Divergent Paths

The day had started rather peacefully for the mage, and personal protege of Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle. Holding the title of Mage of Harmony often attracted unwanted troubles for her and her friends in the small, but exciting, village of Ponyville. Twilight entwined her fingers together before raising her arms and stretching, letting out a yawn.

Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes Twilight found herself enticed by the wafting scent of frying pancakes. Her number one assistant/adoptive brother must have already gotten up and started breakfast. Despite his diminutive stature she was only six years his elder, and since a young age he had shown a strange aptitude for the mystic dragon arts.

Though there weren't many draconian mages inside of Equestria he had still honed his skills on his own and was able to cast an impressive variety of spells. His most common was his fire, which was also able to double as a messenger fire, allowing the ability to instantly send any parchment burnt directly to the Princess. Not just that, but his body had also been permanently enhanced by the magic, his sight, sense of smell, and hearing having all been increased near tenfold.

His skin had become as hard as iron, and his teeth as well as his digestive system had been strengthened to the point that he was able to consume things that no other human could, at points even consuming gems when his magic ran low. While on the subject Twilight decided to think about her other friends, and fellow Mages of Harmony, as well.

The first on the list was the strong and dependable nature mage Applejack, who cared about her family as much as she did her friends. Regardless of the problem Applejack was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. And using her plant based nature magic she helped around her family owned apple farm, even if sometimes she was too stubborn to admit she, herself, needed help.

The next person she thought about was the loyal, but sometimes rash, Rainbow Dash who was something of a rival to the hardy Applejack. Unlike Applejack, who focused on earth based magic, Dash seemed near obsessed with flight magic, and was even well-versed in the likes of weather magic. The self-proclaimed fastest flier in Equestria was at times a bit of a handful, but certainly advantageous to have around.

Then there was her friend Fluttershy who, while meek and shy, was also a force to be reckoned with should she be made angry. Fluttershy held a bit of knowledge of flight magic due to the influence of Rainbow Dash, but mostly focused on nature magic. Unlike Applejack, however, Fluttershy's nature magic was based around animals rather than plants. She could not only speak with animals, but borrow their abilities as her own for a while.

Her thoughts drifted to the rather erratic, but extremely friendly, Pinkamena, or as she liked to be called, Pinkie Pie. Somehow the mage had gotten her hands on spatial magic and casually used it to warp reality to her will. Twilight was glad she was on their side because someone like that would be near impossible to fight, but Twilight also suspected the magic may have affected her mind to an extent.

Finally there was Rarity, a fashion obsessed drama queen, who was non-the less a reliable partner. While not as strong in magic as the other four Rarity made up for that in precision, able to accomplish feats with her magic that even Twilight herself couldn't. Rarity also specialized in gems, often using them as an extension to her magic pool while at the same time employing them as a form of holding enchantments for later use.

"Twi?!" the voice of her assistant rang out, "You up?!"

Twilight stifled a yawn as she answered, "Yeah!"

"Breakfast's ready!"

"I'll be down in a second!"

Unable to prolong her rest any longer Twilight reluctantly left the comfort of her bed, shedding her night-time clothing as she magicked over her day-wear. After changing Twilight took hold of her staff and made her way down the stairs, the scent of fresh pancakes getting stronger the closer she came to the kitchen.

Upon entering their kitchen/dining room Twilight spotted a plate stacked high with a number of pancakes sitting in the middle of the table while Spike was seated at the table, already stuffing his face with pancakes that had too much syrup on them. Twilight rolled her eyes and scoffed as she sat down, magicking herself a plate of pancakes.

"If you were anyone else I'd say that you would get sick from eating all that."

"Hmmmph, mmmmnpm!"

Luckily Twilight, having lived with Spike for over a decade, was easily able to translate his muffled words.

"Yes, but Pinkie is Pinkie. She's the exception, not the rule."

"Mmmph, mmmmm mmmm!"

"Yes, yes, thank you Spike. I don't know what I would do without you."

Spike puffed out his chest proudly before continuing to scarf down his food like a ravenous wolf. Twilight merely rolled her eyes and poured a reasonable amount of syrup on her own pancakes before cutting into them. Upon finishing her meal Twilight opted to reach out and grab the newspaper that had been sitting on the table, wheras Spike merely shoveled more pancakes onto his plate to consume.

"Hmm." Twilight hummed, scanning the page for any interesting news to read about, "Fancy Pants, Blueblood, Royal Honeymoon. Nothing of any interest."

Retching sounds started coming from the other side of the table and Twilight assumed that Spike had once again bit off more than he could swallow, as usual.

"See Spike, this is what happens when you don't chew. How many times do I have to tell you."

Twilight lowered her paper just in time to see Spike belch out a collection of green flames which coalesced into the form of rolled up parchment. Twilight caught the scroll in her magic and brought it to her, inspecting the wax seal keeping it closed. Twilight quickly recognized the emblazoned sun as Princess Celestia's symbol and wasted no time in breaking it, opening the scroll to read it.

To my dearest student, Twilight Sparkle,

It is with a heavy heart that I must contact you, not for pleasantries, but rather to inform you of a grievous matter. Last night there was a break-in at the Canterlot Castle Vaults, and the Elements of Harmony have been stolen. I fear that their absence may have gone unnoticed for even longer had I not taken it upon myself to check their security every day after the incident with Discord.

Luna is looking into the matter at this moment, but I must request that you and your friends, as Mages of Harmony, come to the castle immediately. I have already sent a pair of my guards to provide transportation, please come as fast as possible, and be extremely careful. Whomever took the Elements was powerful enough to get in and leave undetected, and I fear they may come after you as well.

-With Care

Princess Celestia

Twilight almost thought her heart would stop as she read through the letter, the paper fluttering out of her shaking hands.

"Twi?" Spike questioned, concern clear on his face, "You okay? What happened?"

"Spike," Twilight spoke, finding her mouth dry, "We need to get everyone here and fast. This is an emergency."

Spike, sensing how serious the situation was, merely gave her a salute.

"You find Rainbow Dash and tell her to get Fluttershy then come back here. I'll get Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie. Once everyone's here I'll explain the situation."

"Got it!"

With that Spike ran out of the room as fast as his legs would allow him, intent on completing the mission given to him as fast as possible. Twilight closed her eyes and cleared her mind, filling her thoughts with the familiar sight of Sweet Apple Acres, home to Applejack the Mage of Honesty. Calling upon her mana reserves Twilight poured her magic through the staff and mentally constructed the familiar magical layout for a teleportation spell, and within seconds Twilight found herself standing outside the large wooden household of the Apple family.

Twilight rushed over to the house and slammed the door open, startling it's occupants.

"Where's Applejack?!"

The stetson wearing farm mage quickly appeared from around the corner, surprise apparent on her face.

"Woah, settle down there Twi. What's the problem?"

"We don't have any time to waste Applejack, we have to get the others!"

"Alright, let me grab my stuff and then we'll go."

Applejack wasted no time in making her way down the hallway and up the stairs to the second floor. Within a couple of minutes Applejack returned carrying her own staff, a large backpack strapped across her shoulders.

"I'm ready to go Twi. Mac take care'a Granny 'n Bloom while I'm gone 'kay!"

"Eeyup!"

"Alright Applejack I'm going to teleport us to Rarity's, get ready."

Once again Twilight used her staff as a focus for her magic, readying the spell needed to transport the two to Rarity's home, and place of business, Carousel Boutique. Unlike with Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight had been inside of Rarity's house enough times that she had memorized it, allowing her to teleport them straight there.

With a pop the two appeared within the mane room of Carousel Botique where Rarity happened to be working on one of her many projects. With a startled shriek Rarity jumped up, sending colorful sheets of fabric flying all over the room. Rarity placed a hand on her chest, trying to calm herself down as she shot a glare at Twilight.

"Twilight, darling, while you know I'm happy to accommodate you at any time maybe next time you could give me a little warning?"

"Sorry Rarity, but there's no time. We have to get Pinkie and get back to the library."

"Very well darling, let me gather a few things first though."

As much as Twilight cared for her friend she knew how Rarity could be when it came to packing, and they couldn't afford to waste any time.

"Sorry Rarity, but this is an emergency. Necessities only."

Rarity let out a sad sigh, glancing at her belongings before seemingly resigning herself.

"Very well, give me a few moments to pack a case and then we shall leave."

The head of Rarity's staff glowed as all the fabric scattered across the room flew up and settled into neat stacks on her work table. With that done Rarity made her way into the upper floor of her home, returning half a minute later wearing a medium-sized pouch around her waist and levitating a good sized suitcase behind her.

"Alright darling I am ready to go."

"Alright, we'll get Pinkie on the way back to the library and once everyone's there I'll explain the situation."

Now only lacking the spatial mage the group set off at a canter towards their friend's place of residence. After a good five minutes of walking they reached the gingerbread house themed bakery known to all in Ponyville as Sugarcube Corner. As per usual the shop was bustling and the tall, lanky, Mr. Cake manned the counter, taking orders and serving out already made confections from the display case.

Upon spotting them the man gave them a smile and waved to them, the group returning the gesture as they made their way over.

"Hey there girls," he greeted, "What can I get for you today?"

"Actually Mr. Cake could you get Pinkie for us?"

"Sure thing. Pinkie your friends are here."

Suddenly Pinkie Pie's head stuck out from the back room a smile, and flour, upon her face.

"Hey girls!"

"Hello darling."

"Hey there Pinkie."

"Listen Pinkie, you need to come with us. There's an emergency, Mages of Harmony related."

"Sure thing Twi Twi! 'Sit okay if I go Mr. Cake?"

"Don't worry Pinkie, me and the missus can hold down the fort here. Go do what it is you need to."

"Thank you!"

The bubbly girl bounded out of the kitchen, still donning her work apron, and gave the tall man a bone-crushing hug before making her way to her friends. With a wave of her hand her apron vanished and a staff appeared in her grip.

"Alright girls, let's go!"

With a nod Twilight led the way out of the building, intent on getting back to the library now that she had gathered her friends. Hopefully Spike had finished his mission and was waiting back home with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Soon enough the group reached the large tree situated near the middle of town that doubled as both Twilight's home and the town's library.

Upon entering the building Twilight found Spike waiting for them, but otherwise lacking in her friends.

"Spike, where's Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy?"

"Dunno," he shrugged, "I told Dash to get Fluttershy and come over, but they haven't showed up yet."

"Uh oh! Fidgety fingers!"

The pink haired mage was infamous for her apparent ability to tell the future, and one would be hard pressed to find someone in Ponyville who didn't know the cue's for Pinkie's warnings. Fidgety fingers meant that something would be falling, most often a certain rainbow haired brash friend of theirs.

"Speak of the devil."

One of the windows suddenly burst inwards as the speedy flier crashed through it, meeting with one of the bookcases headfirst. Before she could recover every single book fell down on top of her, effectively burying her alive. Before anyone could move the door burst open and Fluttershy ran in, panting.

"Oh my, is she okay?"

"Don't worry Flutters, it'll take more than that to take Dashie out!"

Twilight rolled her eyes at her friend's antics, glad for the bit of stress relief her friends had provided her with. With a scoff she channeled her magic, a light aura surrounding the pile of books as they all floated back onto the shelves.

"Honestly Dash, you're lucky that the library has insurance. Would it kill you to use the door for once in your life?"

Rainbow Dash shook herself back to reality before giving Twilight a sheepish smile.

"Sorry Twi."

Reaching out Dash grabbed her discarded staff and used it to help push herself to her feet, brushing herself off. As Twilight studied her friends she found a frown work it's way onto her face and she sighed.

"Now that everyone is here I suppose I should explain the situation."

"Yes darling, please do. I believe we are all anxious to know what is happening."

"Very well. You see, this morning I received communications from Princess Celestia explaining that apparently someone snuck into Canterlot Castle last night. That, in and of itself is hard to do, but not only did they go undetected they were also somehow able to get into the vault and steal the Elements of Harmony."

The collective gasp from the group expressed both shock and horror at the implications of their loss of the Elements. For a couple of minutes noone knew how to respond, standing around in an awkward silence. Finally Dash let out a snort and pounded a fist into her open palm.

"Was it Discord again? Do we need to go kick his butt?"

"No," Twilight spoke, shaking her head, "At least it's very unlikely. You know how Discord is, if it were him he'd probably have already turn Equestria upside-down."

"But then who darling?"

"I don't know, but Princess Celestia said that Princess Luna was looking into it. She sent an entourage of royal guards to escort us to the castle."

"When do you think they'll get here?"

"I don't know but it should be soon. Spike if you want to bring anything I suggest you pack now, I'll do the same."

"Gotcha Twi!"

With that Spike took of into the kitchen, presumably to pack himself some gems. Twilight chose to forgo anything on the first floor, unable to think of anything that might be helpful, and made her way straight to their bedroom. She pulled out a small suitcase of her own and packed a few essentials such as extra clothing and some health care products.

She also decided to pack a few of the books from her personal library in case she should get any free time to read them in. She also packed a few of her other personal items, such as her journal, and donned her official arch-mage's robe signifying her rank not only as an important member of Celestia's magic council, but also her status as a Mage of Harmony.

Unable to think of anything else she might need, Twilight decided it was time to head back downstairs and wait for their escort to show up. As she entered the first floor of the library her eyes flickered over to Spike who only had a small pouch attached at his waist.

"You sure you don't want to bring anything else Spike? We might be gone for a while."

"Nah, I"m good. Besides I don't really have anything to bring anyways."

"What about a change of clothes?"

Spike scoffed and rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"What are you, my mom? What I'm wearing is fine. Besides if I need anything else I got all the stuff at the castle."

"Whatever you say Prince Spike."

"C'mon Twi, you know I don't like being called that."

Twilight was about to respond but she was interrupted by a short series of raps at her door. She made her way over and upon opening the door she was greeted by the sight of two tall, muscled men geared in a set of golden armor bearing the crest of the royal guards.

"Greetings Lady Sparkle, we have arrived to escort you and your friends to the palace."

"Thank you. Come on girls let's go."

The group made their way out of the library, turning their attention to the large gilded chariot stationed in the middle of the road. As they situated themselves within the vehicle the two guards began strapping themselves to the front. Once done one of the guards turned around to face them and spoke.

"Is everyone ready to leave?"

Twilight looked at all of her friends, each one giving her a nod, before turning to the guard and signaling him with a nod of her own.

"Very well then, hold on."

With that a set of large white wings sprouted out from the backs of the two guards, and with a few flaps they made their way into the clear skies, carriage and all. Now with some free time the girls found themselves relaxing into the luxurious cushioned benches that had been secured to either side of the vehicle.

It was only after a couple minutes of hush that Rarity found herself yearning for some manner of entertainment. Seeing that no one else held any intentions to initiate conversation Rarity deemed herself obligated to kickoff a discussion.

"So how has everyone been? Any gossip I should know about? What about you Applejack?"

"Well, there ain't much to tell. Things 'round the farm have been as calm as ever, though we are gettin' ready for zap apple season."

"How about you Rainbow Dash? You must have something of interest to chat about."

"Hay yeah! I've been working on this new move that I think the Wonderbolts'll really like! I call it the Lightning Blitz. Basically I charge through a lightning cloud before doing some tricks and it's  all whoosh, vroom, kaboom!

"Yes yes, I'm sure that's very exciting. How about you Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy, having suddenly found herself the center of attention, shied back, trying to hide behind her lengthy rose hair.

"Oh, um, well Harry's birthday is coming up and I was thinking about making him a nice basket for him to put his berries in."

"Harry? As in the bear?"

"Um, yes?"

"You know darling, I could help you if you'd like. I am, after all, a fashion connoisseur."

"Oh! You'd do that for me Rarity?"

"Of course darling, what are friends for."

"Thank you."

"Think nothing of it dear. What about you Pinkie? You always seem to have something exciting going on."

"Of course! I am Ponyville's premier party planner after all! Did you know that Cranky and Matilda actually asked me to start help plan their wedding?"

"Really now?"

"Yup! They said that they're planning on getting married in the spring next year!"

"That's simply wonderful darling, I'm happy for those two. Ah, so romantic, I wish I could find my special someone. Well then, what about you two? What escapades have you gotten into Twilight? Spike?"

"Well I've been brushing up on my magic theory as well as studying some of Star Swirl the Bearded's texts."

"What she said, I've pretty much just been helping her study."

"Yes, and you've been a big help Spike. I don't know what I'd do without you. So what about you Rarity?"

"Hmm?"

"Well you already asked the rest of us about our lives, what about you?"

"Oh, well things are going absolutely great for me darling. Ever since the whole wedding fiasco I've had a number of clients coming in requesting a dress or some other such. Making a dress for the Princess does have it's perks after all."

"Do you need any help?"

"Thank you Spike, but I'll be fine. There may be quite a few orders to complete, but I do not have any deadlines to meet so I'm not running myself ragged."

"Well that's a relief, I'd hate for us to have to intervene like that time with Applejack."

"Y'all just won't ever let me live that down will y'all?"

"Nope! But that's what friends are for!"

With that everyone found themselves chuckling, glad for the distraction from the matter at hand. After a little while they found themselves slipping back into a blissful solitude, simply enjoying the presence of others. With nothing left to say the group found themselves spending the rest of their time relaxing.

Eventually they were within eyesight of the mountainside capital, the castle beginning to loom over them as they got closer. After a little while they began to descend, the carriage crawling to a halt as they touched down inside of the castle's courtyard. Now at their destination the group made their way out of the caravan and the guards pulled it off into a storage area.

No longer with an entourage the group found themselves lost for a couple of seconds before being approached by another set of guards. The one on the left gave them a bow before speaking.

"Greetings Arch-mage Twilight, Mages of Harmony, Prince Spike. We have been ordered to see to it that you are all escorted safely to the Princess. Come."

The guards turned around and walked off into the castle corridors, the group following closely behind them. As they continued along everyone but Twilight and Spike gazed at the surrounding decor. Having basically grown up in the castle the two were used to the luxurious atmosphere within the palace walls.

After a few minutes of wandering the lengthy halls the group finally came to a stop in front of a colossal set of ornate double doors, guarded by another pair of royal guards. With a nod the guards turned and pushed against the doors, the objects in question swinging smoothly inwards to reveal the spacious, but lavish, throne room.

The floor, like every other part of the castle, was made of polished marble divided in two by a rich red satin carpet leading from the entrance to a set of thrones. Seated on one of the large gilded chairs was Twilight Sparkle's mentor, the oldest and wisest woman in the kingdom whom controlled when the sun set and rose, Princess Celestia.

Upon noticing them Celestia allowed a warm smile to grace her face as she motioned them forwards. With only a second of hesitance the group entered the room, the guards closing off the entrance once they were inside. After a few moments of silence Celestia opted to start up the conversation.

"Welcome back my most faithful student, and friends. Spike as well."

"Hello Princess." The six chimed in cadence.

"Hey Mom."

As Celestia eyed them her smile slowly morphed into a frown and she took hold of her staff before standing up.

"As much as I wish this were a cordial visit we have important matters to attend to. Come, we need to meet up with Luna."

Without another word the tall woman made her way to one of the two doors set into the back of the room, motioning towards the others to follow her. The group made their way over and pursued the solar princess as she walked through the short, ornate, hallways of her personal chambers.

After a little while they stopped at a seemingly random door which opened way to a pitch black room. In the middle Princess Luna sat at a round table, her face illuminated by a small glowing orb as she stared into it's depths. Without looking up she spoke to them.

"Greetings Sister, Mages of Harmony, nephew. Come, I believe that I have found the identity of the one responsible."

"Good work Luna, who is it?"

"Sit down and gaze into this crystal ball, I will show all of you."

The group all filed inside of the room, seating themselves within the luscious chairs as they turned their attention to Luna. With a glance Luna ensured that everyone was paying attention before her hand glowed with magic as she waved it over the crystal ball. When she did so the light within the ball swirled around taking on shapes.

When the light settled down everyone found themselves staring in awe at the image that had appeared within the crystal ball. From it's depths arose an image of what seemed to be a room, in which the familiar forms of the Elements of Harmony stood atop a pedestal.

"Behold, the vault of the Elements. Currently we are viewing the events that transpired last night within it's walls. This should reveal to us exactly who is responsible for the missing artifacts."

For a few moments it appeared as though nothing was going to happen when the room was suddenly filled with an ominous red glow. Then a murky obsidian smoke oozed it's way into the room accumulating near the middle of the chamber. Within an instant it had coalesced into an immense humanoid form, a cloak draped across his broad shoulders covering most of his figure.

After a few seconds the individual cracked open his eyes allowing a vivid violet mist to pour out. As everyone stared into his bright scarlet eyes filled to the brim with malicious intent they could barely muster the will to gasp. With a wave of his hand the Elements were encompassed by a dim violet energy and in a flash of light both them and the man disappeared.

The group sat in a solemn hush, unable or unwilling to formulate an appropriate response. Finally the silence was broken as Celestia spoke, barely restrained rage apparent in her voice.

"Sombra."

"It would appear so Sister."

"Where did he go?"

"That is what I had been looking into before you all arrived."

"Did you find out?"

"Yes, actually, I was able to locate his whereabouts just before everyone got here."

"Then would you mind informing us as to where he is?"

"Of course. Though I do not believe you shall be pleased."

With another wave of her hand the scene within the crystal ball changed to that of a near empty room, only decorated by a hefty mirror that dwarfed even the room's current occupant. A sharp intake of breath brought everyone's attention to Celestia who was staring at the image in a mixture of fury and trepidation.

"Please tell me he didn't."

"He did."

As she said that the image of Sombra began towards the mirror with the Elements in his magical grasp. Somehow the towering figure began to phase through the glass of the mirror causing ripples as though it consist of a liquid. He promptly vanished fully into the mirror, followed by the Elements before the glass settled back into place.

"This is even more severe than I thought."

"What is it Princess? Where did he go?"

"I fear, my student, that Sombra is no longer in this realm."

"Not in this realm? What do you mean Princess?"

"That mirror, Twilight, is not just a mirror, but is in fact a portal that leads to a different universe entirely."

"A different universe?"

"Yes, Sombra is now in an entirely different universe. How he knew about the mirror I do not know, but he must have learnt about it from someone."

"What do we do about this?"

"I fear that I must ask all of you to follow him through the portal. If we do not retrieve the Elements Equestria will be left without it's most important line of defense. And who knows what Sombra intends to do with such powerful artifacts."

"I understand Princess, we'll make sure to get the Elements back as soon as possible. Is there anything we need to know about this other universe?"

"I'm sorry Twilight I really wish I could tell you but I know nothing of this other universe. It was Star Swirl who created the portal and he never provided any clues as to what lay on the other side."

"It's fine Princess, if you don't know you don't know. We'll just have to handle whatever it throws at us when it happens. Right girls?!"

"Darn tootin'!"

"Aw yeah!"

"Of course darling."

"You betcha!"

"Oh, um, okay."

"Thank you girls, I knew I could count on you. You too Spike."

"No prob Mom."

"So shall we see them off then Sister?"

"Of course Luna."

"Very well then. Before we leave is everyone prepared? You may be gone for quite a while."

Everyone nodded their heads in confirmation and Celestia allowed a relieved sigh to escape her lips.

"Good, I'm sorry that you can't all stay longer but time is of the essence. The longer we wait the longer Sombra has to carry out his plans."

"I understand Princess, please show us the way."

"Come, the portal lies deeper within the castle young Sparkle."

Without a pause Luna swept from her seat and made her way to the entrance, stopping long enough to motion for them to follow her. Celestia quickly joined her sister while everyone else pushed themselves out of their chairs and began after her at a jogging pace to try and catch up with her.

Once they all grouped up again Luna spoke.

"This part of the castle is the only way to get to the portal. My sister had it enchanted so that only we, as well as those we chose, could enter. How Sombra was able to make his way through, and undetected at that, is worrisome."

"Yes, what Luna says is true. To be able to do that Sombra must have gained an incredible amount of power from somewhere. I fear that he may be in possession of the Alicorn Amulet."

"Alicorn Amulet? I thought that was just a myth."

"Yes Twilight, the Alicorn Amulet. I can assure you that it is, in fact, very much real."

"'Scuse me but would y'all mind explaining what in the hay an Alicorn Amulet is?"

"The Alicorn Amulet, dearest Applejack, is, most simply put, an archaic artifact of unimaginable power that amplifies a person's magic tenfold. Unlike your Elements,  however, the Amulet is of a malevolent nature, corrupting any who wear it. Though since Sombra is already evil he is able to freely wear the amulet with no adverse side effects."

Everyone shuddered at the prospect of King Sombra being even more powerful than he had been during their first encounter at the Crystal Empire.

"I will not lie my subjects, I am terrified at the implications. I fear what plans may be forming inside his head now that he posseses both the Alicorn Amulet and the Elements of Harmony."

"But wait Princess, we still don't know for sure if he has the Amulet."

"Twilight I hope, for the sake of us all, that you are right."

"We are here."

Luna's sudden announcement startled the group into awareness, everyone having been too caught up in the conversation to realize that they had arrived at their destination. Mere feet in front of them lay what appeared to be a simple wooden door, an impression of a hand in the middle. This door, however, had no handle with which to open it.

"This door is enchanted with numerous spells that protect it from intrusion. The only way to unlock it is if it recognizes mine or my sister's magic, or at least it's supposed to."

With that Luna's hand was wrapped in a gentle glow as she brought it up to the indention. Upon touching it the light from her hand spread out and the door pulsated. A second later the door started sliding into the wall, revealing a pitch black room. Luna stepped forwards and, as if in response, a number of torches lined along the walls burst into flames.

Everyone blinked a couple of times, trying to adjust to the sudden change in lighting. After a few seconds they could see again and they founds themselves staring at the colossal mirror that they had witnessed Sombra pass into. With a nod from Celestia they all gathered into the room followed by Celestia as the door closed.

"I know that I already asked this, but are you all sure you're ready?"

Upon seeing each of them give a nod Celestia was able to let out a relieved sigh.

"Good, when you are ready just step into the portal. And Spike, another thing."

"Yeah?"

Celestia took hold of him and wrapped him in a tight embrace, Spike reciprocating after a reluctant moment.

"Be safe."

"I will Mom."

"That goes for the rest of you as well. Please, all of you, come back in one piece."

"No worries Princess, together there ain't nothing we can't do."

"Thank you Applejack, that means a lot to me."

Twilight wordlessly stepped towards the portal, reaching out with her hand before she looked back at everyone. Her eyes flickered over to each of her friends as they all gave her a silent affirmation, each one of them making her resolve more firm. Finally her gaze returned to the mirror and she pushed her hand through.

Seeing nothing else happen she continued forwards into the portal which is when the world went black.