Prisoners of the Crystal Empire

"A day without laughter is a day wasted."
Charlie Chaplin

Two weeks had passed since the mane six had escaped the sinister clutches of the king of the Crystal Empire. After having been rescued by the members of the norther resitance, the mares were guided through the tunnel beneath the Crystal Mountains and once again found themselves in their homeland: Equestria.

The girls' friends, families and loved ones rushed to greet them when they arrived back in Ponyville. With tears of joy in their eyes, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were finally reunited with the ponies that cared about them the most. They were greeted as heroines, the entire town having shown up to see them. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna attended the welcome ceremony and were overjoyed to once again be face to face with the brave mares who had risked it all to save Equestria.

The six were accompanied by Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, who donned the pristine Crystal Heart around her neck, showing it for the first time to the inhabitants of the kingdom. Alongside them stood numerous crystal ponies, brave freedom fighters who had rebelled against Sombra's reign and who desired to overthrow the mad tyrant.

In spite of the joyous occasion, there was little time to celebrate, as the conflict between the Crystal Empire and Equestria still raged on. The very next day, Princess Cadance headed out with the other two alicorns to lead the battle from the front lines, using the magic of the jewel to inspire the troops in their ongoing strife against the darkness.

With the power of hope on their side, the free ponies of Equetria and their allies in the northern resistance managed to push back the black unicorn's servants, winning battle after battle. Every single individual was working around the clock, harder than they ever had before, doing their part to stop the horrible war which had plagued the land long enough.

As Celestia flew majestically through the morning skies, raining solar flares upon the dark hordes of the Crystal Empire, Luna led nightly raids against the foul monarch's camps, crushing his troops' supply lines and Candance marched alongside the Equestrian soldiers into all of the captured villages, showing the subjugated crystal ponies their symbol of hope: The Crystal Heart.

Seeing that the heinous despot wasn't as omnipotent as they had been told, knowing that there was a way to stop him, more and more inhabitants of the Crystal Empire deserted and joined forces with Equestria, vowing to make King Sombra pay for his transgressions.

With victories on all fronts, the light of hope once again burned brightly in the heart of every single pony in the kingdom.

The entire land knew who the true heroes responsible for turning the tide of the conflict were: the six ponies who had managed to brave the darkness. Ever since the courageous mares had returned, all of their acquaintances kept asking them what they had gone through, what the vicious king had done to them, how they had managed to survive … and each of the girls had had a hard time responding.

In the weeks immediately after their return, the mane six attempted to get on with their lives while also doing their best to help the war effort.

But everypony needs to laugh once in a while! Even though the conflict was still ongoing, Princess Celestia had personally asked the girls to have a party, like they used to do in the old days. After all they had done, they had earned it.

Pinkie Pie had a cheerful smile on her face as she decorated the cake with whipped cream, greedily licking her lips while she kept thinking about how good it would taste when she and her friends would finally get to eat it.

After adding the final toppings, she took a few steps back to admire her masterpiece. Her eyes became as big as the moon when she gazed upon the wonder that she had created: it was a dessert larger than three ponies put together, filled with chocolate and vanilla, containing more than fifty kinds of fruit and boasting ninety five toppings.

Feeling immensely proud, Pinkie Pie went near her pet and tooted her own horn, "Well Gummy, we did it. It took us an entire day, but here it is: the super-double, meta-triple, ultra-quadruple, ten layer hyper cake. It's so beautiful it almost makes me cry … I said almost, get back in there tear!"

After putting the pastry on a big mobile cart, she picked up her alligator and went outside, proceeding to decorate the table in anticipation for the celebration which was taking place that night.

The earth pony felt so happy to be back in Sugar Cube Corner. She had experienced insidious things while she had been held captive by King Sombra, but being the cheerful, optimistic and hyper-active mare that she was, Pinkie Pie had found the inner strength to get over her traumatic experience.

When her family had found out that she was coming back to Ponyville, they immediately rushed to greet her. Her parents, worried about their daughter's well-being, insisted she come back with them to the rock farm just for a few days, in order to recover.

All her relatives inquired about what the pink mare had been through, what horrors she had faced. Not wanting to burden her parents or sisters, Pinkie kept the gruesome details to herself, while giving hesitant answers about the endeavor.

Despite their concern, the others respected Pinkie Pie's decision not to reveal the specifics of her imprisonment and didn't insist with the questions. Deep inside, they suspected what had truly happened.

The only pony who the pink mare had had the courage to speak to about what she had actually gone through was Maud Pie, her beloved sister. Maud was a soldier on the front lines, but had been given permission to return home for a few days so she could be with her sibling. One night, Pinkie had a private conversation with her closest sister and, with tears in her eyes, confessed what the monarch had done to her. It proved to be a very efficient catharsis.

After comforting her sibling, Maud swore that if she ever got her hooves on Sombra, the next necklace she would give Pinkie Pie would contain a special kind of spherical shaped objects alongside rock candy.

Thanks to the loving support of her family, and due to her ever-present optimism, Pinkie Pie had quickly recovered and was back in Sugar-Cube corner making food for herself and the soldiers of Equestria in no time.

Baking had always helped her focus, and soon she was her old cheerful self again, having managed to completely put the awful rape experience behind her. She even went back to her old ways of always greeting strangers, both mares and stallions, and trying to put a smile on their face, refusing to let what had happened affect her cheerful disposition in any way.

And today was a particularly cheerful day. Her friends would soon be over for a party, the first one they had had in a very long time. There was nothing Pinkie enjoyed more than hosting a celebration. She adored the laughter, the fun, the good times such an event would always bring.

Barely able to contain her happiness, she sang joyfully while she made all the necessary preparations. As she was setting up the chairs, balloons and other arrangements, she accidentally tripped over her pet and fell down. After picking the alligator up, she playfully scolded him, "Gummy, didn't I tell you to set the table. Look at it! Not only haven't you done your job but you are now also getting in my way. You know, if you keep this up, I will be very mad!"

With that she set her pet on the ground and gave it a mean stare … that lasted for about two seconds. The mare then shifted back to her jovial tone, "Oh Gummy, I can't stay mad at you … even though you did try to eat me when you were a zombie. Oh well … let's let bygones be bygones. Now come on, we've got work to do!"

As he was dragged along, the alligator stared into nothingness and pondered, "What is life …"

Fluttershy timidly waved goodbye to the postal pony as she took the package that she had received inside the house. After lovingly patting Angel on the head, she set the box down and slowly tore it open, cautiously looking around to make sure no other pony was watching. Blushing a bit, she took out the books she had ordered and started browsing through them, getting a quick glimpse of their content.

The introvert pegasus had been through a traumatizing experience. Having nearly lost her flower to a crystal strap-on, she dreaded something like that ever happening again. Even after returning to Ponyville, she didn't feel safe. Fluttershy initially wanted to simply barricade herself inside her house and never leave again. For the first few days, she had refused to engage in any social interactions.

However, she then had a change of heart after a discussion with Rarity.

Desperately wanting to thank the white unicorn for saving her virginity, the yellow mare summoned the courage to set up a meeting with her friend one afternoon. Gladly accepting, Rarity showed up and was welcomed inside the yellow pegasus's house.

With utmost sincerity, Fluttershy expressed her gratitude to the dressmaker and explained how much she treasured Rarity's friendship. Before she could finish what she had to say, the yellow mare received a warm hug from the fashionista.

In return, Rarity also told Fluttershy how grateful she was that the kind pegasus hadn't let her face be mutilated. The unicorn knew how hard it must have been for the yellow mare to reveal the location of the Crystal Heart, yet she had done it to save her from a gruesome fate. For that, the dressmaker would forever be thankful, so she vowed to always be there for her friend, should she ever need her help.

At that moment, Fluttershy simply broke down and cried, explaining how afraid she had become of the world, saying that she might never get over the traumatic experience.

Rarity then explained to the pegasus that the worst thing she could do was succumb to the fear. Sure, there were evil ponies out there, but most stallions and mares were not like that. The unicorn later asked the yellow mare to accompany her on a walk around town, to help prove her point.

With initial reluctance, Fluttershy accepted, and the two made their way outside. To her surprise, the pegasus truly had nothing to be afraid of. Everywhere she went, she was greeted by many smiling faces, which praised her and Rarity for their courage, expressing their admiration and confessing what an inspiration the mares had been for all the citizens of Ponyville.

The kindness of others had restored the pegasus's faith in ponykind, helping her get over her terror. Grateful for what her friend had done, Fluttershy hugged Rarity once more.

Before departing, the white unicorn reminded Fluttershy that it was entirely her choice when and with who she would lose her virginity, and that she should never be pressured into it. However, the dressmaker did offer another piece of advice: she urged the pink-haired mare to keep being herself, but to also try to socialize a bit more with one or two gentlecolts; Fluttershy was the kindest mare the white unicorn had seen, and Rarity knew that there had to be a special stallion out there for such a considerate and loving pony.

Taking her friend's words to heart, the pegasus decided to become a bit more open, despite what she had recently been through. Not really knowing where to start, she did what introvert ponies usually do: go to the books for a solution. Or, in her particular case, order some. The titles she had received included 'Dating tips: A dummy's guide to an active social life', 'How to wow every stallion' and 'There is somepony out there for everypony … even you!'

Shrugging off her embarrassment, Fluttershy looked through the pages, having decided it was high time for her to extend her circle of acquaintances and to eventually find out how it felt to lie next to a strapping stallion.

As she kept scrolling through, Angel eventually pulled on her tail.

With a warm smile on her face, Fluttershy asked "What wrong? Are you hungry?"

Her pet just pointed at the clock, causing the pegasus to gasp, saying in a worried tone, "Oh my goodness, I'm going to be late to the party."

As she prepared to storm out the door, Angel huffed angrily.

Turning her head around, the mare gazed at the bunny and inquired, "What's the matter now?"

Rolling his eyes, the critter pointed to the table on which a neatly wrapped package was placed.

Chuckling timidly, Fluttershy picked it up and gave the lovable scamp a kiss, confessing, "Thank you Angel. I don't know what I would do without you!"

As she rushed towards the get-together, she went past a suave gentlecolt who caught her eye. Noticing the shy mare checking him out, he gave her a playful wink, causing the pegasus to blush and turn her head.

Thinking back to what she had recently read, Fluttershy said to herself, Come on, you can do it. Just say hello. He won't bite.

Gulping a bit to clear the lump that had formed in her throat, the mare turned around and opened her mouth, but, instead of speaking, she just panicked and ran away, much to the stallion's confusion.

Putting a smile back on her face, Fluttershy told herself, I will do it when I'm ready.

Rarity looked in the mirror, admiring her latest creation.

Ever since the war had begun, the white unicorn had been busy making uniforms for the soldiers, putting her skills to good use. Although the activity didn't allow the mare to showcase her artistic talent, she didn't mind, since she knew that every single pony had to do their part in order to support the war effort.

However, fashion had always been her passion, and, much to the Rarity's delight, her heroic deeds had earned her the time she needed to make use of her abilities and design a stunning new dress. Inspired by the crystal armor she had worn, she had managed to create a stylish gown solely out of precious gems and a few silken strings.

The unicorn turned around and gazed at the garment from all angles, feeling truly proud of what she had accomplished. When trying on a few hats to see which one went best with the dress, she came across one which covered half her face. Taking a few seconds to analyze the look, the mare thought to herself, I really would have looked just as stylish with a veil … but I'm sure thankful that I don't need one.

As she took off the gown, her sister barged in and rushed to hug her. With a warm smile on her face, the dressmaker returned the gesture.

"Thank you so much for helping me this morning Rarity. You are the best sister ever!" said a cheerful Sweetie Belle.

Donning false modesty, Rarity replied, "Come now darling, you're making me blush."

Looking around the room, the young filly caught a glimpse of her older sister's stunning creation and exclaimed, "Wow! That looks superb. It's the pretties you've ever designed. How did you do it?"

Patting her sibling on the head, the elder unicorn replied, "Well, I had some inspiration from my journey. Princess Celestia gave us these lovely crystal armors, but I lost mine when I was captured and tor … I mean, along the way."

Noticing her sister's sudden shift in tone, Sweetie Belle frowned, showing the concern she had for Rarity. Even though she wasn't old enough to fully understand, the filly knew that her relative had gone through something terrible, and was upset that although the dressmaker had spoken to their mother in private, she refused to tell her what had actually happened.

Pouting, the young mare addressed her sibling, "Hey Rarity … when are you gonna talk to be about what you and your friends did on your mission? I know there's more to the story than what you told me!"

Looking deep into her sister's eyes, the elder unicorn replied with a sincere and warm tone, "Sweetie Belle, some day … when you're a bit older, we will have a discussion about that. But I caution you … you won't like what you'll hear!"

Putting on a sad face, the filly replied, "But I am your sister. You can tell me anything!"

Giving her sibling a gentle bump on the nose, Rarity replied, "Like I said, when you're older. Now go outside and play, I've got to go to a party!"

Lowering her head, the young unicorn replied, "Oh shucks! How am I supposed to learn anything from you if you don't tell me anything?"

At that moment, Rarity immediately gave her sister a big hug and shed a tear. She then said, "Sweetie Belle, darling, listen to me. If I've learned anything from my journey, it's that the most important thing in life … is friendship. Always treasure your friends Sweetie Belle, for they will be there for you through thick and thin. And always be a lady! It is important to have standards. However, should dark times ever come, remember this: you need to stay alive in order to keep those standards!"

Sensing her eyes watering, the filly lovingly hugged her sister back. Although not fully, the young unicorn understood what her relative had meant, and decided she would wait until Rarity considered the time had come to share with her what had happened in the Crystal Empire.

After coming back home from her mission, Rarity showed little signs of turmoil. When confronted by her mother, the white unicorn simply told the brutal truth, not wanting to sugarcoat it in any way.

With tears of profound sadness in her eyes, Cookie Crumbles offered to do whatever was needed to comfort and help her daughter, but, much to her surprise, it was Rarity who actually comforted her. The dressmaker was strong, stronger than many might have thought. Instead of succumbing to terror, rather than feeling traumatized, she was just happy to be back home.

The fashionista knew how to enjoy life, and she was determined not to let the awful experience she had been through change her in any way. She had done some humiliating things in order to save herself and her friends, but, at the end of the day, she was still alive, and very thankful for it.

The dressmaker was fully prepared to do much worse things if her survival depended on it … and she didn't consider herself any less of a lady because of her convictions.

Since she had returned to Ponyville, Rarity had continued her social life as usual. She had met up with her friends, went to several of the shops she enjoyed and even exchanged some very pleasant words with one or two handsome stallions she fancied.

And now, she was overjoyed to be heading to a party with all of her closest friends. Picking up an elegant bag which lay near the sofa, the white unicorn pat Opal on the head and quickly rushed out.

"And that's the long and short of it," said Rainbow Dash, as she and Applejack walked down the road towards Sugar Cube Corner, carrying with them several barrels of cider.

Gasping in awe, the orange mare expressed her admiration, "Hoowee, that sure was an interesting story Rainbow! Thanks for sharing."

Smiling back towards her friend, the pegasus added, "You're welcome. So now you know why I … do the things I do."

After giving a small chuckle, the earth pony stated, "So ... flight academy, that's where it all started. I've gotta say, those Junior Speedsters sound like a right fine bunch o' fellas."

Blushing a little, the blue mare continued, "Yeah, and it just went on from there. But remember, I told this to you and you alone. Not a peep to anypony else, got it."

Lifting an eyebrow, Applejack retorted in a serious tone, "You do realize I made a promise and I am the element of honesty, right?"

Giving the other mare a playful bump on the nose, Rainbow exclaimed, "I know, I know. Now pick up the pace, we don't want to keep the other girls waiting!"

The two ponies continued their trip towards the party, anxious to bring the refreshing cold cider to their friends. Both of them smiled happily as they made their way through Ponyville, merrily greeting the other residents.

Even though Applejack would often blush and act humbly when other ponies called her a hero, Rainbow Dash didn't share her sentiment. Whenever she would receive the smallest hint of praise, the pegasus would go on a tirade about how she had defeated one hundred of the empire's elite troops in hoof to hoof combat, or how she had knocked several of King Sombra's teeth out.

Both mares had been through hell and back and had suffered greatly at the hooves of the barbarous tyrant. Although wounds of the flesh heal, wounds of the mind tend to linger. However, just as time can mend the body, affection and friendship will cure the spirit.

Immediately after returning to Ponyville, Applejack's family greeted her with open hooves, overjoyed that she had come home safely. In her absence, Big Macintosh had worked tirelessly and had taken care of all the farm-work, refusing to let Granny Smith tire herself out. Apple Bloom had also been toiling hard, doing whatever she could to help Equestria in its time of need.

Every night when their sister was away, the farm ponies would say a prayer and think of the day when they would see their sibling again. And, thanks to the loving grace of lady luck, that day eventually came.

Still aching from her injuries when she had initially returned to the farm, Applejack was treated almost like royalty. All her family members offered her everything she needed and tended to her wounds. In a few days she was kicking at full strength and immediately resumed her chores, knowing full well that slacking off would do nopony any good.

Above all, her family had offered her the support she needed to get over the abuse she had suffered. One night, while having a private talk with her brother, although the orange mare didn't explain exactly what she had been through, she had said enough for Big Mac to understand. Furious, the stallion punched a nearby rock so hard it shattered in two.

The thing the blonde mare never told anypony else, not even her older sibling, was what she had found out about Rainbow Dash.

Being back in Ponyville had boosted Applejack's spirit, and she was her old self in no time.

For the blue pegasus, the process of recovery had been remarkably swift. Even along the way to Equestria, while she was walking through the tunnel beneath the Crystal Mountains, she struck up many conversations with the rebel crystal ponies, boasting about her athletic abilities and her wish to one day become a Wonderbolt.

After she had returned to Ponyville, there wasn't a single unicorn, earth pony or pegasus who could have guessed what nightmares Rainbow Dash had gone through, because the blue mare seemed completely unaffected.

Not wanting to lie down even for a single day, the rambunctious pegasus was immediately out and about clearing up storm clouds and delivering messages. To her infinite delight, she had even gotten a letter from Spitfire, congratulating her and inviting her to join Wonderbolt Academy in the future.

Her iron will was truly remarkable, and her attitude was envied by most of her friends. It seemed nothing could bring the blue mare down.

And today, she and all her friends had a long-overdue get-together.

On the day before the party, Rainbow Dash had gone to Applejack's house, to offer her help around the farm, since she knew Sweet Apple Acres provided nourishment for a lot of ponies. Although initially reluctant, her friend accepted the offer and they managed to gather an impressive crop.

As the night fell, the two mares drank some tasty cider under a big apple tree. With a sincere look in her eyes, Rainbow Dash thanked Applejack for what she had done when they both were being tortured by King Sombra.

Thankful to have such a good friend as Rainbow, Applejack could not help but ask the one thing she had been curious to find out ever since the pegasus had betrayed her own secret: 'Why was Rainbow Dash into mares?'

Upon being asked that question, the blue pony initially blushed and tried to pretend she didn't hear, but as the conversation went on, she realized there was no point in keeping her sexual orientation a secret from Applejack anymore. Rainbow Dash then started telling the story about how she would become a fillyfooler and, after a good night's sleep, found the courage to finish it as she and her good friend headed towards the party.

Applejack was proud of the pegasus for having had the guts to share that little secret with her and was extremely grateful that Rainbow Dash considered her a close enough friend to feel safe disclosing such information. However, there was one thing that the earth pony didn't understand, and she decided to confess it to her companion on the way to Sugar Cube Corner.

"Hey Rainbow, can I ask ya' a very honest question?" said Applejack.

Rolling her eyes, the pegasus replied with a cocky tone, "Duh … of course."

Gulping a bit, the earth pony inquired, "From what you've told me, you are quite happy being … the way ya' are. So why are you keeping it such a secret?"

A brief moment of silence followed as the blue mare looked down. After taking a few more steps, she replied in a timid voice, "Listen … AJ, I am just not ready to come out yet, OK. I mean, I told you because … because you're you. You are kind, honest and a good friend. I knew you would still accept me, even if you knew about my … tastes. But I am not sure the other ponies will."

Raising her eyebrow, the orange mare asked, "Are you serious? Do you really think there is anypony who would be upset if you told them that detail about yourself?"

Blushing, Rainbow Dash replied, "Not upset … but they would very likely avoid me. Not all ponies are accepting. Some would mind quite a lot if they found out my secret. It is safer if I just say nothing."

Grabbing her friend's hoof with her own, Applejack gave a big smile and said, "Rainbow, be who ya' are and say what ya' feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

Shedding a tear of joy after listening to the earth pony's heartfelt words, the pegasus replied, "I am so lucky to be your friend. Thank's AJ, I really needed to hear that!"

Smiling warmly, the orange mare added, "Look, I cannot make that decision for you, but I guarantee you that none of our friends will have the slightest problem if you told them your secret."

Huffing, the pegasus replied, "I know you are right AJ, but … I am just not ready yet. One day I will be, and when I do, you better act surprised. Until then, let's keep this something just between you and me, OK?"

With a wicked grin on her face, the farm pony replied, "What about that pink pegasus with the blue mane that you mentioned in your story, what is she blows your secret?"

Laughing at what her friend had said, Rainbow retorted, "Oh, don't worry, she wouldn't tell on me, unless she wants to sleep on the couch the next time she visits!"

Nervous drops of sweat ran down Twilight Sparkle's forehead, as she gazed through the window of the local delicatessen shop. Sensing her heart beating fast, the agitated mare took rapid breaths, trying to calm herself down.

Hoping to work up the necessary courage, the purple unicorn whispered to herself, "Come on Twilight, you can do it. Just go in … they won't hurt you; no stallion ever has since you returned home!"

Putting a fake smile on her face, the mare opened the door, only to clumsily turn around and close it right back, after she came face to face with the two male ponies who were inside.

Over the course of her mission, Twilight had managed to drag herself back from the depths of desperation; she had somehow found the strength to get over her brutal rape and had succeeded in not only charming her tormentor, but also defeating him in a magical duel. Still, in spite of her heroic deeds, the experience had left the young unicorn with some severe mental scars, even though she didn't realize it at first.

When she and Shining Armor had returned to Ponyville, Twilight Velvet and Night Light immediately rushed over from Canterlot to see their children, worried to death about their fate. The reunion with her family delighted the purple mare, and the moment was made even sweeter when Princess Celestia joined them, congratulating her student on her gallant deeds.

Not even conceiving to share the horrors she had gone through with anypony, Twilight kept the fact that she had gotten violated by the king of the Crystal Empire all to herself, desperately hoping nopony would ever know.

Being surrounded by her family and friends and having been deeply congratulated by her mentor gave the unicorn a brief moment of extreme satisfaction. On that day, she felt invincible, ready to take on the world.

However, when night came and she went to bed, all of her joy and all of her bravery shattered, as nightmares haunted the mare's entire sleep.

She saw Sombra raping her over and over, brutally thrusting his cock up all of her holes. The young pony tried to struggle, to fight back, but in the dream realm her mind was the one calling the shots, and deep inside, her subconscious still feared the gruesome monarch. The unicorn was powerless against her oppressor and awoke screaming, several times, as she struggled in her head against the forced advances of the black stallion.

Initially, she had dismissed the incident as a onetime thing, but each time she closed her eyes, the nightmares became more and more sinister. Her rich imagination conjured the most bizarre and insidious of scenarios, slowly robbing the young mare of her sanity. After several days with little to no sleep, she became erratic. Her fears had returned, refusing to leave her alone even during the day. Twilight started doubting herself and began to lose hope. She felt weaker every day and socialized less and less.

Even more, she kept her problems all to herself, refusing to talk about them, even with her own family. The unicorn was petrified to think that anypony would ever find out about her rape, too afraid of what their reaction might be. She dreaded being labeled as a slut or becoming an outcast. When confronted by her loved ones, she would just give hesitant answers, get upset when they insisted and even yell angrily at them or simply leave the room and refuse to continue the conversation.

She hated to admit it, but Sombra's shadow of fear loomed heavily over her. The experience of having her flower stolen by the tyrant had been more traumatizing than Twilight could ever have imagined. In her anxious state, the purple unicorn's paranoia returned, and she slowly started avoiding all stallions, even going as far as to feel uncomfortable when being alone with her own father or brother.

When her friends would inquire about her recluse behavior, she would always invent some excuse about having to do arcane research for Princess Celestia, in order to help with the war effort.

However, today she had no choice but to go out. The party had been planned for a while and there was no way she could come up with a plausible alibi, especially considering that the white alicorn herself had asked the six girls to host it. Not wanting to go empty hooved, Twilight had stopped by the delicatessen shop, hoping to pick up some fancy wine and a few exotic blends, but found herself unable to enter, due to her unconscious fear of being alone with two stallions in an enclosed space.

Much to her delight, a few minutes later she saw a mare walking passed her and entering the establishment. Huffing with relief, she went in as well and proceeded to quickly get what she needed and leave immediately after.

"The cider's here, the cider's here!" shouted an impatient Pinkie Pie, as she saw the blue pegasus and orange earth pony approaching.
After putting the barrels down, the two mares hugged their friends and gasped in awe, as they set their eyes on the marvelous decorations the pink pony had put up.

"Gosh darn, Pinkie, you've outdone yourself again! Where did you get all this stuff?" exclaimed a baffled Applejack.

Donning a huge smile, the pink mare replied, "Well, let's just say I have a secret stash for special occasions … and it doesn't get any more special than this."

Chuckling, Rainbow Dash inquired, "Where did you get that hat from?"

"Do you like it? I've brought one for each of you. Hope you enjoy wearing them as much as I enjoyed making them. Such a refreshing change from those dull war uniforms!" responded Rarity, as she used her levitation magic to get her creations out of the elegant bag and offered them to her friends.

"They look lovely," replied Applejack with a sincere tone.

"It fits you perfectly," added Fluttershy in a timid voice.

"Hope you haven't started the fun without us!" stated Rainbow Dash, as she looked around, drooling over the many appetizing courses laid on the table.

Giving the pegasus a playful bump on the nose, Pinkie Pie commented, "Of course not silly! And don't just stand there looking at the food, try it. The quiche is especially good. Fluttershy made it herself!"

Chuckling bashfully and scratching the back of her head, the yellow mare blushed a bit and retorted, "Oh … thank you. I decided to try something new."

After patting the shy pegasus on the back, Rarity winked and replied, "And you did a marvelous job. Perhaps you should try other new things as well!"

Still surprised by how nice everything looked, the blond earth pony could not help but express her admiration, "Hoowee Pinkie, you're a heroine. You did all of this in one afternoon?"

Interrupting her friend, Rainbow Dash added, "Speaking of heroines … here comes ours." She then pointed towards the gate, through which Twilight Sparkle had just walked in.

When the studious unicorn laid eyes upon her smiling friends, all of her burdens seemed to disappear. Her heart stopped beating fast and she began feeling safe. This gave her new-found strength. Putting a big sincere grin on her face, the purple mare lovingly embraced each of the other ponies, before joining them at the table.

While anxiously tapping her hooves, Pinkie Pie burst out, "I am so happy that you made it, Twily. You've been so busy lately with your research that we barely see you."

Avoiding eye contact, the unicorn responded, "Oh yeah … my research. Well, you know, I've got to do my best to help end the war."

Proudly hitting her chest with her hoof, Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "Don't you worry, King Sombra's days are numbered. He is losing on all fronts and over half his army has deserted. If I get my hooves on him, he will regret ever capturing us and …"

"Can we … can we discuss about something else?" interrupted Twilight with an agitated tone, unwilling to hear about her tormentor.

"I agree. Let's talk like we used to in the old days. How I miss our get-togethers!" added Fluttershy.

"Well, not one to brag, but gossip travels so fast these days, that in just a few hours I managed to find out more interesting details about our co-citizens than I used to in an entire week!" said Rarity after taking a big sip of cider.

"Really … do tell, do tell," requested an excited Pinkie Pie.

The party went on for hours. The mares talked, laughed, ate, drank and had lots of fun, just like they had often done in the days before the conflict had started. They enjoyed each other's company so much, and were so grateful to finally be reunited for a cheerful occasion.

Each of the mane six had a blast. Stories about how Ponyville had changed, about how their families were doing, about their plans for the future were intertwined with jokes and spicy conversations about the inhabitants of their town.

For the first time in a while, Twilight had truly felt marvelous. Being reminded of what wonderful friends she had lifted the mare's spirits and allowed her to enjoy the party. However, as the sun began to set, she could not help but think about what she would undoubtedly have to face that night. Feeling uneasy, her smile slowly dimmed as the evening went on.

After the Sun had set, Pinkie Pie prepared to reveal her big surprise. However, as she entered the kitchen, the front door opened and an even bigger surprise awaited the six ponies: Princess Celestia had walked in.

The alicorn gave a warm smile and took a graceful bow, before asking, "Room for one more?"

Barely able to contain their excitement, the mane six cheered and welcomed their princess, unable to believe she had joined them.

Celestia explained how well the war was progressing. She and the other princesses were leading assaults on all fronts, pushing deeper and deeper towards the Crystal Castle. However, despite taking her role as battle commander very seriously, the white alicorn desperately wanted to join the six ponies for the night and thank them again for their efforts. After Celestia had lowered the Sun, Luna rapprochement her and insisted her sister attend the party, saying she could handle the situation for one day.

Delighted to see her mentor again, Twilight shed a small tear of joy and hugged the princess.

The celebration lasted longer than expected, as Celestia joined the fun, praising the mares for their efforts and sharing in their jokes and gossip. As the cider and wine ended, Pinkie Pie knew the time had come for her to actually reveal the big surprise. Going inside the kitchen, she came out with the gigantic cake, causing all the ponies' jaws to drop to the floor.

Donning a big smile on her face, the pink mare toot her own horn, "Let me present, the super-double, meta-triple, ultra-quadruple, ten layer hyper cake. It's got chocolate, vanilla, fifty different fruits and ninety five toppings!"

Looking towards the excited Pinkie, Celestia stated, "But you promised me a hundred!"

Upon hearing that, the earth pony's eyes widened and her mouth opened immensely, as she thought back to the prayer she had said in her cell. With her legs shaking, she pointed towards the princess, asking, "But how you did you know … when did you … I mean can you actually hear …"

Chuckling, the alicorn gave a playful wink.

All the mares feasted upon the delicious dessert, which far surpassed all of their expectations.

After the most amazing party ever, the girls said their goodbyes and started heading home, with stomachs full of delicious food and faces filled with happy smiles.

As Twilight went outside of Sugar Cube Corner and walked towards her house, she looked up at the night sky and began shivering, terrified of what she knew would soon come.

Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her, "Twilight, wait up."

Turning around, she saw the princess of the Sun approaching her.

Looking with much admiration towards her mentor, the purple unicorn confessed, "Princess Celestia, having you at the party filled our hearts with joy. Thank you very much for coming!"

Smiling back at her student, the alicorn replied, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. You six went through so much. I am deeply sorry for having sent you on such a dangerous mission!"

Nervously tapping her hoof, the young mare stated, "Oh, come now. We were happy to help. After all, we couldn't have risked losing my brother and Cadance right? Also, thanks to the messages which you sent to the resistance, they were able to help us in getting the Crystal Heart back. All's well that ends well!"

Shifting to a more serious tone, Celestia exclaimed, "You and your friends were so brave. Your actions inspired a whole nation. I am supposed to be the teacher and yet there is so much that I learn from you. Thanks to you six, hope blooms in the heart of every pony in Equestria and the Crystal Empire. Truly the power of your friendship is greater than any dark sorcery!"

Shedding a tear of joy upon hearing her mentor's comments, Twilight timidly replied, "Thank you, Princess Celestia. You have no idea how grateful I am that you are my teacher!"

Donning a big smile, the alicorn said, "And I couldn't have asked for a better student, or a better friend! I had such a good time at the party. I hope that once the battle is over, you and the other girls will have many more."

Smiling back, the purple unicorn said in a timid voice, "Oh, we will, we will!"

Noticing how tired the purple mare appeared, Celestia inquired, "Twilight, is everything OK with you? You seem a bit … under the weather."

Looking away, the unicorn replied, "I'm fine, I'm fine. Nothing to worry about. Just partied a little too much I guess."

Lifting an eyebrow, the princess asked, "Are you certain? I hope you are not overworking yourself. I remember that when you returned to Ponyville and I came to congratulate you, you immediately promised to make me even prouder by coming up with a new spell based on your usage of the Crystal Heart? Please, don't strain yourself if you can't do it. We are winning the war, you know!"

Blushing, Twilight replied, "Like I said, don't worry. Tomorrow I will be good as new."

As the purple unicorn turned around and started to walk away, she was again interrupted by her mentor. "Twilight Sparkle, you know you can tell me anything, right? I have a confession to make: before coming to your party, I visited your family, hoping to see how they were doing. They told me that you have been … distant lately, that you are constantly pushing them away when they want to talk to you," said the princess.

Looking down, the young unicorn meekly replied, "I am fine … I am fine … no need to worry!"

Not believing her student, the alicorn added, "You do know that if you are having problems sleeping I can ask Luna to help you. She can enter your dreams and …"

Upon hearing that, Twilight turned around and, with tears falling from her eyes, she shouted back at her teacher, "NO, you can't! She mustn't go into my head … she mustn't see my dreams. Promise me … promise me you won't ask her to do that!"

With an extremely worried look on her face, Celestia exclaimed, "Calm down Twilight. I promise! But please tell me what's wrong ... and don't say it's nothing!"

Shedding tear after tear, Twilight loudly replied, "I … I … I can't … I won't. Nothing happened to me OK. Can't you or my parents understand that? I am just a little stressed, that's all. Just, leave me alone and I'll be fine."

Refusing to allow her student to suffer, the princess said, "Twilight, listen to me. You have a loving family, good friends and you have me. We can aid you. You don't have to bear any burden alone. Just tell me what is wrong. There is nothing that we want more than for you to be yourself again."

Unable to face her fear, the purple unicorn turned around and ran away, shouting, "I can't … I can't … nothing happened, OK!"

As she raced towards her house with tears falling from her eyes, the purple mare was suddenly cut off by Princess Celestia, who had teleported in front of her.

Lighting up her horn, the alicorn looked at her student like a mother looks upon a sick child.

Before the princess could say anything, Twilight Sparkle turned around and ran in the opposite direction, screaming, "Leave me alone!"

In a matter of seconds, Celestia again appeared in front of her. With a serious tone, the alicorn asked the young mare, "Twilight, look behind you! What do you see?"

Turning around, the crying unicorn could not observe anything. With a sad tone, she replied, "Nothing."

Lifting her voice, the princess ordered, "Run!"

Puzzled, the little mare asked, "What?"

Donning a grim expression, the alicorn repeated her command, "I said RUN!"

Wishing to get away, Twilight executed her mentor's order and fled towards her house, but after a few seconds, the princess teleported in front of her again.

Lighting up the surrounding area with her horn, Celestia repeated her question, "Look behind you! What do you see?"

Turning around, the puzzled unicorn responded, "Nothing … just … my shadow!?"

With a serious tone, Celestia asked, "And do you think you can run from it? Do you think it won't be here tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, or a year from now? You can't run from a shadow and you can't run from the past!"

Unable to contain herself anymore, Twilight broke down and cried, sobbing uncontrollably as she looked towards the ground. She then said, "No, no, no, NO! I am not running away from anything. There is nothing wrong with me … nothing happened OK! Please … leave me alone … it wasn't my fault!"

Giving her student a gentle hug, Celestia let the young mare cry for a few more minutes, before stating, "Twilight, please wipe those tired eyes and listen to me!"

Shaking, the scared unicorn babbled, "I am sorry … it wasn't my fault!"

Putting her hoof over her pupil's heart, the princess explained, "Twilight, my dear sweet Twilight, calm down. Whatever happened is in the past!"

Interrupting her mentor, the purple mare shouted, "But nothing happened …"

Relying upon the Canterlot voice as a last resort, Celestia shouted back, "YES IT DID! You know it and I know it. Nothing you do will ever change that. But that doesn't mean it should change YOU!"

Paradoxically, the princess's yell seemed to calm the little unicorn down, as she could feel her heartbeat slowing. Looking up towards her mentor, Twilight didn't say another word. She just frowned and sought guidance.

Seeing she had finally managed to get through to the young mare, the princess put a smile back on her face and said, "Listen to me, I wouldn't dream of making you do something you do not like. If you do not wish to say what happened, so be it. I swear I will never ask again. And I promise not to tell my sister to visit you in your dreams. I will also talk to your parents and suggest that the best thing they can do right now is to stop bugging you about it. Will that make you feel better?"

Hugging her teacher tightly, the unicorn replied, "Yes … yes it will. Thank you!"

Giving her pupil a gentle kiss on the forehead, Celestia added, "You have to promise me one thing though. You will stop running and start fighting. You are strong, stronger than Sombra and …"

Pulling away from the hug, Twilight interrupted, "Sombra didn't do anything …"

Before she could finish her statement, the purple mare gazed up and saw the look of disbelief in her mentor's eyes. After gulping heavily to remove the lump in her throat, the unicorn begged, "Please … please don't tell anypony else, especially not my parents. Pretty please!"

With a solemn tone, the alicorn exclaimed, "I swear it! What that dreadful tyrant did must have been awful ... but you mustn't run anymore. If you refuse to face your fears, they will consume you! You are the strongest pony in the world Twilight. You turned the tide of this war. You defeated one of the most powerful magic users in an arcane duel. There is NOTHING that you cannot accomplish."

The purple mare shed another tear, profoundly impressed by her mentor's words. Grabbing the princess hoof with her own, the unicorn confessed, "Princess Celestia, when I was captured, I have said and done some … horrible things, and …"

"And you have saved your friends! You have saved us all. No pony will ever blame you for any of that … but it seems that you blame yourself. Hope once shined brightly in your heart, but now I sense it is gone. Why Twilight? Sombra cannot harm you anymore and you know that! Don't run from him, don't give that monster the satisfaction. Fight him … fight him like the cur that he is!" explained the alicorn.

After giving her teacher another big hug, the purple mare said, "Thank you so much, Princess Celestia. I promise I will fight him!"

Hugging her student back, the princess replied, "I can help you and so can your friends!"

Gently shaking her head, the young pony stated, "I know ... and I am extremely grateful for that. But this is something I want to do ... something I have to do alone!"

After huffing, Princess Celestia answered, "I understand. Please, just remember, even if we are not there physically, all our thoughts and hopes are with you. Fight him Twilight, defeat Sombra. You've done it before and you can do it again!"

Wiping away her tears, Twilight head back home, promising, "I will!"