Flash Sentry steals your Waifu!

by HiddenMac

Rating: teen
Tags: Drama, Second Person, Comedy, Tragedy, Random, Adventure
Length: 28099

You've heard rumors but hope they aren't true: Flash Sentry is here, and he's coming for your very special somepony!

What if Flash Sentry is the mare stealing pony that everyone claims he is? What if he takes it to the highest level? You take on the role of various ponies as you encounter Flash attempting to steal your very special somepony, and hope he does not succeed.

Trigger warning: [spoiler]Flash Sentry[/spoiler]

I don't know if it is still fashionable to write these kind of Flash stories or if I'm just too late for the party, but I'm relatively new here and I think the concept is funny. Maybe you'll think this is funny too? I actually like Flash… as the idiotic mare stealing villain (think Zapp Brannigan). Obviously, this is not to be taken too seriously.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-06-04 03:00:03 UTC

Beginnings: Twilight Sparkle

You are Flash Sentry

A little smiling and some blushing.

That's all it seemed to take. This clumsy Alicorn princess bumps into you and all you do is smile. It's all you can do; your job is to serve them so you must be polite. You want to tell her to watch where she is going, but if you did that your Princess, Cadance, would have you thrown out or imprisoned. So, you smile and say something polite.

"We've got to stop bumping into each other like this."

You help her to her hooves and walk away. Clearly, she blushes as she continues to converse with her friends. They argue about having a crush, but you don't really care. All you know is that fillies find you hot! The fact is that Twilight Sparkle, the newly crowned Princess of Friendship, is now totally infatuated with you. Your confidence builds as you strut your newly found swagger.

Watch out fillies and mares, you think to yourself, Flash Sentry is here and he is adorable!

Walking back to your bunk in the castle barracks, you test your swag on various attendants and guests you come across. As you strut, you wink and point to test their reactions. While many swoon and blow kisses back, there are still some that grunt and roll their eyes. Perhaps this is something that cannot be mastered at once; you will have to spend time refining your technique if you want to conquer the hearts of all Equestria.

Luckily, as a guard you will travel the entirety of the land and the disproportion of female ponies will give you ample opportunity to perfect your approach. In a few short years, your efforts will surely be rewarded.

You are Twilight Sparkle

You've been a princess for a few years now. You've saved Equestria numerous times over and helped many ponies in matters of friendship. You were once such a quiet filly with no friends, save your faithful assistant Spike. Now, most, if not all of Equestria calls you a friend and you will never again feel so lonely.

So why is it you feel so alone?

As you wander the halls of your castle, you pass by many treasures, trophies, and mementos of your travels. Trinkets from so many friends, acquaintances, family, even some from reformed enemies. You study them all until you come to a sudden realization: there is nothing from a very special somepony!

Matters of the heart have never really come up in your travels and experiences; seldom have you even thought of it. Today, however, loneliness has hit you like a paralyzing blow from Tirek. You find yourself sitting alone in the long corridor with your lifeless mementos wishing you could trade it all to hear the clippity-clop of tiny hoofs and a big, strong stallion to embrace.

All of your friends seemed to have found a very special somepony and today they were enjoying each other's company. Rainbow Dash is now a Wonderbolt and finally managed to hook up with one of her heroes, Soarin'. Today they would be practicing a new routine before going on a date in the clouds. Fluttershy is spending some time in the Everfree Forest with Discord to learn and care for all the new and wonderful woodland critters. She could now wander throughout the forest without fear with her immortal and magical protector. Pinkie Pie is traveling across Equestria with Cheese Sandwich. They aren't technically in a relationship, but everypony knew it would only be a matter of time before it happened and this trip would most likely be the catalyst. Even Spike finally managed to convince Rarity to go out on a date. That's why he wasn't here today, she finally relented to his advances and agreed to see how it would go. As for Applejack, well, it seemed she was married to her farm.

So that was it. All your friends are happy except for lonely, old unloved Twilight Sparkle! you pity to yourself. As a princess, are you destined to live the long, lonely life of a spinster? Are you to suffer the same romantic limbo as Celestia? Perhaps not! you think to yourself. Cadance is a Princess and she was allowed to get married. She can even have foals!

New optimism inspires you. Perhaps all hope is not lost. Celestia has not yet expressly forbidden you from seeking a relationship. Maybe you can still be happy if you just find the right stallion. But whom could you choose? You remember the flashy orange pegasus guard pony that works for Cadance. When visiting your sister-in-law, you still occasionally see him and blush at the cute and adorable guard with the dreamy spikey hair. You had such a crush on him when you first saw him; it must have been love at first sight! You wonder if he is still available and if he would be interested.

After reasoning to yourself, you become convinced that a pony that cute would surely be taken already. Besides, Cadance already married a Royal Guard, what sort of example would you set if you too started a relationship with one? But if the heart wants what it wants, surely you can't ignore it.

You start contemplating on other options. First in your mind is Big McIntosh. He's still available, much to the delight of every mare and dismay of every stallion in Ponyville. You often see him with mares like Cheerilee, and when he's alone every mare in Ponyville seems to stare at him. However, he never seems to be in an actual relationship. Maybe he's playing the field? But he's so quiet, you fear like you wouldn't be able to talk to him. You can't see yourself as a farmer's wife anyway. Still, he's very nice, polite, and easy on the eyes.

You contemplate other options. There's the Doc...no, Derpy has been pursuing him for a while, it wouldn't be right. Bulk Biceps? He's very sweet, but yells so much. He also lacks even an average intelligence. Caramel and Toe-Tapper are in relationships. The Dude and his bowling pony friends are just...odd. Your list of potential mates is running very thin and you don't want to have to leave Ponyville in search of a stallion.

As of now, you have but one option. You are going to march over to Sweet Apple Acres and ask Big Mac if he would like to go on a date! You fix your mane and spritz some perfume -something which Rarity has always asked when she wanted to match you on a blind date- as you trot toward your front door.

Before opening, you hear a loud banging on the door. Curious, you peek out to see who this unexpected caller is. To your astonishment, you realize it is none other than... Flash Sentry himself! Your first choice! And he's holding flowers while dressed in a faux leather jacket with a stylish chain necklace!

"Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my g-o-o-o-o-osh!" you tap your hooves in place doing your best impression of Rainbow Dash meeting her idol. The colt of your dreams has finally come, for YOU! Just when you were feeling your worst and ready to settle for some simple farmer, Flash has come to sweep you off your hooves! You take a moment to collect yourself and wipe the emotions from your body, like Cadance taught you, and slowly opened the door for the hunky dreamcolt.

"Hey there," he says, "in all the time since I've first set eyes on you, I've done nothing but count the days until I can see you again and properly ask you out. And now, I can wait no longer".

Your heart melts as you swoon. The perfect colt has come and he wants to be the perfect coltfriend...your perfect coltfriend. You are powerless and completely at his mercy, right where you dreamed of being.

You are Flash Sentry...again

"Hey there, in all the time since I've first set eyes on you, I've done nothing but count the days until I can see you again and properly ask you out. And now, I can wait no longer."

Perfect. You see the Alicorn Princess flush and completely swoon over in response to your line. You've put in a lot of practice with a LOT of fillies and mares to get this moment right and now it has finally paid off. Your approach has improved since you began with the original "bumping into each other" line. Numerous ponies have thrown themselves at your hooves and many relationships have ended due to your exploits, but you don't care. You got what you wanted; you usually get what you want. Sure, there have been a few bumps in the road, a few failures, a few murderous exes, but you always manage to come out on top.

Now, the Princess of Friendship herself is completely at your mercy, and she WANTS to be there. You look at the lavender Alicorn on the floor ready to submit to your will, but you realize that with her this will require gentleness and false humility. You step in to help her up.

"My Princess," you say, "are you alright? I want nothing more than to see you smile, to give you anything you desire, to be the perfect stallion you deserve". Bulls-eye. That should clinch it! Twilight can do nothing but mumble and stutter at your smooth approach.

"Yeah...that is... ma...hmm..." she can't even form coherent words. This is in the bag. You proceed to shut the door to cement your victory. However, she suddenly stops you. "Wait," she says, "not yet! Spike will be back soon!"

Stupid Dragon! you think to yourself. Still, this is a sure thing!

"Very well, my dear!" you reply, "you are the most special pony and definitely worth the wait! Hopefully you won't make me wait too long as I ache for your company! Perhaps later I can just take you out to show you that somepony loves you more than anything!"

You've waited years for this, you can surely wait a little longer. Besides, this one's in the bag. Time to start thinking of your next conquest!

You are Soarin'

It is a beautiful evening in Cloudsdale. You just finished rehearsing a new routine with the Wonderbolts and your new very special somepony, Rainbow Dash. You promised to take her out afterward and treat her to a night she will never forget. You haven't been dating that long, but you have never been more certain of your feelings and what you must do: you will propose to Rainbow Dash tonight!

It might seem fast, but you two are Wonderbolts; you do everything fast! It wasn't that long ago when you first saw her: she was some obsessive fanfilly, desperately trying to get your attention and notice how cool she was. She quickly climbed the ranks to become a reserve and soon, a full-fledged Wonderbolt. Since then, the tables would turn and you would try to gain her attention. She was faster, more agile, more determined, and cute in that "don't call me cute" sort of way. The fact she saved Equestria dozens of times and was close, personal friends with the Princesses added to the allure of Miss Rainbow Dash. You couldn't get your mind off her; she was the definition and ponification of Awesomeness!

You remember the night you finally asked her out. After another practice, you worked up the courage to finally approach the cyan pegasus, nerves getting the better of you, "will you..." then you blurt out "GO OUT WITH ME!" The other Wonderbolts stare at the sudden outburst coming from Rainbow Dash's locker. The outburst surprises even you, but not as much as her reply.

"Are you kidding?!" Your heart sinks as you prepare for her inevitable rejection. "OF COURSE I WILL!"

Since then, your life has been on cloud nine, as well as numerous other clouds as you spend every moment you can with her. These have been the happiest days of your life, far exceeding the day you became a Wonderbolt. You wish you could spend every night and day just soaring and darting through the clouds in a beautiful dance with the most awesome pony Equestria has ever seen. That is why you plan to propose so suddenly and why this night must be perfect.

"Soarin'," your love asks, " where we goin' tonight? It better not be another fancy, sappy restaurant like last time! If it is, I'll..."

"It isn't," you interrupt. Stopping her mid-sentence might not be the smartest tactic, but you have trouble containing your excitement. "I thought we'd take a flight, just the two of us, then we'd have a picnic on the clouds overlooking Rainbow Falls. That's it!" Of course, you have other intentions, as evident by the wedding ring you secretly conceal.

"Ugh! It still sounds sappy!" she grunts in disgust, her cute little tongue sticking out. She hated all the girly, romantic nonsense and would much rather prefer to show off how great she is, but deep down you know she is still a lady and deserves to be swept off her hooves like any other. Still, you know better than to upset her, so you tempt her with a little competition.

"Oh yeah, race you there, Crash!" you quickly take off.

"Hey! No fair!" she objects before quickly following, a rainbow streak in her wake.

You do your best to keep a distance between you two as you dart from cloud to cloud. It's not very gentlecoltly of you to cheat, but you need all the help you can get when racing the fastest pony in Equestria. However, after a few moments, the inevitable happens as she catches up with you. Instead of coming up behind you, she approaches from above as she flies toward you while upside-down. You stare at her, surprised at the audacity of the show-off as she inches closer. Then, still upside-down and in mid glide, she plants a huge kiss right on your lips.

This moment should be the climax of your life, a moment that defines being a Wonderbolt. Such beauty and danger combined in a moment of unbridled passion. You wish this moment could last forever, but both of you will eventually need to breathe. She breaks the lock first.

"How does it taste?" she asks with a smirk on her face.

"What?" you reply, confused.

"MY DUST!" with that, she races ahead, setting off a sonic boom that nearly takes you out.

When you finally catch up, you find her reclining on a cloud just overlooking the falls. In fact, it's not far from the picnic you had set up earlier in preparation for tonight.

"Took you long enough! I've been waiting here forEVER!" she mocks, gloating over her victory. "Now where is this totally lame picnic you have planned?"

Luna's Moon rises as you guide her to a strategically placed cloud just next to one of the larger falls. The spray is blowing away from you and dances around the full moon, causing the light to refract as it creates a full, circular moon-bow. Even Dash can't contain her emotions at the tranquil, serene beauty of the situation.

"It's so beautiful!....i-i-if you're into that sort of stuff, I mean! I know I'm not!" she makes a feeble attempt to turn away and look cool.

You use the momentary distraction to take out the jewelry box containing the wedding ring. Your heart races as you prepare for the most frightening moment in your life. Your hooves tremble as you gain her attention "Rainbow Da-ash..."

She turns, curious as to what has you so nervous.

"Will y-you marry me?!"

She stares at the ring. It is a golden band with a diamond cut in the shape of a lightning bolt. The diamond itself is a composite of multiple stones comprised of different trace elements so as to give the diamond several different colors. It was, in essence, a rainbow diamond. The cost of this rock went far beyond the expected value of a wedding ring, but the greatest pony in Equestria deserves no less. Seconds seem like years as she stares at the luminous gem. You start to think time itself will cease to exist until she finally gives you a response.

"No."

Daggers seem to pierce your heart as you lock up in astonishment. Your worst fears have been realized and you want nothing more than to leap from the cloud and fall all the way to the ground, ending it all.

She eventually clarifies her rejection, "Soarin', it's not the right time! We're Wonderbolts! We can't just fly off and start a family. I've worked my entire life just to get here, I'm not going walk away!"

It's a perfectly reasonable explanation, but it makes it no easier for you to hear. Your emotions get the best of you as you start to argue. "It doesn't mean we're going to have foals right away! HOW COULD YOU REJECT ME LIKE THAT?!" the tears form in you eyes.

"SOARIN', GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!" she screams back "MY ANSWER IS 'NO'! YOU HAVE TO RESPECT THAT!"

You can't take anymore, you pout as you prepare to take off. "I need to get out of here! DON'T follow me!" With that, you take off leaving Rainbow Dash to herself.

"FINE!" she screams back, "SEE IF I CARE!"

Rainbow Dash begins to cry at being abandoned. Maybe this was her fault. She has such lofty expectations and ambitions for herself that she refuses to change and just live her life. Maybe she was wrong. It wouldn't exactly be the end of her career, she'd be married to another Wonderbolt! Maybe she was just scared! Her entire life she tried to not be just another filly. She always wanted to be tougher and cooler than any other colt. She made such an effort to be awesome that she just panicked when the proposal came. She told herself she would apologize and talk it over, after the two of you blow off some steam.

Flash Sentry has zeroed in on his next target. He spots the rainbow maned pegasus sobbing alone on a cloud shortly after you leave. Seeing she is emotionally unstable at this time, he figures now is his best chance to strike.

"What is such an awesome pony like you doing all alone here, crying to herself?"

"I'M NOT CRYING!" Rainbow Dash shouts back, "And what's it to YOU?!" She wipes her tears trying to conceal any feminine emotion. It takes her a moment to realize the orange pegasus' identity as he takes a seat beside her. "Hey, aren't you that guard Twilight has a crush on?"

"Who?" he quickly replies, "oh, the Princess of Friendship". He tried to play it cool, figuring that would be the right strategy to get Dash's attention. "Yeah, she's nice. But not exactly my type. I need a pony who is, how can I put this politely, as cool and awesome as I am!" He flipped the collar of his faux leather jacket and ran a hoof through his spikey hair, which was made to appear as if it wasn't groomed even though it obviously was...painstakingly so.

"Huh!" Rainbow Dash grunts, surprised at the news. "I kinda had the feeling you two would do the whole 'white picket fence' thing," she said with small hoof-quotes. "Guess you're kind of like me, afraid of commitment," she thinks back to you and the guilt she caused.

"Hey, there's nothing to be ashamed of. If it's not right, it's not right!" Flash rested his hoof on Rainbow's shoulder, reassuring her. "Ponies like us don't need to apologize! If they can't deal with it, it's their problem!"

"I guess..." Rainbow Dash agrees, uncertain.

"Tell you what, awesome ponies like us deserve to have some fun! Come with me! I'm wicked boss on the guitar! I'll shred some jams for you!" Flash Sentry grabbed Rainbow Dash by the hoof and helped her up. She never noticed how the guard pony managed to grab hold of the expensive ring and stash it into one of his coat pockets. Another memento he thought to himself.

Dash wanted to wait and reconcile with you, but part of her was also curious about this new, cool pegasus with the dreamy eyes and trendy, spikey hair. Her instincts told her to remain here, but she also wondered if it was over between you two; you were extremely upset and told her not to follow. It sounded like if she wasn't going to accept, then you may have wanted to end the relationship. Against her better judgment, she followed the "perfect colt" away from the picnic as if some unknown force had compelled her to do so.

As you make your way back, you notice Rainbow Dash has already left. You wanted to apologize and reconcile with the greatest pony ever to fly over Equestria only to find your picnic supplies and the empty jewelry box. The anger has completely escaped your mind and it is soon replaced by fear. Has something happened to her? Is she OK? Did she just leave? Where's her ring? Your thoughts race as you panic to ascertain what has become of your beloved. You hope she is alright, ignorant of the diabolical events which preceded your return. If you only knew, you might very well leap from the cloud and accept your fate; the pain would be too great for any pony to bear. But for now, all you do it sit and weep for the loss of your very special somepony.

You are Discord

As Discord, you have seen countless sentient beings from an immeasurable number of dimensions. You've seen cartoon ponies, fighting robots, ninja reptiles, and fluffy bears that live on clouds. You've even seen hairless apes fly through space in crude starships (a personal favorite of yours). But in all your travels, all your adventures, you've never encountered one simple thing: a true friend.

No being has ever tolerated your presence, much less chose to spend time with you. You've spent eons tormenting lesser creatures for your own amusement and lacked any sense of morality. You've even had a son, then passed it off onto one of the aforementioned apes without her consent! You've spent eternity building a reputation; why would anyone WANT to be your friend? That's why it surprised even you when a quiet and humble pony looked past all your faults to show you the magic of friendship. For the first time in your existence, you actually cared for someone.

Fluttershy is the sweetest, most kind pony you have ever met. She has a magic that allows her to befriend even the most vicious of animals. Truly remarkable is the fact that she is a pegasus and not an earth pony, of which such magic is more common. Her soft, melodious voice can calm the savage beast, yet her shyness forces her to cower among society. What courage it must have taken for her to confront and win over the brash and assertive Discord!

It is easy to see why you decided to take the next step and start a relationship, even though you two have seemingly little in common. She likes to help creatures, you like to torment them. She is submissive, you dominate everyone. She is nurturing and responsible, you... well, you don't need to mention your unknown number of offspring again. When two beings are so antithetical, they must be meant for each other; that is the way of discordance.

It is Tuesday, the day you and Fluttershy have tea. You decided to surprise her by moving teatime from her house to having a picnic in the Everfree Forest. She has always been fascinated by the strange and wonderful creatures that call the forest home, yet fear always stopped her from entering, and rightfully so. The Everfree Forest is home to some of the darkest magic and terrible creatures in Equestria, such as Timber Wolves and Cockatrice. However, she now has little to fear with her immortal and all-powerful Discord!

You were looking forward to spending quality time with your favorite companion, until she insisted on bringing along her annoying little pest, Angel Bunny. How could one little rodent cause you so much irritation. You could easily, and on many occasions wanted to dispose of the little furball, but he was Fluttershy's favorite pet and doing so would be the end of your relationship. So, you bite your tongue (literally) and grudgingly bring along the tiny bundle of malice. And so it begins, the ol' Ball & Chain, as you sometimes comment on relationships.

You poof the three of you into a clearing in the middle of the forest that you have scouted earlier. You eagerly unfurl the blanket and, in it, the entire placement for your little picnic. Angel, as he always seems to do, instantly ruins the mood by hopping to the nearest bush and hurling up his breakfast.

"Ha! It seems the little rascal's stomach doesn't agree with teleportation!" you exclaim, pleased with the hairball finally getting his literal comeuppance.

"DISCORD!" Fluttershy quietly shrieks back, "that's not nice! The little guy's just not used to magic!" She picks up the green faced bunny and hugs him. "There there, it will be alright. Why don't you sit down and have some nice, calming tea. I'll even let you have some carrot cookies!"

Angel's disposition miraculously improves as he happily hops back to the blanket and sits next to the large placement that was clearly meant for the giant Draconequus. This forces you to grumble and sneer, knowing any audible discontent will be met with ill-favor by Fluttershy. You are forced to move to the comically small placement, which sits opposite and furthest from your beloved. Angel manages to taunt you by sticking out his tongue, all the while going unnoticed by his caretaker, of course. One day, you think, I'm going to send you to the dimension of famished foxes!

Fluttershy begins pouring tea, of course starting with that infernal rabbit, and starts conversing on matters of little interest to you. She starts by commenting on this dull weather, which is sadly lacking in falling confectioneries. Then she drones on about how her friend Piggy Sty (you can't remember nor care for the pink pony's name at the moment) is traveling across Equestria. You had such high hopes for this picnic only to have it ruined by tedious conversation and, more importantly, unwanted company. You stare at the bunny as he mocks you by visually overindulging in his carrot treats.

" ...And then Pinkie stayed in Appaloosa with Cheese Sandwich," Fluttershy continued telling her story. She turns to you noticing you are not paying attention. "Discord! Have you been listening to a word I said?!"

"Yes, yes..." you reply, trying to steal a cookie from the spoiled rabbit. "Pinkie is in the apple and cheese sandwich. Sounds delicious," your attention still on the treat you just acquired.

"THAT IS NOT WHAT I SAID!" She is now visually upset. One thing you must learn is that in a relationship, you can't just pretend to pay attention. You snap your focus back to Fluttershy at the sound of her discontent, only to have Angel hop over and slap your paw with the back of his spoon as he steals his treat back.

"Why you little..." you pick up the cantankerous coney in an effort to comically strangle it.

"DISCORD!" Fluttershy stops you as you still hold Angel by the neck. You look over only to see her giving you "The Stare". You openly mocked her stare during your reformation, but now it truly is the image that haunts you the most. You slowly put Angel Bunny back down as he swipes his treat and hops back to that big placement with his eyes closed and nose held high. "What do you have to say for yourself!" she scolds as you rub your aching paw.

"He started it!" you point to the naughty rabbit, who now is reclining in the middle of the big plate, once again mocking you as he rubs his belly while indulging in his cookie. You clench your fists and gnash your teeth knowing there is nothing you can do about it. Once again, you lost to the bunny.

"He doesn't know any better! He's a pet!" Fluttershy always came to the creature's defense. "You're bigger! You have to be the responsible one!"

Responsible. Yeah, that's the word that describes you. You've imposed yourself and judged other races with only the worst examples of their history, then tried to have them not only destroy themselves but their entire history solely for your own amusement. You haphazardly planted seeds that, in time, grew to magical vines and kidnapped royalty. And then there's those kids you had, a purple pony might even live here in Equestria... No, responsibility does not become Discord. You will get your revenge on that rude rodent.

You try to get through the rest of the picnic by avoiding eye contact with Angel and nodding along to Fluttershy. Toward the end, Fluttershy thinks she heard the call of some rare bird and gets up to investigate, leaving you alone with Angel. With the authority gone, now is the time for vengeful chaos! One of your favorite hobbies is dealing out ironic retribution.

"So, you like eating carrots, do you? Well, how would you like carrots eating YOU!" You snap your fingers as a carrot jumps out of the basket and morphs into an orange, carrot textured serpent. It quickly coils around Angel as he makes an attempt to flee and scream. You press your fingers together in soft, maniacal laughter. The carrot then picks up Angel and proceeds to swallow him head first. While Angel's feet are still flailing about in a vain attempt to escape, Fluttershy arrives back just in time with a blood-curdling scream.

"DISCORD! WHAT IN TARTARUS IS GOING ON HERE?!" She leaps back into the picnic as you return the carrot back to normal with Angel Bunny unharmed. She immediately picks up the petrified rodent and hugs him tighter than she'd ever hugged any creature before. Caught red-clawed, you struggle in vain to explain your actions as she stares daggers through you.

"Heh heh, it's nothing, see. We were just playing, just...pallin' around!" you foolishly lie while trying to fist-bump the crying bunny. The only reaction you get is Fluttershy slapping your paw away with her hoof.

"STOP LYING, DISCORD!" she screams.

"Lying, me?" you attempt to look innocent. "Look, we're practically best buds!" you connect your half of a BFF necklace with the counterpart that magically appeared around Angel's neck. "See?" The completed pendant had the words "Best Budz" and a picture of a smiling Angel with Discord giving a thumbs-up.

"DISCORD, IF YOU CAN'T GET ALONG WITH ANGEL, THEN THIS PICNIC IS OVER!" She started to flutter away with while consoling the terrified bunny. You've finally decided you had enough.

"Get along with him?!" You change to an aggressive tone and posture. "Fluttershy, that rat is easily the most vile, despicable being I have ever come across in any dimension! If you would ever let me have my way, I'd see to it he'd fall in love with a Manticore's uvula! What ever made you fond of that little monster is...is...well, too chaotic, even for ME!"

"Discord, I..." she softly tries to calm you, but you are well beyond your limit.

"QUIET, YOU!" You snap as she cowers back. "FOR ONCE I"M GOING TO DO WHAT I WANT! I'M GETTING OUT OF HERE, AND IF I GET BACK, THAT RODENT BETTER BE GONE!" You spin around and quickly disappear, leaving the startled bunny alone with his sobbing owner.

Fluttershy stood alone with her pet, unable to control the torrent of her own tears. She had not yet realized the severity of her situation. After a few moments, she finally heard a twig snap off in the distance. Only then did she realize the predicament in which you have left her: she was all alone, defenseless in the heart of the Everfree Forest! Her sadness now found itself accompanied by fear as she slowly started to inch backward, away from the noise.

"Discord...?"

She thought she heard steps, and they were getting louder.

"Discoooord...?"

The bushes in front of her started to rustle from movement.

"DISCORD, HELP!"

She dropped to the ground, frozen in fear and praying her protector would return to save the day. Alas, this was not meant to be as the unknown beast leaped out from the bushed and rushed toward her. What appeared was a monster far more terrifying than any she could imagine.

"Are you alright, miss?" the creature asked with a soft, confidence-lacking tone.

Fluttershy tremble as she looked up, confused by the query of this supposed monster. What she saw was a dreamy, orange pegasus with trendy, spikey hair. She identified him as Flash Sentry: Royal Guard and object of affection for her good friend Twilight Sparkle. Relieved she was no longer alone, she accepted the outstretched hoof of her rescuer.

"Y-y-yes, I'm ok. What are you doing here...not that I'm complaining...o-or implying you don't have a right to be here..."  she was surprised to find herself growing shy and flustered in the presence of the overly cute colt. She attempted to hide herself behind her mane as she let out a slight blush.

"I-I was in the area when I heard some yelling," Flash replied, attempting to match Fluttershy's tone. "I was curious to see if anypony or animal needed help. I just love helping the animals..." He looks down and pawed his hoof along the soil in an attempt to appear shy.

"You do...?" Fluttershy peered from behind her mane. This pony was cute, strong, kind, and loved helping animals! If only he wasn't interested in Twilight... she thought before shaming herself, remembering she was already in a relationship with... the draconequus who just abandoned her in the heart of the Everfree Forest! Her anger began to rise again as she conversed with the new arrival.

"Oh, that was just me. I was arguing with...well, that's not important now," she didn't want to mention Discord at that time. "Can you help me get back home, please? I-if that's ok with you... I'm afraid we're lost."

"We?" Flash looked at the tiny Angel Bunny. "Oh, what an adorable little guy! Isn't he just the cutest!" He rubbed a hoof under the bottom of Angel's chin, much to the rabbit's approval. "Tell you what, I'll help you home if y-you let me buy you a daisy smoothie when we get there... i-if that's ok with you..." he did his best to imitate her shy smile.

Fluttershy seemed to slightly panic. Is he asking me out? What about Twilight? What about Discord? Her thoughts were racing, leaving her speechless and breathing heavily. Flash observed her panic.

"O-of course, if you don't want to..." he acted forlorn and disappointed.

"NO!" Fluttershy surprised herself. "I mean...no. It's ok. But what about Twilight? I thought you and her were..."

Flash made his best impression to appear heartbroken. "She... wouldn't have me. She said I was too quiet and spent too much time caring for the animals. I just..." He started to cry, forcing Fluttershy to step in and console him.

"Ohhh, there there, it's alright!" She brushed his perfectly styled mane with her hoof. "Twilight doesn't know what she is missing; you are truly remarkable and I would love to have a smoothie with you..."

"R-really?" he kept up the pretense of shyness.

"Yes! And when we get back, I'll have a talk with her!"

"NO!" he shrieked, almost breaking character. "I mean...no. I'd much rather just get to know you better without the shame of confronting her again. You know how it is..."

"Awww..." Fluttershy couldn't hide her feelings any longer. She grabbed Flash by the hoof and carried Angel with the other as she let him lead her back to civilization.

What Fluttershy didn't know was that Flash had found the clearing you had made for the picnic, followed you, and observed the altercations between Angel and yourself. Then, seizing the moment, he imitated the perfect bird call to lure Fluttershy away just long enough for you to make your foolish mistake. It was then up to your chaotic nature to play out the events precisely as Flash would have wanted, leaving you out of the picture and Fluttershy alone and afraid.

You had no idea what transpired as you made your way back to the picnic. You blew off just enough steam for you to come back to your senses only to realize you had just left your special somepony alone in the dangerous Everfree Forest! You vowed you'd never leave her alone again and you'd be happy to change and leave chaos behind once and for all. You'll even happily live with that evil, rotten...no, delightfully mischievous little "Angel" Bunny!

You instantly teleport yourself back to the empty picnic. "Fluttershy, I'm sorry. Once again, it was my fault and I..." you look around to find nopony there, only an empty picnic setup.

"Fluttershy...?"

You are Cheese Sandwich

You are a drifter, a loner, a pony with no name, and that name is Cheese... Cheese Sandwich. You are known far, and wide, but mostly far, as the super duper party pony. Be it wingding, hoedown, hootenanny, or shindig, you're their pony. Your talent for throwing the wildest, most insane parties is matched only by your skill with an accordion and your love for the most festive music there has ever been: POLKA! The mere thought of the word makes you want to break out and dance,

"Ohhhhhh......"

"Not yet, Cheesie!" the pink pony walking beside you laughs.

Pinkie Pie has been an inspiration for most of your life. You were once a friendless nopony without any purpose until you stumbled into Ponyville. The town seemed joyous, festive, and incredibly friendly; you've never felt so welcome and loved, and it all started with only a tiny filly around the same age as yourself. It was then you decided to become a party pony; to spread fun and laughter throughout all of Equestria. From Manehatten to Vanhoover to Las Pegasus, all ponies know your name as the premier party planner.

Now you have reunited with Pinkie and, surprisingly, you easily convinced her to spend some time on the road with you. You always admired her as a role model, but you secretly harbor affectionate feelings for the pink, bouncy earth pony. You would have invited her along anyway, but your ulterior motive was to see if you could possibly start a relationship. Most everypony that knew the two of you seemed to agree and figured this would be the perfect opportunity to express yourself, well, except maybe Pinkie who seems completely oblivious. In any case, just being able to spend so much quality time with her feels like a preview of paradise.

You two have finished throwing another party in Appleloosa and were just about to enter Dodge Junction. You moseyed on into town, Pinkie bounced, when you couldn't help but fight the urge to break out in song.

"WELLLLLLL......!"

"Cheesie! Not yet!" she had to physically hold you down with her hoof from spoiling the surprise.

You two were quickly greeted by a white mare who seemed to recognize Pinkie.

"Why, Pinkie Pie! Whatever brings you on back to Dodge Junction?" the red maned earth pony asked. Pinkie bounced up and down in place excited to respond.

"Well Cherry Jubilee, we heard you just finished the cherry harvest and are super duper pooped from all the hard work and you need some help to celebrate all your hard work and that is not to say you don't always work hard but the cherry harvest is like SUPER hard work and it's all like WORK! WORK! WORK! and..." Pinkie never took a breathe before Cherry Jubilee interrupted.

"Settle down Pinkie!" she grabbed the pink pony by the muzzle as the rest of Pinkie's body continued to bounce in place until it eventually calmed down. The empty streets of Dodge Junction started to fill as a crowd formed to see the curiosity that was the two strangers.

"Sowwy" Pinkie tried to muffle behind the clamping hooves of Cherry Jubilee.

Cherry then notices you, the stranger alongside Pinkie wearing a poncho and hiding your face behind your hat. A curiously placed rubber chicken rode along your back as you have an ill-favor look, like you were searching for trouble.

"And who's your...friend?" she didn't like the look of this shadowy figure. Yet, she figured if you were with Pinkie, she could force a little politeness.

"I'll tell you, My Little Pony..." you answer in a dark, mysterious tone.

You throw off your hat and poncho, revealing your trademarked obnoxiously yellow Hawaiian shirt. You don't know where Hawaiian is, but they sure make good shirts you would occasionally think to yourself. Anyway, you now have the desire and the reason to finally break out in song, your favorite kind of song: POLKA!

"OHHHHHHHHH...........!"

Cherries! Cherries! Cherries!

That's all you've seen all day!

No melons, grapes, or berries

You just work the day away!

But when the time draws near,

Cheese Sandwich will appear!

Break out the cider stash

For this Cheese and Pinkie Bash!

Pinkie jumps in for the next verse as she suddenly is wearing lederhosen and a sousaphone.

A party's what you need,

your work's done, hallelujah!

Inhibitions freed,

While I toot down on this tuba!

Go dancing if you please,

you can even do the hula!

just get on down with Cheese,

while I play a bit of Oom-pa!

(TUBA SOLO!)

Come on every pony,

be sure to not delay!

Don't be a jabroni,

come partake on some sorbet, soufflé, fresh hay and Caraway! (you add an extra measure to the line)

What you want we can appease,

like sweet honey from the bees!

Seize the peas while on trapeze,

and have a Pekingese!

"Arp! Arp!" the little dogs dance out and spin on their hind legs while wearing adorable purple tutus.

Vamos de fiesta, (Spanish)

torná-lo perfeito (Portuguese)

makou wale ola manawa (Hawaiian)

divertimento dal vivo (Italian)

By this time the entire town has joined in the festivities. You have been separated from Pinkie as ponies approached the two of you to congratulate and dance with you. You take pride in knowing that you have, once again, lived up to the reputation of the premier super duper party planner pony extraordinaire. The best part is that you did it with your muse Pinkie Pie! Perhaps tonight you should admit your feelings to her and how she has impacted the very fabric of your being.

Such a task proves extremely daunting in that she has never shown any interest in romance and affection. You wonder is she even capable; is her whole reason for existing simply to party and entertain? No, it can't be! Everypony deserves companionship. That is why you invited her along. That settles it! Tonight, after the party, you will take her out and finally admit your feelings and bear your heart to her, no matter what may happen!

"Pinkie Pie you have outdone yourself!" Cherry Jubilee exclaimed, congratulating the pink party pony.

"Oh, it was nothing!" Pinkie replied with a snort. "The real credit goes to Cheese! He's the one who goes from town to town and does this professionally. I'm just tagging along."

"Don't sell yourself short, Pinkie! I see the way he looks at you! You've got to reel that one in!" Cherry gave Pinkie a wink and a nudge.

"He's not a fish, silly!" Pinkie seemed oblivious to the metaphor.

"That's not what I...oh, never mind!" the two carried on a conversation until Pinkie decided it was time to get more punch. She bounced her way back to the refreshment table, passing by a tree and two young fillies conversing under it.

"Hi, Flash Sentry!" she cheered while in mid stride. The two fillies looked at her, then at each other in confusion as Pinkie continued her closed-eyed bouncing toward the table. The tree began to rustle as Flash Sentry soon emerged and fell to the ground, surprised he had been caught spying from the canopy; especially since Pinkie never bothered once to actually look at the tree. The THUMP from Flash's impact with the ground startled the two fillies as they immediately fled from this new "Tree Monster" that had suddenly appeared; or maybe it was they could just sense evil.

Flash immediately stood back up, dusting himself off to not appear quite the fool. He then did his best to jump into the character he felt would have the best odds to attract Pinkie Pie. He rushed over to her, interrupting her quest for refreshments.

"WOWZIE POWZIE!" he energetically shouted, "I sure thought that would be a super duper hiding place! I thought never in a MILLION YEARS anypony would certainly find me! You must be super AMAZING at fun and games! I know I am but WOW you must be like THE BEST! And to be such a pretty pony and-" he quickly found himself quieted and shocked to find Pinkie was on her back, laughing and pointing at this pathetic attempt to fool her. "What's so funny?"

"YOU, silly!" Pinkie couldn't help but laugh at this pony. "That was, without a doubt, the FUNNIEST attempt at getting a mare's attention I have ever seen!"

"You...know why I'm here?" Flash dropped the act. His mood depressed as he crossed his front legs in humiliation and shame.

"YEPPERS!" she got up and proceeded to bounce in place as she exclaimed her explanation. "Princess Twilight always thought you were cute but she never made any move and soon forgot about you leaving you so bitter that you thought you'd get back at her by trying to date one of her best friends so you picked the one that wasn't in a relationship because her special somepony would ALSO never make a move but you unexpectedly fell in love with that pony so you felt you had to act funny just to get her attention!"

"O-o-okay..." Flash stood confused.

"ORRRR..." Pinkie continued, "you discovered you were cute but not in the 'awww look a bunny' kind of cute but the 'ooooh look he's dreamy' sort of cute and ever since then you've been scouring Equestria trying to get with any filly just 'cause you can and then made it your mission to get EVERY filly in Equestria just to fill the void because deep down you know that you are empty and clichéd and no pony will ever like a self-absorbed rotten pony who goes around stealing marefriends because THAT IS JUST EVIL!"

Flash just stood there wide-eyed. A pony he barely knew seemed to know everything about him as if it were magic. What was he going to do? Would she tell her friends? Should he wait until she was alone and deal with her? For now, he felt his only option was to lie; it worked out well enough for him so far.

"Uhhh...the first one!" He pointed, hoping she would buy the lie. Pinkie closed her eyes as she chortled.

"That's what I thought! I mean, no pony would be so evil as for the second one; not even Tirek!" Pinkie seemed generally pleased, but she was still waiting for Cheese. "But I already have a special somepony too! I'm just waiting until he feels comfortable with making his move. That's why I'm on this trip; it should be any day now!"

Flash turned, dejected, "Are you sure there's no way I can change your mind?" Pinkie just quickly and energetically shook her head with a smile. "Well, thanks anyway..." He turned, upset with his failure. Normally he wouldn't quit so easily, but with Pinkie he felt there was something different about her. She acted so oblivious, yet at the same time she could notice the most obscure details that can derail his entire mission. If she discovered the truth, she could warn all her friends and they, in turn, can tell the Princesses until he would be forced into literal exile. It was best to just cut his losses and move onto the next. He put on his shiny guard helmet before proceeding to leave.

"OOOOOHHHH SHINY OBJECT!!!!!" Pinkie exclaimed, hypnotized by his helmet.

Flash turned in confusion yet again. Clearly, he was not accustomed to the duality that is Pinkie Pie. "Uhh, you like my uniform?"

"Do I?!" Pinkie shrieked, "it's sooo shiny, and shiny means FUN!" she threw up her arms as a tiny pop exploded out into confetti.

"Well... you should see how shiny our..." Flash tried to think of anything as he felt he could now salvage this heist. "...cannons are!"

"SHINY. PARTY. CANNONS!!!" Pinkie stood, dumbstruck at the idea. Her body comically, and literally, melted into a puddle of Pinkie goo as she couldn't control her excitement.

"Yeah! Follow me! I'll show you something you will never forget! (even if you wanted to)" he mumbled under his breath. He grabbed the now reformed hoof of Pinkie Pie as he led her away from the party.

The time has come! The party is over and everypony had a raucous, rip-roaring good time. Once again, you have outdone yourself, Cheese Sandwich. The only thing that would make this night perfect is to finally tell the one you love how you feel. Shortly after the festivities began, you seemed to lose track of the bright pink party pony. Odd, because she is usually the life and heart of the party.

You searched all over Dodge Junction hoping to find your soon-to-be beloved, only to find hoof prints and empty streets. Where could she have gone? Is she alright? When will I get the chance to finally tell her how I feel? you think to yourself as you panic to find her. After a while, you sit yourself in the center of town only to realize: she left you! You must have taken too long and bottled up your feelings. You spend the rest of the night alone, dreaming on what might have been.

You are Spike

Rarity...

The name still turns your knees wobbly, your stomach queasy, and your heart racing. Since the first day you accompanied Twilight to meet the purple-maned fashionista, you've dreamed of the day she would finally relent and accept going on a date with you. That day is today! You've grown up around ponies, and most of the other dragons you've met have been crude and selfish, so it only makes sense for you to fall for a beautiful pony.

You could just hear Garble mercilessly taunting you for loving a "cutesy-poo sissy pony!" Fortunately, you are now good friends with the new Dragon Lord, and Ember will happily oblige if you want him to wear a dress and dance for every dragon while singing "I'm a pretty princess!"

Still, it gets you thinking about how a dragon and pony dating would be so...unnatural. How would that work? You are not always going to stay tiny forever. What happens when you grow gargantuan and Rarity remains her current size? What's going to happen when you deicide you want hatchlings; and how is that going to work? Would the hatchlings be pony? Dragon? Some Discord-esque abomination? Would you two even be able to conceive? If you did, how would be their quality of life? Would they be outcasts?

You try not to dwell on these thoughts as you believe love MUST conquer all, even biology. You've been working hard for years collecting gems and doing favors for Rarity, so now she has finally agreed to go on a date with you. It might only be a pity date, but you'll take it! You straighten you red bowtie in the mirror of your room and inspect your attire to make certain everything is perfect.

"Dapper..."

You wink and snap your fingers at yourself, admiring the snazzy image of the tiny dragon in a tuxedo coat complete with tails. You grab your top hat and cane as you strut out to pick up Rarity for your date. On your way out, you see Twilight wandering the halls looking forlorn. You ask if everything is fine, but she mumbles incoherently as she walks away. Whatever it is, you think it can wait as you are already running late. If only you didn't take so long getting ready!

As you walk out into Ponyville, you see Lyra and Bon Bon, Big Mac pulling a wagon, and an unrecognizable orange pegasus facing away from you. However, you still get the strange feeling this pegasus is watching you; waiting for you to leave. No matter, you tip your hat forward and continue strutting your way over to Rarity's boutique as you feel you have more pressing matters than some foolish fanpony wanting to get a view of the Princess of Friendship. The castle is protected by magical enchantments after all...

"You certainly are overdressed," Rarity comments, "and that's coming from ME!" In truth, she is right. Your date is just eating at the local, casual restaurant where the only thing fancy would be the cakes and the snooty waiter with the foreign accent. Your table is even situated outside in the patio section overlooking the street. Still, you wanted to look your absolute best for what could be the night of your life.

"Well, m'lady  deserves only the best from yours truly!" you flourish your top hat as you take a bow. As you extend the arm with your hat, you accidentally hit the snooty waiter in the face.

"Ugh! I'll take zis!" he offers sarcastically as he puts it on the rack. He walks you to your table, nose high in the air, and presents you the menus while you pull out Rarity's chair like the true gentledragon you are. "Zee specials today are Asparagus chau-dare" (chowder),"hay and daisy sandwich, and chocolat cake à l'orange."

"Ooohh-hoo-hoo!" Rarity clapped her hooves in delight with her eyes closed.

"Uh, got anything with gems?" You asked, raising a finger. None of those choices sound particularly appetizing to a growing baby dragon.

The waiter harrumphs in disdain. You decide to settle on the "CHOWDA" as you over-enunciate, and the hay and daisy sandwich, minus the hay and daisy. With the snooty waiter gone, you now have some quality alone time with...Raaarityyy... You decide it's time to finally bear your feelings and express yourself; to lay it all out there on the table.

"Rarity?" you ask.

"Yes, Spikey Wikey?" she returns, calling you by her pet-name for you.

"We've known each other for a while now..." you look down and scratch your head, nerves getting the better of you as you attempt to soldier on, "and I was wondering. I know you agreed to this date as a friendly thanks for the work I do and, I love doing it but, I was wondering if...we could...you know..." this is getting incredibly harder to say with each word! You find yourself stuttering. "I know we're friends, good friends, that's a lovely scarf by the way," you compliment just trying to say ANYTHING.

"Spike!" she interrupts, "Whatever you've got to say, just say it..."

"Okay..." you take a deep breath. It feels that with every breath you have to fight the figurative, and literal, flames coming from your gut. Finally you manage to find the words, "maybe we can be...MORE than friends. We can be-"

"FLASH SENTRY!" Rarity shrieks as she cuts you off. Those weren't the words you had in mind as you glance up only to see her looking past you onto the streets of Ponyville. You turn to find that orange pegasus from before wearing his own tuxedo coat and holding a bouquet of flowers. He has a somber look about him as he drudged through the street just next to the table. He peers up to find the two of you preparing for a nice meal.

"Oh, hello. You're friends of Princess Twilight, right?" he responds with a gloomy demeanor. He trudged up to speak to you even closer.

"Yes we are. Whatever is the matter, dear?" she shows genuine concern for the royal guard.

"It's...nothing. I don't want to interrupt your meal or burden you with my friendship problems," he knew full well THAT would get her attention.

"Nonsense!" Rarity quickly interjects, "there's always time for us to solve a friendship problem. Come now, join us! I won't take 'no' for an answer!" There are times when representing the element of generosity can backfire.

So much for the date! you roll your eyes and tap your claws as Flash pulls up a chair and places it right next to Rarity. He then continues his subtle pouting as Rarity inquires to the meaning of his sullen disposition.

"Now tell us, what's wrong?" she puts a hoof on Flash's shoulder in reassurance.

"It's...Twilight! SHE DOESN'T WANT ME!"

This could not be further from the truth. In actuality, Twilight had just swooned as the colt of her dreams came right up to her door and offered to be her very special somepony. But Flash was on a mission. That mission was to steal every mare and filly he possibly could and the path to Rarity would involve some emotional drama. He cried a little louder and did his best to force a tear.

"I went to her house to respectfully to declare my honorable intentions, and..." he pauses for dramatic effect, "and... SHE WAS WITH ANOTHER PONY!!" His sobs grow even louder as other guests begin to look over.

"THE NERVE!" Rarity sat shocked, her mouth agape as her free hoof tried to cover it. "Do you know whom she was with?!"

"No..." at least this was kind of true. Flash only saw him while waiting for Spike to leave the castle. He didn't really know the stallion he would now throw under the proverbial carriage. "All I know is that he was big, red, and had a halved green apple as a cutie mark!"

Rarity gasped in shock, "BIG MAC! The LOUT! I didn't think he had it in him! Why...why I shall give him a good thrashing of my wrath when I see him next!"

You know that didn't sound right. Big Mac was trotting AWAY from the castle when you saw him, and you would have noticed him if he was in the castle before you left. And then there was Twilight, walking alone in the halls in a sad mood. If her special somepony would be arriving, even one with which she was having an affair, wouldn't she be in a much happier mood? Something didn't add up.

"Wait a minute..." you finally speak up in defense of your good friends.

"HUSH SPIKE!" Rarity quickly chastises you. "Can't you see this tortured soul is in desperate need of sympathy!" With her attention on you, Flash looks up to see if the ploy is working. Satisfied, he grins as he sinks his head back down to continue the performance. Rarity continues to console the cute pegasus with the fashionable spikey hair by wrapping her foreleg around his shoulder, "There there, please continue".

"Well..." Flash proceeded with a forced hiccup in his voice, "I just loved her so much! I couldn't stop thinking about her! I wanted to whisk her away to a life of adventure and romance..."

She already has adventure covered, bub! you think as you sneer cross-armed at this date crasher.

Flash continued with the pity party. "And now my heart is torn asunder into a million irreparable pieces. I have nopony to share my sensitive feelings and vast, hidden fortune. If only I could find somepony who loves commitment and changing me for the better..."

WOW! He's not even trying to be subtle! You finally catch on to his scheme. There's no way Rarity will fall for his-

"Ohhhhh, you poor, sweet, cute colt!" Rarity's reassurance has turned into a full hug.

You sit, mouth agape. How could she fall for this? She's seen nonsense like this before! She's really good at figuring out all the moves, she's even tried many of them. Why is it working now? Is it because he's so cliché-ingly cute? Is that all it takes? Is physical attraction all that matters?

Flash makes his attempt to seal the deal. "I suppose I really need a generous spirit to help console me and my broken heart..."

"Awww..." Rarity grabbed him by the hoof and proceeded to walk away from the restaurant. You now sit there all alone; your date, which you have spent so much time and effort on, has just left with another pony. And it happened RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! Now it is YOUR heart that has been torn asunder, and this time it's no lie. You want to go straight home and cry into your pillow or, better yet, find comfort in Twilight. That is, if she will even believe you.

Twilight has never had a romantic infatuation, who knows how she will take this, or how she will take the news about Flash? What if Flash was actually telling the truth? You sit there trying to figure out your next move when the waiter returns with your food and forcefully places it on the empty table.

"Ahem...Chau-dare!"

You are Princess Celestia

As Sovereign of Equestria, you have withstood threats that would seek to destroy you and all those in your charge. The forces of evil have been kept at bay and peace has reigned for over one thousand years. But now, you sense that a new threat has emerged; one in which you know neither what it is nor how to defend against. You believe you can take comfort in the fact that you are no longer alone. Luna, Cadance, Twilight and her friends have proven they can fight by your side or, if need be, challenge this corruption on their own. But what if this malevolence were to turn them AGAINST you?

You prepare to lower the Sun, knowing your sister will be along shortly to relieve you. The past few years have been the happiest you can recall since well before you were forced to banish her to the moon a millennia ago. You have technically relinquished much power so others may rule beside you, but you are also glad to be rid of the responsibility. You wonder if you might even have the freedom to take up a lover.

As Luna enters, you begin to lower the Sun.

"Greetings, my sister," you acknowledge as she joins you on the balcony of the castle.

"Fine," she responds, clearly not paying attention and guessing the correct reply. She walks to the edge and raises the moon as quickly as safety would permit. She then joins you in walking back into the castle, still lost in her own thoughts. Curious, you question the reason behind her lack of interest.

"Why, whatever is the matter Luna?" you ask as you halt your progress. Luna, however, resumes her pace, unaware of your query.

"LUNA!"

She finally halts and turns to face you.

"Sorry, I just...never mind!" she closes her eyes as she turns to continue her route back. You sense this has something to do with her return to Equestria as she has seemed lonely and depressed these past few moons.

"Is this about companionship?" you ask, knowing full well it is. She stops immediately as she pretends it's not.

"NO! WHAT?! OF COURSE NOT! How dare you even..." she looks at you only to see your stern face telling her to drop the act. "Very well, FINE! It is! So what! We are Royalty! We cannot become involved with our subjects lest we mourn their inevitable deaths!"

"I know what it means to love and lose. Not being able to have them can be just as painful as losing them. But if you mourn losing them, that means you at least had some memorable time with them; and that is better in the end, I think," you reassure her with a millennia of acquired wisdom. "Why? Is there somepony that interests you?" you smirk, subtly teasing your younger sister.

"NO!" she quickly defends herself, "at least...not yet". She takes a couple of seconds for your words to sink in before she realizes: "wait, does that mean I have your blessing?!"

You nod your head in agreement. She quickly hugs you at a speed that surprises you before you return the favor. After the moment of jubilation, Luna looks down as something else appears to bother her.

"What is it now?" you kindly ask.

"Well," she starts, "I have been on the moon for one thousand years and returned as Nightmare Moon. Since then, ponies still fear me, even if they know I am no longer the villain I once was. How will I find companionship when few ponies choose to tolerate my presence?"

"I cannot answer that," being the thousand year old beloved Matriarch of Equestria does not give you the insight to solve this problem. "But I think if you just search and not take their reactions to heart, you will be on the right path." You yawn as you feel slumber approaching. "That is all I can offer, I shall retire to my quarters until tomorrow. Good night Luna!"

"Good night, my sister. And...thank you!" you head off to your quarters as Luna heads back out to the balcony to observe the night and contemplate on her next move.

Luna came back out onto the balcony overlooking Canterlot. Looking down, she could see ponies walking in tandem and enjoying the night air. There was a sweet old couple sitting on a bench, two parents enjoying a night out without the foals, and a younger couple, perhaps being a little more publically amorous than they should be. One night, maybe she could find that special somepony with whom she could share a romantic evening. She slipped into thoughts and desires of what her dream stallion would be.

"He must be loyal," she started talking to herself, "and brave! Must be brave! I do not care if he is a large stallion -I would be bigger after all- but it would still be nice if he were closer to my size. He should be noble, kind, intelligent, and caring; with maybe a tight, hot flank to boot!" she giggled quietly at herself. Sighing, she lied prone as she lost herself in flights of fancy.

"Everything all right, Ma'am?" a guard flew onto the balcony to check on the Princess while saluting.

"Huh?" it took Luna a moment to realize she was no longer alone. "Oh...Yes! Thank you, that will be all!" she was eager to return to her thoughts in anticipation of things to come.

"If you say so Ma'am, I'll be around if you need me!" the guard commenced flying away to give the Alicorn princess her privacy.

"Wait!" Luna called out. The guard returned to land in front of his princess with a salute. She hesitated as she lacked the confidence to ask her Royal Guard his opinions. "Do you...still fear me?" She looked away, fearing his response.

"Of course!" he replied, not mincing his words. Luna felt dejected at this harsh response. "You can send me to the moon, banish me to Tartarus, destroy me with a single thought, or just fire me because you feel like it. But fear is part of the job and I chose to do this, Ma'am."

"Yes, an Alicorn Princess can do that, but do you fear ME, as a former villain and as a pony?" she asked, desiring a more clear answer.

"My answer remains the same, Ma'am!" he did not change his stern, dutiful expression,  "I serve the Royal Princesses, but my greatest fear is to fail, or worse, disappoint you. I live to serve, and my ultimate reward comes from seeing the satisfaction and happiness on your glorious face, Ma'am!"

Luna's heart leaped as she heard the honesty and reverence in this guard's words. Suddenly, she got to thinking, why do I have to go look for a stallion when I already have the best right here? But what would my sister say? What would everypony else say? She smirked at the taboo of a Princess dating her royal guard. Scandalous! Still, it worked out for Cadance. Why not? She decided she would at least ask the guard if he would be interested.

"Guard!" she called out, "would thou be interested in accompanying thy Princess for a late evening repast?" Her nerves got the best of her as she slipped back into a more traditional speech, but at least she knew enough not to yell.

The guard hesitated, unsure as to what the princess had intended. Still, it was his duty to accompany her in whatever she desired.

"As you wish, m'Lady!"

The two took to the crisp night air as they went in search for an establishment that would give them enough privacy to enjoy their meal. For the first time in a while, Luna felt hopeful. Hopeful that she will find a faithful companion to share a pleasant portion of her life with, however small it may be.

And he is not bad to look at either!

When you returned to your room, you instantly fell into your bed and went to sleep. Your dreams provided no refuge for your thoughts as you felt the evil presence torment you in your dreams. What demon force was this and why wasn't Luna there to offer assistance? You toss and turn constantly before the fear finally wakes you in a cold sweat.

You leave your room to find your sister. You search her room, where she should be watching over those that slumber, only to find she is not there. You search the rest of the castle and find no such luck. Though a bad dream is not really an emergency and is little that should concern your sister, you still would like it if she would be easier to find. You finally head up to the balcony only to see her fly off with a Royal Guard.

Oh well, it's her choice, you think to yourself, I just wish she would not try first with a guard nor the first stallion she- "WAIT A MINUTE!" you audibly tell yourself noticing the guard, "that orange pegasus, I feel that evil presence emanating from...HIM!" He is turned away from you so you cannot identify him, but you are certain: this is the malevolence you have been feeling lately, and it's all from HIM!

"Luna!" you call out. She cannot hear you so you enhance your voice with magic "LUNA!!!" The castle grounds shake with the vibrations from your sound waves. Ponies on the streets below clench their ears at this startling and terrifying wail, yet Luna still seems oblivious as she flies away with that blue-haired guard. You call out for your own guards, but once they get on the scene -fast as they may be- Luna is already gone, accompanied by her captor.

In a panic, you rush to send a note out to Twilight. After what seems like an eternity, you realize that she is not sending a response. You send out another, only to have Spike send an instant reply:

Dear Princess Celestia,

I apologize, but I don't know where Twilight is! She was supposed to be back hours ago! Worse yet, it seems most of my friends are gone too! I should have written sooner, but I was miserably depressed that Flash Sentry stole my date with Rarity, and now I can't find HER as well! Applejack seems to be the only friend still here! Please! You have to help!

-Spike

So, the culprit has a name. Worse yet, you know Flash is a personal guard for Cadance! You quickly send her a correspondence as well, fearing for her safety.

I'm sorry, Flash has been on leave. I haven't seen him lately, Cadance writes back.

Whew! At least she is fine. Maybe it is because the Princess of Love would see through his ruse, or maybe he was afraid of confronting Shining Armor. Whatever the case, at least they are now warned, though it would take a while for them to travel and offer assistance. For now, you ponder on Flash Sentry's motives and what possible strategies you could use to combat him.

It's clear that Flash is keeping all these mares hidden, but you do not know if they are being forced or manipulated. Twilight and most her friends cannot help, they might even fight AGAINST you. You can't use your guards as Flash might have friends working as his agent. A contingent of heavily armed stallions could tip him off and cause a panic anyway. Maybe Applejack would be able to reason with her friends, unless they are being manipulated. If Luna was any indication, this should have something to do with love.

You contemplate over your options and realize they are few indeed. For now, it appears there may only be one pony that can help you, if you can live with it. You don't want to put ANY pony in that position, but Flash has forced your hoof; it MUST be done!

You take to the skies and race to Sweet Apple Acres as fast as your wings can carry you.

You are Flash Sentry

You are Flash Sentry!

However, you are the HUMAN Flash Sentry that is a student from Canterlot High School. At one time, you were the most popular, cutest, and coolest boy in your class. You even still think of yourself in that way. However, much of that changed when Sunset Shimmer arrived in your world through a portal linking to a magical equine dimension.

When she arrived, Sunset Shimmer had a fierce determination about her. She would do anything to propel herself to the top, and you were the tool she needed to gain popularity. Her plan was simple: date the popular cute boy, then dump him to show who's in charge. She used her popularity to strangle the student body in fear until she was taken down by another visitor from her realm, Twilight Sparkle.

Humiliated, Sunset Shimmer now seeks forgiveness and redemption from the teens she nearly enslaved. She has even agreed to once again date the coolness that is Flash Sentry! And why shouldn't she? You are obviously still the cutest, coolest, most perfect teenage boy any prepubescent girl would go crazy for.

It is after class, and you serenade Sunset Shimmer with your guitar on the steps of the school. She doesn't appear to be enjoying it as she buries her face into her hands, hoping nobody will see her with you, though you believe that can't be the case. She has turned over a new leaf and should enjoy spending time with you and appreciating your awesomeness. You sit on the first step, facing sideways, while you put your feet up on a higher step allowing you to recline as you face your girlfriend. She sits hunched on the other side of the steps, face still buried in her palms as she listens and barely tolerates your music abilities... or even your presence.

You proceed to sing about the coolest subject there is: the coolness that is Flash!

I'm Flash Sentry, the coolest boy in school!

I'm so cool, every boy wants to be me!

My cuteness is so cool, girls just can't get enough!

Cool! Cool! Cool! Cool! Cooool!

I play a mean guitar, even though I only know three chords!

Let's try a new one! Oop! that didn't sound right, back to the first one!

Ladies still love it, 'cause it shows I'm so sensitive,

even though I don't know how to rhyme.

I drive a cool car, it has a lightning bolt on it!

I play lead guitar in my band, and I'm front man!

I have trendy spikey hair, and a cool leather jacket!

I was created for a single purpose:

To be the dream-boy of nine year old girls!

I don't like the mean popular girls like you think I would,

I like the quiet shy girl that is underappreciated!

Don't call me the cliché perfect cool boyfriend!

Just call me Dreamy Cutebottom!

Students pass by you while rolling their eyes, clearly intimidated by the level of coolness you possess. Sunset has also stood up as she quickly proceeds to walk away. She must have had too much and can no longer handle anymore of the awesomeness. You get up to chase your girlfriend to tell her it's OK; you can save some of the coolness for later.

"C'mon Shimmie! Don't leave Flash hangin'! I can mellow down a bit if this is too much for you!" you plead, wanting her to return. She had seemed distant lately, like she thought going back to you was a mistake. But this cannot be; she is reformed and you are the coolest boy in school! What girl WOULDN'T want to be seen with you. You catch up to her as you grab her shoulder to get her attention.

"LEAVE ME ALONE, FLASH!" she shrieks as she spins back around. She throws your hand off as you recoil in shock.

A crowd begins to form, anticipation building to see the newest drama around Flashimmer. Before you ask what is her problem, Sunset starts laying into you.

"I'm not a little girl anymore! Your clueless, egomaniacal antics no longer amuse me! It was a mistake coming back to you; you have NO redeeming personality! You're just all...all FLASH, and that's it!"

The crowd begins to rally around her, "YOU GO, GIRL! TELL IT LIKE IT IS! YEAH, WE DON'T LIKE HIM ANYMORE, EITHER!"

"I know I'm trying to redeem myself," she continues berating you, "but this is too much! I...I've had enough! We're through! And this time, it's because of YOU and not popularity!"

She walks toward the statue in front of the school where the portal to Equestria is when a light temporarily stuns the excited audience. The portal is opening again! Is Twilight set to return to solve your friendship problem? Can you use her to make Sunset jealous; or just use her? A figure steps out and, to the astonishment of all onlookers, you find...another Flash Sentry!

Identical in every aesthetic, this Flash Sentry draws even more ire from the crowd, "BOOO! OH NO, NOT ANOTHER ONE!" You, oddly enough feel a strange attraction to this interloper, as if you found your one true pairing! The new Flash seems intent only on Sunset Shimmer as he approaches her with a hunger in his eyes. Sunset, initially fearful of the Equestrian doppelganger, hears him out.

"Have you had enough of the inferior version of me?" he asks, nodding over to you.

"Yes. Yes! Oh Celestia, YES!!" she raises her hand for the new Flash to take. He says nothing more as he grabs it and guides her back through the portal, into the magical land of Equestria.

You are left by yourself with much of the student body surrounding you, cheering as you finally receive your just deserts. You fall to your knees, crying visible tears as your love was just taken into another world. To think, you will never see that beautiful face again!

Well...until next time you look into the mirror.

"Curse you Sunset Shimmer for running off with my one true love!"

You are Applejack

The Sun appears to be rising earlier today than expected. Clearly, Celestia must have important plans for her to hasten the day's activities. No matter, you could use a head start yourself as you crouch in preparation for a long day of applebucking!

"YEEEE-HAWWWW!" you jump with glee as you attack the first trees.

Not long into your favorite chore, you flinch back as a large figure swoops overhead. You quickly look around to see the white figure fly toward the farmhouse of Sweet Apple Acres. You sprint toward home so you can investigate this disturbance and see if it might pose a threat. The rest of your family is already gathered when you find none other than Princess Celestia herself! She stands before you with a deeply concerned look on her face as she expresses a forced greeting.

"Good! You are all still here. I must speak with you as it is most urgent!" the fatigue is obvious on her face. She did not rest well last night, then she had to lower the moon AND raise her Sun mid-flight.

"Sure, Princess! Whatever yah need, we'll be happy to help!" you offer.

"Eeyup!" Big Mac adds.

Celestia grins as Mac responds with his signature catchphrase. It comforts her to know there are some ponies willing to drop everything and help, no questions asked. Unfortunately, this matter is not appropriate for all audiences, and it will probably be best if Apple Bloom stays out of it.

"Young Apple Bloom," she addresses the yellow filly with the pink bow in her red mane, "I'm afraid you must stay outside; this is too dangerous for you. But stay on property, and let us know immediately if anypony suspicious arrives. Can you do that?"

"Ah suppose...but Ah can do more to help! Jus' gimme a chance!" Apple Bloom protests.

"If the Princess HERSELF says stay outside, you stay OUTSIDE!" you reprimand your little sister.

Celestia smiles, as this interaction reminds her of Luna and how she would always ask to do more than what is expected of her. She turns back to console the disappointed filly.

"It's all right, I understand how you feel," she places a hoof on Apple Bloom in reassurance, "but trust me when I say this is in your best interest. And I mean it when I say be on the lookout, we may need it."

"Alriiight..." Apple Bloom scratches at the ground. She is still disappointed, but she has just been tasked by Princess Celestia.

"Very good. The rest of you I wish to speak with inside. May we proceed?" The Princess turns back to the rest of the family as Apple Bloom heads off toward her clubhouse.

"Dern Tootin'!" Granny Smith cheers, "Ah've been waitin' tah see what this hullabaloo's all 'bout since yah got 'ere!" Granny was never one to stand on manners and tact. You grin with apology as you politely escort the princess into the farmhouse.

Celestia and Granny Smith sit at the dining table first, Big Mac politely brought up the rear as a good gentlecolt should. You offer The Princess any refreshments.

"Can Ah get you anythin', Princess? Water? Cider? Biscuit?" you rummage through the cupboard for whatever place setting the princess requires.

"If I may, could I trouble you for some coffee?" The Princess had a rough night and could use a little assistance in staying awake. The only pony in this household with any coffee is Granny Smith, who sneers at you when you commence making it without hesitation. You wait for the coffee to percolate, when Celestia grabs the cold pitcher and instantly warms it with her magic. She clearly does not have any patience for cold coffee! Satisfied, you pour her a cup as you take your seat with the rest to hear why The Princess has honored you with her unannounced visit.

"Much better!" Celestia takes a sip. "Now then, Applejack, have you had any contact with your friends lately?"

"No, sorry Princess..." you respond confused, "we've been workin' real hard on thah farm. Even Apple Bloom hasn't set out into Ponyville. Only Granny has been into town recently".

"Granny Smith," Celestia felt awkward calling her that. She is, after all, nearly a millennia older than the Apple Family matriarch. "Have you noticed anything strange in Ponyville? Specifically: have you noticed anypony missing?"

"Now that yah mention it, Dearie..." the elderly green mare rubbed her muzzle trying to remember the events of the past few days. "It has been a might quiet. I thought Ah was just losin' more of mah hearin'!"

"This is no auditory degradation. A treasonous pegasus has been manipulating and imprisoning innocent mares. For what purpose, we don't know, but I think we can assume the obvious. I regret to inform you that he has already captured your friends, Applejack, as well as my own sister! He has taken a particular interest in your group, that is why I quickly flew down to warn you. That and..."

"And what Princess! If there's anythin' Ah can do to help, just name it!" you panic as news of your friends' disappearance alarms you. "You name the no-good varmint and Ah'll take care of him mahself!"

"I'm sorry, Applejack, but I'm afraid you already know the perpetrator. It is Flash Sentry, Princess Cadance's own guard! She is fine and has been warned, but the rest of Equestria is still at risk," the royal Alicorn admitted in humiliation.

"WELL, FOR CORN'S SAKE! LET'S GO OUT THER 'N GIT 'EM!" you yell, eager to exact retribution. "AH'LL ROUND UP A POSSE AND-"

"NO!" The princess interrupted. "He has some malevolent enchantment about him I cannot explain. Please, stay here! Stay in the house if need be, but do NOT confront him. I have my best scholars researching what might be causing this. I shall return if and when I require your assistance!" The Princess got up to leave before you stopped her, demanding a greater explanation.

"Now wait here! I'm not gonna hide under mah bed like a coward! If there's somethin' Ah can do..." your temper starts to get the better of you. Nopony implies you to be helpless, not even Celestia herself! Celestia turns back toward you.

"Please, I do not request this lightly. It is safest for you to remain here as well," she re-encourages you. You have none of it though as you sit and cross your forelegs with an audible huff! "I merely came to warn you and, if need be, it is not your help I will require." The Princess takes one last sip, finishing off her coffee.

"Huh? If not me, then who?" you ask, annoyed.

"I've said too much," The Princess makes her way back to the front door. "Take heed in what I said and remain here! I shall return with news, be it good or ill!" She unfurled her majestic wings once outside in preparation for the flight back to Canterlot. After a final warning and farewell, she took flight and soon disappeared into the distance.

"Stay here and hide...AH'LL SHOW HER!"

Apple Bloom sat alone in the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse. She was sulking after, once again, being told she was too little to help, too little to make a difference. She might as well make herself useful in the only way she was told. She walked next to the window and looked out using the telescope she would occasionally bring when she and her friends tried to be Cutie Mark Crusader Stargazers. She watched the skies and the horizons for any signs of suspicious activity.

"Seems borin' enough to me..." she sighed. She can see the outskirts of Ponyville through her spyglass and the first thing she noticed is how quiet it was...too quiet. It seems only the stallions and Cranky Doodle were out, and it seems they were also patrolling for any suspicious activity. Some were even eyeing each other, as if they did not know of whom they were suspicious. The only mare Apple Bloom could see was a gray pegasus wearing a helmet with some shrubbery taped on in a foolish attempt to conceal herself.

Apple Bloom turned her attention to the air only to scan vast patches of empty blue sky with the occasional stray cloud. With Rainbow Dash and a few of the other weather ponies missing, the rest of the team had a difficult time herding the stragglers. Apple Bloom, however, knew nothing of the tribulations of the outside world as she was stuck on the farm helping her siblings with chores. Her friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were, at this very moment, quite beside themselves at the loss of their sister and mentor. All Apple Bloom knew was that they had neglected to visit recently.

She let out another sigh as she moved her telescope to face the Everfree forest. In the distance, she could just make out a figure flying through the air. It was an orange blur, moving fast against the wind and heading straight for the farm. She kept the target in her view until she could make out that it was a Royal Guard.

"Must be  somepony from Canterlot, Celestia probably sent him to keep an eye on us," Apple Bloom reasoned, ignorant of the conversation earlier in the kitchen or as to why he was approaching from the forest. She figured she might as well greet the pony and see if there was anything he needed. She left the tree house and lept to the ground before sprinting over to the presumed guardian.

She intercepted the orange pegasus just as he landed, still some distance from the farmhouse. He had hoped to scout the area without anypony alerted to his presence, but when he noticed young Apple Bloom, he was forced to improvise. He gave a courteous grin as his spread his wings in an attempt to appear glorious to the young filly. All the sunlight reflecting off his armor temporarily blinded Apple Bloom's sight of him.

"You're much too flashy there, fella!" she recoiled and attempted to shield the light from her eyes.

"Sorry!" Flash lowered his wings. He had to quickly think up a reason as to why he was trespassing. Fortunately, the guard excuse usually does the trick. "Princess Celestia sent me, is your big sister home? I shall very much like to speak with her."

"Stay here and hide...AH'LL SHOW HER!"

You sulk outside the front door to the farmhouse while Big Mac is busy clearing the table after the brief visit from Princess Celestia. Granny Smith has already retired to her rocking chair for her well deserved early morning nap. Mac eventually covers her in a blanket before heading out to the barn to begin his chores for the day. You just continue to sit and sulk, basically forbidden from straying too far from the house. But anypony who knew you knows you won't take that lying down.

You head out anyway to continue your daily chores. Before you get too far, you see Apple Bloom making a bee-line toward the house. She stops, still some distance from the house, when you see she is approached by an orange pegasus guard. You identify him right away as the dastardly Flash Sentry. You hasten all resolve as you sprint to defend your little sister from this low-down varmint!

"Princess Celestia sent me, Is your big sister home? I shall very much like to speak with her," you hear the villain ask.

"RIGHT HERE, PARDNER!" you announce, heroically defending your kin. "Apple Bloom, get to the house!" you maintain your focus on Flash as you sneer through his black soul.

"But Ah-"

"GET! NOW!" you demand, never relinquishing your gaze.

Apple Bloom looks between the two of you. Her confusion grew as you two orange ponies stared each other down, neither refusing to break. She cautiously backed away before retreating to the farmhouse as you demanded.

"I see you've been expecting me," Flash figures you had been warned.

"And Ah'm also expectin' a beat-down!" you snap a retort.

"Oh, come now! Whatever have I done to deserve that?" he mocks, "I see Celestia has poisoned your mind and tightened her stranglehold to turn you against me!"

"Where are my friends?!" you demand to know.

"Right to the point, I see. I like that! But haven't you wondered WHY I'm doing this?" now appears to be the moment which the villain will reveal his plan. You don't care.

"WHERE. ARE. MY. FRIENDS!!!"

"Quite safe, I assure you. And they're much happier to boot!" he takes a more polite tone as he begins his justification. "You see, they are about to be the first citizens of the new Equestrian Republic! A nation no longer controlled by a select chosen few Princesses solely because they are 'Alicorns'. Being an Alicorn does not make one a great leader! Especially now that one can be BORN an Alicorn!"

That...actually makes sense you think.

"Why should complete control lie with one, or even with a chosen few! That's why I had to persuade Twilight first! And now with Luna behind me, we will soon be able to challenge the supreme matriarch to give Equestria to its rightful owner: the ponies!"

What's happening, I'm starting to believe him. I'm hating him less and less!

"With the Tetrarchy splintered, I will soon defeat Celestia and take my place as Premier Chairpony! I will impose order, security, and prosperity! And through me, the ponies shall own it all, not some authoritarian like Princess Celestia!"

Your expression changes as you find yourself strangely believing the sincerity in this pony's voice. You find yourself wanting to believe his promises for a better future.

"All I need now is to have a beautiful working pony by my side, to show all that we can throw off the shackles of the elite aristocracy of Canterlot! Join us, Applejack; join me!" he smiles and stares longingly into your eyes.

You find yourself lost in his dreamy blue eyes. A moment ago you were ready to destroy him. Now, you want to rule by his side as if some magical force promised you everything you never knew you desired. You feel no longer in control of your emotions as you slowly raise your hoof, not to strike him, but to accept his proposal.

You slowly begin to lose your awareness of the outside world as all you focus on are his eyes, promising everything you could ever want. Soon, he leads you away from Sweet Apple Acres; to where, you do not know. You actually find yourself not caring about your destination, as long as it is by the side of this marvelous, magnanimous, and visionary figure.

A Princess's Sacrifice

You are Princess Celestia again.

You are on your way back to Sweet Apple Acres to update them on this dire situation. Your scholars have indeed identified why Flash Sentry is such a threat. You don't know how he got it, but he possesses a mystical artifact that grants him control and influence over other ponies. The actions you were hoping to avoid you now must take, for there is but one pony who can help you and defeat Flash. You land at The Apple Family homestead to be instantly greeted by Apple Bloom, who has a terrified look on her face.

"APPLEJACK IS MISSING!!!" she sprints toward you to break the bad news. She jumps ad hugs you as she begins sobbing. You wrap your foreleg in a comforting embrace. "It was Flash Sentry, I didn't recognize him and Applejack confronted him and now she's gone and it's all mah fault!"

"It weren't yer fault!" the commotion attracted the attention of Granny Smith. "That filly's too strong willed! We told 'er she couldn't do sumthin', so o'course she's gonna do it!"

"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, I'm afraid this is MY fault!" you shift the blame.

"Nah!" Granny Smith interrupts, " 'taint yer fault neither! We Apples are too proud to submit and too stubborn tah change! AJ knew what she was doin' an' did it anyway! If anything, it's her own fault! But Ah blame that Flashy feller! Promise me you'll give him what for, Princess!" she points her hoof at you as if she were giving orders.

"I cannot," you admit, "for his power is growing. He has my sister, he has Princess Twilight and her friends, he has an unknown number of supporters or slaves, and he is hiding somewhere beyond my understanding. I do not even know how I may fight him, for if Cadance or myself were to confront him, we may very well fall prey to him as well. ANY female would".

"So, we just send yer Royal Guard to search and fight 'im," Apple Bloom suggests.

"It could take months, or even years to find him; he could vastly improve his numbers by then. And they would subsequently have to battle through all his followers. No, there is only one way I see us winning this, and it is what I fear to do." You look around, trying to find the reason you needed to come to Sweet Apple Acres, "where is McIntosh?"

Big Mac sat under a tree on top of a pronounced hill overlooking the orchard. Normally he would sit in his favorite spot to think or be alone, but this time he sat with a purpose: he was keeping watch. He already lost one sister to this cowardly traitor, he would not lose anypony else! Should he spot the wanted pegasus, he would sound an alarm alerting all Ponyville to his presence. Mac, like most stallions, now had an important duty and running the farm would just have to wait.

As you land, he flinches and grabs his pitchfork he brought with him for defense. You clearly startled him. Once he identifies you, he drops the tool and his head in reverence to the unexpected royal visitor. You feel uncomfortable with the honor, especially with what you are about to ask of him.

"Please, young McIntosh, there is no need for that for it is I who will burden you with a troubling task," you greet as he peers up in confusion. "Come, let us sit a while. I have much to ask," you offer, taking a seat by his side.

"I'm sorry about your sister," you offer, noticing your sunset seems in the perfect placement in relation to your vantage point.

"Eeyup..." his response lacks conviction.

"She can be so determined, so proud. It must be difficult living with such a dominating personality."

"Eeyup."

You've never thought about it, but their relationship appears similar to that of yours with your sister: one dominant sibling overshadowing the other. The difference here is that the dominant is also the younger sibling. How humiliating and difficult that must be! Worse yet, poor Mac seems to be burdened a second younger sister with an assertive personality, and a grandmare from which they all inherited it.

He must have the patience of the sea as it wears away a cliffside. If I were in his position, I would have sent them ALL to the moon years ago!

Joking thoughts aside, you know he misses his sister terribly and will not relent until he is satisfied to know she is safe.

"If I were to ask, would you risk danger and destruction to rescue her?"

"Eeyup!" he replies with greater fortitude.

You find yourself desiring not to hear that response. If he accepts, then you must go through with your plan. The fate of your crown, if not all of Equestria, now lies with a single farmer against an enemy with so many unknowns. However, it is the only way you know of to stop Flash Sentry.

"Then listen well," you commence in telling him of your plan, "we know Flash Sentry is abducting mares, we can even assume why, but do you know of how he is doing it?"

"Nope." he shakes his head.

"My scholars have researched, and we believe he came into contact with an ancient mystical artifact. One that allows him to quickly influence mares into believing and admiring him: the Necklace Of Pure Evil!"

"Nope?" Mac cocked his brow.

"Exactly!" you chuckle at the fortuitous acronym, "we do not know how he got his hooves on it, but it makes mares powerless to resist him".

"Nope!" he gasps, your last line seems to upset him, but you can deduce the subject.

"At ease, gentle McIntosh," you console his fears, "the artifact requires time to fully influence mares into doing THAT. Your sister should be fine and her honor intact. The rest of his followers should be untarnished as well as he keeps the artifact on him while he's been flying all over Equestria. But they cannot stop him. Our only hope lies with stallions. We can't send in a battalion after him; we don't know where he is and a battle will end in serious bloodshed for an unknown number of innocents. Our only hope is to send in a single, brave stallion to catch him unawares."

"Eeyup!" he jumps up, knowing that you are asking this of him. Realizing he volunteered without knowing all necessary information, Mac looks toward the ground, troubled that nopony knows where it is he is going. He sits back down

"I can see you are confused, wondering as to where is his location," you acknowledge.

"Eeyup..."

"That is where my part comes in," your mood wanes, "for I will have to let him capture me".

He stares, taken aback, eyes widened at the audacity of this plan. If you are captured, then Flash has won!

"Before I succumb to his power, I will have my mane and tail give off a slow-diminishing light in a wavelength long enough where it can not be seen with the eye. I will enchant your eyes so you can detect this light. Then all you have to do is follow it back to his hideout."

The both of you sit in silence for a while. No doubt, he is considering the desperateness of your plan and the severity should it fail. After moments of contemplation, he does something you do not expect.

"Why me?"

HE SPEAKS!

"I'm sorry?" you believe this is the first time you actually hear him talk.

"Why me?" he reiterates, "you have many guards, and Twilight's brother would certainly agree to this. Why would you pick a simple earth pony farmer with neither magic nor wings?"

You say nothing for a time, wondering which way to put it. Finally, you find the best way to approach the subject.

"Mares in Equestria sure do like to talk, don't they?"

"Umm...Eeyup?" he responds, confused.

"We sure do talk a lot! It's one of the things we like best, and most mares now seek stallions who talk quite a bit themselves."

"E-eeyup..." he has no clue where this is going.

"You don't like to talk, do you?"

"Nope."

"And yet, it seems every mare in Ponyville, and many beyond, all have their eyes on you!"

He blushes.

"Why is that, you think? Why is it such a quiet stallion, who rarely leaves his farm, can instantly earn all the longing glances and wants for affection from nearly every mare and filly he comes across?"

He says nothing, embarrassed to be complimented by The Princess herself, especially in such private matters.

"It is because YOU have a magic inside you, as well. It is rare; I have only sensed it a very few number of times and it is something that can still not be explained. But you definitely have a power that can attract any mare, and I have never felt it as powerful as I am sensing it within you. The closest thing I can call it is a slang term used by much of the youth: Swag. You seem to carry yourself with such cold confidence that you do not need to constantly advertise yourself by talking all the time or dressing flashy. You might not realize it, but it is painfully obvious for any mare to see. Even..." now it is your turn to blush, "even I can't try fighting it".

"And..." he tries to ask, blushing redder than his coat, "how am I s'posed to use this against Flash? He is still a fully trained guard!"

"By fighting fire with fire, as it were," you reveal your intention, "he controls his followers in a similar way. But, using your own power, you might be able to turn his own followers against him. Outnumbered, he should pose little threat allowing you to capture him and destroy the artifact".

You sit a while longer, just enjoying the view as you gently lower your sun beyond the horizon. You take a bit longer than normal as you find yourself oddly at peace, just sitting on his hill and enjoying the slow pace of the farm. Unfortunately, this moment can't last much longer as you both need your rest in preparation for the difficult tasks you both face tomorrow. You stand to possibly say your final farewells.

"Are you certain you wish to go through with this? I will not think lesser of you should you wish to back out," you feel guilty having to depend on the farmer.

"Eeyup!"

"Then get some rest, My Little Pony, for all of Equestria might very well rest on you," you turn back, planting a kiss on his cheek. His eyes widen and mane stands on end, clearly surprised by the royal sign of affection. You smirk as you leave him to enjoy your moon rising.

"I now see why Luna did it..."

"Yes, here will work just fine," you tell your royal guards.

You wanted to lure Flash into approaching you away from the bustle of Canterlot, yet close enough to Sweet Apple Acres and the Everfree Forest so Mac would see you and not have to run all over Equestria. You found a secluded creek within a wall of trees so that Flash would assume you desire privacy as you bathe in the water. If and when he approaches, you will spring your trap with your guards acting as backup. If all goes well, you will relieve Flash of his power without need of McIntosh.

You dismiss your guards as you enter the running water. "Ooh, COLD!" you hadn't planned on that! No matter, you submerge your mane as to try to look as alone and vulnerable as possible.

It's not long before you hear the flapping of wings. It's Flash Sentry! You act nonchalant, pretending not to notice. You hear him land, and his hoofs quietly attempt to sneak in toward you. He chooses a position behind you so he may strike at you while unaware. Your heart races, you take your time, you wait for the perfect time to strike. Moments creep as you hear every beat of your heart, every breathe grows louder as your entire focus shifts to the trespasser behind you. He creeps a few more steps. Finally, the time to strike is now!

You whip around as quickly as your head can turn and fire a stunning beam of energy from your horn. Flash leaps back in shock as your magic hits its mark. The beam hits Flash directly on the necklace. This hit should stun the pegasus and remove the vile artifact. However, the magic just seems to dissipate around his body like some form-fitted shield. The blast never even so much as moved him.

"Tsk tsk, Princess," he mocks as the energy disappears. It's clear that magic has no effect on the item.

You look for alternatives. Maybe magic won't work on the item, but you can use magic to strike him by proxy. You levitate a nearby boulder and fling it directly at Flash. The boulder hits its mark and shatters in an explosion of dust and debris. Standing defiantly after the dust settles is the traitor, completely unfazed, even laughing at you.

"Gonna have to do better than that..." he brushes off dust from his coat.

You find his cockiness enraging... yet also...arousing. This treasonous pony stands on the bank above you, giving him the advantage of higher ground. You make one last magical attempt to remove that advantage by grabbing him with an aura and drowning him in the water. Alas, this too fails as you start to weaken from the exhaustion of such desperate spells. He continues to stand over you, looking glorious and majestic in his inevitable victory.

No! Fight it! you struggle to keep your senses. "Where...are...my guards?" you ask yourself.

"You think I trusted you to act alone?" he lords over you, "I brought a certain disciple to take care of THEM!"

Your sister Luna lands by his side. After noticing you struggle in the creek, she pins you down with her magic, your face barely above the water level.

"Luna! Help!" you beg, "sister...please..."

Flash slowly moves in closer to enjoy a more private conversation, his muzzle just inches from your ear.

"Can you believe she thinks I love her?" the arrogance and disrespect in his voice overt, "they ALL think I love them!"

"You monster!" you struggle to breathe in the splashing water. You want to physically rip that smirk off his face; his beautiful, well-chiseled face...NO! You try to fight it, but this guard's conviction is curiously...attractive. Surely more interesting than the sycophants at the castle.

"Wondrous thing, this artifact," he flaunts the N-O-P-E, "I'm getting better at using it. It's taking less and less time to win over you silly mares!" He starts walking backing to Luna. "Soon, I will have you all completely under my control. Then we'll really start the fun!" he slaps Luna across the flank, causing her to blush and lose control over you.

You slowly emerge from the water, a murderous rage building inside as you approach the pair.

"Get...away!" your horn starts to glow, "HE DESERVES BETTER!" your words surprisingly directed at your sister.

You can't believe you just said that! You find yourself losing all control of your free will as your eyes start to grow dark. Soon, you will turn into a mindless husk, doing whatever your glorious and handsome leader bids.

You take your last moments of conscious thought to cast two final spells. The first spell being the long lasting infrared spell that you place on your mane and tail. The final spell being a voice spell. You mute yourself so you can no longer be able to inform him of McIntosh.

All hopes of liberation now lie with him.

You are Big Mac

You see three ponies take flight.

Two are Alicorns, the third is the treacherous Flash Sentry. It appears Celestia has indeed fallen victim to the power of the necklace. In her last moments of freedom she was able to keep her promise and illuminate her hair with an infrared spell. Before parting ways this morning, she enchanted your eyes to temporarily perceive the light, which appears as an orange glow against the blue sky. As they take flight, she leaves behind a trail of the orange luminescence, which shares the characteristics of Rainbow Dash's rainbow trail albeit Celestia's keeps its form much longer.

Your sister, Apple Bloom, accompanied you this morning should there be anything she can do to help. It is only because of her that Flash is known to arrive from the Everfree Forest. She stands by you now, ready to do her part if you have need of her.

"THERE THEY GO! LET'S FOLLOW THEM!" she commands.

Together, you pursue them until you come across the contingent of guards Celestia had accompany her. Many seem hurt and a few still unconscious after their hopeless battle with the indoctrinated Luna. You pause momentarily to see if you could offer any assistance when the commander barks at you.

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT US! GO AFTER THEM!"

"It's alright, big brother! Ah'll go get help, you just go after Applejack!" Apple Bloom reassures.

You leave the scene and leap over the nearby creek to cross into the dark Everfree Forest. The first thing you notice is how eerily quiet it is. You hear no birds singing, no animal rustling, even the wind is dead stagnant. You feel as if you've crossed into another world, a dank and lifeless world. You cannot pause to observe your surroundings as to must find a clear enough opening in the canopy to follow the infrared trail.

After minutes of traveling, fortune appears to favor you as you have not encountered any Timber Wolves...or worse. You come across a wide river with no clear crossing observable. You look up to see the trail still bright, but for how long? As you search around for a crossing or any large object you could use as a floatation device to cross, you hear a subtle splashing from the water. You pause to find the source, but you must continue with pursuing your quarry. With no other option, you decide your best option is to swim for the other side.

You approach the foggy water, tipping a hoof in to test the temperature before braving it and wading into the shallows. You hear splashing again, and again; it appears to be originating from your left AND right. As you venture further, you see wakes in the water begin to converge in front of you. You take a few steps back to find they are following you. You retreat to knee-deep water to find a head surface from in front of you, then a second. A third and fourth also appear as you realize you have come face to face ( and face, face, and face) with the terrifying Hydra!

You recoil as you continue to retreat. The Hydra slowly pursues as it intends to be the end of you and your quest. You want to flee, but if you do you might lose the trail. You pray for salvation as the beast approaches to within striking distance. You cringe, smelling the creature's foul breath as you wait for the inevitable end...

SLAP!

The Hydra tenses up, flinching at the sudden sharp pain across its back.

"Oh, knock it off!" you see a purple sea-serpent's tail give another softer whack to one of the faces of the startled hydra. "Quit your honking, you silly goose! Is that anyway to treat a guest?"

The Hydra rolled three pairs of eyes, while the fourth cringed as the creature rubbed the sore areas just disciplined. Convinced the pony was an acquaintance of his fellow sea monster and not some tasty snack, the Hydra swam away further downstream. Mac's savior swam up to offer his apologies for his friend's rude behavior.

"I'm sorry about him... or is it them? I've never quite figured that out!" he went off on a small tangent. "Anyway, sorry again! He's really not such a bad monster, but he can get so angry when he travels away from his swamp. And his heads can never agree on anything so they just end up fighting all the time, so you can see why 'he' is always fussy!"

The monster looked down to recognize the small, silent pony on the shore.

"Well! If it isn't the little red pony from Cranky and Matilda's wedding! How are you?!" he picks you up and gives you a big, affectionate hug. "It's me! Steven Magnet! Cranky's best friend!"

He sets you back on the shore, dizzy from such a powerful embrace.

"I remember you! No, no, no; don't tell me, I'll remember the name!" he twirls his moosetache trying to think, "Galaxy? Tablet!...no, PC? hmmm...I got it! MACINTOSH!" he celebrates, "how are you, little Macintosh?!"

You stagger, trying to get back your bearings. The purple monster sees this as he offers a literal hand in helping you keep your balance.

"Sorry about that, my dear! Don't know my own strength sometimes...  Anyway! what brings you out here to my humble tourbière?" he flourishes his hand in an effort to make his bog sound fancier. Before you have a chance to reply, he interrupts with his own theory.

"Wait, wait; has this anything to do with all those disappearances?"

"Eeyup!" you confirm. He unexpectedly giggles in amusement.

" 'Eeyup!' That's so adorable! If I could put a ribbon on it...!" he quickly shakes his head to get back to the point, "but seriously, last time Cranky stopped by, he said he might not be back for a spell. Said he's got to keep Matilda safe as some dastardly rogue is going around and ponynapping all those poor, nice mares! Is that why you're here?"

You point up to the streak, forgetting he can't see it, but then point to the other side of the river. Steven seems to understand your request.

"Was it that nasty pegasus with the icky, spikey mane that just flew by not too long ago with the Princesses? I swear, the horrible fashion these young ponies have now days..." he starts another small tangent, "but you need to go after them, right?"

You nod your head.

"Well, why didn't you say so?!" Steven Magnet grabs you in his hand, then quickly whisks the two of you to the other side of the river. He sets you down while you struggle to retain your breakfast after such a sudden motion.

"Now go, and stop that awful, awful pony!" he waves, bidding you good fortune on your hunt.

Your journey through the rest of the Everfree Forest is less eventful, to your satisfaction. You dodge between the trees trying to keep the now fading trail of orange light into view. Your body begins to fatigue after such a prolonged run, but you can't afford a respite or you might lose the trail altogether. After what seems like hours, you finally come to the end of the trail.

Celestia's streak seems to finally come to an end, only it abruptly stops running straight into a cliffside. Seeing that there is no mangled body of The Princess next to it, you conclude that the wall is an illusion and it must lead into a hidden cave. No wonder nopony has ever found him; his hideout is in the secret, concealed cave in the middle of an inaccessible forest!

You take a moment to contemplate your next strategy: should you go in hooves blazing, should you sneak in hoping nopony notices you, or should you wait for him to leave to ambush him or his prisoners? After you take a moment to catch your breath, you start your plan of attack. Once you enter the clearing in front of the "cave", you feel a sharp pain as you are immediately tackled and knocked over.

"A-HA! GOTCHA!" the light-blue pegasus claims triumphantly. In hindsight, you should have expected Flash would post lookouts at the entrance. She pins you down, pride in her victory, until she identifies your face and you hers. It's that white-maned Wonderbolt you recognize from the festival a while back, Fleetfoot.

"Mac? Big Mac?!" she appears conflicted. This was not the first time she crashed into you. The first time it happened she became concussed as she instantly fell smitten with you. Hopefully, she would display a similar action and not turn you in.

"No, NO!" she fights her own thoughts, "Flash! I love FLASH!" She obviously is fighting a battle within her own mind: her natural albeit unhealthy obsession with you, and the commands put in there by Flash Sentry. She dismounts you as she grabs her head, struggling with her emotions. She starts to cry as the emotional pain of this conflict plays out. Concerned, you get back up to console the troubled mare, gently hugging her to show she is not alone. She looks back at you as the tenseness drains from her body.

"Mac..." she whispers, "I love Big Mac..."

After a few moments, she starts to appear fully conscious and cognizant once again. She peers into your eyes, her tears failing to hide the fact she is elated to see her princely knight coming to the damsel's rescue.

"Have you come here to save us, my Big McIntosh?" she seems weak from the internal conflict.

"Eeyup!"

"Thank Celestia!" she slowly stands on her own power, the final effects of the indoctrination wearing off. "It felt...it felt like sompony else was taking control of my body, and all I could do was watch! I saw it all, unable to stop it! I saw myself fall in love with Flash, willing to give my life for him. But I really just want to destroy him!" she smashes her hooves together to emphasize the point. She then starts taking a few steps toward the concealed cave.

"Let me help you!" she demands, "I can lead you straight to him without confronting anypony else!"

"Nope." you decline. She looks back in confusion. It only takes a moment before she catches on to your plan.

"Ahh, I get it! However you cured me, you hope to do the same for his prisoners! He wont stand a chance!" she prematurely starts to gloat.

More or less, you think to yourself, she might not agree if I tell her the rest might fall for me as well.

"Then let's go! The prison barracks are inside and to the left!" she accompanies you as you make your way through the fake wall and into the cave.

You come upon the prison cells. Most are full with recent arrivals not yet trusted enough to wander the hideout. You hope to find AJ as she was one of the more recent captures, but she is not to be found. You recognize a few of the other ponies such as Golden Harvest, Lyra and Bon Bon in a single cage, and Rarity. You even see the recently acquired Derpy, standing on the outside of the bars as if she wanted in. Even in prison, she does it wrong. The guard is a blue unicorn of which you know well, Trixie!

Trixie, instantly alerted to your presence, glows her horn to acquire the small hammer to ring the alarm bell. Fleetfoot bursts into the room to take it before it can strike. You sprint over to Trixie to grab hold of her. You keep her tight, pinned within your forelegs, your huge...strong...forelegs. You whisper apologies into her ears as you cannot let her go. All of the ponies in the cells look on, most jealous of the lucky unicorn enjoying a firm embrace by such a strong noble stallion. Eventually, Trixie stops fighting as she returns your embrace.

"Trixie is...why..." she weakens as her own mind regains control, "Do not let Trixie go, my Great and Powerful Stallion!"

To her disappointment, you must. You make your way to each cell, blasting the door off each of its hinges with a tremendous kick from your hind legs. Sure, you could have used the key, but a greater display of strength relinquishes Flash's control as each mare admires their rescuer. When it's all said and done, you have over a dozen mares willing to follow you and destroy Flash, including Trixie and Rarity.

Wandering through the corridors, you encounter random ponies. Most you perform simple acts of masculinity like smashing a rock, embracing and/or carrying them, or just gazing into their eyes. You pick up about another dozen in this fashion, including Fluttershy. Your plan fails, however, when you come across Pinkie Pie. No matter what you do, she just bounces in place, laughing at your attempts.

"I'm gonna tell Flashie on youuuu!" she teases. Desperate, you fall back to the one strategy you perform poorly: speaking.

"I implore you to reconsider..."

"Hmmm...OKAY!" she gleefully complies and falls in line.

Pinkie Pie... you roll your eyes.

Working your way through the caverns, you find yourself in the common barracks. The mares seem to work in shifts to patrol the cave and surrounding areas. One thing you notice is how sterile the chamber feels. There are no posters, no pictures of loved ones, no personal mementos. Just some bunks and a few sleeping ponies in them. Pinkie hops over to one of the occupied bunks. She jumps on the bed a you identify the rainbow mane of its occupant.

"Wake up, Dashie! It's an insurrecti-o-o-o-on!" she sings while jumping on the angry pegasus. She's the element of laughter when you needed the element of surprise.

The act alerts the rest of the bunks as Dash groups them together opposite your troops. She growls, clearly disgusted at the supposed mutineers.

"Pinkie! Fluttershy? Rarity?! How could you betray the AWESOME Flash Sentry?!" she crouches to the floor, wings spread, ready to attack.

"Come to your senses, Crash!" Fleetfoot pleads her fellow Wonderbolt, "Flash Sentry needs to go!"

"FLEETFOOT!" Dash screams in disgust, "should have figured you'd be the first to betray him, you COWARD!" The insult enrages Fleetfoot, humiliating her in front of her dreampony.

The two pegasi square off, ready to launch themselves at each other. Once Rainbow Dash takes flight, you jump in front to restrain Fleetfoot. As a consequence, Dash now flies at you at near full speed. You turn around to grab her just as she crashes into you. Rolling with the impact, you drop to the ground and pin Rainbow Dash beneath your powerful hold. She struggles for a bit until she concedes, knowing she cannot overpower a huge earth pony. In time, her own thoughts return to her as she smiles up at the strong stallion still pinning her down. The brazen sacrifice also wins over the rest of Dash's allies. She rubs her hoof across your face, moving your mane away from your green eyes.

"Not THAT'S how I want to wake up!"

Moving down the next corridor, your followers now number over thirty. You gain confidence as you feel you might be able to win this... until you remember you still have THREE Alicorn Princesses to face. Coming out of a final turn before the next room, you encounter your first: Princess Luna. Flash had been alerted to the commotion, resulting in sending her down to investigate and, if need be, handle the situation. You figure should the Alicorn Princess may be too much to handle; you wouldn't want the rest to get hurt. You gently wave them back, implying you wish to handle this yourself. This brave act strengthens their affections toward you as you approach the Royal Sister.

"If it isn't the 'Alicorn Prince' ," she refers to the time you helped her with the Tantabus, "why is it you intrude on the master's glorious work? Can you not see he is making Equestria a better place?"

You wave the group further back into the corridor. Surely, they must assume you have some plan that will result in a great explosion. Unaware, Luna continues her monologue.

"Flash Sentry will purify Equestria. He will banish the lesser races, destroy all monsters, defeat the dragons! He will-"

You kick the entrance to the room behind you as hard as you can. The impact results in a cascade of rocks and boulders, essentially sealing off the other ponies from assisting you. Shocked, Luna steps back at this display of raw power nearly equaling her own.

"Why...why would you this?! Now you are all alone!" she questions your motives. You step forward and kneel, submitting to Alicorn Princess.

"Do with me what you will..." you quietly offer.

Luna stands there in disbelief. She can't figure out why you would work so hard, risk so much only to give up now. Surely, it was not to keep the ponies on the other side of the rock pile safe. Flash would never sacrifice himself this way.

"You'll offer yourself to me just so I will not hurt them?" she pointed to the destroyed entrance.

"Eeyup!"

She ponders for a moment, reflecting on the sacrifice. Eventually, the true Luna wins over the indoctrination.

"You...are right!" she exclaims. "A true stallion sacrifices himself for his friends, not the other way around! Come, my handsome and noble McIntosh, we shall drive Flash Sentry back and win this day! HUZZAH!"

She uses her powerful magic to clear the entrance so the rest of your company may join you. It was a dangerous gamble, but it proved effective as you now have the second most powerful pony on your side. She now charges by your side, illuminating the corridors and clearing obstacles from your path as you press on deeper into the bowls of the caverns. She even gives you a history lesson as this cave was once a secret base Tirek used in his first attempt to capture pony magic and conquer Equestria.

No history lessen would save you from the horrors you see when you enter the next room. You enter to finally find your sister, Applejack. Behind her is an enraged Twilight Sparkle, pointing her horn at your sister and using her as a pony shield. Worse yet, they both seem to sneer at you.

"GET BACK!" Twilight screams, "you will not stop Flash Sentry! I will end your sister before you do!" She poked her horn into AJ's back. For her part, Applejack just seemed to agree with her.

"That's right! And Ah'll let 'er!"

"Twilight, darling, why ever would you do this?" Rarity interjects.

"If Big Mac wants to take away somepony I love, I'll take away somepony HE loves!" she explains.

"And Ah'll gladly give mahself for the great Flash Sentry!" Applejack adds.

Luna steps forward, offering to subdue the demented Princess of Friendship. You hold her back, hoping it will not need to come to that. You know Twilight well enough to attempt to reason with her desire for friendship and intelligence. As for AJ, reason might have nothing to do with it, but that's a later problem. You take the fore to confront Twilight.

"What's so special about Flash?" you start with a simple question.

"He..." she already struggles finding the answer, "he's great! He's Flash Sentry! I loved him before anypony did! He's MINE!"

"And why did yah like 'im?"

"He..." again, she struggles, "was cute...and...he smiled at me..."

"And that means he loves ya?"

"Don't listen to him Twi, he's just trying to trick ya!" Applejack tries reassuring her friend.

"Of course not!" Twilight scoffed, "he later came to my castle and professed his love! That proves it!"

"Proves what, exactly?" you point out the flaws in her logic. "Since then, he's been gatherin' countless mares to serve his own purpose, he promises to defeat Celestia only to make her his most favorite ally, and now he has both of you throwing your lives away for the chance to save HIS!"

You take on final step until you are nearly muzzle to muzzle with Applejack.

"Does that sound like somepony who understands friendship? Is that somepony who LOVES you?!" you stare at the two friends, letting the silence emphasize your point.

"I...I," Twilight searches, but can't find a response. You find one for her.

"I came here, ALONE, knowing full well Ah might not make it out just for the chance to save you. I have gained many of my friends and loved ones back! Please, I just want the two of you back as well, I want my family!" you make the final plea before turning it over to them.

"You're right..." Twilight starts to break through, at last. She backs away from Applejack, contemplating the logic of your words and Flash's previous actions. "What you've done, it's amazing! The fact you did all this to try to get us back...proves you love us!" The Princess of Friendship finally makes her return.

"Ah'm sorry, big brother!" Applejack jumps forward in a loving embrace, "please, forgive me!"

" 'Taint nuthin' to forgive..." you offer a second foreleg to hug Twilight, which she gladly accepts.

"Just one more thing, Big Mac," your sister requests. Twilight, however, finishes her sentence.

"Make him pay!"

Twilight's words run through your mind as you approach the final chamber where Flash Sentry resides. Tatarus hath no fury like a mare scorned, you think, regarding her uncharacteristic outburst. You are finally ready to confront him to exact retribution for his villainous ways. All of his former slaves now gladly follow their beloved rescuer, save one. And that one is the most powerful pony in Equestria.

The long, straight corridor opens as you find yourself entering a grandiose throne room. The vaulted ceiling climbs so high you cannot see the peak, providing the illusion you are in an outdoor night sky. A blue carpet lies in the middle, Flash's cutie mark embroidered at the end. Your eyes follow the blue carpet until it ends at Flash Sentry's hooves. He sits upon an ancient stone throne, no doubt one Tirek occupied during his first invasion. His posture is reclined and somewhat slouched, his chin resting on a hoof in a vain attempt to appear tragically majestic. Rather than intimidation, you express disgust at the orange usurper pretending to sit in a position of power.

A throne, really? Could this pretender be any more cliché?

As you approach, he begins clapping his hooves in a slow, sarcastic manner; clearly mocking you.

I suppose so!

"Well done, well done...." he monotones his disingenuous compliment, "but it doesn't really matter; once you're out of the way I'll just take them back, by force if I have to. You see, nothing can stop my glorious work now that I have Celestia!"

Your followers crowd in as you continue the long walk to the throne.

"Ah'm sorry, could you repeat that? I couldn't hear you all the way on the other side of this unnecessarily long hall! Are you compensatin' for something?" The disrespect angers Flash, but draws more than a few chuckles from your supporters. Though there was a little truth in your words, you mainly just wanted to poke him for a reaction while you figure out a strategy. Your plan seems to work, more than you could have hoped.

"INSOLENT YOKEL! HOW DARE YOU INSULT YOUR NEW KING!" Flash leans forward, no longer concerned with image.

"King?" you want to see how far you can take this. Maybe you can get him to slip something useful, "...looks more like a QUEEN to me!"

"You don't know the half of it!" Sunset Shimmer chimes in.

Flash sits back in an attempt to regain his composure. It appears he might recognize your tactic and forces himself to calm down. There's no sense becoming enraged until if and when the battle begins. He takes a deep breath, trying to continue his introductory greetings.

"And why exactly are YOU here? I would have expected Shining Armor would come to rescue his 'pwecious wittle Twily', or maybe a some Royal Guards. Heck, I'd even settle for a Wonderbolt, but YOU?" he points as if to mock you. "I must say: I feel insulted! Some hick farmpony..."

"Well, Ah'm all ya get, Princess!" you continue to taunt.

Flash grinds his hooves on the armrests of the stone throne. If he had fingernails, he would forcefully peel them off while recoiling in hate at being insulted. You notice the physical manifestations of his rage, urging you to continue.

"Why you..." he quietly mutters.

"That's a pretty necklace you have there, Ma'am!" you finally observe the N-O-P-E, the source of Flash's power and all of Equestria's unrest. He strokes the unexpectedly lacklust silver band, revealing its secrets.

"Yes, obviously you are aware of its power. It makes me invulnerable! With it on, nopony can touch m- OW!"

You hurled a nearby loose rock and hit him square in the face. You wanted to see if it indeed deflects all blows, but mostly you just wanted to shut him up. He stares at the rock, shocked that it actually managed to harm him, then he stares back at you in stark disbelief.

"You...you STRUCK me! How is that possible?!" he whines.

You even see a tear forming in his eye. He attempts to make it seem like he regains his composure before realizing the limits of the artifact's power.

"I see..." he rubs his face to dull the pain, "the necklace only protects against magic and attacks originating from magic. But brute force alone won't be able to save you! I'm still all-powerful and this gift will help me conquer all of Equestria, and then the WORLD!"

He raises his hooves in triumphant glory before continuing to belittle you.

"But it won't work for you, if that's what you're thinking. The necklace has different powers according to the one who yields it. It uses the most evil aspect of one's character and amplifies it until none can oppose you. Mine was that I'm undeniably attractive and can woo anypony! With you, it will probably heighten your boredom, putting everypony to sleep!"

"Well, it really highlights your pretty mane, sweet-cheeks! Tell me, do they make one for stallions?" your trolling continues to work as Flash grows increasingly incensed.

"One more word out of you and I'll..."

"Careful, 'your highness', don't get you garters in a bunch!" you continue to press the issue.

"SINLENCE YOUR TONGUE BEFORE I RIP IT OUT!" he leaps up from his throne, "can't you understand what I'm trying to do?! I will make Equestria the promised land it was meant to be! I will make everypony safe! All will be made equal! Everyone will have a voice: MY voice! They will rejoice in 'The Great Flash Sent-"

"ROAD APPLES!" You switch to a forceful, serious tone as you call him out on his nonsense. Everypony instantly shifts their gaze to you as nopony has ever heard you yell so loud. "This isn't hard to figure out! You just want to create a harem and usurp supreme power, NOTHING MORE!"

"No, I-"

You cut him off before he can spout his lies again.

"Nobody likes you, in ANY reality! Ya have the clichéd, prettycolt appearance that prepubescent fillies like, but once they grow out of it, they move on to more serious stallions, ones with personality! You thought they would automatically like you forever, so you never GOT a personality! And when nopony wanted to be around you, you joined The Guard hoping to impress gullible fillies into liking you again. It worked for a bit, until they realized you're still just the same uninteresting background pony with a pretty face and no personality! Frustrated, you looked into stealing other's special someponies because if you couldn't be loved, then NOBODY should! Now, ya just want to create a harem and place yer-self as a beloved despot just feel like somepony likes ya, but deep down, you know you will never be worthy of it!"

You smirk as you see his reaction, knowing everything you said was true. To add one final insult, you mockingly question your hypothesis just to rub it in his muzzle.

"How'm Ah doin'?"

You feel winded. You've never spoken so much in your life! Even when under that "chatterbox" spell, you hid yourself to prevent constant vocalization. You take a moment to catch your breath and observe Flash's reaction. He seems calm at first, the he moves closer before releasing a torrent of immature emotion.

In his tantrum, Flash grabs any object he can get his hooves in and starts throwing them all over the elevated dais. He throws a golden platter with fruits to one side while kicking a small table with a potted plant and various trinkets on the other. His royal goblet he picks up and hurls at you in a foolish attempt to harm you.

"YOU! You vulgar peasant!" he has trouble finding the words.

"Peasant?" you retort, "so much for equality, unless you wish everypony to be a 'lowly peasant'... under YOU of course!"

"That does it! I shall destroy you at once!" your taunting has finally spurred him into action, though you feel maybe it was too effective as he calls for his final slave.

"CELESTIA!"

The caverns begin to rumble as the Alicorn Princess reveals herself. She lowers from the darkness of the imperceptible heights to land between you and your nemesis. The scowl on her face reveals her intensions as her horn begins to glow. A yellow beam of powerful energy propels toward you as there is no way to avoid your ultimate fate.

The yellow burst of energy explodes around you as it is deflected by a similar, blue wall. Luna rushes to your side to offer her aid. As the quakes continue to increase due to the uncontrolled force of the spells, boulders begin to cascade from the walls of the cavern. You look behind you to the group of terrified ponies and make eye-contact with your sister. Without a word, she understands your intention.

"All right, Everypony! Let's skedaddle on outta here before this place comes down around our ears!"

Every pony heads out to race for the exit, save for Luna and Twilight Sparkle. With Celestia being the elder and more powerful, you and Luna are glad to have the new Alicorn to help. With the two of them occupying Celestia, you are free to finally face off against Flash.

Before you turn to face him, Flash launches himself and head-butts into your side. You scream in pain at the potshot. Flash gloats as he follows it up with a series of hoof strikes.

"So, you want to fight a fully-trained guard? Fine! I'll teach you never to meddle in my business ever again!" he pick up the plant he kicked earlier and smashes the pot across the back of your head. "Too bad you won't live long enough to learn it!"

Fortunately, a pegasus is much weaker and earth ponies are built very sturdy; you eventually recover from the blows and manage to block the next attack. Flash's eyes open fully at the shock of your hastened recovery. You counter by picking him up and throwing him to the ground.

Now it is your turn to go on the offensive as you stand over him to deliver your own blows. You release your emotions and unleash a barrage of hoof strikes while Flash tries his best to cover his face. You think back to everypony he has hurt as you unload on his face, trying to modify his "cute" appearance.

"This is for mah sister! This is for Twilight! For Luna! For Rainbow Dash! Pinkie! Rarity! Fluttershy!" you raise your hoof for one final strike in hopes he will submit, "AND THIS IS 'CAUSE GRANNY TOLD ME TO!"

Before your strike lands, a blast of yellow energy forces you off Flash. Celestia flies over to come between you and Flash once more. Twilight rushes to your aid, updating you on their situation.

"Mac, I'll try to keep her busy, but you have to hurry! Luna's hurt! We need to get her out of here!"

She blasts her mentor with a soft, stunning blast. Celestia takes the bait as she pursues the smaller Alicorn.

Flash takes advantage of your distraction to deliver another sucker-punch. The pegasus flies above you to take the advantage of higher "ground". He then uses his guard training to deliver a series of diving strikes and then hastily retreat, allowing him to dive in for another. He follows this tactic a few more times until you fall to the ground, hunching over in agony from the quick, hard strikes. Flash flies to the wall to retrieve a decorative spear; he intends to finish you off once and for all.

He flies up much higher than any of his previous strikes, then turns to race toward you as fast as he could. He holds the spear toward you in his left foreleg while aiming for your heart. Though time seems to slow, you see Flash quickly grow larger as he barrels toward you at breakneck speed. Before he pierces your chest with a painful and dull spear, you make one final, last-ditched action.

You get back on your hooves as fast as you can and turn away from the progressing pegasus. When he draws near, you raise your hind legs and Applebuck as hard as you desperately can.

Being the trained guard that he is, Flash notices the giant hooves flying toward him and immediately spreads his wings and legs to create more drag and slow his progress. His reaction proves futile as he still collides with your perfectly placed kick at a high velocity. The impact causes the spear to fall harmlessly past you, but you also notice a dull, silver necklace fly over your head. The N-O-P-E skids across the ground until it hits the wall, becoming instantly concealed under falling rubble.

You turn your attention back to Flash. He lies before you, wheezing uncontrollably as you successfully knocked the wind out of him. With Twilight still managing to keep Celestia busy, the treasonous Flash Sentry is completely at your mercy. Hateful emotions run through your head as you hobble over to the fallen enemy. If you want to end him or save him, his fate is now in your hooves... but not for long.

"Heh heh heh hehhhhh!"

A deep, low, rumbling laugh echoes of the walls of the cavern. The illumination seems to dim as everypony looks around to see what is going on. Above the incapacitated Flash Sentry, a blue light slowly grows until is releases the form of a large and enraged Discord. With an evil grin, he approaches the vile pony responsible for stealing his sweet Fluttershy.

"So, now that you don't have the necklace on, I can find you, at last!" the draconequus claims with malicious glee.

With the new distraction from the allied Discord, Twilight takes advantage of the opportunity to retreat Luna to safety.

"Discord! Help Mac and Celestia to get out of here! I need to take Luna to get medical attention!"

The small Alicorn teleports over to the fallen Luna and zaps them both out of the caverns. Unfortunately, Discord did not hear, or chose not to hear the order as his complete attention was on the traitor, Flash Sentry. He had a wicked and ironic retribution planned for the pony who caused him so much grief.

"Have I got the perfect punishment for YOU! You like being in control of your harem of submissive females? You want every one of them for yourself? Well, you're going to love THIS!"

He grabs the terrified pegasus with one arm as he snaps his fingers with the other. The resulting magical flash teleports them away to another dimension, where Flash is never heard from again. Celestia, however, is still under his control and screams at the disappearing sight of her lost love.

"NOOOOO!" she flies to the now empty space where Flash once resided.

She stares at the empty floor in disbelief as the rage builds inside her. The flowing and celestial mane and tail are soon immolated in a wall of fire. She buck around wildly, blinded by her grief as she hastens the collapse of the cave. You limp toward her, quick as you are able, to calm her and convince her to leave.

"YOU! This is YOUR fault! He's gone...because of YOU!" she stomps her hooves down in another quake. She intends to bury the both of you under the devastation. "If Flash is not here, I don't want to live! AND I'M TAKING YOU WITH ME!"

"Please! You have to teleport out of here! You have to get to safety!" you plead. You don't care so much if you escape, but your top priority is to see the majestic princess alive and safe. She snaps back, insulted at your wishes.

"And why...why do YOU care if I get out of here? You're going to die anyway?" She grabs you with her magical aura as she stares hatred into your eyes.

"Because..." you finally bear your true feelings, "because, Ah love you!"

The Princess drops you as she takes a step back in disbelief. You continue with your confession.

"And it is YOU I love, not 'The Princess' or because you're an Alicorn, Ah love the kind pony who cares for ALL her friends. The one who will sacrifice herself, to do whatever is needed of her just take make everypony happy. I love the gentle soul who is proud for her ponies and all their accomplishments, no matter how small. THAT is why you must get out of here!"

The tears begin to form in Celestia's eyes as her true self starts to reemerge. She begins to kneel, weakened from the battle waging in her own head. The true Celestia starts to take control again as the cavern continues to collapse. Giant boulders now fall all around the two of you while you hope she finally comes to her senses and teleports herself to safety.

You see a smile start to form on her mouth as she gazes back at you. She stands back up while you realize the true mind of your love has finally returned. She takes a step toward you, only to recoil as a loud CRACK startles the both of you. After looking up to identify the cause, you find, to your horror, a boulder emerging from out of the darkness and falling straight down toward Celestia. Without hesitation, you gather all your remaining strength and hurl your battered body toward the Alicorn. She screams in horror as the large stone rushes toward her. You push her out of the way just in time. The last thing you remember is a loud CRASH with an accompanying scream and a sharp pain before your world instantly darkens to black.

At What Cost?

You are Princess Celestia

"He's alive..." Applejack tells you, "his wounds will heal; he will be as strong and functional as he ever was". Her unenthused tone fails to hide her grief, "Mentally, however, he's gone...and he might never come back".

You've lived the nightmare over and over again in your head for the past few days. The event itself seems like a dream, like you were witnessing it through somepony else's eyes but had no control over your actions. You saw Discord take Flash into another realm as the cave collapsed around you. Mac pleaded for you to leave as you thrashed about inconsolably. You finally regained your senses long enough for him to confess his love for you before a large boulder crashed down from the ceiling. Before you moved, you felt two strong punches to your chest as Big Mac shoved you out of the way to take the blow himself. You screamed in terror as the rubble covered him under an avalanche of stones. Once you fully took control of your actions, you used your magic to sift through the debris and find the battered stallion unconscious and gravely wounded. You retrieved him and teleported out, making all haste to the closest medical facility.

Now you sit around the dining table back at Sweet Apple Acres. Granny Smith and Applejack surround you while Apple Bloom would stay with Sweetie Belle so as not to see her brother in his current condition. He has just been released from the hospital today and his return was accompanied with scores of flowers, love letters and thank-you notes from the ponies he'd helped. A makeshift vigil even decorates the front entrance to the farm. Dozens asked the Apple family on his condition and if they could see the recovering hero, but what he needs now is time alone to rest. Being The Princess, you were allowed special access to visit the house.

"Is it all right if I see him?" you ask.

Both mares look at each other. You sense this is an idea they'd prefer to decline, but, being The Princess, they feel it improper to refuse you. Still, they must think about what is best for Big Mac.

"Ohh, sorry dearie," Granny Smith apologizes, "I dunno if Mac is fit fer seein' royalty right now".

"Yeah," Applejack adds, "he seemed real nervous-like when he first saw us. It was like he did'un recognize us! I aint sure how he's gonna react with The Princess!"

"I...understand," you lower your head in disappointment. Since his confession, all you've wanted to do is to see him again; he has awoken feelings inside you long forgotten. But that stallion is gone now, all that remains is an empty husk. And yet, you want to see what is left of him, just to make sure he is happy. Being the wise old mare, Granny Smith can sense your frustrations.

"Tell you what, let's just try and see what happens!" she jumps from off the chair.

Applejack looks back with a look of worried confusion. "You sure 'bout that Granny? We don't want to upset 'im anymore. We gotta think about what's best for-"

"YES, AH'M SURE!" Granny abruptly snaps. Her eyes swell with tears as she can no longer contain the grief within her. "It's better than not doin' nuthin an' hopin' fer the best! Besides, I'm tired of losing children! Ah've suffered enough when yer parents left us, I'M NOT LOSING HIM TOO!" She starts crying uncontrollably. Even Applejack seems stunned as she has never seen her grandmother cry. She approaches the grieving matriarch to offer a consoling hug.

"It's alright," Applejack comforts the green mare, "let's go see him". She looks over to you, "you can come too. Just...be gentle".

Big Mac sits under an apple tree, the red apples dangle above just out of reach. He obviously wants one, yet has no idea on how to acquire the tasty treat. Granny Smith already starts to cry seeing the confusion in his face while trying to figure out how to do something he has done his entire life. Applejack joins her, if only on the inside. Bandages wrap themselves around his head to further demonstrate how his mind has become a blank slate. He circles the tree, constantly staring at the lowest, most ripe apple. He makes a few ineffective attempts to jump for it before conceding at sitting back down to stare longingly at the unattainable fruit.

The pathetic display is too much for his family to bear as they turn away. Granny Smith grants you permission, "you can go see him, but Ah just can't see 'im like this!" She makes her way back into the farmhouse. Applejack rests a hoof on you in reassurance while you start to tear up as well.

"Ok, sugarcube, just take it nice and slow."

You approach the silent stallion, his attention still on the red orb above him. You creep up to within a few feet and he still does not notice you. Each step seems an eternity as this will be the first time he sees you since that horrible incident. Will he remember you? Does he still love you? Will that love bring him back? Your heart will not stop racing in anticipation.

Hearing your approaching steps, he finally turns to see the massive Alicorn nearly standing over him. His eyes widen, though you don't know if it's in realization or fear. He seems to do nothing for a few moments. You reach out a hoof to formally greet the newest hero of Equestria. Before you say your first word, he finally gives you a reaction.

Big McIntosh recoils and sinks to the ground, trembling at the sight of this imposing figure above him. It is painfully clear: he does not remember you! He covers his eyes, panicked and mortified of the unknown creature hovering over him. His fear pierces your heart more painfully than any spear could. You retract your foreleg to ease his fears, but he remains on the ground, trembling with terror as his hooves still cover his eyes.

You decide to offer him a present: the apple he had failed to acquire. Your horn glows while you attempt to retrieve the ripe fruit. The glow emitted frightens him even further. You feel foolish as you figure this is his first time witnessing magic since the incident.

You decide a more direct approach. Maybe if you hit the tree, he might remember how to Applebuck. He stares at you, still in fear, as you raise your hoof and strike the tree. The delicious apple falls beside him, only he ignores it and flinches back a few feet away from the sudden THWACK! Again, you feel foolish. He's already terrified, then I make a sudden and loud noise! Brilliant!

You pick up the apple and present it to him as a peace offering. As you outstretch your foreleg, it's painfully obvious he wants no part of it. He leaps from off the ground to hide behind the tree and use it for cover. His wide eyes and still trembling body is too much to bear, you start to audibly sob as you can no longer control yourself.

You turn back and drag your hooves on your way back to Applejack. If you weren't so emotional, you would notice that...she is crying too; actual, tangible tears! Tough as she may be, the sight of her brother in this state is more than she could handle. He was always so strong, so stoic, so in control. But now he is gone, and whatever is left is not him; an insult to his memory. She approaches and hugs you as the two of you share an emotional despairing embrace.

After a few moments and tears, Applejack requests that it's time to leave him be. "Ah'm sorry Princess, but Ah think it'd be best if we leave him fer now."

"I understand," you reply, "will you let me know if he gets better?"

"Princess," she obviously looks uncomfortable as she figures out a way to put it delicately, "Ah think it'd be best if you don't see him...ever."

Your heart rips again as the earth pony uses her special gift: telling it like it is with brutal honesty. Foolishly, you ask why.

"Look at him, Princess!" she points to Mac, now eating the apple. He is eating it from the bottom, including the core, as he can not remember even how to do that. "He's just not there! Whatever you want to see...gone! Fer-EVER! It's clear this is terrified of you. Please! Just leave him to us! We'll make sure he's comfortable." A tear starts falling from her eye again.

You say nothing more. You know, in your heart, that she is correct. He is gone. The best thing for him would be to remain alone with his family. If and when he recovers, then maybe he can start over again. However, his memories and love of you are irretrievable. It would also be easiest for you to never see him as well. You reflect on this while slowly plodding away from the dreary scene. You can't bring yourself to bid Applejack farewell before you take to the sky, away from Sweet Apple Acres.

You rest on a cloud overlooking Ponyville. All seems to have returned to normal, except that half the town is still in love with a pony who no longer exists. How will they respond to the fact that their love is no longer among them? Will they move on? Will they go back to their special somepony? Will Mac emerge as a completely new pony? Will HE find love? So many questions, and every one of them can be said about you as well.

You find yourself not wanting to move on. Not yet. You still haven't even had the chance to say good-bye! But you saw his reaction, he is terrified of you. How can you wish him farewell without him panicking at the sight of you?

You'd hate to do it, but you must use your magic to calm him long enough to give you the moment you need. Within the hour, you will head back to Sweet Apple Acres and hope he is still sitting alone. For now you just sit and think on what you need to say.

It is now around sunset. Apple Bloom is still with her friends and Granny Smith should already be asleep. You convince Twilight Sparkle to call Applejack away from the farm, if only for a few moments, so you could have the privacy you need. As you approach, you find Big Mac on top of the same hill where you found him to originally ask for his help.

Mac still has the bandages and a confused look on his face as he circles the lone apple tree in pursuit of another sweet treat. This time, he must have taken notice of how you acquired the previous apple as he attempt to knock another down. He turns to face away from the tree and kicks backward, hoping the impact will send one down.

It appears as if...no, it can't be! Is he trying to Applebuck?

He misses the tree and falls back in a futile attempt. He picks himself back up and raises both hind legs in another attempt. Again, another miss. Even if he has the muscle memory, the mental connections were just not there. The pursuit distracts him long enough for you to land without him noticing.

When he finally does notice, he once again cowers at the imposing presence of a larger Alicorn Princess. You use your magic to envelope him in a calming spell. You hate using magic on other ponies without their permission, but you need this moment for closure. Trapped and somewhat sedated, you approach him to say what you needed to say. You sit beside him as you face toward your sunset.

"This really is a beautiful spot," you comment on the view, hoping to put him at ease. In truth, you don't know if he can even understand you, but you need to do this for yourself. "I can see why it is your favorite...it was your favorite. I don't know if any of you is still in there or if I'm talking to a completely different pony, but I remember what you said before...this happened. I just wanted you to know, that I love you too! I will always love you, even if you are gone forever. I've waited for you for a thousand years only to lose you in the moment I truly found you. How cruel life can be! You will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of Equestria. I..." you find yourself choking up while you finish your last words to him. "...I just want to say: thank you, my McIntosh!"

He does not resist as you embrace the red stallion. You can no longer hold back the tears as you give him the first and last kiss the two of you will share. You hold the embrace as long as you can before acknowledging it is time to leave. He looks into your eyes with a confused look on his face, as if he does not know what just happened or what to do next.

"..."

He appears as if he tries to speak, but what words, if any, will he say? Will these be the first words of a new pony or is there hope he will remember?

"E...Eeyup!"

The Fate of Flash Sentry

You are Flash Sentry, the pony.

A FARMER!

You have just been defeated by a lowly, peasant farmer! You were just about to go for the kill when he somehow kicked you hard enough to remove the Necklace Of Pure Evil, which now lies at the bottom of a collapsed cave. Without its magical protection, Discord was able to finally locate you and exact his revenge by transporting you across dimensions to some unknown planet.

You open your eyes and the first thing you see is the color green, so much green. As you stagger to your feet, you look around to find yourself in the middle of a dense jungle. It was then you noticed...you stood up on your feet! You take a quick look down only to see you are no longer a pony! You gaze at your hands and finally realize you are a human, like the form you had when you took Sunset Shimmer.

Once the sudden panic wore off, you took a moment to observe your surroundings in greater detail. You circle only to see nothing but virgin foliage. When you circle back, you notice another human leaning against a tree, a triumphant smirk on his face. You do not recognize him as he appeared a middle-aged, fair-skinned man with dark hair, black pants, shoes, and a black and red uniformed coat. You want to demand this stranger tell you where you are, but the fear and confusion mutes you as you find his demeanor...unsettling. You figure you might try diplomacy first to inquire as to your predicament. When the man finally speaks, you recognize the voice!

"You know, in my countless millennia as an immortal, I find there are only a few things which I like more than chaos: Fluttershy, Friendship, and Poetic Justice!"

It's clearly Discord! What sorcery has allowed him to bring you here? The smirk changes to a full grin as he clearly has chosen a suitable punishment for stealing his beloved Fluttershy. He takes a few steps toward you, while you attempt backing away only to be stopped by the nearest tree. He stands nose to nose when he gladly reveals his intention.

"Don't worry so much; you'll love it here! You're going to have the harem you so desperately desire! There are countless women on this planet and no other men you have to compete with! Why, you'll practically die with pleasure!"

The way he says "die" should have raised some flags, but you're too giddy from the thought of having an entire PLANET as your own personal harem! You now want to hoof-bump Discord for allowing your ultimate fantasy to come true. Finally, some reward for the Great Flash Sentry! "DisQord" chuckles at your ignorance before making his exit to see his beloved Fluttershy once more.

"Au revoir, Mon Petit Poney!" he snaps his fingers and disappears in a sudden white flash.

You continue dancing in place when a soft, but sudden boom catches your attention. A second, louder rumble follows. Then a third, fourth, and so on, each louder than the last. Something is coming your way, something BIG! You look around and find a giant boulder to hide behind. Did Discord lie? He promised women, not monsters! You cower behind the stone when the creature approaches.

"Me thought me hear something! Hear 'nuther voice of puny man!"

You peek around the boulder and see three giant Amazons. One dark skinned, one fair with blonde hair. The leader wore a fur bikini made from a leopard-like cat and had a blue Mohawk. The three looked around for a bit, clearing the foliage with their great clubs. For giant monster women, they're not bad looking, you think. You decide to make your greeting as they will surely make you their leader and planetary sex-god.

"Well hello! I usually don't say this, but you are the most beautiful trio of gigantic ladies I have ever laid eyes on!"

Ah yes, the ol' Zapp Flash charm! Just one more pick-up line and they're yours forever!

"I find the most erotic part of a woman in the boo-AAHHHHH!"

The leader grabs you by the head and drags you away. She is no doubt trying to claim you as her own, but you must pace yourself, for you have to score with the rest of the planet.

Unfortunately, she appears angry as she drags you.

"Hmm... I like 'em feisty! Nnnyaaahhh!!" you try to play along but she drags you a little too rough.

"Me find puny man again! Only one thing do:"

Your final emotions conflict as she informs you of your ultimate fate.

"DEATH BY SNOO-SNOO!"