It has been two days since Twilight left for Canterlot to meet with Celestia and Luna. Now that she was back she had work to do. After talking to the other princesses of what she knew and had seen they were very concerned for the safety of their little ponies. It had been agreed that since Twilight did not see him cast the spell to make the dark portal and he was unfamiliar with their laws being from a different dimension not to mention an unknown species. She was to meet with him and his own to assess if they were a threat or not. If she felt even the slightest bit of doubt she was to convince him to go to Canterlot where he could be dealt with by all three of them together.

First things first, she had to find the one draconian that knew where to find him. After she had gotten off the train she made her way to her home to find it empty. She went around to where she thought she could find her friends to see if they knew where to find her sister. Pinkie and Applejack were of no help but then she ran into Fluttershy who said Barb was at the hospital helping out so she could practice her healing magic.

Twilight flew as fast as her wings could take her and quickly touched down in front of the hospital. After walking in she spotted Nurse Redheart and made a beeline right for her. "Nurse Redheart where is Barb, I need to see her right away!"

"Oh Princess it is so nice to see you. Your sister is in one of the rooms down the hall tending to patients we send her way. If you'll follow me I will show you to her." Nurse Redheart then began to look over a clipboard before looking into the waiting room. "Carrot Top if you would follow me we can get that gash seen too."

Carrot Top walked over and from what Twilight could tell it would need stiches and a good healing spell to fix. Both of them followed Nurse Redheart down the hall till they came to an open door wherein sat Barb. "Hey Redheart what do you got for me this time?"

"Well Barb, Carrot Top has a gash on her arm from her farm tools. It is not too bad so we would like you to take care of it. Also your sister is here for you." She waved them in and Carrot Top took the seat in front of Barb while Twilight just stood there.

"I'll talk to you when I'm done with Carrot Top here, Okay Twilight. Also she will be the last one I will see today Redheart this new spell I'm trying really takes a lot out of me."

"That's quite all right Barb we are just happy for the help. Plus we have been able to get threw a lot more patients since you asked if you could practice your healing magic to help ponies. Now why don't we get this done so Carrot Top can be on her way and you can talk with your sister."

Barb gave a quick two fingered salute "Will do! Now I need you to hold your arm up and as still as you can for me okay Carrot Top?"

"Sure thing Barb. Uhh this isn't going to hurt is it?" she asked as she lifted her arm.

"It will only sting a bit I promise." Barb then blew a small wisp of her fire out onto her hand and made it expand till it was the size of a baseball but was nearly see threw. Carrot Top quickly withdrew her arm out of fright. Barb slowly laid her free hand on her shoulder. "It's going to be okay I promise this is just how my magic works. Now give me your arm and I'll fix you right up."

Carrot Top slowly held out her arm again but this time it was trembling, so Barb grabbed it with her free hand to help steady it. She then slowly ran the flame up and down the gash. To everyponies surprise, save for Nurse Redheart and Barb, the flames did not burn and as soon as they hit the gash it slowly began to close. It started on both ends of the gash working its way to the middle. As it closed it let off tiny wisps of smoke and the gash soon looked like a small, thin, red hot line on Carrot Top's arm. Once it was closed barb pulled the flame away to reveal that not only was it healed but the scar was so tiny that one could say it was not even there. Even the fur that had been removed before hand to get a better look at the injury and to clean it had grown back already.

Barb gave her a joyous smile "See there was nothing to worry about." she huffed a little out of breath. Carrot Top quickly hugged her giving thanks before she left with Nurse Redheart.

Twilight stood there mouth agape at what she had seen. Her sister had healed a very serious looking wound without the aid of stiches or painkillers as most unicorns would without being a very high level healer. But before she could get a word out about anything she was abruptly slapped up side the head. "Ow! What was that for?" she yelled while holding the side of her head.

"That was for making us worry! You left so suddenly with no note or any indication on where you were going! You were gone for two days Twilight, two whole days! You did not tell our friends or me, your own sister!" Barb just glared at her with her arms crossed.

With shock plastered on her face Twilight quickly began to leave the hospital not wanting anypony else to hear them fighting. "I had to go see Celestia and Luna it was very important but that does not matter right now. Were you able to talk to your friend Venrus about us meeting?"

"Well seeing as he spent the last two days helping with my healing magic since my sister whom I wanted to help me was gone, yes I was able to talk to him. He did not like the idea at first but I was able to talk him into it with the help of his daughters. He will host a party for us at his Keep he just wants some notice before hand. Seeing as it is just a little past noon I'm sure he would be able to get it together for today if I tell him now."

"That's great Barb but don't you think a party for two is a little much?" Twilight asked as she opened the castle doors.

"No not at all since he said I could bring anypony I wanted to. So I thought that our friends could come and the CMC as well. I think they would make great friends for his daughters, they are the same age. I also wanted to take Vinyl and Tavi since he has some good taste in music I think they would have a lot to talk about. Also it will be a party that requires formal wear. All the cloths he and his people have are really old fashion so we thought formal wear would be a good choose so they don't stand out so much. That is one thing I think Rarity will like the most."

The more she talked the more Barb seemed to glow to Twilight, as if this Venrus was beginning to mean more to her, but that couldn't be right they only just met. "Well that is great sis why don't you pop over and see if he can do it and I will round everypony up so you can give us the news as soon as you get back okay?"

"That's great sis thanks!" Barb ran up and hugged her. "I'll be back as fast as I can!" she yelled as she tore off.

Twilight spent the next twenty minutes looking for everypony luckily she ran into the CMC and they agreed to help round everypony up. After about forty minutes everypony was now in the castle's foyer. Twilight explained why they were there and what was going on and told them barb would have more information upon her return. Twilight then took the next five minutes explaining to her friends where she had been and what she was asked to do, in return they offered their help in the endeavor.

Barb soon strode in through the doors and explained that the party would be from six till everypony was ready to leave. She also said that there will be food, music and a performance. Seeing as it was now close to two in the afternoon Rarity shrieked about not having enough time to get ready. While everypony else asked a few question and agreed to go. The CMC's sisters were a bit hesitant at first but agreed only because it was summer break and they were seventeen now. Once everypony was in agreement it was decided that they would meet at Rarity's because her house was closest to the portal and she could make any needed adjustments to anyponies outfits.

Everypony quickly took off to go get what they need, all but Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Twilight stopped and turned to them before going to her room. "Rarity, Sweetie why aren't you leaving to go get ready?"

"Because darling we wanted to walk with you it is not that far. Plus I need to make sure Barb does not go and get anything I have a surprise for her at the boutique." She was tightly gripping one of her arms to emphasize the point. "Now go get what you need and we shall be off." She stated waving her hand dismissively.

Twilight soon came back with her dress inside one of those bags you hang but can see through and a pare of midnight blue high heel shoes. They took off down the street and soon came to Rarity's. She unlocked the door and showed them in. She quickly went into the back room and came back with a box handing it to Barb. "Here darling this was going to be a birthday present but I feel tonight would be a good night to use it. Now you two get changed while we run upstairs and get something for ourselves. Once I'm back I will make any needed adjustments." Sweetie and Rarity then dashed up the stairs.

Twilight and Barb went into the changing booths and Twilight was the first out. Twilight came out in a form fitting midnight blue dress. The dress was covered with crystals to make it look like the night sky. An ornate silver band sat just below her breasts that went front to back. The dress was open between her breasts and came up to her neck where it was held in place by a silver collar. Her arms and shoulders were free as was her back save for two silver bands that helped hold the dress in place leaving plenty of room for her wings.

Barb came out wearing knee high boots with white pants. A fiery orange came down to her ankles open in the front and right side to show off her legs. The top was white with red trim with the same fiery orange coming out of the end of the sleeves. There were three metal bands on each shoulder and on her right side. Two metal rings hung off of each arm from just below the shoulders. She walked out and spun in front of one of the mirrors to get a look at herself before turning to Twilight. "I love it Twilight, Rarity really out did herself this time." Stopping and holding out her arms "So what do you think?"

"It looks good on you Barb it really does."

"Well I am so happy you like it darling I was not sure it was to your tastes."

They both turned and saw Rarity standing on the stares in a very stunning dress. It was a black form fitting sleeveless dress. A v cam down from her neck to her mid section bordered by white frills. The dress was open from the middle of her thigh down to make it easier to walk and let her show off her legs.

"Wow Rarity I don't ever remember seeing you wear that, when did you make it?" Barb asked as Rarity came down.

"Oh I have had this for a while now. I made it for a date I was to go on but he never showed up. I will not let a dress go unworn I just didn't have the right place to wear it to but now I do."

"So what did you make for Sweetie Belle to wear Rarity, it must be good." Twilight asked.

"Well Twilight I didn't make what Sweetie will be wearing she made it herself. She has gotten quite good helping me do work around the shop."

"Well I'm glad you think so sis but I need to see what you all think first."

They all turned to see Sweetie making her way down the stairs. She wore a red dress held to her by two straps with most the back open. The skirt stopped just above her ankles and had tiny holes in it letting her white fur shine through. It was open in front of both legs and she was in black heels.

"Well Sweetie dear it is a very unique design I will give you that but don't you think it is a bit......" Rarity started.

"Much. I mean it looks good on you and is well made but it's a bit showy." Twilight smiled sheepishly.

Barb walked up and hugged Sweetie because she began to look glum and was rubbing her right arm. "Now don't you listen to them Sweets. It's a great dress and you look hot in it. Plus your turning eighteen soon so start doing things you want to."

"Thanks Barb your a great friend." Sweetie hugged her back.

They were interrupted by a nock at the door. Twilight opened it with her magic to see Rainbow and Scootaloo all ready in their outfits and Pinkie behind them with her dress on her shoulders. Pinkie ran in and dragged Rarity into one of the changing booths. Scootaloo came in wearing a beautiful outfit Rainbow had got her from over seas. It had red cloth bracers with gold bracelets. A red and white dress shirt with gold trimming. She had black pants with a gold design on the sides.

Rainbow strode in after in a tiny red and black dress she got from over seas. It had a short skirt and around her waist was a rope belt that hung low with gold orbs at each end. The mid section was black with two gold bands around it. The upper portion was backless and was tide behind her neck to hold the whole thing up. From her elbows sprouted two ornate gold spikes that held her sleeves in place. She wore two black boots were the right one went up above her knee and the left stopped just below.

"Wow Rainbow those look so beautiful. When you said you had gotten some good cloths from your over seas trip you weren't kidding, these are awesome." Barb said while circling the two. "Next time you and the Wonderbolts go over seas pick me something up please?"

"Barb cut that out." Twilight gave her a swat on the head messing up her green hair. "She is right though Rainbow those are beautiful."

"Thanks girls so who are we still missing?" Rainbow said looking around.

"Vinyl, Octavia, Fluttershy, Applejack and Apple Bloom I believe are the ones we are waiting on." Twilight said while Barb, Scootaloo and Sweetie talked by themselves.

"Few, thanks Rarity I don't think I could have gotten into that by myself. I love the dress you made for me but it's a little hard to get into." The girls all turned to see Pinkie coming out of the booth wearing a dazzling dress. The dress was strapless but hugged Pinkies curves tightly so as not to fall. The whole gown was pink and blue with the bottom being really poofy having a lot of ruffles. The chest portion was decorated with tiny gemstones . With a line of them running from Pinkies bust to her waist where the gems went around to make a band above the ruffles. All they could do was stare in stunned silence.

Pinkie through her arms up and wined "What?"

"Nothing Pinkie it's just that looks gorgeous on you." Twilight said walking around her friend.

"When did Rarity make this for you Pinks?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh she made it for a date I went on with Cheese Sandwich. I only ever wore it once so I thought I would wear it again." Pinkie just smiled.

Rarity's door quickly opened and Applejack came in. "Howdy there Rarity, Bloom and I are gonna need some help here." Applejack was in a older outfit, she wore knee high boots with leggings that came up over her knees. She had on a tiny brown skirt with a white under skirt, held to her by a black belt. Her white blouse was hidden on her mid section by the black corset. To finish it off she had on a brown long sleeve shoulder coat and her Stetson.

"Why darling what ever would you need help with? Looks like everything is in order to me." Rarity said looking at her.

"I cant close the blouse all the way and Apple Bloom lased the corset too tight." Applejack moved out of the way to let her sister in while Rarity tried to help her friend.

Apple Bloom came in wearing brown boots and fingerless gloves tide to her arms. The top was velvet and hugged her figure thanks to the three belts acrossed her middle. The Middle of the top was striped and her bust was hidden under a golden laced design. The skirt was the same material as the shirt with a white trim. The skirt was hiked up a little by two belts showing the frilly black under skirt. She quickly went over to Rarity and told her what needed fixing on her outfit.

Before anypony could get a word in about how they looked or where they got the outfits they heard a bit of arguing outside. A little after Vinyl and Octavia soon stepped through the door way. Octavia was in a simple purple drees that had flower and feather designs on the right side. Vinyl was in a white and red dress, that had music notes on it. The sleeves were long and had a black core running around the right one with a red strip going down both. The front of the skirt was short with the back being longer. She wore white boots and a pair of headphones around her neck. Two lightning bolts hung from her ears to the back of her head and she had on her trademarked glasses.

Everypony was helping each other do their manes and makeup while Rarity fixed anything needed on their outfits. After a while there was a light knock on the door. Barb walked over an opened it to reveal Fluttershy in a slim green dress. The whole thing was held up by a bead strap that went between her breasts over her left shoulder and around her mid section. There was a see through veil that was around the dress from her mid section down that was blowing in the slight breeze.

It had taken them awhile but now with everyponies mane, makeup and dresses fixed they had twenty minutes before the party started. Rarity was fussing over the fact that they had to walk to the portal in their dresses but it had not rained in a week so the ground was dry and there was nothing on the path to the portal that would ruin them. It did not take them long to reach the portal and Barb explained how it worked. Even with her explanation they were still freaked out by the screaming. Barb was the last through and the portal closed behind her.

Barb could not help but laugh at the faces her friends and sister were making. Cloaked in darkness from the shadow of the mountain the blue glow from the dark fire did nothing to hinder the imposing wall before them. The gate stood open with a friendly glow and sweet music that was playing made it seem so inviting. Barb quickly strode in front of her friends turning to them throwing her arms open. "Welcome my friends to The Dark Flame Keep." She turned and started to lead them into the Keep.

Most of the girls were talking about how frightening this place was while some were talking about how cool it look. Everypony stopped in their tracks once they got through the gate into the courtyard. The beautiful gardens were cast in the soft glowing light of the Starlit Moths. Accompanied by the music coming from the main doors gave the garden a serein feel to it.

Barb gave her friends time to admire the gardens. Rarity was gushing over how beautiful it looked while Twilight and Fluttershy were talking about the new species of moth that they had at the Keep.

Their attention was drawn to the doors as a male with a deep voice cleared his throat. Darthus stood there with Morgana both of which were in newer nicer cloths. Both wore the normal cloths you would see maids and butlers wear but they looked better and newer to Barb. "Barb it is good to see you and I must say you and your guests look lovely this evening." Darthus gave a bow. Darthus was an older man but he aged well. His long white hair was tide back into a ponytail that reached the back of his knees. His bangs came down and covered his left eye and he had a well kept mustache and beard.

"Barb a pleasure as always." Morgana gave a curtsy.

"Now on behalf of our Master we welcome you our guests." They both bowed off to the side of the doors one hand over their hearts the other pointing to the doors.

Darthus went through the doors first. Barb followed with the girls hot on her heels with Morgana bringing up the rear. As they walked down the corridor the polished gold and marble shown in the beautiful blue glow given off by the dark fire torches lining the hall. They past some stairs on their way and soon the long hallway opened up to a glorious ball room. The ceiling was high enough to fit at least one dragon and was held up by glowing crystal pillars. From the pillars hung tide up silk curtains, beyond the pillars was the blue glow of the dark fire. That is before it changed color and as it turn so did the color of the crystal pillars. The main portion of the room was lit by three crystal chandeliers that floated in the air. Food was on the left side of the room and on the right was a stage where some of the maids and butlers were playing the music.

At the far end of the room was a huge red banner with gold trim, at its center was the same dragon emblem in Barb's ring. In front of the banner was three thrones. The one on the left had different insects carved into its back. The one on the right had a floating light above it and the back was carved to look like bat wings. The middle throne had a giant wolfs head crave into the top and leaning back in the seat with his head on his fist resting on the arm of the chair was Venrus.

As they walked toword him Barb could hear the others talking about him. Some was of intrigue and some was of fear. Barb had to admit that he did look good. Venrus had taken off his old blood stained cloth he used to cover his eyes and had on a bright purple silk one instead. He had on a red puffy shirt that stuck out through his black dress coat at the chest and at the end of the sleeves. He had on a simple pair of dress pants.

Venrus stood, walked down the three steps of the platform the thrones sat on and slashed his hand through the air. In that instance all the noise from talking maids and butlers and the music from the band was cut off. "I welcome ya to dis little party. I am yer host for dis evening, I am Venrus Nightingale." He gave them a low bow. "Those of my staff dat can perform will be providing music for da evening unless ya would like to change da music dat is being played. As ya can see we have quite da spread laid out so help yerself. Ya are free to talk to anyone ya like. Later on my daughters would like to give ya all a small performance. As to dat note I would now like for ya to meet them. Asha please come forward."

Twilight and the gang watched as Asha came out from behind one of the crystal pillars and walked in front of the group. Her beautiful white fur shown brightly in the light in contrast to her dress. It was a beautiful black velvet dress where the inside of the sleeves and the middle of the dress was a red floral pattern. The dress was tightly laced around her mid section and she wore a dazzling necklace. She gave a small curtsy. "Nice to meet ya I am Asha Nightingale." She then took her place at her fathers side.

"Mellia come forward please."

From behind the same pillar came Mellia and she stopped in front of the group. Her black dress went beautifully with her red fur. It was a strapless dress, held tight to her by the corset like top section of the dress. the bottom was a two layer piece with the inside being frilly. she wore long black silk gloves and had on an impressive necklace. She then curtsied to them. "A pleasure I am Mellia Nightingale." she then took the opposite side from her sister by their father.

Venrus held out his hand and smiled "Though dey are family my maids and butlers are too numerous for introduction. Dey can do so when ya speak with dem. Now I believe it is yer turn."

Barb stepped forward "These are my friends Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia Melody, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and last but not least my sister Twilight Sparkle." Barb pointed to each one as she said their names.

Pinkie then jumped out of the line they were in and yelled out "Lets get this party started!" before jumping into the air and rushing off to the food table.

Two of the band members began to play while the rest took a small break.

Octavia made her way over to the band and was talking shop while most of them were on break. Vinyl and Applejack joined Pinkie at the food table. Rarity, Sweetie and Apple Bloom were asked to dance. Scootaloo and Rainbow were talking to some of the maids and butlers that had wings. After saying high to Barb the twins asked for a couple of butlers to dance. Twilight was off to the side sipping at punch while talking with Barb and Venrus about the training they were doing to help Barb with her healing magic.

After their break the band struck up another song.

With the new song playing Venrus took Barb to the floor for a dance. Applejack went to the floor as well and Rarity stopped by the table for something to drink. Twilight joined her friends that were at the food table and was surprised most of the foods were normal things that anyone could eat but once she saw the meat she was shocked. He was a high level mage Twilight could tell that from when she first laid eyes on him. He and a lot of his people were predators. That in and of itself was not enough to get him to go to Canterlot where he could be dealt with. Even more so since everyone was so kind and showed no hostility to them even though they were herbivores.

Twilight knew something was wrong though. Venrus was only twenty four and the magic laced throughout his Keep would take more years to place or more power then he possessed. Not to mention she could feel dark magic in the Keep as well but without finding it she could not take him to Canterlot. Then she felt it, a very weak pull to a place of great dark magical power. Twilight slowly began to follow the pull away from the party. She went far and high into the keep till she came to a huge chamber with but a single door and the closer she got the more dark power she could feel.

Twilight walked over and opened the door but what she saw on the other side she just could not believe. Instead of a room Twilight found another world all together. From the door she looked upon a ravaged land locked in an endless storm. Every time the lighting flashed she could glimpse the dark world before her. A huge broken wall circled the area, from the holes a foul fog rolled in. The middle had a huge hole blown into it and some form of glowing lake sat in the middle. Stone floated in mid air and screams could be heard throughout the land. Off in the distance Twilight could see three towers. One of which was broken in two with the top half floating in the air.

"Ya know it is not polite to go snooping in someone else's home, let alone deir private area." someone from behind her said in a hostile tone.

Twilight screamed and jumped out of her skin as she fell back into the new area. Venrus was standing in the doorway.

"If ya wanted a tour of da Keep all ya had to do was ask, but dis area is off limits without me present." Venrus held out a hand to Twilight.

"Sorry but I felt a pull to dark magic and followed it. What is this place?" She was shacking badly from the scare and his hostile tone.

"Dis is my work shop. I keep my private library here as well as my tools for making potions and rune crafting. It is also where I test new spells and let my broda test his weapons."

"What do you test them on and how is this place even possible? You have a whole other area inside one room in a small tower of your Keep."

"Dis place is possible through trans dimensional magic. I took dis room placed a pocket dimension into it and built dis place to suit my needs. We test our spells and weapon on our resurrected enemies. Da lake you see in da middle is a soul well and enemies we bring here and kill has its soul taken and placed within. From dat point on we can take da soul out place it into a fake body and fight da enemy as much as we like. We also use dem for training because da soul will act as it did when alive dey give better combat training."

Here she was looking around for the proof she needed to get him to Canterlot and have him dealt with and he handed her all she needed. Necromancy was one of the worst dark magics anypony could use and he was talking about it as if using it was a normal part of every day life. She had to get him to Canterlot and fast before this syco kills anypony.

"Would you be able to come with me tomorrow to meet the other Princess?" Twilight asked shaking like a leaf.

"I don't see why not. I will meet ya by da portal at say noon but for now we must go."

"Why?"

"Because my daughters are almost done with deir performance and it looks like yer friends are almost ready to go." He started to walk away and before Twilight could take a step he turned and look out to the shattered realm. "Ya know dere's a romance in darkness, it draws out ones curiosity and beckons a desire to taste da unknown." With a wave of his hand the door closed as he walked away. Twilight caught one last glimpse into that forsaken realm before the door closed. She lingered but a moment listening to the cries of wayward souls before following after Venrus.

It was not but an hour longer before the party drew to an end. Twilight told her friends of what she had found and they were scared, but agreed to go with her tomorrow incase their friendship power was needed. Soon everypony went their separate ways and got ready for the day a head. Twilight sent Celestia a very shaky letter before falling into a horrible nights sleep.

Author's Note

All the outfits will be here for your viewing as well as the different dimension Twilight found. All images were found on Bing. Just click the name to see the outfit.

Twilight

Rarity

Barb

Sweetie Bell

Scootaloo

Rainbow

Pinkie

Applejack

Apple Bloom

Octavia

Vinyl

Fluttershy

All the Butlers

All the Maids

Venrus shirt

Venrus coat

Asha

Mellia

This is the area Twilight saw through the door she opened.