn't’ know that he was living with Fluttershy.

“...I said I was sorry,” Discord pouted, the draconique in a straightjacket made of magic while he took the form of a pony.

“You caused Dawn and Quirky to freak out for half an hour,” Twilight frowned at him.

“Not easy having to run back and get them new shorts and stuff when my itoko can give birth any moment,” Posey growled, as she had some help from a nurse to wash the soaked clothes that belong to Dawn and Quirky.

“Right… right,” Discord waved them off, “Honestly, it’s Neighpon all over again. Only this time, nopony’s screaming ’Gojira! Gojira!’.”

“Go-what now?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Name of some monster in movies,” Posey informed.

“GAH! WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HURT SO MUCH?!?!” Fluttershy sobbed.

“Calm down, miss… we already see the head. Now push…” Nurse Redheart instructed.

“Shh… this is my favorite part…” Timid shushed, as they were watching TV in the waiting room.

-GNOMES!- a character on the TV show they were watching, shouted, as gnomes erupted from a sort of a volcano.

“...I honestly don't get much of the shows you kids watch now these days,” Discord commented as he lazily laid down.

“This is one of the best shows ever! It’s pretty old and this is one of the earlier episodes…” Timid informed. “There is worse garbage… it’s like they just make cartoons to make money. There is no SOUL in making a cartoon just to make money!”

“...Oh come now. I’m sure there are some good cartoons on now these days,” Discord scoffed as he pulled out a TV guide, “Hmm… how about Teen tit-”

“Don’t. You. Dare. Finish. That.” Timid growled.

“Woah… hostile,” Discord gulped a bit.

“That show is garbage on ice. I was so grateful Celestia banned it.”

“Oh I know…” Spike agreed, “It wasn’t anything like the original!”

“There are a bunch of great Neighponese shows… to bad the laws forbid them from coming here for years,” Timid sighed, “Mou...and I wanted to see the new episode of Drive too.”

It had been four hours now, and still no word about Fluttershy.

“Think she’s alright?” Dash asked.

“There hasn’t been any screaming… that’s a good sign,” Twilight nodded.

“And no foul words, better sign,” Rarity added.

“Eeyup,” Applejack nodded.

However, before she could move, she saw Kota and Ai had dozed off by her, Ai cuddling a light blue blanket with stars on them as she laid against her brother. Applejack couldn’t help but smile at the scene, but slowly dozed off, the three sleeping together, Applebloom nearby.

“...Applebloom, are you alright?” Sweetie Belle asked her friend quietly.

“Hmm?” Applebloom blinked as she looked at her, “Y’all say somethin’, Sweetie Belle?”

“...you can go back to sleep.”

“..Nah. Ah think Ah can stay awake fer a bit longer,” Applebloom responded, before she dozed off by her big sister.

It was Hour 5 now, and most of the group have fallen asleep, the only ones awake being Posey, Dash and Twilight.

“So… what do you think our filly or colt will look like? You know… after we tie the knot and have kids?” Rainbow Dash asked her marefriend, causing Twilight to blush a little.

“W-we’re not married yet, Dash. Don’t you think we should wait until after that before thinking about kids?”

“...just… Butterfly being in her position…” Dash admitted.

“Ohh…” twilight noted before looking down at the cast on RD’s left arm, “Um… not to change the subject, but how’s your arm by the way?”

“...It still hurts a bit, but the doc says I can take it off in a few weeks or so,” Rainbow replied as she looked down at the cast.

“And you remember that Tomoe kid? She’s being watched by Silver Hawk’s folks.” Posey informed, “I talked with them not long ago…”

“Wait, they’re taking care of her?”

“After what happened with Aki and her father… they pretty much lost custody of her due to the child abuse filed against them.”

“Ohh…”

Posey simply tried to relax, but fears of losing her cousin a second time kept her from relaxing at all.

“...Why don’t you go to sleep, Posey?” Rainbow suggested, “We’ll let you know once we get word about Fluttershy and her kids.”

“I’m scared… I lost them all once… I don’t want to lose them a second time.”

“You won’t, Posey,” Twilight assured her, “The doctors here are very good with their patients.”

“Alright,” Posey nodded before looking down, an embarrassed blush on her face, “But… I need to use the bathroom…”

“Don’t worry, it’s right down the hall and take a right,” Rainbow instructed her.

Posey nodded as she got up and headed towards the bathroom as fast as she could.

It was six, almost seven hours now, and everypony was asleep.

Timid was the first to wake up, the shy filly giving off a small yawn as her eyes began to open, letting her see it was 5:15 in the morning. She then looked at the doors in worry, seeing there wasn’t any news about Fluttershy.

She slowly walked to the door, making sure not to wake everypony up. When she got within reach, the shy filly tried to open it, but the door was slowly opened by Nurse Redheart, who soon noticed the pegasus filly.

“...A-ano… Is o… I mean, miss Fluttershy okay?” Timid asked in near broken Equestrian language.

“Oh? Misaki? She’s okay. It was a bit of an ordeal, but we managed to deliver her children,” Nurse Redheart assured her, causing Timid to sigh in relief, “...Do you want to see them?”

“...hai,” Timid nodded, “Oh… I mean…”

“Don’t worry about your native tongue. I was snuck here by my parents when I was about your age,” Nurse Redheart giggled a bit as she quietly opened the door for her, “Now… please be quiet. They babies are still sleeping.”

Timid nodded as she looked and saw that there was some food left on the ground. She then quietly walked in to see the scene before her.

Laying there on the bed was a very tired Fluttershy, a soft smile on her face as she looked at the two foals in her arms, one a colt and the other a filly.

Nearby was Silver Hawk, who had a small tray in his hand with some unfinished food, the snow-white stallion yawning a bit as he sat up. He was about to throw the food away before he noticed Timid

“Nee-chan… when’d you get here?”

“Ano, R-Redheart-san let me in,” Timid answered, “I-I wanted to see how you and Onee-chan were doing.”

“So… you two married?” Redheart asked in a whisper.

“Not… yet,” Silver Hawk admitted before he looked at Fluttershy, a small tired smile on his face, “But… I hope so… I want to be there for her and our children… they mean everything to me.”

Fluttershy giggled before yawning a bit.

“Tired?”

“H-hai…” Fluttershy nodded, trying her best to stay awake.

Rainbow Dash yawned as she and Twilight were the last to wake up

“Minna… come on,” Timid whispered.

“Huh?” Rainbow blinked a bit as she looked over to the doorway, “...When did Timid get in? ...Wait. Does that mean…?”

“Shh… come on,” Timid whispered as she motioned the older mares and her friends to come in quietly.

The others gave slight nods in response as they got up and quietly walked inside.

They soon arrived where Fluttershy and Silver Hawk were, the former looking like she was about to sleep any moment as she looked down at the two foals in her arms, a soft smile on her face.

“Kawaii.../Cute…” Quirky and Pinkie whispered.

“Oh they’re absolutely adorable,” Rarity smiled, trying her best to not squeal.

“I know…” Posey agreed quietly.

“How’re y’all feelin’, Sugahcube?” Applejack asked her shy friend.

“...tired and hungry,” is all she responded.

“No kidding. You’ve been up for like… 6-7 hours now,” Rainbow stated.

“8 actually…” Fluttershy corrected as she looked down at her new born foals, “I wanted to wait for you girls to come see them.”

Twilight looked at the two of them,seeing the colt had a greyish-white coat with a pink mane while the filly had a pure white coat, almost like freshly fallen snow while her mane was a soft ice blue with a pale rose-pink highlight in it.

“Meet Kaito Breeze and Snow Angel,” Silver Hawk introduced the two.

“They’re beautiful, aren't they Twilight?” Fluttershy asked the Alicorn.

“They are, Fluttershy,” Twilight nodded as she smiled at her friend, “I’m really happy for you two…”

Kaito and Snow were fast asleep, the filly of the two giving off a small whimper as she moved her head a bit closer to her mother.

“There there… it’s okay, Snow… mommy’s here,” Fluttershy smiled softly.

“I’m an aunt…” Timid giggled.

“When they’re a bit older, can I play with them?” Quirky asked quietly, “I promise I’ll be a good adult to them.”

“Quirky, we’re still kids,” Scootaloo sweatdropped a bit.

“Correction, most of us are preteens, Scooti,” Quirky giggled.

Kaito began to squirm, almost woken up.

“Oops. Sorry,” Quirky whispered as she covered her mouth.

Fluttershy began to hum a soft lullaby to Kaito, calming him down.

“...You’re a good mother, Fluttershy,” Rarity smiled.

“So… where are you two going to be staying?” Dash asked, as she helped Fluttershy get some food in her.

“I don’t know…” Fluttershy replied before blushing, taking a small sip of her water, “Though before… ‘that’ happened last night, Silver-kun said he’d stay here with me.”

Timid watched them talk as she ate some yogurt, the filly sitting in a nearby chair.

“...Does that mean I’ll be living without my Onii-chan?” Timid asked after swallowing her spoonful of yogurt.

“...Ano… well…” Fluttershy paused as she looked down, “...I… don’t know actually. But...” she then looked at the pegasus filly, “I don’t want you to go, Timid-chan.”

“So… Kota and Ai aren’t sure yet, and if Dawn stays here, so does Quirky…” Posey began, “...That would mean I go back by myself.”

“...You don’t have to go back, Itoko-chan,” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Eh?”

“You can stay.”

“...I don’t know…” Posey sighed, “I need to think…”

“...I understand… take all the time you need, Itoko,” Fluttershy nodded.

A Promise Made

Fluttershy looked to her son, who was in her arms while her daughter was asleep in a crib given to them by Rarity. It had been a week since the twins were born, and things haven’t been more peaceful.

“Kaito-san… it looks nice, doesn’t it?” Fluttershy asked in a whisper.

Kaito gave a slight coo in response, smiling at her.

‘...and I’ll have to deny you one location. Either we live in Equestria… or we live in Neighpon.’ Fluttershy thought sadly.

“...Maybe… we’re just not meant to be with this giant gap between us…” Kota sighed, as he and Applejack were sitting and talking.

“Don’t say that. Ah’m sure we can think of sometin,” Applejack tried to assure him.

“I’m just scared. Ai’s been crying about going home… But… I… I don’t know what to do.”

The two then hugged, a sad look on both their faces.

‘...Dang it. It’s just not fair...’ Applejack thought, the blonde trying her best to not cry, ‘Ah… Ah finally got t’ be with Kota, but now Ah have to let him go...’

“Onii-chan…” Ai’s voice whimpered as she walked in, her eyes red from crying.

“...I don’t know if we’ll be going home soon…” Kota sighed, going over to hug her, “I know you’re home sick ...so am I… but...”

“But what?”

“...”

“...It’s Applejack-san… isn’t it?” Ai asked, earning a nod from her brother, “...Onii-chan… I… I really miss home, but if we do… then it would make you and Applejack-san sad.”

The three sighed, with Applejack simply sitting down on the grass, the blonde tilting her stetson down a bit to hide her eyes.

“...This is the hardest thing in my life…” Kota sighed, “I...I really don’t know what to do. I want us to head home, Ai….but…” he paused as he looked over Applejack, “I don’t want to be away from Applejack…”

“...Same here,” Applejack replied, her stetson shadowing her eyes as a small tear trailed down her cheek.

“Mom?” Dawn began as she looked at Nova, “I… I think I want to stay here.”

“...May I ask why?” Nova asked her, “I know I have finally found you my daughter, but I am curious to why you want to stay.”

“...Because… Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo are… are…”

“...Are what, my child?”

“...Like family. I-I’m happy to finally know you mom, but…” Dawn paused as she looked down a bit, “They...took care of me when I couldn’t remember anything...Twilight protected me when Aki lead that witch hunt to go after me, Rainbow Dash has been helping me with my flying, and Scootaloo’s been a great sister to me. I...don’t want to be ungrateful and just leave them...”

“...I will speak with Princess Twilight about it,” Nova said with a small smile.

“...Okay,” Dawn nodded, “But… I have one more question… who’s my father, and what is he like?”

“Your… father?”

“Hai,” Dawn nodded before she saw Nova look down sadly.

“Your father...was a brave stallion,” Nova smiled sadly, “He...sacrificed himself to end the war between Equestria and Neighpon.”

“Oh,” Dawn sighed as she hugged her mother, "I...wish I got to know him."

Nova nodded sadly as she hugged her daughter.

“Dawnee, you know… your mother said she’d be fine with me giving you some kisses,” Quirky giggled as she and Dawn sat in the library.

“...Huh? You say something, Quirky?” Dawn asked, her mind elsewhere at teh moment.

“I said your mom would be fine if I kissed you occasionally. Come on…” Quirky giggled, kissing her cheek.

‘...I need to read that book… I need to talk with Tw...’ Dawn thought, before Quirky’s little kisses sort of purged out her thoughts, ‘...eh. What was I thinking? I don’t need to think right now… I...just want to be alone with my fr-’ her thought was cut when Quirky kissed her in the lips, ‘?!’

“I won’t get tired of that. So… fillyfriends?” Quirky asked.

“Ga...e…..I….” Dawn stammered, her face a beet red from the sudden kiss on the lips.

“Teehee. You’re so silly, Dawnee,” Quirky giggled as she hugged the Alicorn filly.

“Onii-chan…before the decision of moving or staying is made… can we… at least be at Twilight-hime’s wedding?” Timid asked as she looked at her brother, who was sitting down in the living room of Fluttershy’s home

“....”

“Onii-chan?”

“Hmm? Hai Timid?” Silver Hawk asked as he looked at his little sister.

“I asked if we could be at Twilight-hime’s wedding before you make the choice of ‘go home’ or ‘stay here’.”

“Oh...well of course we’ll stay, Timid-chan. it’s just…” Silver paused as he looked down, “...The decision about going home isn’t the only thing that’s on my mind…”

“Eh? Wh-what do you mean?”

“...I’m...thinking about asking Butterfly-chan to marry me…” Silver replied, a small blush on his face as he showed her the ring, which, much like the one Dash gave to Twilight, it was a mix of Cutie Mark symbols, a hawk shaped diamond on it with what looked like a soft light pink jewel shaped like a butterfly inside of it.

“...I don’t get it,” Timid informed.

“A ring is supposed to show a part of the Cutie Mark, to symbolize unity between the two ponies. The ones Twilight-hime and Rainbow-san have represents both their Cutie Marks,” Silver Hawk explained, “Like how this one represents my and Butterfly-chan’s.”

Timid nodded, “And… I won’t say,” she assured.

Kaito and Snow were both fast asleep, the two infants sleeping softly in their crib. Nearby, Angel was giving them a glare, the rabbit not liking them already.

“I wouldn’t mess with them if I were you,” Posey told Angel, “Lest you wish to suffer all of Itoko-chan’s wrath.”

Angel froze a bit at that before he shook it off and hopped away, the rabbit giving the two infants one last glare as he left.

“Silver Hawk-kun… apart from medicine…did you do anything else for income?” Fluttershy asked, the two sitting together in the living room.

“...I did work at an onsen or two...Or three… or four… honestly I can’t remember how many it was,” Silver Hawk admitted.

“...Why were you working at an onsen?”

“I was a teenager, and was trying my best to buy medical books and stuff when I was learning to become a doctor,” Silver Hawk explained as an embarrassed blush formed on his face, “i...tried my best not to peek in on anypony... but I didn’t.”

Fluttershy giggled at that, causing Silver to blush a bit more, “You’re so silly, Silver-kun.”

“H-hai,” Silver nodded sheepishly.

Rainbow and Twilight simply sat in their room, the two seemingly waiting on somepony. Why the pony that wants to talk to them in their room made the two mares slightly confused.

“What do you think she wants to talk about, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked her marefriend.

“Who knows,” Twilight shrugged before she heard somepony knocking on the door, “That must be her now.”

She soon got up and walked towards the door, opening to to reveal Evening Nova.

“I apologize for this, Princess Twilight, but I wanted to speak to you and your fiance alone,” the empress of Neighpon informed the Alicorn as she walked in.

“Um… it’s no problem, Miss Nova. But...what do you need to talk about?” Twilight asked as she closed the door.

“...Celestia has told me about you...from what she told me, you’re quite talented in many forms of magic,” Nova replied in a serious tone, “The reason I bring this up is because it has to do with my daughter, Dawn Star.”

“...What would that be?” Twilight asked nervously, taking Dash’s hand out of fear.

“I have but a simple request,” Nova stated as she cleared her throat, “I want you...to take her under your wing.”

“...Excuse me?” Twilight blinked at that, “You want me to mentor her? And uh… before we continue, I would like a small apology for that scare… you really worried me for a moment…”

“...I apologize,” Nova bowed, “But… will you take her under your wing? She… highly speaks of you, Princess Twilight. She has also told me how you, Rainbow Dash, and your adoptive daughter Scootaloo have taken care of her in my absence.”

“Yea, we have,” Dash nodded, “...I really love it. I never really expected it to happen but… being a mom is great.”

“...I wish I knew that feeling,” Nova smiled sadly, ”I wish I could’ve been a good mother to Dawn Star before… before she was taken from me.”

“...She’s talked about you a lot after her memories of you came back,” Twilight spoke, causing the Empress to look at her with slightly wide eyes.

“...Wh-what did she say?” Nova asked.

“She’s talked about you a lot. She loves you, but she just feels a bit safer with us, given the whole witch hunt that happened in Neighpon.”

“...I understand,” Nova nodded slightly, “That last part… is also why I want you to take her under your wing, Princess Twilight. I want you to promise that you’ll keep her safe in my stead,”

“...I will,” Twilight nodded.

“...Thank you,” Nova smiled softly.

Timid's Talent

“Hmm...maybe...no no. That wouldn’t fit at all,” Rarity muttered as she was working on a few new dresses. Ever since trade routes between Neighpon and Equestria have been reopened up, she’s been able to get some new materials for her dresses.

“Hey sis, whatcha doin’?” Sweetie Belle asked as she poked her head in.

“Hmm?” Rarity blinked a bit as she looked over her shoulder, ‘Oh it’s not much, Sweetie Belle. Just working on a new line of clothing. Plus something special for Twilight.”

“Something special?” Sweetie Belle repeated

“Her wedding dress!”

“Oh!” Sweetie Belle noted in understanding.

“I’ve never sown for a lesbian wedding… and I really wish I could have sewed the outfit for Matilda for her wedding with Cranky,” Rarity said as she resumed her sewing.

“Yeah..” Sweetie Belle nodded, “..Oh! Are you going to do Fluttershy’s wedding dress too?”

“Hmm?” Rarity blinked at that as she looked back at her little sister, “What do you mean?”

“Well it’s just, her and Silver Hawk’s children are born. Does that mean they’ll be getting married?” Sweetie Belle asked in innocent confusion.

“...it’s… hard to say dear,” Rarity replied making Sweetie Belle blink in confusion, “There’s still the confusion of the Neighponese ponies going home or not…”

Sweetie Belle gave a nod, before she felt her phone buzz, “Oh? It’s Button Mash…”

Rarity couldn’t help but smile, knowing her sister was happy and dating. After what happened with Fluttershy, she made sure to tell Sweetie Belle to wait until she was older and married to have kids.

-So how are they?- Rarity asked Fluttershy.

“Good. They’re napping right now, and I’ve managed to make sure to silence the animals so they can nap,” Fluttershy answered, a small smile on her face, “So how’s your business doing, Rarity? I’m sure it’s been great seeing as how trading routes between Neighpon and Equestria are open once more.”

-AMAZING!-

“Shh...Not so loud…” Fluttershy hushed.

-Whoops. Sorry dear- Rarity chuckled sheepishly -But yes. It’s just been amazing dear. Also… do you think I could make outfits for your little foals?-

“...Why of course, Rarity,” Fluttershy replied, “I’m sure whatever you’ll make for them will be splendid.”

-Thank you dear… also… I know it’s beyond late, but I really need to tell you something.-

“What’s that?”

-....Well… it’s just…- Rarity paused as she took a deep breath, -...I… had a… slight crush on you.-

“...Excuse me?”

-I’m sorry. It’s just… Fluttershy, you… you’re an amazing friend, Fluttershy. And you’re really beautiful… Silver Hawk is lucky to have a mare as amazing as you, dear. I… wish I had somepony special like that-

Fluttershy giggled a bit, “I’ll call you back… kids to tend to.”

-Alright. See you soon.-

With that, Fluttershy hung up.

“Sorry for lying… but I want to surprise you.” Fluttershy giggled, before she dialed up a number. “Hello?”

Timid sat with Angel, who was currently looking a bit down, the bunny sitting in a small stump shaped like a chair counselors would have their patients sit in.

“Soka…you’re jealous of Kaito and Snow because you want Butterfly’s attention. And the reason you treat her meanly on occasion is because you’re scared of losing her and don’t know how to get it out?” Timid asked, having been sitting with the rabbit, who gave a nod, “I see… have you tried talking to her about it?”

Angel gave her a ‘are you serious?’ look in response.

“She can understand you. If you talked with her, maybe she’d spend a bit more time with you,” Timid stated, making Angel smile and hug her. Suddenly, Angel noticed something and pointed to Timid’s flank…

“ONII-CHAN! ONEE-CHAN!” Timid said out in joy as she ran into the room, “I GOT IT! I GOT IT!”

“Eh? Got what?” Fluttershy asked, the shy mare and Silver Hawk sitting down on the couch.

“My Cutie Mark! I got my Cutie Mark!” Timid squealed happily.

Silver Hawk’s eyes widened at that, “You did?”

“Hai! Look!” Timid beamed as she lifted her skirt up a bit, showing a small Swallow that was sitting and listening.

“...What’s it mean?” Silver Hawk asked.

“It means I’m good at counsol… uh… therap… I’m good at helping ponies with those sorts of questions,” Timid explained.

“You’re a therapist?”

“Hai! One of those!”

“That sounds nice. You seem like the type of pony who would listen and help others…” Fluttershy smiled.

“You… you really think so, Onee-chan?” Timid asked.

“I know so,” Fluttershy smiled as she got up and hugged the filly.

“...Arigatou, Onee-chan,” Timid smiled as she hugged her back.

“Oh COME ON!” Scootaloo groaned, thumping her head on the computer, “Why this guy?!”

“Something wrong sis?” Dawn Star asked, currently playing a 3DS XL.

“A leak for the latest version of Smash came out, and one of the characters leaked is somepony I was hoping WOULDN'T get in!” Scootaloo exclaimed

“...Ryu?” Dawn Star blinked, “Why’s that problem?”

“...he’s already been in too many fighting games!” Scootaloo snapped before groaning, “Plus, he stole Megamare’s slot as the mascot of Capcom.”

“Oh… well I haven’t played Megamare before, or any of th-” Dawn began before Scootaloo grabbed her.

“You never played any of the Megamare games before?!”

“Uh…..no?”

“She's in Smash!”

“I know that. I just haven’t played any of her games before!”

“....We’re fixing that.”

“Beg pardon?” Dawn blinked.

“I own every core Classic series title. X, Battle Network, Legends, Zero, ZX, ZX Advent!”

“That’s a lot of games…”

‘Yes..there would’ve been more, but Capcom canceled a few, like Legends 3! And they had the gall to blame the fans for its cancellation!” Scootaloo ranted, “The series creator even wanted to help, but Capcom said no.”

The two soon arrived in Scootaloo’s private game room in the castle, said room having various book shelves filled with different games, a few posters on the walls.

“Wow… that is a LOT of games,” Dawn noted as she looked around the room.

“Dash had Twilight give me this room… the orphanage I used to live at hated video games… and comics… and fun…ahem, movign on.”

“What’s this here?” Dawn Star asked, seeing a laptop with sprites from games.

“I try to imagine things with sprites sometimes. Maybe Smash characters, maybe elements for a Megamare game…” she shrugged as she sat down and set up one of the games for Dawn to play, “Hmm… let’s see… which one should you try first...ooh! Maybe the first one in teh series!”

“Okay…” Dawn nodded as Scootaloo handed her the game, only for hte Alicorn filly to sweatdrop a bit at the...ahem, cover art.

“I’ve attempted to draw something a bit more… foal friendly.” Scootaloo admitted bluntly, “Plus, at leasts it’s better than the ‘approved’ one Capcom gave for it.”

“Oh come on. It can’t be th-” Dawn began before Scootaloo showed her the picture in question, “...Okay wow. I see what you mean.”

“And somehow… that version of her got into one big game,” Scootaloo sighed a bit, “I mean, I know it’s great that she’s in Smash, btu Capcom could at least come out with a new game.”

“Wh-”

“One that isn’t a collection, which they technically already did.”

Dawn beat the first three games within a short while and was currently looking around the room curiously, when she noticed a stack of papers. She picked them up and skimmer over them, the papers appeared to be a story.

“Huh… I didn’t know Scootaloo was a writer…” Dawn blinked.

“Hey Dawn. Ah, you beat Megamare 3, eh? Wanna start 4?”

“Maybe later…" Dawn replied as she pointed to the pages she was reading, "You write?”

“Oh those? No, those are Silver Spoon’s. I let her come over here and she uses the room however she wants. Claims it’s a ‘home away from home’ to her. Plus it makes for a good hide away form…” Scootaloo paused before frowning, “Diamond tiara.”

“Oh…” Dawn noted before frowning as well, “I don’t see why Twilight or Rainbow Dash won’t put a restraining order on her for what she did to you.”

“They tried.” Scootaloo informed, “I haven’t heard back yet.”

“I see,” Dawn Star noted, “...so, how are things between you and Silver Spoon, having to wait all those years before you can hook up?”

“Things are going good. We usually eat out at Sugar Cube Corner, talk, and such,” Scootaloo replied, “But… and keep this secret… we occasionally sneak a few kisses in here and there.”

“Ooh… that’s nice.”

“Yeah… it is,” Scootaloo nodded, “How are you and Quirky doing?”

“We’re doing fine as well,” Dawn replied before blushing a bit, ”Even though we kinda agreed to wait as well, we sneak in a kiss or two on occasion.”

“Oh. Well… I’m glad to hear you’re doing good.” Scootaloo smiled, “...I’m glad to have a sister. It’s a lot of fun.”

“Same here,” Dawn nodded before her phone rang, “Hmm? Who could that be?” she then pulled her phone out and checked the caller ID, “It’s Timid.”

“What does she want?” Scootaloo asked.

“Hello?” Dawn responded.

-Put it on speaker.- Timid told her.

Dawn proceeded to do so.

-Everyone, can you hear me?- Timid asked.

“Yea,” everypony nodded who was involved in this call.

-Well… I have good news. I got my Cutie Mark!-

“Eh?!” Dawn and Scootaloo gawked.

“Are you serious, Timid?!” Scootaloo asked in surprise.

-Hai. My Cutie Mark means I’m a conselor pony. And uh… I’ll admit, there is something I wish to do now that I understand what this means. It’ll be a big surprise. See you all later.-

The call ended, leaving the two fillies confused by that last part.

“Big surprise?”

At the moment, the young filly pegasus was at Sugar Cube Corner, and happened to bump into Filthy Rich.

“Uh...aren’t you a little young to be a counselor pony?” he asked.

“Yes, yes I am,” Timid nodded.

“...Uh...okay,” Filthy Rich nodded slowly as he sat down, “So uh..what did you want to see me about?”

“Your daughter. She’s been bullying me and my friends… have you tried to talk with her about her?”

“...I have tried,” he sighed, “But she won’t listen, and no counselor pony has been successful.”

“...Maybe she’s be better if she talked to somepony closer to her own age?” Timid offered.

“...Do you think that would work? I mean, I know she isn’t fond of you or your friends, but will she listen?”

“I had a small idea. You know about the fact that if you lock two ponies up in a room long enough, they air out their differences?”

“...I have heard of that, yes.”

“So…if you can find a room…”

Filthy Rich smiled a little bit, the stallion mentally hoping this would work.

Author's Note

I know this chapter's short, but

A Second Chance

“So… what are we doing again Daddy?” Diamond Tiara asked as she followed her father.

“Oh nothing much. I just have a surprise for you is all,” Filthy Rich answered.

“A surprise?” Diamond Tiara repeated before gasping a bit, “Did you get those Cutie Mark Losers out of Ponyville? Or better yet, are we finally leaving this backwater town?!”

Filthy Rich could only give a mental groan at that, but he kept repeating to himself ‘it’s for her own good.’

“Here we are,” he smiled as they were in a cabin somewhere in a forest outside of Ponyville that wasn’t Everfree.

“....Is my surprise in there?”

Filthy Rich nodded in response.

“Then what’re we waiting out here for?! Let’s go in already!” Diamond Tiara exclaimed impatiently as she ran to teh door. Her dad opened it up and let her in, but as soon as she was inside, he locked it and stood there.

Diamond Tiara looked around the cabin, there wasn’t exactly much in it, except maybe a few chairs.

“...I don’t see anything,” Diamond Tiara noted with a slight frown, “...Where’s my surprise!?”

“Hi,” Timid said with a smile as she walked in from the shadows.

“What?! YOU?!” Diamond Tiara exclaimed, “Daddy, what’s one of those Cutie Mark Losers doing here?!”

“She wants to talk with you.” he informed from outside, “And you will not be leaving until you get the consoling you deserve!”

“Ugh… this again?!” Diamond Tiara groaned, “And why is this Timid Birdbrain here?”

“She’s here to console you a-”

“Wait...She’s gonna be my consoler?” Diamond Tiara asked before laughing, “Don’t make me laugh! She doesn’t even have her Cutie Mark yet!”

“Yes. I. Do.” Timid responded simply, not anger, not annoyed, just in a ‘matter of fact’ sort of tone.

“...Prove it,” Diamond Tiara frowned.

“Okay,” Timid nodded as she lifted her skirt up a bit, just enough to show the spoiled filly her Cutie Mark, “See?”

“...So, your Cutie Mark makes you one of those annoying ‘feeling ponies’? Lame…”

“I’ve seen others like you.” Timid informed, sitting down in a chair, “She changed her tune after...certain events, and has become a better pony for it. Somepony I’d be glad to possibly call… my sister.”

“...Let me guess, another Blank fl-”

“No. She was a lot like you, only… she saw the error of her ways.”

“Oh please. What did she ‘possibly do that was so bad?’” Diamond tiara asked sarcastically.

“...Poison someone.” Timid responded.

“...Excuse me?” Diamond Tiara asked in near surprise.

“She had poisoned someone… by her ex-father’s orders. Since she changed… I want to believe there can be a small chance of change for anypony. Well… almost anypony. But I don’t want to get into that,” Timid informed, as she motioned for Diamond Tiara to sit.

“I’m not going to speak to you anymore.”

“You’re not leaving until you do.”

It had been two hours since Diamond Tiara had arrived and had been locked up inside of the cabin with Timid. And almost throughout the entire time, the spoiled filly was ‘bored’ by what Timid had to say and stuff.

“Are we done now?”

“Not until you talk to me.”

“There’s nothing to talk about, Timid Birdbrain,” Diamond Tiara scoffed, “Like I told all those other counselors, there’s nothing wrong with me.”

“It’s Timid Swallow, first off. Second off… from what Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo have told me… there’s a BUNCH wrong with you. You constantly bully them for not having Cutie Marks, you called Applebloom’s grandmother a ‘Kooky old lady’, you made everypony mad and ignore them when you ran the school newspaper…” Timid listed before clearing her throat for the next part, “You made fun of Scootaloo’s handicap just so you can become the flag bearer for the Equestrian Games, you ‘accidently’ messed with Scootaloo’s board and landed her in the hospital, need I go on?”

“...Shut up.”

“I need go on. And I can get you to talk with this last one… the whole Ponyville Days fiasco. You and your father were partially involved for causing the town to split.”

“Tch. Like I was gonna let Applebloom and her hick family get that plaque,” Diamond Tiara scoffed.

The notepad fell right out of Timid’s hands and she began to glare at her, “You. Did. That. Just for a stupid plaque?”

“Yeah. My great grandfather, Stinkin’ rich owned the first building in Ponyville, not those stupid applehicks,” Diamond Tiara answered with a scoff, “So my family deserved that plaque. Not them. In fact, this whole town would be better off if those stupid Apple hicks just left a-”

“Shut. Your. Mouth.” Timid growled, the filly trying her best to stay calm about this.

“Or what?”

Timid’s eyes widened and she began to stare at her, and suddenly, a sort of spiral appeared in Timid’s eyes, not that the filly noticed this.

“...Wh-why’re you staring at me like that?” Diamond tiara asked in a slight nervous tone, “...Seriously, stop looking at me like that. It’s making me nervous.”

“You won’t say anything negative… I want to talk with you. You need to be talked to. So sit down and start talking!” Timid practically ordered, the spirals in her eyes now appearing in Diamond’s for half of a second and she just nodded.

“What do you want to know?” she asked.

‘Huh… those lessons with Onee-chan about the stare worked,' Timid thought to herself before clearing her throat, “Now then, I want you to tell me first off why you have the need to make fun of Ponies who don’t have their Cutie Marks yet.”

“...My mother had some philosophy about Cutie Marks… I don’t remember it all since she left when I was a filly… but I do remember that she said Cutie Marks makes you better than everypony else. And then my older sister teased me for not having a Cutie Mark… So the reason I bully you…” Diamond Tiara paused as her eyes widened a bit, “Is because of what my older sister did to me.”

‘Good...we’re getting some progress done,’ Timid thought with a small smile, writing this down. Diamond’s eyes flashed for a moment and she looked nervously.

“...Did I just tell you that?” she asked.

“Yea,” Timid nodded.

“...Fine… I’ll talk to you…” Diamond Tiara growled out in defeat before sitting down.

“So… what is your family like? Do they at all encourage your behavior?”

“...My daddy's mostly away with either business, or talking at the town hall,” Diamond Tiara admitted a bit, “My older sister’s up in Manehatten, thank Celestia… and I have no idea where my mom is.”

“I see…” Timid nodded, before thinking for a moment, “Why do you not like Applebloom and her family? Is it maybe because… you’re jealous she has such a functional family compared to you?”

Diamond Tiara felt like this question pierced an outer armor, the spoiled filly flinching a bit.

“...That’s it isn’t it?”

Diamond Tiara thought about what to say next before she sighed, “...Yes. I’m jealous of them. Applebloom and her family are just so...nice. And they care and look out for each other...like her cousin Babs, even after the things I pressured her to do...that is before I found out she didn’t have a Cutie Mark.”

“...If I might ask, What’s your relationship with Silver Spoon?”

“...She and I were only friends because our parents were… at least Silver Spoon has her mom to help teach her about what she did and all. My mom...isn’t around at all.”

“Is she…?”

“She’s still alive. We just don’t know where she is.”

“I see… do you remember your mother’s name at least?”

“I do,” Diamond Tiara nodded a bit, “Starlight Glimmer.”

“I’ll ask Twilight-san to try and find her so you can meet… so… apart from Silver Spoon, do you have any friends?”

“....No,” Diamond Tiara looked down sadly, “Silver Spoon was my only friend… until after what happened with Scootaloo and her scooter. After that...I...had nopony left.”

“So… I’m guessing Applebloom’s friendship with the Crusaders made you jealous and that’s why you began to torment them?”

“Are you some sort of mind reader or something?”

“...”

“..Sorry,” Diamond Tiara apologized sheepishly before sighing, “But yes… the reason because i like to pick on the Cutie Mark Crusaders is… I’m jealous of them. No matter what kind of things I said to them, no matter what I did… they always pulled through… they have a really great friendship. Why should I not be jealous of that when I know for fact my only friend is my friend because of our parents? And how can I not be such a bad guy when I’ve had to put up with so much crud in my life? I had such a good life back in Canterlot, but me, my daddy, and my older sister had to move here to Ponyville because my mom left.”

“You’re from Canterlot?”

“Yes…” Diamond tiara nodded sadly, “Only time I even go back is when I visit my uncle… what was his name? Fancy Trousers or something like that?”

“I see…” Timid noted as she wrote that down, “Anything else you want to talk about?”

“...I want to change. But I don’t know how to…” Diamond tiara sighed.

Timid thought a little bit, when she saw the watch she had brought with her.

“Have you ever heard of hypno therapy?”

“....Kinda, yeah.”

“...Do you want to try it?”

“...If you think it’ll help me change… I guess.”

Timid nodded and moved the watch in front of Diamond’s eyes.

“So, just follow this watch with your eyes, don’t look away from it’s shine…” Timid told her as she swung the watch a bit from the gold chain attached to it.

“Uh huh…” Diamond Tiara nodded slightly as her eyes followed the watch.

“Just relax… don’t let worries be in your mind… just let all the unpleasant things wash away, like sand on the beach.”

“Like sand on a beach? But i-” Diamond Tiara began before her eyes became swirls, the filly now in a hypnotic state.

“Good… now, just keep listening to the sound of my voice and let it guide you out of the darkness and into light…” Timid told her.

“Darkness...into light…” Diamond Tiara repeated in a low, very quiet voice, almost monotone.

“When I snap my fingers, all you will want to do is listen to what I say… no questions asked, okay?” Timid asked.

“Okay…”

Timid snapped her fingers and Diamond Tiara’s eyes snapped shut.

“You can hear me, right?”

“...yes,”

“Good. Now… I’m going to help you get better. First off… all of those major damages you’ve done to Ponyville… such as the fued and causing the town to hate the Crusaders… you will have to keep living with that, but… you’ve learned from them. You won’t be jealous of the Crusaders anymore… you want to be friendly, you want to be a better pony… you want to make amends. Do you understand this so far?”

“I understand…”

“Good. And… you’ll want to be friends with us Crusaders, even if you have your Cutie Mark already…Do you understand that as well?”

“...I understand…”

“And… I want to give you this assurance. Even if nopony else forgives you… and they hate you forever and don’t want to be your friend… I’ll be your friend,” Timid told her, a faint blush appearing on her face.

“....Okay,” Diamond tiara nodded slowly.

“I’m going to snap you out of this trance now. When I snap my fingers, you will awaken and remember everything it is I said and told you,” Timid instructed.

“Alright.”

“Good. 3….2….1…” Timid counted down as she snapped her fingers, causing Diamond Tiara’s eyes to open up and turn back to normal, “...how do you feel?”

“I feel… good. Like...a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders...” Diamond tiara admitted before she walked over and hugged Timid, “...Thank you. Thank you so much…”

“...You’re welcome,” Timid smiled, returning the hug as she looked at the door, “You can come in now.”

Thus, in walked Filthy Rich, alongside with the other Crusaders, Silver Spoon included.

Diamond Tiara flinched a little as she slowly turned around, taking a deep breath as she looked at everypony, mainly the CMC.

“I… I… I… I…” Diamond Tiara stuttered nervously.

“Go on…”

“...I’m sorry… for everything I did,” Diamond tiara sighed sadly, “I… I shouldn’t have done such terrible things...I’m not even grown up, and I…” she paused as small tears formed in her eyes, “I caused you all so much pain..I got the town to hate you girls… I made fun of Scootaloo’s handicap, I got her into the hospital when I messed with her scooter...I…” she held back a sob, “I caused the town to go to war over a stupid plaque…”

“...I forgive you,” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“...I’m not so sure,” Silver Spoon admitted, “I just need to think this over a bit.”

“...ya were jealous?” Applebloom blinked.

“Yes I was jealous!” Diamond Tiara snapped, tears in her eyes, “I… I wanted what you and your friends had! But all I ever did was make fun of you and did terrible things!” she then looked down sadly, “If anything… somepony as horrible as me doesn’t deserve any friends…”

“I said I would be your friend,” Timid reminded.

“Same here,” Applebloom smiled.

“I wouldn’t mind calling your my friend, Diamond Tiara,” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“Same here!” Quirky beamed.

“I don’t know…” Dawn Star admitted, “I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt at the most right now. I want to see how much of a behavior improvement you’ll get first, okay?”

“That’s fair,” Diamond smiled.

“Well… why don’t we all go over to mah house and get somethin’ to celebrate,” Applebloom offered, when Diamond Tiara remembered something.

“Uh… there, might be a tiny problem with that.” Diamond Tiara informed.

“Why?”

“Uh… remember how I said I thought Ponyville would be better without the Apple Family? Yesterday… I went over to the mayor’s office… and paid her a lot of money to… to… to uh…”

“Do what?” Applebloom asked.

“...To get a notice to… kick you all out…” Diamond Tiara said nervously.

“What?!”

“But don’t worry! I can get her to cancel it if I want!”

“Ya may wanna hurry. Mah sister just texted me, ‘Somepony’s kickin’ us out. Want us gone by tommorrow night, and will make sure we never come back.’” Applebloom informed, reading the text her sister just sent her.

“....We have to hurry now!”

“What made you think it was a good idea to kick the Apple Family out?” Filthy Rich asked the mayor.

“Your daughter said it was your idea… some bitterness about the whole debacle from Ponyville Days.”

“....I really wish I could take that back,” Filthy Rich sighed, “Look Mayor, I know my daughter wanted what was best for our family, but...I didn’t think she went this far to do such a thing. I tried to be a good father and support her, but… I even failed at that… the whole Ponyville Days fiasco spiraled out of control...and I have myself to blame for that...I should’ve stopped Diamond Tiara back then…”

“I can see… regardless… I don’t know if I can save the Apple Family’s house. I’m not saying I can’t, I’m just saying I don’t know… I think I heard the land was bought or something… I really don’t know…” the mayor sighed.

“Do you know who said they bought it?”

“Uh… some Slim and Jam or something like that…”

“Ya have got to be kiddin’ me.” Applejack growled, seeing who was by the front gate, the Flim Flam Brothers.

“Hello there Applejack,” Flim smiled.

“Now get out,” Flam added.

Applejack rolled her eyes as Winona walked over. The dog saw them and began to growl and bark at them.

“I suggest you keep your dog of our property,” Flim suggested, “Isn’t that right my brother?”

“Absolutely,” Flam nodded.

“Hold on… what’re y’all talkin’ about?” Applejack frowned, “This ain’t yer land. Remember when y’all tried t’ swindle it out of me and mah family teh first time?”

“We did. But..” FIlm began.

“We have decided to go the legal route. Your land is up for sale, so we took it.”

Applejack’s jaw dropped as she looked at them, “...This farm is… is…”

“Correct. It is now rightfully property of the Flim Flam brothers,” Flim stated with a slight grin.

“That is correct, my brother. And thus, everything within rightfully belongs to us. But we will still give you until tomorrow night to pack up and get out.”

“We may be bad guys, but we’re fair.”

With that, the brother took their leave, with Applejack picking up her dog and fighting back the urge to cry… but sadness wasn’t the only thing she was feeling. Right now she felt another emotion build up inside her… hate… hate for the Flim Flam brothers.

Moving Out?

Ai simply sat down, consoling a crying Applebloom.

“W-w-w-we have ta leave?”

“...It looks like it,” AJ sighed.

Kota walked forward, giving a confused look at what was going. He had something hidden behind his back at the moment, and was making sure nobody saw it.

“Something up?” Kota asked.

“...We’re gettin’ kicked out of our home,” Applejack sighed before growling a bit, “And what’s worse, those got dang Flim Flam brothers now own it.”

“...aren’t those two those con ponies you told me about a while back?” Kota asked, sitting down by Ai and Applebloom.

“They are...” Applejack nodded, the southern belle trying her best to calm down, “Ugh… Ah can’t believe the mayor would give them mah family’s farm.”

“Well… Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara and Filthy Rich are trying to find out if there’s anything that can solve this problem… they haven’t found anything just yet,” Ai informed.

“Knowin’ those shifty Flim Flam brothers, they probably made sure t’ alter the deed, making it nearly impossible for us ot evah come back,” Applejack growled a bit.

“Ah just tried to talk to yer Aunt and Uncle in Manehatten… said we couldn’t stay… tried with Braeburn… nuthin’,” Granny Smith informed with a sigh, sitting down in a rocking chair.

“...What about you, Big Mac?” Applejack asked as she looked at her big brother, “Any luck from any of our other relatives?”

“Nope,” Big Mac shook his head.

“Twilight and the others can’t split space with us…” Applejack added.

“You know… you all can stay with me and Ai at our farm,” Kota offered.

“...Ah really appreciate th’ offer, Kota, but…” Applejack paused as she looked down, “We can't’ just up and leave Ponyville… plus,” she growled a bit as her hand clenched into a fist, “Knowin the Flim Flam brothers, they’ll probably con everypony out of everythin’, including mah friends.”

“Applejack… Ah don’t think we have a choice,” Granny Smith sighed, looking at the ground, “The only place we can be at is Kota’s farm,”

“...Ah can't’ believe this…” Applejack said as she looked up, “Ah ain’t lettin’ those con artist take our home without a fight!”

“Sis… yer bein’ stupid stubborn again,” Big Mac growled, making Applejack’s expression change, “Look, Ah know we don’t want t’ leave, but we ain’t got a choice. Ah know this is our home… but can ya sallow that stupid pride of yers just once in yer life, and accept the fact that this once, we lost?!”

“B-but we can’t… Ah… Ah can’t… just…” Applejack trembled before she ran out, roaring out in anger and hit a tree in anger repeatedly. With each passing second, her punches began to slow as the blonde trembled, trying her best not to cry before she fell to her knees, her ‘wall’ having broke as tears began to pour down her cheeks.

“Hey,” Kota said as he walked over and sat down by her, “...I know you’re upset… I get you think you’re being made a fool of by those two… others are trying to help us, but… you need somewhere to stay. I know you don’t want to leave Ponyville… but your options are kinda… not there.”

“B-but…” Applejack managed to get out as she sobbed, “Ah… Ah can’t just let them ruin what mah family… what mah an pa did fer Ponyville…”

Kota just hugged her, the blonde sighed and then hugged him back.

“...I know what you’re feeling. I had to leave my home and my farm… but it was because of what Aki was doing...”

“But… this is different… Ah...”

“I know it is…” he sighed, “Applejack… calm down a bit… I love you, and I don’t want to see you upset still… just please… stay with me and Ai. I… I don’t want to see you or your family homeless.”

Applejack blushed, tears still in her eyes before she rubbed them away.

“...Alright...Y’all win...” the blonde sighed a bit before smiling softly at Kota, ”We’ll stay with y’all, Kota.”

They smiled and shared a kiss for a moment before splitting off, blushing a bit as they looked into each other’s eyes.

The Apple Family had begun packing as they had until tomorrow night to pack up and leave.

Applejack was in her room, preparing the last of her things. She was happy to stay at Kota’s for the time being… but she was going to miss her home… miss Ponyville...all the memories she made there… and her friends.

Kota had walked past her and was currently walking alongside Ai at the moment, the young girl having finished some medicine and was currently a bit somber looking.

“...Onii-chan, is it okay if I take a walk around the farm a bit?” Ai asked, moving her yellow and light blue mane out of her eyes.

“....Sure, Ai. Take Applebloom if you like,” Kota answered.

The two were slowly walking through the fields with Ai taking some pictures of it with her phone, simply amazed at it’s beauty.

“So… what’s this place called, I forgot,” Ai inquired.

“Sweet Apple Acres. Mah pa named it after mah ma,” Applebloom informed before looking down sadly, “Ah… never really got t’ meet mah ma and pa. I was born before they… they…”

“I see….” Ai nodded, “...I sort of knew my parents. Kai and Kaori,”

“...Kota, Kai and Kaori? Yer the only one without a ‘K’.”

“I know… is that a problem?”

“No no. Just… notin’ is all,” Applebloom assured as they walked along.

“Oh… okay,” Ai nodded slightly as she looked up at the clear blue skies.

The two sighed as they walked along, Applebloom looking down sadly.

“...Ah’m really gonna miss this place…” Applebloom sighed, kicking a stone, “All th’ memories ah had here… and mah friends… Ah’m really gonna miss them.”

“Guess we’re rocking in the same boat…” Ai shrugged.

“...Ah guess we are,” Applebloom nodded sadly, “...You want t’ check out th’ clubhouse one last time?”

“Hai,” Ai nodded as they walked up to it.

The two sat there, with Ai snapping pictures of the treehouse.

“...Ah remember when mah sister and brother helped me build this,” Applebloom smiled a bit, “It was a few days after me, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo first became friends.”

“That’s cool,” Ai smiled.

“Yeah…” Applebloom nodded, “...We did a lot of crazy things while tryin’ t’ get our Cutie Marks… things were a lot different back then too…”

“Do any of you have them?” Ai asked curiously.

“Nope,” she sighed, “No matter what we tried, none of us could get our Cutie Mark, especially when me, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo sung that song for our first talent contest together.”

“Soka,” Ai noted.

“Ah’m serious. Nothin’ we did fer that worked. Ah made th’ stage and such, Sweetie Belle wrote and sung the lyrics a bit, and Scootaloo praticed the chor...chorea...the moves for it.”

Ai giggled a bit, but in doing so, she accidentally tossed her phone outside.

“Oh shoot… I need to go and get that,”

“Need any help?”

“No, I got it,” Ai assured as she headed down.

The pegasus began to look for her phone, seeing that it had fallen down the hill. She looked around, before she found it outside of the farm’s gate and by the main road back into Ponyville and near by that was an empty field… with something currently parked there. It belong to the Flim Flam brothers, and the two were currently talking.

“Hmm…” Ai muttered sofly as she slowly approached, managing to sneak into the door.

“So brother of mine, what are we gonna do with that apple farm once those dopes are out of there?” Flim inquired.

“That’ll be easy, my dear brother. We make cider again, but make sure to work out the ‘kinks’, and charge the ponies of Ponyville for a high price. The princess and her friends get a special ‘discount’,” Flam explained before something seemingly happened to him for a fraction of a second, “Or maybe just give all of the town the equal amount of cider or something’...”

Ai blinked in confusion at this, but took out her phone and began to record the conversation.

“I’m glad we met that pony and she hired us to ruin that Appleloser’s life. Didn’t she hire on somepony from another country for that Flutterbrat and a royal guard for the Princess of Friendship?” Flim asked.

“I believe so. What was that guard’s name again?”

“Flash Sentry,”

Ai let out a soft gasp as she moved a bit closer.

“Can you believe those hicks were dumb enough to fall for that? Us buying the farm, get real. That temporary mind control spell that she had taught us worked great on that mayor. And now, the deed to the farm is gone and we can take it,” Flam smirked happily.

“Apart from our cider, we’re tearin’ down that farm and doin’ what we want with it,” Flim smirked, when a sort of strange look glossed over his eyes for a moment, “Or share it with the boss…”

“I hope she fixes our Cutie Marks soon…” Flam sighed.

The two unicorns sat down for a moment, and Ai could see something very wrong. She remembered Applejack saying that the Flim Flam brothers had apple themed Cutie Marks, but that’s not what she saw… all she saw was the same thing on them both.

Two little equal signs…

“...Ah wonder what’s taken them so long?” Applejack pondered a bit.

Applebloom had walked over, wheeling over her own suitcase with a sigh.

“So… who hired us again? I can’t remember her name…” Flim asked.

However, before Ai could record that part, she coughed.

“Hmm? did you hear something?”

‘Oh no...’

“...Eh. It must’ve been a bird or raccoon,” Flim shrugged a bit, “But seriously, what was that mare’s name again?”

“Hmm… I believe her name was… Starlight… something… oh right. Starlight Glimmer.”

With this, Ai flew off in order to get this info to Applejack in time.

“There you are, Ai,” Applebloom noted as Ai quickly ran in, panting, “...What’s wr-”

‘I… I need… I need to see your sister,” Ai panted.

“What ‘bout?” Applejack asked, as she was moving some moving boxes.

“Applejack… does the name...’Starlight Glimmer’ ring any bells?”

The box Applejack was holding fell right onto the floor, a look of shock and slight fear on her face as she ran up to Ai and held her hands on her shoulder.

“Ai, where did you hear that name?” the blonde asked in a serious, yet slightly nervous tone.

“I heard the Flim Flam brothers bring it up, and more…” she responded, taking out her phone and pressing playback on the audio she recorded.

-Can you believe those hicks were dumb enough to fall for that? Us buying the farm, get real. That temporary mind control spell that she had taught us worked great on that mayor. And now, the deed to the farm is gone and we can take it-

-Apart from our cider, we’re tearin’ down that farm and doin’ what we want with it-

“Whoever this pony is… she hates you all. The whole mess with Aki and her cronies is because this pony hired them. And oddly… I remember you saying the Flim Flam brothers had apple Cutie Marks… but I saw two equal signs.” Ai informed.

“....Ai, Ah want you and Applebloom t’ stay here with Kota, Granny, and Big Mac,” Applejack stated as she looked at her coltfriend, “Kota, Ah want you to look after th’ girls.”

“Okay,” he nodded.

“Thank you,” Applejack nodded, planting a quick kiss on his cheek as she ran out the door and immediately pulled her phone out and called twilight, “Twilight, y’all there?”

-I am, but what’s wrong? You sound really nervous Applejack- Twilight asked.

“No time t’ explain. Call the other girls and have them meet you at yer place, Twi.”

-Okay…?-

A Starlight

Currently, Rainbow and Twilight were working on some plans for their wedding.

“So… what sort of cake would you like?” Twilight asked, as she was looking at a list of options.

“Hmm...not sure really,” Rainbow admitted as she looked over her marefriend’s shoulder, “...I remember my mom saying she had red velvet when she and my dad got married,”

“...you know, you don’t bring up your father all that often. What was he like?” Twilight inquired.

“Oh, he was really amazing. He was kind, caring… he always helped my with my flying… he was a Wonderbolt actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah…” Rainbow nodded as a small sad smile grew on her face, “He’s mostly the reason why I wanted to become a Wonderbolt.”

“...what happened to him?”

“...there was this show when I was a filly, me, Fluttershy, my mom and Fluttershy’s grandmother were all there. The Wonderbolts did this move that would create a cyclone like effect but… they lost control of it. My dad… he… passed away protecting lives from the falling debris the cyclone caused…” Dash sighed, tears starting to form in her eyes, “...He never even saw me get my Cutie Mark…”

“Dash…” Twilight whispered, putting the list down for a moment as she got up and hugged the rainbow maned tomboy, “I’m… so sorry…”

“...you know, part of the reason I was bullied was because I’m the daughter of a Wonderbolt. But… it never bugged me until it kept up, even after my dad passed on…” Dash sighed, ruffling her mane a bit.

“...Did you try talking to somepony about it?”

“Yeah, but it kept up. But… it’s in my past,” Dash shrugged as she sat down.

Twilight sat down by her and the two smiled at each-other, Dash starting to pet Twilight’s mane, causing the alicorn to blush a bit.

“So… how are the dresses coming along, did you check in with Rarity recently?” Dash inquired,

“Yea. She’s working on them, but… she’s had some issues with a rival recently, so she hasn’t been able to fully focus on them,” Twilight informed, “Remember that pony who stole her material back in Manehatten? She’s back…”

“Oh. Think she may be working for Starlight?”

“Rarity told me she’s one of Starlight’s daughters,” Scootaloo informed, she and Dawn Star having walked in and overheard part of their conversation.

“Starlight has children?!” Rainbow gawked before blinking a bit, “Wait… Suri is Starlight’s daughter?!”

“One of two. The other is Diamond Tiara,” Dawn Star informed.

“Well… they do both resemble their mother…” Twilight blinked, “But still, this is just… big. I mean, I didn’t think Starlight Glimmer had children.”

“Neither did I,” Rainbow agreed

“Oh right, before I forget, uh Twilight,” Dawn Star began, getting the older Alicorn’s attention, “There’s somepony at the door who wants to see you two. Said her name was Sora Strom,”

Dash’s eyes widened upon hearing that name, the tomboy shooting up out of her seat and rushed out of the room.

By the door stood an older pegasus. She was white, had a blue mane and tail, pink eyes, was wearing a sky blue blouse and skirt, and a pair of dark blue dress shoes.

“H-h-h-h-hi…” Dash waved nervously, getting the mare’s attention.

“Hello, Rainbow,” the mare responded with a smile, pulling her into a hug, “...my little filly is going to get married…”

“Mom…” Dash blushed a bit in embarrassment before she hugged back, “It’s great to see you. Sorry I haven’t visited you in a long while.”

“Hello there,” Twilight smiled as she walked up to the two pegasi, “You must be Sora Strom.”

“I am,” Sora nodded, “And you must be Twilight Sparkle, correct?”

“Yes I am,” Twilight nodded.

“A princess… my daughter sure does well,” Sora Strom giggled.

“Aw gee, mom…” Rainbow blushed in embarrassment once more, rubbing the back of her head.

“Hi,” Scootaloo smiled as she poked her head into the room.

“You must be Scootaloo,” Sora smiled, “Dash has written all about you in several of her letters… but I get the strangest feeling you look like somepony I know… but it’s probably nothing.”

“Hello there,” Dawn Star greeted, poking her head in as well.

“Oh? Who are you?”

“My name is Dawn Star, ma’am,” Dawn replied as she walked in and bowed, “I’m Twilight Sparkle’s student, and the daughter of the Empress of Neighpon.”

“Wow…” Sora noted before she smiled at the alicorn filly, “Well it’s nice to meet you, Dawn.”

“...so Mom… what are you doing here?”

“My little Dashie is going to get married, I wanted to help a little bit…” Sora smiled as she took out a comb and attempted to pull back Dash’s mane a bit.

“Aw come on, mom. Not in front of Twilight,” Rainbow groaned a bit as her mother brushed her hair a bit.

Twilight began to snicker a bit at this, earning her a small glare from the tomboy.

“Eheh… sorry, Dash,” the alicorn shuckled sheepishly.

Sora Strom was making notes for the wedding, such as flowers, decorations, and such.

“So Pinkie’s gonna get a bit of help decorating… whenever and wherever we’ll be holding the wedding…” Dash commented.

“I guess,” Twilight shrugged, “Why don’t you and your mom go and check on the dresses?”

“...I don’t know…” Dash sighed, “My mom is a part of a rich pony family, and she just got here and all, so I really don’t want to pressure her or anything.”

“...it might be fun to go and hang out with her,” Twilight insisted.

"...Okay."

A bit later, Dash was leading her mom over to the Carousel Botique with Sora Storm giving some waves to some of the ponies she happened to pass by.

“Oh hi,” Sora waved to a gray girl with yellow hair and odd eyes.

“This town has a lot of ponies who live here, and they’re all nice… if occasionally on the airheaded side,” Dash chuckled a bit, “But still, its a pretty nice place to live.”

Sora just nodded at her daughter’s comments when she saw Posey walking around carrying some shopping bags, however, due to the fact Sora could only see the yellow sweater and pink hair…

“Fluttershy…” Sora smiled as she hurried over to hug her.

“Huh? Oh… wait…”

“Fluttershy, it’s been a long time,” Sora smiled, embracing Posey.

“..huh?” Posey blinked.

“Hmm? Why is your mane shorter, dear? Did you have it cut?”

“Um….”

“That’s a shame really. I really liked that long hair of yours.”

“Uh Mom-” Dash started, trying to get her mother’s attention.

“So, how has your flying been? I wanna see your wings,”

“I’m not a pegasus I-”

“Oh. Oh… so… your wings were… uh… re-re-removed?” Sora asked shakily.

“What?!” Posey gasped.

“Okay, sorry it took me so long itoko-chan, Nurse Redheart saw me and wanted to speak with me,” Fluttershy’s voice stated as she caught up to her cousin, “Masaka… Sora-kaa-chan? Is that you?”

“Eh?” Sora Storm blinked, looking at Posey and then Fluttershy, “...Rainbow, why are there two of Fluttershy?”

“Uh… that’s what I was trying to tell you, mom,” Rainbow spoke as she moved up next to her, “That’s Fluttershy’s cousin, Posey. She’s an Earth Pony,”

“Oh… my bad…” Sora chuckled sheepishly as she let Posey go.

“It’s alright, it happens all the time,” Fluttershy assured, “So, how have you been, Sora-kaa-chan?”

“Pretty good. Cloud shaping has been going well,” Sora smiled, before she turned to face her daughter, “By the way, the weather control unit went all sorts of whacko during winter. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that… would you dear?”

“...Uh…” Rainbow groaned a bit, her eyes shifting a bit left to right as she began to sweat nervously, “No… I wouldn’t know anything about that.”

Sora then began to laugh a bit, “Sorry for the scare dearie. It’s just… some people at the job have spread rumors it was you… I just felt like asking that…”

“Oh… eheh… right,” Rainbow chuckled sheepishly.

Sora just nodded a bit as she turned her attention back towards Fluttershy, “So how have you been, dear? I haven’t seen you since you were a sweet little filly.”

“I’ve been great. I’m a part-time veterinarian here,” Fluttershy smile, “It’s a great job really, though… I haven’t really been working lately.”

“Hmm? Why’s that?”

“...You didn’t tell her?” Posey whispered to Rainbow.

“Didn’t think it was my place,” Rainbow admitted, “Plus, I didn’t think she’d come to visit today.”

“...What’s going on?” Sora asked, giving her daughter a slight frown, “Is there something important you’re hiding from me, Rainbow Cumulous ‘Dash’ Spectrum?”

“....Uh…”

“Rainbow…”

“Okay fine I’ll tell you…” Rainbow sighed a bit in defeat, “Fluttershy’s a mom now.”

“...what?” Sora blinked, “I’m sorry, but i think I had something in my ear. Did you say… ’Fluttershy's a mom now’?”

“Yes...yes I did,” Rainbow nodded, giving off a small sigh.

“...is this some sort of joke?”

“Huh?”

“She’s telling the truth,” Fluttershy spoke up, blushing a little, “I’m a mother now…”

“...I guess the mail pony lost my invite to your wedding or something,” Sora giggled, making Fluttershy tense a bit, “Hmm?”

“Ano… I-I’m not really married yet, Sora-kaa-san,” Fluttershy admitted, her blush increasing.

“...what? ...you. You of all ponies, had kids before you were married, I find that VERY hard to believe!” Sora Storm admitted.

“It’s true mom,’ Rainbow spoke up, “You see… certain things happened during a trip to Neighpon and… well…”

“I carried twins. Kaito Breeze and Snow Angel,” Fluttershy finished.

“...I still find it hard to believe,”

Sora was soon brought to Fluttershy’s house and was shown the two baby foals, the older pegasus trying her best not to hug the two as they were currently asleep.

“Oh they are just precious,” Sora squealed quietly.

“I know.” Fluttershy giggled, “They’re just so cute when they are asleep.”

Sora just nodded in agreement at that, “...By the way, where is their father? I would like to meet him.”

“Oh...well, Silver Hawk is currently helping at the hospital right now,” Fluttershy replied, “He should be home in an hour or so.”

“So… who is he anyway?”

“He’s an old friend of itoko-chan’s,” Posey explained as she sat down in a nearby chair, “He’s a pretty nice stallion once you get to know him. And so far, he’s been a good father since the twins arrived.”

“I see… and who’s that little filly over there?” Sora asked motioning to Timid, who was currently just reading.

“That’s Timid Swallow, Silver-kun’s little sister,” Fluttershy replied.

“...hi?” Timid waved nervously, “Ano… who are you?”

“This is Sora Storm, she’s Rainbow’s mother,” Fluttershy informed.

“Oh… I-I see,” Timid noted with a slight stutter as she got up and bowed, “Ano, i-it’s nice to meet you, S-Sora-san.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Timid,” Sora giggled.

“So mom… what were we going to do again?” Dash asked.

“We were… oh right! About to go and see the dresses for your wedding,” Sora gasped as she looked over at Fluttershy, “It was nice seeing you again, Fluttershy. Sorry I couldn't’ stay longer.”

“See you soon,” Fluttershy waved.

“Sorry we’re late Rarity,” Dash apologized as the two entered her boutique, “My mom mistook Posey for Fluttershy, and we ended up going to her place.”

“It’s fine dear,” Rarity’s voice replied before the pure white unicorn walked in from the next room, “It gave me the time to put the finishing touches on the dresses.”

“So you’re the famous Rarity?” Sora asked as she approached, “I’m Sora Storm, Rainbow Dash’s mother.”

“...Sora Storm… why does that name sound familiar?” Rarity pondered for a moment.

“Oh? I do say, it is a pleasure to see you again dear Sora,” Fancy Pants smiled as he walked over.

“Oh. It is nice to see you as well,” Sora smiled.

“You two know each-other?” Rarity gawked.

“She’s a part of the aristocrats in Cloudsdale. I think it’s fitting I know her,” Fancy Pants admitted.

Rarity’s eyes widened as she turned to Rainbow Dash and then to Rainbow’s mother, “You… You’re THAT Sora Storm?! ...are you sure you’re Rainbow Dash’s mother?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rainbow’s eye twitched at that.

“Regardless… as I was asking, you’re the famous Rarity?” Sora asked.

“H-h-h-h-how do you know me?” Rarity asked.

“Rainbow Dash brings you up in her letters,” Sora began, not seeing Rainbow signaling for her to stop, “Claiming you’re very beautiful, and that she once had a cru-”

“Okay! That’s enough of that!” Rainbow shouted with a sheepish grin as she grabbed her mom and began to move her into the next room, “Mom, can I speak to you in private?”

Sora just blinked as Rainbow took her into the next room, leaving a confused Rarity and Fancy Pants.

“MOM! What were you doing there?!” Rainbow growled in anger.

“...What? Did I do something wrong?”

“Oh gee… I don’t know. Maybe you were gonna reveal that I had a crush on Rarity once?!” Rainbow snapped, “Seriously Mom… you don’t just go telling people that stuff…”

“Um...Rainbow?”

“I mean seriously, it’s flight camp all over again! You gave away my secret fanfic stash to everypony back then, and now…”

“Rainbow.”

“Ugh...I get you were trying to help show that I didn’t think that writing and reading were for eggheads, but you just made me clam up about reading! I hated reading until Twilight gave me that Daring Do Book a-”

“Rainbow!”

“What?!”

“Your friend Rarity has been listening,” Sora pointed out.

Rainbow blushed and nervously turned to see, sure enough, Rarity had been standing there.

“...Uh…”

“Rainbow? You… once a crush on me?” Rarity blinked, blushing a little.

“...I think you two should talk a bit…” Sora said sheepishly as she walked away.

Rainbow and Rarity stood there, the former rubbing the back of her head with a nervous blush on her face while the latter messed with a strand of her hair.

“So… yea…” Dash gulped.

“How long did you feel that way about me?” Rarity curiously asked.

“...When we first met… up until I first met and got to know Twilight,” Rainbow replied.

“Oh… I see.” Rarity nodded, “Do any of those feelings… ever come back?”

“...sometimes,” Dash admitted, “There are times I’ve had dreams of you after I met Twilight… but… when mares are as attractive as you are, can you blame me?”

“...Well, I guess not,” Rarity giggled a bit, blushing a little.

“Eheh...yeah,” Rainbow chuckled a bit.

The two stood there a moment, waiting for the other to speak.

“...So… you and Fancy Pants… you two dating now or something?”

“...he has asked me out… but I’m just… not certain if I’ll accept it… I am still a bit busy with some jobs I put on hold during our trip…” Rarity admitted, “Plus, there’s Fluer de Lis… I don’t want to come between those two…”

“They’re a thing? I always thought they were business partners,” Rainbow admitted.

“That is true… but last time I saw them… they looked so happy together.”

“Why not ask him if they’re dating or not?” Dash suggested, “Anypony who’d turn down somebody as beautiful as you is an idiot.”

“You think it would work?”

“Yea,” Dash nodded.

“...Thank you. Now then, shall we get to your wedding gown darling?”

“Yeah… sounds good.”

Soon, Rainbow walked out dressed in her wedding attire, her hair was tied back into a bun at the moment.

“Well, what do you think?”

“...It’s nice and all, but…” Rainbow paused as she looked at her wedding dress, “It makes me feel so… girly… heh...but hey. it is my wedding after all.”

“You look amazing dear…” Sora smiled.

“Thanks mom,” Rainbow smiled, “And… I really like how there is at least a rainbow element in here,”

“I figured you’d like it darling,” Rarity smiled.

“Blech… it looks awful!” a female voice stated.

“...oh joy…” Rarity groaned as Suri walked in.

“You again?” Rainbow frowned as she glared at Suri, “What’re you doing here? Isn't’ taking the designs Rarity worked so hard for bad enough?”

“Oh I just heard a wedding was upcoming… and thought maybe I could help the bride,” Suri offered.

“No thanks,” Rainbow scoffed as she turned away from her, the tomboy crossing her arms, “As if I want your help.”

“Oh really?” Suri responded.

“Yeah really,” Rainbow said with a slight scoff, “Now can you please leave? I dont’ want someone like you seeing me in my wedding dress. You’d probably just steal the design anyway.”

“It’s too hideous for me to take,” Suri scoffed.

“It’s not hideous, it’s wonderful!” a female voice shouted.

“...oh great...you,” Suri frowned as she turned around to face a mare with short, light blue hair, similarly colored eyes, a white shirt under a purple vest, a purple dress collar with a small red tie, a pale yellow skirt, purple thigh high socks, and brown dress shoes, “Come crawling back to me, or are you here to throw coffee in my face again?”

“...I was invited here. And I think this wedding dress… is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!” the mare shouted, glaring at Suri.

“Oh… why thank you, Coco,” Rarity smiled, blushing a little before clearing her throat a little, “I made sure it would fit and match Rainbow’s personality perfectly.”

“You don’t have an eye for detail, squirt,” Suri told Coco.

“And you do?” Coco frowned a bit, “When I worked for you, all I did was copy the designs of other ponies cloths, and make sure YOU were the one who made them. And ever since I quit, I’ve been doing a good job selling clothes and helping out with the costumes for some plays.”

Suri just glared at the younger Earth Pony, before she noticed some water and got an idea.

“Maybe you’re right,” Suri lied as she slowly approached it, “Though… I think it’s missing something...something to give it…” she paused as she grabbed the bottle, “A splash of color!”

She threw the water into the air and it hit Rainbow, ruining her dress. Suri quickly ran out the door, with Rainbow looking at her now ruined dress… actually starting to tear up.

“...my dress… my dress is ruined!” she shouted, before she began to cry a bit dramatically, making everypony stare at her, “...uh… I mean… ‘oh no… she ruined the dress’...”

Rarity just stared at Rainbow for a moment, blinking a few times.

“What? It took you a while to make it, Rarity, and that…” Rainbow paused as she made sure Sweetie Belle wasn’t in the room, “Pardon my mouth for this, bitch Suri ruined it.”

“I was only in a bit of awe you… reacted that way…” Rarity admitted.

“...what? I never said I hate fashion, and it IS my wedding dress….” Rainbow stated, “So yeah… Suri just outright ruined it.”

“....”

“...please don’t tell anypony I acted like that.”

Sora couldn’t help but laugh a bit at how her daughter was just acting.

“Gee… way to act supportive mom,” Rainbow sarcastically said with a slight sweatdrop.

“Sorry, dear. It’s just… I haven’t seen you act so melodramatic. It was kind of cute… no offense or anything… but, Rarity, shouldn’t you be able to fix it?”

“Hmm...I should be able to,” Rarity replied as she looked at the dress, “Though it’ll take a full night for me to do that.”

“We still don’t know when the wedding will actually be… so, you got some time,” Rainbow informed.

The pegasus was soon dried off and on her way back to Twilight’s with her mother.

“...Please don’t tell Twilight I acted like that…” Dash told her mother.

“I promise I won’t,” Sora giggled a bit, “But still, it’s the most emotional I’ve ever seen you since… you know… we lost your father.”

Rainbow sighed sadly at that as she looked down at the ground.

“...Are you going be alright?” Sora asked.

“...Yeah...I will be,” Rainbow nodded a bit in response, the sad look still on her face, “Still...I wish dad was around to see my wedding and stuff.”

After a few more minutes of walking, Dash and Sora arrived back at the castle and walked inside. they saw there was some damages to it.

“What th...who did this?!” Rainbow exclaimed, a look of surprise and shock on her face, ‘..crud. Did those yaks come back and get offended again?!’

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo’s voice shouted, the young filly running over to her and hugging her.

“Kid… what happened?”

“I… I… there was this… this…” Scootaloo whimpered as she held onto the older pegasus tightly.

“Sis is a bit… stuck in trauma,” Dawn Star informed, walking over, “Some green pegasus came in and tore up the place. I couldn’t get a good look at her with how fast she was going.”

“...where’s Twilight?” Dash asked in worry.

“Nopony’s seen here since we got hit by… whatever hit us,” Pinkie informed, emerging from some streamers, cake mix, and balloon remains.

“...Dawn…” Dash began as she handed Scootaloo over to Sora before walking over to Dawn, kneeling in front of the Alicorn filly as the tomboy gained a serious expression, “Are you sure you didn’t see who this green pegasus was?”

“...All I really saw was a yellow mane and tail,”

Dash’s eyes widened at this, her fist clenching in anger as she immedeatly knew who Dawn was talking about.

“...why would Raging’s and Thunder’s daughter do this?” Sora wondered.

“Huh?” Dash blinked as she looked over at her mother.

“Lighting Dust, one of two daughters of Raging Streak and Thundering Burst. They were old friends of your dad and all three of them were Wonderbolts,” Sora explained before tapping her shin in thought, “But… why would she do something like this?”

“...I think I know why,” Dash frowned as she stood up, “She’s probably sore about getting kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy because of that incident involving the tornado she created.”

“NO~! No… no torn… torn… thingies…” Scootaloo whimpered, hugging Sora Storm a lot tighter.

“It’s okay dear...it’s okay,” Sora reassured the pegasus filly as she held onto her, “I remember Aunt Spitfire telling me you both got into the Wonderbolt’s Academy. She never mentioned anything else…”

“...I’m going to find her…” Dash growled.

“Don’t do anything out of anger…” Sora told her daughter, “It w-”

“No, mom. She stepped over the line this time!” rainbow dash snapped, “It’s one thing to endanger my friends, but to-!”

“Her family is completely dead. She got kicked out of the Wonderbolt Academy…you want to make her suffer even more?“

“....No…” Rainbow sighed.

“You said she was one of two daughters of these friends of yours… who’s the other?” Dawn Star asked.

“A little sister. She went missing in the… y’know what that claimed the life of more than eleven Wonderbolts, Dash’s father and both of Lighting’s parents among them,” Sora replied.

“I see...what was her name?”

“...Honestly, I don’t remember…” Sora sighed.

“Ohh…”

“No… no more… no more wind… no more…” Scootaloo whimpered, “P-p-please… protect me…”

“....Mom, look after Scootaloo and Dawn for me,” Rainbow said as she headed to one of the broken windows, “I’m gonna go find Lighting Dust.”

“Got it. But… please… be careful…”

Diamond Tiara sat and waited for her mother to walk in, the no longer spoiled filly waiting in the living room. For the first time since she and her father moved from Canterlot, she was going to see her mother again.

“Sorry for taking a moment to bring her in… had something to take care of,” Suri informed as a door was locked somewhere.

Suri walked off to a door, opening it to reveal an older Unicorn mare with light purple-ish pink fur, and a dark violet mane and tail with a purple and periwinkle highlight in them. She wore a purple jacket on top of a white dress shirt (a small image of an ‘equal’ sign on the left breast pocket), blue pants, brown shoes, and a pair of black gloves. Overall, it gave a sorta… dictator/military-esque look.

“M-m-mom?” Diamond tiara asked in a near whisper.

“Hello, Diamond Tiara,” the Unicorn mare nodded in response, “It has been a while.”

“Mom…” Suri smiled.

“...Starlight, it has been a long time…” Filthy Rich said as he walked over.

“Indeed it has, Filthy Rich,” Starlight replied as she sat down, “How long has it been? Days? Months? Years?”

“...Why are you here, Starlight?” Filthy Rich asked as he sat down, keeping a stern look on his face.

“I wanted to see my baby daughter again,” Starlight replied before scoffing a bit, “Shame it had to be in such an annoying backwater place…though I admit, where I was living wasn’t much better, it was in the middle of the desert… but everything was… perfect.”

“...So…you came here just to see me?” Diamond couldn't’ help but ask.

“Yes. But, I heard from your big sister Suri that you’re embracing this…” Starlight paused as she looked out a window, seeing a few ponies walk by, “Town’s ‘peaceful’ ways...I’m afraid I see error with that, my daughter.”

“Why?”

“This town has conflict and constant monster invasion. That’s not peaceful at all…” Starlight stated as she frowned a little, “If anything, this town is… imperfect. It has not yet embraced equality… true harmony.”

“...Equality?” Suri blinked in confusion.

“Diamond, Suri, do you both remember the speech I gave you both before I left?” Starlight asked, not turning away from the window.

“...That Cutie Marks make ponies superior?” Diamond asked.

Starlight made a buzzer sound, “Wrong.”

“Huh?”

“Cutie Marks… are things that keep a pony from embracing equality. Having a Cutie Mark makes you think that you’re superior than everypony,” Starlight explained, “Cutie Marks are vile things that must be taken, as they keep a pony from embracing who they really are… being perfect… being the same as everypony else.”

“...How can you just get rid of a Cutie Mark? You’re bound to figure out your talent one day…”

“That is true. But…” Starlight paused as she looked at her daughters, “I have found a way to take one's Cutie Mark, and replace it with something better.”

“...Can you show me it?” Diamond asked.

“Don’t,” Filthy told his youngest daughter.

“Why not?” Starlight asked as she looked at Filthy next, “Diamond is just curious to see it, Filthy Rich.”

“You’re talk about Cutie Marks is… is… is maddening, Starlight,” Filthy Rich stated with a frown, “Cutie Marks are what make Ponies special. What makes them unique. Wh-”

“Quiet!” Starlight snapped, a evident vein popping out of her neck before she calmed herself, “Apologies, but…” she paused as a scowl appeared on her face, “Somepony told me the same thing once.”

“...Were they a bad pony?” Diamond asked.

“More like a stupid pony,” Suri told her.

“No…” Starlight spoke as she growled a bit, “More like… a so called princess who knows nothing about true friendship or harmony.”

Diamond gave a confused look, but shrugged it off.

“Mom, will you…stay tonight?” Diamond asked, “I haven’t had a mother be with me for so long and… and I… this is the first time I’ve seen you in such a long time.”

“...Sure,” Starlight nodded, “Just for tonight though. I have certain… appointments I need to do while I am here.”

Diamond simply nodded, going over to hug her mother, who hugged her back.

“Want me to… you know, get you into your pajamas, tuck you in and…read a story?” Starlight offered.

“...I would like that…” Diamond smiled as she yawned a little.

Sisters

“Wagh! HELP!” Scootaloo’s voice shouted, attempting to fly, but her wings would not work, “Help! Somepony! Anypony!”

Suddenly rocks came flying, Scootaloo just managing to duck underneath some of them, but the debris continued flying. She looked to see a tornado, the pegasus filly’s eyes widening in fear as she tried to run away, but the force of the tornado was too strong as it tried to pull her in. She attempted to hang onto some clouds, but her grip slipped and she fell.

“SIS~!” an older voice shouted.

“No more… no more…” Scootaloo whimpered in her sleep before she shot up, “NO MORE!”

“Scootaloo! Are you okay?” Sora asked as she ran in.

“I… I had… a nightmare…” Scootaloo panted before whimpering a bit, “Tornados…”

Sora walked over and hugged her, rubbing her back a bit to help calm her down.

“It’s okay dear… there’s no tornados here to hurt you,” the older pegasus assured the filly in a calm, reassuring tone.

The young filly began to cry as she held onto Sora for safety, her body shaking a little. Sora simply patted her and tried to calm her down.

“...Where am I?” Twilight groaned, waking up before wincing a little, “My head…”

“It’s about time you woke up,” a tomboy’s voice scoffed a little.

Twilight’s visions began to clear up and she saw the teal pegasus with her mane being a mix of orange and electric yellow. She currently wore a dark brown jacket on top of a pure white shirt, and a pair of jean shorts.

“You… You’re Lightning Dust… right?” Twilight asked, her memory a bit foggy at the moment, but that’s probably due to her currently sore head.

“Well, you’re not such an idiot.” she scoffed, “Yeah, I’m Lightning Dust, an old… ’friend’ of Rainbow Dash, A.K.A, the mare who got me kicked out of the Wonderbolt Academy.”

“...Don’t bag on my marefriend…” Twilight growled, about to blast her, but she couldn’t, “What the…?”

“Magic blocker,” Lighting Dust informed, “I’m not telling you where it is, but it’s blocking off the magic to your horn and your wings.”

Twilight attempted to move her wings, but couldn’t. Almost as if somepony had bonded them together.

“...what do you want?!” Twilight demanded.

“Starlight Glimmer gave me a chance to get revenge on Rainbow Dash,” Lightning Dust replied, causing Twilight’s eyes to widen a bit when she heard Starlight’s name.

“...Lightning Dust, listen to me. Do not trust her. Sh-”

“She’s what? A lot more capable than you?” Lightning Dust interrupted with a scoff, “Face it, nerd. Your whole ‘friend is magic’ nonsense got you into this situation in the first place.”

Twilight attempted to move, but Lightning just side stepped next to her and kicked her onto her side.

“Seriously, you and your ‘friends’ claiming that friendship is great and stuff? Tch… biggest load of baloney I’ve ever heard,” Lightning Dust added.

“...You’re wrong,” Twilight frowned a little as she glared at Lightning Dust, “The friendship between me and my friends are more powerful than anything you can possibly imagine. If it wasn't for us, than Tirek would’ve drained Equina of it’s Magic completely.”

“Yeah, and you got everypony thinking that what you and those other freaks have is true friendship… well I got something to tell ya,” Lightning smirked a bit as she kneeled down to look Twilight dead in the eye, “Starlight knows what true friendship… no. What true harmony is.”

Dash flew around, attempting to find anything out of the ordinary.

“Come on...where are you?” the rainbowette muttered to herself as she flew around the area, hoping to find Twilight.

Several ponies watched as she flew around wildly, wondering what was going on.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie’s voice shouted as she bounced up, using spring boots to reach where Dash was, “I have… news!”

“I don’t care right now Pinkie Pie! I’m busy!” Rainbow shouted, grabbing a nearby cloud before Pinkie ended up getting caught in it, “Tell me later!”

“But Dashie! I-!” Pinkie began before Rainbow Dash flew off.

The rainbowette continued to fly around before she accidentally bumped into something.

“Ow!” Rainbow winced as she held her face, “What the tartarus did I bump into?!”

“Hi Rainbow Dash! Seriously, I need to talk to you!” Pinkie informed, the excitable pinkette flying in a makeshift helicopter.

“Pinkie Pie. What the heck did you make me bump into?!” Rainbow snapped.

“A sign trying to tell you to stop,” Pinkie replied, holding up said object, “See?”

“Not. Now. Pinkie!” Dash growled, grabbing the stop sign, tossed it into a nearby tree, and flew off, ‘Seriously, what’s gotten into Pinkie?! She’s acting like she did the day before Gilda came to Ponyville!’

“Come on Rainbow-”

Dash simply flew off in a blur, leaving Pinkie by herself in the sky.

“...Oh I will tell her what I need to tell her,” Pinkie frowned a bit, a serious look on her expression, “This I swear.”

Dash continued to fly around, searching around the Everfree Forest for any clues to where Lighting Dust took Twilight.

“Come on...where are you?” Rainbow muttered as she searched the area thoroughly, “Lightning Dust better hope I don't’ find her first, because I-”

“RAINBOW DA~SH! LIS~TEN TO ME~~~~~!” Pinkie Pie shouted into a megaphone, causing leaves to blow off of trees, birds to go flying, glass to shatter, and a few rocks to break, “I-”

“UGH!!!!” Rainbow groaned as she turned around to looked at Pinkie, who was hanging off a tree branch, ”WHAT DO YOU WANT?!?!?!?!?”

“I know where Lighting Dust took Twilight,” Pinkie informed calmly.

“....what?”

“I said I know where Lightning Dust took Twilight,” Pinkie repeated, “She’s a-”

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME SOONER?!” Rainbow snapped as she shook her.

“Seriously?! I’ve been trying to tell you all afternoon you… you… you… you dingus!” Pinkie shouted, ready to wallop Dash with the megaphone.

“Pinkie Pie, it was a joke!”

“Jokes are supposed to be funny, Rainbow!” Pinkie barked.

“I-!” Rainbow began before she slowly let go of Pinkie and took a few deep, calming breaths, “Sorry… just been really stressed lately.”

“It’s fine… guess we’re all stressed out because of the wedding, and hearing about Starlight Glimmer returning,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie Pie… please… help me find Twilight…” Dash begged.

“I will,” Pinkie smiled, but she then proceeded to take out some bits and began to toss and catch them, “However, my services aren’t free…”

“...what do you want?”

“A deal. I help you, you help me with any one thing I want,”

“...And that is?”

“Do you agree?”

“...Fine.”

Pinkie then had a huge array of scientific equipment and was looking at a picture of Lightning Dust flying away with an unconscious Twilight’s body.

“Alright, so, based on the direction she’s flying in this photo, she was heading east, past Sugar Cube Corner, and town hall…” Pinkie stated, the pinkette wearing a female detective outfit, “But where… where exactly did she take her? The answer to that… is here!” Pinkie exclaimed as she zoomed in on the picture, ”Look at her wing! It looks like it has some ash on it… wood ash to be precise!”

“...Huh?” Dash blinked.

“Also, I contacted some weather patrols and they indeed said there was some teal pegasus who flew by at 11:45am yesterday, about 10 minutes before you and your mom got back from the Carousel Boutique.”

“Pinkie, what d-” Rainbow began before Pinkie put her finger on the tomboy’s mouth, silencing her.

“Shh….I’m explaining,” Pinkie told her as she moved her finger away from Rainbow dash’s mouth, “Now then, let me think…”

Pinkie then reached over and grabbed a slice of pizza and nibbled on it.

“Uh…”

“Sometimes a snack helps me think. Want a slice?” Pinkie offered.

“uh...no thanks. I’m good,” Rainbow replied.

“...Okay. Suit yourself,” Pinkie shrugged as she continued to eat as she made notes and calculations about the picture and some interviews from other ponies, “Yes… yes…”

“Got something?”

“Yes… from most of the ponies I talked to, they’ve seen somepony walking from where Twilight’s treebary used to be,” Pinkie replied before nibbling on a pen a little, “But.. why though? We dug the remains up to make that chandelier for Twilight to make herself at home.”

“Yeah… except maybe the basement. Couldn’t even get to it…” Rainbow shrugged a bit.

“Yeah… and Lightning Dust did have some ash on her wings…”

“...Where are you going with this, Pinkie?”

Pinkie gave her a ‘one moment’ signal, walked over to a fridge and got a yogurt cup and began to eat it.

“Simple…” Pinkie began as she gulped down the yogurt, “Lightning Dust took Twilight...to the basement where Twilight’s Treebary used to be!”

“...Thank you Pinkie! Now uh… you said I owe you. What do I owe you?”

Pinkie finished her snack and threw it in the trash before taking out bits and tossing them up and down, “Today, nothing. Tomorrow, who knows? I’ll contact you when I wish to collect.”

“...Why do I feel uneased by that?” Rainbow sweatdropped a bit.

“Yes… why indeed?” Pinkie giggled with a slight grin.

“This is...my old basement…” Twilight gasped, seeing where she was.

“Nopony would think to look for you here,” Lighting Dust grinned, “I mean seriously, who would want to look at a library of all places, much less the remains of one?”

“This… was my home you little… you little… you little bitch!” Twilight shouted.

“Oh my… a princess cursing?” Lightning smirked as she leaned against a burnt bookcase, “Now that’s very unfitting for the princess of ‘friendship.’ But being honest… that did sorta surprise me.”

“...You better hope Rainbow Dash doesn’t find you,” Twilight scowled.

“Please… like she could catch me,” Lightning smirked before frowning, “I was the best at the Wonderbolts Academy… at least until…” she paused as she growled a little, “That backstabber Rainbow Dash got me kicked out.”

“That was entirely your own fault,” Twilight frowned, “You had endangered me and my friends when we were trying to visit Rainbow, not to mention, from what she told us you injured several other students!”

“Being a Wonderbolt was the only chance I had to find my missing sister!” Lighting Dust growled as she punched a table in half.

Twilight’s eyes widened upon hearing this, “Wh-what?”

“You heard me…” Lightning growled, “I joined just so I can find my little sister… but no! That stupid backstabber, Rainbow Dash had to get me kicked out!”

Twilight just blinked, not sure what to say to that.

“...Where’s mom?” Scootaloo asked Sora, the young filly looking out the window in worry, “She’s never gone for this long…”

“Don’t worry… she’s safe,” Sora Storm assured.

“...I hope so,” Scootaloo sighed before she got an idea, “Hey uh...I just remembered something important. I was supposed to meet my friends at our clubhouse. Do you mind if I head out to meet them?”

“Sure. Just be safe,” Sora nodded.

Scootaloo headed out, but she ran off to try and find Rainbow Dash. She felt bad for lying to Sora, but she was really worried for her adopted mother.

She looked up and saw Rainbow flying overhead, the tomboy heading off. Scootaloo followed after her, but made sure to stay out of sight so Rainbow wouldn’t see her following.

“...Why is your sister missing?” Twilight asked.

“We got separated during that tornado at that Wonderbolt’s performance that claimed my parents lives,” Lightning Dust replied, “I have to join the Wonderbolts...but that stupid rainbowette and her stupid great-aunt denied me that chance! Spitfire KNEW I was the best there! but no~! She kicked me out because I ‘endangered’ some lives!”

Twilight just looked at her for a moment, seeing her eyes had a sort of glossed over look to them, apart from the white area, all that was there was the yellow of her eyes.

‘...there’s gotta be something more to this. There’s gotta be a reason why her eyes look like that… did Starlight take her Cutie Mark? No… her fur would’ve darkened, or… maybe I just can’t see it very well… hmm...’

“Hey… what’s with the lack of lights?” Twilight asked.

“Pft. Heck should I know? This place was a bit screwy when I found it,” Lightning Dust scoffed.

“...What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight demanded.

“It means the lights in this place are crap!” Lightning Dust snapped, “Yeesh… and you’re supposed to be the smart one.”

Twilight rolled her eyes at this.

“I’m curious. Why did somepony as ‘smart’ as you fall for such a backstabbing slacker like her?” Lighting asked.

Before Twilight could answer, she heard a thudding sound of a sort.

“...The heck was that?” Lightning Dust asked as she looked around, “...Don’t move, ‘princess’. I’m going to go check it out.”

The thudding continued before Rainbow Dash crashed in from above.

“Rainbow!”

“Oh joy… you…” Lighting groaned, when Twilight looked closely and saw Lighting’s left hand had a darker shade to it.

“Hello… Lightning Dust,” Rainbow frowned as she glared at the teal pegasus.

“Backstabber,” Lighting Dust growled, “For somepony who claims to represent Loyalty, you do a really bad job at it.”

“Shut. Up.” Dash growled, “Like you would know about loyalty. You hurt our fellow cadets back at the Academy just to show off, not to mention you almost hurt my friends!”

“If those losers hadn't been there, then I would still be in the Academy, you backstabber!” Lightning Dust snapped.

Rainbow just proceeded to run up and punch her.

“I said shut up!” The tomboy snapped, “It was your own fault you got kicked out in the first place!”

“Puh-lease!” Lighting Dust shouted as she tried to punch Rainbow back. Rainbow rolled out of the way of the attack, but as she did, she noticed a part of where Lighting’s Cutie Mark would be…

“...No way…” Dash realized, heading over to Twilight to get her free, “...Is she…?”

“Oh big time,” Twilight nodded before Lighting ran over and tackled Rainbow onto the wall, "Rainbow!

“You must think you’re so special, do ya?!” Lightning Dust shouted as she punched Rainbow hard in the face, “Thinking you’re a ‘loyal’ friend?! Thinking the ‘harmony’ you and your freak friends is real?! Well news flash, Rainbow Crash! They’re nothing but a lie!”

Dash then saw something lying on the ground by some rubble and picked it up, revealing it to be a sword, “Uh Twi… why is there…?”

“My brother either sent them to me as gifts or forgot to take them home when he visited,” Twilight explained.

“Oh...Well you c-” Rainbow began before Lighting Dust kicked her hard in the gut, knocking the air out of her as the rainbow haired tomboy stumbled back, “Cheap... *cough* Blow.”

“And you’d be cheating by using a sword,” Lightning Dust rebuttled.

“...Wow…” Rainbow groaned as she spat out some blood in her mouth, “You really don’t know anything about me, Dusty.”

“I know a lot more about you than you think,” Lightning responded, dodging punches and kicks from Rainbow, “Your full name is Rainbow Cumulus Spectrum, you’re 18, almost about to turn 19, you were born on the first day of the 2nd month, you are the daughter of Sora Strom, daughter of the former mayor of Cloudsdale, and Firefly Spectrum, a Wonderbolt who died in the Tornado Incident that also claimed the life of my mom and dad!”

“Wh-” Rainbow began with wide eyes before Lightning Dust delivered a hard uppercut to her chin, sending her flying in the air before she landed a few feet away. Dash landed on a rather large cloud that was hanging rather low to the ground, the tomboy wiping away the blood on her lip, “Why’s this cloud so… low?”

Suddenly, the cloud flew high up into the air, being carried by Lighting Dust until the two were way up high in the sky.

“There… now we got more room!” Lightning Dust smirked as she flew from underneath the cloud. She began to spin into a sort of cyclone, but Dash countered with her own rainbow colored cyclone she used during her fight with Flash Sentry. Eventually, the two cyclones began to fuse before they transformed into a full on, wild tornado.

“Rainbow!” Twilight shouted as she ran out from what remained of the basement, trying to keep her skirt down from the fierce winds caused by the tornado. She then attempted to fly up, but whatever was keeping her magic from circulating, caused her to drop down. She then saw some clouds that had been misplaced, which formed into a sort of staircase up to where Rainbow and Lighting were fighting.

“You may know all that stuff about me, but what difference does it make?!” Dash growled as she and Lightning Dust traded blows.

“Everything!” Lightning Dust snapped, “Once I get rid of you and your lame ass ‘friends’, I’ll help Starlight rebuild what’s left of this place, and form a town that knows true harmony and friendship! And then… and then… I’ll find my younger sister!”

“Rainbow!” Twilight shouted, but it was muffled out by the winds.

Somebody else happened to be up there, but was hiding within the cloud at the moment, causing the cloud that the two pegasi were fighting on to become unstable.

“Not again… not again…” the faint voice of a certain orange pegasus filly whimpered.

“Sister? You have a sister?” Dash asked.

“She went missing during the tornado that took the lives of my parents and your father! My entire damn REASON for being a Wonderbolt is so I could try and find her! But you had to ruin everything!”

Rocks and debris were slowly being pulled up from the ground and dragged into the tornado.

“It’s not my fault, Lightning! If you had just stopped acting all cocky, than maybe you wouldn’t have gotten kicked out in the first place!” Rainbow shouted

“I had to give 110% so I could be a Wonderbolt! I don’t have any family who loves me, I don’t have anypony who cares about me… and I don’t want my sister to suffer! I want my sister back!” Lightning snapped.

“And you think Starlight would help you with that?!” Rainbow shouted, “Think about it! Would your sister care if you helped destroy Ponyville and force everypony to let go of their Cutie Mark and what makes them unique?!”

Rocks began to fly into the vortex, one of them smacking one of Dash’s wings, causing her to lose altitude.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight gasped, jumping up and managing to catch her.

“Thanks,” Dash smiled.

Suddenly, a rock came hurtiling towards the cloud that somepony was hiding it, and it destroyed the cloud, revealing Scootaloo.

“Ahh! HELP!” Scootaloo screamed as she fell through the air.

“Scootaloo/Scoots!” Twilight and Rainbow gasped.

“Eh?” Lighting Dust blinked as she looked down at the falling filly, her eyes widening.

(Flashback)
“No! My little sister is still back there!” a younger Lighting Dust shouted, trying to run back to get her sister.

“It’s too dangerous kid, we need to leave!” a security guard told her.

Lighting just didn’t listen and ran back to the area where the tornado was, managing to duck underneath or dodge the debris.

“Come on… where is she?! Where is she?!”

She saw a white blanket stuck underneath a marble column and ran over to it, knowing that’s where she was. Lighting was able to duck underneath it and get closer, “Don’t worry sis, I’m gonna get you outta here!”

She heard her baby sister crying, the sound faint due to the sound of the wind howling throughout the area.

“Shh… it’s okay… I’ll get you somewhere safe, and then we’ll be with mommy and daddy again. I promise,” Lightning reassured her little sister as she got closer to moving the column to free her. Lightning was able to reach her but she lost her grip on the blanket, causing her sister to get swept away by the winds, “NO! Sis!”

She was about to fly away, but she was stopped by the magic of the royal guards, “NO! LET ME GO! MY LITTLE SISTER I HAVE TO SAVE HER! NO!!!”

“...Sis!” Lighting Dust shouted, her eyes snapping back to normal as she took off as fast as she could to go and catch Scootaloo.

Scootaloo screamed as the fierce winds blew her around, the Pegasus filly trying to reach out for something to hold onto before she saw Lightning Dust.

“Don’t worry! I’ll catch you!” Lighting told her, “Just… a little… faster… please…”

There was a glow from her flank, being the equal sign symbol in place of her Cutie Mark.

“Some stone? What a lame Cutie Mark… but eh. It gives me another ally,” Starlight shrugged, looking at a stone symbol in the jar she kept Cutie Marks in. Suddenly, she saw one begin to vibrate like crazy.

It was the one containing Lightning Dust’s Cutie Mark, the jar containing it bouncing around like crazy before it fell on the floor, shattering upon impact as the Cutie Mark flew straight out the window.

The Cutie Mark was restored to Lighting Dust, allowing her to reach her top speed and let her catch up with Scootaloo. However, even though she could go faster now, she still had trouble with the wind caused by the tornado.

“Stupid tornado…” Lightning growled as she took into the air and began to spin in the opposite direction of the tornado, the pegasus barely managing to stop it before she flew to catch Scootaloo.

“Come on… stupid wings… work…” Scootaloo whimpered as she fell, the filly trying her best to fly, but her wings wouldn’t work.

“I’ll catch you!” Lighting shouted as she flew faster, “Don’t worry!”

“...Uh…” Scootaloo whimpered a bit, not sure if she should trust her or not.

“I promise nothing bad will happen to you!” Lightning Dust shouted.

Scootaloo gulped, still a bit unsure. As she fell, she immediately closed her eyes and began to cry a bit, scared as she waited for the ground to come, but… it never came as she slowly opened her eyes, letting her see that she was in Lightning Dust’s arms.

“You’re safe…” Lightning Dust smiled, “You okay kid?”

“Yea…” Scootaloo nodded.

“...Do you… remember me?”

“Re-remember?” Scootaloo blinked.

“Look in your memory… it’s there…”

Scootaloo closed her eyes and thought long and hard.

(Flashback)
“Hi there baby sis…” Lighting Dust waved, “I’m your big sister...and I promise that nothing bad will happen to you… ever.”

“You’ll love your little sister, right Lighting?” a female’s voice asked. The pegasus mare was light green like Lightning Dust was, and had a purple mane and yellow eyes.

“I will, I always will, I promise!” Lighting assured.

“She’s adorable…” a male’s voice added, the stallion pegasus being orange with a yellow mane and purple eyes, “What shall we name her?”

“...I got the perfect name,” the female smiled softly, “Scootaloo…”

“Where’d you get that from, mommy? And don’t you like my idea of Spark Blitz?” Lightning asked.

“It’s a good name dear, but…” the female paused as she looked at thee sleeping foal in her arms, “I think Scootaloo fits much better.”

“...okay,” Lightning sighed a bit as she looked at the the young foal in her mother's arms, "Don't worry...I promise I'll be there for you, little sis."

“...Big sis?” Scootaloo whispered.

“Yeah… it’s me,” Lightning Dust smiled.

“...Y-you’re really here…” Scootaloo whispered, small tears forming in her eyes, “I… I can’t believe this…”

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Rainbow Dash shouted at the top of her lungs as she punched Lightning Dust away from Scootaloo.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked Scootaloo as she caught her.

“Yea, I am but-”

“Stay away from her, or else I’ll have Twilight throw ya in the slammer!” Rainbow growled as she ran over and began to hold Lightning Dust by the scruff of her shirt, “Also, you better hope I don’t see your face again after kidnapping Twilight, otherwise I-!”

“Hey! Don’t just threaten my big sister!” Scootaloo shouted.

“Not now Scootaloo, the adults are.-” Dash began before her eyes widened and she turned to Scootaloo, “Wait… big sister?!”

“Yes.” Sora informed, flying over to her daughter, “Scootaloo is the second daughter of Raging Streak and Thundering Burst.”

“W-what?!” Rainbow Dash gawked.

“I… I… I don’t know what to say…” Twilight admitted, the Alicorn at a loss for word.

=later, back at the castle=

“So… Scootaloo’s big sister is a criminal?” Dawn Star asked.

“Not willingly,” Lightning informed, “I don’t remember much, but after I bumped into Starlight Glimmer… that’s it. Everything else was a blank.”

“You attacked the castle, you kidnapped Twilight, and nearly wrecked Ponyville with that tornado you made to try and counter mine,” Rainbow stated.

“...I did that? I don’t want to hurt anyway… I… I learned…” Lightning Dust sighed as she sat down on the floor, “After I got kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy, I… felt lost. I didn’t know what to do or anything. I thought about my behavior and realized…I was an idiot. And… a damn big one. I just wanted to impress Spitfire so bad, I didn’t notice all the damage I did. I hurt my fellow cadets, I endangered some lives…” she paused as she looked down at the floor, “I deserved to be kicked out of the academy.”

“But… you’ve learned, right?”

“Yeah...I have,” Lightning nodded as she looked at Dash and Scootaloo with a smile, “I’ve relearned what it means to be loyal.”

“And now you know why they call me Loyalty,” Rainbow smirked a bit.

“Eheh… yea,” Lightning chuckled a bit before she got up, “I… guess I’ll be on my way then.”

“No, sis, don’t go,” Scootaloo told her, “We just found each other a-"

“Scoots… listen,” Lightning Dust began as she knelt down and put her hand on the pegasus filly’s shoulder, “I’m gonna be away for a while. If what Rainbow told me about Starlight is true… then I better keep my eye out for her.”

“Please…” Scootaloo begged.

“Hey don’t worry,” Lightning Dust smiled a bit as she messed with Scootaloo’s hair a bit, “I’ll be back for Rainbow and… uh…”

“Twilight.”

“Thank you. Twilight’s wedding. That is…” Lightning paused as she looked at Twilight and Rainbow Dash, “If that’s okay with you… especially after what happened in all.”

“With Scoots here… it makes you family,” Dash smiled.

“...Just one night?” Scootaloo begged.

“...Alright,” Lightning replied as she gave Scootaloo a soft smile, “I’ll stay for one night.”

“Thank you…” Scootaloo smiled, hugging her big sister.

That night, Lightning Dust was packing up a few things for her travels.

“...hey,” Dash’s voice spoke, causing Lightning to look over her shoulder to see the rainbowette standing in the doorway, “Leaving already?”

“Just wanna make sure I’m packed,” Lighting informed, “Hey Rainbow… I… I… I… *sighs* thanks for adopting her. I’m… just glad someone like you is taking care of her.”

“No problem,” Rainbow smiled a bit as she walked up next to her fellow pegasus, “So...how long do you think you’ll be gone?”

“Heck if I know,” she shrugged.

“...I think you should do something so Scoots can keep in touch with you.”

“Huh?” Lightning couldn’t help but blink at that.

“Like… a cellphone number so she can talk to you?”

“Oh… eheh… funny thing about that,” Lightning Dust chuckled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, “I… really don’t have a phone or anything.”

Dash let out an annoyed groan, “Sheesh, Lightning Dust.”

“Sorry. I just couldn’t afford to have one really. Heck, I was lucky enough to get into the Academy,” Lightning Dust said before sighing a bit, “Of which I made a major ass out of myself.”

“...I know all to well Lighting, I really know how Scootaloo will worry about you.”

“I know… I know… maybe until I can get a phone or something, I’ll just send out some letters or something.”

“Just… don’t leave the kid so scared. Why not go to her room and…you know, wish her good night and all that jazz?” Dash suggested.

“...You’re really motherly, you know that?” Lighting Dust giggled.

“I try,” Rainbow chuckled.

Scootaloo yawned as she laid in her bed, the pegasus filly exhausted after what happened. She heard a knock at the door before she noticed Lighting walking in.

“Big sis?” Scootaloo blinked.

“I…wanted to come and see you before I leave,” Lighting informed, sitting down by her, “Look. I’m really sorry I wasn’t there for you while growing up. I… thought I had lost you, but at the same time… I wanted to keep hope that you were still alive in my heart. I joined the Wonderbolts Academy in hopes of finding you faster…*sighs* and look how that turned out.”

Scootaloo nodded before she heard what sounded like a howling sound, making her cover her head under the blanket.

“Hey relax, Scootaloo,” Lightning Dust said as she rubbed her little sister’s head, “It’s probably just the wind or something.’

“C-c-c-c-can you check?” Scootaloo asked nervously.

Lighting nodded and proceeded to walk over to the closet, showing there wasn’t anything in there beyond what should be in there, and nothing under the bed.

“Nothing there. See? Like I said, nothing but the wind,” the older pegasus smiled a bit

“Okay,” Scootaloo nodded.

“...And don’t worry. I’ll be sure to keep in contact with ya,” Lightning reassured her as she walked back over and sat next to her, “I’ll make sure to send ya a letter and stuff… at least until I get a phone.”

“...Okay,” Scootaloo nodded, “Hey uh… mind me asking you something?”

“Sure.”

“...what were mom and dad like?”

“Mom was confident and caring while Dad was competetive but a team player. I remember a conversation mom said our dad had with Rainbow’s dad.” Lighting began, “‘He’s one of the coolest ponies you can meet, but I’m cooler’ Rainbow’s dad said, our dad responded, ‘I’m cooler’ and then Dash’s father retaliated by saying ‘If you’re cool, I’m 20% cooler than you are,’”

Scootaloo giggled at this a bit, “...Do you miss them?”

“Of course. You only get one set of parents…” Lighting Dust responded.

“I have Rainbow Dash and Twilight as my moms.”

“I meant biologically. It doesn’t matter if you’re biologically related or not, there’s always somepony to take care of you,” Lighting told her as they hugged, “Oh right. Here.”

She rummaged into a bag she had been carrying and took out a stuffed eagle doll.

“Wh-what is it?” Scootaloo inquired, taking it into her hands.

“Your little stuffed animal,” Lightning replied with a small smile, “You used to carry that thing everywhere when you were a foal.”

“...Sparky?” she asked.

“Yea,” Lightning nodded, “I’ve been holding onto it after I… well, lost you.”

Scootaloo smiled and hugged it for a few moments before looking at it, “...Sis. Do you think I can fly one day?”

“It’s possible,” Lightning Dust shrugged a bit, ”I’m sure you’ll be able to fly one day.”

“...I hope so,” Scootaloo said before she yawned.

“...I know you’re a pre-teen, but… mom used to sing to us when we were little… do you mind…”

“Go ahead.”

Lightning Dust smiled, tucking her little sister in before sitting close to sing the lullaby.

“It’s time to sleep… time to sleep… there’s no need to weep. Rest your eyes, sleep until the sunrise. Just know your family loves you, yes they do. So let’s bid the day a see you soon. Rest nice and calm, rest without any alarm. Dream little dreams… maybe of kings and queens. Sleep well… and tight,” Lighting sung beautifully, with the singing voice of an angel, “And without… one little fright. So~... goodnight~.”

She concluded and saw Scootaloo's eyes shut, “Good night sis,”

Lighting Dust got up and headed for the door to leave before…

“I love you,” Scootaloo told her big sister, making her eyes widen. Lighting had not heard anybody tell her that in years, she turned to see her sister was still slightly awake.

The teal pegasus walked over and placed a kiss on Scootaloo’s forehead, “...I love you too, little sis.”

Scootaloo smiled as she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

"...Until next time," Lightning Dust whispered as she headed for the door and walked out, slowly and carefully closing the door.

Author's Note

Now before you ask about Lightning Dust and Scootaloo being sisters, and the former singing beautifuly....again, this is AU. Also, sorry that this story has sorta gone off track, but don't worry. After the whole 'Starlight situation' is over, i'll be able to do the final chapters involving Fluttershy and Silver Hawk.

Conversation & Plans

“They’re so precious while they’re asleep,” Fluttershy whispered as she looked at her two kids fast asleep.

“I know,” Posey quietly agreed as she stood next to her cousin, “They’re just so kawaii.”

The two pinkettes slowly walked downstairs, seeing Timid reading a manga, Silver Hawk making dinner and Discord was off asleep by Angel, Yuki, and Peach.

“You’re really a great mother, itoko-chan,” Posey said to her cousin with a smile.

“Arigato gozaimasu,” Fluttershy smiled as she sat down and looked at Silver Hawk for a moment, “Silver-kun?”

“Hai?” Silver Hawk asked as he poked his head in.

“I’m curious about something. During the time we were apart, did you ever… try and move on?” Fluttershy asked curiously, taking a moment to look at the ribbon he returned to her.

“...At one point for a bit, yes,” Silver replied after a moment of silence, “But… everytime I looked at your ribbon, your face always came back to my mind.”

“I did try to help him…” Posey admitted, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy you two are a couple, but I didn’t know if you’d ever come back to Neighpon, so… I took it upon myself to try and find Silver Hawk a marefriend. The first few choices I tried were...well...let’s just say I should’ve looked into their info further.”

“Don’t remind me,” Silver sweatdropped a bit, “That one mare you tried to pair me with tried to take Timid home with her because, and I quote, ‘was absolutely kawaii’.”

“Wait, what?” Fluttershy asked while laughing, but not too loud to wake the twins upstairs.

“I said I was sorry about that one!” Posey yelped, “How was I supposed to know she had an obsession with cute things?”

“...I know,” Silver stated, rolling his eyes.

“But… after some failed attempts I tried some of the nurses he worked with and… well, I even tried once,” Posey informed.

“Oh don’t bring that mess up again…” Silver groaned.

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“Before I tell this story, Timid needs to leave the room,” Silver explained.

“Oh… O-okay,” Timid nodded, closing her manga as she walked upstairs.

“...so, Silver Hawk’s harem mangas… well, one time… he left one of them at my apartment. And… I noticed before he left he was drooling over one character in it…” Posey begun to recount.

“I was not!” Silver exclaimed with a heavy blush.

“So… the character was a…ahem, dominatrix, and… well, she sorta looked like you and I do, itoko-chan. So… I got the brilliant-” Posey began.

“Brilliant being subjective,” Silver Hawk responded.

“...Idea to dress up like a dominatrix and try to use that to give him somebody new to pine over.” Posey admitted with a blush, “And well… when I did it, I failed to notice Timid was around… so… she did see some things, but nothing too intense… right?”

“Right. You’re lucky,” Silver groaned, “Oh...and do I need to bring up the candles or anything?”

“I was experimenting.”

“You got some on me, and it hurt like tartarus!” Silver snapped before groaning, “Can we please move onto something else aside from my love life?”

“...How much did Timid end up seeing?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Not much, but she did see what one looks like and how they tend to use whips.”

“She had me tied to my bed and… I’ll just leave it at that,” Silver deadpanned.

“...I didn’t do anything worse than that! I swear!” Posey quickly told her cousin, who was laughing at this whole ordeal

“Do I need to bring the candles back up?!”

“I said I was sorry about that! And I meant physically!”

Silver Hawk just rolled his eyes and turned over to Posey in anger, “Are you… an idiot? Cause seriously, you tend to overlook certain facts before trying something out.”

“...I make mistakes okay? I was just trying to help you, Silver,” Posey sighed, twirling her hair around just a bit.

“...The one thing I have to say on this whole ordeal to you itoko-chan, you lack the personality and the curves to pull off that kind of thing,” Fluttershy stated.

“Mou~ what is this? ‘Pick-on-Posey-day’?” Posey whimpered as she cried anime tears.

“But, I know your heart was in the right place, so I’m not gonna hold grudges or anything like that. And for you Silver-kun,” Fluttershy begun before turning around and walked towards the stallion, “I have something to tell you.”

“...Ano, what’s that?” Silver Hawk asked in slight confusion before the shy pinkette spun him around and she stood before him, “Uh… wh-wh-wh-what do you…”

“First: we’ll have to explain to Timid about that… incident you and my itoko had. Second…” Fluttershy paused as she gave him a small kiss on the cheek, ”That’s for being honest with me.”

He blushed as red as the tomato he had by a cutting board, the stallion ending up dropping the knife he was holding.

Dash stared out the window in thought, as she simply thought about the future, specifically, her’s and Twilight’s. A few years ago, she’d never imagine she’d be getting married to somepony like Twilight, and yet here she is getting married to her. But… she didn’t know what to do after marriage. Will she still be a Wonderbolt? Will she be able to have enough time for her job and Twilight? And… would they have foals?

“Rainbow. Rainbow…” Twilight spoke, waving her hand in front of Rainbow’s face. “Rainbow!”

“Huh?” Rainbow blinked a bit, looking over to her left to see the Alicorn standing next to her, “Did you need something, Twi?”

The Princess of Friendship sat down by her and looked at her, “...I have to ask you something. What made you fall for me?”

“...I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me. What made you fall for me?” Twilight asked, again, “Is it because I look pretty? Is that a big thing in what makes you like somepony?”

“...Why are you-”

“A certain somepony told me you used to have a crush on Rarity,” Twilight informed.

‘Ugh… dang it, mom,’ Rainbow groaned mentally, “Ugh… yes. I did have a crush on her, but it was a small one. Okay?!”

“Okay okay. I just want to know… why you fell for me?”

“Looks are just a very small part of it. Your personality is great, you helped out a lot of ponies, me included, you helped me get over my old embarrassments about reading… you’re just so talented. That’s what I look for in a pony, talents and interest… and looks are an occasional factor.”

“I see…” Twilight noted

“Yeah… Twi, I love you. That’s never going to change, okay?” Rainbow said before the two hugged each other, Twilight giving Rainbow a small peck on the cheek.

“Also… you write?”

“...Sometimes,” Dash blushed nervously, “Heh heh heh…”

“Heh, you and my mom are gonna get along just fine,” Twilight giggled as they split off the hug, “She’s gonna love how you love her Daring Do books,”

“Wait… your mom writes the Daring Do books?” Dash gawked.

“How do you think I got each issue early before they’re officially released?”

Dash blinked as it dawned on her, but one question remained in her mind, “...then who’s this T.V. Sparkling credited as the writer?”

“An alias.”

“Huh?”

“Answer me this. What’s my mom’s name?”

"Uh… Twilight Vel…” Rainbow began before it dawned on her, “....I am such an idiot.”

“You can be at times. Oh right, by the way Dash… what’s with this one entry in the friendship journal dated the 7th on the 14th month?”

“...Read it,”

“‘Dear Diary, Just had the coolest adventure with the coolest pony ever. Came this close to blowing it because I got so wrapped up in how awesome she was, I almost forgot about how awesome I was. Good thing I didn’t, cause it gave me a chance to show her how important it is to put your trust in somepony else. And I guess I never realized how lucky I am to work with a team who I totally trust. I mean, of course I can handle things on my own. But being me, I’ve gotten into a mess of scrapes. And without my friends, those scrapes would have been a whole lot messier. Never underestimate the power of friends who always got your back’. Sound familiar?”

“Sort of…” Dash admitted, “I think I wrote that after our adventure with Daring Do. ...oh right, I was dreaming.”

“That explains why I found the journal in your house by you and a copy of ‘Daring Do and the Hunters of the Lost Marks’,” Twilight realized.

“...You were in my house while I was asleep?”

“I was looking for something, and your house was the only one I didn’t check,” Twilight clarified.

“...You could’ve knocked you know,” Rainbow sweatdropped a bit.

“Giving you a taste of your own medicine when you just randomly flew into my treebary,” Twilight giggled.

“..Heh. Yeah,” Rainbow chuckled a bit, before she looked outside for a moment in thought, “...I’m gonna go for a walk. I’ll be back later, okay?”

“I can go with you.”

“No… I’m fine,” Dash told her.

“Are you sure?”

Dash nodded as she headed out the door, leaving Twilight by herself.

“...Well, since I got nothing else to do at the moment, I’ll check in on Spike,” the Alicorn said to herself as she left the room.

Dash walked along to a two story cottage that looked rather normal, but it had some lighting damage.

“Yep… this is it,” she nodded, walking over to the door and knocking on the door.

“Who is it?”

“Derpy, it’s me. Rainbow Dash,” the tomboy replied.

With that, somepony walked over and unlocked the door for her, said being being a mare with grey fur, a blond mane and tail, and was wearing a gray t-shirt, yellow jacket, and green skirt. One thing to note was that one of her eyes was...well, they appeared to be crooked.

“Hello, Rainbow,” the mare replied with a smile.

“Hey, Derpy. Listen, can I… talk with you for a moment?”

“Sure, come on in,” Derpy smiled, motioning for Dash to come in.

“Thanks,” Rainbow smiled a bit as she walked in, and noticed that the house was… so-so. It looked nice, but there were some burn marks, wet areas, and some pieces of wall missing “...uh…”

“I’ve been working on trying to clean it. My manager didn’t pay me for the whole wedding invite mess…”

“Oh… sorry about that,”

“It’s fine…I just wish I had the money for repairs and stuff,”

Dash walked over the kitchen and sat in a wobbly chair, “...Derpy, I need to ask you about something,”

“...Why sure, Rainbow,” Derpy nodded as she sat down on a chair that was barely standing, “What do you want to talk about?”

“...Dinky. What’s it like… being a mother?”

Derpy blinked for a moment, “Well, it’s a really good feeling. Me and my marefriend are proud to raise her,”

“...Marefriend?” Dash blinked.

“...You remember Berryshine?” Derpy asked.

“Yeah. What about her?”

“One night… she convinced me to do something with her… I got drunk… and one thing lead to another, and I begun to carry Dinky,”

“...Wait. But you’re a pegasus, and she’s a Earth pony. How did you two…” Rainbow began.

“I dunno,” Derpy admitted with a shrug.

“Oh… wait. I thought that… ’Doctor’ guy was your coltfriend,” Dash responded in confusion.

“...”

“What? I’ve seen you two together a lot.”

“...he and I are dating. I don’t really know if me and Berryshine are a couple since we had Dinky. It’s all just so confusing…” Derpy sighed before the chair she was sitting on collapsed, “...he does help me raise her, but he’s never set foot in my house.”

“I see…” Rainbow noted before she got a slight idea, “I think I may have something to help you.”

“Hmm?”

“First, I want you to tell me how you feel for both the Doc, and Berryshine. Like, how do you feel about them personally?”

Derpy got up, dusted herself off and put the leg in the chair back on so she could sit, “...I honestly really love them both. Berryshine gave me a little miracle and she’s supported me however she can… and the Doctor, he’s always there for me, and supports me. Even after I mess up, he’s there to try and cheer me up. They just both make me so happy and… I… I don’t know which one to choose. I just don’t know what to do, Rainbow Dash.”

Dash looked at her for a moment, “I know I can’t make you choose which one, but I will say this. You don’t always have to make such hard choices in life… you can take both.”

“...thanks Rainbow. But why’d you ask me about Dinky?” Derpy responded.

“...I’ve been thinking about mine and Twi’s future… and children entered my mind. Scoots I can handle since she’s still a kid… even though she’s going to turn 13 later this year, but a baby?...that’s another thing entirely.”

“It’s a bit hard at times, but the love you’ll get from those who care about you helps support you in raising the little one,” Derpy stated, “It’s totally worth any sort of pain. And from one person who’s raised a child with another female to somebody similar, just trust each-other.”

“I see…” Rainbow noted before gave Derpy a soft smile, “Thanks, Derpy.”

“No problem,” Derpy smiled back.

“So… it was some silly attempt to get Onii-chan to fall for Posey-san? I get that some stallions like to see a lot of skin, but… Posey-san, you looked… odd. I mean, I didn’t get why you had to wear all that leather. Didn’t it hurt?”

“...It felt funny, to say the very least,” Posey admitted.

“...Ano, one more question,” Timid spoke, “Why did Posey-san use c-”

“No reason!” Silver quickly answered.

“It was not intended, and I’ll stop there.” Posey added in.

“...Love is strange sometimes,” Timid said.

“It can be,” Fluttershy added with a small shrug before turning to Silver Hawk with a soft smile, “...but it can totally be worth it.”

“Hai,” Silver nodded, smiling back at the shy pegasus before turning his attention back to Timid “And when you find somepony you like… never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever do what Posey did. Ever.”

“Noted,” Timid nodded, “Ano… I’m… going to go see my friends now.”

“...It’s almost 10:45pm… shouldn’t you be in bed right now?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh….g-gomen. I didn’t realize the time,” Timid apologized.

“Sorry about the late dinner, everypony…” Silver Hawk apologized, “It would’ve been done faster if somepony didn’t bring up a certain incident.”

“Um, I’d like to remind you, it was itoko-chan who asked you if you had anypony you liked that wasn’t her. I was only answering a question.” Posey rebuttled.

“Yes. And you brought up the dominatrix incident,” Silver countered.

“Stop. Arguing. Now.” Fluttershy told them in a very stern tone.

“Hai,” the two gulped a bit in response.

“Good,” Fluttershy nodded before looking towards Posey, “Itoko, mind checking up on the twins? I have something I want to talk to Silver-kun about.”

Posey nodded and headed up, also taking Timid upstairs with her, leaving Fluttershy and Silver Hawk alone…

“You too Discord. Shoo,” Fluttershy said without even turning around to see Discord wearing a lampshade on his head.

“Oh, come on,” Discord groaned a bit as he moved the lampshade off his head, “Was I that obvi-”

“Now.”

“Okay okay,” Discord said as he disappeared in a puff of smoke, “Yeesh, you’re a lot less fun.”

“...Okay, now that we’re alone... Silver-kun?”

“Hai?”

“...Do you wanna go on a d-d-date?” Fluttershy asked, reverting to her normal shy self for a bit as she blushed, “I… I ask because… well, aside from that one date Itoko set up back in Neighpon, we haven’t really ...w-well, officially gone on a regular date. So perhaps maybe tomorrow or this week, we can go on a date?”

“...Well, I don’t have work tomorrow…” Silver stated before smiling a bit, “Sure. A date sounds nice, Butterfly-chan.”

“Really? Thank you so much… yay…” she smiled, hugging him.

“No problem,” Silver smiled back as he returned the hug.

Fluttershy blushed a bit before the two released the hug, teh shy pinkette yawning a bit.

“I think I’ll turn in early.”

“...it’s still almost 10:50, but whatever floats your boat on that term,” Silver Hawk shrugged.

“Hai,” Fluttershy nodded as she began to walk upstairs, giving Silver Hawk one last smile, “Good night, Silver-kun.”

“Night,” Silver smiled back as Fluttershy left upstairs. Once the shy pinkette was gone, Silver sat down on the couch, the snow-white pegasus seemingly thinking of something. After a few moments of silence, he decided to pull his phone out and dialed in a number, “I just hope they’re still awake.”

A phone began to ring in Neighpon with Tomoe walked over and picking it up, “Moshi-moshi?”

-...Tomoe? Oh right… my parents are looking after you right now- Silver Hawk recalled, -Uh, are my parents around?-

“Hai. Chotto matte,” she responded, covering up the end where Silver Hawk could hear from, “Mrs. Gentle Snow, Mr. Feather Scroll, your son is on the phone.”

“Oh?” Gentle Snow blinked a little as she walked up to the filly from the living room, “I wonder what he wants?” she couldn’t help but ponder as Tomoe handed her the phone, “Hello?”

-Hi mom… listen, I need some advice from you and dad- Silver said -You see, me and Butterfly-chan are going on a date tomorrow and… well…-

“Well what? ...you’re not leaving her, are you?” Gentle Snow frowned a little.

-...where would you get that idea from?-

“Well, you’re not married and well… sometimes unmarried stallions bail out if they learn a girl is carrying foals. Not that I’d expect you to do it… I just had to ask,” Gentle Snow informed.

-Oh… no mom. I’m not breaking up with her… in fact… it’s sorta the opposite really-

“Who is it?” Feather Scroll asked as he walked over.

“It’s our son,” Gentle Snow replied before smiling a bit, “And I think he wants to pop the big question to Butterfly-chan.”

“Oh?”

-Yes. I want to propose to her tomorrow, but...I’m not sure how to do it- Silver admitted as Gentle Snow put the phone on speaker -I really love her, and...I don’t want to mess this up. I was hoping you could give me some advice, Okaa-san. Otou-san-

“Soka…” Feather Scroll noted, “Well one thing I can suggest is to treat her like a lady, and not be rude.”

“Also, make sure you do something that builds up to the proposal,” Gentle Snow added before giggling a bit, “I remember when your father took me to the part of the park with the cherry blossom trees just as the full moon was out. And when your father proposed to me just as the moon hit the trees just right...I felt as if the world stopped, knowing I would spend the rest of my life with the stallion I loved.”

-...that’s sweet. Demo… what can I do? I want to make sure I propose to her just right-

“Uh… I hear there’s special park in Ponyville,” Tomoe began, “Where… a special flower that blossoms under the full moon grows. It’s a special park.”

-Eh? Really?-

“Hai,” Tomoe nodded, “And...ano, if I recall right, the full moon is tomorrow night.”

-...What’s the park called?-

“Ano, I’m not sure really. It only comes on the night of a full moon. But… it’s said to be close by a waterfall...”

-That’s near Princess Twilight’s castle- Silver gasped a bit -..Tomoe, thank you. I think I know what to do. I just need to bring this up with Posey-chan, and Butterfly-chan’s friends, and I think I’ll have the perfect way to lead up to the proposal-

“No problem. Also… please forgive me…” Tomoe told him.

-...Eh?-

“For tormenting Timid. After what Aki and my father tried to do, I...felt like I got a huge slap of realization on my face. If I continued what I was doing, then I would’ve become my sister. So… p-p-please… f-f-f-orgive… me…”

-...Tomoe, I forgive you. I know what you did was wrong, but that’s in the past. If I focus on only the bad traits, I don’t think I’d be able to forgive Posey and her… dunderheadedness.-

“Oh right. Uh… son, can we… see our grandchildren? Like… pictures or something?” Gentle Snow inquired.

-...I think I still have a picture of them from when they were born. Hold on. I’ll see if I can try and send it to you- Silver replied, messing with his phone for a moment -Okay. I managed to send it to both your ph-

Gentle Snow immediately handed her husband the phone before she rushed upstairs to get her phone before the sound of her squealing filled the air.

“Kawaii! My grandchildren are absolutely kawaii!” she smiled in pure joy off-screen.

Feather Scroll walked up stairs (phone still in hand of course) to see his wife smiled brightly at a picture on her phone, the stallion looking over her shoulder to see it for himself.

“...kawaii…”

“I know!” Gentle Snow giggled, “ooh~ I just want to scoop them up and hold them right now!”

-Glad to know you think they’re so cute…- Silver Hawk smiled.

“Hai…” Feather Scroll nodded, “Oh. Before I forget, how’s Timid doing?”

-Great. She got her Cutie Mark a while back a-.-

“Timid got her Cutie Mark?!” Gentle Snow gasped.

-Gah! Mom! Not so loud!- Silver winced -That literally hurt my ear-

“Oops… sorry,” Gentle Snow sheepishly giggled, “...so, what is it?”

-It means she’s a counselor. She’s still starting out, but she’s been making pretty good progress with some of her patients.-

“That seems just like Timid,” Feather Scroll said with a small smile, “She was always a good listener.”

-Yeah…- Silver nodded -...She really misses you guys-

“I know… I wish we can come up to see you.”

-Yeah… it would mean the world to Timid. Plus, I’m sure the twins would love to see their grandparents at least once.-

“......”

“Dear, are you a-” Feather Scroll began before Gentle Snow took the phone and took it off speaker phone.

“We’ll be there next week.”

-Wait wh-

“Love-you-dear-Give-Timid-a-kiss-for-me-bye!” Gentle Snow said quickly as she hung up the phone, “Dear, order us some tickets.”

“Eh?” Feather Scroll blinked at that.

“Um...can I...come with you two?” Tomoe asked.

“Of course dear,” Gentle Snow smiled, “We’re all going. Besides…” she paused as she gained a look of determination,”I am not going to miss a chance of seeing my grandchildren in person!”

Author's Note

sorry it took a while for the chapter. Also, before you ask about the whole 'Twilight's mom being the one who wrote the Daring Doo Books' thing, again...this is an AU story. Okay? I apologize for repeating this, but it's to make sure there's no confusion or anything.

Dreams, and the Big Question

(Dream Sequence)
“Y-y-you’re leaving?” Fluttershy whimpered.

“....I’m sorry, but I’m needed back home,” Silver sighed as he stood in the doorway.

“...will you ever come back?”

Silver Hawk didn’t respond to this.

“...Silver-kun?”

“...jaa ne, Butterfly-chan…” was all Silver said as he left out the door.

Fluttershy’s eyes began to water at this as she fell to her knees and let the tears fall, the shy pinkette’s heart feeling like it had shattered into millions of pieces.

“Mommy?” a young filly’s voice asked, making Fluttershy turn to see a roughly seven year old Snow Angel, “Is everything okay?”

“...I-I-I-I’m… alright,” she lied, looking at her daughter.

“...when are we gonna meet Daddy?” a roughly seven Kaito Breeze inquired.

“..I… I wish I-” Fluttershy began before her children seemingly vanished, “...Sn-Snow? Kaito?!”

She looked around in worry, but found no sign of either Kaito or Snow Angel. Fluttershy ran around, calling out for her twin children, but when she was about to call them out again, nothing came out, almost as if someone put the mute on. Fluttershy began to cry, her mane dropping in front of her eyes and it seemed… longer. Her clothes also began to dull in color, almost like they were never taken off.

‘It… it’s happening again… I’m.. I’m all alone again...’ Fluttershy thought as she cried her eyes out, “...Itoko-chan… Timid-chan… Onee-chan… Silver-kun… Okaa-san… Otou-san… Obaa-chan… minna… I… I don’t want to be alone…”

“...You are never alone, my friend,” a voice spoke up.

“Wha…?” Fluttershy gasped a bit as she opened her eyes, which were red from crying as she turned around to see a familiar face, “P-Princess Luna?”

“It is good to see you again,” Luna smiled, walking over to her. The Princess of the Night sat down by Fluttershy and put one of her wings over her, hugging the pinkette in a way.

“But...how can you be here? I… wait. This is…” Fluttershy began in realization.

“Yes. A dream,” Luna nodded, “A mother’s worst fear can be to not be there for her children. And then there’s the bonus of you not being married. You’re scared Silver Hawk will leave you at some point.”

“H-h-h-h-hai…” Fluttershy sniffled as she rubbed the tears out of her eyes, “I… I don’t want to lose him, Luna… I don’t want to lose my family again.”

Luna nodded, “...you won’t. I may not be the Princess of Time, but I can assure you that things will be okay. He loves you, and he wants to protect you,”

“...how do you know this?” Fluttershy asked.

Suddenly, a silver door with Silver Hawk’s Cutie Mark on it appeared.

“Enter here, and you’ll see. I should warn thee though, what you might see will not be for the faint of heart,” Luna stated.

“...thanks for the warning,” Fluttershy squeaked out as she nervously got up.

She then slowly approached the door and opened it, seeing nothing but darkness. However, once she stepped inside, the darkness disappeared, replaced with what looked like her home, but in complete ruins.

“...What in the name of the Ponies of the Beginning happened?” Fluttershy whispered as she walked forward slowly.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Luna’s voice echoed in the ruined living room, “Look over at the couch.”

Fluttershy blinked before she did so. But once she saw what… or rather, who was on the couch… she felt her heart sink greatly. Sitting there was Silver Hawk… but he looked… broken. His clothes had tears in them, his ice-blue mane having lost its color, and his eyes...looked lifeless. In his hands was a picture of himself and a younger Fluttershy, the part with the latter seemingly broken.

“Silver-kun?” Fluttershy whispered as she reached out to him, but her hand phased right through him, “...what the?”

She attempted to put her hand on his shoulder, but it phased through him again.

“You cannot touch him, nor can he hear you,” Luna’s voice said, a bit of sadness in her voice, “This is his nightmare… if you had never been revived by my parents.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she looked at Silver Hawk, the pegasus’ gaze fixated on the picture in his hands.

“Without you in his life, he felt… empty, like his whole world had been shattered,” Luna stated.

“...my tenshi…” Silver Hawk whimpered, tears beginning to form in his eyes as he gripped the picture, “I’m so sorry… I-I should’ve protected you. Snow and Kaito would… still be alive… if I did. Sure… th-th-they-y-y’d be without their dad… but they’d have you.”

“...Snow and Kaito are gone?”

“Remember? They weren’t born when Aki shot you,” Luna reminded.

“Oh my…” Fluttershy gasped softly, “..Demo… what about Timid-chan and-?”

“Nopony could reach out to Silver… not even your cousin, nor his family,” Luna stated sadly, “...the family he loves, anyway.”

“...what do you me-” Fluttershy began when she noticed a wedding ring on Silver Hawk, “...don’t tell me…”

“I’m afraid so… he had married Aki, and was forced to disown his little sister,” Luna sighed sadly, “As for what happened to your cousin and your friends… I do not wish to talk about it.”

“...I’m so sorry… I couldn’t keep them safe either… but… y-y-you and your sister are up there…” Silver Hawk whispered.

“...Rainbow Dash. Oh right…” Fluttershy remembered, “..Wait. But she wasn’t that ba-”

“...after you died, Rainbow… lost herself… she had broken up with Twilight, and cut ties with the others, never wanting to trust anypony ever again.”

“...her mother?”

“She tried everything, but nothing worked.”

Fluttershy attempted to shake Silver Hawk, but her arms phased right through him.

“Oh Silver-ku~n,” Aki’s voice called out, making Silver Hawk hide the picture.

“Yes… dear?” Silver replied.

Aki walked in, a smile on her face, “Mind getting yourself ready? My father wishes to see you about something important.”

“...”

“What? Not going to give your wife a response?”

“...I’ll be ready in a minute,” Silver Hawk told her as he got up and walked away, with Fluttershy attempting to follow him. But she seemed to get stuck in something and the scene changed to some sort of a rock farm.

“Wh-what the?” Fluttershy gasped, “...why am I at Pinkie’s family farm?”

“...I am not 100% sure what’s happening… but someponies dreams are still interconnected from the Tantabus incident,” Luna said, “I guess… we slipped into Pinkie Pie’s part of the dream,”

They looked over to see Pinkie Pie carrying a bucket of rocks to her mother, the normally fun and party loving pony’s hair deflated and a sad expression colored her face.

“Wh-wh-what happened to her?”

“...I think I might know,” Luna spoke with a sad sigh, “After you had died, she lost her smile… so to speak.”

“Pinkie Pie! Hey!” Fluttershy attempted to shout, “...she can’t hear me either, can she?”

“No. Remember, this is her dream, one where you no longer exist.”

“...no more smiles…” Pinkie sighed, looking at some rocks that were similarly colored to herself and the rest of the Mane 6. She moved away a pink one and a cyan one, “...we all fell apart. Applejack lost her farm, Rarity’s homeless, and Twilight….”

“...Wh-what happened to Twilight?” Fluttershy asked, despite knowing Pinkie wouldn’t hear her. She attempted to pick up the stones that would represent herself and Rainbow, but tripped and landed back in Ponyville. She looked and saw Sweetie Belle running from Mr. Cake, who was chasing after her in anger, “Sweetie Belle?”

“Come back here with that cake!”

“No! I need this to feed me and my sister!”

Fluttershy followed after Sweetie Belle, phasing through her, but Luna caused something to fall over to make Mr. Cake slip up.

“...dang it…” he sighed.

Fluttershy continued to follow Sweetie Belle, the young white unicorn soon arriving in an alleyway and bringing the food to a box, Rarity currently inside of it and in rags.

“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle spoke up, catching the older Unicorn’s attention, “I..I managed to get us something to eat.”

“...you never know what you’d miss until you don’t have it anymore,” Rarity whispered as she hugged her sister, “...I honestly hate that thief Cutie Mark you ended up with… but it’s helped us so much…”

“...I wish I can say the same for Applebloom’s family and Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle sighed.

The two sisters hugged sadly.

“...why doesn’t Rarity try using her gem finding spell to find gems and get money?” Fluttershy asked.

“...I do not know.” Luna sighed as the two soon returned to Neighpon, but this time in a castle. They looked to see Dawn Star, currently in a very regal kimono, but she had several bruises on her.

“Dawn Star… please… stop hurting yourself…” Empress Evening Nova begged as she walked over to hug her daughter.

“NO! Leave me alone… I don’t deserve your love… it’s… b-b-b-because of me… Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash… and all of their friends… and… and…” Dawn Star shouted as she began to cry, “It… it’s my fault… it’s all my fault.”

“...okay, how is the Empress here, mind my asking?”

“Figment of Dawn Star’s dream.”

“...and… I get she must be feeling some kind of regret for what happened, but… it’s not all her fault. Sure it was her being captured by Aki and Flash Sentry that lured us into a trap, but… she didn’t know.”

“...I wish we can say the same for Twilight,” Luna sighed as the scene changed once again. They looked to see Twilight standing alongside Spike in front of a heavily damaged castle. It was their castle.

“Come on, Twilight. I’m sure we can fix this place up,” Spike said as he tried to cheer Twilight up, but only got silence in response, “..Maybe we can ask your brother or Celestia t-”

“I don’t want anything to do with them.” Twilight said coldly.

“...Twilight?” Fluttershy whispered as she walked to her friend, only to see she was missing her wings, “...w-w-where’d her wings go?”

“She removed them,” Luna replied sadly, “After you died, and after Rainbow broke up with her… she used a spell to remove her wings, and destroyed her castle.”

“What… why?”

“Look at her eyes for a moment…” Luna instructed.

Fluttershy nodded and walked over, seeing Twilight’s eyes were white and just their light purple color.

“Twilight… please. Let us help you…” Spike begged.

“..I don’t want help… I don’t want anything to do with friendship anymore…” Twilight whispered as she walked away, “What’s the point of it if you only end up getting your ‘friends’ killed…”

“Twilight, wait up!” Spike shouted as he ran after her.

“...why’s Spike still here?” Fluttershy inquired.

“He’s been trying to help Twilight, but every attempt failed. Her family, Celestia… nothing worked.”

“...Where is she going?” Fluttershy asked as they walked behind Twilight and Spike.

“...to her new home. Her… ‘husband’ is waiting,”

“Huh?”

“Flash Sentry.”

“...did you find an equal Cutie Mark on him when you last saw him?”

“No. We found no such thing on him, but strangely, we did on Aki,” Luna replied, “But we did find mysterious traces of dark love magic made by Changelings on him. We’re trying to figure this out… but it’s been very tricky.” Luna informed as they came upon a house in Canterlot.

Twilight walked inside to see Flash Sentry and a young baby filly with Flash’s body color and Twilight’s hair style and colors.

“Flash… daughter… I’m home,” Twilight spoke in an emotionless voice, even though a smile was on her face.

“Good to see you dear,” Flash smiled before he turned to see Spike, “What’s he doing here?”

“Nothing. He was just leaving…” Twilight replied as she shot him a cold stare, “Right, Spike?”

“...Right…” Spike sighed as he turned around, “I’ll be at Celestia’s castle if you need me…”

Fluttershy watched as Spike left and she looked at a bundle of strawberries. Suddenly, they were now in Neighpon back at Kota’s farm.

“Applejack and Kota-san.” Fluttershy realized as she walked along, seeing the place was void of any life, “Wh-wh-what? Where are they? Where’s the Hikari family strawberry field?”

“Gone. Burnt down for acts of ‘treason’.” Luna explained.

“Where’s Applejack? Pinkie Pie and Sweetie Belle implied she and her family are still alive. Where is she? Where’s Applebloom? Where’s Kota and Ai?”

“....”

“Luna, please tell me!” Fluttershy shouted with tears in her eyes. All these nightmares she was shown… they made her heart sink greatly.

Luna sighed and motioned for her to follow, the two seemingly stopping before a set of headstones.

“....no...don’t tell me.”

“...you wanted to see.” Luna sighed.

Fluttershy walked over to see the names on the tombstones before her eyes widened in shock.

“Yes...when they were tried for ‘treason’, Applejack and Kota managed to save their sisters...at the cost of their lives.”

“....please...take me out of here…” Fluttershy whispered, her hair covering her eyes.

“...I don’t know how to. This dream… I lack control over it. I don’t know what’s causing all of these nightmare to converge… I don’t know how to wake anypony up… I don’t know how to get you out. I’m still surprised we got in here…” Luna admitted.

“...sis… don’t worry…” Applebloom’s voice spoke, “...Ah know yer up there… with ma and pa and Big Mac. Me? Ah’m here… lookin’ after Ai like ya made me promise… and Ah’ll keep us safe…”

Fluttershy’s eyes began to water as she tried to run away, only to trip and wind up by the graves of her parents, Posey’s parents and the ones of the lives lost in the war. However… there were three more.

“No… no more… no more! I want to wake up!” Fluttershy whimpered.

“...Timid-chan…” Silver Hawk’s voice began as Fluttershy saw him there, “...Okaa-san and Otou-san… they… they miss you. I miss you… and… I know you’re up there… and with Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash… and Butterfly.”

“...Silver Hawk…” Fluttershy whimpered as she went over to try and hug him but phased through him.

“...please… just rest easy sis. You’re in a better place… not this… this hell,” Silver Hawk whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clenched his fist.

“Silver-kun… none of this is real…” Fluttershy spoke.

“He can’t-” Luna begun.

“NO! I know he can hear me! Please Silver-kun, you need to wake up! This isn’t real! This is just some nightmare! Please… I don’t want you to be scared of being without me. I’m with you. Snow Angel’s with you. Kaito Breeze is with you. Onee-chan, Itoko-chan, Timid-chan… my friends, your friends… we’re all with you.” Fluttershy shouted as much as her lungs could shouted, “PLEASE~!”

She then reached out to hug him, but her arms phased through him.

“P-p-p-please… I… I love you Silver-kun…” Fluttershy whispered as she actually managed to hug him, tears flowing down her cheeks.

“...Butterfly-chan?” he whispered as his eyes widened, “Is...is that you?”

“Yes. I’m still here…” she smiled, as she was now solid to him. The world around them begun to crack and shake.

“Butterfly-ch… no. Tenshi-chan… I…” Silver whispered as he held her tight, “I was so scared… when I thought I lost you… I thought my world shattered.”

“...ironic word choice…” Luna stated as the world was literally shattering around them. Suddenly, the world the nightmare seemingly created vanished, and the ponies caught up in it were all there as well.

“Oh… oh… no more chocolate fudge chips before bedtime…” Pinkie groaned.

“Dawnee!” Quirky shouted as she ran over to hug her, “Oh… I was so scared!”

“Wh...what’s going on?” Dawn blinked in actual confusion.

“Princess Luna… what happened to us?” Twilight asked.

“...I’m not 100% sure, but it seemed all of your dreams converged into one… mega-nightmare, I guess.” Luna told them, “...a ‘what if’ world of if my parents didn’t revive Fluttershy. A world… where kindness had died… if you will.”

“...could… that have actually happened to all of us?” Rainbow Dash wondered.

Everypony exchanged looks of worry.

“I don’t wanna think about it.” Timid cried as she ran over to Silver Hawk, “...I don’t wanna be in a world without Onii-chan and… my Onee-chan!”

“...Don’t worry, Timid-chan…” Silver whispered as he knelt down to hug her, “I promise that world will never come to be...ever.”

“...What could’ve mixed our dreams together like that?” Rarity couldn’t help but wonder.

“Maybe a lingering effect from our battle with that smoke monster a while back,” Sweetie Belle shrugged.

“Also Sweetie dear… please never get a Cutie Mark relating to being a thief,” Rarity told her.

“After what I saw… I won’t.”

“...Spike. Are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“...c-c-c-could… that ever happen? You… sh-sh-shut me out?” he asked with tears in his eyes.

“...I hope to Celestia that doesn’t happen…” Twilight whispered as she hugged him, “...and I hope I’d never give up where I am.”

“...I’d never leave you.” Dash added as she hugged Twilight.

“I’m glad to see all of you are alright. Now…” Luna smiled, casting a spell to re-open the doors back to everyponies dreams, “You all should go back and don’t worry… I’ll make sure no nightmares come again tonight.”

“...That’s everypony but…” Applejack begun, realizing the only doors missing were the ones for Fluttershy and Silver Hawk.

“I wish to have a word with them…” Luna stated as she looked over at the two pegasi.

Everyone else there nodded and headed for their doors and left back for their dreams. However, one pony remained apart from Fluttershy, Silver Hawk and Princess Luna.

“Timid-chan…” Fluttershy whispered, “You need to…”

“No. I… I want to stay with you and Onii-chan a little bit longer, Onee-chan,” Timid whimpered a bit.

“...Is that okay?” Fluttershy asked Luna.

“...I don’t see why not,” Luna shrugged, “...both of you experienced fear greater than you have in nightmares in the past.”

“...Not even my nightmare when every animal suddenly hated me was as bad a Silver Hawk leaving me to raise the twins on my own,” Fluttershy admitted.

“...You dreamed that?” Silver Hawk asked.

“...Hai,” Fluttershy nodded as she whimpered a bit, “I… I don’t want to lose you or the twins… I don’t want to lose anypony.”

“You won’t. I promise…” he assured her as he hugged her once more, “I’ll always be there for you, Snow, and Kaito.”

“And I’ll be the best auntie to them ever,” Timid assured with a soft smile.

“Silver-kun… Timid-chan…” Fluttershy whispered as she returned the hug, “Arigatou…”

“...and you saw my nightmare of not being with you.” Silver sighed, “...I was scared… I really was the day I thought we lost you three. I…” he paused as he held her tight, “I never want to feel that feeling of soul shattering emptiness ever again… I want to be there for you and the twins… always.”

“...you two are amazing together. I can see many years of happiness for you two,” Luna smiled, “...I wish I had somepony to share my life with. Perhaps maybe one day… I might.”

“Maybe you will, Luna-hime,” Timid smiled as she yawned a bit.

“...why don’t we go put you back in your own dreams?” Silver Hawk smiled.

“...hai,” Timid nodded.

With that, Fluttershy picked up Timid and carried her to the door back to her dreams and they put her back in it.

“Sleep tight,” Silver Hawk smiled, “...I’m gonna go back to mine now too… see you in the morning, Butterfly-tenshi-chan.”

“See you,” Fluttershy waved as Luna made the door for Silver Hawk to go back to his own dreams.

“...They’re good ponies. Also, don’t tell Timid I said this… but her dreams in the battle with the Tantabus were cute…”

“She turned into a little Sailor Moon… wish I thought of that.” Fluttershy giggled, ”Wait… do you know about those mangas?”

“...little bit. I do occasionally peer into Neighponese dreams to see what their culture is like,” Luna admitted, “Quite a few have caught my attention I must admit. And I’ve seen you cosplay as some rather famous Neighponese characters…”

Fluttershy blushed a bit and turned to Luna in surprise, “H-h-h-how do you know that?”

“You dream about your work sometimes… I’ll state one of your best ones is of that girl from that one fighting game… what was her name again? Shun Lie?”

“I-it’s Chun Li,” Fluttershy admitted, “...and I liked it. But… not my personal favorite.”

“But by far, the most impressive you’ve made is that one of Sailor Moon. Your pink hair aside, you look just like her in that outfit.”

“...uh… p-p-p-please… d-d-d-don’t tell anypony I cosplay,” Fluttershy squeaked, her entire face a bright red, “Especially Rainbow Dash and Silver Hawk.”

“I won’t, I promise. So… shall we get you back into your own dream? You have a big date ahead of you tomorrow.”

“Hai,” Fluttershy nodded.

With that, Luna made a wave motion with her hand, causing the room to ripple before she and Fluttershy were back in the latter’s home.

She looked to see there were an older version of her twins helping with her animals, but one more kid was there, a young filly.

“...another child?” Luna whispered.

“...I’m thinking if I have another girl. I’d name her Sakura Heaven…” Fluttershy giggled.

“Hmm?” Luna blinked as she looked at the shy pinkette, “Why that name?”

“...I like the Sakura part. I need to check with Silver Hawk later…” Fluttershy informed.

“Itoko-chan, is everything okay? I heard you crying in your sleep again…” Posey spoke as Fluttershy woke up, it still being night out.

She got silence in response.

“..Itoko-chan? You’re starting too…” Posey began as she opened the door to see her cousin having just woke up, “Eh?”

“...why are you up?”

“I heard you crying in your sleep again. I needed a snack… so… I went downstairs and I heard you…”

“...another bad dream. Then I got tangled up in one giant bad dream everypony else was having… I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“...okay.”

Fluttershy got up and headed off to where Silver Hawk was sleeping.

--

“Silver-kun?” Fluttershy whispered, opening his door.

“...Butterfly-chan… shh…” he whispered, as he motioned to show Timid, Yuki and Peach were all there fast asleep, Timid having a small, soft smile on her face.

“...Do you mind…me sleeping here?” Fluttershy asked.

“...I don’t mind at all,” Silver replied with a small smile.

Fluttershy slowly walked over to him, making sure to not accidentally wake Timid or her pets up.

“...I love you,” Fluttershy whispered as she hugged him.

“...I love you too, my Tenshi,” Silver whispered back as he returned the hug, the two separating for a bit to look into each other’s eyes, “Butterfly-chan…”

“Silver-kun…” Fluttershy whispered, her face slowly inching towards his.

They continued to slowly inch closer before they closed the gap as their lips touched, the world seemingly stopping around them. They loved each-other, more than anything in the whole world. The feelings they have for each other, both from when they were kids and now all came out.

“...You’re amazing…” Fluttershy whispered as they split off for a moment.

“You too… my tenshi… my shy angel,” Silver whispered.

They kissed once more, unaware that Posey was secretly watching them with a small, soft smile.

“Applejack… you awake?” Kota asked as he was currently outside and sitting on the roof.

“Yea,” she nodded as she climbed out her window and sat down by him, “...beautiful night.”

“Yea,” Kota nodded, “It really is.”

“Eeyup…” Applejack nodded as she looked up at the night sky.

“...Applejack? ...you’re really a nice pony. The… nicest I’ve ever met,” Kota admitted with a blush.

“Thank you, Kota,” Applejack replied with a smile, “Y’all are a pretty nice guy yerself.”

“...Thanks.” Kota blushed.

“Don’t mention it,” Applejack smiled as she leaned back.

“...you look… really… beautiful,” Kota smiled as he leaned back as well.

“...Th-thanks,” Applejack blushed a bit.

“I’ve seen some mares in my life, but… none as nice looking as you…” Kota added.

“C-come on Kota, y’all are makin’ me blush,” Applejack chuckled, a small, yet heavy blush on her face.

“...It makes you look cuter…” Kota smiled, blushing himself.

“...”

Kota moved closer and attempted to put his hand on top of hers, but immediately pulled back as he blushed brightly. Applejack giggled a bit at how shy he was acting right now. Not as shy as Fluttershy though, but almost.

“...yer nice.” Applejack smiled.

“Th-thanks…” Kota managed to squeak out.

“Ya ever dated anypony before?”

“N-n-n-n-n-n-n-no.” he responded.

“Ah see… me neither,”Applejack admitted.

Kota scooted a bit closer to her.

“...Ano, Applejack?”

“Yes?”

“Since I like you… and you like me in a, like like regard… uh… well…”

“...Well what?” Applejack asked as she looked at him.

“...do you wanna go out on a date?”

“Ah beg yer pardon?”Applejack blinked as she blushed.

“Do you… wanna go out on a date?” he asked again as he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, “I know it’s a stupid idea, and I’m kind of a dork… but I honestly care a lot about you and-”

She pulled him into a kiss and smiled, they split after a moment, Kota blushing a bright red.

“...We’ve kissed before. We’ve admitted how much we like each-other. Ya offered me to live with ya a while back… Ah’m honestly surprised we ain’t datin’ already,” Applejack smiled, “So yes. Ah would love t’ go on a date with you, Kota.”

Kota smiled happily at this as he pulled Applejack into a hug, surprising her for a moment before she returned it.

The next day soon arrived with Dash, Sora Storm, Twilight and Spike waiting at the door for Twilight’s mom and dad to show up.

“I’ll admit… I’ve kind of nervous I know they like me but… I… I’m just nervous. I don’t know why,” Dash admitted.

“Dont worry Dash. I’m sure nothing bad will happen,” Twilight assured her as she held the tomboy’s hand.

After a moment, Spike began to play a fanfare.

“Spike, it’s just my parents,” Twilight sweatdropped a bit, “There’s no need for that.”

“...Your father requested it,” Spike informed, making Twilight facepalm.

“Dad…” the violet alicorn groaned

Soon, in walked two unicorns, one being a pale grey mare with a purple mane and tail with white highlights, and the other being a soft blue stallion with a midnight blue mane and tail. The mare wore a purple top, white skirt, and black dress shoes while the stallion wore a blue jacket, black shirt, blue jeans and white dress shoes.

“Hi mom, hi dad,” Twilight smiled.

“Hello dearie,” the two Unicorns smiled, going over to scoop her into a hug.

“And let’s not forget our little boy,” Twilight Velvet smiled as she walked over and hugged Spike, “Who’s a big boy? You are…”

“Aw gee…” Spike groaned a bit in embarrassment.

“So cute…” Twilight Sparkle giggled.

“Heh…” Rainbow Dash chuckled a bit at the scene

“So… you must be our little princess’ bride,” Twilight Velvet giggled as she looked over at Rainbow.

“The one and only,” Rainbow smiled a bit as she wrapped her arm around Twilight’s shoulders.

“The daughter of Firefly Spectrum… we were there the day the tornado happened.” Night Light added, “We apologize for your lost. But… he sacrificed himself to protect the innocents, our daughter included.”

“Wait…” Rainbow blinked as she looked at her marefriend, “You were there, Twilight?”

“...your dad saved my life. I didn’t even know who he was until I looked it up, but I didn’t tell you because… you never asked.”

“....”

“...your dad was a great stallion. I bet he would be so happy to see you now,” Twilight Velvet added as she walked over to Sora, “Pleasure to meet you. I take you’re Rainbow’s mother?”

“Yes,” Sora nodded, “I’m Sora Storm.”

“A pleasure to meet you. I’m Twilight Velvet, and this is my husband Night Light.”

“Greetings,” the male Unicorn nodded in response.

“Mom, Rainbow here loves the Daring Do books.”

“Oh? Does she now?” Twilight Velvet noted as she looked at the tomboy, who sheepishly rubbed the back of her head.

“Best book I’ve ever read… in fact, only book I’ve ever read in years,” Dash stated sheepishly, “Seriously, I’ve read each issue about 20 times, and I still never get tired of it.”

“So… do you wanna read my latest book?” Twilight Velvet asked, making Rainbow’s eyes widen.

“But… how… it’s not supposed to be out until a few months from now!”

“I give my daughter, my son, and my daughter-in-law copies in advanced. And since you’ll be my daughter-in-law soon enough…” Velvet began as she reached into her purse and pulled out a book, “I’ll give you a-”

Within a second, a blur snatched the book and ran off towards Rainbow’s room, the tomboy no longer in sight.

“...Advanced… copy… autographed…” Velvet slowly said, blinking a bit in confusion, “...What...just happened?”

“Sorry mom. It’s just… Rainbow’s a really big fan of the books, and… well, give her a new issue of Daring Doo, and she’ll just take it and lock herself in her room to read it,” Twilight stated with a sheepishly chuckled.

“...you two are perfect for each-other.” Night Light chuckled, “I remember anytime we bought you a new book when you were a filly, you did the exact same thing.”

“...Uh...y-yeah,” Twilight replied.

“Let’s see what Twi’s mom cooked up this time,” Dash giggled, as she held the 9th book of the Daring Do series in her hands. She then looked at the cover with a wide smile, “‘Daring Do and the Mystery of the Hypnotica Clan’. ...awe~some~!”

She proceeded to open the book up and began to read the contents, a huge excited grin on her face.

“So… do you still have every copy I’ve sent you dearie?” Velvet asked.

“Yep. I still have every copy. Why do you ask?”

“Since… you know…”

“Oh right… the treebary being burnt…” Twilight sighed, “...I miss that place.”

“I’m sorry you lost it dear.”

“...It’s fine, mom… at least Rainbow and the others gave me something to help me remember it.”

She guided her parents to the Circle of Friendship and the Golden Roots chandelure, the gems hanging off of it shining in the light a bit.

“Wow…” Night Light awed.

“...What is the chandelier?” Twilight Velvet asked her daughter.

“It’s something my friends made for me,” Twilight replied as she gained a sad smile, “They used most of the remains of my old home, and made this to help me feel more at home here. You see the gems hanging from it?”

“Yea,” they nodded.

“Well, if you look closely, you can see the moments me and my friends shared at my old home, the treebary,” Twilight added, wiping away a small tear in her eye, “This chandelier… it was the most amazing thing my friends have ever made for me.”

“Hmm… this gives me an idea, as do these seats here…” Twilight Velvet admitted as she took out a notepad and began to write down some ideas.

“Mom,” Twilight giggled.

“They say write what you know,” she shrugged.

“I know. Also… did you do any sort of research about Neighpon and the Neighponese ponies? Because my friend Fluttershy was kind of offended by how you portrayed them in ‘Daring Do and the Tales of the Forgotten Land’,” Twilight informed her mother.

“Huh?” Twilight Velvet blinked, lowering her notepad a bit as she looked at her daughter, “What do you mean?”

“Amongst some of her complaints were how you sort of mocked their traditions, took jabs at the misconception about them eating fish… I think it’s best I stop there.”

“Oh… I think I might have to rewrite that one then,” Twilight Velvet replied, “Of course, I’ll probably have your friend help me with it, just so I can figure out how Neighponese ponies act, and learn a few things about their traditions.”

“And uh… mom? Can I tell you something?” Twilight asked nervously.

“What is it dear?”

Twilight walked behind her throne and took out a stack of papers, showing they were various notes, sketches and plot lines, “...I’ve… been trying to write my own books…”

“Oh?”

“Yes. However, I still haven’t manage to get everything right. I’ve written the notes, some sketches, and a few plots… and yet none of them manage to click.”

“...I’ll try and help you dearie, okay?”

“...Thanks mom.”

Fluttershy looked at her mirror in thought, the shy mare currently messing with her hair a bit. In truth, she felt really nervous. Even though her cousin had set up that date between her and Silver, this was different. This was an actual date, one with the stallion she loved so much. There was so much for her to consider, her hair, her dress, would she wear make-up, and the biggest worry to her of all, who would watch the twins?

“Ano… maybe I should ask one of my friends…” the shy pinkette muttered to herself, “...no no. Twilight and Rainbow are busy with their wedding, Applejack is busy with her farm, Rarity’s no doubt busy with the dresses for the wedding, and Pinkie is probably busy with the food for said wedding. So… I guess that leaves itoko-chan.”

“You rang?” Posey asked as she was now standing by the doorway.

“Ahh!” Fluttershy yelped, jumping a bit in place as she quickly turned around, “I-itoko-chan! Don’t scare me like that!”

“Gomen gomen…” she apologized, “But if you need somepony to watch your kids, I can do it.”

“...Promise me you won’t do something stupid. No offense, but… I just worry you might mess something up and/or do something stupid. I trust you, don’t get me wrong, but… with some of the things Silver Hawk told me last night…”

“...Mou, what did he tell you this time?” Posey sighed.

“...You lost Timid at the mall. Three times. All in the same afternoon,” Fluttershy deadpannded a bit.

“Oh… I uh… got distracted easily by this really beautiful flower…” Posey chuckled sheepishly before slumping, “Only to find out that it was a fake… three times.”

“...I love you, you know that? But please… just promise me you won’t blow it?” Fluttershy begged.

“I promise, Itoko-chan,” Posey replied as she stood straight and saluted, “You can count on me! I promise I won’t let anything happen to your children!”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy smiled, “Now uh… any ideas for my dress or my hair or if I should wear make-up?”

“Hmm… have you tried asking your friend, Rarity?”

“...Uh, Posey…”

“Oh… right. The wedding..” Posey chuckled sheepishly.

“I know fashion, but I just don’t know what Silver Hawk would like…”

“Well, I’ve been around him for a few years now, so I can help you,”

Timid shook a small rattle in front of Snow Angel, the foal giggling happily as she tried to reach out for it. Kaito Breeze attempted to reach for it himself, but got a bit distracted when he saw a small mirror hanging from the side of the crib.

“...They’re adorable,” Timid giggled happily.

“What do you think Timid?” Silver Hawk asked, holding up two identical ties, “Pink? Or Red?”

“...ano, red?” Timid blinked.

“...I don’t know if Butterfly will like it…” Silver admitted as he looked at it, “...Though if I go with pink, she’d probably think I have an obsession with her… mou, I wish there was another stallion I can talk to about this.”

“Is Kota-san busy?” Timid inquired.

“Knowing him, most likely,” Silver replied as he sat down, “I don’t know any other stallions aside from him.”

Kaito Breeze simply looked at the ties for a moment and tossed his pillow at the red one, knocking it to the floor.

“Oi, Kaito. Be ca…” Silver began before blinking a bit in realization, “..Wait…” he then picked ht red tie back up and held it up in front of Kaito, “Are you saying I should go with this one?”

He nodded in response.

“...Alright,” Silver nodded, smiling a bit as he rubbed his son’s head, “That’s my boy.”

“Baa,” he responded with a smile.

“...Onii-chan, can I tell you something?” Timid asked.

“Hmm?” Silver blinked a bit as he looked over at his little sister, “What is it, Timid?”

“...I miss Neighpon. I wanna go back…” Timid admitted, “Demo...I don’t want to leave my new friends as well. And...” she began to whimper a bit, “I don’t want to leave Onee-chan.”

“...I’ve been thinking about going back to Neighpon as well…” Silver Hawk admitted, “I may like it here, but… I miss home as much as you do, Timid.”

“...Demo, what about Onee-chan and the twins?”

“...We’ll bring them with us. I know it sounds selfish but, I honestly think maybe we should live in Neighpon,” Silver replied, “...Then again, I’d be pulling her away from her friends.”

“Itoko-chan… can I be honest with you about something?” Fluttershy asked as Posey was tying her hair into an odango style.

“Sure,”

“...As much as I love Ponyville and all of my friends, I really have been thinking m-m-m-maybe… I… should move back to Neighpon,” Fluttershy admitted with a small sigh.

“Eh?”

“I… I know it’s a bit selfish of me, demo...I want to be with Silver-kun… and I want him and Timid-chan to be their for Snow and Kaito, as well as you,” Fluttershy stated, “And… my friends… Rainbow, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity… I’ve had a lot of good times with them. Demo… friends can…drift apart. If I leave, then what would happen to Ponyville? What would happen to my friends if I’m not there for them?”

“...I’m sure Twilight can figure out some way to get you back in a giffy,” Posey shrugged.

“True… but, I don’t want to stress her out any further, especially on her wedding day,” Fluttershy sighed sadly.

Posey helped tie her cousin’s hair back to make the style perfect, “...itoko-chan, I know it sounds selfish, but I would like for you to come back and live closer to me…”

“.....”

“...Gomen. I shouldn't have pressured you further. I get you’re conflicted and I just might’ve made it worse.”

The cousins looked at their reflection for a moment and recalled their youth…

(Flashback)

“Itoko-chan… you going to be ready for the convention?” Fluttershy asked.

“I am, demo…” Posey paused as she looked at the costumes she and her cousin were wearing, “Are you sure these are a good idea?”

“We both love Sailor Moon. It’s a good idea,” Fluttershy giggled.

“...I’ll still never understand how you managed to convince your Okaa-san and Otou-san to dress up too,” Posey sweatdropped a little.

“They need to take us, and it fits since I’m dressing as Chibiusa.”

“Right…”

“...I’m glad you’re coming, itoko-chan,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Me too, itoko-chan,” Posey smiled back, “Well, what’re we waiting for? Let’s head inside before the good stuff gets taken.”

“I remember you nearly fainted when we met the mare who wrote the Sailor Moon mangas,” Posey giggled.

“Hai!” Fluttershy giggled, “I was so excited upon meeting her!”

“Do you still have that first issue she autographed?”

“Hai, It’s the most prized item I own,” Fluttershy nodded, “I still haven’t opened it.”

“Really?”

“Hai. something that valuable is too precious to open.” Fluttershy giggled, “...Itoko-chan, what was Silver Hawk like when I wasn’t around, mind my asking?”

“...Well, he was very kind, very sweet, a real gentle stallion when he wants to be,” Posey replied, “...He did get sort of upset when I messed up. Then there was….you know who constantly trying to ask for his hand in marriage. But apart from her, there were other mares who flirted with him, tried to ask him out, the works. But… he turned them down all the same.”

“Oh...I see.”

“Yeah...I know I said this already, but you were all he thought about while you were gone.”

“I know, it’s so romantic,” Fluttershy smiled softly, a blush forming on her face, “I… never really had somepony fall for me before… in fact…” her smile soon faded a bit, “I thought I’d never find someone to love me.”

“...I’m happy for you, itoko-chan,” Posey smiled, “You’ve come such a long way ever since we were fillies.”

“Same to you,” Fluttershy smiled. She then reached for the ribbon that Silver Hawk gave to her and tied it around her wrist, “There. How do I look, Posey?”

“Heavenly,” Posey replied with a soft smile, “Silver will love it.”

“Onii-chan, are you...alright?” Timid asked her brother, who was wearing a nice white tuxedo, had a red rose on the front pocket, white dress pants, and a pair of white shoes.

“Yeah. just…nervous,” Silver replied, holding a small box in his hand firmly.

“Ano… what’s with the eye mask you asked me to bring?” Timid asked next, holding up said object.

“...No reason, Timid.”

“You look sorta like… oh. I get it… you’re semi-dressing like Tuxedo Mask. Clever,” Timid giggled.

“Eheh… yea,” Silver chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Again, clever, Onii-chan. Demo...why are you so nervous?”

“...I’m scared.”

“Eh? About what?”

“Well...I’m scared Butterfly-chan...will reject what I have planned for her,” Silver sighed, “I really love her and the children, and...I really hope this goes well, Timid-chan.”

“...I’m sure she’ll love it, Onii-chan,” Timid smiled as she walked over and laid her head on her brother’s lap, “I mean look. You and Onee-chan created Snow-chan, and Kaito-kun, and they’re absolutely kawaii. There’s no way she’d say no after giving birth to them.”

“...Silver-kun?” Fluttershy gawked.

Silver Hawk looked at her, and it almost seemed like she had lept out of a page of Sailor Moon in a way with her odango hair style, golden tiara, but looked different in that she had a beautiful emerald green dress on that seemed to sparkle a little, wore high heels, and what got Silver Hawk’s attention was the ribbon around her right wrist.

“...B-butterfly-chan?” Silver whispered, a blush forming on his face.

“Oh...ano…” Fluttershy blushed a bit as she shyly looked away from him, “H-how do I look, Silver-kun?”

“...like a… a… megami-sama,” he stated, causing her to blush further.

“A.-arigatou, Silver-kun,” Fluttershy replied, “Y-you look very handsome.”

“...Thanks,” Silver blushed further in response.

“Have fun you two,” Posey giggled happily, “Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on the twins.”

“...Timid, keep an eye on Posey,” Silver whispered to his little sister.

“Hai,” the pegasus filly nodded in response.

The two soon arrived at a cloud restaurant, being called “Olive Cloud”. Fluttershy giggled happily as she looked at it, recalling it from her fillyhood.

“...I came here a lot in my fillyhood. Me and Rainbow would always order the little breadstick sandwiches. Our families took us here when we were good fillies and earned a reward,” Fluttershy giggled.

“Rainbow reccomended this place,” Silver replied, “So I figured this would be our first stop.”

“There’s more than one stop?”

“Two. There’s someplace special I want to take you after this,” Silver replied as he walked to the front door and held it open, “After you, Butterfly-chan.”

Fluttershy blushed and giggled at that as she walked over, giving him a small peck on the cheek before she walked inside, a blushing Silver Hawk following behind her.

The two were soon seated and were currently looking over the menu. Fluttershy occasionally took glances at the foal menu, just an occasional glance.

“...Everything okay, Butterfly-chan?” Silver asked, looking over the side of his menu to check on her.

“Hai,” she nodded, “Just...having trouble on what to order.”

“Ahh… soka,” Silver noted as he looked back at his menu..

“Ano… just curious. Do you ever miss…the days when you were a young foal?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“...On occasion, hai,” Silver nodded, “Why ask?”

“...It’s hard to explain, but… part of me is remember when me and Dash were fillies and we ordered off of the foal menu…just…a nostalgic feeling.”

“Oh…” Silver blinked before chuckling a bit, “That’s kinda cute.”

Fluttershy giggled, blushing a bit as she looked at her menu.

“...I’ll order us a thing breadsticks if ya want,” Silver offered, “At least before we decide on what to eat.”

“Okay. And trust me, they’re really yummy,” Fluttershy informed.

“Hai, hai,” Silver chuckled.

Soon, they were eating the breadsticks and Silver Hawk was enjoying it thoroughly. Fluttershy was slowly making one into a small sandwich before she began to dig into it slowly. Silver Hawk saw a bit of pasta sauce on her lips and smiled.

“...Ano, what?” Fluttershy blinked, the shy pinkette noticing Silver Hawk looking at her.

“Eheh… you uh, have some sauce on your face,” Silver chuckled a bit.

“Oh…” Fluttershy replied, picking up a napkin and used it to wiped a bit of it off, but not all of it was off, “Did I get it?”

“No. There’s still a bit on your nose. Here, let me,” Silver offered, picking up his napkin as he leaned forward and rubbed the sauce off Fluttershy’s nose, causing the shy pinkette to blush heavily, ”There we go.”

“Thank you…” she managed to squeak out.

“No prob…” Silver smiled as he sat back down, “...Heh… you have the same face you had that one day.”

“Eh?”

“You know, back when we were foals. I got you that flower...and ended up falling in the river in the process?”

“...hai. Not one of my finest moments,” Fluttershy admitted, “D-demo.. I did like that flower you got me, Silver-kun.”

“I had a feeling,” he smiled.

The two were soon eating a side salad and a large plate of pasta with some tofu meatballs, the two pegasi enjoying their meal.

“...you know, there was this lovely story my grandmother told me when I was little. About two dogs who shared this plate of pasta and… well, kissed.” Fluttershy informed.

“That’s a cute story,” Silver Hawk smiled.

“It is,” Fluttershy nodded, a small smile on her face.

Silver Hawk proceeded to begin to slurp up some of the pasta, unaware that Fluttershy was eating the same noodle from the other end. They both slurped on it and eventually…

They kissed.

The two pegasi soon pulled away, blushing a bit as Fluttershy looked away shyly.

“...g-gomen. I...didn’t…”

“It’s fine,” Silver said with a soft smile.

“...that was… n-nice… hai?”

“Hai… it was.”

They laughed a bit before deciding to resume their meal.

“Umai...they’re still as good as I remember them,” Fluttershy smiled as she and Silver Hawk left the restaurant. She then looked up at the night sky, the stars shining down on them, “Such a lovely night, hai?”

“Agreed,” Silver nodded, looking up at the sky as well, “Luna-hime sure knows how to make it beautiful. Just as beautiful as a certain mare I know…”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy giggled as they flew back down to Ponyville, “So where are we going next?”

“You’ll see,” Silver assured her as they flew.

“Wow… I’ve never seen the area by Twilight’s castle like this before,” Fluttershy awed, “And there are such pretty flowers… shame they haven’t bloomed yet.”

“Oh wait for it…” Silver Hawk told her.

Soon, the full moon’s lights touched the flowers, the buds slowly unfolding themselves until they were in full bloom, the petals a pure white color with what looked like stars sparkling off the petals.

“Sugoi…” Fluttershy awed, “Wait. Aren’t these flowers from Neighpon?”

“Yes. They rarely grow outside of Neighpon, and I was lucky enough to find these with some help,” Silver replied, “So I figured we’d end the day here and… well… there’s something I want to tell you.”

“Oh, what’s that?” Fluttershy asked.

Before he said anything else, Silver Hawk took a flower and placed it in Fluttershy’s hair.

“Silver-kun?”

“...Butterfly-chan,” Silver began as he took a deep breath, “When I first met you… I had thought an angel had fallen from heaven. And when I saw you crying… I wanted to cheer you up, and when I did, you had one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen. I loved those days we spent together as kids...and when you left…” he paused as he looked down, “I… felt like I had a hole in my heart. The pain didn’t seem to go away, and I didn’t know why… but as I got older, I realized something… I had fallen in love with an angel.”

“Aww… Silver-kun…” Fluttershy blushed and giggled.

“Hai… when we finally met again… I felt really happy inside, like the hole I had in my heart had been filled... because I had my angel back with me. You and Timid-chan got along really well, almost like actual sisters. It was a touching scene, and I wished it would’ve lasted, but then… Aki had to appear. That night… when I thought I was going to lose you again… I felt… scared. I didn’t want to lose you, or the children we made together. I… I want to be there for you and the twins, Butterfly-tenshi… always.”

“Silver-kun… are… are you…?” Fluttershy whispered, tears beginning to form in her eyes as she covered her mouth with her hands slowly.

“I am… I want us to have a life together, my tenshi...so what I’m saying is…” Silver Hawk paused as he pulled out the small box he was holding earlier. He opened it to reveal a ring that had Fluttershy’s butterfly mixed with Silver Hawk’s… well, hawk, “Butterfly Misaki Heart-chan...will you… marry me?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widen at that, more tears forming in her eyes as her heart began to race a hundred miles an hour.

“...I… I… I…” the shy mare whispered, choking a bit as the tears poured down her cheeks, “I… I… I do!” she cried as she pulled him into a loving embrace, pressing her lips against his passionately.

Meanwhile

Author's Note

Now before we begin, this takes place during the events of last chapter, mainly Fluttershy and Silver Hawk's date.

Meanwhile

Posey waved a watch in front of Kaito Breeze and Snow Angel, the twins’ gaze fixated on it.

“Ano, Posey-san? Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Timid asked as she stood right next to her.

“It’s out of their reach, they can only look at it,” Posey smiled.

“That’s what you said when you waved that string in front of Peach-chan,” Timid deadpanned a bit.

“...Do you trust me?”

“...Kind of. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re an awesome pony and I’m grateful to have you as a friend but… well, you’re not the brightest bulb ever…”

“Mou. Not you too, Timid-chan,” Posey pouted.

“Not to mention that....whole incident a while back…”

“I didn’t know you were in the room,” Posey sighed, “Can we please drop it? I’d like to look after my niece and nephew with a calm mind.”

“...Wouldn’t they be my niece and nephew since I’m actually the sister of Silver Hawk and-”

“I don’t know…” Posey sighed, “...Speaking of your brother, I wonder how the date is going?”

“Good, I hope,” Timid smiled before she walked off, leaving Posey to watch the two foals.

‘...I royally messed up that day. Me and my airheaded plans sometimes…I wish there was a way I can make it up to them, or make it so it never happened to begin with,’ Posey mentally sighed, but then her eyes turned to the pocket watch she had by the twins, ‘...Ding.’

“Hey Timid-chan? I wanna show you something,” Posey giggled.

“Nani?” Timid blinked, looking up from her manga, “What is it?”

Posey just moved the pocket watch in front of Timid, making the filly blink for a moment.

“...Why are you doing this to me? I’m the one who knows therapy things, remember?”

“That day.... You know that day? Well…I need you to do me a favor,” Posey smiled as she waved the watch in front of her, “I need you to forget, ok?”

“...Forget…?” Timid blinked, keeping her eyes on the watch.

“Hai… forget. That day you saw me as a dominatrix, and anything associated with memories of that day, okay?”

“...Ano…”

“Once I snap my fingers, you will forget, okay?”

Timid felt relaxed and swayed by what Posey was telling her, her soft blue eyes a bit dull.

“And...forget,” Posey said as she snapped her fingers, making Timid blink a bit, “Well...did it work?”

“...”

“Timid?”

“...Ano, who are you?”

“...Timid.. it’s me, Posey, Butterfly’s cousin?”

“...”

‘Oh no...don’t tell me...’ Posey paled mentally, “Uh…Timid? Do you know when your brother will get back?”

“...brother?”

‘Oh no… Silver Hawk is going to kill me!’ Posey mentally panicked, ‘Instead of erasing that day, I erased her memory of me and her brother!’

“Where’s my Onee-chan? You look a lot like her, only… flat chested,” Timid noted, making Posey facefault a bit.

“...Uh… she’ll be back soon. Why don’t you read something while I look for something to drink?” Posey suggested.

“Okay,” Timid shrugged as she picked up her manga.

“What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do~~?!” Posey said in worry, “I’ve messed up bad before, but this really takes the cake! Mou… what am I gonna do?! Someone, tatsukete~!”

She paced around in worry, some of Fluttershy’s animals looking at her. Yuki looked over at Peach and Angel, an idea forming in the fox’s mind. Yuki motioned for Peach and Angel to follow her, leaving Posey in her own panicked state at the moment.

“How are they gonna react?...Oh no. How's Silver going to react?!” Posey gulped as she pictured what would happen if she didn’t find a way to fix Timid when her cousin and Silver Hawk got back.

“Posey-no-baka! You made Timid lose her memories?!” Silver snapped while holding a paper fan before he prepared to hit her with hit, “Baka!-!-!”

“I’m doomed!-!-!” Posey panicked, her entire body becoming a pale white as she ran around the room.

Yuki knocked on a door on a tree...far out in the middle of the forest. The fox waited for a bit before the door opened, revealing a zebra mare around her early thirties.

“A young fox has come this way, have you wandered astray?” she asked in a rhyme.

Yuki shook her head no before motioning to Peach and Angel, the former cosplaying a bti as Posey while the latter cosplayed as Timid. The two then re-enacted what happened back at the house, Peach running around in a slight panicked while Angel looked around in confusion.

“...I do not get it. Why is Fluttershy in a panic fit?”

Yuki shook her head quickly before she grabbed a nearby stick with her mouth and began to draw something in the dirt. Once she was done, she put the stick down and motioned to what she drew, a picture of Fluttershy and Posey.

“Oh? I was not aware Fluttershy had a twin. Do you know where she has been?”

Yuki let out an annoyed growl a bit before a slight idea popped into her head. She then proceeded to pick up the same stick she used before and proceeded to attempt to write out what happened. Despite the clumsy shape, the zebra recognized the symbols.

“I’m so dead… I’m so dead… I’m so dead…” Posey whimpered as she paced about in worry, “I am going to die. Dead mare be me. A cornucopia of pain and despair is going to come my way! I am so going to die~!” she cried as she fell to her knees, crying waterfall tears.

“It may not be my place to say, dear Fluttershy, to what has given your pain way?” a voice asked.

“...Eh?” Posey blinked as she slowly turned around to see someone standing in the doorway, “....Ano, who are you?”

“You do not recognize me? Zecora is my name, I shall decree.”

“Zecora? Oh! Itoko-chan mentioned you.”

“...”

“Oh..sorry. Maybe I should introduce myself,” Posey chuckled sheepishly as she quickly stood up and bowed, “My name is Posey, and I’m Butter… er, Fluttershy’s cousin.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, now then, shall I receive a clue?”

“...about what’s going on? ...yea. Wait… how’d you know I was in trouble?”

Her response was Yuki, Peach, and Angel poking their heads out from behind Zecora.

“Yuki-tachi…” Posey smiled.

“Friends of this fox have allowed me to know you needed aid, and gave me some info on you, so tell me, what mistake have you made?”

“...Well, I… accidently erased the memory of my friend’s little sister, mostly her memories of me and her brother. And well...in his eyes, I mess up. A lot. And if he sees this… well, his trust in me will be completely gone, and I will most likely get hit with a paper folding fan.”

“I can make a brew that will most certainly help you.”

“...” Posey blinked for a few seconds before she was instantly in front of her, the mare on her knees while she cried anime tears, “Please~~!”

“...I just said I shall help you…” Zecora stated, “Get a clue…”

“Oh… r-right…” Posey said as she slowly stood up.

“But help, I shall require,” Zecora informed, “...let’s hope no shenanigans shall transpire.”

Yuki and Peach looked at each other in worry at that.

“Hmm? Somebody must be babysitting,” Timid noted as she saw Kaito and Snow in their cribs, “Ano… hi.”

“...baa,” Snow smiled, hitting Timid in the forehead with a raddle.

“Itai~” Timid whimpered as she rubbed the spot Snow hit her.

Snow Angel laughed a bit before she stopped when she saw the pain filled face Timid had.

“...baa?” the foal tilted her head in slight confusion.

Kaito Breeze began to wake up and started to cry.

“Oh… uh… ano…” Timid gulped a bit, not sure what to do before Snow began to cry as well, “Mou… what do I do?”

Zecora tilted her head upon hearing the twins crying.

“Is that the sound of crying I hear? Are there young foals near?” Zecora asked Posey, making the pinkette tense a bit.

‘Uh oh. Kaito must’ve woke up from his nap, and if he cries… so does Snow!’ Posey paled mentally before calming down, “Yes. Those are my cousin’s foals, Snow Angel and Kaito Breeze.”

“Fluttershy has two young ones? Are they two sons?”

“No. A colt and a filly.”

“Forgive that mistake, it was rather silly,”

Posey giggled a bit at this, “It’s fine… I-” she began before her phone rang, “...oh hold on,” she said as she pulled her phone out and answered, “Hello?”

-Hey, Posey. It’s me- Silver’s voice answered -I’d just like to let you know me and Butterfly-ch… I mean, Butterfly-tenshi are on our way home now-

“.....”

-Hello?-

Posey didn’t say a word as she was frozen on the spot, her eyes a pure white and her mouth agape as she dropped her phone.

-Hello? Hello?-

-Maybe she had to hurry and tend to our kids?- Fluttershy shrugged.

-Maybe. I’ll call you later, Posey- Silver Hawk stated as he hung up.

“....Zecora…how far is your place?” Posey managed to ask.

“About a five minute walk, so long as we do not stop,” Zecora informed.

“...Then let’s hurry!” was all Posey said as she quickly ran out the door in a blur… before coming straight back, grabbed Zecora, and rushed back out.

Timid was able to put both children back to sleep, the twins snoring softly as they laid in the crib.

“Phew… thank kami…” Timid sighed in relief as she sat down, “I wonder what jerk made Onee-chan have these kids and then bailed on her? Whoever they were, they must’ve been really mean.”

She simply looked at the two foals a bit, Snow turning a bit in her sleep as she grabbed a nearby stuffed animal and hugged it.

“Yea… that’s totally Onee-chan’s daughter. Wonder who the son took after?” Timid pondered to herself.

“This memory brew is completed. Please, do not have this mistake be repeated,” Zecora told Posey as she gave her a small glass bottle with a cork in it, said bottle containing pink liquid.

“So… this will completely restore her memory?” Posey checked.

“It indeed will. Just make sure she has the entire fill.”

“Thanks Zecora. How can I ever repay you for this?”

“A simple explanation. How did you get in this situation?” Zecora asked, making Posey tense a bit.

“...Uh… well, I tried to hypnotize her into forgetting a certain… day I had with her brother,” Posey replied, a slight sheepish smile on her face.

“....” Zecora let out a small sigh at that, “Forgive me but if I may ask, what caused you to transpire such a task?”

“Uh… well, you see…” Posey began before sighing, “...Well, while my itoko-chan was living here… her boyfriend-to-be, Silver Hawk, who was living in Neighpon at the time, was a bit..lonely, and was missing my itoko. I tried to help him by setting up dates, and those didn't’ go so well. When I tried it myself… it was not pretty. You see, Silver Hawk-san once left a harem manga at my place and I saw how much he liked a dominatrix character. so I got the idea to…ahem, dress up as one to try and get him to move on from itoko-chan.”

“I see… is there more to tell me?”

“Hai. You see, it… didn’t turn out so well, and… ahem, Timid… accidently saw it… but not much, mind you. Since that day, Silver’s trust in me is a bit… shaky. I wanted to hypnotize the memory of that day out of Timid’s mind but… I wasn’t clear on it, and accidently erased Timid’s memory of me and her brother.”

Zecora just let out a sigh and rolled her eyes.

“Eheh...yeah,” Posey chuckled sheepishly.

“...leave,” Zecora sighed, “You have a mistake to correct, I believe,”

“Thanks,” Posey smiled before she bolted out of there, hoping to get back before her cousin did.

Posey arrived at Fluttershy’s home, the earth pony panting as she walked up to the front door.

“I...I...I made it….” Posey panted,sweat dripping off her face as she slowly opened the door. Timid was fast asleep on the couch, but luckily her mouth was wide open, ‘Perfect. She’s asleep. All I have to do is make her drink this before itoko-chan and Silver get home, and bam! I’m in the clear!’

Posey moved over and slightly adjusted Timid’s head, but just as she was about to pour the liquid in…

“Greetings.”

“Kya!” Posey yelped as she nearly dropped the glass, almost spilling all but a bit of the liquid, “...Discord-no-baka.You nearly made me spill it.”

“Sorry about that, Little Miss Accident-Prone,” Discord jokingly apologized.

“I AM NOT ACCIDENT PRONE!” Posey snapped. She put the glass aside while Discord gave a scoff of sorts to her.

“...oh please, hold this a moment,” Discord told her, snapping his fingers and making a vase appear in her arms.

“Okay,” Posey shrugged, but then slipped and the vase went flying and shattered.

“See? Accident. Prone.”

“...”

“What mess did you get yourself into this time?” Discord asked.

Posey just ignored him and poured the liquid into Timid’s mouth.

“...No seriously. What did you do this time?” Discord asked again.

“I accidentally rubbed out her memory in an attempt to remove the memories of the whole dominatrix incident, and this will hopefully restore it all!” Posey shouted as she finished pouring it into Timid’s mouth.

“...blech! Ew… what’d you pour in my mouth, Posey-san?! I hate cherry juice!” Timid gagged as she shot up awake.

“...I really don’t wanna talk about it Timid. I’ve had a long day attempting to get rid of the memories of the dominatrix mess…” Posey groaned.

“...domi-what-now?” Timid blinked in confusion.

“....”

“...Posey-san?”

“...Excuse me,” Posey said as she quickly ran upstairs, ran into a room, closed the door, and began to cheer excitedly.

“...Timid-chan, you do remember you have brother?” Posey checked.

“Yes, why do you ask?” Timid blinked.

Posey giggled a bit and relaxed, looking over to Discord, who was distracted by a shiny green diamond shaped item.

“Yes… yes… yes… with this in my hand… I can finish the work of my kind…”

“Oh… uh… I think we need to run…” Posey gulped as she recognized the item from mythology.

Discord took the item and then…

KER-SHATTER!

It broke.

“Phew…” Posey sighed in relief.

“Hey Posey-san…” Timid began, “Why did you ask me if I had a brother?”

“...Uh...no reason.”

“...eh?” Timid blinked at that, “Eh. No need to worry…Ano, Posey-san? Can I have a hug?”

"...Sure Timid,” Posey smiled as she hugged the young pegasus.

A Batty Situation

“Ano, Silver-kun…” Fluttershy began as they were walking back to Fluttershy’s home.

“Hai?” Silver asked he looked over at her.

“What do you… uh, think of um… vampires?” Fluttershy inquired as they walked through Ponyville’s green pastures.

“Eh?” Silver blinked at that, “...What brought this up?”

Fluttershy simply had a nervous look as she looked over to a mirror, her eyes tricking her into thinking she didn’t have a reflection for a moment. The pinkette rubbed her eyes for a second and saw she was there.

“...Do you remember the Tatanbus mess from a while back?” Fluttershy checked.

“Yeah… what about it?”

“You remember what I did to protect you from a monster?”

“You became some sort of a… oh. Why did you dream of yourself as some sort of vampire anyhow?”

“...That wasn’t the only time I became that,” Fluttershy admitted, a small embarrassed blush on her face, “Y-you see, before I came back to Neighpon, there was an incident involving Fruit Bats over at Applejack’s farm. We were trying to find out how to get the Fruit Bats away from there when Twilight ended up using a spell that caused the Fruit bats to...well, stay away from the fruits.”

“Did you try using a talisman? Kota did that when he had to deal with Fruit Bats once,” Silver Hawk inquired/informed.

“Oh… well I didn’t tell them I was Neighponese at the time,” Fluttershy replied, “A-anyway, the spell worked, demo… there was a side effect.”

“Side effect?”

“I became a batpony... and I almost hurt my friends. They saved me, demo… I had a feeling not all of it left me. It did end up saving us one time. Twilight managed to use hypnotic suggestion to bring it back, but I always worry I may turn back into Flutterbat, and there’d be no way to turn back to normal,” Fluttershy admitted.

“Soka…” Silver noted, “Demo, why did you choose to turn into this… Flutterbat?”

“In the shared dream? Well… I didn’t know what to use until I saw you in danger. And within a second, Flutterbat came to mind, and… well, you know the rest.”

The two walked along for a moment, the moon shining through some of the clouds in the night sky.

“I… have had nightmares, where I turned into Flutterbat and… I hurt a lot of people. Sometimes I turned back and was banished for my crimes, others… I never changed back…” Fluttershy told Silver Hawk, tears starting to form, “I just… worry. What if something makes me turn back into her? What if I hurt Twilight, Rainbow Dash and the others? What if I hurt some innocent fillies? ...What if I hurt you and our children? I… I…” she couldn’t finish as she began to sob quietly, the shy pinkette holding herself as she began to shake a bit.

“Butterfly-tenshi-chan…” Silver whispered, the ice-blue maned pegasus feeling a bit heartbroken from seeing the mare he loved like this. Not wanted to see her sad anymore, he wrapped his arms gently around her, “...You wouldn’t hurt anybody. You’re an angel, and angels don’t hurt innocent lives.”

“...I tried to hurt my friends, and-”

“Shh… you control her, she doesn’t control you,” Silver Hawk assured, rubbing Fluttershy’s back to help calm her down “And if she did take you over… well, I would be happy to join you.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened at that part as she moved her head from Silver’s chest to look at his face.

“D-do you… really mean that?”

“I love you. You’re going to be my wife, so even if we are undead, I would still love you,” Silver Hawk smiled, using his thumb to wipe some of the tears off of Fluttershy’s face.

The shy pinkette smiled happily as she looked at him. However, her eyes absentmindedly began to look over at his neck, the pinkette seemingly entranced by it.

“You… look so nice…” Fluttershy smiled.

“Thanks. You too, my tenshi,” Silver smiled back.

The pinkette began to pet Silver’s neck, trailing her finger up and down on it.

“Your fur is so soft…” she smiled.

“...Thanks,” he blushed.

Fluttershy just kept looking at his neck, her eyes starting to change colors.

“Are you okay?” Silver Hawk asked in worry.

“Yes. I am just fine~” Fluttershy seemingly purred a bit, making Silver blink a bit.

“...What the?”

“Let me look at your neck…” Fluttershy whispered.

Silver Hawk looked at their reflection in a small puddle of water and got nervous when he saw only he was casting one.

“...Uh...Butterfly-chan? Why don’t y-” Silver began before he noticed her wings had become more bat like. He then slowly looked at her face to see her eyes were more of a blood/crimson red color, the pegasus stallion slowly connecting the dots together, ‘Oh...crap baskets.’

“Let me closer…” Fluttershy begged.

“...I can’t,” Silver Hawk said, trying to back away.

“Please~?” She begged further as she moved closer to him.

“...You’re starting to scare me.”

“And you’re starting to hurt my feelings, anata,” Fluttershy countered as she wrapped her arms around Silver’s neck, “Didn’t you say you loved me, even if I was Flutterbat?”

“...W-well I did say that, de-” Silver Hawk began nervously.

“And didn’t you say you’d join me?”

“...I-I did,” Silver Hawk gulped.

Flutterbat giggled, running her hand through Silver’s ice blue mane before lowering it to his cheek, the pegasus turned bat pony staring into her ‘mate’s eyes.

Silver Hawk was scared but at the same time, he couldn’t turn away from her, gazing into her blood/crimson red eyes, almost like they were rubies. And there appeared to be some sort of a sparkle to them.

“Look into my eyes,” she told him, her eyes giving off a soft glow, “Gaze into them, my love…”

“...H-hai,” Silver replied slowly, his eyes starting to become dull in color.

“Good,” Flutterbat smirked, her fangs slightly showing, “Now tell me, who do you love again?”

“You, my angel of the night.”

“Good boy.”

Before Flutterbat could do anything, magical sparks began to come onto her body, her eyes changing back to teal and her wings reverting back to their normal bird like form. Fluttershy rubbed her eyes for a moment, shaking her head a bit before blinking.

“Butterfly… dear? Could you get off of me now? People are starting to stare,” Silver Hawk requested.

“Eh?” Fluttershy blinked before she noticed a few ponies staring at the two strangely, “...Ano, Silver-kun? What were we doing exactly?”

“Flutterbat appeared, and she tried to bite me,” Silver Hawk informed.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in a mix of horror and shock at that, her body starting to shake a bit.

Silver Hawk helped her up and they began to walk, the stallion holding the she mare up as she held onto him, tears dripping down from her eyes.

“Silver-kun… I-I’m so sorry. I… I didn’t mean to,” Fluttershy whimpered.

“...Butterfly y-”

“Stay away from me…” Fluttershy said as she backed away from him, “I…I’m not safe to be around.”

“Butterfly, c-” Silver began before Fluttershy began to run away from him, “Butterfly-chan! Matte!”

“When do you think Onii-chan and Onee-chan are going to get back? You said they called us earlier, didn’t they?” Timid asked Posey.

“I did, and now I’m starting to get worried,” Posey replied, a mix of concern and worry in her voice as she looked over at the front door, ‘Itoko-chan, where are you?’

Silver Hawk chased after Fluttershy, the pinkette getting further away from him as she ran towards the Everfree Forest.

“Butterfly-chan, matte! Please c-”

“No! Please stay away from me!”

“She turned into a bat pony once?” Timid gawked, she and Posey having chosen to spend the time telling each-other stories.

“Yep. Twilight’s spell backfired and it made her into, what her friends dubbed, Flutterbat,” Posey informed, “Honestly, I was surprised to hear that when Itoko-chan told me about it over the phone.”

“...Ano, if I may ask a question, how were you able to talk with each other while the ban thing was still going on between Equestria and Neighpon?” Timid couldn’t help but ask.

“Oh? Well, certain ponies got permission to contact loved ones after the devastation. Among them was itoko-chan’s grandmother, and by extension, itoko-chan.”

“Makes sense,” Timid nodded as she looked out the window, “...where are they?”

“...I don’t know. I wish I knew,” Posey sighed.

“Butterfly! Where are you?!” Silver Hawk called out as he looked around the forest, the stallion having lost Fluttershy, “Please say something to me!”

“Stop following me! I’m a monster!” Fluttershy’s voice shouted throughout the forest.

“You’re not a monster!” Silver Hawk shouted back before Fluttershy appeared before him, her wings replaced with the bat ones.

“...I’m a monster… I can’t leave. I can’t go back to Ponyville, as long as I can’t control her…” Fluttershy whispered.

‘But… what about your children, Butterfly-chan? Your friends and family?”

“...I will miss them all so dearly…” Fluttershy replied in a sad tone.

“But…”

“I’m a monster… I’m a threat to all of you!” Fluttershy shouted, tears practically strolling down her face as she began to look down, “Which is why… I decided to stay here in the Everfree Forest.”

“Butterfly-tenshi-chan… I…” Silver began before Fluttershy kissed him.

“Silver-kun, I will always love you. But as I am now, I can’t afford to be near you or the twins…” Fluttershy whispered as she turned around, her wings opening up, “Good bye…”

She was about to take off, but Silver Hawk grabbed her by her wrist.

“Silver-kun, please let me go,” Fluttershy begged as she tried to free herself, “I don’t know how much longer I can keep her back.”

“I love you! You have people who love you! You can’t just leave them…” Silver told her, “And what about our wedding?!”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she looked to her wedding ring. She pulled it off and proceeded to hand it back to Silver Hawk, the stallion's eyes widening in shock at this.

“Butterfly-tenshi… wh-”

“Don’t call me that… I’m no longer an angel…” was all Fluttershy said as she managed to get out of his grip and flew off.

Silver Hawk just watched as she flew off, the stallion fallen to his knees as tears began to form in his eyes.

“Butterfly-chan. Please…” Silver whispered as he gripped his hands, trying his best to force back the tears, “Don’t go...Don’t leave me again.”

He saw her shadow come to a stop, the pegasus turned batpony floating there for a moment while she had her back to him. He couldn’t tell, but he heard her giving out small whimpers, small tears dripping onto the forest floor.

“Butterfly… I’m coming after you,” Silver Hawk said with determination, “I am not losing you again!”

“I’d be better off with my mom and dad right now. I should’ve stayed dead,” Fluttershy said coldly, causing a look of shock to appear on Silver’s face.

“Butterfly-chan. You….You don’t mean that…”

“I do. Coming back to Neighpon was the biggest mistake in my life…” Fluttershy stated, her back still turned to him.

“Stop!” Silver shouted as he flew up to her, “Stop saying these lies! The Butterfly I know and love would never say th-”

*SLAP*

Silver just hovered there, frozen in place as he had a look of pure shock on his face.

“The Butterfly you knew is gone,” Fluttershy stated coldly as she lowered her hand, ”All that remains is a monster...now go.”

“I’m not leaving you.” he told her sternly.

“I said go!” Fluttershy snapped, her teal eyes going red as she glared at him.

Silver Hawk looked at her for a moment, when he realized the only way he could get her to stop.

“...Bite me,” he told her.

“W...what?”

“I said bite me,” Silver hawk repeated, “Butterfly-chan, you don’t have to suffer this alone. I want to be there for you always, even if we have to spend eternity together. Without you in my life, my life would be empty. Not having to see your smile ever again...it breaks my heart.”

“...If I bite you, I’d make you my slave. You wouldn’t have your free will anymore,” Fluttershy warned him, “You wouldn’t be the same stallion I fell in love with.”

“...I don’t care,” Silver replied as he suddenly pulled her into a deep kiss, pausing for a moment to look into her eyes, “I don’t want to lose my angel again.”

The two then began to descend to the ground, a look of uncertainty on Fluttershy’s face as Silver held her closely.

“I won’t hurt you. I could never do this…” Fluttershy told him, “I… I don’t want you to lose your free will, Silver-kun.”

“I don’t care if I lose my free will. Not having you in my life…would be truly Tartarus.”

Fluttershy looked at him. Her own will was telling her to just tell him to go back to their kids and lie about where she was. The Flutterbat part of her however was telling her to take him there and now, to make him her slave. She felt as if there was a battle going in deep inside her body, the good part of her trying to beat the dark part of her. She wanted to be with Silver Hawk, but then he’d lose his free will, and they’d never see their children again.

“I won’t do it…” Fluttershy said in her normal tone of voice.

“But yet… I want to do it so badly~” her voice purred in a bit more of a seductive tone.

“If I do, then our children would grow up not knowing their parents,” her normal voice sighed sadly.

“But then we’d be together forever~” her other voice smirked.

“...I won’t.”

“...But I will.”

“No you won’t!” Fluttershy shouted before she felt a stinging sensation in her head, the pegasus turned bat pony moving away from Silver Hawk.

“Butterfly-chan? Are you-”

“S-silver-kun, please stay back I… I don’t know how much longer I can hold her back!” Fluttershy shouted, her eyes switching between their normal teal and the blood/crimson red, “Why did Twilight have to go and wake her up?! Wh...that’s it!”

“Eh?”

“S-Silver-kun...please go and get Twilight!” Fluttershy begged him before she fell to one of her knees.

“Eh?! But wh-?!”

“Please! I don’t know how much longer I can stay in control!”

“...Okay,” he nodded as he hurried off.

'He’ll never find her in time. Soon, your body will belong to me, and your little stallionfriend will be my slave…' the Flutterbat voice spoke in Fluttershy’s mind.

“No! I… won’t let you hurt Silver-kun!” Fluttershy grunted as she tried to stand up.

‘Face it. it’s only a matter of time before I fully take control. And once I do...ohh the things I’m going to do to him~’

“What’s happening?” Twilight asked Silver Hawk as the stallion burst through a window in a hurry.

“Twilight-san...we...we have a big problem,” Silver stated, panting as he tried to catch his breath, “Do you...recall the incident with Flutterbat?”

“Yes. And I remember she was sealed up inside of Fluttershy and I had to reawaken at least the physical body to deal with a crisis,” Twilight nodded, “Why?”

“Sh….she’s...she’s back. And she’s trying to take control of Butterfly-chan’s body,” Silver replied, causing Twilight’s eyes to widen in shock.

“I told you that you should’ve sealed her right back up when the mess was over with!” Dash commented.

“I didn’t know how to! I thought she’d be gone after Fluttershy changed back!” Twilight exclaimed before sighing a bit, “I should’ve made sure Flutterbat was completely gone after the first time.”

“Well, you didn’t. What do we do now?!” Dash asked.

“...Does she have any goals? If we can pinpoint at least one, we can distract her so I can cast a spell to at least try and seal her back in Fluttershy.” Twilight asked Silver Hawk, “Where is she now?”

“She’s in the Everfree Forest, trying her best to keep Flutterbat at bay,” Silver replied.

“Why would she be all the way out there?” Rainbow asked.

“She was starting to come back out and tried to bite me. Butterfly ran off to protect me,” Silver Hawk informed, “And biting me is her goal.”

“Wait. So she’s not trying to suck the juice out of Applejack’s apples again?” Rainbow blinked.

“...why do you think I hurried over here, you idiot?!” Silver snapped

“Hey! Don’t bite my head off!” Rainbow shouted.

“Well I’m sorry! I’m just stressed because my wife’s about to turn into a blood sucking vampire!” Silver snapped back.

“...Wife?” Dash and Twilight blinked.

“...You know what I meant! Now let’s hurry before Flutterbat fully takes over!” Silver shouted as he flew out the window.

“Hey uh... just checking Twi, but what are the chances that Flutterbat’s… bat-pony-ness was passed onto one of her foals?” Dash inquired.

“...well, it’s less than a .5% chance, so, it’s unlikely,” Twilight assured as they flew out.

“Ano, Posey-chan? Can you come up here a second?” Timid asked, now currently in the twin’s room.

“What is it, Timid-chan?” Posey asked off-screen.

“Snow Angel looks…funny. Just come up here and look.”

“Eh?” Posey blinked, the earth pony walking upstairs and into the room, “Funny h…?” her eyes widened in surprise and slight shock when she saw Snow’s wings being like that of a bats, her eyes were a bit wider and her ears were more bat like.

“...Uh…did that bat part of Onee-chan fully leave her?” Timid asked.

“No.”

“Then...does that mean Snow’s half pegasus, half Bat pony now?”

“....”

“Posey-san?”

“...Good night,” was all Posey said before she fainted, her eyes replaced with swirls.

“Darn you Posey! Not now!” Timid said in worry, ‘Mou. What’s Onii-chan and Onee-chan going to think when they find out about this?’

The Night's Knight

‘Give in already. You are weak… you know this,’ Flutterbat’s voice said in Fluttershy’s head.

“I am not weak…” she struggled to get out, her left eye being the blood/crimson red color while the right was her normal teal. She attempted to walk, but felt her legs weren’t responding to her.

‘Yes you are. You’re lucky those who call themselves your friends are still here,’ she responded.

“Y-you leave them… out of this!”

‘Tch! Seriously… why are they still friends with you, especially that pink idiot and the drama queen? I’d figure they wouldn’t want anything to do with you after that one ‘incident’ when you were assertive.’

Fluttershy whimpered at the memory and fell to her knees.

‘Jackpot. You’ve made so many mistakes in your life. You practically told your two ‘friends’ their lives were worthless, you dragged one of them down from her dreams, you nearly ruined another one’s job, and you drag back a princess.’

“Sh-Shut up…” Fluttershy whimpered, tears forming in her eyes as her body began to shake.

‘Why should I? You know all that is true. And then you placed a giant burden on Silver Hawk. The burden of being a father. Why should he have to deal with that giant mistake? Wouldn’t it be better if he were free?’

“...But… our children…”

‘What about them?’ Flutterbat scoffed.

“...”

‘Look. Here’s the deal. You let me in control, and I can free Silver Hawk from the chains you shackled him under. That way, you won’t have to hurt him, or anypony else.’

“...Do you promise nothing bad will happen?”

‘I promise.’

Fluttershy stood quite there for a moment, pondering if she should believe her other half or not. She didn’t want to leave Silver, her children, or her friends, but as long as Flutterbat was still in her, there was a chance she would possibly hurt one of them. She was scared.

‘Well, what’s it going to be? Free Silver Hawk from his shackles, or risk hurting him and your children when you lose control?’

“...” Fluttershy was silent before she let out a sad sigh of defeat, “Okay. You win. Just please, don’t hurt Silver-kun, our children, or our friends.”

Flutterbat said no words and finally got full control over her, her right eye changing to the blood/crimson red color as she let out a toothy smirk, showing her fangs.

“Ahh~ this is good,” the pinkette smirked as she moved her hands through her hair, “It’s nice to have a body once more.”

She looked over what Fluttershy was wearing, the batpony frowning a bit at what she saw.

“...While I will admit my weaker half has some taste in clothing, I’m a bit disappointed.” she stated, “Perhaps I’ll ‘borrow’ some more appropriate clothes for me to wear. Something more of a vampiress/succubus feel to it.”

Rarity was fast asleep that night, the Unicorn snoozing softly in her bed as moon light illuminated her room a bit. Unknown to her due to her eye mask, a shadow covered a part of the moon and something slipped in, its red eyes glowing a bit in the dark room.

There was a shattering sound, which woke Rarity up about an hour later.

“Huh?! Wh...What’s going on?!” Rarity gasped as she took her eye mask off, “What was that noise?!”

She ran downstairs and saw that somebody had run off with some clothes she made as a request for somepony famous. One thing slowly started to dawn in the Unicorn’s head.

“...I’ve been robbed,” Rarity whispered, the unicorn beginning to hyperventilate before…

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Rarity’s voice shrieked throughout Ponyville, a few windows shattering in the process. Even Canterlot had somehow heard the Unicorn’s fear filled scream.

“...Was that Rarity?” Silver Hawk asked as he held his ears in pain.

“There’s only one Unicorn in Ponyville with a set of lungs like that,” Rainbow winced as she tried to get the ringing noise out of her ears.

“...what could’ve happened?” Twilight wondered.

“I HAVE BEEN ROBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBED!!!!!!!” Rarity’s voice shouted.

“...Rainbow, you go check on her,” Twilight ordered, “Me and Silver will go on ahead and look for Fluttershy.”

“Right away,” Dash nodded as she hurried off.

Flutterbat smirked a little as she looked at her new outfit. She now wore a dark rose-red dress, the top showing off a good amount of her assets while, a pair of dark purple gloves that reached up to her upper arm, thigh high dark purple sticking, and a pair of black stiletto shoes.

“O~h yea. I am sexy…” Fluttershy grinned as she looked herself over, “I’m going to turn quite a few heads with this.”

‘A-ano, wh-wh-why is it so r-revealing?!’ Fluttershy exclaimed in Flutterbat’s head..

Flutterbat simply ignored her, tuning the weak part of her out as she began to ponder what to do next. She then gave a slight smirk as she began to feel a bit hungry, and she was in the mood for something sweet and juicy. She wanted that tasty fruit she had been denied for so long. She wanted… apples.

“So… somepony just stole some dress?” Dash asked Rarity, the tomboy over at her friend's place, and was currently trying to calm her down.

“It was not just ‘some dress’, Rainbow Dash! It was a special dress I was requested to make for a play!” Rarity snapped before sniffling a bit, “All those hours working on it...Wasted! Wa-ha-ha-ha-hasted~!” she sobbed dramatically.

The rainbowette couldn’t stand seeing Rarity cry, so she decided to try and calm her down.

“Calm down Rarity. I’m sure we can find the guy who stole your dress.”

“But what if he’s long gone!?” Rarity shouted, “Oh of all the worst things that could ever happen, this is the! Worst! Possible! Thing!”

Rainbow pulled her into a hug, surprising the unicorn a bit as the tomboy began to rub her back.

“Seriously, Rarity. Don’t worry...we’ll find him. I promise.”

The unicorn blushed at this, actually feeling her heart begin to race.

“So...you calmed down yet?” Rainbow asked, only to get silence response, ”...Rarity? Are you a-”

Rarity just hugged her back, surprising the tomboy a bit, “Didn’t I ever tell you how beautiful your mane is?”

“...Uh, thanks?” Rainbow replied in slight confusion.

“...I don’t know where that came from,” Rarity admitted, “Let… let’s just enjoy this moment for a bit, okay?”

Dash just nodded in response as she held the unicorn close, her eyes unconsciously looking over at the window.

‘Twilight… please be careful out there.’

Applejack was about to head inside her home before she heard a strange rustling sound in the orchard, followed by what sounded like a sucking noise.

“What in th’ hay?” the blonde raised a brow in slight confusion as she looked around for the source of the noise.

Kota walked over with a few boxes and set them down, the pegasus wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead.

“Kota, did y’all hear that?” Applejack asked him.

“Hear what?” Kota asked before he accidentally knocked a box down, causing apples to fall out, “Ahh! G-gomen!”

“It’s alright,” Applejack assured.

The two proceeded to chase after them, but saw that the apples were just… gone.

“...What the… where did they g-?” Kota began before he ended up stepping in something, the pegasus slowly looking down to see he had stepped on an apple. Or rather… what used to be one as it looked like it was sucked dry, “Ano… Applejack-chan?”

“Wh-” she began before gawking upon seeing a few ‘dried up’ apples on the ground, “...Fruit bats again. Ah thought Twilight had f-”

“Hiss~”

“...Wh-what was that?” Kota gulped.

Applejack looked around for a moment, trying to find what was causing that hissing and sucking noise before she saw something very familiar hanging from one of the trees, a pale-pink tail belonging to a certain shy pegasus. Applejack flipped up a leaf scraper and held it up in defense, a bad feeling starting to grow in her stomach.

“Kota, y’all may want t’ step back,” the farmer warned her stallion friend.

“Eh? Wh-” Kota began before a blur shot by him, his eyes growing nearly to the size of dinner plates as he began pale heavily, “...”

“Stay back…” Applejack told him.

Something took some of the strawberries that had begun to grow on some of the apple trees, but spat the strawberries out in disgust.

“Blech! Who in their right mind would grow strawberries in apple trees?!” the figure gagged.

“It’s a compromise of what we grow!” Kota shouted.

“That voice…” Applejack realized, her eyes slowly widening in shock, “Don’t tell me…”

“Well honestly, it’s a stupid idea. I mean, strawberries are meant to grow in the ground, not in trees!” the figure argued.

“...Fluttershy,” Applejack gulped.

“Eh?” Kota blinked at that, “Fluttershy? Demo, I d-”

“It’s her, Kota. Or rather… it’s Flutterbat,” Applejack stated, “But, that doesn’t explain how she got out again.”

“Wait, again?” Kota repeated.

The remains of an apple were spat right at Applejack’s face, temporarily blinding her. This gave Flutterbat the time to fly off, grabbing a few extra apples to snack on later as she flew off into the night sky.

“...Silver Hawk, can I ask you something?” Twilight begun as she and Silver Hawk searched through the Everfree Forest.

“What is it?”

“Where do you and Fluttershy plan to raise your family? Here in Equestria or back in Neighpon? I want your 100% honest answer.”

“...Honestly, I don’t know,” Silver sighed, “If we stay here in Equestria, then Timid would miss our parents back in Neighpon. If we move to Neighpon, then I’d be tearing Fluttershy away from you and her friends.”

“I’ve been thinking about stuff like that, and I’ve had a system worked on to help,” Twilight informed as she took out a necklace that showed her Cutie Mark, “A teleportation necklace.”

“Eh?”

“I’ve began to think of how me and the others will be able to see Fluttershy if she ends up moving back to Neighpon, and I came up with this. With it, we can teleport to anyplace we need to in a hurry. It can also act as a communicator… only problem I’ve found with it is, after I set somepony up to use it, it’s locked to that specific person. For example, if Dash was with Pinkie’s necklace, it wouldn’t work, and vice versa if Pinkie was wearing Dash’s necklace.”

“Soka…” Silver noted as he looked at it, “Ano, if we’re going to start playing a question game, I wanna know. When and where are you and Dash getting married?”

“We’re actually thinking maybe Neighpon. It’s where she proposed, so I think it would be perfect there,” Twilight replied, “Why ask?”

“I just wanna know…”

“And now my next question. You proposed to Fluttershy earlier tonight, didn’t you?”

“...I did. Demo...” Silver began, a bit of sadness in his tone as he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the ring Fluttershy gave back to him.

“...She refused?” Twilight gasped a bit.

“No. She accepted before this situation happened,” Silver replied, looking down at the ring, “But, when Flutterbat tried to come back out, she gave it back to me, trying to keep herself away from everypony so she could protect us.”

“...it’s my fault this happened,” Twilight sighed, “I was the one to bring Flutterbat back, and yet I failed to seal her back up…” tears soon began to form in his eyes, “What kind of friend… no, what kind of princess am I supposed to be if I transformed one of my friends, and made it so she could never had a happy life?”

“I am plenty happy,” Flutterbat’s voice smirked, causing Twilight’s eyes to widen a bit as she and Silver looked up to see the pegasus turned bat-pony laying on top of a tree branch, an apple in her hand as she looked down at them.

“Butterfly-tenshi… y-” Silver began.

“Shut up. That’s not my name,” Flutterbat stated as she bit into the apple and completely sucked up the juices inside before throwing the remains away.

“Fluttershy, let’s calm down…” Twilight began.

“That’s not my name either,” Flutterbat scoffed as she flew down to them, “Those are the names of my weaker half. I am nothing like that weakling.”

“...I’m assuming you’re the one who robbed Rarity?” Twilight asked.

Flutterbat wordlessly walked out of the shadows, showing her new outfit with a slight smirk on her face.

“I’d prefer the term ‘borrowed’ instead,” the bat pony replied. She then turned her sight over to Silver Hawk, a heavy blush on the snow-white pegasus’ face, “Like what you see, handsome?”

“I… I uh… uh…” Silver stuttered.

Twilight soon noticed the pile of ‘dried up’ apples laying right next to Flutterbat.

“...You took those apples from Applejacks place, didn’t you?”

“Again, ‘borrowed’. But yes, I did,” Flutterbat replied with a slight smirk, “I needed something juicy and sweet to eat.”

She then picked one of the 'dried up' apples up and threw it right into Twilight’s face, the Alicorn slowly taking it off her face as she dropped it on the ground.

“And I have some friends…” Flutterbat smirked as she snapped her fingers, making some bats fly over, one flying right onto her shoulder, “And they love to obey me. So if I were to tell them to get you, they’d do so.”

The bats flew right over to Twilight, the Alicorn creating a barrier to prevent them from getting her. However, the bats distracted her from doing anything to protect Silver Hawk.

“Ah poo. You’re no fun,” Flutterbat pouted a little as she turned over to Silver Hawk, “And as for you, I have something special in mind for you~”

“...You’re not gonna g-” Silver began.

“Silver Hawk, run!” Twilight shouted, attempting to block the bats.

“No you don’t,” Flutterbat smirked, again snapping her fingers, bats flying all over to block any sort of escape route, “There. Now we won’t have anypony bothering us, nor do we have to leave.”

“Butterfly, I know you’re in there. Please… fight her…” Silver Hawk begged.

“She wants you free from the shackles she locked you under. She doesn’t want t-”

“No. She hasn’t shackled me into anything,” Silver frowned.

“Oh really? What about your kids?” Flutterbat smirked, “If you hadn’t knocked her up in the first place, then you’d be free to have normal life, and not having to be with a weakling like her.”

“She is not weak! She-”

“SHUT UP!” Flutterbat roared, causing Silver and Twilight to flinch, “I’m getting tired of listening to you two wanting that weakling back! I’m here to stay, and there’s nothing you can do about it!”

“...Butterfly, please…” Silver Hawk begged.

“...I’m sorry,” Fluttershy’s voice said, Flutterbat’s eyes changing from crimson to teal, “...I don’t want you to suffer anything because of me anymore. Please… just go, Silver Hawk.”

“I’m never leaving you!” he shouted.

“Then you’re becoming my slave,” Flutterbat’s voice frowned a bit, her eyes changing from teal to crimson once more as they glowed, “Get over here.”

“...No,” Silver responded.

“Look into my eyes. Let my voice be the only thing you hear,” Flutterbat ordered.

“Run!” Twilight shouted. However to Silver Hawk, he did not hear Twilight say anything.

“Let your body relax as my voice sooths you…” Flutterbat whispered as Silver’s eyes began to dull a bit with each passing second, “Listen to the voice of the one you love echo through your mind~”

Her voice was the only thing Silver Hawk could hear now. He couldn’t hear the wind, he couldn’t hear the sounds of the bat’s wings flap, he couldn’t hear the sound of Twilight’s pleading voice, all he could hear was Flutterbat’s voice.

“You will obey my every command. Your only desire is to please me. You will hurt those that will try and attack me. You are my silver knight, destined to forever protect me.”

Any and every thought in Silver Hawk’s mind went numb, his eyes almost nearly dull as they were half opened.

“Your name is not Silver Hawk anymore. You are now… Platinum Knight. And you live to serve your queen, your mistress, your angel of the night… me.”

“H-hai, my mistress,” Silver whispered, his ice blue eyes now fully dull.

“Silver, no!” Twilight shouted.

“Good. Now… you will not feel any pain at what I’m about to do…” Flutterbat informed as she looked at his neck, an evil smirk forming as she moved closer and closer to him. When she was close enough, she leaned in…

*CHOMP*

She bit into Silver Hawk.

“No!” Twilight gasped as Silver slowly began to change.

Silver’s snow white fur seemingly began to become a bit dull until they were a near platinum color, his ice blue mane darkened a bit, and his wings become more bat like. To complete the transformation, his teeth slowly started to become fangs as his fingers started to gain claws.

Flutterbat began to stroke the back of his neck as the transformation was near completion.

‘Almost there. Soon, he will be mine~’ Flutterbat thought darkly.

‘No! You promised you wouldn’t hurt him!’ Fluttershy shouted.

‘He’s not hurt, is he?’ Flutterbat countered.

Flutterbat moved slightly away, Silver Hawk now fully a bat-pony.

“...What is your first command, my mistress?” Silver Hawk, or rather Platinum Knight asked as he bowed before her.

“See the alicorn there? Get her,” Flutterbat ordered, pointing towards Twilight.

“Of course, my mistress,” Platinum Knight nodded, turning his gaze towards Twilight as his wings opened up. He then flew towards Twilight at high speed, the Alicorn barely bringing her barrier up in time to block his punch.

“Silver Hawk, Fluttershy, both of you need to stop this!”

“Why would I? That weakling has never done anything important in her life, so I decided to liberate that by taking over,” Flutterbat stated.

Platinum Knight continued to attack Twilight, managing to punch past her barrier and slash at her wings, causing blood to begin to leak and feathers to fall from them as the Alicorn fell to her knees, her barrier starting to fade.

“Besides, she couldn’t do a thing when that stupid Aki killed her,” Flutterbat added, “All her life, she’s been nothing but a burden to everypony around her.”

Twilight’s barrier shattered, the alicorn being knocked into a tree and having splinters dug into her back. Platinum Knight ran forward and continued to attack her wings, sending feathers flying everywhere.

“Hold,” Flutterbat ordered.

“Hai, my mistress,” Platinum Knight nodded as he moved back from Twilight, her wings bleeding as a few feathers remained on it.

"Good boy," Flutterbat smirked as she walked over and picked Twilight up by her shirt, “I’m giving you this one chance… run. Run far away… run to your little teacher and tell her this for me, ‘The bat-ponies are back. And we won’t rest until we take back what’s ours’.”

With that, she dropped Twilight, the alicorn’s injuries finally overtaking her as she began to lose consciousness, the last thing she could see being Flutterbat and Platinum Knight flying off into the night sky.

‘Flutter...shy,’ was all Twilight could think before she finally fell unconcious.

A Clue?

“She starting to wake up…”

“Twil… come on Twil. Wake up.”

“She’s going to be okay Rainbow…”

Twilight groaned weakly as she began to wake up, her eyes slowly opening as she saw a few shaded figures. When she finally opened them up, she saw most of her friends gathered around her, worried looks on all their faces, especially Rainbow Dash.

“Twilight’s waking up,” Redheart smiled.

“G-girls…” Twilight whispered as she tried to sit up, only to wince a bit.

“Take it easy, Miss Twilight. You were lucky your friends found you in time,” Nurse Redheart stated, “I had to place your wings in casts. Whatever attacked you really dug into your skin… your feathers won’t be growing back any time soon, so you won’t be able to fly.”

“I… see,” Twilight noted quietly and weakly.

“And now we get to the important question. What the H-E-double hockey sticks happened to you out there?!” Pinkie exclaimed quietly, the pinkette remembering she was in a hospital.

“...Flutterbat…” Twilight whispered, “She’s back, a-”

“Flutterbat’s back?! Ahh!“ Pinkie freaked as she pulled out a few cloves of garlic from her hair, “Quick! Sompony c-!”

“SHHHH!” Redheart growled.

“Oops… sorry.”

“...And we have a bigger problem now. Silver Hawk is under her total control…”

Pinkie’s eyes shrank down to dots at that as she slowly pulled out more anti-vampire items out of her hair.

“You do know that stuff only works in myths, right?” Dash told Pinkie.

“I don’t care. Because I told you all so. Batponies feed of other ponies, and turn them into their slaves,” Pinkie gulped.

“Shhhhh! Seriously Pinkie, my boss is very much considering banning you from the hospital unless you need medical treatment,” Redheart informed.

“Again, sorry. Just really scared right now,” Pinkie gulped.

Dash sat down by Twilight, holding the injured alicorn’s hand.

“I can’t believe Fluttershy would do something like this,” Rarity sighed.

“Flutterbat,” Applejack corrected, “As far as we know, that ain’t our shy friend at th’ moment.”

“Y-yea…” Spike gulped, his hand unconsciously shielding his neck, “And what’s worst, she can turn others into vampires as well.”

“Don’t remind me,” Pinkie whimpered.

“Spike… I think we’re going to need some help. Send a letter to Princess Luna,” Twilight told him.

“Why Luna?” Spike asked.

“...Don’t you remember the Nightmare Night she came down to Ponyville? Her guards are bat-ponies!” Twilight exclaimed before wincing a bit, ”And Flutterbat mentioned that they’ll take back what’s rightfully there’s.”

Flutterbat, Platinum Knight, and the bat army arrived at the Castle of the Two Sisters, the pinkette looking around the halls of the abandoned castle.

“Hmm...with a few changes, this will be the perfect home,” Flutterbat noted as she turned towards Platinum Knight, “But first, let’s see if we can find some armor befitting you, my knight.”

“Yes mistress,” he nodded as they began to look around.

“Good,” Flutterbat nodded before she noticed a door with a stylized shield on it, “Ahh. This must be the armory.”

Luna was currently looking out the balcony, a slight bored, yet sad look on her face as she saw various ponies walking by down below, mainly couples.

“...Lonely,” the moon princess sighed as she walked back into her room. For the past few weeks, she’s been rather lonely. She was a bit jealous of Twilight and her friends because they found somepony special while she… had nopony special. Somepony to love her, not as the princess of the night, but like a normal pony.

The magic from her horn began to spark, snapping her out of her thoughts before a letter appeared before her, a small note reading ‘urgent’ on the front of it.

“Hmm?”

“Tia, I need that book about races that you brought from our old castle,” Luna informed as she walked into the throne room, seeing her sister was a bit busy with a few papers.

“It’s in the library, Luna,” Celestia replied before she looked up from the paper she was looking at, “Though I am a bit curious why you want to read it.”

“I can’t say…” Luna informed as she walked off.

“Huh? Why not?”

“Personal reasons,” was all Luna said as she left the throne room.

Platinum Knight was now in obsidian black and pure silver armor with a image of a silver/gold bat flying in the middle of an eclipsed moon embedded in the chest armor.

“My my. It fits you perfectly, my knight,” Flutterbat smiled a bit.

“Thank you, my mistress,” Platinum Knight nodded as he began to search through various weapons. Well… those that weren’t old and rusted. Platinum Knight eventually found a pair of swords, the blades almost seemingly new, “These shall do for now.”

Flutterbat smirked as she walked over to him before hugging him from behind, the pinkette beginning to stroke his armor.

“You really do look handsome in that armor, my knight,” Flutterbat whispered into Platinum Knight’s ear.

“Thank you.”

“I think you’re quite the stallion,” she continued as she traced her finger on his chest armor, “I am the queen of the bat-ponies, and you shall be my king, my mate.”

“Hai, my mistress.”

“Twil, how are you doing? Do you need anything?” Dash asked, currently hugging Twilight.

“Bowy, can you let me go? I have to go to the bathroom…” Twilight informed.

“...Sure. Let me help you up,” Rainbow replied as she carefully helped Twilight out of her bed.

“That is really sweet,” Sora smiled.

“...My baby got hurt so bad…” Twilight Velvet whimpered, “Why would anybody do this?”

“Calm down…” Sora told her, “She’s safe. There’s no need to worry.”

“How can I calm down knowing the pony who hurt her is still out there?”

“She’s got Rainbow Dash,” Sora smiled.

“...Th-that is true,” Twilight Velvet sniffled a bit as she rubbed the tears out of her eyes, “I’m glad my daughter found somepony like her.”

“...do you think that after this mess is all over with, they’ll be married soon?” Night Light inquired.

“I hope so,” Twilight Velvet sighed.

Before anypony could say anything, somepony walked in, though it was hard to tell who it was due to the large trench coat and hat they wore.

“Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Spike, can you all follow me?” the figure asked.

“Uh… I’m sorry mystery lady, but Twilight’s in the bathroom,” Pinkie replied.

“Once she leaves it…”

“Sonata, I don’t think we should be outside at night without somebody to watch us…” Sunset gulped as they walked through the outskirts of Ponyville.

“Nonsense, Sunny. We’ve been here quite a few times,” Sonata assured, “I mean, what’s could p-”

“Don’t! Finish! That! Sentence!” Sunset hissed.

“Huh? Why?”

“Just don’t, okay?!”

“Okay, okay…” Sonata said before a large group of bats suddenly flew towards them, causing the two to scream a bit as the bats began to swarm them.

“THIS IS WHY I SAID DON’T FINISH THAT SENTENCE! SOMETHING WENT WRONG!” Sunset shouted as the two attempted to run for it.

“HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW! THAT ONE GIRL ON TV ALWAYS SAID IT, AND NOTHING BAD EVER HAPPENED TO HER!” Sonata cried out

Sunset groaned as they ran, but they both tripped over a root, allowing the bats to get in close as they surrounded the two.

“Ahh! Sunny, don’t let them get me!” Sonata cried as she held onto Sunset.

Sunset concentrated and was able to teleport them out before a bat flew past her and scratched her cheek, causing her to wince and lose concentration. They got away, yes, but they ended up somewhere in the Everfree Forest.

“...Where are we?” Sonata asked in worry.

“The Everfree Forest,” Sunset replied as she looked around, “I’ve heard of this place a couple of times. There’s supposed to be really dangerous creatures in here.”

“D-dangerous… creatures?” Sonata gulped, imagining a group of really scary creatures chasing after her.

“Relax, we’ll be safe as long as we can hurry outta… ow…” Sunset began when she held her cheek in pain, seeing the blood on her hand, “Whoever sent those bats after us, they’re out for blood.”

“...I’m scared. This could mean the return of a lost race…”

“...lost race?” Sunset said in confusion.

“What do you mean by ‘lost races’ Princess?” Dash asked.

“Have any of you heard the Neighponese myths about squid ponies?” Luna inquired.

“Kinda,” Twilight nodded.

“Well, it requires a bit of explaining but… Earth Ponies, Unicorns, Pegasi and Alicorns aren’t the only pony tribes…” Luna informed as she took out a really old looking book and turned to a page showing a grand total of seven different races. One pony seemed to look like part snake, one appeared to look like part squid, and the last one was a bat-pony, “The bat-ponies are only the tip of the iceberg. Long ago, they ruled the night, and attacked those that dared bring them harm.”

“...What happened to them exactly?” Rarity couldn’t help but ask.

“The bat and snake ponies were deemed too dangerous, but… we don’t know what happened to the squid ponies. They just...vanished one day,” Luna explained, “Some ponies weren’t… happy with the form my parents gave them and tried to make magic to make new species. Unicorns changed into the snake ponies, Earth Ponies into the squid ponies and… well, obviously the pegasi into bat-ponies. The Snake ponies had to be sealed away due to how dangerous they were, and the bat ponies… we changed them into pure bats. Some fruit bats… they remained close to what was originally their castle, which from what I can gather, is not to far away from where Applejack’s family farm is located.”

“Huh… that explains the two infestations you had,” Pinkie noted.

“....”

“What? It’s true.”

“And… well, everypony has some sort of traces of those forms in their genetics. Earth Ponies can stay underwater the longest, unicorns have some stretching abilities and hypnotic eyes, and pegasi can have night vision and strengthened hearing,” Luna continued.

“Wait wait wait! SO you’re saying...me and Fluttershy have bat pony DNA somewhere deep in us?” Rainbow asked.

“In a way, yes. But it would take either the influence of another bat-pony or a high dosage of magic to awaken those genetics. And even then, it’s assuming you do have even tiny traces of it in you,” Luna explained.

“...Wait. So does that mean one of Fluttershy’s foals is half bat-pony?” Pinkie asked as she tilted her head.

“It’s less than a .5% chance of that happening, but the chance exists nonetheless,” Luna informed.

“That’s what I said earlier,” Twilight added.

“Uh, I think itoko-chan’s bat...ness did get passed down to at least one,” Posey informed as she and Timid walked in, both of them carrying one of Fluttershy’s currently asleep foals.

“...Fluttershy?” Luna blinked, looking over at Posey.

“Ano… we’ve met before, Luna-hime-san,” Posey reminded.

“...Oh. R-right,” Luna nodded, the midnight blue Alicorn remembering Posey back during the incident with Aki and her father, “I just forgot… for a moment, I forgot Fluttershy had relatives. But I honestly thought she’d have a brother.”

“No, itoko-chan’s an only child. Plus, it would be really silly if she never brought him up unless circumstances said she had to bring him up,” Posey giggled before Timid poked her shoulder and motioned to Snow Angel, “Oh, right! I almost forgot! I think some of Itoko-chan’s...er, batness passed down to her daughter.”

She showed Snow Angel to Luna and Twilight, both of them in shock upon seeing the sleeping filly’s changed form. Snow moved a bit in her sleep, her small bat wings fluttering a little. Twilight looked over to Katio Breeze and saw that he was still his normal self.

“...so… is Kaito going to become one as well?” Pinkie guessed, “If so, I think I might have to bring more garlic.”

“Pinkie…”

“Shutting up.”

“Princess Luna, is there anyway we can heal this off of Snow Angel and her parents?” Twilight asked.

The Princess of the Night flipped through her book and found a page containing a map.

“There is...one known cure. It’s this white flower,” Luna began, “However, it’s only known to grow in one spot, and this book is years old so. I’m honestly not sure where it grows anymore. Princess Twilight, maybe you can figure this out. I’ll try and make sure to keep an eye on Fluttershy and Silver Hawk.”

“Right,” Twilight nodded before Luna handed her the book.

“Take this with you. It might contain anything else I might’ve missed,” Luna explained further.

“I have one question. Your guards are bat-ponies, why is that?” Rainbow inquired, “Are they survivors or something? Because I remember you had a few with you back when you first came to Ponyville, and that was during Nightmare Night.”

“When I was Nightmare Moon, I uh… might’ve permanent changed a few Pegasi into Bat Ponies. Celestia was able to restore their personalities and memories, but they still have their entranced obedience to me. While a rare few of my guards are still Pegasi…” Luna paused as she sighed sadly, “I fear I might change back and transform them as well.”

“Luna…” Twilight whispered before she pulled the Princess of the Night into a hug, surprising her a bit, “You won’t. I promise you that,”

“...Thank you,” Luna smiled a little bit, “And I hope you succeed, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Don’t worry. We will.”

“So, I guess you could say they’re… monster ponies, in a way?” Sunset blinked.

“Yes,” Sonata nodded, “And after dealing with those bats, I think we’re dealing with Bat Ponies.”

“Looks like it,” Sunset noted before she shuddered a bit.

“Something wrong?” Sonata asked.

“Not sure, but I feel like somebody’s watching me,” Sunset replied before shuddering once more.

“Are you scared of bats?” Sonata inquired.

“...Maybe,” Sunset replied before screaming a bit when a small bat flew past her.

Sonata just stared at her for a moment, the bluenette blinking a few times.

“...Wh-why’re you staring at me like that?” Sunset asked, a slight embarrassed blush on her face as she tried to calm down.

“...You’re so afraid of bats,” Sonata giggled a bit before she yelped when one flew past her, the bluenette jumping straight into Sunset’s arms.

“Oh hey pot, I’m kettle. Have we met?” Sunset asked in a slight teasing manner.

“Touche,” Sonata shrugged.

“Y-” Sunset began before she heard what sounded like a low hiss, “...Please tell me that was your stomach.”

“N-no,” Sonata gulped. The bluenette got off of Sunset and looked around nervously, “...Sunny. I’m scared.”

Sunset just gave a small, scared nod in response as the two stayed close, unaware of a pair of red eyes staring at them from the shadows.

“...I’m terrified of bats…” Sunset whispered.

“...why’s that?” Sonata asked curiously.

“Well, since I think we may be dead, I might as well tell you,” Sunset sighed, “I was a little filly and I lived with Celestia. She was…like my mother. But the guards… didn’t really like our relationship,”

(flashback)

“Good night, my little Shimmering Sun,” Celestia smiled.

“Good night…” a young Sunset smiled a bit before yawning, “My Momjesty,”

Celestia smiled softly as she was about to walk away before Sunset’s magic pulled at her tail for a second.

“Uh… c-c-c-can you… check under my bed and the closet?” Sunset asked as she clenched a blanket with the same red and yellow blanket and a butterfly stuffed animal.

“Sure,” Celestia replied as she walked back over to Sunset’s bed, kneeling down a bit and used her horn for some extra light, “No monsters under here,” she then walked over to the closet and opened it, “No monsters in here either.”

“Thank you…” Sunset smiled as she cuddled her items and began to doze off.

She woke up about an hour later when she heard a clanging noise.

“Hmm? What’s that…” Sunset began in a tired tone before yawning, “Noise?”

She heard it again, growing louder. She slowly clenched onto her blanket and butterfly as she begun to dart her eyes around when she saw some sort of a bat wing nearby the window.

“...Is...is somepony there?” Sunset nervously asked as she slowly began to approach the bat wing. She then heard a growling come from the closet, making the filly dart back to her bed and cover herself up in the blankets, “P-please don’t hurt me. If you do, th-then my mommy will hurt you.”

She heard what sounded like a gravely monster growl, causing the unicorn filly to whimper as she hid further under her blankets. She poked out an eye and saw her closet door slowly open up, making her look to see there was a bat wing and fangs on the nearby shadow.

“Hello… little filly.”

“...” Sunset whimpered at that, the filly feeling like she was about to scream her lungs out any second now.

“You know what I love? The taste unicorn fillies filled. With. Fear~”

“.....”

---

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!” Sunset’s scream echoed throughout the entire castle, startling the entire staff (both awake and asleep).

“Sunset!” Celestia gasped as she ran out of her bedroom, the alicorn wearing a magenta bathrobe as she hurried to Sunset’s room. When she got there in time, she saw the Unicorn filly shaking back and forth, her entire body void of color as her eyes were widened with fear, her blanket and stuffed butterfly both close by, but not in her grasp.

“Don’t let the bats eat me. Don’t let the bats eat me. Don’t let the bats eat me,” Sunset repeated in a fear filled tone.

“Sunset, what happened?” Celestia asked in worry, only to get the same words in response. She was about to ask again before she noticed Sunset’s closet door was half-way opened, seeing what looked like a bat wing poking out, “....”

“...Monster…” Sunset whimpered, “...Bat monster’s going to eat me.”

“...It’s okay, Sunset. No monsters going to hurt you,” Celestia assured the filly as she hugged her, all while sending the two ‘monsters’ a mental message, ‘Especially those who’re going to have to deal with their commanding officer once she find out two of her guards scared one of my students.’

(Flashback end)

“And you knew she sent that message to those two… how?” Sonata inquired.

“...She filled in some details when I talked with her via the magic journal,” Sunset informed, “...I’ve been scared of bats ever since then. In fact… when I used to be a bully, people used bats to scare me off.”

“Really? Wait… you were a bully?” Sonata blinked.

“Yes, it’s… not something I’m proud of,” Sunset sighed, “...I really don’t want to talk about that.”

“Well, seeing as we’re about to die in a way, any regrets?” Sonata inquired, “Mine is that I worked with those two meanies, Adagio and Aria.”

“Apart from the aforementioned bullying… it’s running away from Celestia. I just wish I could take back all those things I said to her before I ran away. I…” Sunset paused as she looked down sadly, “I was a really horrible student. All I cared about was making myself better, hoping I could become a better princess than Celestia. But… after Twilight helped me, I realized how horrible I acted to everyone. I just wish… I could’ve been a better daughter… she was my mother and I did all of that.”

Sonata didn’t say a word before pulled Sunset into a hug, surprising her a bit.

“S-Sonata?”

“...Just hug. It’ll help us calm down,” Sonata whispered to her, “Besides, if it really is my last moment, I’m glad it’s with you, Sunny.”

Sunset began to blush a bit at that before she slowly returned the hug, holding the bluenette close.

“How cute…” a voice hissed, causing the two to tense as they heard the voice echo throughout the area, “Two friends enjoying their last moments together before becoming enslaved.”

The two just clung tighter onto each-other before they noticed the red eyes staring at them.

“...Fluttershy,” Sunset whispered.

“Correction, Sunset Shimmer. It’s Flutter…” the figure paused as it walked out of the shadows, revealing itself to be a certain pegasus turned bat pony, “Bat.”

Sunset’s eyes teared up and she began to tense up a bit, the unicorn starting to hyperventilate as she shook.

“What’s wrong, Sunset? Afraid of little old me? I thought we were friends.” Flutterbat said in a mocking tone, “I thought you had a crush on me, and yet you traded me up for a siren.”

“...what?” Sunset blinked.

“I’m referring to her,” Flutterbat stated as she pointed at Sonata.

“...Go away,” Sonata told Flutterbat.

“Or what? You’re going to hypnotize me with a song?”

“I’m not a siren anymore… I’m a pegasus,” Sonata informed, showing her blue wings, “See? I can just fly away if I wanted to. But I don’t want to leave Sunny here with you.”

Flutterbat smirked a bit, her fangs showing a bit as she began to walk towards the two.

“No… no more… no more bats…” Sunset began to whimper, clinging onto Sonata even tighter.

“Don’t worry, Sunset. It’ll all be over soon enough,” Flutterbat smirked as she stood before the two, her eyes glowing a bit, “Now… sleep.”

“Stay… back…” Sonata growled, attempting to use her wings to cover up her’s and Sunset’s eyes, “You won’t hurt Sunny!”

Flutterbat groaned and proceeded to snap her fingers, making bats appear and ‘attack’ the two, Sonata’s wings moving away from her and Sunset’s eyes during the ‘attack’.

“Don’t you trust me Sunset?” Flutterbat asked in Fluttershy’s voice, “I thought we were friends?”

“...F-Fluttershy?”

“Sunny, n-!” Sonata started as she was smacked on the head.

‘Gotcha~’ Flutterbat thought as her glowed glowed brightly.

Sunset looked over at Flutterbat for a moment, the bat pony’s eyes glowing ominously as Sunset’s began to dull a bit.

“N-n-no…” Sunset whimpered, attempting to look away, “No. You… you’re not her.”

“Stare into my eyes. Let my voice be the only thing you hear.”

“Sunny!” Sonata shouted.

Sunset struggled to hear her friend’s screams, but all she could hear was the sound of Flutterbat’s voice echoing throughout the area.

“Sonata…” Sunset whispered, attempting to reach out to her friend.

“Stop,” Flutterbat’s voice said in a commanding way.

Sunset’s arm instantly stopped moving, the Unicorn no longer hearing Sonata’s voice.

“As I was going to say…” Flutterbat began as she walked closer to Sunset, “You love me still, don’t you? Your feelings for me still linger on in your heart, don’t they?”

“...Y...yes…” Sunset slowly nodded, her eyes slowly starting to dull.

“Sunny, please no!” Sonata cried out, but her voice couldn’t reach Sunset.

“Tell you what…” Flutterbat began as she got even closer, “Obey, and you can spend eternity with me.”

“Sunny, please! Don’t listen to her! That’s not Fluttershy!” Sonata begged.

“You can be in love with me. You can be with me...forever~”

“F-f-for… ever? But… what of.. Silver… Hawk?” Sunset managed to get out.

“You both can share me. I’ll have enough time for the both of you.”

“Sunny! Please! Listen to me!” Sonata cried out.

“All you have to do Sunset… is obey me.”

Sunset was at a lose of words, her eyes nearly dull as she looked at Flutterbat. She was about to say something before she felt something grab her from behind. Flutterbat’s eyes widened as she looked to see Sonata, tears streaming down the pegasus’ face as she hugged Sunset from behind.

“Sunset… please…” Sonata whispered, “Don’t leave me. I...I don’t want to be alone again.”

Sunset’s conciousness was starting to come back to her a little bit.

“...I… p-p-prom… ised… I… w-w-would never… abadon… Sonata…” Sunset managed to get out.

“What?!” Flutterbat gasped a bit at that, ‘She’s...she’s fighting my control?!’

“...if I… join you… she does as well…” Sunset stated, the hypnosis’ grip getting a tighter hold on her again, “...okay?”

“...Okay. But you do realize what i’ll have to do next, right?”

“I don’t care!” Sonata cried out as she poked her head out from behind sunset, “I don’t care if I get turned into a bat pony! As long as I’m with Sunny, I’ll be happy!”

“I… will… obey…” Sunset said nervously.

However, before Flutterbat did anything else, she was forced away from the two, as if something shoved her.

“...huh?” Sunset blinked, her consciousness finally coming back to her, “What….happened?”

“Uh...not gonna lie, but I’m as confused as you two are,” Sonata admitted.

“Get out of here you two!” Fluttershy shouted as Flutterbat was slowly reverting back into her, “I can’t… fight her… for very long… run! Get to… Twilight… Zecora… anypony who can help!”

“But… Fluttershy…”

“I SAID GO!” Fluttershy shouted above her normal, neary quiet one.

“...R-right,” Sunset nodded as she looked at Sonata, “Let’s go.”

Sonata grabbed Sunset and they hurried away.

Twilight and Dash began to review the map in the book, the two using the map in the main throne room to try and pinpoint the location of the flowers.

“...Twil, I don’t think that this is in the Equestrian section…” Dash informed.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“This map doesn’t match up with the one for Equestria. We should cross reference the other nations, like Griffonstone, the Dragon Domains, Zebrica, Cavallena, and Neighpon,” Rainbow suggested.

“...Good idea,” Twilight nodded as she looked back at the map and began to search through each nation. The book had a bunch of damaged and old pages, so it was hard to tell for the exact spot, “Bowy… it’s hard to tell where the exact location of the flowers are. The pages are too damaged and old.”

“Don’t worry, Twil. We’ll figure it out. We have to…” Dash informed, “...If we don’t, then Fluttershy, Silver, and their daughter will be bat ponies for who knows how long.”

“...I’m surprised you aren’t blaming me for all of this,” Twilight sighed, “Especially since it was my quote-on-quote genius plan to bring Flutterbat back.”

“Come on, Twil. You know me better than that,” Rainbow smiled a bit as she placed her arm around Twilight, ”Besides, we had no choice at the time. If you hadn’t brought her back, then Equestria would’ve been turned into...applestria?...N-nevermind. The point is Twil, don’t go knocking yourself over this. I know we can figure this out.”

“I hope so,” Twilight sighed sat down on her throne. While Rainbow Dash was right, how was she going to cure Fluttershy, Silver Hawk, and their daughter without the flowers?

Dash sat down and stared at the map, mainly at Neighpon.

“...Hey, Twilight. You’ve been studying on Neighpon and stuff after we got back, right?”

“Yea,” Twilight nodded.

“Well…” Dash began motioned towards Neighpon, “Are there any important places involving flowers there?”

“Well…hmm...hold on. I think I got a book on that,” Twilight replied, “Mind getting me all the books on...” she began before Dash blured out of the room and came back in with a pile of books with some neighpon writing on it, “Neighpon?”

“Fastest Pegasus in Equestria. Remember?”

Twilight just nodded before she began to read some of them, looking for anything involving flowers. She also had a translation book at her side to help her with some of the Neighponese dialogue.

“Hey… what are you going to be doing while I read these?” Twilight inquired.

“Gonna be reading ‘Daring Do and the Mystery of the Hypnotica Clan’,” Dash informed, “...hey Twilight?”

“Yea?”

“Do you think we’ll get Fluttershy back in time?” Rainbow Dash asked in worry, “I mean, I know I said we’ll find her, but I can’t help but imagine how scared she must be right now, knowing that Flutterbat is out there, using her body for who knows what.”

“...I know she’d want to be in her Onee-chan’s comforting arms,” Twilight said assuringly.

“Yeah… the minute she’s back to normal, I’m not letting her out of my sight again.”

"...Just please read your book, Rainbow Dash. You need something to help you calm down."

"I-yeah, you're probably right," Rainbow replied as she pulled her latest book out and began to read the page she had bookmarked.

Daring Do attempted to get free of the binds she was stuck in, her eyes shut as she tried not looking a golden snake statue, its eyes giving off an eerie spiral shaped glow.

“No. I can’t… let them… get to me…” Daring Do muttered, attempting to get free of the chains binding her to the wall. She heard a strange hissing sound before felt something slithering up her leg, “...Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?”

She struggled to get free and/or attempt to get the snake off of her leg, but the cuff on her ankle held her leg back tight.

“...Forget this,” the grunted as she managed to get the heel of her shoes against the wall before she slid said shoes off. Smirking in victory, she begun to slide her feet out of the ankle cuffs before getting them free, allowing her to shake off the snake that attempted to climb up her body, “Now let’s see if I can-”

Before she could do anything, the snakes got a grip on her ankles again.

“Crud…” she gulped as something held her head to look right that the eyes of the statute, attempting to open her eyes, “What is… with this clan? They were unicorns… why would they do something like this?”

“It’ssss becausssse we wanted shed our former ssselvesss and evolve further,” a voice hissed, “And you shall be the first of many to become a sssslave…”

“Whoever you are…you can’t make a slave out of Daring Do!” Daring Do shouted.

“Oh really? And who’ssss going to ssssstop ussss?” a voice asked as a tail moved close to her eyes and propped them open, “Now… gaze into the statue o-”

“Mongoose.”

“WHERE?!” the voices gasped as the snakes in the room slithered back into the shadows, “KEEP THAT FOUL BEASSSSST AWAY FROM USSSSS!”

Daring Do smirked and chuckled as she attempted to free her arms before an idea popped into her head. She then pressed her feet against the wall hard and leaned forward, causing the chains in the part of the wall binding her arms to weaken slowly before it shattered, causing the chained to fall to the floor as Daring Do leapt forward, landing right behind the statue.

“‘As Daring Do reached for the statue, another slew of snake came in and rebinded her, keeping her in place once more as the leader of the Hypnotica clan grabbed the statue and tried to hypnotize her once more.’ Hey Twil, since there are snake ponies do you think your mom-” Dash begun.

“They existed in myth, but this Hypnotica Clan did actually exist. They’re supposedly a tribe of unicorns who used hypnosis to try and make a peaceful land, but the ponies back then feared them due to their appearance,” Twilight explained as she was still going through the books.

“I see…” Rainbow noted, “So we got Squid Ponies, Bat Ponies, and Snake Ponies. What, there’s two more ponies out there based on foxes and cats or something?”

“Maybe. I mean, who knows what other secrets the princesses may have been hiding from a time when their parents were in charge?” Twilight shrugged.

“‘Daring Do attempted to avert her gaze, but the might of the snakes kept her perfectly still and made sure to gag her this time. ‘Sahahahaha! It’ssssss over, Daring do! Accept yoursssself as a servant of the hypnotica clan!’ The strong pegasus attempted to move, but the snakes holding her back were simply too strong.’ ...wait what? Daring Do is stronger than snakes and-”

“Are you the series writer?” Twilight asked.

“...No.”

“Then you don’t really know how strong Daring Do can be, or how strong these snakes are,”

Dash simply nodded a bit as she continued to read.

Daring Do attempted to struggle out, but snake’s grip proved too strong for her.

“Ssssstare at the ssssssstatue…” the leader of the Hypnotica Clan told Daring Do, the statue in their hands as its eyes glowed, “Accept it. Nopony will come and sssssave you now, Daring Do.”

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have just leapt ahead of that archeology team...’ Daring Do thought, mentally slapping herself for making such a stupid decision, especially when it came to an ancient race such as this.

Daring Do had no choice but to stare into the eyes of the statue, seeing a blue, red, and green spiral coming from it. Her eyes soon began to gain the same spirals as her mind slowly began to go.

“That’sssss right. Let your mind go,” the leader of the Hypnotica smirked.

The mare began to feel… relaxed in a strange way. The snakes binding her soon slithered away, allowing her to fell to her knees as she continued to stare into the statue's eyes.

“‘And as Daring Do stared into the statue's eyes, it seems all hope is lost for our hero’....Okay, this has gotta be the point where things start to turn around,” Dash hoped as she read further into the book, “‘Daring Do looked at the leader of this clan and she’ … what? ‘bowed to her’. Twil, am I reading this right, or did Daring Do just lose?”

“Ugh…” Twilight rolled her eyes for a moment as she stood up and walked over to Rainbow dash, “Dash, I highly doubt my mom would put that down in her b-” she paused when she saw the part Rainbow read, “....”

“This is… is… what?!” Dash gawked, ready to throw the book at something when Twilight held her back.

“You know, I’m sure my mom has a good reason for this an-”

“Yea, she does! And I’m sure as Tartarus gonna find out what it is!” Dash shouted as she headed to go and find Twilight Velvet.

Author's Note

“Cavallena” Equina’s version of Italy

“Zebrica” Equina’s version of Africa

Dark Desires

“TWILIGHT VELVET!” Dash shouted, getting the unicorn mare’s attention as the rainbow maned pegasus flew into her temporary room via the window.

“Oh, hello dear. Is something wrong?”

“Damn right something’s wrong! Why in Tartarus would you have Daring Do lose in the latest book?!” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“...you haven’t read past chapter 11, have you?”

“No I-!” Rainbow began before blinking twice, “Wait...chapter 11?”

“Yes. Daring Do may be in major trouble, but there’s always hope remaining no matter what,” Twilight Velvet smiled.

“...” Dash was awestrucked at this, but made a mental note about what she just said. She also made a mental note to not jump to conclusions like that after reading a certain chapter of a book

Flutterbat stumbled around the castle she was in, holding her head in pain as her eyes changed from their crimson red color to Fluttershy’s teal color.

“Damn it...stay back damn you,” Flutterbat growled.

“Stop trying to turn my friends into slaves!” Fluttershy shouted, “Sunset and Sonata have both suffered enough as monsters w-"

“Shut up! Who...cares what you think!” Flutterbat argued.

Flutterbat smacked herself, making her eyes return to Fluttershy’s teal. She ran forward to find Platinum Knight, who was holding a sword.

“...Silver-kun… c-c-can… y-you hea-a-ar me?” Fluttershy panted, the armored former pegasus turning around to face her.

“Mistress, what happened to you?” Platinum Knight asked, “Why are your eyes a different color?”

“Silver…kun… please… can you hear me?” Fluttershy begged.

“Sil...ver?” Platinum Knight repeated in confusion, “Are...you talking about my armor, mistress?”

“Silver Hawk, please…” Fluttershy begged, suddenly causing Platinum Knight’s crimson eyes to be returned to their normal azure color.

“B….Butterfly...chan?” Silver groaned, holding his head a bit in pain, “Wh...what’s going on? And...why am I in armor?”

“...I told you I was… dangerous,” Fluttershy sighed, “Or… she was. Flutterbat came out and...bit you.”

“...That would explain the bat wings,” Silver noted, looking at his wings before blinking a bit, “Wait. Was?”

“I managed to suppress her back,” Fluttershy explained, “I...I don’t know how long I can keep her held back.”

“And… I remember what she’s been having me do to you,” Silver sighed, starting to heavily blush, “I...I was like her...ahem, living breathing sex doll.”

“...H...hai,” Fluttershy blushed heavily, remembering some of those, “W….we...we should leave now.”

“Good idea.”

“No chance in Tartarus!” Flutterbat shouted inside Fluttershy’s head before teh shy pinkette began to whimper in pain.

“Butterfly, what’s wr-?”

“Silver-kun...she...she’s trying to come back.” Fluttershy whimpered, “Before she does… I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what she’s been making you do! She’s given you pain and she’s made you enjoy it… she’s made you lose who you are… all because I love you…”

“Butterfly-chan...I…”

“Silver-kun, please….just...leave,” Fluttershy begged, “And please...forget me.”

“I can’t…”

“I know you love me… but please…”

“No… I literally can’t move,” Silver clarified, “This armor is so heavy, It feels like somepony put cement on my legs.”

“Oh…” Fluttershy blinked before wincing as she was finally unable to fight back any longer and turned back into Flutterbat, “Much better. Now then my slave…”

Silver Hawk attempted to move back, but the armor he wore was too heavy for him to move. He couldn’t even budge an inch.

“Slave… bow.”

Suddenly, Silver Hawk’s eyes changed back into crimson and he bowed to her.

“Good slave. I knew you’d be loyal only to me,” Flutterbat smirked as she knelt down a bit, putting her finger on his chin to make him look at her in the eyes, “Now tell me, who do you love~?”

“You, my mistress.”

“Good. Now I want you to do me a favor.”

“What shall I do, my mistress?”

Flutterbat smirked as she sat down in a nearby throne and slowly took off her shoes and nylons that came with the outfit, “Worship my beautiful legs and feet.”

“Yes mistress.”

The following morning, Twilight let out a very heavy groan as she thunked her head against the Cutie Map, the Alicorn having a major headache from reading every single book she had. Not one. Not one single book had the info she needed.

“Damn it, NOTHING!” the Alicorn shouted in anger, tossing a book against Rarity’s throne.

“Throwing things isn’t gonna help,” Dash stated.

“I’m not in the mood right now!” Twilight barked, causing Dash to wince at the tone she used.

“...yeesh, no need to yell at me,” Dash sighed.

“I’m just so annoyed right now… none of the maps match up to what Princess Luna gave us!” Twilight snapped as she knocked over the tall stacks of books around her.

“...Can you please calm down, Twil?” Dash asked as she hugged her.

“...why are you-?”

“My mom told me hugs are always the best medicine.”

“....Bowy. I… I really am sorry for snapping at you,” Twilight sighed, “It’s just… I’ve been up all night, trying to look for the info I needed, and came up with nothing.”

“We just need to stay hopeful…” Dash smiled, petting Twilight’s mane.

Twilight blushed at the sudden action, “I...I know. Just… I’m really worried about Fluttershy.”

“So am I,” Dash reminded as she kept this up, “...Twil, can I ask you something?”

“Yes...what is it, Bowy?”

“Do you still hope that we’ll save her?”

“...I really hope so,” Twilight sighed as she hugged the tomboy, “I really do hope so, Bowy.”

Dash smiled and tightened the hug, her hands beginning to rub up against Twilight’s assets and butt, making the alicorn blush.

“R...Rainbow, what’re y-?!” Twilight began before the tomboy kissed her, “?!”

They both melted into the passion of the kiss, their hands exploring each other’s bodies as Twilight used her magic to close and lock the doors and windows.

Pinkie rested on the window sill of her bedroom window, a look of boredom on her face. Her friends (minus the still missing Fluttershy) were busy with who knows what, Quirky was in school, and the Cakes were out on a family trip. For the first time in her life, the excitable pinkette was completely bored out of her mind.

“Ugh…” she groaned, moving away from her window as she plopped down onto her bed, “Bored…oh! Maybe I can find somepony who’s not busy!” she beamed as she quickly pulled her phone out, “Hmm...btu who to call? Derpy? No..she’s probably busy helping that doctor guy. Vinyl? No… she’s probably helping Octavia with her music? The Flower sisters… no. They freak out too easily… well, Daisy and Lilly do. Rose tries her best to stay calm most of the time. Lyra and Bonbon? Hmm...don’t know what they’re up to aside from sitting on benches and stuff.”

“Pinkie Pie, you have mail!” Derpy announced from outside.

“Coming!” Pinkie replied as she ran downstairs in a blur before stopping in front of the front door and opened it, revealing the mailmare, “Hey, Derpy!”

“I’ve noticed you’ve been sending a lot of mail to this… Sugar Belle pony. Who is she?” Derpy asked as she handed the excitable pinkette her mail.

“She’s somepony me and my friends met in a town VERY far away from Ponyville,” Pinkie explained, “And she’s somepony who I… I uh… well…I don’t know the word, but I feel funny when I think of Sugar Belle. Like... I’m on a MAJOR case of the sugar rush.”

“...you’re in love,” Derpy giggled.

“Excuse me?” Pinkie blinked twice.

“You’re in love, Pinkie,’ Derpy repeated.

“...” Pinkie stood there for a few moments before gasping loudly, a blush forming on her face, “Ohmygoshyou’reright!”

“That’s wonderful,” Derpy smiled, handing Pinkie something, “Muffin?”

“Sure!” Pinkie smiled, eating the muffin in one bite before pulling the mailmare into a tight hug, “Thank you for the talk and muffin, Derpy!”

“No prob,” Derpy smiled when she was given a letter from Pinkie, “...oh,”

“Please?”

Derpy giggled for a moment when Pinkie noticed Sunset and Sonata running towards Twilight’s castle.

“Oh, hi guys,” Pinkie smiled and waved, but they payed her no mind, “...Huh. Wonder what’s up with them?”

“Sunny… can I… have a second?” Sonata asked as the pegasus landed, her wings sore from flying so fast, “My...my wings...feel like jelly.”

“S...sure…” Sunset panted, her legs really sore as she plopped down on the ground.

“...Thank you by the way,” Sonata smiled.

“Huh? For what?” Sunset panted, the unicorn turning her head to look at the pegasus.

“Keeping your promise for never abandoning me,” Sonata smiled, blushing a little.

“No problem,” Sunset smiled, “...I keep promises you know,”

“...Did you really like Fluttershy, mind my asking?”

“...Yes. Yes I did,” Sunset sighed, “...and you know what? Part of me wanted to give in to her when Flutterbat tried to control me…”

“Really?”

“Yeah…” Sunset nodded before giving Sonata a soft smile, “I guess I was lucky to have you there to snap me out of it.”

“...is there… anybody else in your heart?”

Sunset shrugged, “At the moment, no.”

“Oh…” Sonata noted, twirling a lock of her hair, “I see...well...what about me?”

“huh?”

“What do you think of me, Sunny?”

Sunset blushed heavily at this, “...Wh-why don't’ we talk about this later?”

The two got up and continued over to Twilight’s castle.

“Twilight! Twilight!” Sunset shouted as they ran in.

“Why… does this… place have to… be so big?” Sonata asked, running out of breath, “It’s...bigger...than...the school!”

Sunset sighed and began to levitate Sonata, surprising the former siren before the two stopped in front of a door.

“Princess Twilight, we have a problem! I-!” Sunset shouted as she managed to fling open the door to Twilight’s throne room, her eyes widening and a heavy blush forming on her face as she saw Dash and Twilight lying on the ground, both completely bare of clothes and covered in sweat, “..I uh…”

“Oh my…” Sonata blushed brightly, “I..I think we just made an awkward moment, Sunny.”

“Do you two need a moment or…?”

“...Huh?” Twilight blinked as she rubbed her eyes for a moment, blinking a few times as she saw a heavily blushing Sunset and Sonata staring at her and Rainbow Dash, “....”

“Twil, what’s wr-?” Rainbow began, the tomboy waking up as well before she noticed the two, “...”

“....”

“...”

“KYAAAAAA!!!!” Twilight’s voice screamed from her castle.

“GAHHHHH!!!!! What the f*yay*ck, Sunset?!” Rainbow’s voice shouted from inside Twilight’s castle.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” Sunset’s voice apologized.

“We didn’t mean to walk in on you two!” Sonata’s voice shouted, “We didn’t know you two had s-”

“YOU COULD’VE F*yay*CKING KNOCKED YOU KNOW!” Rainbow’s voice snapped before a smacking sound followed suit, “OW! THE F*yay*CK, TWIL?!”

“Watch your language, Bowy! Fillies and colts could be hearing us!” Twilight’s voice scolded her.

“UGH! Fine...where’s my clothes?!”

Dash and Twilight were both getting a very BIG chewing out from their parents from what they heard from the shouting. They were just lucky enough Dawn, Scootaloo, and the rest of the CMC weren’t there to hear all that.

“And furthermore, what were you two doing that caused all of you to shout?!” Twilight Velvet demanded, “You scared the living daylights out of us. We were worried something bad had happened to you!”

“Uh… well… uh…” Dash stuttered, nervous on answering that question, “well…”

“Well what?” Sora asked, “Tell us what happened to make you all scream like that.”

“We… uh… well…” Twilight continued nervously.

“They were laying on the floor bare naked,” Sonata answered, making everyone look at her, “...What?”

“Ugh…” Sunset sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose, “...Damn it, Sonata.”

“What? It’s true. We were rushing in to tell Twilight about us running into Fluttershy in the Everfree Forest a-” Sonata began.

“WHAT?!” Twilight and Rainbow gasped before the latter grabbed the former Siren.

“Where?! Where did you see her?!” the tomboy demanded as she shook Sonata, “TELL ME!”

Sonata spoke, but due to how fast Dash was shaking her, it came off as incoherent babbling.

“Dash, stop shaking her!” Twilight shouted, “We can't even understand a word she’s saying!”

“But-!”

“NOW!”

“...Fine,” Rainbow sighed as she dropped Sonata, her clothes and hair a mess, “Now again, Sonata, where did you and Sunset run into Fluttershy in the Everfree Forest?”

“Uh… before I answer that… I have my own question… have you washed your hands lately, given what I know you and Twilight were doing last night and-”

“Not. Important!” Dash told her.

“She’s somewhere near the Castle of the Two Sisters,” Sonata clarified, “But be careful. She had a swarm of bats with her the last time me and Sunny saw her.”

“Alright… let’s get to saving her-” Dash began when her mother grabbed her arm and kept her from moving, “...mom, please let go. I need to go and save Flutter-”

“You’re not going anywhere young lady,” Sora told her in a serious tone.

“She has a point, we still need to find the cure and-” Twilight added when she was shoved back into her seat by her parents’ magic, “What the..mom! Dad!”

“Sora is right, young lady. You two are not going anywhere,” Twilight Velvet frowned.

“But-”

“No ‘but’s. While you may be a princess, you’re still our daughter, Twilight,” Night Light stated, “Therefore, we have no choice but to ground you and Rainbow Dash.”

“WHAT/ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” Twilight and Rainbow gawked.

Sunset and Sonata both had to hold back chuckling at this display.

“Don’t laugh at us!” Dash shouted.

“Twilight, go to your room,” Twilight Velvet ordered, “You’re not to come out for 3 days!”

“But they need me to save Fluttershy and-”

“3 weeks, want to make it 3 months, little miss?” Twilight Velvet told her.

“...No…” Twilight sighed in defeat.

“Good. Now go to your room.”

“Don’t punish her… it was my fault we did any of that stuff. I was just trying to calm her down because all the work she did was starting to stress her out,” Rainbow spoke, “I-”

“Regardless, you’re both still in trouble,” Sora frowned, “But since you were the instigator, you’re going to be in your room for even longer! Rainbow Cumulus Spectrum Dash, you’re grounded for 6 weeks!”

“What?! But that’s almost two months!”

“Just for that outburst, it’s twelve weeks now.”

“WHAT?! I-”

“Want me to make it half a year?”

“...”

“I thought so.”

“But uh… where would my room here be?” Dash checked.

“...Good question,” Sora admitted.

Eventually, the two were place in their rooms, and were giving the rules of their punishment. 1: They weren’t allowed to leave. 2: The only time they can come out is to use the bathroom. 3: No talking with anyone on the phone. and 4: They couldn’t leave to get food, it had to be brought to them.

“But what about Fluttershy? I’m worried about her. You can’t just expect me to sit here and wait for somepony else to save her,” Dash asked her mother.

“I’m sorry, but you brought this upon yourselves,” Sora stated.

“...Can’t you at least let Twilight have a softer punishment? She only did it because of me…”

“...I’ll think on it with her mother,” was all Sora said as she closed the door.

Dash sighed heavily as she plopped onto her bed, her hair fanned out across the pillow. She saw a book on the nightstand that wasn’t the Daring Do book she was reading, but something about morse code. She then heard a sort of tapping on the wall.

“What the…?”

She heard the tapping again before she saw the book, seeing it was a translating guide. Dash slowly listened to the tapping and was able to write it down.

“‘I can’t believe this is happening,’” Dash read to herself. Dash saw a cup and slowly attempted to signal Twilight back.

“Come on, Bowy…” Twilight muttered as she waited, tapping her foot against the floor before she heard some tapping from her wall, “Thank goodness,”

She picked up a scroll and began to write down the message, “‘I know, right? We find out where Fluttershy is, and our parents ground us.’”

Twilight responded, ‘This bites’.

After some silence, Dash began to tap back.

‘I’m sorry. This is all my fault. All I was trying to do was calm you down, and we ended up doing...that.’

‘...It’s hard to control your emotions at times. We were stressed and nervous at the time.’

‘I know but still, we should’ve waited to do something like that after our wedding and stuff.’

Twilight was unsure of how to respond, the Alicorn mentally beating herself up a bit. Rainbow was right. They should’ve waited, but with all the stuff that was going on.

‘...Do you think this is almost like how Fluttershy felt back at Neighpon?’ Twilight asked.

‘Yea…but instead of someone trying to keep us apart, we’re worried because one of our friends is out there somewhere, possibly scared.’

There was a silence as neither of them knew what to say next.

‘...it was… uh… nice.’ Dash tapped.

‘What was?’

‘You know...what we did before Sunset and Sonata walked in on us.’

Twilight blushed, her heart starting to beat like crazy. After a few moments of silence, she responded, ‘It...it was nice.’

Things fell to silence between the two, their hands stil on the wall seperating them.

‘...Rainbow?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Do you...think Fluttershy’s alright?’

‘Yea.’

Posey was currently sitting in a chair and was not only rocking both Snow Angel and Kaito Breeze, but Timid as well, the young pegasus filly having stayed up all night, worried about her big brother and (hopefully) future sister-in-law.

“Timid-chan, you need to sleep,” Posey sighed, “It’s not good for a filly your age to stay up so late.”

“...I need… Onii-chan…” Timid stated, bags under her eyes as she tried to stay awake, “Need...onee-chan…”

“Timid…” Posey sighed heavily at the young pegasus, “I know you’re worried and all, but you need to sleep…”

“Demo...onii...chan...and…” Timid began before she let out a long yawn, “Onee...chan…”

The two baby pegasi hugged onto Posey tighter, the pinkette could only assume that the two were thinking she was their mother.

‘Itoko-chan...where are you?’ Posey thought as she looked out the window in worry.

“Ugh...shut up already!” Flutterbat argued with her other self as she glared at a mirror, her reflection showing Fluttershy, “How are you even there?! Vampires don’t cast reflections!”

“That doesn't matter right now!” Fluttershy argued, “What does matter right now is what you’re doing!”

“Oh come on. I’m not hurting anyone,” Flutterbat scoffed, “And besides, you know you’re enjoying what I’ve been having him do,”

Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush heavily at that, knowing what she meant.

“That shut you up real quick,” Flutterbat smirked.

“...Demo, Silver-kun is not himself...he-”

“Is my servant,” Flutterbat stated, “And FYI; his name is Platinum Knight, which is a much more fitting name for him.”

“....Do you love him?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you love him?”

“He is my servant. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“You claimed a while ago he was your ‘mate’. And when you attempted to put Sunset under your control, you said you would be willing to be shared."

“So?”

“Do you even carry the same affections for him that I carry?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Because… because… I love him!”

“...That’s it? That’s why you asked me that question?”

“Because I love him with all my heart. He...he makes me feel safe when I feel scared. He makes me feel happy when I’m sad… he makes my world feel complete… he… made me a part of a family after I lost so much of my own. He...he… gave me such a blessing, to… to be a mother. So I ask you again, what is he to you?” Fluttershy inquired.

“...Tch. I have no time for this,” Flutterbat scoffed as she began to walk away, “But ask yourself this much: if you love him so much, then why do you enjoy having him obeying your whims and commands? I know some of the things I’ve ordered him to do came from you…”

Fluttershy had no words to say to that, the shy pinkette looking down in a bit of guilt.

Platinum Knight worked on shining his helmet as he sat in the room Flutterbat chose for him, waiting for whatever orders his mistress has for him.

“Those who would dare to hurt my mistress will pay,” the Pegasus-turned-Bat Pony whispered to himself before he felt a slight twinge in his head. He tried to shrug the pain off as he looked over at a mirror, but he blinked twice when he saw...himself?

“I’ll admit, I do share a bit of that perspective. But I would never harm any of Butterfly-chan’s friends. It would make her really sad, and I don’t wish to see that,” Silver Hawk admitted.

“...Who are you?”

“Well… you, sort of. I’m...well, who you used to be,” Silver explained.

“You must be that ‘Silver-kun’ my mistress talked about not too long ago.”

“Pretty much, yeah,” Silver nodded.

“....Why are you here?”

“To talk to you...about Butterfly-chan.”

“...That is not my mistress’ name,” Platinum Knight frowned.

“It actually is. The mare you call your mistress is...well, another side of herself.”

Platinum Knight just rolled his eyes at this, “Where are you going with this?”

“I’m saying she’s not the real her, just like you aren’t the real me,” Silver stated.

“What’s that supposed to mean… Illusion Hawk?”

“Wow. You’re as bad as coming up with insults as I am,” Silver Hawk stated with an eye roll.

“Quiet, faker.”

“...Did you just call me ‘faker’? News flash here buddy, you’re the faker,”

“How?”

“Simple. You were made when Flutterbat bit into me.”

“I am her obidient slave, I owe her my life and-”

“You owe her nothing. She’s controlling you for all the wrong reasons. She even made you attack Butterfly's friend, Twilight.”

“Mistress said it’s a ‘warning’ to somepony important. Somepony by the name of Celestia.”

“...ignoring that. What do you actually do for your so called ‘mistress’ anyway? Put it in your own words what it is you do that isn’t ‘protector’ or what is more or less a sex slave,” Silver Hawk demanded.

“...”

“You don’t have an answer, do you?”

“Why should I? I am my mistress’ servant. Nothing more.”

“...Do you love her?”

“Why ask such a stupid question?”

“Answer it,” Silver Hawk retorted, “Do you love her or not?”

“...Do you love this ‘Butterfly’?” Platinum Knight countered.

“...She’s everything to me. She’s beautiful, sweet, caring, loves her friends and family...she’s my angel...my tenshi.”

“I’ve seen you imagine her with wings angels are typically drawn as having. But now I get where some of the fun I have in obeying mistress’ commands come from, you,” Platinum Knight smirked.

“What?”

“You have some enjoyment in obeying her whims and commands. I bet you imagine your precious ‘tenshi’ dressed as a dominatrix while my mistress and I are doing it,” Platinum Knight smirked.

Silver Hawk fought off the blush forming, shaking his head to try and force it back.

“And that’s not even all of it…you have quite the dirty mind hidden in the back of your thoughts. You wish to have your way with your ‘tenshi’ in so many ways…”

“...Shut up…”

“Why, you probably wish you can clone yourself to-”

“SHUT UP!”

Platinum Knight thought for a moment before he walked closer to the mirror to continue, “And I bet you wish you could always bow to her… just so you can spend some time nearby her beautiful legs and feet you love so much. You want to take in her scent so you can savor it always.”

Silver Hawk growled in anger, his mane shadowing over his eyes as his fist began to shake in anger. He wanted to punch him… but he knew he couldn’t as he would just be punching himself.

“Face it. Deep down, even the most kindest soul has a secret desire they enjoy. And because of me… your desires can be loose for mistress to see…” Platinum Knight smirked, “And don’t worry. If your tenshi happens to come out… I’ll take care of her.”

Those words right there were the last straw as Silver slammed his fist against the mirror, causing it to crack as he glared at Platinum Knight.

“I don’t care if you are me or not, if you even touch a single hair on her, I swear to the Ponies of the Beginning I will personally drag you down to Tartarus itself!” Silver growled, a look of pure anger on his face.

“Oh my little kni~ght,” Flutterbat called out in a sing-songy tone, “Please come here. I have something special to show you~”

“Hai, my mistress!” Platinum Knight called out before taking one last look at the glaring Silver, “And this conversation is over.”

Silver didn’t say a word as Platinum Knight began to walk away, the former starting to fade from the mirror as the latter began to leave.

Author's Note

First: I'd like to deeply apologize for being so late with this update. Second: The whole possible Foot fetish thing Silver might have...that's not me. That my co-author, who still wishes to be named anonymous.

Light of Dreams and Shadow of Nightmares

Posey stared out the window, a look of worry on her face. At this point, it had been almost a week since Fluttershy and Silver Hawk had vanished, and nopony has heard a thing about their whereabouts since.

“Onee-chan… Onii-chan…” Timid mumbled in her sleep, the shy filly currently sleeping on the couch.

Posey looked over to the young filly and her cousin’s twin children, all of them fast asleep. Posey couldn’t help but about not just her cousin, but for Timid, Snow, and Kaito. Who was going to take care of them if Silver and Fluttershy aren’t found? The pinkette quickly shook that thought out of her head.

“...Come on, Twilight. Please hurry and find where those cure flowers are,” Posey whispered to herself.

At the moment, the book with the location of the flowers that would heal Fluttershy, Silver Hawk and Snow Angel, was currently with Kota, the pegasus currently staring it over.

“There he is,” Ai smiled as she and Applejack walked over to him.

“Say… that’s the book Princess Luna gave tah Twilight,” Applejack noted.

“Yea, it is. Spike gave it to me, saying something about Twilight not being able to look at it for whatever reason,” Kota replied as he looked at the cover, “Supposedly, it should reveal the cure for Fluttershy.”

“Looks like a big book…” Ai stated, “And old…”

“It should be. Princess Luna said it belonged t’ her parents,” Applejack informed Ai, “Ah bet there’s bound t’ be some ancient spell or somethin’ in there.”

“There are some… but nothing about reversing that spell that made the squid-ponies, bat-ponies and snake-ponies,” Kota spoke, “I did find a few pages on something interesting, but it was too faded to read. But… there is something interesting about the writing. It’s Neighponese… sure there are some symbols I don’t recognize and some that have faded, but it does have something. I’m just not sure what.”

“Ah see...well what did y’all understand from it?”

“...Well I could make only make two words out… nana (seven), and...it was faded, but the second word was the Neighponese word for Harmony.”

“Well… the male Pony of the Beginning did seem to know who Twilight was, so it may be talkin’ about me and the others…” Applejack noted.

“Possibly. But there are pages missing, so I have no way of confirming that. And then there’s this map…” Kota noted as he turned to the page showing where the flowers were, “...I know it’s Neighpon, but I just don’t know where. Most of these locations here I don’t even recognize.”

“Well, good luck figurin’ it out,” Applejack smiled as she quickly hugged him and departed with Ai in tow.

That night, Dash was awake and was staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

“...Fluttershy… please be alright,” Dash muttered, the tomboy resting her head against the wall, trying to relax when she heard Twilight crying, “?”

Dash tried to listen closer as she leaned her ear against the wall, the tomboy hearing faint crying on the other side. The rainbowette looked over to the window, internally debating if she should sneak out to check on Twilight or not. The more Dash heard her marefriend cry, the harder and harder it became to try and not go over.

“...Damn it,” Rainbow cursed as she walked over to the window and opened it quietly, “I’m not gonna sit by while Twil’s crying.”

With that, she quietly climbed out the window and flew over to Twilight’s bedroom window, the tomboy looking inside to see the currently sleeping Alicorn whimpering. She was tossing around in her bed, a few visible sweatdrops dripping off her forehead. Dash flew in and slowly walked over to Twilight, making sure not to startle her, and to make sure neither of their parents would hear them.

“...no… no…” Twilight muttered in her sleep, the Alicorn starting to shake as she hugged herself.

“Twil…” Dash whispered as she moved closer, petting Twilight’s mane a bit, “Don’t worry...I’m here.”

Twilight’s eyes slowly opened, her vision blurred a bti as she slowly began to wake up. Once they were fully open, she noticed Rainbow Dash, a look of concern on the tomboy’s face.

“...hi,” Dash smiled before Twilight leapt into her arm, surprising the pegasus a bit, “Twil… uh…”

Twilight cried into Dash’s chest, the Alicorn visibly shaking as her tears stained Rainbow Dash’s shirt. Dash slowly petted Twilight’s mane, hoping to calm her marefriend down.

“Twil… you okay?” Dash asked.

“I… I…I had a terrible dream…” Twilight whispered.

Dash hugged Twilight and they sat down.

“Do you want to talk?” Dash asked, earning a nod from Twilight, “Alright. What happened?”

“...it was… in the other world that Sunset was in…” Twilight began, trying to stay calm, “There were… some people I didn’t recognize… and… and uh…”

Twilight stopped speaking and began to sob, her hands gripping Rainbow’s shoulders tightly.

“Twilight… look at me,” Dash told her, making the teary-eyed princess look at her, “I’m always here for you. Don’t ever forget that.”

“...I saw… th-this… teacher that… I-I… I uh… had when I was… a filly…” Twilight continued, “Th-there… was uh… this…” she paused as she rubbed some tears away from her eyes, “Device holding…. raw magic energy. Th...that teacher pressured me into using it and...and…” she took a deep breath, “I lost control. I...I nearly destroyed two realities because I was mad with power. I… I… I… became a monster…”

Twilight looked at her hands, seeing them turn into the hands she had in the monster form from her dream for just a brief moment, she then came to a slight realization.

‘Was...was that how Sunset felt when she became a monster?’

Dash pulled Twilight into a hug, trying her best to calm down the distressed Alicorn, “You could never become a monster and-”

“But I did! I turned into a monster… just so I could resarch magic… I… I… I…”

Before she could finish, Dash pulled Twilight into a deeper hug, finally calming the princess down.

“There...better?”

“...Y..yes,” Twilight sniffled a little.

“Good,” Dash smiled, hugging her, “Glad to hear.”

“Bowy…” Twilight began, “...I’m scared. What if...what if I actually become that...that thing? I… I… I wanted power and wanted to get my hands on anything I wanted, even if...”

“Shh…” Dash hushed her, the pegasus rubbing her marefriend’s back a bit, “That’s never going to happen… you’re not that kind of mare, Twilight.”

“...you trust me too much,” Twilight smiled.

“Element of Loyalty, remember?”

Twilight moved closer and proceeded to plant a small kiss on the tomboy’s cheek.

Dash gave a small giggle and was about to get up when…

“Bowy, please don’t go,” Twilight begged, taking Dash’s hand, “I’m scared of having another nightmare.”

“...Uh…” Dash began, the tomboy not sure of what to say. If she stayed, then there’ll be a high chance she and Twilight will get grounded further...then again, Twilight was so nervous and frightened at the moment after that nightmare, “..Alright. I’ll stay with ya.”

Twilight smiled at this, slowly moving to make some room for Dash.

“How are your wings doing? They looked like they took a nasty beating,” Dash inquired as she sat down by Twilight.

“They still hurt a bit, but they’re fine,” Twilight replied.

Dash moved closer and saw the casts were a bit loose, “...Uh, you need me to fix those for ya?”

“Yea,” Twilight nodded.

Rainbow moved a bit closer as she began to fix the bandages around Twilight’s wings, making sure to be careful. Twilight smiled at the close contact and planted a quick kiss on Rainbow Dash’s cheek. The rainbowette blushed and smiled at her.

“Hey Sora, can we talk a bit?” Twilight Velvet inquired as Sora was in the middle of reading a book.

“Hmm?” Sora blinked a bit as she looked up from her book to look at Twilight Velvet, “Of course. What is it?”

“Do you think we may have been a bit harsh on our daughters?” Twilight Velvet asked.

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“With their punishment…we grounded them for doing something...indecent, and yet they’re old enough to be doing that,” Twilight Velvet explained.

“True… but they should’ve waited until they got married,” Sora countered.

“I know...but for us to ground them is just…” Twilight Velvet paused as she sighed a bit, “Plus they had just found out where their friend is, and we’re keeping them from finding her.”

“...I didn’t think about that, admittedly,” Sora sighed.

“Neither did I,” Twilight Velvet agreed.

Both looked at each-other for a bit, guilty about what they did. Neither one of them knew what to say...they had grounded their daughters, even though they were too old for something like that.

“...I at least think they do need to be punished for not waiting, but they need to find their friend.”

“Agreed...let them find their friend and think of a different punishment while they’re gone?”

“Good idea.”

“Two grown mares getting grounded. It’s… kinda funny, don’t you think?” Dash asked.

“Heh...it kidna is really,” Twilight giggled a bit.

“So… uh… beyond Scootaloo and Dawn kind of being like our kids, do you think we could consider… a new addition?” Dash nervously asked.

“Huh? You mean...like adopt?” Twilight asked.

“No. I mean like… one of us… carrying a child?” Dash stated nervously.

“...Oh...oh!” Twilight realized what she meant before blushing a bit, “M...maybe. I mean...I...I have been messing with this one spell a bit, but never got a chance to test it out.”

Dash just blinked a bit at the revelation that sort of magic existed, but shook the thought out of her head for now.

“Let’s… go to sleep,” Twilight suggested.

“Good plan,” Dash nodded.

“Silver-kun…” Fluttershy whispered as she was back in her home and was waiting for him to show up, “Silver-kun...wh-where are you?”

Silver Hawk walked in, the stallion missing his ice blue jacket as he walked over to her.

“I’m home, Butterfly-chan,” the pegasus stallion smiled a bit as he sat next to him, “How’s my shy angel doing?”

“Good… how was your day at work?”

“It was fine. Did a couple of check ups and surgeries. Nothing too serious though,” Silver replied.

“That’s good. And Posey-chan told me that our kids are doing great,” Fluttershy smiled, “I’m glad she’s still living with us and-”

“Did you really think you could just hide in your dreams?” Flutterbat’s voice echoed, causing everything but Fluttershy to freeze.

“No… no please. L-let me have this!” Fluttershy begged, “I...I want to at least dream.”

“Newsflash pinky… you know you enjoy having somepony listen to you. The princess of the night saw this when that smoke monster came in here. You’re afraid that everypony will ignore you, causing you to shrink back into the shadows like the wallflower you are.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened at what she just heard Flutterbat call her, “...What did you just call me?”

“A wallflower, because that’s what you are,” Flutterbat stated.

“Don’t… you dare call me that!” Fluttershy said in anger as she stood up.

“Oh ho? Somepony decided to get a bit tough,” Flutterbat smirked.

“That is something somepony who I want to rot in tartarus called me… I never thought I could hate anypony enough to wish the Ponies of the Beginning could send them to endless suffering… but that… that… that evil bitch Aki killed me and killed my two children before they could even see the outside world!”

“Oh? Resorting to cursing now?”

Fluttershy was silent for a moment before she sighed and looked at her reflection.

“This is so good. Go on… admit it. You love to have others listen to you… you crave for their attention. You crave to have somepony look at you and listen to whatever problems you have. I feel sorry for those who call themselves your friends and family, because they have to listen to some stupid, quiet, big breasted idiot mumble on about animals all the damn time.”

Fluttershy had no words at the moment, but she wanted to make Flutterbat shut up and make sure she would stay that way.

“In fact, I wonder why that Silver Hawk character even stayed with you. He could’ve been better off with some other mare, but nope. He had to wait on some stupid little wallflower to come home.”

Fluttershy wanted to hit her so badly.

“But I think I know the reason he stays.”

“...Why?”

“Remember your dummy cousin dressing up like a dominatrix? Well...I think he wants to stay so he could be your little puppet...your slave if you will.”

Fluttershy thought for a moment, taking Flutterbat’s words in. She was silent as she looked down at the floor, her hair hiding her eyes

“Admit it. You’d love to dress up as a dominatrix and give him orders. Even while dressing up as another character from one of those manga you like, you still love to order him around.”

“I… I uh… “

“Go on...admit it~”

“If it’ll make you and your sick and twisted mouth shut up, YES! I ADMIT IT!“

“See? Was that so hard?”

Fluttershy was genuinely getting more and more angry with this side of her, the shy pinkette wanting to just outright punch her.

“Ohh...I just had a thought. What if your little daughter or Timid picked this up? Oh that'll be a tr-”

“SHUT UP!!!” Fluttershy shouted as a whip appeared in her arm and she hit Flutterbat with it, surprising her the bat pony a bit, “I am sick and tired of hearing your venomous words!”

Flutterbat began to laugh a bit as she looked at some magical wisps of energy surround the area, “That’s it...create your real dream world...a world you dominate everypony~”

“I said shut up!!!” Fluttershy snapped as she cracked her whip again, causing her clothes to disappear as they were replaced with rather revealing dominatrix clothing.

“Guess you’re not such a shy angel after all. You’re more like a….succubus~”

“What are you talking abo…” Fluttershy began as she saw her wings had become bat like, and her tail had transformed into a devil tail, the tip spaded into an almost heart shaped, “What… what did you make me do?!”

Flutterbat just giggled at this.

“WHAT DID YOU MAKE ME DO?!?!” Fluttershy shouted.

“I caused your inner desires to come forth..or rather, what you really are underneath all that shyness, a succubus that loves to command her ‘toys’ around,” Flutterbat smirked, “Rather fitting too with your body.”

Fluttershy was totally silent as she looked at herself and the area around her. It looked to be the room hidden behind her bookshelf in the living room, but it seemed to be dark, almost like it was hiding something. She stood in it as she saw it was dimmly lit, the shy pinkette trying her best to not bump into anything.

“...I don’t want this. I...I don't’ want this….” Fluttershy whispered, trying her best to stay calm.

“Yes you do,” Flutterbat said with a smirk, “You want to become the sexy, naughty little mare you are...you want to control as many ponies as possible, just to help with your sexual urges~”

“Please...please stop…” Fluttershy begged as she fell to her knees, the pinkette visibly shaking, “Please stop saying these things…”

“Then you should stop thinking these things. These are all your own thoughts, your hidden desires.”

Fluttershy began to cry as she curled up into a ball and just wanted to shrink up.

“And how do I know all this? Well...I am you after all~”

“Stop it...you...you...You’re not me!!!”

“Welp… I’m bored. Have fun with your little dream, crybaby wallflower,” Flutterbat stated as she disappeared.

---

Silver Hawk looked at Fluttershy, who was in charge of her own Vet in Neighpon, the snow-white pegasus giving a soft smile as he watched the shy pegasus...no, the shy angel taking care of the animals.

“Konbanwa, Silver-kun,” Fluttershy smiled happily.

“Konbanwa, Butterfly-tenshi,” Silver smiled as he walked over to her. He looked to a puppy who was currently playing with Snow Angel, “How’s Snow Angel been?”

“Good. She’s been busy helping me take care of the new born puppies and kittens,” Fluttershy replied with a soft smile.

“Heh...like mother like daughter,” Silver smiled.

“And like father, like son. How’s Kaito been in his studies at the hospital?” Fluttershy asked.

“Great. He’s at the top of his classes,” Silver replied, “I just know he’s gonna become a great doctor someday.”

Fluttershy giggled happily as she hugged her husband with a smile, Silver returning the hug as he held her close.

“...I love you, my beautiful tenshi,” Silver whispered to her.

“I love you too, my silver hero,” Fluttershy smiled as they separated. Suddenly, there was a slow clap that began to sound in the area, causing everything but Silver Hawk to freeze.

“...you,” Silver Hawk growled, seeing Platinum Knight approach.

“So this is your idea of a perfect world huh...how dull,” Platinum Knight stated as he looked around.

“...There’s nothing dull about spending time with the ones you love, teme,” Silver frowned.

“Love can mean so many things. Didn’t that yellow-orange pegasus show you that love can take on… different forms?”

“...What do you mean?”

“Well first: there's pure love, but that’s boring to explain. Then there’s tragic love, which you experienced once before when that yellow pegasus died...then there’s childish love, which is like pure love is boring to explain...but there’s my mistress’ favorite...lustful love, where you love eachother only for the sex.”

“...that same toxic love that absorbed that orange pegasus got pulled into?”

“Oh? You’ve seen it before?”

“...You were the one who brought him up to make the statement love takes on different forms,” Silver Hawk reminded.

“Whatever,” Platinum Knight just rolled his eyes, “My point is this… I don’t think you truly love that shy pegasus.”

“...You’re wrong. I do love her,” Silver told him.

“Wrong...I’ve seen the way you’ve looked at her. Like the time your little sister first met her,” Platinum Knight informed, “You were eyeing her figure… “

“You’re wrong. I wasn’t…”

“Well what about the time you thought she was that clumsy cousin of hers? One of the first things you spotted about her was that huge chest of hers.”

“If you were looking at them from the side… you could use that to tell them apart and-”

“Recall the night you and that shy mare shared together? The moment you got her clothes off, all you could think about was having your way with her.”

“...” Silver said nothing as he glared at him.

“But wait… I’m not done. Remember the night before my mistress awoke from her deep slumber? The way you looked at that shy mare’s body...you thought she was beautiful, and yet all you seemed to think about in the back of your head was to take her home, lock yourselves in your room, and just go at it like rabbits in heat.”

“Tch… I remember that night. The night she ripped away our marriage…”

“Whatever...but even then… you don’t want to be the one on top. In fact…you enjoy taking orders from her.”

“Ugh...this again?”

“Remember how her airheaded cousin dressed up like a dominatrix? ...I saw your dreams after the linked up nightmare mess… you want that shy mare to dominate you in bed...you want to follow every command she gives you, no matter what character she would dress up as.”

“How could you even KNOW this stuff? You didn’t even exist then!”

“Because I’m you.”

“Shut up, teme! YOU’RE NOT ME!”

“But I am. I know every little thought you’ve ever had.”

“Two words: Proove. It!”

“You want proof? Fine...I’ll give you proof.” Platinum Knight scoffed, “When you first meet the pegasus you love, you thought she was an angel that had descended from heaven. You felt sorry for her when you saw her crying, so you decided to go and comfort her. When she left… you felt like your heart was torn out of your chest. When your baby sister was born, you felt like you were looking at her again. But you knew it wasn’t really her, but you felt honored that you got to know her. Whenever another girl flirted with you, you just ignored them because your heart still belonged to that shy angel you met. And to remind yourself of her…” he paused as he held his hand out before a familiar object appeared in it, “You held onto this...her ribbon, the very item she had as a child.”

Silver Hawk blinked a bit, his eyes widened a bit.

“But that’s not it. You felt nothing but annoyance at Aki because she only wanted one thing...to have you so her father would have somepony to leave the company to...to make sure their family’s legacy would live on.”

“...Never mention that akuma’s name to me! Ever!”

“Oh? Then I’ll bring this up then...recall that night? The one where you lost your angel to that demon?” Platinum Knight asked, “I know how you felt… that soul crushing pain you felt as you held that shy mare’s dead body in your arms...that burning rage you felt when Aki killed her. You wanted to kill that demon yourself… but you couldn’t.. because you knew it wasn’t what that angel would’ve wanted.”

Silver Hawk was silent, his hands shaking in anger as his hair shadowed over his eyes.

“You’re glad your angel is here. You’re happy she’s alive and well...that she’s here with you. You’re glad you have a family… but there’s something deep in your mind you enjoy. You know what that is?”

“...”

“A desire to be ordered around...by that angel you hold so dear.”

“...Shut up…” Silver Hawk growled, “Shut your god damn mouth…”

“Her voice is like a siren to you…you can’t stop listening to her soothing voice.”

Silver Hawk stood silent for a moment.

“She’s beautiful, she caring...you want to be by her side always, just so you can hear her voice.”

“What are you getting at?” Silver Hawk asked.

“You do want to obey her. Even if you’re controlled or not, you want to be her eternal slave, followign every command she gives you like the dog you are,” Platinum Knight continued, “You’d love to worship her like the goddess you see her as…you want to feel grateful for her to even notice you're alive.”

Silver Hawk remained silent at this point, just wanting to make Platinum go away.

“But most of all… you want to kiss and lick her body…” Platinum told him, “You want to explore every inch of her pale golden body. Especially her… lower region...”

“...I wouldn’t do that to her…” Silver Hawk frowned.

“Not that part you moron. I know you enough to know you wouldn’t go for that… I meant lower than it… you know…her feet… her legs...”

Silver Hawk began to blush a bright red.

“Heh...you dirty perv.”

“It’s not dirty! It...I...uh….”

“You can’t find the right words to say, can you?”

“Why are you still bothering me?!” Silver Hawk demanded to know.

“I am you… I know every desire you have hidden deep in your mind. Just imagine what somebody would think if you let it slip…”

“If it’ll make you shut up… I’LL ADMIT IT! Yes, I like dominatrixes! Yes, I like being ordered around! Yes, I love listening to her voice! But most of all...”

“Yes?”

“..I...I love every part of her!” Silver Hawk shouted, “In fact… in fact…”

“In fact what?”

“If it were Butterfly-chan...I...I...I would be her slave!” Silver Hawk shouted, suddenly causing magical sparks to begin to alter the area around him, “Wh...what’s going on?! Why’s the area changing?!”

Platinum Knight said nothing as as he walked into the shadows.

“Oi! Where’s you going?!”

Silver Hawk wanted to chase after him, but couldn’t as the area completely faded to black. He looked around and saw he looked to be in a room of some kind, a few hidden objects laid about. The pegasus looked around to find out where he was, but was interrupted by hearing somebody arrive.

“Oh my little slave…” he heard Fluttershy’s voice say, making Silver freeze up a bit.

“B...Butterfly-chan?”

“Don’t you mean… ‘Mistress’?” she asked as she walked out of the shadows, causing Silver to blush the moment he saw what she was wearing.

“See? This is your dream… being ordered around and dominated by your so called ‘angel’,” Platinum Knight’s voice echoed throughout the area.

“...why do I think these things?” Silver Hawk asked himself as the area sort of began to slow down, “Why?!”

“Because you want to be a slave. Face it...you’ll never find freedom as long as you love that pegasus mare.”

“SHUT UP!” Silver Hawk shouted as he ran over and punched where his voice was coming from.

“You’re boring. Have fun with your desires,” Platinum Knight scoffed as he left, making the image shatter around Silver Hawk.

---

“Fluttershy…” Dash smiled as she ran over to see Fluttershy, the shy mare smiling at her as the tomboy ran over to her, “You’re okay…”

“Onee-chan… aitai (I missed you)…” Fluttershy smiled as Rainbow Dash pulled her into a hug.

“Same here…” Dash smiled, hugging Fluttershy with a wide smile. The rainbowette was overjoyed at the fact her little sister was back, safe and sound...

However, something began to approach the two, the sound of heels tapping against the ground echoing. Rainbow blinked a bit as she looked around for the source of the noise.

“Onee-chan… Run. S-she’s after me…” Fluttershy told her, a scared tone in her voice.

“Huh? Who’s after you?”

Fluttershy said nothing as whoever it was got closer by the sounds of the echoes getting louder.

“Just...please run. I...I don’t know what’ll happen if she gets a hold of you.”

Dash was about to say something when she heard a gunshot and Fluttershy fell over in her arms. Rainbow’s eyes widened as she felt it...fresh blood...coming from Fluttershy's back and stomach.

“Check. Mate…” a voice said, with Dash turning to see Aki, the unicorn having a large smirk on her face.

“You… you… you….” Dash growled, laying the lifeless form of her little sister down before charging at Aki, “YOU BITCH!!!”

Aki said nothing more as Dash ran forward, but the unicorn brought up a magical energy barrier to stop Dash’s attack from connecting.

“You coward! Come out from behind there and face me!” the tomboy growled as she pounded her fist against the barrier.

Suddenly, Aki vanished. There was no signs she teleported away. In fact, there were no traces that she had been there to begin with. Dash sighed and then turned to see Fluttershy’s lifeless body laying there.

“...I failed to save her… I did it again…” Dash choked, falling to her knees as she punched the ground, “Damn it! I keep failing to protect everypony I love! ...Element of Loyalty my flank.”

“Rai~nbow Dash…” Fluttershy’s voice called out.

Rainbow’s eyes widened at that as she slowly looked up to see Fluttershy’s body slowly getting up, her fur looking ever paler than usual as the shy pegasus slowly turned her head to face her.

“...how?”

“Does it even matter? I’m alive… well, sort of,” Fluttershy smirked as the feathers fell from her wings, which then became bat like, “You see...I just refound another side of myself...one that’s been kept hidden thanks to Twilight.”

“...That desire to be listened to?”

“Correct, but wrong at the same time.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Yes, I want to be listened to, but it runs deeper than that. I want everypony to follow what I say...to listen to every single command I give them,” Flutterbat smirked as Fluttershy’s normal attire changed, turning into more of a succubus like attire, “...I want to dominate over others… I want others to bow at my feet. I want others to worship me like a megami…”

“...why’re you telling me all this?” Dash asked with a slight frown.

Flutterbat approached Dash and smiled at her.

“Because you’re her ‘Onee-chan’. It’s only fair you know since she shares all her secrets with you,” the Batpony said, petting Dash’s mane a bit, “Good luck trying to stop me…”

“I will get her back… I will…” Dash told her.

“Onee-chan… help me…” Fluttershy’s voice called out, “Please...help me.”

“Fluttershy!” Dash shouted as she snapped awake, tumbling out of bed and onto the floor, “...was I… dreaming?”

Dash moved the blankets out of her face to see she was now back in her own bedroom, the tomboy quickly noting that nothing was out of place...well, except her now messed up bed. She then looked at herself in the mirror, noticing that she was covered in sweat.

She heard somebody quickly running to her room, their footsteps echoing throughout the castle as her bedroom door was slammed open, with her mother right there, a look of worry on her face.

“Dash, what’s wrong?” she asked in concern, ”Are you alright?”

“I...I’m fine, mom,” Rainbow Dash replied as she got up, “Just...had a bad dream is all.”

“...Do you wanna talk about it?”

“I’d...rather not.”

“...Is it the one about the flowers again?”

“No,” Dash sighed, “...It’s...something else.”

“...Fluttershy?”

“...Fluttershy,” Rainbow sighed in defeat as she sat down on her bed.

“...I’m sorry,” Sora sighed as she sat down.

“For what?” Dash asked.

“For grounding you,” Sora answered, “I… shouldn’t have. You’re a full grown mare now, Rainbow Dash, and yet I treated you like a child.”

“Mom...I…”

“...I’m sorry. But… it’s just… I don’t want you to grow up so quick…” Sora admitted, “I mean, you’re such an amazing mare...you’ve done things that would make anypony else jealous.”

“True,” Dash nodded.

“But… I… I still want you to be my little filly… my little pony,” Sora sniffled a bit, tears forming in her eyes as she pulled her daughter into a hug.

“Mom…” Dash whispered, the tomboy soon returning the hug, “I know you care about me, but you have to let me grow up...but, I’ll always be your little filly.”

Sora Storm smiled, releasing the hug as she the tears from her eyes, “I love you… my little Dashie.”

“I love you too, mom,” Rainbow smiled back, “...hey mom, can I ask you something?”

“What’s that dearie?”

“...How would you react if you got a grandson or granddaughter?” Dash inquired.

“Eh?” Sora blinked a few times at that, “Why ask?”

“Just...curious is all,” Dash shrugged.

“...well, I’d be really happy for you and Twilight if you adopted another filly…”

“...like… biologically.”

“...there’s magic for that?” Sora Storm blinked in surprise.

“There’s magic to remove a Cutie Mark, so… yea, I think a spell to make two mares have a child is not out of the question,” Dash stated with a bit of sheepish on her face.

“I suppose…” Sora shrugged, “...regardless, I’d be really happy for both you and Twilight if you got another foal.”

“...Thank you mom,” Dash smiled as she and her mom hugged once more.

“So… listen. You’re still in trouble for what you did, but I’m willing to hold it off until you find and save Fluttershy, okay?”

“Okay,” Rainbow Dash nodded.

With that, Sora Storm got up and departed from the room. Dash smiled and decided to quickly get dressed. Since they knew where Fluttershy was, it was only a matter of time before they could save her… the rainbowette paused for a moment and patted her stomach a bit, just smiling.

Rescue Attempt

Flutterbat yawned a bit as she slowly awoke, the batpony smiling evilly as she woke.

“Another beautiful day…” Flutterbat noted as she got out of her bed, wearing a near see-through pale blue nightgown. “...That’ll change soon enough.”

“What do you mean?”

Flutterbat let out an annoyed groan, “Can’t even go five minutes without you babbling on about something…”

“...You’re not planning on hurting everyone in Ponyville, are you?”

“No. I’m thinking of sending them some greeting cards.”

Fluttershy thought for a moment, “...You are, aren’t you?”

Flutterbat said nothing as she looked at herself for a moment, getting dressed in the outfit she stole from Rarity, “Hmm… what would a good title be? ‘Empress of Ponyville’... hmm… ‘Conquoress of Ponyville’... uh… ah… ‘Mistress of Ponyville’. Perfect~”

“Why? Why would you want to do such a thing?!”

“It’s called progress. First I take that puny town and ‘recruit’ more ponies for my cause.”

“Recruit? Wh...oh no...you’re not gonna…” Fluttershy gasped in realization.

“And then I’ll find my brethren, the snake ponies and squid ponies, and rule over them as well.”

“Eh?! Wh...why?!”

“To make those sun-butt and moon-butt rulers and their stupid parents see that we’re meant to live on this world.”

This was Fluttershy’s last straw, “Threatening thousands of innocent ponies… threatening my loved ones… attacking the princesses… you’re evil for just thinking those things. But planning to do something to the Ponies of the Beginning, who gave up living in a paradise to live on a barren planet and start life anew… THAT’S TOO MUCH!”

“And sealing our kind away isn’t?!”

“You were threatening innocent life!”

“Nopony is truly innocent, you whiny little wallflower!”

“THAT IS IT!” Fluttershy shouted as she managed to shove Flutterbat back into her subconcious and regain control of herself, “...I did it. I actually did it… yay…”

“What the...wh-what did you do?! i...I can’t get out!” Flutterbat snapped in Fluttershy’s head.

“I… I have control again… I need to get Silver-kun!” Fluttershy stated as she quickly ran for where he was, which probably was either his room, the armory, or standing guard somewhere important.

It took almost an hour, but Fluttershy found the bat-pony in his room, polishing his helmet.

“Silver-kun…” Fluttershy smiled, the pinkette slowly walking over to him, “I’m so glad I fo-”

“Mistress? ...oh, it’s that other girl that this other guy won’t shut up about,” Platinum Knight frowned a bit, turning his head over to look at her, “Why’re you out?”

“Silver-kun… I know you’re in there,” Fluttershy said, hoping Silver Hawk could still hear her, “Please...fight it.”

“Butterfly-tenshi-chan…” Silver Hawk smiled, as he looked to the sort of physical form of Platinum Knight in his subconcious, “...move it faker!”

“Shut it. I’m the one in control.” Platinum Knight stated.

Silver Hawk had none of it and shoved him aside, allowing him to regain control.

“Silver-kun?” Fluttershy asked, “Is...is it really you?”

“Hai...it is,” Silver nodded before Fluttershy pulled him into a hug, surprising the stallion a bit before he returned it, “Tadaima (I’m back)”

“Okaeri (Welcome back),” Fluttershy smiled happily as the two kissed, holding eachother close before they parted from the kiss.

“I missed you, my angel,” Silver smiled softly as he looked into her eyes.

“I missed you too,” Fluttershy smiled back.

“...Come on, let’s go home,” Silver Hawk stated as he let go and was about to head for the door.

“We can’t,” Fluttershy told him, grabbing his hand to make him stop.

“Eh?” Silver blinked as he turned to look at her, “What do you mean?”

“...if Flutterbat gets control again, she’s gonna enslave everypony in Ponyville…” Fluttershy informed, causing Silver’s eyes to widen, “I...I don’t want that to happen, Silver-kun.”

“Shh…” he told her, “Don’t worry, Butterfly-tenshi...that’ll never happen.”

“...I guess we’ll just stay here to make sure we don’t risk it. Sound good?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah...demo, what about everypony else back home? What about Timid? Posey? Your friends?...Our Children?”

“We can go back once we’re sure they won’t escape easily.”

“Ahh…”

The two began to wander around the castle, Fluttershy semi-guiding her coltfriend since she had been there a few times before.

“And over here… it’s where we first used the Elements of Harmony,” Fluttershy informed as they walked into a room with some damaged remains of spheres, “And it’s where me and my friends help change Luna back to normal when she was Nightmare Moon.”

“Soka…” Silver noted, “Has Nightmare Moon ever come to try and get revenge?”

“No…” Fluttershy shook her head, “Demo...at the same time...yes.”

“Eh?”

“You see, a few months later, me and my friends have been having nasty nightmares, and…”

“Wait. Does it involve that Tantibus thing again?”

“No. It...it involved something called the Nightmare Force,” Fluttershy explained, “It...it wanted to finish what Nightmare Moon was trying to do...it even captured Rarity and...turned her into a Nightmare version of herself.”

“I see…”

“We beat her, but Rarity just can’t help but sense something… off about herself. like...once or twice a month, she...feels strange.”

“Strange?” Silver repeated, “Strange how?”

“She’s never elaborated…” Fluttershy informed as they walked along, “I do worry about her, and so does Spike. He’s afraid Rarity will change back into...Nightmare Rarity.”

“Like you and Flutterbat, in a way?” Silver Hawk asked.

“You could say that,” Fluttershy nodded a bit.

The two walked in silence for a bit, their footsteps echoing throughout the empty castle.

Eventually they sat down and just tried to find ways to entertain themselves, but they were unsuccessful.

“Silver-kun…”

“Hai?”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Uh...sure.”

“...I’m bored.”

“...so I am,” he sighed.

“...wanna play a game?”

“Sure,”

“Hmm… truth or dare?” Fluttershy asked as she sat up.

“Hmm...I guess truth?”

“Did you ever think about any other mare romantically?”

“...No,” Silver replied.

“You sure?”

“Positive,” Silver nodded, “Okay...Truth or Dare?”

“...truth,”

“Well… I’ve seen you be a bit chummy with Sunset Shimmer. Do you have a crush on her?”

“...uh…ano...I-I change my mind! dare!”

“Okay. I dare you to answer my question from before.”

“Mou~! no fair!” Fluttershy pouted before blushing a little, “But...h-hai. I...did have a small crush on Sunset when Twilight first introduced her to me and the others.”

“Soka…”

“Okay, your turn,” Fluttershy told him.

“Hmm… truth,”

“If I did contain stronger romantic feelings to Sunset, would you be willing to share me with her?”

“...dare.”

“I dare you to answer that question.”

“...Touche,” Silver chuckled a bit, “..But...I guess so. If it makes you happy, then yeah. I’d be willing to share you with her.”

Fluttershy smiled at him, “Just curious…”

“Alright… truth or dare?”

“Hmm… dare,”

“Alright,” Silver nodded as he pondered for a bit, “...I dare you to sing a lyric from a song in Neighponese,”

“Oh. That’s easy,” Fluttershy smiled, clearing her throat a bit, “Dakara hi hi hi! Shiawase ga, kitto hi hi hi, utai dasu. Kagayaiteru kono kisetsu ni mune ga mune ga ordoru no. Tomaranai dokidoki wa hajimari no aizu. Sarigenaku mitsumetara mimi ga atsuku naru no yo. Hajimete no wakuwaku ni tomadoi no merodi, watashi kara koe kakeru chansu ga hoshikute hōkago no hirusagaru futoshita gūzen ga. Anata to watashi no miria o kaeru? Oshiete nē oshiete! (Because of hi hi hi happiness. Suddenly, “Hi hi hi” I sing out in this sparkling season my heart, my heart dances in my chest. My nonstop pounding heart is the first sign, when I casually stare (at you) my ears start burning. When the excitement starts, the melody of my heart causes me to lose my bearings I want the chance to risk talking to you, out and about after school unexpectedly I got the chance. Could this change our future? Tell me! Hey, come on and tell me!)”

“...Sugei…” Silver awed as he slowly began to clap, “That...that was sugei, Butterfly-chan!”

“Arigato,” she giggled.

“Though… something about that song makes me think of Pinkie for whatever reason,” Silver admitted, “...I’ll ponder that later. Let’s resume.”

“Hai. Truth or Dare?”

“Truth.”

“Hmm…” Fluttershy pondered for a second, “...If you were a mare, what would your name be?”

If Silver had been drinking anything, he would’ve spittaked at the question. If he had been eating anything, he would have choked on it, “Where did that come from?!”

“...just the best I could think of.”

“Oh...alright then,“ Silver noted as he pondered for a moment, “Well...I guess Grey Robin.”

“Cool,” Fluttershy giggled.

“Alright, your turn. Truth or dare?”

“Hmm… dare,”

“Okay. I dare you...to…” Silver paused, thinking of a dare, “To tell me what kind of powers you would have if you were a magical girl.”

“Hmm? Interesting…” Fluttershy noted, “Hmm...well, I guess I would have the power over nature and the wind,”

“Pretty sounding,” Silver Hawk smiled.

“Alright, your turn.”

“...I’ll take truth this time,”

“Would you like anymore foals?” Fluttershy asked quickly.

“Huh?”

“Ano..” Fluttershy paused, messing with a lock of her hair as she blushed, “W...would you like anymore foals?”

“Yea I would,” he smiled, “I would honestly like a bit of a big family.”

“...Do...do you really mean that?”

“Hai,” he nodded.

Fluttershy smiled, pulling him into a hug as she planted a small kiss on his cheek. She let him go and then sat down.

“Okay, truth or dare?” Silver asked.

“Dare,”

“I dare you to imitate at least one of the princesses that are here in Equestria.”

“Oh...ano...hmm…” Fluttershy pondered for a sec, trying to figure out which princess to imitate before it hit her, “I will raise the beautiful sun for all of you, my subjects.”

“...Celestia?”

Fluttershy nodded.

“Just checking,”

“Okay your turn. Truth or dare?”

“...truth,”

Fluttershy thought about a question to ask, before she recalled something she had been wanting to ask him.

“...what do you actually think of dominatrixes?” Fluttershy inquired.

“...Uh….” Silver droned on for a sec, blushing a bit, “...Ano…”

“W...well?”

“..Th...they’re alright...I guess?”

“...Silver…” Fluttershy said a bit sternly, “I know you. You’re not being truthful,”

“...Okay. I...have a bit of a thing for them...as long as they don’t bring out stuff like whips or wax candles.”

“Fair enough,” Fluttershy nodded.

“Why did you ask me that?”

“Just what Posey said about you liking a character like that from one of your mangas stuck out in my mind is all.”

“Oh...ahem, moving on. Truth or Dare.”

“Hmm...truth.”

“...Do...you like others listening to you?”

Fluttershy blushed, “..Ano...well..h-hai.”

“Alright, so-”

“...it runs deeper than that,” Fluttershy sighed.

“...What do you mean?” Silver asked out of curiousity.

“...I… I have this… uh… well… ano… well…” Fluttershy paused as she poked her two index fingers together, “...well… desire to… uh… have others… l-l-l-listen to me…”

Silver blinked a bit at this.

“And… obey me,” Fluttershy finished, “...D...does that make me a bad pony?”

“No, From the way you said it...it kinda makes it sound like you want to be a dominatrix or something.”

“...”

“...G...gomen. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“...I have… occasionally dreamed of myself being pampered and the like, and I was… dressed like that,” Fluttershy stated nervously, blushing heavily.

“...We both have some strange desires,” Silver Hawk admitted.

“H...hai,” Fluttershy nodded, “...L..let’s move on, or..or try and think of something else to do.”

“...I actually have something to tell you,” Silver Hawk sighed, “...Well…Uh…”

“...Well what?”

“I… have my own desires that are… odd. For one; I...have…” Silver paused before muttering the rest.

“...eh?”

“I...have a f...f...”

“...A what?”

“A...bit of a leg fetish…” Silver admitted with a heavy blush, “And… a foot fetish…”

“...really?” Fluttershy blinked.

“....You work in an onsen for a while and tend to those parts so much, you..start to develop a certain fetish for certain body parts,” Silver admitted.

All Fluttershy did was nod at this.

“And… I also have… a uh… desire to…follow somepony’s orders and stuff.”

“Eh? You mean like a knight or a ninja?”

“...S...something like that,” Silver nodded.

Silence soon filled the room as Fluttershy looked at her blushing coltfriend, the shy mare blushing a bit as well as she tried to figure out what to say.

“...Silver-kun?” Fluttershy began, getting his attention.

“Yea?” he asked, “What is it, Butterfly-chan?”

“...I think I have an idea to satisfy both of our desires,” Fluttershy informed as she walked over to him.

“Eh?” Silver blinked at that.

“Maybe… we could actually have a time where… we act like mistress and her servant,” Fluttershy suggested, “Y...you know, a...a rare once a month or year kind of thing.”

“...Twice or three times a month and… you dress like a dominatrix for one of those times.”

“D...deal,” Fluttershy smiled nervously.

“Alright then,” Silver nodded, "...quick question. Why...did you ask that those two questions earlier? The one about your friend Sunset Shimmer, and the other about me being a mare?”

“Just curiosity’s sake.”

“...Ok…”

“Now… bow,” Fluttershy told him.

“...huh?”

“Bow…” Fluttershy repeated, “Your Mistress wants you to bow,”

“...Oh! Of...of course, mistress,” Silver nodded as he got up and bowed before her.

“Thank you,” Fluttershy smiled, getting a smile on her face.

“Anything else I can do for you, mistress?”

Fluttershy thought for a moment before an idea hit her and she proceeded to pull off the nylons on her legs and feet, “You said you had a leg and foot fetish, right?”

“Y...yes I did.”

Fluttershy sat down and motioned for Silver Hawk to come over, “...show me what your time in that onsen taught you. Your Mistress wants her legs and feet massaged.”

“Of course, miistriss,” Silver nodded, walking over to the pinkette before kneeling down to her legs and began to massage them gently.

“Ooh~” Fluttershy moaned a bit at this, feeling a small wave of relief and pleasure shoot through her body as she felt her legs being massaged, “Oh...oh my. Th...this feels so good.”

“Thank you,” Silver Hawk smiled, “I try my best, mistress.”

“I can tell,” Fluttershy said between a moan, “...Keep going.”

“...I hear and I obey, mistress,” Silver Hawk responded as he continued massaging the shy pegasus’ legs, admiring how long they were and how soft they felt in the palm of his hands. It was very nice to both parties.

“...Now my feet. They want the attention now,” Fluttershy instructed.

“Of course,” Silver nodded as his hands moved down from her legs and onto her feet.

“Oh my...yes. So...so good~” Fluttershy moaned softly, feeling another wave of pleasure shoot through her body.

“Glad you’re enjoying this… because so am I,” Silver Hawk admitted, “Anything else I can do for you, mistress?”

“Keep it up… just keep it up…” Fluttershy begged, the pinkette trying her best to not pounce and take him right there and then.

“Hai,” Silver nodded as he continued, rubbing his thumbs against the soles of her feet. While he was massaging them, he began to pick up on a sweet scent… it was almost like honey… Silver Hawk smiled at this.

“...this is so relaxing,” Fluttershy smiled happily.

Silver Hawk took a quick sniff of Fluttershy’s right foot and indeed the scent was coming from there. He couldn’t quite place what it was…until he saw a small trail of something trailing down his marefriend’s leg.

“...Butterfly-chan, are y-woah!” Silver yelped when the shy mare jumped him.

“Twil… do you think we really should’ve done that last night? I mean… I know I want to try and get a biological child, but… do you think we could’ve waited until after we found Fluttershy?” Dash whispered as she and Twilight walked through the Everfree Forest.

“Not really. Our parents said we would still be in trouble, and if they found out we were in the same room together when you should’ve been in your room, then who knows what kind of reaction they’ll have.” Twilight sighed, “...You okay? You feeling… funny at all?”

“...just a big hungrier s’all,” Rainbow admitted, “Do we have any pickles and ice cream back at your place?”

“Pickles and ice cream? We’re trying to hide this, Rainbow. eating stuff like that together just screams ‘oh hey, I have a foal,’” Twilight stated.

“...I’m sorry,” Dash sighed, “Just...haven’t eaten since this morning, and I can really use a bite right now.”

“...Let’s just focus on finding Fluttershy,” Twilight sighed.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? We do still need to find that cure, what’s going to happen to her when we don’t have it going to accomplish?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get to work on a cure straight away when we find her,” Twilight assured her.

“...alright,” Dash sighed nervously before her ear twitched a bit, “...Do you hear that?”

“Huh? Hear what?”

“Listen…” Dash told her as they listened closely.

“...It sounds like some grunts, moans, and groans,” Twilight noted..

“It could be Fluttershy, come on!” Dash told her, about to take to the air when Twilight quickly grabbed her with her magic.

“You know you’re not supposed to be flying,” Twilight frowned, “You’re carrying, remember?”

“...Fine,” Rainbow sighed as they began to run.

They ran for about a half an hour now before they came across the Castle of the Two Sisters, the noise they heard before echoing through it.

“...I’ll check inside,” Rainbow said before Twilight held her hand out in front of her.

“I’ll check inside,” the Alicorn stated in a stern tone.

“But-”

“You. Are. Expecting!”

“Okay okay...I’ll stay out here,” Rainbow sighed in defeat.

“Good,” Twilight nodded as she walked in.

“Fluttershy! Silver Hawk!” Twilight called out as she walked down the halls of the castle, “Where are you?! It’s me, Twilight!”

She heard the sounds come to a halt, causing the Alicorn to stop.

“...The noise stopped…” Twilight whispered to herself, looking around the hall before stopping in front of a door. She put her ear against the door, hearing faint panting coming from the other side.

“That was good,” she heard Fluttershy’s voice say, but due to how thick the door was, it was hard to tell if it was Fluttershy or Flutterbat.

“H...h...hai…” she heard Silver’s voice pant heavily.

Twilight blinked a bit, not sure of what they meant by that. She slowly opened the door a bit to peek inside...and immediately closed it again, the Alicorn’s face blushing brightly at what she just saw.

“Guess I know how Sunset and Sonata felt when they walked in on me and Rainbow dash,” Twilight admitted to herself.

“You’re so good at this,” Fluttershy smiled.

“...wait, was that them or the bat ponies?” Twilight asked herself. She took another quick peek in to make sure, the Alicorn giving a sigh of relief when she saw they had pegasus wings instead of batwings, “Good...they’re not bat ponies...wait. How’d they change back to normal?”

“Silver-kun… I love you…” Fluttershy smiled, “And you are such a good slave…”

Twilight slightly peeked in and saw Fluttershy was changing back into Flutterbat a bit.

“I’m glad you think so, my mistress,” Silver nodded, not noticing Fluttershy changing.

“Indeed~” Flutterbat smirked as Fluttershy’s wings changed to bat form, “Bow before your mistress, my slave~”

“G...gomen but..I don’t th-” Silver began before wincing a bit from the grip Flutterbat was giving him, “Ite...Butterfly-chan, that really hurts."

“Bow. Now,” Flutterbat frowned.

“Seriously, this isn’t f-” Silver began before he finally noticed teh changes, “...oh...crap.”

“Bow to your mistress. I don’t care if you’re tired, slave, so bow before your mistress,” Flutterbat ordered.

Silver Hawk was about to say something, but Platinum Knight was able to gain control of him.

“I apologize Mistress,” Platinum knight said as he got up, “My...other half somehow got the better of me.”

“I am waiting for you to bow…”

“Of course,” Platinum Knight nodded as he bowed before her.

“Well… crud…” Twilight muttered.

After a while, both Flutterbat and Platnium Knight were dressed and Twilight was now waiting for an opening, the Alicorn hiding in the shadows to make sure the two wouldn’t see her.

“...Man, this is boring,” Twilight sighed as she waited, “...Might as well start doing something practical.”

With that, Twilight began to think about names for the foal Dash would eventually give birth to, and one name seemed to pop up...Midnight Glow.

The mare simply sighed and then began to try and picture what their child would look like. She read a rumor that if two mares could get a foal, it would be female no matter what due to the lack of a male chromosome.

She was snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Flutterbat say something very clearly…

“A little batty told me we have an intruder… it’s the alicorn from a while ago. She’s very foolish to try coming here with her wings still injured…”

‘Oh no...she already found me,’ Twilight mentally paled.

“It’s like she’s begging to become a slave… “ Flutterbat chuckled, “Oh how foolish of her.”

“Shall I go find her, Mistress?” Platinum Knight asked.

“No. We need her to come to us,”

“...I don’t understand.”

“Just stay here… I have something to attend to,” Flutterbat informed as she left.

Dash was simply staring at the clouds, bored out of her mind. She wanted to go and help Twilight find Fluttershy, but in the condition she’s in, she’s been put on hold from any action whatsoever. Also what frustrates her most is that she can’t fly. Well… she does remember reading pegasi can fly, but they need to be slow…really slow. Maybe they should’ve waited until they actually rescued Fluttershy… but, too late now.

“...Come on, Twil. Where are you?!” Rainbow groaned before her eyes were suddenly covered up, "?!"

“Onee-chan…”

“...Fluttershy?”

“Hi, Onee-chan,” Fluttershy smiled as Dash got up and hugged her tightly.

“Fluttershy! You’re alright!” Rainbow smiled brightly before frowning, “Do you have any idea how worried I was?! I-”

“There’s no time. Twilight’s in danger!”

“...What?”

“Silver-kun hasn’t changed back yet and-” Fluttershy began before Dash grabbed her arm and began to run into the castle.

“Where are they?!”

“Oh trust me…” Fluttershy smiled, which then turned into a grin as she made Rainbow stop, “You’ll be seeing them soon enough…”

“Huh? Wh-” Rainbow began before Flutterbat hit her in the back of the neck, knocking her out.

Twilight was waiting nervously for something… anything at all to happen. She tried her best to stay calm, but with all the tension of waiting for something to happen, she felt like her heart was in her throat.

“...Maybe I should go,” Twilight whispered, “We need that cure… ugh… if only I knew Neighponese well enough to translate that book…”

“So… what’s happening with you?” Platinum Knight asked something. A bat’s screech came in response, “...That’s nice. How about you?”

“They… can talk with bats? Well… I supposed Flutterbat did command them earlier… makes sense,” Twilight shrugged.

“Oh, congrats on the family. Give my regards to your mate.”

Twilight sighed a bit as she looked for something… anything to try and entertain herself. She sat down, while remaining hidden, and just rested her head against the wall. Suddenly, the wall opened up and Twilight fell in.

“...Fluttershy… what happened?” Dash asked as attempted to rub her neck, “Did a rock hit me in the head or something?”

“Sorry, but I had to knock you out for my plan.”

“Plan?..wait…” Dash blinked in realization as she looked up to see Flutterbat, “...you.”

“Hello there,” Flutterbat waved.

“You tricked me… you little-” Dash began as she attempted to run over, but couldn’t, “What the?”

“Don’t bother. I made sure to tie you up in case you tried to pummel me,” Flutterbat stated before smirking, “But I know you wouldn’t want to hurt your precious baby sister.”

“What do you want with me? And don’t even bother trying to turn me into your slave or anything! I-”

“I’m not,” Flutterbat informed.

“...you’re not?” Dash blinked.

“You’re not?” Platinum Knight asked, as did the bats with a screech.

“I’m not. Frankly, I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Your sister told me after I knocked you out, if I dare try and hurt you… she’s taking her own life to take me down with the ship. And quite frankly, that’s a HUGE roadblock in my plan”

“So… what do you want from me?”

“You’re my leverage to get to Princess Twilight.”

“...What do you want with Twilight?” Rainbow demanded with a frowned.

“You’ll see…” Flutterbat informed, when she turned to a mirror, seeing a frowning Fluttershy in it, “See? She’s not hurt.”

“Good. I want you to keep it that way,” Fluttershy stated, glaring at Flutterbat.

“Hai, hai, hai,” Flutterbat groaned.

“...What do you have planned for Twilight?”

“Tch...like I’m gonna tell you.”

“I’m warning you… hurt her, you’ll regret it,” Fluttershy told her.

“I get it, I get it. I hurt your friend, you hurt me. Jeez you’re like a parrot, repeating and squawking everything,” Flutterbat rolled her eyes.

“...who is she talking to?” Dash inquired nopony inparticular.

“None of your business, tomboy,” Platinum Knight told her, holding his sword up to Dash.

“Back off slave,” Flutterbat ordered, “We don’t want to injure our bargaining chip,”

“...Apologies, my mistress,” Platinum Knight nodded as he sheathed his sword.

Twilight tumbled out into what looked like a kitchen, her mane a complete mess with some dust and spider webs stuck in it.

“Blech… ah… where am I?” the alicorn asked herself as she tried to move the cobwebs away, “Is this...a kitchen?”

She looked around and saw some old tables and chairs, with Luna and Celestia’s Cutie Marks on them. The room looked mostly undamaged and untouched by time, there still was food and it looked years old.

“...wow,” Twilight whispered as she looked around, “This place… is beautiful.”

Twilight looked around at the place, it looked like something out of an old painting. She then stopped when she noticed a picture of a much younger Celestia and Luna, both of them missing their Cutie Marks and having non-ethereal manes and tails. She looked at it in awe and remembered something she read from the journal the two kept. They purposefully built the castle near the Tree of Harmony and had been awaiting the day a pony with a six-pointed star Cutie Mark was born…

“...I know their parents knew that I would be important to the future of Equina… but still… Celestia and Luna waited all that time for me?” Twilight asked herself.

The silence soon broke when she heard footsteps, surprising her a bit as she quickly looked for a place to hide, but she was able to cast an invisibility spell, causing herself and her shadow to vanish.

Eventually, the door opened up, revealing Flutterbat, who was looking inside real quick.

“Hmm… I thought I heard a door or something,” Flutterbat admitted as she closed the door and left.

“So…quick question, s...uh…”

“Platinum Knight.”

“What do you actually do for Fluttersh...er…I mean Flutterbat?”

“I protect my mistress, even if it means I die.”

Dash just nodded a bit as she looked around the walls a bit, “Anything else?”

“I follow my mistress’ every order.”

The rainbowette just nodded as Flutterbat rentered.

“It was nothing,” Flutterbat informed as she turned to Rainbow, “So...how’re you enjoying your stay?”

“Bored out of my mind,” Rainbow deadpanned.

Flutterbat looked around and then let out a sigh, “Leave us. I wish to speak with her… alone.”

“Hai, my mistress,” Platinum Knight nodded as he left the room along with all of the bats.

“...What do you want to talk about?” Dash asked.

“First off… know that I hold respect for you because of how loyal you are. I admire loyalty…” Flutterbat stated, “It’s too bad I can’t make you a bat pony as well. You would’ve made a great servant.”

Dash simply nodded a bit.

“Though if you willingly gave yourself to my command, that would be a different story… but moving on. Second off, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because your baby sister would not shut up about you. ‘Oh Onee-chan is going to rescue me’, ‘Oh, Onee-chan is going to stop you’, ‘Oh, Onee-chan is gonna protect me from you’, so on and so on...ugh. It’s really annoying!”

“...She really holds that much confidence in me?” Dash smiled.

“Even if you are the worst Onee-chan there is.” Flutterbat stated as she sat down.

“...Excuse me?” Rainbow frowned.

“Think about it. Does she really deserve to call you her ‘Onee-chan’? I’ve looked into her own memories, and from what I can tell, you’re a pretty bad sister.”

“Shut up! I’m a great sister!”

“If so, then where were you when she was being treated like a doormat and tried to be more assertive? Hmm?”

“I...well…”

“Oh, let’s not forget when you tried to force her to watch the dragon migration together, attempted to trade her into servitude for a book, and how you pressured her to using her ‘stare’ to keep those fruitbats in place long enough. Oh, and here’s my personal favorite...how about when you dragged her along to face that dragon hiding in the mountains when you knew she was afraid of them?”

Dash was silent as this, the cyan pegasus’ mane shadowing her eyes as she looked down.

“See? You’re a terrible Onee-chan.”

“If you have all of her memories… try looking to some of the good. All the times I’ve comforted her when she was sad...all the times I cheered her up, and all the times we’ve spent together growing up. The times I’ve defender her from bullies…”

“And how you accidentally knocked her off the side of Cloudsdale during that race,” Flutterbat retorted.

“Which if it weren’t for me, she wouldn‘t have gotten her Cutie Mark,” Rainbow Dash countered, “Oh, and don’t forget when we were making the tornado to get the water up the Cloudsdale. I slowed down and encouraged her however I could.”

“...Then how about all those times she’s spent alone during Hearts and Hooves day, how she never got a single card from anypony?”

“I s-”

“In a near romantic way.”

“...”

“I see you have nothing,” Flutterbat smirked, “Face it. You’re nothing but a terrible big sister. In fact...you poorly represent the Element you’ve been given.”

Dash was silent as she was trying hard not to let Flutterbat see her expression or her body language indicate how she felt.

“And then there’s one other thing… where were you when she died?” Flutterbat inquired.

“...”

“Exactly. You were nowhere when that Aki bitch shot her.”

Dash had nothing to say as Flutterbat got up and got ready to leave, unaware the rainbowette had begun to cry.

“Hmm? Are you...crying?”

“Shut up…” Dash whispered, tears dripping down her face as she shook..

“Tch...and here I thought you were the tough one,” Flutterbat scoffed as she began to walk away.

“How. Dare. You…” Fluttershy growled.

“You didn’t say I could hurt her mentally. Besides, I was telling the truth,” Flutterbat stated, “She really is a bad ‘onee-chan’. In fact, why she was chosen as the Element of Loyalty is beyond me.”

“I...you… you are… going to pay…” Fluttershy growled.

“Heh. And how may I ask are you gonna do that while you’re stuck in my head?”

Suddenly, Flutterbat began to move beyond her control near to a window that lead down to the ground.

“...You make a point.”

“Hai. If you ever talk to my Onee-chan, or any of my friends that way again, I won’t hesitate to kill myself, taking you with me. Get it?”

“Hai hai...I get it. You don’t have to keep reminding me,” Flutterbat groaned.

“Now then… apologize.”

“No way. Even if it was mean, you have to admit I’m at least right…”

Fluttershy was silent after hearing that.

“See? You know I’m right.”

“She’s still my Onee-chan. No matter what happens, no matter what kind of things keeps us apart, she will always be my onee-chan...my best friend.”

“Why do you think of her like that?”

“You can see my memories. It’s there.”

Flutterbat sighed and looked into Fluttershy’s memory…

Memory Manipulation

Flutterbat saw Cloudsdale as she walked through the streets, the bat pony phasing through various pegasi walking and flying by.

“This is so boring…” Flutterbat groaned as she walked around before she saw a much younger looking Butterfly, the young girl nervously looking around. She had a yellow sweater on, a green skirt, and a pair of soft brown sandals..

“Go back home, you Neigha-baka!” a flight school pony told her.

“...racist jerk,” Flutterbat scoffed.

Butterfly began to tear up, the pinkette hugging herself as she began to shake. The flight school pony took some rotten tomatoes and tossed it at her, the shy filly whimpering as she ran from the barrage of rotten fruit.

“He shoved me off of a cloud one time… the others at school taunted me ‘Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Fluttershy can’t hardly fly’,” Fluttershy commented as she approached Flutterbat.

“Oh joy…it’s the broken record,” Flutterbat groaned as she rolled her eyes, “What’re you doing here?”

“It’s my mind,” Fluttershy reminded, “I’m allowed to walk around my own memories and dreams you know.”

Butterfly soon arrived at her house and knocked on the door. She waited for a few minutes and then out came an elderly pegasus mare who had her hair in an odango style, had a pale yellow coat, with a faded brown mane and tail, and a photo album for a Cutie Mark.

“O...obaa-san,” the young filly sniffled as she reached to be picked up. Her grandmother smiled and complied with her request, “Th...those other ponies called me names.”

“Don’t worry about it dear,” the elder pegasus smiled softly as she held the young filly, petting her mane, “Now… let’s go in and take your mind off of it.”

“Hai,” Butterfly nodded.

They entered the house, which was mainly cloud made, the inside having a bit of a Neighponese feel to it with several pictures of Butterfly’s mom, dad, Posey, and some other relatives on the wall.

Butterfly looked to the picture of her and her mom and dad when she was a newborn foal, the mare having a soft pink mane and green fur while the stallion had a black mane and soft golden-yellow fur.

“...I miss you… Okaa-san, Otou-san…” she sighed.

“Your dad was one of the best flyers in Neighpon. And yet… you struggle with flying,” Flutterbat noted.

“Please be quiet,” Fluttershy sighed, “I want to reminence this.”

“Butterfly…” her grandmother sighed, looking for something for the young filly to do when she noticed something and proceeded to pick it up before handing it to Butterfly.

“...what’s this?” Butterfly asked.

“It’s some sewing material. Maybe you can have it a hobby,” Butterfly’s grandmother suggested.

“H...hobby?”

“Something you do in your free time.”

“So… that’s how you know so much about sewing?” Flutterbat asked.

“That’s right,” Fluttershy nodded.

“...It’s still a bit freaky you know so much…” Flutterbat deadpanned, “And sewing? Seriously?”

Fluttershy just rolled her eyes at this, ”You just don’t see the true skill in it.”

Flutterbat rolled her eyes at this as they continued to observe. Butterfly was clumsily trying to sew something, and failed everytime. She ended up pricking herself with the needle and began to sob like a baby as she ran to her grandmother.

“Of course, I wasn’t as good as I always was,” Fluttershy commented, “If I didn’t have my Obaa-san’s help, then I wouldn’t be very good at sewing.”

“Wasn’t her talent in scrapbooking?” Flutterbat inquired.

“Yea,” Fluttershy nodded.

“I’m failing to see how your ‘Onee-chan’ is connected to this… at all,” Flutterbat informed.

“We’re getting there. Have a bit of patience,” Fluttershy informed.

“Oh brother…”

“Obaa-chan… I don’t wanna go outside. The ponies here are all meanies…” Butterfly whimpered as she attempted to cling onto something as her grandmother was attempting to drag her outside.

“Now dear, not all ponies behave that way,” her grandmother explained, “I’m sure you’ll find somepony willing to be your friend.”

“D...demo…”

“No ‘demos’ dear. You need to go outside… this isn’t healthy just staying inside all day.”

“...Mou...I...I...I guess I can try…”

“There we go,” her grandmother smiled softly as she gently let go of the filly. They both slowly walked out, but Butterfly hid her face underneath a sun hat she had and the shy filly was clinging onto her grandmother.

The two eventually reached a park and Butterfly made no effort to move away from her grandmother.

“...you know, she does seem sweet,” Flutterbat admitted, making Fluttershy look at her in surprise, “I’m still a part of you, and you bare the Element of Kindness…”

“True,” Fluttershy nodded before she noticed something, “Oh shh. quite. She’s here.”

“Huh? Wh-?”

A ball of sorts rolled up to Butterfly, the shy filly flinching a bit before it stopped. After a few seconds, she slowly opened her eyes to see the ball being held by somepony, the shy filly slowly looking to see a cyan pegasus filly with… Butterfly had to blink twice to make sure she wasn’t seeing things, but the filly in front of her had a messy rainbow colored mane. She then noticed that the filly was wearing a blue sleeveless hoodie, black shorts and had rainbow colored velcro shoes.

“Hey there. Sorry if my ball scared you,” the cyan filly apologized with a sheepish smile, “I was kinda practicing to play soccer, and I accidently kicked it over here.”

Butterfly just nodded nervously, the shy filly trying to hid her face behind her hair and sunhat.

“...Hey uh...are you ok?” the cyan filly asked as she tried to look at Butterfly’s face, “I didn’t hurt you or anything, did I?”

“...no,” Butterfly responded, a bit high pitched.

“Oh good. I was afraid I ended up hurting somepony again,” the filly sighed a bit in relief, “But...why’re you trying to hide your face from me?” she then gave a small frown, “Is somepony bullying you?”

Before Butterfly could respond, she saw some shadows slowly showing up.

“Hey look guys, it’s Rainbow Crash!” one of the pegasus colts approaching the two laughed, “And look, she’s with that Neigha-baka!”

“Hehheh...Neigha-baka,” the dark brownish colt laughed in a near dumb manner.

“...need what now?” the filly blinked in confusion.

Butterfly just tried to curl up into a ball and use her hat to cover herself up.

“Well lookie here! The Neigha-baka doubles as a ball!” the first colt laughed before smirking, “Why don’t we see how far she can go?”

Butterfly’s eye’s widen a bit behind her hair, a look of fear on her face as she quickly got up and began to run as best she could.

“Uh hey, the ball’s getting away,” the other colt called out.

“I see that, moron! After her!”

“Hey, wh-” the cyan filly began before the two colts chased after Butterfly.

Butterfly ran for a bit, but wasn’t able to go very far.

“You do know you can fly, right?” Flutterbat asked.

“Wait for it…” Fluttershy stated.

“...wait, what am I doing?” Butterfly asked herself as she attempted to begin flying, but was failing as she only hovered a few feet off the cloud covered ground, “Mou...come on wings. Move…”

She landed and was short on breath from the attempt, sweat dripping off her face before she tried again. The pinkette was hardly able to get off the ground, but soon felt something was off...the ground was missing. She slowly looked down to see nothing but clouds and sky below her, the shy filly screaming a bit as she tried to fly back to the cloud she was on, but was only able to reach the edge.

“Lookie lookie,” somepony said as they looked to Butterfly, “A Neighponese pony.”

“...taskute…” Butterfly begged.

“Does that mean ‘Let you fall’?” another pony asked.

“N...No.”

“‘No?’ Does that mean ‘go ahead?’”

A pony then kicked out a tuft of cloud and the small puff was not enough to support her.

“You know that’s not gonna support h-and there she goes.”

“Kya!!!” Butterfly screamed as she fell, the shy filly trying to flap her wings. She tried frantically to gain any sort of momentum with her wing flaps, but was failing miserably.

“HOLD ON!”

“H-huh?!” Butterfly gasped a bit as she looked up to see a familiar tuft of rainbow colored hair flying towards her. Her rescuer zoomed over and managed to grab a hold of Butterfly’s waist, causing her descent to slow down a little. They landed on a cloud and Butterfly was hyperventilating, the filly scared out of her mind right now.

“Ohmyohmyohmyohmyohmyohmyohmyohmy!” the shy filly repeated quickly.

“Phew… you alright?” the cyan filly asked, only to get more ‘ohmy’ in quick response, “...And me without a paper bag for her to breath in.” She thought for a moment and was able to make up a bag out of clouds, “Here. Try and breath into th-”

Butterfly took the handmade ‘bag’ and began to breathe into it, as it stayed in shape surprisingly. After a minute or so of breathing into the bag, Butterfly began to calm down.

“...you okay?” the filly asked as she sat down beside her.

“...Y...y...yes,” Butterfly nodded.

“Cool. Don’t worry, I’ll help you get back to your grandmother,” Dash informed as she helped her up.

“...Ano..a...a..”

“Hmm? You say someth-?” Dash began before she was suddenly hugged by the pinkette, “?!”

“A...arigatou…”

“...no prob,” Rainbow Dash smiled softly as she returned the hug.

“...B...butterfly.”

“huh?” Dash blinekd a bti as she released the hug and looked at the pinkette.

“M..my name.”

“...it’s pretty,” Dash smiled, “Why are you named that?”

“...It...it’s the name I was born with,” Butterfly replied.

“I’ve heard people call you ‘Fluttershy,’” Rainbow dash pointed out, “So which is it, Fluttershy? Or Butterfly?”

“It..it’s Butterfly. Fluttershy is...well, the name I recieved when i moved here to Equestria,” Butterfly explained.

“You are a total coward you know. You should’ve fought back against those bullies. They were lucky I didn’t exist at the time, otherwise I’d scar them for life,” Flutterbat stated with a slight scoff, “In fact… I can alter your memories if I want to. Let’s run this scenario and see what would happen if you stood up for yourself…”

“You wouldn’t DARE!” Fluttershy growled.

“Oh I can. This is my body now, which means everything that comes with it, including your memories...belongs to me.”

Suddenly, the memory returned to when Butterfly was trying to ignore the two bullies.

“Well lookie here! The Neigha-baka doubles as a ball!” the first colt laughed before smirking, “Why don’t we see how far she can go?”

“Oh? You mean like how long it takes for you two bakas to think?”

“What th-?!”

Butterfly stood up, her eyes being red as she stood up and glared at the two, a small, mischievous smirk on her face.

“...Why’s she looking at us like that?” one of the bullies gulped.

Butterfly said nothing as she shoved the bullies to the ground, surprising the two.

“How about we play a game?”

“G...game?”

“yes...like tag. 5…”

“Huh? 5?”

“4…’

“...oh dang.”

“3…”

“Hey look, we’re sorry! We…”

“2…”

“Now now. I’m sure we ca-”

“1…”

“Oh crud!” the first bully yelped as he and his friend ran for it.

Butterfly ran after them at a very quick pace, the pinkette beginning to laugh a bit in a near insane manner.

“This isn’t what happened? ...is it? I… can’t remember…” Fluttershy muttered.

Flutterbat smirked as she realized if she altered the memories, Fluttershy’s actual memories would be locked up and lost, possibly forever.

“Let’s see what else we can alter?”

“P...please...no…”

“Why? I’m just gonna alter some of the bad ones,” Flutterbat stated as she searched through Fluttershy’s memories, “Hmm...oh I know. Let’s see if we can alter the one where you started becoming assertive..in a rather scary way I might add.”

“What happened to nice Fluttershy? We want that Fluttershy back,” Rarity told her.

“You want weak Fluttershy back! You want...want…” the Fluttershy in the flashback stated before her eyes gained the red look, “...You want that doormat back. I’m sorry, but pushover Fluttershy is never coming back! New Fluttershy is here to stay! Don’t like it, then start getting used to it!”

“What did that meanie monster do to our kind, sweet and caring friend?” Pinkie asked.

Flashback Fluttershy noticed a puddle nearby the two and then landed right in it, soaking Pinkie and Rarity and ruining their clothes.

“Fluttershy! That was uncalled for!” Rarity snapped, “Look what you did to our clothes! I just had mine washed this morning!”

“Be quiet Whinity!”

“What??” Rarity gasped.

“You whine a lot! You whine about every single thing! Like ‘Oh no! My poor mane is ruined!’ Or ‘Ahh! MY dress is ruined!’ News flash, marshmallow, clothes and manes get dirty and messed up all the time!”

“Hey! Leave Rarity alone!” Pinkie shouted.

“You really need to learn that you should stop talking, Stupid Pie, your voice is really annoying!”

“Wh…”

“Also, ever hear of personal space?! You’re always getting upclose and personal with everypony! It’s so annoying!”

“Hey!”

“Stop it! Stop!” Fluttershy shouted as she swatted the memories away, “...did I really say those mean things? Did I really insult my best friends?!”

“Ignoring you. Changing more memories,” Flutterbat stated, “Hmm...oh I know. How about when your ‘sister’ traded you for some stupid book?”

“So, do we have a deal?” the pony asked, handing Dash the book.

“Yeah yeah! We have a d-” Rainbow began before Fluttershy suddenly snatched the book from her, “Hey! What the heck, Fluttershy?! I was-”

“About to trade my freedom away for some stupid book!” Flashback Fluttershy snapped as she set the book down, “No thank you! Either you can train the orthos yourself, or we take our trading business elsewhere!”

“Wh...I...b…”

“But...what?” Flashback Fluttershy frowned as she gave the vendor a stern look.

“...Nothing. Just...take the book.”

“And you!” flashback Fluttershy began as she looked over at Rainbow, “You’re the worst friend ever! Element of Loyalty my right flank! I mean, who trades their friends’ freedom away for some stupid book?! You that’s who!”

“But...I...wh…”

“Plus, did it ever occur to you that Twilight MIGHT have the book you’ve almost TRADED me for!?”

Fluttershy looked in horror at these images, “D...did I… really shout these things at my Onee-chan? Am...am I really this nasty?”

“One more should do…” Flutterbat muttered to herself as she came across one certain memory, “Oh? Remember the time your ‘friends’ dragged you along to take on that dragon?”

“No… please no…”

“Why not? Weren’t you angry at them for dragging you along to fight that dragon, not knowing you were scared of dragons?”

“You’re scared of dragons?” Dash asked.

“But you’re not scared of Spike, and he’s a dragon,” Pinkie pointed out.

“...Yes. But that’s because he’s not a giant, razor sharp toothed, sharp clawed. pony eating dragon!” flashback Fluttershy responded, before her eyes turned red, “...did none of you bother to take a hint?”

“Well… no. Just...you never brought it up b-” Twilight began.

“Baka!” Fluttershy snapped, “You’re all complete bakas, which means idiot! And that’s what you all are!”

“...you’re being kind of mean,” Pinkie informed.

“Well there’s a point where you can push somepony so far! And this takes the cake! Flashback Fluttershy snapped before a low growl was heard from the cave, “SHUT UP!”

A whimper was heard from the cave before it went silent.

“...why would any of them put up with me?” Fluttershy cried as her eyes were now slowly fading to red, herself and Flutterbat now in some sort of different area of Fluttershy’s subconscious “Why...why would i have been chosen as the Element of Kindness when I’m actually mean?”

“That doesn’t matter…” Flutterbat smirked, “What does matter is what you wanna do now…”

Fluttershy didn’t see Flutterbat reach out to stick a new chain into Fluttershy’s memories, it quickly set in and Fluttershy’s eyes changed to crimson.

“Why… would I give into my desires?” the shy pinkette whispered, “Am I...really that weak?”

“Yes you are. You kept your desires bottled up for so long, they've just came bursting out onto your boyfriend… and he loved it. He is your slave...now and forever~”

“How can he even love me? ...and how do you know me so well?” Fluttershy asked, her own memories of who Flutterbat was having been removed.

“In a way… I’m a manifestation of what you desire to be. In short...I am you.”

“...”

“You want to have others place you at the center of their attention, to have you be their whole world. You want to be pampered like the animals you care for, to have your every need fulfilled,” Flutterbat explained as she circled around Fluttershy, who was taking in her words like a sponge, “You want ponies to be your slaves, to have them follow your every word~”

“My….every...word…” Fluttershy whispered, “That… sounds… nice…”

“Good...what else do you want?” Flutterbat asked as she stood behind Fluttershy, whispering into her ear as she gripped her shoulders.

“I… I want…” she began, “I...want…”

“Yes?”

“...I want others to allow me to dominate over them...to have them worship me like a goddess~” Fluttershy purred, a smirk forming on her face.

“Good… and?”

“I want some ponies inparticular to obey… to allow me to rule over them… as the dominatrix I wanna be~” Fluttershy purred further, her eyes became slitted as Flutterbat slowly started to meld with her.

“Good…”

“And without me… my ‘friends’ can’t stop me… and I already know who I want my first slave to be that’s not Silver-kun…”

“Who may I ask?”

Fluttershy only mouthed the name as she and Flutterbat seemed to mix together.

Fluttershy’s body finally began to move again in the real world, her wings back to their normal pegasus shape, her mane not so wild, but her eyes...they remained crimson in color.

Escalating Danger

Dash simply gave an annoyed look as she attempted to swat away a bat that was flying too close to her, but couldn’t due to her arms bound together.

“...man I’m bored,” Dash admitted as she turned to Platinum Knight, “What do you do for fun around here?”

“That is none of your concern,” Platinum Knight replied coldly.

“Okay okay… jeez. Trying to make a conversation here,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Would you stop talking? You’re voice is so annoying…” Platinum Knight told her.

“And there he goes with the insults,” Rainbow muttered once more, her eye twitching a bit.

“How that princess finds you at all attractive is beyond me… you’re just some flat chested, crude tomboy.”

“Hey!” Rainbow snapped as she glared at him, “Twilight loves me for who I am! And I am carrying her child!”

“...Impossible. You two are mares,” Platinum Knight frowned, “It’s impossible for two mares to conceive a foal.”

Dash was about to respond when she heard the sound of high heels echoing in the area. She managed to look over her shoulder to see somepony coming in from the shadows. One thing she did note...was she saw a familiar tuft of pale pink hair.

“Fluttershy?” Dash smiled hopefully.

“Hello… Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy’s voice replied as the pinkette walked out of the shadows. However...her outfit was drastically different than the previous one she had on before. Her outfit was a rather skimpy black top, showing off a lot of Fluttershy’s curves, especially her chest area while the rose skirt of the outfit stopped at her upper thighs. She also wore a pair of black and rose red stiletto shoes. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail, but kept a bit of it free so it would hang over her left eye.

“...F...Fluttershy?” Dash gasped a bit.

Unknown to them, Twilight was hiding inside of the wall and was observing from a hole in the wall, the Alicorn doing her best to keep quiet as she watched.

“...what?” Twilight whispered as she saw Fluttershy’s new look.

“Do you like my new look? It’s dark… demanding… dominating… all the qualities of a future mistress over so many ponies,” Fluttershy smirked, “Wouldn’t you agree, Rainbow Dash~?”

“...Fluttershy...is that really you, or is it that bitch just using your looks to hide herself from me?” Rainbow Dash asked with a slight frown, not buying that Fluttershy would act like this.

The pinkette’s expression remained calm and cool as she walked over to the tomboy.

“Oh it is me, Rainbow Dash. Or rather…” Fluttershy paused before leaning in and whispered into Rainbow’s ear, “The real me~”

“...real you? What do you mean ‘real you’?” Rainbow asked, “The Fluttershy I know is a sweet, kind caring mare who-”

“Who had to put up with all the stupid things you and my other ‘friends’ made me do,“ Fluttershy stated with a frown, “I’m tired of being the doormat… I’m gonna be a dominator… and I know for fact without me, there’s nothing you can do to stop my plans.”

“Mistress…” Platinum Knight whispered in amazement.

“No… what happened to her? Did...did Flutterbat do something to her?” Silver Hawk whispered in a mix of shock and horror, “...let me out. Let me out so I can get to her!”

“Nope. You’re not leaving…”

“Damn it! I said let me out!” Silver Hawk shouted as Platinum Knight struggled to stay in control.

“I’m going to be in charge of Equina… a dominatrix mistress… and I would enslave you, but you are my way of making a deal with Princess Twilight…” Fluttershy told Dash, walking in front of the tomboy so she could lean down and look her in the face, “You will be my bargaining chip, Rainbow. And with your help...I’ll change Equestria for the better~”

“You’re sounding almost like Starlight…” Dash stated.

“...touche,” Fluttershy shrugged.

Twilight’s horn began to glow a bit as she used a sort of analysis magic to look at Fluttershy, seeing what looked like pink and black energy around her and it was starting to mix.

“...They’re mixing and… Flutterbat’s side is overpowering Fluttershy’s…” Twilight muttered, “How’s this happening? Flutterbat couldn’t have that much power...unless...no no. That’s impossible. Me and the others got rid of it years ago.”

Twilight gave a very nervous gulp as she listened in on what Fluttershy had to say.

“...What do you want from Twilight?” Dash demanded to know.

“I won’t tell you… at least, not until your little princess marefriend shows up,” Fluttershy stated as she began to walk away from Rainbow dash, the pinkette still looking at the tomboy as she walked towards Platinum knight.

“...Oh yeah, well there’s something you didn’t take account for...the others,” Rainbow stated with a slight smirk, “I’m sure they’ll be here soon enough once they find out me and Twilight are missing.”

“...we may as well speed this up a bit…” Fluttershy sighed.

“Beg pardon?” Platinum Knight asked.

Fluttershy walked over to a lever by a window and pulled it, causing the wall that Twilight was hiding behind to rotate around, revealing the Alicorn as she jumped back a bit in surprise.

“...how did you know?”

“I heard you mumbling… my ears are still bat ears at the moment,” Fluttershy informed.

“What do you want from me?” Twilight demanded to know.

“...a trade,” Fluttershy smirked as she walked over to Rainbow, “Your little tomboy here...for Sunset Shimmer.”

“...Sunset? Why Sunset?”

“Nothing you need to know about,” Fluttershy countered, ”But if you want your precious marefriend back...you’ll give me Sunset.”

Twilight was silent for a moment as she considered her options. If she gave her Sunset, then not only would Sunset’s trust in her be shattered, but who knows what else Fluttershy, or if this really was her shy friend, had planned? But if she denied...then there’s a risk she’ll never see Rainbow Dash again, or her unborn child.

“Don’t worry about us…” Dash told Twilight, “...me and our child will be fine!”

“...I’m sorry Rainbow… but it’s just not worth the risk to you two…” Twilight sighed, “...I accept your deal.”

‘Twilight...no,” Rainbow whispered.

“Good choice… but I know you’ll need to talk with her. So take your time,” Fluttershy informed.

“...huh?” Twilight blinked.

“You can take all the time you need to get her ready. In the meantime, I’ll hold onto Rainbow Dash here for safekeeping,”

“...alright,” Twilight nodded, “...don’t worry, I’ll be back for you soon,”

The alicorn teleported out, only to see it had begun to rain, the pitch dark clouds in the sky making it impossible to see the sun. Her wings were soaking wet and she had to run home. The alicorn began to run, lighting booming as she did so.

‘I’m such an idiot…’ Twilight thought, ‘How could I let something like this happen?! Fluttershy’s at the risk of being gone forever, Silver Hawk has no signs of improving, Rainbow Dash and Midnight Glow are in danger… and now I need to trade one of my friends to save the mare I love and our unborn daughter… how...how can I call myself the Princess of Friendship after all this?!’

Suddenly, Twilight tripped on a tree root, causing her to scream a bit as she fell face first into the mud, dirtying her clothes, fur, and mane. The Alicorn didn’t seem to get up as she began to sniffled a bit, tears forming in her eyes.

‘...I’m useless. I’m a failure...I...I shouldn't have moved to Ponyville in the first place…’ Twilight whispered mentally. She took a moment to look at her wings, which were wet and stained with mud, ‘....I don’t deserve these damn things!’

She watched as blood dripped down from the still recovering body parts, the Alicorn’s hands starting to ball up into fists. She was about to get up before…

“There she is!” a male voice shouted. Twilight looked up to see Spike, Philomena and Sunset running over to her, “Twilight!”

“...Sp...Spike…” Twilight whispered.

“We’ve been looking for you. You and Dash have been gone for hours,” Sunset informed, before she noticed Twilight’s wings, “Don’t worry, I can wrap those back up for you and-”

“Don’t bother…” Twilight replied in a emotionless manner, “I was about to tear them off anyway.”

“What?!” Spike gasped at that, “Why would you want to do that?! You worked hard t-”

“I don’t deserve these damn things!” Twilight snapped, “...if anyone does… it’s Sunset,”

“Twilight…” Sunset whispered.

“But you’re a princess Twilight! You’ve done so many good things t-” Spike began once more.

“I don’t want to be a princess if it means my friends would get hurt!” Twilight snapped, “Because of me, we’re at risk of losing Fluttershy forever! It was my stupid idea to have her use that stare on the fruit bats and brought Flutterbat into existence...”

Sunset was about to respond when Twilight smacked her hand away.

“...I’m done…” Twilight whispered as she managed to get back up, “I’m done with it all…”

Sunset’s expression gained more anger than she ever had before in her entire life and she let out one good slap to Twilight, knocking her down into the mud. The alicorn looked in shock as she looked to Sunset, who’s eyes were covered by her red and yellow hair.

“Don’t you dare…” she told her, “Don’t you DARE consider suicide!”

“Woah! Sunset!” Spike gasped.

“Twilight...you’re one of my best friends...you helped me out of a very dark place…” Sunset whispered, “...my emotions had a very strong hold on me before we met… and… after the Fall Formal… I was attacked… and… I did attempt to end my own life…”

Twilight let out a gasp, the Alicorn looking up at her friend in complete shock.

“...I didn’t, as you can see… do you wanna know who stopped me and convinced me to give life another chance?” Sunset asked, earning a nod, “...Fluttershy. She...she helped change me into a better mare...I...I owe everything to her.”

“...is that why… you’re in love with her?” Twilight asked.

“It is,” Sunset nodded, “I loved her...but I wouldn’t want to get in the way of her happiness.”

Twilight nodded a bit before looking over at the phoenix flying near Sunset, “...so… why is Philomena here?”

“...I was the one to hatch her,” Sunset replied as said mentioned Phoenix landed on her shoulder.

The Princess of Friendship looked at the three, her hair and clothes soaked from the rain.

“...Come on. Let’s get you inside,” Sunset said as she helped Twilight up.

Twilight was soon returned to her castle and was wrapped up in a towel, her hair still a bit soaked as she sat down. She took the time to explain what she knew, while her mother took the time to wrap her wings back up in the casts.

“So… Fluttershy and Flutterbat mixed somehow?” Pinkie asked.

“Yes….that’s right,” Twilight nodded a bit.

“How can that even be possible? Flutterbat is powerful, but Fluttershy has overpowered her influence once before,” Rarity noted.

“I know. But…” Twilight paused as a grim look began to grow on her face, “I think I might know how Flutterbat was able to merge with Fluttershy.”

“How?”

Twilight thought if she should tell them what it was she thought… but she didn’t know for certain if it was really that.

“...It’s a hunch...and I hope this isn’t really true but…” Twilight paused as she took a deep breath.

“‘But’ what?” Pinkie asked.

“...Do you all recall when Rarity became...Nightmare Rarity?”

“...no...Twilight, you’re not saying…” Rarity began, a very bad feeling growing in the pit of her stomach.

Twilight was silent for a moment before giving a small nod.

“No….no not again…” Rarity whispered, a look of shock and fear on her face.

“What? What’s wrong?” Sunset asked out of worry, the unicorn never seeing her friend act so scared before.

“...Sunset, do you recall Nightmare Moon?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, of course,” Sunset nodded, “Why?”

“Well… a couple months after we beat her… the spirit that aided in turning Princess Luna into that form… came seeking revenge. She plagued us with nightmares for weeks… and then… took Rarity and made her become corrupt,” Twilight explained.

“It felt so… so… I can’t phrase it into words…” Rarity admitted, holding her head for a moment, “It...it felt like I was in an endless nightmare… that… that I couldn’t do a thing to help my friends.”

“I talked with Luna a bit about it, and she agrees with your comments… saying she was trapped in her worst nightmare and the spirit… influenced her. While it was a conscious choice… it was sort of like… the Nightmare Queen just replaced your subconscious with herself,” Twilight stated.

“‘Nightmare Queen’?” Rarity asked.

“That spirit that corrupted you and Princess Luna. That’s what it’s called,” Twilight replied, “...and I’m afraid a little bit survived and hid inside Fluttershy.”

“So….that would make her Nightmare Fluttershy then?” Pinkie blinked, “...no no. I doubt her hair did that whole ethereal thing Rarity a-”

“Pinkie, this is serious!” Twilight snapped.

“Wagh… you sure a part of her power didn’t go into you too?” Pinkie asked, slumping a bit into her throne.

“If it did, would I be here right now?”

“...Good point,” Pinkie responded, “...can you blame me for being scared?”

“We’re all scared right now, sugahcube,” Applejack spoke up, “If that...thing really is back, then who knows how scared Fluttershy… our Fluttershy must be feelin’.”

“So… uh… who’s this other captive, mind my asking?” Pinkie inquired.

“Huh?” Twilight blinked.

“You mention… uh… Flutter… mix, I guess… had two captives. One of them is Rainbow Dash, who’s the other?”

“Silver Hawk...or I guess in this case...Platinum Knight,” Twilight replied, “I...I don’t know how, but when ‘Flutterbat’ bit into him, he turned into a Bat Pony.”

“...What are we going to do? Fluttershy’s turned into a...well, Nightmare version of herself thanks to Flutterbat, Silver’s gone Bat Pony, and we have no way of changing them back,” Pinkie sighed, “I mean, we need Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to activate our Rainbow powers, and...well, Fluttershy’s not herself and Rainbow is a captive,”

Velvet looked at her daughter and her friends, the older Unicorn couldn’t help but listen in on their conversation.

Outside, Kota was running right for Twilight’s castle, carrying the book Luna gave the group and some maps.

“And that’s not the worst part…” Twilight stated, “In order to get Rainbow Dash back….I have to trade Sunset’s freedom for her.”

“...Wait, what?” the group blinked, bar Sunset, who had left the room to do something really quick.

“I’m...sorry dear. I think I had something stuck in my ear. But...did you just say you have to trade Sunset’s freedom in order to get Rainbow back?” Rarity asked, making sure she was hearing that right.

“...yes,” Twilight nodded.

“And there’s no way ya agreed to this deal, right?” Applejack asked, earning silence from the Alicorn, “...oh Sugahcube. How could you?”

Twilight didn’t know what to say in response, the Alicorn feeling really guilty about making such a deal with Flutter….no. With the Nightmare Queen.

“You’re a fool Twilight…” Rarity told her, a frown on the pure white unicorn’s face, “How could you trade away our friend’s freedom like that?”

“I never said ‘trade her freedom’,” Twilight stated.

“Yes you did. You said…” Pinkie paused as she gained Twilight’s hairstyle, “‘In order to get Rainbow back, I have to trade s-’”

“Not helping Pinkie!” Twilight hissed in anger.

“...shutting up,” The pinkette meeped as she sat back down, her hair back to it’s normal, poofy style.

“...but it is true. But...I didn’t know what to think at the time, and Rainbow even tried to tell me she’d be fine...” Twilight sighed.

“Now I see why you were all… uh…depressed,” Spike noted, “You even wanted to get rid of yours wings a-”

“What?!” Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack gasped at that.

“Twilight, is that true?” her mother asked in concern.

“...For a moment, I felt… unworthy of them…” Twilight replied, a sad tone in her voice, “I’m supposed to be the Princess of Friendship, and yet...I feel as if I don’t deserve such a title.”

Silence took a grip on the room, most of the group not sure of what to say really. It remained that way until Sunset finally walked back into the room, the teal eyed unicorn sitting down in a chair pulled up to the map.

“So, what’d I miss?” Sunset asked.

The rain continued to pour, making the journey to Twilight’s castle a bit hard, but Kota kept up a steady pace, knowing the info the book gave would help…

“Well?” Sunset asked, having not gotten a response when she first asked, “...girls?”

“Well… uh…” Spike began nervously, “...Hoo boy. How do we explain this?”

“...Explain what?” Sunset asked before looking over at Twilight, “Twilight, what’s going on?”

“...uh… we need to make a trade to get Rainbow Dash back…” Twilight began nervously.

“Alright. So… what do we need to trade for her? The Elements of Harmony?”

“...No.”

“Oh… the ancient Alicorn Amulet?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“...you.”

“...Excuse me?” Sunset blinked.

The room once again fell silent, with Twilight just wanting to head right for the exit, but she gained glares from everybody… well, everypony except for Sunset, who seemed to have a slight shocked look on her face.

“In order to get Rainbow Dash back...I have to trade you, Sunset,” Twilight sighed.

“...Twilight…” Sunset began in a serious tone, “This better not be some sick joke.”

“...no.”

“Please tell me you didn’t agree to these terms…”

Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, Spike and Twilight Velvet all got up and left the room, making Twilight give an annoyed look at them.

“Girls! Spike! Come on! A little help here?!”

“Yer on yer own,” Applejack told Twilight as she shut the door.

“But…” Twilight began.

“How could you…” Sunset whispered, her hair hiding her eyes as her hand shook in anger, “I… I thought we were friends… I thought you’d be better than this, Twilight.”

“I am… but… but…”

“But what?!” Sunset snapped as she looked up and glared at Twilight, a look of betrayal and anger on her face, “That it would be easy to trade one of your friends away just to get somepony back?!”

“Sunset, you don’t understand. I...I…” Twilight began.

“Understand what?!” Sunset demanded to know.

“THAT RAINBOW DASH ISN’T THE ONLY ONE IN DANGER HERE!” Twilight argued.

“OH! SO YOU DECIDED TO PICK RAINBOW DASH OVER SOMEPONY ELSE?! OH YEAH, YOU’RE A REALLY GOOD FRIEND, TW-!” Sunset began in anger, feeling ready to punch the princess when...

“SHE’S PREGNANT, YOU IDIOT!” Twilight snapped.

Silence befell the room once more as the two looked at each other.

"...What?"

"Rainbow Dash....is pregnant," Twilight sighed, the Alicorn trying her best to calm down.

“...oh,” Sunset sighed.

“...I can’t risk letting my unborn foal being hurt…” Twilight whispered, tears starting to form in her eyes, “I...I didn’t know what else to do. I...I didn’t want to lose Rainbow and our foal…and now...you and the others hate me for agreeing to the Nightmare Queen’s demands.”

“....Twilight…” Sunset began as she walked over and pulled Twilight into a hug, surprising the Alicorn a bit, “I don’t hate you… I was just upset…”

Twilight just sobbed a bit, “...it should’ve been you..”

“Huh?”

“It should’ve been you… you deserve to be a princess, Sunset...not me,” Twilight admitted, the tears going down her cheeks.

“No… it has to be you,” Sunset stated.

“...I’m a failure. Because of me, Fluttershy’s not herself anymore, Rainbow’s been captured, and…” she paused before sighing “...I should just give myself up…”

“...Twilight… you are no failure. You’re an amazing pony that’s done so many good things…”

“And one who’s done a lot of negative things…” Twilight sighed.

“Why are you beating yourself up so much now? You make mistakes. So what? Everyone makes them… Twilight, if there’s something important that I’ve learned, is that you need to learn to forgive yourself for your actions,” Sunset stated, “I learned that… and maybe it’s time for the teacher to be the student,”

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Rarity asked.

“I can’t hear anything… I guess this castle must be soundproof or something,” Pinkie replied, her head against the door.

“Well from th’ look of things before we left, Sunset looked pretty miffed,” AJ noted, “..Then again, we’d be miffed as well if Twilight had offered one of us.”

Rarity just gave a nod and then looked over to her reflection being casted in a nearby crystal, a look of thought and worry on her face. If Twilight was right before…

‘...I know you can hear me.’ Rarity thought, starting to scowl at the reflection, ‘...what is happening to Fluttershy?’

There was no response for a few moments, but suddenly, Rarity’s reflection gained a slight, ‘innocent’ smile.

‘Why...whatever do you mean?’ Rarity’s reflection asked.

‘Don’t you lie to me. You know exactly what I’m trying to ask you!’

The reflection let out a giggle, hiding her mouth with hand to cover the smile on her face.

‘You know something… I know you do… it’s you!’ Rarity thought, crossing her arms, ‘You’re the cause of all this you...you...Nightmare!’

‘...Guess you’re starting to figure it out then,’ ‘Rarity’ noted, her smile changing into a frown as teh reflection rippled a bit, showing ‘Rarity’s’ changed appearance. Her body turned black, her eyes got a tiny bit bigger, her mane and tail both turned ethereal, and her clothes changed into something both regal and majestic, but also had a bit of a scary feel to it.

‘What is happening to her?’

‘Isn’t it obvious? She’s changing.’

‘Changing into what exactly?’

‘Into what you...no. What we were once. Seems this… ‘Flutterbat’ found the fraction of energy I left in her...’

‘....What do you mean ‘left in her’?’ Rarity demanded with a frown.

‘I was originally going to convert her, not you. Then… you got my interest… yes, you annoying ponies destroyed me… twice, but I’m pretty sure that she may just keep this change once it’s fully complete,’ Nightmare Rarity smirked.

“...we need to do something to fix Fluttershy, fast,” Rarity told the group.

“How exactly do ya propose we do that?” Applejack asked.

“Our friendship powers the Elements of Harmony left in us may not be enough this time,” Pinkie added.

“...the what powers the what left you in?” Twilight Velvet asked.

“Long story,” Pinkie told them.

Suddenly, the doors burst open, revealing a wet Kota, the pegasus panting as he dropped the book and the maps he brought with him.

“Oh, hey there,” Pinkie waved.

“Kota, what’s wrong?” Applejack asked as she ran over ot him, checking to see if he was alright

“Found… the location… of the… cure…” he told them as he quickly ran into the throne room and set the book down on the table where the inactive Cutie Map was.

“...Come in?” Twilight blinked.

“I...I think… I think I found...hoo boy!” Kota wheezed as he fell on the ground flank first, “...the cure…”

“What?” Twilight’s eyes widened at that before she ran over to him, “Where?! Where are they?!”

He got up and moved the book over and then spread out a map of Neighpon.

“While… the geography has altered slightly… the location is a match… the cure you need to find… it’s in Osaka,” Kota informed as he lined up the map and the location in the book.

Trip Onward

Twilight stared out at the skies, watching clouds roll by slowly.

“...certainly is nice weather,” the Alicorn noted as she rested her arms on the boat’s safety bars, making sure she wouldn’t fall overboard.

“I see a ruby in that one cloud,” Spike spoke up, catching Twilight’s attention as the dragon pointed up, “Look.”

“...Oh yeah. It kinda does,” Twilight noted as she spotted the cloud in question.

“Yeah,” Spike nodded as he walked over to her and smiled, “...look there. There’s a chicken.”

“I see a turkey,” Twilight admitted.

“It’s a chicken, Twilight.”

“No, Spike. It’s a turkey.”

“Chicken.”

“Turkey.”

“Chi-cken.”

“Tur-key!”

“Chicken!”

“Turkey!”

The two glared at each-other for a moment before they just laughed.

“Uh...what’s going on out here?” Sunset asked as she walked up to the two, a look of confusion on her face.

“We’re just watching clouds.”

“You sure? It sounded like you two were arguing out here,” Sunset stated.

“We were, but it was just for fun,” Spike admitted.

“Oh…” Sunset blinked before she giggled a bit, the unicorn walking over to Twilight stood next to her, “How’re you holding up by the way?”

“...I could be a bit better. I’m just… really worried about Rainbow and Midnight,”

“...who?”

“That’s our daughter’s name, Midnight Glow.” Twilight explained.

“Ahh...That’s a nice name,” Sunset admitted with a soft smile.

“Mind me asking you something?” Twilight asked.

“Sure,”

“Are you and Sonata in a relationship?”

“...E-excuse me?” Sunset blushed a bit in response, a bit surprised by the question.

“It’s just… well lately, you two are often together, and she has already given you a nickname,” Twilight stated.

“...I guess that’s true,” The red haired girl admitted thought a bit about this, “I’ve… never even noticed…”

“I mean, heck, you two live together like Vinyl and Octavia do.” Spike added

“First off, aren’t those two sisters or cousins or something?” Sunset asked.

“...That’s a good question,” Spike noted as he walked off to ponder this.

“Second off, we only do that because we really don’t have a place to live here, and Sonata hasn’t… fully been accepted by my friends in the other world,” Sunset added.

“Oh...I see,” Twilight noted

Sunset looked out at the water and thought a bit about what Twilight asked,

“So… why did Sonata turn around anyway?”

“...Let’s just say her ‘sisters’ got into a rather nasty fight, and Sonata was left pretty badly hurt… I found her and...she was in bad shape,” Sunset sighed sadly.

Twilight looked over at Sunset for a moment, the Alicorn not sure of what to say after hearing that.

“Do you think it was a good idea to let Twilight leave without us?” Pinkie asked as she, Rarity, Applejack and Sonata met up in Twilight’s throne room.

“Dunno,” Sonata shrugged, “I just got here, and this is the first I’ve heard about her leaving with her dog/dragon Spike, and Sunny.”.

“Ah dunno…” Applejack sighed, “Does she really need our help, especially after hearin’ about that deal she made?”

“What deal?” Sonata inquired.

The three all were silent, uncertain if they should tell her or not.

“...Come on, tell me. What deal are you talking about?” Sonata asked.

“Uh…” Applejack and Rarity stated nervously.

“Come on, girls...please tell me~!” Sonata begged childishly before gasping, ”Is it a special deal on tacos?!”

“....”

“...What? I like tacos.”

“Fluttershyturnedintosomekindofmonsterandsheaffectedherboyfriendandthenshekidnappedrainbowdashandnowtwilighthastotradesunsetforrainbow!” Pinkie stated quickly.

“Pinkie!” Applejack and Rarity snapped.

“I’msorryIcouldn’tcontainmyself!”

“...what was all that?” Sonata blinked.

“Uh...nothin’,” Applejack replied, darting her eyes a little bit.

“....That was a lie just now, wasn’t it?” Sonata responded.

Rarity looked over at Applejack, the latter’s expression saying ‘help me’.

“Uh...why no dear. It...um….” Rarity began, trying to think of something to say so Sonata wouldn’t get suspicious or worried.

“Has to do with them going and getting something in Neighpon. Sunset just went with Twilight to help her!” Pinkie said quickly.

“Oh… okay. So, she’s safe?”

“Yes, she is indeed, darling. So… don’t worry about her… and… don’t worry if you don’t see her for a while…”

“...”

“Sonata?”

“...”

“Sonata, dear?”

“...”

“Y’all okay, sugahcube?”

Sonata just let part of her hair cover her face, the bluette panting a bit as she shook.

“...Darling, you’re starting to scare us.”

The bluenette didn’t say anything further, which started to worry the three mares.

“We need to change the subject… quickly…” Rarity whispered.

“Oh! Oh! I know what to say! Pick me, pick me!” Pinkie responded, raising her hand like a little kid in school.

“...we’re still mad at ya Pinkie, but whatever y’all have t’ say, go fer it,” Applejack stated.

“Hey Sonata… are you and Sunset a couple?” Pinkie asked.

“?!” Sonata’s expression instantly changed and she blushed a bright red, “Wh...what?!”

“Are you and Sunset a couple?”

“N-n-n-n-no?” Sonata stammered, her eyes darting back and forth as she nervously messed with her ponytail.

“...are you certain of that?” Rarity asked, “You two are often together, like Vinyl and Octavia are,”

“They’re not a couple. I asked Vinyl about it,” Pinkie informed.

“Really?”

“Me and Sunny… we’re… um…” Sonata began nervously, “...Sunny is very special to me. She...she helped me out of a very dark place. I… I… I care about her… but, we’re not a couple.”

“But, you two seem so close,” Rarity said.

“Yeah...it does,” Sonata just nodded, “...if I’m honest… I’m a bit jealous. Fluttershy is who Sunset has a crush on…”

Applejack looked at Sonata for a moment before she decided to walk over to the bluette.

“Hey…” Applejack began, catching Sonata’s attention as she turned to look at the blonde, “It’s okay to feel jealous.”

“But...isn’t it bad to be jealous of someone?” Sonata asked

“It’s important to acknowledge the feelin’s of th’ one y’all care about, and yer own” Applejack replied.

“...I guess? I’m not all that great with this whole… ‘feeling’ thing,” Sonata admitted, “Ever since I was young, I’ve learned that I had to feed off the energy made by ponies arguing with each other… that and I mostly followed what Adagio says.”

“Ya seem to be movin’ away from that,” Applejack noted as she smiled at her, earning a smile back from Sonata.

“...Sorry if I came off as needlessly upset. I mean… I thought the deal would be something stupid, like trading Sunny or something,” Sonata stated with a giggle.

The other three forced themselves to laugh a little bit, making Sonata blink a bit before shrugging. The bluenette departed and the group calmed down, with Applejack quickly going over to Pinkie and putting her into a headlock for a mere minute and then putting her down.

“Owie~~” Pinkie whined a bit,”What was that for?”

Applejack wordlessly glared at her.

“Oh… right. The whole blabbermouth thing.”

“That was a little bit much…” Rarity added quickly.

“Fair enough... and Pinkie… Ah will do that again if Ah need to,” Applejack informed as she headed out.

“Duly… noted,” Pinkie slowly nodded.

Kota looked up at the clouds himself, but was uncertain about what they could look like.

“Nice looking kumo…” he admitted.

“Wait… that means… spider…” Spike stated as he was in earshot, “Right?”

“Well….yes. There’s a story about that. So… there was this Earth Pony in Neighpon who saw a snake about to eat a spider, and he felt bad for the spider, so he went and rescued it. The following day, a young mare came to his home and said she wanted to work for him. He agreed to let her and that evening, she had made dozens of beautiful pieces of cloth. He asked her how she did it, but the mare told him that he couldn’t ask her that, and he must never go into the room while she worked. He promised he wouldn’t,” Kota began.

“Let me guess… he eventually peaked?”

“Yep. That mare was actually the spider he rescued, using the thread from her mouth by eating the cotton, being his reward for helping the spider. Karma eventually got to him and when he went to get more cotton, the snake got into the basket while he took a moment to rest. When the mare worked the next day, the snake came to hurt her. She tried to run, but due to the cotton, she couldn’t get very far. The snake was about to eat her… when a golden glow came and raised her into the sky, and the spider used the cotton to make the clouds. That’s why ‘kumo’ is both spider and cloud,”

“Woah…”

“Yea,” Kota nodded, ”A lot to take in, huh?”

“Y-Yeah...” Spike slowly nodded, “You certainly have a lot of tales in Neighpon,”

“True that,” Kota nodded in response, “The Neighpon tales are really interesting,”

“Hey Kota, how much longer until we get there?” Twilight asked as she walked over.

“About another few hours,” he informed.

“Ahh...okay then,” Twilight nodded.

Dash watched as Fluttershy was doing some… things with Grey Robin, the rainbowette not wanting to watch as she kept her eyes shut. Eventually, she heard the sounds of somepony leaving and slowly peaked her eyes open, seeing Fluttershy there.

“...why did you do that?” Dash asked.

“Couldn’t help myself,” Fluttershy shrugged a bit, “Besides, it was just a bit of an experiment.”

“Yeah…’experiment’,” Dash just rolled her eyes in response.

“...What’s with the sour attitude, Rainbow Dash? I’d expect more from you.”

“...you already have a boyfriend and you’ve said more than once, you’re not into other mares.”

“So? It’s okay to experiment once in awhile,” Fluttershy countered.

Dash just sighed a bit as she watched Fluttershy walk out, leaving the rainbowette on her own. She didn’t know what the heck was going on, but the pale yellow mare that had left… that wasn’t Fluttershy at all. To her, it was somepony completely different.

“That’s not your aunt…” Dash whispered as she looked down at her stomach, “Don’t worry Spectrum, we’ll be back with Twil soon…”

Author's Note

Hey...sorry for being so silent these past few chapters. I want to address two things before we begin. First: The story Kota told Spike is an actual Japanese story...albiet one modifiedto fit MLPverse Japan, but still. Second: Please check out my other story, Yuki no Naka no Tenshi. I am sort of annoyed by the dislikes another hard worked story is getting and we would appreciate you giving YNT the time of day

The Cure

Dash watched as Fluttershy paced around the room, a look of thought on the pale yellow mare’s face.

“You know Dash…” Fluttershy began as she looked over at the tied up Pegasus, “I gave your little marefriend all the time in the world, and yet she hasn’t returned yet. Would you care to explain why she hasn’t returned yet?”

The rainbowette attempted to say something, but due to the gag on her mouth, all she could do was give muffled replies.

“Oh… I wish I could guess,” Fluttershy stated as she walked away, “Then again, she’s probably acting like a scared coward right now. I mean, who wouldn’t when they have to trade one of their best friends’ freedom just to set someone free.”

Rainbow tried to shout something at her, but it was completely muffled. Right now, she wanted to punch Flutter...no, she wanted to punch that witch so hard in the face, but all she could do was glare at her.

“Shoot as many dirty looks at me as you want, it’s not gonna change a thing,” Fluttershy smirked a bit, not even phased by Rainbow Dash’s glare.

Dash attempted to get free, but failed due to how tight the restraints were.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle as she watched the cyan pegasus’ attempts to get free, “Go on and keep it up. It’s so much fun watching you squirm…”

‘Grr...you better hope I don’t get out of this soon, because once I’m free, I’m gonna hit you so hard, the old Fluttershy will come back,’ Dash thought with a very large glare on her face.

Twilight and Sunset watched as the sun rose over Neighpon, the boat having finally arrived in Osaka as it began to dock into the port.

“So where are these flowers?” Sunset asked Kota as he walked over.

“...it’s not clear. It’s just somewhere here in Osaka,” Kota informed.

“Ugh…” Sunset let out an annoyed groan, “We’re gonna be looking for quite a while then, aren’t we?”

“Most likely, yes,” Twilight nodded, “You should be happy given… circumstances.”

“‘Circumstances’?” Kota blinked.

“Nothing,” Sunset and Twilight quickly said, making Kota blink further.

Philomena and Spike approached the group and they proceeded to begin looking around for the flowers, the former looking from above while the latter just looked down below.

Fluttershy took the gag off of Dash, letting her get a chance to breath as the tomboy coughed a little.

“There. Feeling better?” Fluttershy asked in a teasing tone.

Dash simply nodded in response.

“Good…” Fluttershy smirked as she brushed her hand against Dash’s bust, “Hmm...a little short. Wonder how your little marefriend enjoys it?”

“Stop!” Dash snapped, attempting to free herself once more.

“Then again, having small boobs probably makes it so you can fly faster,” Fluttershy noted a bti with a slight shrug.

The color seemed to rush out of Dash’s body as the rainbowette attempted to free herself one more time..

“Your struggling is so nice to watch…” Fluttershy giggled a bit.

This made the rainbowette growl a bit as she continued to glare at the pale yellow pegasus. It was then she felt some of the chains around her arm weaken a bit, the tomboy trying to use this to her advantage as she began to try and move one of her arms out.

“I could watch Sunset do that…she always seemed so cute when sh-” Fluttershy began before she felt Rainbow’s hand against her throat, “?!”

“Heh...gotcha,” Rainbow smirked in victory, one of her arms free of its binding.

“Wha… gah… ack…” Fluttershy gagged as she tried to get Rainbow’s hand off her neck.

‘I’ll be free in a sec… wait. What am I doing?!” Rainbow exclaimed, ‘Why am I trying to choke Fluttershy?! I know this isn’t really her but...deep down, she’s still my sister!’

She slowly let go of Fluttershy’s neck, letting the normally shy mare gasp as she fell to her knees, coughing a bit. At that moment, Platinum Knight walked on in and quickly ran over to Fluttershy.

“Mistress! Are… are you okay?!” Platinum Knight asked in concern.

“Y...yes. Just...got taken by surprise is all,” Fluttershy panted as Platinum Knight helped her up.

“...You!” Platinum Knight growled, glaring at Rainbow Dash, “YOU! I’ll kill you!”

Rainbow tensed at the glare he gave her before her eyes widened a bti when she saw him draw one of his swords.

“No...behave yourself,” Fluttershy ordered.

“She hurt you… she must pay!”

“She… will… but only by my terms… got it?” Fluttershy commanded.

Platinum Knight only nodded as he sheathed his sword.

“Good boy.”

Twilight and Sunset walked around, looking at any flower store they could see, but Twilight got looks from some ponies, a few giving her some rather nasty glares.

“...Are these ponies seriously still upset about me being an alicorn?” Twilight groaned, “You’d think they would’ve calmed down by now.”

Sunset just nodded a bit as she rested her hand on Twilight’s shoulder.

“Think they’ll ever get over it?” Twilight asked.

“No offense Twilight… but I highly doubt it,” Kota told her as he showed the two a book, “Look at this Youkai book.”

“Yo what?” Twilight blinked.

“Youkai. It loosely means ‘mysterious monster’,” Kota explained quickly, “It’s said Youkai are behind certain problems in everyday life, such as hunger, emotions… and… here’s what the book says about alicorns, ‘Alicorns, Youkai who cause disasters wherever they go’.”

“...”

“Gomen Twilight,” Kota apologized.

“it’s fine, Kota. It’s just...I can’t believe that’s what Neighponese ponies think of Alicorns,” Twilight admitted.

“Alicorns aren’t like that. And did they forget their own mythology about Alicorns being our creators?” Sunset asked, a slight frown on her face.

Twilight just sighed before she looked ahead, “...maybe we can cover more ground if we split up. I head north, Kota heads south, Sunset heads east and Spike heads west.”

“Good idea, Twilight,” Sunset nodded.

“Just be careful. We don’t know if the ponies here have calmed down yet after what happened last time you were here,” Kota warned her.

“I will,” Twilight responded.

Twilight was silent as she looked around for the flower, the purplette looking at a picture of the flower as she searched through the area.

“Hello, have you s-” Twilight began to ask a local, who then gave her a stink eye, “...thank you.”

Twilight walked around, and it was more or less the same story.

“Hello?” Twilight asked as she approached a ramen store, “Can I-”

“Go away Youkai!” the owner shouted as they slammed their door shut and locked it.

“...ugh…” Twilight sighed as she resumed her search.

Ponies screamed in fear and closed the door in front of her, locking it tight as some ponies just hid from her, or glared at her. Twilight let out a loud groan as she continued to walk, a slight headache starting to form in her head.

The princess of friendship wandered into a forest, sunlight barely shining through a few openings in the trees. Twilight wanted to avoid crying, a lot of stress on the violet Alicorn, but it was near impossible. She sat down and began to cry. She felt bad because of everything that has happened as of late. Even if it was an accident, it was her fault for turning Fluttershy into Flutterbat in the first place, which in turn caused her wife-to-be and her unborn daughter to be kidnapped and then how much Neighpon hated her because she was an Alicorn...it was starting to be too much for her.

“She looks so sad…” a voice whispered that was hiding in a bush.

“She certainly does. I wonder why?” a second voice whispered back.

Twilight continued to sob, unaware of the things watching her.

“Hello,” a voice said as one of the things hiding in the bush walked over, “You alright?”

“No… I’m not,“ Twilight whispered, “Everything lately has been terrible. One of my best friends have been turned into a monster, and she has my wife-to-be and my unborn daughter as hostages. And to make things worse, nopony in this country would help me because I’m an Alicorn.”

“Those ponies are just big meanies to Youkai,” the voice told Twilight.

“But I’m not a Youkai. I’m just a normal pony like everyone else,” Twilight replied.

“You need to cheer up, nya,” the voice said.

Twilight then looked up to see what looked like a violet cat with cyan eyes, a yellow underbelly and had a long tail… two long tails.

“What the…?” Twilight blinked, “Who… and… what are you?”

“I’m Nekki, and I’m a nekomata, nya!” the cat giggled.

“...” Twilight just blinked a few times before rubbing her eyes a bit, the Alicorn making sure she wasn’t seeing things.

“Nya!” Nekki smiled.

“...you’re a cat… that has two tails?” Twilight asked.

“Nyep!” Nekki nodded.

“...uh-huh…” Twilight nodded.

“Hey, Koma! Come on out and meet this nice lady Youkai!” Nekki told his friend in the bush.

“For the last time, I’m n…” Twilight began before what looked like a white lion dog hybrid that had cyan highlights near the top of its head, had a green belly , “Aww…”

“Ano… Ah’m Koma,” the other creature informed.

“He’s a komainu,” Nekki informed.

“I see…” Twilight noted as she looked at the two.

“It’s nice to meet ya,” Koma smiled, “What kinda Youkai are ya anyway?”

“...I’m not a Yokai,” Twilight replied, “I’m just a pony from really far away.”

Nekki and Koma then proceeded to hug Twilight, surprising her a bit as she looked at the two.

“Uh...can I ask you two a favor?” Twilight asked them.

“What is it?” Koma responded.

“I’m looking for a certain kind of flower,” Twilight informed as she handed them the picture of it, “You two live around these parts. Think you can help me find them?”

The two looked at the flower for a moment, with Nekki instantly recognizing it.

“You don’t know about this flower? I thought all Youkai knew about it,”

“I know it’s some kind of cure flower, and that’s why I came here to Osaka. I need to find that cure,” Twilight informed.

“Well then, follow us and we can make sure you find it!” Nekki assured with Koma pulling Nekki by one of his tails.

“Forgive mah friend fer a sec. We need to speak in private,” Koma informed, dragging Nekki back behind the bush.

“What is it?” Nekki asked in slight confusion.

“She’s no Youkai. How can ya be sure we can trust her?”

“She said she was rejected just like all of us Youkai are!”

“...true...” Koma realized that was a decent point of logic.

“Plus, she did say she nyaded the flower for an important reason,” Nekki added, “So I say we go and make sure she gets it, nya!”

“Alright… if ya’ll get in trouble, it’s on yer head,” Koma warned.

“Okay, nya!” Nekki nodded as she ran out of the bushes to talk to Twilight, “Good mews! We can take you to where the flower is, nya!”

“Really? Thank you so much!” Twilight smiled.

“Follow us, nya!” Nekki instructed Twilight.

“By the way… what’s yer name?” Koma asked.

“Oh right… sorry about that. My name is Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.”

“Eh?” Nekki blinked, “Demo… I don't see any sparkles on you.”

“Huh?” Twilight blinked at that, “Oh uh… hmm…well...it’s a part of my name.”

“Eh? But how…?”

“You take me to this flower, and I will tell you everything you need to know on ponies from Equestria.”

“Hmm… I had another deal in mind…” Nekki informed, “But we can talk about it later, nya,”

Dash looked at her broken arm and tried to rub it.

“I said you could hit her arm, not for you to BREAK her arm!” Fluttershy growled.

“Apologies, mistress. But I had to make sure she doesn’t try to escape,” Platinum Knight apologized with a bow.

“Nice one… you…” Rainbow began before Platinum Knight smacked her, “Ow!”

“Do not speak, slave.”

Platinum Knight earned a stern glare from Fluttershy at that, the former pegasus flinching a bit before stepping back.

“Apologies, mistress…” Platinum Knight bowed.

“...Whatever,” Fluttershy scoffed with an eyeroll, “Just don’t do it again.”

Platinum Knight nodded as Dash just glared at the two.

“I know what you’re gonna say, but please don’t. I’ve gotten actual headaches from listening to you and your babble,” Fluttershy told Dash as she began to walk away, “I’m going out for some air. Make sure no one tries to free her, Platinum Knight.”

“Hai, mistress.”

Fluttershy headed out the window and slowly walked around, Platinum Knight turning back towards Rainbow Dash as the former pegasus gave her a stern look.

“...Why don’t you take a picture? It’ll last longer,” Rainbow quipped

“I have half a mind to beat you into a pulp just so you’d shut your danm mouth!” Platinum Knight growled, “But I won’t...Mistress still wants you alive, so I won’t lay a hand on you.”

Dash rolled her eyes and sat down, “You know… the pony you actually are that’s currently locked away under layers of mind control and darkness… I’d be happy to call him my brother,”

This caused his eyes to widen at that, “...N...nanda?”

“But they’ve both vanished and are being poorly imitated,” Rainbow scoffed.

Platinum Knight growled, “Shut your mouth.”

“I’ll admit, at first...I didn’t care much for Silver Hawk. Heck, I nearly wanted to deck him after hearing that Fluttershy was pregnant with his children,” Rainbow admitted, “But after seeing him spend so much time with her...I can tell he loves her a lot.”

“Shut your mouth!”

“And I’ll wait until he’s back and I can speak to him again to say…I’m proud to call you my bro-in-law,” Dash smiled, “...heh. Guess I gotta fill in as the sappy one until Fluttershy comes back,”

“I said… SHUT! YOUR! MOUTH!” Platinum Knight shouted as he rushed towards her, and to punch her face in.

Rainbow closed her eyes at this, preparing for the incoming punch. But… it never came. She slowly opened her eyes to see Platinum Knight’s hand mere inches away from her and was being held back by a whip being held by Fluttershy.

“I step out for one minute, and here I see you trying to harm my hostage again,” Fluttershy frowned as she tugged on the whip, forcing Platinum Knight to the ground, “You are a bad slave! Bad!”

“But…”

“Urusei!” Fluttershy snapped as she whipped him across the face, “You can’t even handle one simple task!”

Dash cringed as she watched this unfold, Platinum Knight grunting in pain as the normally shy mare whipped him hard.

“You are lucky I am willing to forgive you this one time,” Fluttershy informed as she took the whip away, “But next time you decide to disobey me, I'll use more than the whip. Understand?”

“...hai, mistress,” Platinum Knight whispered as he managed to stand up, blood dripping from his head and busted lip as the uncovered parts of his armor revealed bruises and cuts.

‘...I won’t forgive that stupid bat… I want this nightmare to be over with. I...I want my shy angel back… not this… monster…’

‘...why are you back?’

‘I’m you, you monster. This is…’

‘Your body, I know. Stop repeating yourself like a broken record.’

‘...Give me my body back!’

‘Yea, give him his body back!’ a female voice shouted.

‘I hate this girl half! Why did Mistress make her?!’

‘I don’t know, but at least she has some common sense!’

‘Thanks...er, me.’

Dash looked at him in confusion as Platinum Hawk was having an argument with...himself.

“So Nekki, Koma, are all Youkai names similar to what the Youkai is?” Twilight inquired, “You’re a nekomata named ‘Nekki’ and a komainu named ‘Koma’.”

“In a way yes, nya,” Nekki nodded.

“Ah have a kappa buddy who’s name is literally Appak,” Koma added.

“‘Kappa’ spelt backwards?” Twilight checked.

“Yeppers,” Nekki informed.

The three continued to walk as they arrived at what looked like a traditional Japanese shinto shrine by a waterfall. Around it were various different Youkai that Twilight had not yet seen.

“Come on, we need to see Bakui-sama,” Nekki informed.

“Bakui?” Twilight blinked.

“A baku,” Koma explained as the two Youkai ran up to the shrine gates. They knocked on the gates and were given entry, “The alicorn is with us Appak,”

“Alright,” the green kappa nodded, motioning for Twilight to follow.

Twilight took a small deep breath as she went inside, the Alicorn a bit nervous. But she had to do this to find those flowers...she had to do this for Rainbow.

“We’re home, Bakui-sama!” Nekki announced, earning a wallop to the head with a paper fan from Koma.

“Don’t be so informal, Nekki,” Koma growled as he bowed, “Bakui-sama, we bring you someone from outside Neighpon. They’re here on a special mission it seems.”

“...Send them in,” the purple baku ordered with a kappa guiding Twilight in, “Ah yes… the Youkai who has brought the terrors of the west back. I will not ask you for your name, I shall call you Ali,”

Twilight didn’t want to respond and say she wasn’t a Youkai, but she needed to find that flower and fast.

“Tell me Ali… why is it you are here?”

“..I am here looking for a special flower,” Twilight replied, “It’s a pure white flower and is said to restore memories,”

“Ah yes… the omoide no hana (flower of memories),” Bakui nodded, “It is said to recover lost memories, even ones that have been locked deep inside one’s psyche.”

“Why do ya’ll need it Ali?” Koma asked.

“...To save a friend,” Twilight informed, “...my friend has had her memories scrambled, and she corrupted somebody she loves. I need that flower to save her and her friend,”

Bakui looked at her in a serious manner, pondering for a moment.

“...Please. I’m begging you for help. Me and my friends had spent days, maybe weeks looking for this flower,” Twilight began, “I need my friend back and without this flower there’s no way we can save her,”

“Ali… I understand your plight and I can commend you for your hard work and determination,” Bakui smiled, “But I cannot give you the flowers,”

“What? Why?!”

“Let me finish. I cannot give you the flowers, you must earn them,”

“How?”

“You must show how much you need them, Ali, just show me how much you need them,”

“How’s she gonna do that, nya?” Nekki inquired.

“Tell me exactly what is going on and what the flowers are needed for, and what you two agreed to do to bring her here,” Bakui explained.

“...Alright…” Twilight sighed a bit as she took a deep breath, “It started like this…”

“Your friend became a bat pony?” Nekki asked after Twilight finished her explanation, “Wow...I’d say that’s cool, but I can tell this is pretty serious.”

“And she’s the sistah of yer wife-to-be?” Koma asked, earning a nod from Twilight, “Ouch...This really is serious.”

“It is. and unless I find the flower...then I’ll lose my friend, and my wife-to-be,” Twilight sighed, “...and my daughter that hasn’t been born,”

“...Soka…” Baku noted, her eyes closed as she took this info in, “...Ali, this truly is a dire situation you’re in...I can tell you care for your friends deeply, and thusly… you may take the flowers. Yukina.”

A girl who seemed almost as white as snow and covered in a cyan cloak approached, “Hai?”

“Take her to the omoide no hanas,” Baku ordered, “She has earned the right.”

“Yuki-onna?” Twilight checked.

“Yep,” Nekki nodded, “But if she goes, we go with her, nya!”

“...Very well, nekomata, komainu,” Bakui nodded.

Twilight gasped upon seeing a wide field with thousands upon thousands of white flowers,

“Take as many as you need,” Yukina smiled softly.

“Thank you,” Twilight smiled as she hurried over and began to grab some of the flowers carefully, “Thank you so much. I...I don’t know what to say.”

“But we have a deal,” Nekki informed as he ran over, “We take you here… you owe me and Koma,”

“Yea… what is it?”

Nekki took out a blue necklace of sorts, proceeding to hand it to Twilight, “You gotta come back and play with us, nya.”

“What?”

“I just want you to come back here and play games with us, like hide and seek, go fish, and tag, nya,” Nekki stated

“...that’s it?” Twilight blinked.

“Not many Youkai like us,” Koma added, “Ah think Yukina and Bakui only tolerate us because we’re Youkai too.”

“And Appak is just our babysitter for when Bakui can’t watch us, nya,”

Twilight looked at the two Youkai for a moment, thinking on their request, “...sure. This necklace, I’m guessing, allows me to come here.”

“Hai,” Koma nodded.

Twilight continued to gather the flowers, a small smile on her face. After this, things were starting to turn up for the Alicorn.

“Twilight? Twilight?” Spike called out as he looked around the city, “Twilight, where are you?!”

“Twilight?” Sunset also called out.

“Where is she?” Spike asked, worry evident in his voice, “You don’t think… somepony hurt her, do you?”

“Don’t worry that much,” Sunset told him, “I doubt anypony would try and harm her in broad daylight.”

Spike then walked up onto Sunset’s shoulder to get a better look, “Can you blame me for being really scared since… y’’know… the entire country hates her.”

“That’s not really accurate… the entire country minus about 10 ponies,”

“Ha, ha, ha,” Twilight’s voice laughed sarcastically, “Very funny, Sunset.”

“Twilight!” both Sunset and Spike smiled happily, turning around to see the Alicorn coming out of the nearby forest.

“Where were you, Twilight?! We were starting to worry about you!” Spike exclaimed.

“Getting what we need to save our friends,” Twilight smiled as she showed off the flowers, causing their eyes to widen greatly.

“H...how did…” Sunset began.

“Let’s just say it’s a secret,” Twilight giggled a bit, confusing the two before they shrugged it off, ‘Rainbow...Fluttershy, don’t worry. I’m coming to save you.’

Author's Note

Hey. Now before anyone hounds me on the whole 'Yokai Watch' cameos...that's just it. I'm not crossing it over with said series. It's just a small cameo.

Night Before Departure

Dawn just held onto Twilight’s hand as they walked back to the bookstore, a worried look on the alicorn filly’s face.

“...Dawn, I promise you, nothing bad is going to happen,” Twilight assured her.

“I know but… well it’s not just that,” Dawn sighed a bit, “I...I just don’t know why my parents gave me up. Is it...” she paused as she looked at one of her hidden wings, “Is it because I’m an Alicorn?”

“...It’s… a possibility…” Twilight pondered, making Dawn whimper a bit, “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to-”

“I-it’s fine,” Dawn stated as she rubbed her eyes a bit, “Twilight, when we get to your home… can you be my mom?”

Twilight looked at the alicorn filly with wide eyes at that.

“...I understand,” Dawn sighed, about to let go of Twilight’s hand, but the older Alicorn didn't let go, ”...Is something wrong, Miss Sparkle?”

“Dawn…” Twilight whispered before she hugged the filly, “I would love to. And I promise you someday… I’ll help you find your real parents.”

“...thank you,” Dawn responded, tears falling from her eyes as she hugged her back.

“You’re welcome,” Twilight smiled softly as she held the filly close, “Now come on. Your friends and mine are waiting for us.”

Dawn nodded before she held out her arms to Twilight, wordlessly asking for her new mother to carry her. Twilight let out a soft giggle before doing so, making sure not to drop her as she resumed her walk to the bookstore.

“Fluttershy, are you feeling okay?” Dash asked, walking into the bathroom of the book store to make sure her friend was okay.

“...I could be better…” Fluttershy responded.

“Are you sure? Because you’ve been rather quiet since Twilight left and stuff,” Rainbow Dash stated, a bit of worry evident in her voice.

The two were almost like sisters… so Fluttershy figured, if anypony else should know, it should be her.

“...What I’m about to tell you cannot, and I repeat, cannot, be told to anypony else, especially Silver Hawk. Understand?” Fluttershy informed her in a serious tone.

Rainbow Dash blinked a bit before nodding, wondering why Fluttershy was so serious right now.

“...Well?” Fluttershy asked, the rainbowette forgetting that Fluttershy was in a stall at the moment.

“...I promise,”

Fluttershy took in a deep breath, “Rainbow… I think I’m pregnant.”

“...WHAT?!”

“Shhh!” Fluttershy hushed her, “Not so loud.”

“I… you… how… I…” Rainbow stuttered, a look of disbelief on her face, “Okay… first off; I always thought you’d be the kind of pony who would wait until she was married to do that.”

“I-I know… but…” Fluttershy paused as she blushed heavily, “...R-remember when I slept over at Silver Hawk’s after Aki sent me that threat letter?”

“Yeah… oh…” Dash blinked in dawning realization, “Hey uh…if you’re gonna trust me with this secret, I’m gonna trust you with a secret too. Before this… mess started, I… was going to propose to Twilight by the Hachiko statue.”

“O-oh my,” Fluttershy gasped a bit at that before she looked down in a guilty manner, leaving the stall she was in, “I...I’m sorry. I-If I hadn’t come here, none of this wouldn’t have hap-”

“...Don’t. Say. That,” Rainbow said in a stern tone as she placed her hands on her shy friend’s shoulders, “Don’t ever say something like that, Fluttershy.”

“...But-”

“But nothing. Fluttershy, you chose to come up here because you wanted to pay respects to your late parents, and find Silver. And you did just that.”

Fluttershy was in silence at this as Dash continued.

“You met up with your cousin, you gave a young pony joy that she could only feel with you… you were able to help me and Twilight in a way. Don’t… ever say something negative about yourself again… you’re… my little sister…” Dash said, tears starting to form in her eyes as she hugged her, “And I don’t want to see you sad. Not now… not ever again…”

“Rainbow…” Fluttershy whispered, small tears forming on her eyes as she returned the hug, “A-arigatou… Onee-chan.”

“I told you this when we were younger, and I’ll tell you this again,” Dash began, “...I’ll always be your Onee-chan when you need one. Never forget that… Fluttershy.”

“...Hai,” Fluttershy smiled softly, the tears trailing down her face as she hugged her. But these weren’t tears of sadness… but of joy.

Soon, Twilight had returned with Dawn, the alicorn filly having fallen asleep in Twilight’s arms.

“Welcome back, Twilight,” Sunset was the first to greet her before she looked down at the sleeping filly, “...I see you managed to find her.”

“Keep it down… she’s trying to sleep,” Twilight hushed her.

“Oops. Sorry,” Sunset whispered apologetically.

“So… how long until we head back for Ponyville?” Applejack asked.

“...The boat won’t be arriving until tomorrow…” Twilight informed.

“So we’re spending the night here?” Pinkie asked quietly.

“Seeing as we can't go back to the hotel, most likely yeah,” Twilight replied.

“I… actually already checked us out,” Rarity informed, showing she had all of their things there.

“...Why did this happen?” Platinum sighed, as she sat down with Silver Spoon, “I honestly wanted to have a nice relaxing vacation…”

“Miss Platinum, I am so sorry for getting you and your daughter involved in this,” Twilight apologized to her, “...if there’s any way I can make it up to you, I promise I will do something to compensate for you two getting caught up in this mess.”

“...Thank you,” Platinum smiled, before she saw Silver Spoon look a bit nervous.

“We have to go home already? We just got here. And I don’t want to see… her again so soon…” Silver Spoon asked sadly.

“I know dear… nothing we can do about it,” Platinum sighed, hugging her daughter.

Twilight sighed as she carefully sat down on the floor, making sure not to wake up Dawn. The boat wasn’t going to come until tomorrow, and they had nowhere else to sleep tonight.

Platinum heard somepony moaning late at night. She slowly woke up and carefully walked to the bathroom and saw it was Fluttershy, the shy mare looking a bit green in the face before she ended up vomiting tonight’s dinner into the toilet.

“...Are you okay?” Platinum asked.

“...Not… really…” Fluttershy admitted, panting as she wiped her mouth a little, “L-let’s just say last night’s… urp,” she gagged, covering her mouth as she forced it back, “Dinner didn't’ agree with me.”

Platinum turned away before walking back in with medical equipment.

“...Oh yeah. I forgot you’re a nurse…” Fluttershy blinked before Platinum put a thermometer in her mouth.

“Okay…” Platinum began as she put on a stethoscope and placed the small end on Fluttershy’s chest, “Please breath for me.”

Fluttershy did so, the pinkette taking a deep breath a few times. Platinum looked over her for a moment before taking the thermometer out of the shy pegasus’ mouth.

“You don’t seem to have a fever…” Platinum note before she pondered for a moment, “Hmm… tell me dear, have you had any… cravings or mood swings?”

“Hai…” she nodded, “I practically blew my top at Pinkie earlier today when she accidently bumped into me. Then the next thing I knew, I was crying on the floor, calling out for Silver Hawk-kun.”

“...uh-huh…” Platinum noted, “...Anything else?”

“Well...for the cravings, I’ve been wanting a lot of ice creams, mainly mint chocolate chip and strawberry,” Fluttershy admitted.

“I see…” Platinum noted once more before it dawned on her, “...You’re p-”

“Shh. Not so loud… um, please,” Fluttershy hushed her, “I don’t want anypony else to find out.”

“...Do you want to know for sure? I do have the equipment to check…”

“...Alright,” Fluttershy sighed a bit.

After a bit, Platinum looked at the results, seeing that it was positive… and then there was another added issue.

“Uh…Miss Fluttershy. Uh… how can I put this delicately?” Platinum began, trying to find the right words to say.

“What is it? Is there something wrong?”

“...You’re carrying twins,” Platinum informed.

“....T-twins?” Fluttershy gasped quietly, her eyes widened as her hands slowly covered her mouth.

“It’s hard to say right now, but I know for fact at least one of them is a boy.”

“Twins… I… I...have…” Fluttershy whispered before she fainted, her eyes replaced with swirls.

Dash simply looked out a window, her mind being someplace else as she rested her head on the palm of her hand.

“...Bowy?”

“...hi Twil,” Dash smiled, turning to Twilight.

“Something bothering you?” Twilight inquired.

Dash blinked a bit before she sighed, “You can say that… it’s just...I really really enjoying this vacation, Twil. But…” she paused as she frowned, “That stupid Aki girl ruined it.”

“...Did you want to do something before we left?” Twilight asked.

“Well… I had something special I wanted to do, and it HAD to be by the Hachiko statue,” Dash sighed.

“Something special?”

“Can’t say. I want it to be a surprise,” Rainbow stated as she took Twilight’s hand, “Come on… let’s go.”

Twilight blushed nervously before whispering to Rainbow, “But… what about the others? They’ll wonder where we went.”

“I left a note where we’re heading. And don’t worry, this won’t take long,” Rainbow assured her.

The two soon landed by the Hachiko statue, the nearby sakura trees blowing in the wind as the cherry blossoms fell of them.

‘Perfect. The settings are just right,’ Rainbow Dash thought as she turned towards Twilight, “Twilight…”

“This is beautiful…” Twilight giggled as she took out a camera, “Posey said she would let me borrow it,”

She took pictures of the area before Rainbow tapped her shoulder, catching the Alicorn’s attention as she saw the tomboy kneeling down on one knee.

“Twilight, I wanted to come here because…this statute means loyalty. When you first came to Ponyville, I… I didn’t expect us to become best friends, but as time went on, my feelings for you changed. I mean… always thought you were cute and… you’ve become… so beautiful…”

“Dash…” Twilight whispered, the Alicorn blushing a bit as tears began to form in her eyes, “A-are you trying to…?”

“I am. Twilight, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be the mare I am today, and I like to be by your side always. I came to this place because it represents loyalty…and I wish to be forever loyal to you, not because you’re a princess… but because… you’d be my wife,” Rainbow smiled softly as she pulled out a small box, “I know the ring inside isn’t much… but, Twilight Sparkle… will you marry me?”

Dash opened up the box, revealing a ring that had an eight pointed star mixed with a cloud and lightning bolt symbol, the star inside the cloud.

“Rainbow Dash… I… I...” Twilight whispered, the tears rolling down her face as a smile formed, “Yes… yes I will!”

She took the ring and slid it on her finger, admiring its beauty before she looked at Rainbow Dash and pulled the tomboy into a deep kiss, both of them were in each others arms before they separated the kiss, looking into each others eyes.

“So… you wouldn’t mind having daughters? Wait what? What do you…” they said in perfect unison, “Wait...were you thinking the s- please stop that.”

Scootaloo woke up, hearing the sound of somepony crying nearby.

“Huh?” the pegasus filly blinked a bit as she got up and began to look for the source of the crying. She saw it was Silver Spoon, crying in her sleep, “Silver Spoon?”

Silver Spoon whimpered in her sleep as she tossed and turned slightly in her sleep.

“No… leave me alone…” she murmured in her sleep.

“Silver Spoon? Silver Spoon what’s wrong?” Scootaloo whispered as she tried to wake the greyish-silver filly up.

“Don’t hurt me… please…”

“Silver Spoon, please answer me!” Scootaloo yelled quietly as she shook her a bit.

Silver Spoon woke up, tears dripping down from her eyes as she panted heavily.

“Sc-Scootaloo… I… I had a nightmare…”

“You want to talk about it?”

“....I rather not…” Silver Spoon whimpered, “But...I-I will say it involved… her.”

“...She can’t hurt you anymore. She won’t hurt me anymore… I promise,” Scootaloo smiled, getting close to her.

“...I hope so… I really don’t want to see her again, especially after what she did…”

“...Silver Spoon… thank you…” Scootaloo smiled, hugging her, “...For being here for me.”

“...You’re welcome… I wanted to see you so bad, Scootaloo,” Silver Spoon blushed a bit.

Scootaloo and Silver Spoon hugged happily, both smiling and blushing.

Agreements Made

“So Starlight’s back, huh?” Dash sighed, “Haven’t seen her for a long time…”

“And she’s targetin’ us.” Applejack informed.

“Oh no…” Rarity gasped a bit, “And we had just dealt with that dreadful Aki a week or two ago.”

“So… she hired Aki and Flash just to mess with us?” Fluttershy sighed.

“From what Ai managed t’ record, yes,” Applejack nodded.

“...I thought she would’ve at least change…” Twilight sighed as she sat down, “But… I think I made things worse with her.”

“...Think she’s going to keep sending ponies we’ve had a bad past with to mess with us?” Pinkie asked.

“Seeing what's been happening lately, I believe so,” Twilight nodded.

“...I think you’re gonna be fine Pinkie,” Rarity shrugged, “You don’t have any bad relationships,”

Pinkie merely nodded at that, as they looked at each-other a moment.

“So, Silver Hawk and the others are at risk since they’re around us?” Pinkie asked.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened at that. If that was true… she quickly shook her head to get those dreadful thoughts out.

“Who do you think this Starlight could be?” Ai asked her brother.

“I don’t know, but from how nervous Applejack was, I say she’s someone you don’t want to meet personally.” Kota shrugged, as he, Ai and Applebloom all sat close by, Applebloom at the moment was asleep.

“...H-hai,” Ai nodded nervously.

At the moment, the three were hiding inside of a closet while Granny Smith and Big Mac distracted the Flim Flam brothers. He didn’t expect the two brothers to arrive this early, but… what were they here for exactly?

“Are you going to get out yet?” Flim asked.

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Come on now. Be neighborly.”

“We’re not your neighbors. Also considering you’re trying to kick us out, we hate you both right now.”

After returning home, Fluttershy sat with her two kids and Silver Hawk, a worried look on the shy pinkette’s face.

“So somepony hates you all? And more or less used Aki’s hatred of you to… cause this mess?” Silver Hawk asked.

“H-hai,” Fluttershy nodded slowly, “And I’m afraid of what she’ll do next…”

Kaito and Snow both began to reach for their mother, the obviously hungry.

“...Oh. I’m sorry Kaito, Snow… I was so busy thinking to myself, I forgot to feed you,” Fluttershy apologized, picking them up and walking off.

“You two… can git the heck off of mah farm!” Applejack shouted as she and Twilight walked over.

“I thought we explained this before, right brother?” Flim asked his brother.

“Indeed we did. This farm officially belongs to-” Flam began.

“No it does not. This place is still property of the Apple Family,” Twilight stated as she pulled out some papers, “See? This states it still belongs to them, and that this place is a historical landmark of Ponyville history. So if you two try and tear anything here down, you’ll be breaking the law.”

After a while, the brothers were put in jail due to false claims and attempted demolition of a historical landmark, and the Apple Family had managed to talk with the mayor about their supposed eviction, but she knew nothing.

“So… what happened to your attempt to evict them?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Dad called it off… I am grounded, but it’s fine,” Diamond Tiara informed, looking down sadly, “After what I did… I deserve to be grounded.”

“We’ll see you around,” Scootaloo assured.

Applebloom and Ai were sitting in the former’s bedroom, the youngest Apple sibling putting her stuff away while Ai sat down on the bed.

“Ai… Ah just want to say thank you so much,” Applebloom smiled a bit, “If you hadn’t dropped in on those sneaky Flim flam brothers… me and mah family wouldn't have a home here no more.”

“...Your welcome. Though…” Ai paused as she gained a small sad smile, “I would’ve liked it if you and your family moved in with me and Onii-chan.”

Applebloom came to a stop at what she was doing and sat down next to her.

“Ai… can Ah admit somethin’ t’ ya?” Applebloom asked, earning a slight nod from the pegasus, “Well… if me and mah family had moved in with y'all… Ah could see us all act like a big family. In fact… if mah sister marries your brother, we’d be sisters.”

The pegasus blushed a bit as she giggled, “...we were thinking the same thing.”

“Really?”

“I really do want to see Onii-chan marry your sister and then we’d be sisters.”

“Wow… so we both hope our older sibling marry each other,” Applebloom giggled a bit, “Eheh… we’re already started thinkin’ like sisters, Ai.”

The two shared a small laugh at this.

“Ahh… it’s good t’ laugh,” Applebloom smiled a bit.

“So… mind mah askin’ if ya two ever plan on headin’ back home?” Applejack asked Kota and Ai the next day.

“Oh… uh…” Kota pondered for a bit, not completely certain on that.

Neither Hikari sibling said anything, not sure of what to say. In one hand, they wanted to go back home to Neighpon, but in the other… they wanted to stay with Applejack and her family

“...Ah meant as a visit. Fluttershy has sorta began to ponder goin’ there so she could show her kids,” Applejack explained.

“Oh…”

The two siblings smiled at each-other before Kota looked at Applejack with a smile.

“I guess a visit won’t hurt.” he shrugged.

At the time, the group was planning a returning visit to Neighpon and were going to include some guests.

“So can you make it?” Rarity asked somepony over the phone.

-I think so… if I can catch the next train to Ponyville, I can make it there by morning-

“Great. I’ll see you soon, Coco dear,” Rarity smiled as the person she was talking to hung up.

“Hey sis,” Sweetie Belle’s voice called out from the next room, almost hurting Rarity’s ears for a moment, “There’s somepony at the door who wants to talk to you!”

“On my way,” she responded as she began to leave her room, ‘I wonder who’s at the front door?’

She soon arrived, seeing an all too familiar looking male Unicorn.

“...oh… oh my…” Rarity gawked, “Y-you’re...you’re…”

“Hello, Miss Rarity. A pleasure to meet you again,” the unicorn greeted with a small smile, adjusting his monocle a bit, “How have you been?”

“....”

“...Miss Rarity?”

“...Ooh~” Rarity groaned as she fainted.

Rarity began to stir a few hours later, the unicorn mare groaning a bit as she came too, her eyes slowly opening up.

“Oh...oh gracious. What a strange yet wonderful dream…” Rarity admitted as she sat up, “for a moment, I thought I saw Fancy Pants standing at my front door.”

“Hello there,” Fancy pants’ voice spoke, making Rarity blink as she looked to the left to see the unicorn sitting down not too far away, a smile on his face.

RArity blinked for a few seconds before pinching herself.

“Ow...” Rarity winced a bit, “Okay… it is not a dream.”

“A friend of yours invited me, Fluttershy I believe her name was,” Fancy Pants replied, “She said that you were looking for somepony to hang out with.”

“Oh… I see…” Rarity noted, ‘Fluttershy called him?’

“So… are you going to be free for the rest of the night?”

“...Well, I was going to prepare a few things for an upcoming trip, but I suppose that can wait until tomorrow night,” Rarity replied, “But.. is it okay for you to be out here? I mean, what would Fluer de Lis think if she saw you…”

“I’m taking a short vacation,” Fancy Pants explained, “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

Rarity giggled as Fancy Pants took a look around.

“Hmm...You have quite a lovely home, Miss Rarity,” the unicorn noted as he looked around before seeing a plaque on the wall, “Hmm? What’s this?”

Rarity gave a sheepish look at it, “That… that is… uh well… funny story actually.”

“...judging from your expression, it isn’t very funny…”

‘...It’s not,” Rarity slumped, “It’s more embarrassing actually…”

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“No no. You asked, and I want to get this off my chest,” rarity stated as she took a deep breath, “Remember Ponyville days?

“I believe so. I was one of the ponies that visited during that day.”

Rarity tensed up at that.

“...Did something happened beforehand?”

“Yes… well… this might sound stupid but… you see, me and my friends, minus dear Fluttershy and Twilight of course, got in a bit of an argument over that very plaque. it ended up causing the town to split and…” Rarity paused as she looked down, “I really wish I could take that back. I was so foolish back then.”

“...Everypony makes mistakes, Rarity,” Fancy Pants spoke as he put a hand on her shoulder, “But you learned from it.”

“...That is true,” Rarity nodded as she smiled a bit, “If Twilight hadn't come back, then I wouldn't have learned such a valuable lesson, nor would I still be friends with Applejack.”

Fancy Pants couldn’t help but smile at her, causing the mare to blush a bit as she looked away.

“i-i’m terribly sorry, Fancy pants. I must look such a mess,” Rarity blushed, “If I had known you'd be coming, I would’ve been better prepared.”

“You look nice… just like you always do,” Fancy pants said, making Rarity blush further.

“W-why… thank you.”

Sweetie Belle just watched them, the young unicorn peeking on from a corner.

“This is cute,” Sweetie Belle giggled quietly.

Fancy Pants looked on at some of Rarity’s dresses, rather impressed by them.

“Well I must say, Miss Rarity. These dresses of yours look absolutely stunning,” the unicorn stallion noted with a smile, adjusting his monocle a bit to take a closer look at an elegant pure white dress.

“Why thank you,” she blushed, the unicorn mare messing with a small lock of her mane, ”Though...they’re nowhere near as fabulous as the dresses in Canterlot.”

“I dare say they may be as good, perhaps even better.”

“...Y-you really think so?” Rarity asked, blushing a bit further.

“I really think so.”

“...Again, thank you,” Rarity smiled, the blush still on her face “I try my best to make sure they matches the pony’s personality and taste.”

“I see. So if I may ask… who is this dress for?” he asked as he motioned to the dress he was looking at.

“It’s for one of my friends,” Rarity replied, “Though it’s not really finished yet.”

“It really is quite lovely so far. Is there any sort of special occasion, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“...Well there is one that’s coming up soon. My friend Twilight is getting married.”

“That sounds splendid,” Fancy Pants smiled, “Who is the pony she’ll be marrying?”

“....Well, it’s rather...complicated,” Rarity replied.

“...why what do you mean?” Fancy Pants blinked a bit.

The purple maned Unicorn thought about her next word choice carefully, “Well… the pony she’ll be marrying is not a… ahem, stallion per say.”

“Oh? Wait. Correct me if I’m wrong…isn’t Twilight the Princess of Friendship?”

“Why yes she is.”

“That’s a little surprising. No offense to her at all, but I was sure she would marry a stallion.”

“Well yes, and I am glad Twilight is getting married. But… out of all ponies to fall in love with, I never would’ve imagined it was Rainbow Dash.” Rarity admitted as she sat down, “...I’ll admit, there are some mares I at least think are… cute, but personally, I’m straight… but can’t help but be a bit curious about other ways of romance. You know?”

“...I can’t really say that I understand what you mean. But they do say at least 65% of female ponies in Equnia are either lesbian or bisexual.” Fancy Pants told her.

“...Well yes, that is true.” Rarity nodded, “But Pinkie Pie, Applejack and myself aren’t really into other mares… as I was saying, there are some mares I think are cute… but that’s about it.”

“I see,” Fancy Pants noted, “By the by, is that little filly unicorn that’s been listening in on us somepony you know?”

Rarity’s eyes widened as she saw a small bit of Sweetie Belle’s mane from the slightly cracked open door, the young unicorn currently listening in.

“....Sweetie Belle…” Rarity began with a frustrated growl.

‘uh oh...’ Sweetie Belle gulped mentally from her hiding spot before she ran outta there, “Going to go visit my friends! Bye!”

Rarity sighed a bit, rubbing her head a little to try and sooth the oncoming headache.

“...who is that?”

“My little sister, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity informed, “She’s this little ball of energy, but she’s a bit loud and a snoop. I swear, I have so many problems keeping things hidden from her. Honestly, I have no idea where she gets it from.”

“You have a little sister. Heh… you’re lucky.”

“Hm?” Rarity blinked as she looked at him, “Why what do you mean?”

“I just sort of wish I had a younger sibling,” Fancy pants admitted with a small, faint smile.

“She’s sweet and all… but she can be a bit of a handful. But despite that, she is my darling little sister…” Rarity giggled as she smiled softly.

Fancy Pants also smiled, before he noticed some purple fabric lying by a chair.

“Hmm? What is this?”

“Hmm?” Rarity blinked a bit before looking at the fabric Fancy Pants was looking at, “Oh...that. It was something I had prepared for the contest in Manehatten a few months back.”

“I remember being there for that… but wasn’t it used by a… Suri Polomare?”

“Yes but….” Rarity paused as she frowned, “She tricked me into giving it to her.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. And what was worst, she had Coco, a friend of mine, make sure that it looked like she was the one who made the fabric, and that I was copying her.”

“Well… that appears to be the quite the conundrum…” he noted.

“I know…” Rarity sighed as she sat down, “I worked so hard on that fabric too, and Suri outright stole it from me… my generous nature was taken advantage off… and I did some things I’m not proud of, working my friends like they were in some sort of a sweat shop or something, so I could make a replacement. Not long after that day… Fluttershy and I were talking… and well, she said that I was acting sort of like Suri… and after thinking it over, I realized, if I abandoned my morals, I would just be like her.”

Rarity’s eyes began to water a bit, the unicorn mare sniffling a bit before Fancy Pants held out a tissue to her.

“Beautiful ladies shouldn’t cry,” Fancy pants said with a soft smile, “Especially ones like you, Miss Rarity.”

“...Th-thank you,” Rarity sniffled, blushing a bit as she accepted the tissue and gently blew into it.

Sweetie Belle and Button Mash had begun to walk through Ponyville, the latter currently playing a handheld video game at the moment.

“Gonna take Ryu down… and then… oh… no no no no!” Button growled before his character got knocked out, “Dang it! I was so close!”

“You really should stop playing online, Button,” Sweetie Belle stated as she walked beside him, “It’s not good to get angry like that.”

“First of all, I’m playing against a computer player. Second of… I really couldn’t help myself with you taking so long to get those icees,” Button Mash replied before looking back at his game, “Alright. Time for round two!”

“...Not my fault the line was busy,” Sweetie Belle muttered as she took a sip of her cherry icee, before she took his 3DS, and exited the character select screen and turned it off.

“No! I was one stage away from the final boss!” Button Mash exclaimed.

“Okay, first off; that’s not true. You weren’t in Classic Mode, I know that because Scootaloo plays the game as much as you do sometimes. Second off; can we at least have one single date where you pay attention to me for once? I really like you… but there are times I think you love video games more than you love your own girlfriend,” Sweetie Belle stated with a sigh.

Button looked at her for a moment, not sure of what to say before he looked down, “Sorry… just… I really don’t know what to do for dates and stuff.”

“So you spend most of the time playing video games during our dates?”

“....Yes,” Button sighed.

“...Why don’t you ask your mom for advice?”

“She doesn’t even know I have a girlfriend.”

“She doesn’t?”

“I’m… scared to tell her. I love my mom, but… I don't’ know how she’ll react when her 12 year old son is already dating.”

“...my parents and sister took it well,” Sweetie Belle spoke up, “I’m sure your mom would understand. Just… sit down and talk with her.”

“Alrighty,” he nodded as the two just walked, “So… couples do this? They just…. walk?”

“Yea. Rarity insisted I borrow some dating books from Twilight’s library, and read every single detail,” Sweetie Belle answered, “...I’m serious. She made me stay up all night one day just to read every single book on dating.”

“Jeesh… it’s things like that, that make me glad I’m an only child.” Button admitted, as they sat down by a curve.

“What do you mean those kids forgave you?!” an older female voice shouted.

“...they gave me another chance sis,” a familiar voice spoke.

“Diamond?” Sweetie Belle blinked, turning to see Diamond Tiara with another mare with pink fur and a purple styled mane, said mare wearing a pink suit like blouse, a dark blue skirt, black stilettos, and a light blue checkered scarf.

“Diamond Tiara, you know what your Cutie Mark means. You’re destined to be above other ponies, not sink to the same level!” the older mare told her.

“But… the things I did… they were unacceptable, Suri!” Diamond Tiara argued.

“So? Remember what I told you, little sis. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and the only pony you can count on is yourself,” the older mare stated before frowning at Diamond, “Or did you forget that since you’ve been living with these backwater nobodies?”

Diamond Tiara didn’t know how to respond to her big sister, the filly looking down at the ground.

“...Honestly,” the older mare sighed, “..Come on. I’m taking you to live with me in Manehatten. I don’t want to see my little sister grow up with these hicks.”

“...hicks?” Sweetie Belle blinked in annoyance.

“...why do they call it a ‘dog eat dog world’...” Button pondered to himself as Sweetie Belle walked over to Diamond Tiara and her sister.

“Sweetie Belle…” Diamond blinked.

“I really don’t like the way you’re talking about my home like that,” Sweetie Belle frowned as she glared at the older mare.

“Tch. Please. I… wait…” the older mare paused as she took a closer look at Sweetie Belle, “You remind me of somepony… purple hair, wore a business suit like dress… had fur that was the same color as a marshmallow.”

“...How do you know Rarity?”

“Wait. You kn… oh my gosh,” the older mare chuckled a bit, “She lives in this backwater town, doesn’t she? I knew she was from backwater town, but nothing like this place.”

“...you were here for a knitting contest a couple years ago sis, remember?” Diamond reminded.

“...oh yea. This annoying backwatered place hasn’t changed in all of these years,” Suri noted before she noticed Twilight’s castle in the distance, “...uh, ew. What is that? Looks like something a Diamond Dog threw up.”

“...that's Princess Twilight’s place,” Sweetie Belle frowned.

“Oh yea… I forgot your stupid big sisters is friends with that princess… Honestly, that princess could do a lot better than live in a place like this,“ Suri admitted, “I mean, having to deal with all these hicks every single day? It must be maddening for her.”

Sweetie Belle was about to argue, but the older mare just pushed the young filly into some mud, ruining the outfit she was wearing.

“Hey!” Diamond Tiara snapped, running up to Sweetie Belle and helped her up as she glared at her older sister, “That was uncalled for!”

“Little annoying squirts shouldn’t even bother with me.” she stated.

“Suri… she was on a date…” Diamond growled.

“A date? Seriously?” Suri scoffed as she pointed at the ruined light purple and white dress Sweetie Belle was wearing, “With that ugly rag? Pfft… whoever made it needs to get her eyes checked.”

“My sister made it for me!” Sweetie Belle snapped.

“My point exactly. What? You gonna cry about it? Why don’t you run to your talentless sister then?”

At that same moment, Rarity felt something snap inside her. She didn’t know, btu somepony somewhere called her talentless… HER!

“Rarity, darling, is there a problem?” Fancy Pants asked.

“...Excuse me, Fancy Pants. I… need a breath of fresh air,” was all rarity said as she stood up and walked to the front door, leaving a confused Fancy Pants.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes began to water at this point, but she was holding back from fully crying. She didn't’ want somepony like Suri to see her cry, nor did she want to cry in front of Button.

“Why are you bothering her, you bully?!” Button demanded as he walked over, “You’re just as bad as your little sister, bullying others for no reason!”

Diamond Tiara seemed to flinch a bit at that while Suri just gave him an uncaring look.

“Little baby ponies shouldn’t be on dates. They should stay at home… where they belong,” Suri stated.

Button just helped Sweetie up and they walked away, the latter sniffling a bit while the former just gave Suri one last glare.

‘Wow… was I… just as bad before?’ Diamond Tiara thought before frowning at her older sister, “You really went too far, Suri.”

“You aren’t any different. Now come on… I’m tellin’ dad you’ll be goin’ to Manehatten, and we’ll be meeting up with mom,” Suri stated, causing Diamond’s eyes to widen upon hearing that last part.

“Wait. You mean… mom’s waiting for us?”

“Uh, did I stutter? Yes. She is,” Suri said as she grabbed Diamond’s hand, “Now come on. I don’t want you catching this town’s hick disease.”

“But… I haven’t said a-”

“You’re coming with me, and undoing the damage this placed caused now!” Suri snapped as she dragged her off.

“I said I d-”

“You stop that this instant!” a voice shouted.

“Oh… you,” Suri groaned, letting go of her sister and turning to see Rarity, the unicorn giving her a stern glare, “I thought I smelled the stench of failure.”

“...What...are you doing here?” Rarity growled out, “And why are you treating Diamond Tiara like that?”

“I can do anything with her. She is my little sister after all…and she’s really being corrupted by this hick place. These hick ponies, little babies like that Squeaky Belle and tantless idiots like you, have got her thinking stuff like ‘friendship’ and all that junk is good.”

“...Suri,” Rarity began as she took a deep breath to try and calm herself, “I suggest you leave this instant. I do not care that you’re mocking my hometown and the ponies that live here, including my friends. But I do take offense to you mocking me and my little sister...”

“First: Diamond was the one that told me about the whole ‘Squeaky Belle’ thing. Second; I’ve seen most of your hick friends, and honestly… the only one that stands out the most is Princess Twilight, who unfortunately has to live in this place, surrounded by ponies like you,” Suri scoffed.

Rarity growled a bit, part of her hair making a shadow that covered up her eyes, “...I’m thinking a lot of very unlady like things about you right now… so, I will be taking my leave before I say any of them out loud.”

With that, Rarity walked off, the pure white unicorn mare trying her best to calm down.

“See, Diamond. That’s the look of a pony who has no backbone whatsoever, Suri told her little sister, “Like I told you, it’s a dog eat dog world. If I were in her shoes, I’d talk with Princess Twilight, and tell those four freaks to take a hike, and leave this backwater town.”

Rarity stopped in her tracks after hearing that, but just kept walking.

“Are you okay, dear?” Rarity asked Sweetie Belle, as the young filly unicorn and Button Mash returned to the Carousel Boutique.

“Sh-she… ruined the dress you made for me,” Sweetie Belle sniffled, “You… you really worked so hard to make it for me, Rarity.”

Rarity sighed before a soft smile appeared on her face, the older Unicorn kneeling down and giving her little sister a hug.

“Don’t worry, dear. I can clean it for you, and it’ll be just like new,” Rarity said in a soothing, reassuring tone.

“Th-thank you but…” Sweetie Belle sniffled as she rubbed her eyes, “Suri… sh-she kept making fun of Ponyville, and everypony in it.”

“...Don’t let her words get to you, Sweetie. She’s nothing more than a spoiled mare who never learned the value of things like friendship.”

“I must ask… what happened to you?” Fancy Pants asked the young filly, the unicorn stallion having walked into the room after seeing Sweetie Belle’s condition.

“...I-I saw Diamond arguing with her sister, Suri… something or other,” Sweetie Belle answered with a sniffle, “Suri wanted to take her away from Ponyville before it can ‘corrupt’ her even more.”

“Good riddance to the little pest, I say,” Button muttered, “One less bully, the better.”

“That’s my friend you’re talking about Button,” Sweetie Belle informed.

“Wait… what?”

“I said she’s my friend,” Sweetie Belle repeated.

“...What?!” Button gawked before paleing, “Oh no…you’re not turning into a bully too, are you?!”

“In your nightmares perhaps. Timid talked with her and Diamond wants to change.” Sweetie informed, making Button gawk, “And she really does. She was doing good to until…Suri came along.”

“I can deal with Suri, but right now, why don’t we get you into some clean clothes, Sweetie Belle?” Rarity offered.

“...Good idea,” Sweetie Belle nodded.

“...it’s… been a long time, hasn’t it?” Filthy Rich stated as he looked at his elder daughter, Diamond Tiara sitting in a chair nearby.

“Yes it has, father,” Suri nodded a bit, “But no time to catch up. I’m here to tell you I’m taking Diamond Tiara to live with me in Manehatten. I don’t want her here in this backwater town any longer.”

“...There is nothing wrong with this town, Suri,” Filthy Rich frowned.

“...Seriously. I would’ve thought you’d agree with me on this,” Suri admitted in slight surprise.

“While that is true, the ponies that live in this town are nice and accepting,” Filthy Rich stated, the frown still on his face, “Sure it has its flaws, but Ponville is a good place to live in. Plus we have Princess Twilight and her friends lo-”

“This place doesn’t even deserve a princess! I mean seriously, dad! A backwater place like this with a princess?! That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”

“....I suggest you choose your next words carefully, Suri,” Filthy Rich frowned, his fist clenched up as he tried his best to stay calm.

“I am taking Diamond to see our mother.”

Filthy Rich’s eyes widened a bit upon hearing that.

“That’s right, I found mom, and I’m taking Diamond Tiara with me to see her,” Suri stated, “Hopefully she can fix the damage this backwater town caused.”

Filthy Rich had no words. Absolutely no words to say about that. The fact that his eldest daughter had found her mother surprised him, but he couldn't’ help but feel a bit angry that Suri wanted to take Diamond away from Ponyville.

“Mom will be waiting a few days. So I’m trying to hurry up here, so again. I’m taking Diamond to see her.”

“...I.. I uh...I…”

“What’s the matter, dad. Shocked that I found mom?”

“...yes. I..I dont’ even know how you...how you found her.”

“Well I’d tell you, but I want to get out of here as fast as possible.” Suri informed.

“...I… I… *sighs* Diamond… can you come here a second?”

“...okay,” Diamond nodded as she got off her seat and walked over to her father.

“Dear… please… I need to ask you this.” he began, before taking a deep breath and sighing, “...do you want to meet your mother?”

“...Only if she comes here.”

“Uh, I’m sorry, but I don't want mom to come here,” suri spoke up, “Bad enough dad got c-”

“You heard her, Suri,” Filthy Rich said as he gave his eldest daughter a serious look, “Either her mother comes here, or no.”

“...Fine. But you have to agree to one thing. You have to keep Twilight and her friends away from her. It’s her request, and main reason for wanting Diamond to come to Manehatten, not mine.”

“...Alright,” Filthy Rich nodded.

“Good,” Suri smirked a bit, “I’m sure mom will be happy to see you and Diamond Tiara again.”

A Robin

Twilight looked at her bag filled with a few things for at least two week’s worth of travel.

“So… where is Osaka anyway?” Sunset asked Kota.

“All the way back in Neighpon. It’s located around this specific area here,” Kota explained as he pointed to a spot on the map, “Osaka is kind of close to the edge of Neighpon and nearest to the ocean, it’s a bit more modern than Ponkiyo, and it’s about… almost 250 miles away from Ponkiyo,”

The two girls nodded, before Sunset noticed something...

“So… are Applejack and the others going to come with us?” Sunset asked Twilight.

“I have no idea to be honest with you,” Twilight sighed, “After what happened, I doubt they’ll want to see me for a while.”

“True…” Sunset sighed, “So… is Ai staying here?”

“I did ask her, but AJ insisted she stay here,” Kota informed, “Something about not wanting to risk her ‘falling into the hands of the bad guys’. Any idea what that’s all about?”

“Well-” Sunset began, when Twilight quickly spoke up.

“Nope! No idea!”

“Eh? What do y-”

“Let’s just hurry to the boat before it leaves!”

“Hold on a sec Twilight,” Spike’s voice announced as he and Philomena headed over to the group, “You weren’t seriously thinking about leaving without your number one assistant,”

“...maybe?” Twilight responded, earning a scowl from Spike, “Kidding, kidding…”

“Good. Because I’m feeling as if I’m not that important to the story,” Spike stated before blinking a bit, “...Did I just pull a Pinkie Pie?”

“And I haven’t been with Philly for years… so, she’s coming with,” Sunset smiled as the bird perched itself on her shoulder.

“Alright, let’s go,” Twilight smiled.

“Hold it!” Velvet stated as she walked in, giving her daughter a stern look, “Twilight Sparkle…”

“Before you say anything mom, let me explain something real quick.”

“...You got 2-3 minutes, young lady,” Velvet stated.

“The cure we need to help Fluttershy is in Osaka. We need to go there and get it before it’s too late,” Twilight explained, “...please mom. I have to do this, otherwise I’ll lose two of my best friends forever…”

“...ugh….alright. You can go,” Velvet sighed, “But I want you to promise me something.”

“...what’s that?”

“Be safe.”

“I will,” Twilight smiled.

“...I love you…” Twilight Velvet whispered as she walked over and hugged her.

“I love you too, mommy,” Twilight couldn’t help but say in response.

“Heh...you haven’t called me that in years,” Velvet giggled a bit.

“Let’s give them a moment,” Spike told them.

The small group got onto the boat, Spike carrying the last of the luggage onto it.

“Phew...why is it everytime we go somewhere, I have to be the one carrying stuff around?” the purple dragon panted a bit.

“Force of habit?” Twilight shrugged, earning her a blank look from Spike, “...What?”

Philomena just snickered a little bit at this, the phoenix finding this a bit too funny.

“So, how much of that flower do we need?” Twilight asked.

“...who knows,” Kota shrugged, “Regardless… we’ll at least need more than a dozen, if the translations from this book are accurate,”

“It’s based on your own language. How do you not fully get it all?” Sunset asked.

“Age, different symbols, and some pages are missing,” Kota replied.

“Oh…”

“We should get there before nightfall if things go well,” the boat driver informed.

“Thank you,” Twilight responded.

Dash stared at Platinum Knight, who was fighting back Silver Hawk’s attempt to regain control, slamming his head against the stone wall.

“Damn it...stay...back you!” Platinum Knight exclaimed as he hit his head on the wall once more, this time drawing some blood as it dripped from his forehead.

‘No! This is my body, and you’ve overstayed your welcome!’

“...You are certainly a masochist," Rainbow spoke up, catching the bat pony knight's, "You keep hurting yourself and you don’t seem to be in any pain…”

“Do you even know what the Tartarus that word means?!” Platinum Knight snapped.

“...A pony who doesn’t feel pain when they get hurt?”

“NO! A Masochist is somepony that gets off of getting hurt, and/or enjoying somepony else's pain! I-”

“Oh? So you enjoy being whipped around?” Rainbow smirked.

“No I-!”

“I bet while you and your ‘mistress’ are all alone, she brings out hot waxed candles and-”

“Don’t you even dare finish that! That is an act even my mistress wouldn’t do!”

Dash chuckled a little bit, “Oh yea? Then what does she do? Put a dog collar on you and walk you around like a dog?”

“You better shut your mouth right now or else!”

“You can’t hurt me. She’s commanded you can’t hurt me… so, I am allowed to say whatever it is I want,” Dash said with a smug smirk on her face, “Oh, and one more thing…”

“What is it?”

“Do you and your ‘mistress’ aim to make more slaves just to get kinky with them, or do something productive?” Dash asked.

Platinum Knight was fully ready to just disregard orders and kill Dash then and there, but he stopped in his tracks as his head began to throb in pain, the pegasus turned bat pony dropping to his knees as his eyes widened in pain, shock, and anger.

“You...you bitch! You tricked me into letting my guard down!”

“Did I?” Dash responded, “Or did you do it on your own?”

“D...damn you…” Platinum Knight growled as a dark aura came off him, “DAMN YOU!!!!!”

“What the…?” Rainbow whispered in confusion before she was nearly blown away by the dark aura as it flared off him.

“Gahh! I’ll be back!!!!” Platinum Knight roared as he slowly changed back into Silver Hawk, becoming a pegasus once more as the dark aura faded.

“Thank Celestia that worked! Hurry up and help me!” Dash shouted.

“My head…” Silver Hawk groaned, holding his currently bleeding head.

“...you alright there?” Dash asked.

“...Rainbow Dash?” he asked as he looked.

“Duh. Now help me!”

“R...right,” Silver nodded slowly as he got up and attempted to rush over, wincing a bit as he held his head, but he ignored the pain for right now as he knelt down and began to untie Rainbow Dash, “How were you kept on this wall anyway?”

“Fluttershy’s a lot better at making strong knots than I thought,” Dash admitted, “Seriously, my wrist were itching like crazy...not to mention they hurt a lot.”

“...so, Flutterbat captured you?” he asked as Dash helped him remove some of the heavy armor.

“Yea. And you know things have kind of escalated… Flutterbat’s got some sort of new power or something, which I’m guessing she unknowingly tapped into when she made you her slave,” Dash stated with a shrug.

“Yeah...I could see that,” Silver stated, rubbing his neck a bit as Rainbow helped him get his chest armor off.

“...Whatever, let’s try and find our way outta here,” Dash suggested.

Silver Hawk nodded as he began to fly a bit, taking a moment to wait for Dash to fly herself as she finished taking off his leg armor.

“Well…?” he asked.

“...no can do. I’m restricted on my flying because… well…”

“You have gotta be kidding me… you and Twilight chose recently of all times to get one of you pregnant?!” Silver Hawk asked in a very annoyed tone, “That...wait. How were you two able to even do...let me guess. Spell?”

“Spell,” Dash nodded.

“...Ugh. Magic is so strange at times,” Silver sighed, “...Come on. Let’s hurry and find the nearest exit before Flutterbat notices.”

“...About that. Remember when I said things have kinda escalated?”

“...Yeah?”

“Well...I’m really not sure how, but she somehow fused herself with Fluttershy and… well… Fluttershy now has Flutterbat’s personality.”

“...”

“Yea… we need to high tail it outta here…” Dash stated.

“Ya think?!” Silver Hawk exclaimed.

“...Do you have a plan for when we get these flowers Twilight?” Spike asked.

“I’m working on forming it,” Twilight informed her assistant. the Alicorn writing it down on a small note pad, “Maybe...no no. I count she’ll stay down long enough...maybe...no.”

“...Twilight,” Spike whispered as he walked over and pulled her into a small hug, “It’s not good for you to be this stressed… I’m sure we’ll get Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy back.”

“Spike… I want to apologize,”

“For…?”

“Ignoring you. I’ve been so caught up in other things lately, I’ve been ignoring you and… well, I want to apologize...make it up to you somehow.”

“Twilight…” Spike whispered as he hugged her and began to smile, “Maybe a small snack, but… I just want to help you anyway I can.”

Twilight smiled as she hugged him.

“I love you Spike... you’re so much like a little brother,” Twilight admitted.

“....yeah. And you’re like my big sister,” Spike added as he smiled softly.

Dash and Silver Hawk couldn’t find a way out, and ended up back in the room where Dash had been tied up.

“...what are we supposed to do now?” Dash asked, “We’ve gone everywhere, and we end up back here every time!”

“i know! it’s almost as if somepony’s put...a….spell...no no. that can’t be it.”

“...It couldn’t be possible. Unless she’s already got Sunset or something,” Dash stated.

Suddenly, they heard somepony approach, who quickly used something akin to telekinesis to form metal cuffs to hold Dash back onto the wall.

“Aw, come on! Again?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“You thought you could leave? Oh dear Onee-chan… you can’t. Not until I get who I want,” Fluttershy’s voice informed as she walked in, her hands glowing with a dark blue, almost navy colored, aura.

“What the…?” Rainbow dash gawked in slight shock upon seeing this, “How...how’re you doing this, Fluttershy?! I know for a fact you’re not a Unicorn or an Alicorn!’

“I wish I knew. It can only work for five minutes every hour, but I can use a form of magic…” Fluttershy smirked as she walked over to Silver Hawk.

“...how is it Flutterbat is still controlling you, but you’re… you?” Silver asked.

“Oh dear Silver-kun…you’re always so naive...but I can probably fix that.”

“Excuse me?” Silver blinked.

“Hmm...how shall I do it? Should I turn you back into Platinum Knight, or into something else?” Fluttershy pondered for a bit, “...Oh I know. Tell me, Silver-kun...what kind of bird is smaller than a Hawk?”

“Eh?”

“Agian. What kind of bird...is smaller than a hawk?”

“...a robin, I guess?” Silver shrugged a bit

“Good…” Fluttershy giggled a bit before gaining a small grin, “You deserve a reward Silver-kun. Or shall I say….Robin-chan?”

“Huh? What’re you talking about?” Silver blinked in confusion.

“Oh you’re about find out right…” Fluttershy paused as she raised her other hand up to him before it began to glow as well, “Now.”

Silver just blinked in confusion before he was soon covered in the same aura. Soon, something about him began to change, his arms and legs began to become more slim, his face started to become more mare like, and his body started to become slimmer, almost curvy.

“What….the…?” Rainbow whispered in shock at what she just witnessed, “How...what...?”

“Ow...my head…” Silver groaned, rubbing his head before his eyes widened, “...why do I sound like a mare?”

“Uh….Silver?” Rainbow spoke, catching his… er, her’s attention, “Whatever you do, don’t look at anything with a reflection.”

“...why?” Silver responded.

“Oh no reason… Robin-chan,” Fluttershy spoke up with a slight giggle.

“...Why do you keep...calling...me…” Silver began before he...er, she noticed her reflection in one of the discarded armor parts, “....KYA!!!!...wait! Did i just go ‘kya’?! Why am I a mare?! HOW AM I A MARE!?”

Fluttershy began to laugh at this, the pinkette holding her stomach as she began to laugh uncontrollably.

“It’s not funny!”

Dash tried to resist her own urge to laugh, before she was noticed.

“You’re not helping, Dash!” Silver snapped.

“You’re right...sorry…” Rainbow began before snickering a bit, “Grey Robin!”

“Grey Robin… that’s a great name!” Fluttershy smiled.

“Stop talking like this is not a big problem!” Silver...er, Robin shouted as she glared at Fluttershy, “I don’t know how you did it, but change me back!”

“Hmm...I don’t know. You’re much cuter as a mare.”

“...As funny as this is, he’s right. change him back, Fluttershy,” Rainbow spoke up.

“Nope,” Fluttershy informed as she walked over and used the magic again.

“Nope?! Why ‘nope’?!”

Fluttershy was wordless as Grey Robin eventually bowed to Fluttershy, the stallion turned mare’s face widened a bit in shock when she did it.

“Butterfly-chan...this isn't funny. Please ch-” Robin began.

Fluttershy smirked as she knelt down to Robin’s face, softly placing her hand on the mare’s cheek.

“There’s no need to worry...for now...sleep, my love~” the pinkette whispered into the stallion turned mare’s ear.

“Sleep? Wh-” Robin began before Fluttershy placed her hand on her forehead, causing her eyes to widen a bit before they became clouded, “Butterfly-sama…”

‘What the Tartarus is going on here?!’ Rainbow exclaimed mentally as she watched, ‘Did she just brainwash him again?!’

“Hmm...what should I have you do?” Fluttershy pondered for a bit, trying to think of an order to give to Grey Robin, “Hmm...Grey Robin?”

“Hai, Butterfly-sama?”

“Bow down…” the pinkette ordered.

“Hai…” Robin nodded as she did so, “What else, Butterfly-sama?”

“Praise me… praise me like the goddess that I am…” Fluttershy commanded.

“Hai...Butterfly-sama…” Robin nodded as she bowed her head down to Fluttershy, “I will do what you say, for you’re my goddess...and I am a mere mortal that has been blessed by your presence.”

“And?”

“And even as a stallion or mare, my love for you will always burn brightly…”

“Good,” Fluttershy smirked as she charged a little bit of magic into Grey Robin, which caused her to turn into Platinum Knight, “And that’s the last little bit of magic for an hour.”

“Hai, my mistress,” Platinum Knight nodded, “What is your command, megami-hime-sama?”

“So many choices…” Fluttershy begun as she tapped her chin in thought, “So many to choose from...hmm…”

“Hey knight boy,” Dash began, “What’re you planning on doing? Oh I know. Maybe have your mistress take you out for a walk like a dog?”

“...”

Fluttershy blinked for a bit, before she understood what Dash was getting at.

“..she is not to be harmed, but you may go ahead and gag her,” Fluttershy told Platinum Knight.

“Wait what?”

“Hai, megami-hime-sama,” Platinum Knight nodded, a large smirk on his face as he found some cloth and tied it around Dash’s mouth.

“HMPMH!” Rainbow muffled shouted.

“That’ll keep you quiet, tomboy.”

“Come on over here,” Fluttershy smiled, getting a nod in response as Platinum Knight walked back over to her, “Now then…what kind of reward shall I give you?”

The bat-pony knight came up with an idea and whispered it to her…

Dash was just left there, suspended by the chains and left to wonder what was going on.

‘Twil… please hurry up. Something really weird is going on with Fluttershy, and I don’t know what to do,’ Rainbow thought, a look of worry on her face.