TS&F: S1, Ep5: A Sunset to Remember

by Ursulus Bright

Rating: everyone
Tags: Random, Slice of Life, Crossover, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Flash Sentry
Length: 18386

Ah. The Sunset Celebration. Commemorating the First Days of Autumn for the ponies of Our Town. One that our friends will surely, forever cherish.

Of course, much is to be expected of our familiar mares and dragon. A great deal of responsibilities, obligations and tasks can take their toll. So, after being rescued by Starlight, Thorax, Discord and Trixie from Chrysalis, they all decided it best to recover from the experience by joining in the Sunset Celebration of Starlight's former town of residence. What any of them might gather from this jubilee is yet to be seen.

Good times to be made. Old friends to revisit, new ones to make, and a bit of both for one in particular. These ponies will have quite another time of their lives.

A story that runs tangential with The Mark of a Spider.

Published 2017-08-24 19:50:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-10-21 18:22:30 UTC

Prologue

Dear Spider Bite and Gabby,

We heard you have been in the Castle while we were gone, and duly appreciate your vigilant presence there during our absence. I imagine you may have been greatly troubled by now, and even more greatly disturbed, if the news of recent events has reached the Ponyville Express already. But rest assured, we are all perfectly safe and well, many thanks to Starlight Glimmer, Discord, Thorax and Trixie. If not for their valiant efforts to rescue us, Chrysalis and the Changelings would have successfully ruled Equestria without anypony's notice. Chrysalis has been overthrown, and now Thorax governs his fellow Changelings. Chrysalis, however, still managed to escape, leaving no trail or clue to her current whereabouts behind. Therefore, I ask that you two please remain in the Tree Palace, until our return. We will explain everything, in further detail. Many Thanks.
Your Friend,

Twilight Sparkle

Having completed the written parchment dictated for her, she watched on to see her number one assistant send it bursting into bright, green flames.

"Thank you, Spike." Then looking up to her friends, Twilight happily spoke, "Now that they have been informed, we can return to the festivities."

"Did'cha tell 'em what happened, and why we were gone," said Applejack.

"Yep," Twilight nodded.

"And you did inform them of Chrysalis' escape, asking them to remain at the castle," Rarity inquired.

"I did."

"And you did tell them where we were, and how long we'll be gone, right," said Rainbow with a tilted brow. All observed her response, after hearing what she had written aloud.

"Yes, I- oh." She flattened her ears in realization as well, as her intended purpose was not fully actualized. "No. I just told them to keep an eye on things until we returned. I can't believe I let something like that slip past me."

"It's okay, Twilight," Fluttershy softly offered, "I think it's really hard to keep track of certain things, right now." She then shuddered, as she added, "Especially after what we've all just been through."

"Yeah, no kidding," sharply exclaimed Pinkie, "After being foalnapped by a bunch of Changelings, along with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and Cadence, Shining Armor and Flurry Heart, and hanging upside down in some icky, gooey green cocoon thingies, it's no wonder our brains are a little bit hizzy-dizzy!"

"Yep," nodded the orange farm mare, "It's sure been quite the hazy time tryin' tah get back our bearings."

"Which is precisely why Starlight offered this opportunity to share in this Sunset Celebration with her," added the white Unicorn. "And I say that is precisely what we should do, from here on out."

"I agree," said the yellow Pegasus lightly, "You can always let them know where we are in another letter, later. Or tell them, when we get back."

"Just be sure not to forget again," Rainbow Dash smirked, prompting the lavender alicorn to chuckle.

"You're right," she nodded, "So long as I just remind myself to do so, I shouldn't have to worry too much. Now's the time to relax and spend some time recovering with friends."

"Absotutlefabulively," the rosy Earth Pony beamed, starting to dig into the tray of delicacies on their table, "So less talking, and more funnying!"

"Heh, took the words right out of my mouth, Pinkie Pie. Sort of." Although she could not agree more with what has been exchanged among her friends, Rainbow still felt a slight tinge of animosity for what happened. Of course, everypony present was caught off-guard, and there was no way for anypony to place fault onto each other, even themselves. However, Dash was sorely tempted to give herself a means of exerting her own sense of regret, as she was sure others like Twilight and Applejack might have. Perhaps not Rarity and Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie might not go that way, either. But, for now, all she could do was simply accept this as it was, and carry on for the day, until there is an opportunity to address such an issue. After all, they can accomplish and tackle any problem that comes their path. What could possibly go wrong now? Shrugging out the anxiety within, the light blue mare hovered to the food next to her friends, joining them in the festivities. She then heard an "AAAHHH!" and a squeeeee coming their way. It was all while a blue and purple blur and Discord, atop a winged pig each, rushed past the group. They all observed this spectacle unfold, with great confusion. "Somepony's really going to have to catch us up on what we missed."

Chapter One

"Here comes the big bear!" With a playfully ferocious roar, Twilight took to the skies in pursuit of her airborne niece. The rosy, Alicorn foal continued to shout and scream so laughingly, as both aunt and mother princesses playfully chased her across the town. Once Cadence rounded the corner behind little Flurry, knowing Twilight would continue to tail her daughter, she hastened to tilt her wings and glide, so as to intercept her.

She was more than anticipating the bewildered gasp from Flurry Heart the moment they were in sight of each other. She was about to wrap her winged filly into a tight hug with her forelegs. Zooming most rapidly from her innermost Pegasus nature, Cadence reached out with such speed, and so wide a smile, that she was unable to adjust and evade the next thing that happened. All of the sudden, Flurry popped out of her flight path, in a golden flash of light. In that very instant, Cadence found herself smack into Twilight's own trajectory.

Spiraling downward, the two mares were unable to counter their loss of flight. It seemed as though they were to skid onto the main road with an incredibly bad crash, but a bright crimson and light blue glow surrounding them prevented that. It placed them into a sudden halt mere breadths away from the solid ground, then gracefully allowed them to touch it with their hooves, once they separated.

"Wabv'wah-fee!" Looking up, they saw their small, laughing playmate descend towards them in a hover. Joining in Flurry's laughter, Cadence retrieved her with the blue aura of her horn, then used her hooves to embrace her daughter, as intended. After dimming her horn, Twilight followed suit, wrapping both forelegs and wings to enwrap the most recent additions to her family. "Eeh-eh'wey."

"Wow, Cadence," joyfully remarked the lavender Alicorn, "She's attained a better grasp of her magic more quickly than anticipated."

"I know," nodded the rosy mare in kind, "Took us and Sunburst by surprise, at first. But we were able to keep up with that more easily now."

After sharing a brief chuckle between themselves, Cadence then continued to hold Flurry tenderly, as she added, "Speaking of which, how's your newest Friendship student coming along?"

"Very well, all things considered," answered Twilight warmly, "He's been more than readily able to pick up on every lesson taught. So quickly in fact, we agreed to do more reviews and pace ourselves, just in case Spider Bite was excelling way too much." It was then Cadence gave her a turn in holding the little filly. "As for the Friendship lessons, he's been breaking almost every expectation. Unlike Starlight he's been more than eager to get engaged with others. Open to learn new things from others. Or, well, to a certain extent. Found several jobs to help out with the ponies in town. Always stopping to see how everypony's doing. He doesn't call himself 'Friendly Neighborhood' for nothing. Albeit in excess."

"All things considered," Cadence echoed with raised brow, "To a certain extent?"

"Well, you see, like Starlight, he's not entirely open about himself, which, of course we're well aware of. But there's also that keen sense of awareness he possesses that makes him seem all the more...more..."

"Paranoid?"

"I was actually going for apprehensive," she chuckled awkwardly, "But yeah, that works too, I guess. Always seems to be as careful as possible about telling us more of himself. Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy each made a point about that."

"That reminds me," Cadence frowned slightly, "Shining had to return to the Crystal Empire and make sure no further damage has been done. Hopefully the generals and Crystal Guard are both well intact, still. Also learning as much about the Changelings' infiltration as he can."

"Which is why we, ourselves, must depart also." The mares and filly turned to see their fellow regents approach them. After warmly greeting each other, Luna continued, "As much we would relish in partaking the rest of this Sunset Festival entirely, we should return to Canterlot, and investigate the means and method of Chrysalis' incursion."

"Also, like Shining Armor," Celestia said, "We must ensure no other rogue Changelings have remained there. Thorax also asked us to transport those still trapped in the castle ruins to him. It would allow him to reach out to them, and not Chrysalis."

She then turned to her former star pupil, now downtrodden, bringing a hoof under Twilight's chin. "Be sure not to place any blame upon yourself either, Twilight. Not just yet, at least. We will have the answers we seek, and find the truth of the matter. And even if such a notion were true for any of us, we must always learn from this, and not dwell on it. Such an act of fear is most disruptive towards the bonds of Friendship."

"Thank you, Celestia," she smiled back, "I won't let you down."

"Just be sure to enjoy as much of the festival possible, as well."

"Indeed," said Luna, "It is good to be vigilant, but also important not to spoil such merriment and fellowship with paranoia."

At that, the Royal Sisters of the Moon and Sun ignited their horns of night blue and gold, teleporting themselves back to their domain. Just then, the two mares noticed another shine of light from nearby. Turning to face the source, they noticed the shape and frame of a stallion, whose orange hide and wings made themselves visible from the fading flash. Princess Cadence approached the Pegasus, lowly saying, "All who seek love know well."

"To do so graciously, and peacefully," he responded in kind.

"Who was the last suitor of the Crystal Princess?"

"The last one ever, or the last before the Crystal Prince?"

"The latter."

"Misty Glint."

"Hello, Captain Sentry," Cadence then warmly, but quietly greeted her most loyal guardspony, sent by her husband.

"Thank you, Princess," Flash Sentry nodded in whisper, "Or given my civilian outlook, would you prefer a more passive form of address?"

Catching the sarcasm in his question, she answered, "Just so long as you pass along as another bystander in the crowds, either is fine."

"It's great to meet another Princess visiting Our Town," said Sentry with a bow, as both then shook hooves cordially, as though this were their first meeting.

Then Cadence raised a hoof toward the calming Twilight that approached them, "And you've already been introduced to Princess Twilight Sparkle, of course."

"She came here before, not too long ago. Helped us out, back when Starlight Glimmer used to run things."

"Obfv-ghah!" Catching the squirming foal that flew out of her sister-in-law's hooves, she watched Twilight maintain an even demeanor, as she took his hoof to shake also. "It's nice to see you again, Mister Sentry, as with all your compatriots in Our Town."

"Maybe you'd like me to introduce you both to some of my own friends," said Flash.

"That would be very nice, thank you," said the rose-coated Princess, her baby now placed on her back.

"I'm guessing Party Favor's a riot, as usual," smirked the Pegasus.

"Why don't we go find out for ourselves," the lavender mare smiled back, then giggled, "I'm sure Pinkie Pie's already joining him."

The four ponies then left the vacant alleyway they had been in, and joined the rest of the ponies who have carried on the joy and mirth that prepared for the grand spectacle to come. Glad to know an additional, fresh set of eyes came by to watch the activities about them, Cadence felt much calmer about this entire endeavor than before. Although she would prefer to have Shining around to help with that greatly, as he always has done, she understood the gravity of the situation, as well as Shining's loving care to send somepony undercover in his stead.

As promised, he did so in providing them their most devoted and vigilant captain in the Crystal-Equestrian joint forces, after properly screening and debriefing him. Along with the personal sign and countersign she personally set up with him, he also got some background on the town and its inhabitants, to maintain his cover from any suspicious characters. When it came to what mattered most, the safety and happiness of his family, Cadence knew her husband would never let her down. It was as if he were still here. With her, and their baby.

"Now, lemme see if I got y'all straight." Starlight stood beside Applejack, and listened to her conversing with the townsponies, Sugar Belle, Night Glider, Double Diamond and Party Favor. "This here Sunset Celebration is meant to kick-off the first sunset in the falltime?"

"Oh, yes," warmly nodded the magenta Unicorn mare, "Every year, on the Autumnal Equinox, we celebrate the beginning of the season."

"When the days aren't too hot, and the breeze starts to cool everypony down," added the white Earth Pony stallion, emphasizing the word "cool". Understanding the environment they have settled in, AJ shook her head in understanding.

"The reason this town was founded here, supposedly in the middle of nowhere," the light purple Unicorn told her farmpony friend, "Was the fact that a deep pool of water lies further into the cave close by. It provides ponies with the best-tasting water that's also great for farming."

Starlight Glimmer continued on her extensive lecture on how the snowmelt from the mountains nearby flowed downward through the tunnel systems, and into the cave, catching the minerals that make it so refreshing. However, she was gradually being tuned out, as they all carried on with the baking contest they partook in. Applejack felt one such informative mare was enough for her ears to handle. It was at that time the orange Earth Pony turned to the light blue Unicorn stallion with familiar, puffy mane and tail to comment thus, "Recon yur the town's big party planner, ain'tcha?"

"You bet," exclaimed Party Favor. "We spend the whole, long week getting ready for autumn to start. And when it does, that's when all the harvesting can begin. The fact that we celebrate that with a party makes it a whole, lot more fun to look forward to."

"We got somethin' akin tah that, down in Ponyville," she said, "S'called the Runnin' o'the Leaves. We start fall ourselves, by runnin' through the glade o'trees to have their orange, yelluh and brown leaves come and fall on down."

"Sweet," Double Diamond remarked.

"And then comes the apple harvest," she continued, "When we start buckin' apples in our tree farm tah make our best pies, fritters, jams that ever been made in Equestria. But that ain't even the best part."

"And what's that," asked the dark blue Pegasus mare.

"We Apples make the best apple cider there is, anywhere."

"It sounds like those are great and amazing apples," Sugar Belle stated with engrossed excitement, "I would love to try some of those for my own recipes, if you don't mind sharing."

"Well, 'course not," she answered her plainly, "Shoot, wouldn't be callin' myself an Apple, if Ah ever said no in bringin' our best to new friends and acquaintances tah try. Ah'll have my brother Big Mac come up to deliver yah some, real soon here."

"That'd be nice. Thank you very much, Applejack."

He hustled down the street, as quickly as his clawed feet could carry him. Striving to do his best in keeping up, Spike rushed past the numerous ponies celebrating the festival with one pony in particular in sight. The white Unicorn mare was trotting elegantly with such graceful enthusiasm, as he watched her heading to the wooden stand she intended to reach.

"Hurry along, wouldn't you, Spike," she called back to him, "No time to doddle. I must see the local seamstress in providing my input in the decorations, as well as arranged some of my designs to reach here for display. Always know when an opportunity arises to expand business."

"Absolutely, Rarity," Spike beamed in reply, "I can't wait to see what you do for the decorations here. As always."

"Thank you, dear Spike," Rarity said, "Although I mustn't worry about that too much. I know this celebration is definitely enjoyable, regardless. The various games and activities are quite entertaining and thrilling, I'm sure. This settlement does have such a natural resonance and feel on its own, also."

The young Dragon could not help himself in thinking how amazing she proves herself to be the perfect mare, time and time again. However many times he offered his appraisal of her, it would seem that while Rarity did relish in it, the next instant she strove to be even more gracious and thoughtful to others around her. All the little youth could do in exchange for such a charismatic effect on him was to do all that he can to aid in her endeavors, whether it be carrying things for her, or even bringing to her the simplest gem that might fascinate her for designing some dress. The gleam in her eyes. So full of passion, conviction and excitement in everything she does, especially in receiving his small gestures of kindness. They were brighter and far more enchanting than any appetizing diamond and jewel in Equestria, and beyond.

"Rarity! Spike!" The lively announcement of their chaotic friend interrupted Spike's grand, yet distracting trail of thought, as well as Rarity's chance to converse with the local shopkeepers she planned on meeting.

"Discord," said the white mare flatly, "As usual, your antics and unexpected surprises continue to baffle me."

"I knew I can always count on you for such praise, Miss Rarity. Thank you," the single-fanged malady responded with a full bow, "I have just made a pact with Miss Trixie in my assistance in her act for the festival, today."

"Trixie said she'll take it into consideration!" The blue Unicorn, still sky-bound, called down from her flying pig. Shrugging off the unruly shout from above, he continued to the eyeing pair before him.

"Anyway, as I was saying. Trixie was too modest to ask for any help in setting the stage and props and decorations for her debut inâ€¦Our Town, as it's so quaintly called. Frankly, I think 'Starlight's old village' is more preferable." He said this, as quotation marks began to float in the air.

"Just what do you have in mind, darling," Rarity cordially tried to keep the topic in focus.

"Well," he beamed in reply, vanishing then reappearing in a top hat, cane and stage suit, "Given your designing prowess, Rarity, alongside Princess Twilight's quote-unquote Number One Assistant, I think we can definitely get this show as high off the ground as the star, herself!"

"Just no more flying pigs, PLEASE! Ah!" Upon hearing her scream, they looked up once more to see the winged swine vanish at the snap of Discord's digits. Before she could even get near to the ground in her descent, the mare found herself landing into the very hat removed from Discord's head. With a flick of the wrist, and twirl of the spinning paw, the draconic multi-bred pulled out an even larger hat, from which erupted an entire flock of soaring pigs. The last one to fly out having Trixie clutching onto it for dear life. "AAAAHHHHH!"

"As I said," he stated brightly, "Your wish is my command." Snap.

No more winged pigs. No longer airborne. No more rambunctious shenanigans. Just a quivering Trixie cuddled into a ball, waiting for whatever may come next.

"Why don't you simply have everything set up in a flash," asked Rarity, "And where's Fluttershy?"

"I believe she decided to meander with Pinkie Pie today," he answered her, "That is, that was her plan, as soon as she could find her. As for the 'setting up', I'm afraid I don't know the first thing about show business. Bit of a shock to hear, I know. Believe me. So I thought your area of expertise, and Trixie's slightly above average vision would prove to be most helpful."

"And with your wild imagination," muttered Spike, "What could possibly go wrong?"

"Exactly," he exclaimed, ignorant of the sarcasm, "And it would make for the perfect opportunity to show off your stuff to the ponies here, Rarity!"

Gliding ever so swiftly past them, Rainbow Dash zipped by, from one activity to the next, looking around to find something new and exciting for her to try out. As much as she found the entire experience a great time, so full of laughs and treats, she had yet to find the very thing that could be as totally awesome as her to completely show enthusiasm. It seemed that nothing could get her mind off of the very reason they came here to relax and have fun.

It was not so much the small pang of guilt she had earlier, for she heard Princesses Celestia and Luna mention to Twilight not to dwell on that. No, there was something else. Something that could not quite evade her heightened, Pegasus awareness. Scanning her surroundings another time, she came upon the sight of an orange, winged stallion. His blue mane and eyes, along with the blue-checkered shield and yellow bolt for a mark seemed oddly familiar to her. It was almost as though she had seen that pony someplace else than Our Town. So, she decided to dive down toward the edge of the crowds where he was, and hang out with him.

Chapter Two

Twilight saw no reason to keep this to herself any longer. She had resolved to open up to her about this in Manehatten, with the help of a newfound, good friend that reminded her of Sunset Shimmer in many respects. It was decided now would be as appropriate a time to do so as any. So, that was precisely what she has been doing: discussing with her sister-in-spirit, Cadence, about her dilemma. They had been darting across town and chasing with Flurry Heart, whose wings and short hooves now began to move about more tiredly than before. It was when they took the filly to the side, where she would be nursed and checked for a changing that Twilight discussed it with her.

"I've got to say," Cadence said, as she placed her giggling and yawning daughter onto her back, "I suspected something was initiated after bumping into him, but never expected anything this serious, or complex."

"Which is why I chose it best to bring this up, now," Twilight responded, recalling her return from that world in the mirror, after her first experience, as well as the nature in meeting both of them. She began to casually rest her haunches and wings now, as Cadence lied down completely. They allowed time for themselves to recuperate from their playdate with the pink, little Alicorn, who still had a bit of energy left to try and catch a fluttering moth that landed nearby. "I mean, considering my role and responsibilities here in our world, as well as the prospect of his own life and world to take into account, I don't see how it could ever have worked between us."

"I remember having a similar relationship, before I even met you and Shining. It was just after I became an Alicorn Princess. When it happened, we both knew it had to end between us. Not because of my new title and position, but because we now had to part ways, with totally different paths in life. We simply had to move on." The sympathy was deeply appreciated and acknowledged by the young mare, after Twilight shared a somber nod with her sister-in-law.

"Then having to encounter somepony just like Flash in certain areas," the Crystal Princess continued, "but also one who's completely different altogether, uncomfortable would definitely be an understatement."

"Agreed," Twilight nodded, "But that doesn't mean I shouldn't befriend this one, in some way. Everypony deserves that kind of opportunity, at least. But, at the same time, I'm not sure how to convey the right message to him. How do I ask him to be my friend, and not make him think I'm trying to open up a possible relationship with him, while also not trying to rekindle something he and I technically never had, in the first place?"

Both princesses then took a brief pause between themselves, so as to allow for their exchange to sink in. The rosy mare knew how Twilight could become so easily agitated, whenever something unexpected and uncomfortable came up, certain things did not happen according to plan, or even simply an assignment not complete, or not finished to her liking. It was then that Cadence appeared to have something of a response in mind.

"Well, also take this into account. The other Flash Sentry is no longer your only interdimensional acquaintance."

Recognizing that her latest Friendship student has been mentioned again, Twilight lifted her eyes to face the closest and deepest pony she has to a sister, and spoke in the affirmative. "Yes, that's true."

"And you made friends with him alongside the rest of your companions, all at once. Including Spike."

"Yes," she sharply responded with a renewed smile, "And having Captain Sentry seeing us all together to properly make introductions with him, the same way that we did for Spider Bite, it would definitely carry out the appropriate message of making a new friend that has minimal implications, if any at all!"

"Giving each of you the equal opportunity to share correspondence with Captain Sentry, without making any chance for something exclusive to develop as much as possible. Only if the right opportunity arises, of course, when you both want to start something special, at once."

"Exactly!" She was so elated with rejuvenating enthusiasm, that Twilight was completely oblivious to Cadence's teasing, final statement. "It's the most perfect, simplest solution to the most difficult, extremely complex conundrum!"

She was also unaware of the jolted Flurry due to her outburst, who started to rub her flickering eyes, and was becoming alert to some other kind of activity that was about to occur. The Alicorn mare had jumped up onto all fours, violet eyes alight with great vigor, and wings outstretched, as she began to dart throughout the village and start the first phase of her plan. "Come on, Cadence! We better start looking for our friends, and get them all together, first! And I know just the Pegasus fast enough to help with that!"

She knew fully well to allow her sister's, in all but blood, newfound energy to carry out its due course, as had always been the case in foalsitting her. Cadence shook her head in amusement, as she soothed her infant filly to begin her nap again. After that, the pink mare casually rose from the ground, and caught up to Twilight. Her gentle, yet brisk pace allowed for Flurry Heart to rest peacefully, with a few coos and guhs muttered along the way.

He watched the special events and entertainment, alongside the ever-growing excitement continuing to unfold. He was able to grow well acquainted with some of the local townsponies here, enabling him to blend in with them much more nicely. He then was able to excuse himself from all the crowds, choosing to join a few of the activities sparingly. Whenever he did so, it was to give himself enough space, taking as many ample opportunities to stand to the side and assess where everypony was, in relation to the Princess' location. But to avoid becoming inconspicuous, Sentry made himself well engaged with the few ponies he had well met here.

He also took the chance to reflect on the incident involving the Changelings' capture of the Royal Crystal Family. Acknowledging that there was very little else he could have done, Flash still could not resist the impulse to reprimand himself for having such a catastrophe occur during his watch. Despite his best efforts in formulating the proper response to take action, he wondered, more than ever, how the Changelings could have broken through such a secure system. Considering how much the Royal Couple had wanted to prepare for another attempt on them and Equestria, and what the Crystal Ponies had recently, and endlessly endured, he could not fathom what went wrong, or if he was to blame for some derelict of duty.

Knowing he was not to dwell on that much further now, he pressed on with his covert post, and noted the flying, chromatic mare in Princess Twilight's circle, who was coming down on approach to meet him.

"Hey, buddy," she beamed, as her rainbow contrail faded from behind her, "I don't know if we met, or something, but I can't shake this feeling that I've seen you around. I'm Rainbow Dash. The totally awesome, newest member of the Wonder Bolts. I'm not going to ask if you've heard about me. Because everypony should know me, by now."

"Oh, yes," he nodded in reply, "you've definitely got a reputation. Especially among the ponies here, in Our Town."

"Yeah, I know," she huffed with pride, crossing her forelegs into a striking pose. But then she lowered them, and started to hover more closely towards him. "But that's the thing. I flew around here, before. And I don't remember seeing you here, the last time we came. You know, back when Starlight Glimmer came to apologize for being all crazy, and evil-like, and stealing everypony's Cutie Marks."

"Hey!"

"Rainbow Dash!"

"What," she shouted back in shrug at the two mares staring behind her. "I'm just stating a fact, Applejack. And that was kind of evil, what you did, Starlight."

"Anyway," she continued, as the violet Unicorn and orange Earth Pony carried on with an eye roll shared between them, "Like I said, I feel like I know you somehow. Like from somewhere else. Somewhere that's not here."

Hoping not to reveal his cover, until absolutely certain it was safe to do so, the Pegasus Captain relayed his undercover background, just as he had prepared. The best thing about this, was how he managed to incorporate so much of his personal life into it.

"I came here, recently. Got a job that sent me to work in this village, and have been warmly welcomed and acquainted with the ponies here rather quickly." He decided it best to leave out how that occurred just today.

"Never been to Cloudsale, have you?"

"I've got family in Ponyville, who moved from Canterlot. They originally came from Cloudsdale, yes."

"What about you? Cuz I don't remember ever meeting you at the Flight Academy."

"We moved to Canterlot, before I started flying. I went to learn in Canterlot, because I grew up there."

"Okay. I know it can't be Canterlot. Gala, Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding, or anything else there," Miss Dash persisted, "Unless you played in the band, or something."

"I play guitar, every now and then," Flash replied, reminiscing his nights of playing, while unwinding with his fellow cadets, then later soldiers in the barracks. "But no, I've never played for the Grand Galloping, or at the great wedding."

"Ever been to the Crystal Empire, yet?"

"I traveled there by train, once or twice." He recalled both his transfer into the joint forces with the Empire, and the escort when Princess Cadence had gone to visit her sister-in-law in Ponyville. Then the sojourn back, directly after.

"For the Equestria Games, right?"

"I was there for that, yes." His rank made it mandatory to oversee the security, especially in helping ponies out during the incident that occurred near its end.

"Nope," Rainbow shook her head in quizzical thought, "Still not ringing any bells, just yet. What about that family in Ponyville you talked about? Don't I know them?"

"I've got somepony there you're probably familiar with. Always told me all about you, in her letters. She went to Ponyville, while I stayed in Canterlot and did some more flight school, for my new job. She would come visit me as much as possible. The little rascal would always catch me by surprise. But I haven't had the chance to do the same for her, yet. She's been living with my cousin for...similar reasons as he did, when moving to Ponyville."

"Okay," she snapped sharply, "Now I'm starting to see it! You actually remind me of her! Sort of."

"I guess you could see some resemblance between us," he shrugged with a smirk.

"That's actually pretty awesome," the mare beamed in response, "I wondered if she had anypony else around. She just wouldn't say, for some reason."

"It's been awhile, since we last saw each other." The stallion's head sunk down slightly, in remorse. "I really miss her. And I've been doing my best keeping in touch with her. But my job has been having me move around very often, and keeping me away from her. So, I haven't actually seen her in a very long time."

"Man. That bites, pal," she cringed at the news, "Any chance your job can let you go to Ponyville, instead?"

"Not sure," he said thoughtfully, "But it's a very important job. I can't just give it up."

"More important than her?"

"Course not," he shook his head firmly, "Just don't know how to fit the job, which I'm especially talented for, into being with her."

"Yeah," she grimaced, "that really does bite."

"Very good, Spike. Now be a dear, and raise that banner a little bit higher, why don't you."

"You got it, Rarity!" It was nearing the epitome of the Sunset Celebration, when the white mare and young, purple Dragon made improvements on the wagon-turned-stage that belonged to the blue-coated illusionist. The Unicorn in question, whose pink irises began to redden with rage, was having an argument on the side. The arrangements and decorations on the curtains and props continued, despite Trixie and Discord's squabble in how she should make an entrance. The sound of such a sight began to grow with even more intensity, prompting ponies close by to stop whatever they were doing, and observe the raucous commotion.

"The Grrreat and Powerful Trrrixie has no need for an introduction by an assistant, of any kind! Trrrixie doesn't require an assistant of any kind!"

"Then do tell, how does the 'Grrreat and Powerful Trrrixie' intend to have her act improved upon by the Ever Dazzling and Spontaneous Discord?"

"Trixie does not need improvements! Just. Small. Additions. And Discord won't have a billing next to Trrrixie!"

Twilight and Cadence continued down the sole road of Our Town, eyeing the various ponies in the fun and cheer, as well as watching the heated discussion with concern. It escalated ever more highly between the traveling show mare and draconic malady, and it only seemed to worsen. It appeared as though it would never reduce in tension, had Rarity not stopped in her progress, so as to intervene.

"Now, now. Please. Would the pair of you stop your bickering amongst yourselves, before this spoils the entire celebration for all these other ponies?" Seeing how they stopped to view the foolish spectacle they made of themselves, and watched the villagers disperse back to the festivities, Discord and Trixie heard the white Unicorn continue. "Now, if you both don't mind hearing me out, I believe I have the perfect compromise that will benefit your magic act, Trixie, and allow for Discord to have a little fun of his own."

Upon seeing the issue resolved, at least for the time being, they pressed onward, with little Flurry Heart now sound asleep on her mother's back, her head fitting snuggly on the groove of Cadence's heart girth and withers. No level of any sporadic noise could ever disrupt such a peaceful slumber had by the sweet, joyful filly. And the Princesses she had been playing with today continued onto their intended destination, the very moment Twilight spotted the colorful mane and tail of her Pegasus friend.

"There's Rainbow Dash."

"Looks like she's making friends with Flash, already," said the Princess of Love and the Crystal Empire, noting her undercover Captain standing beside her hovering form.

"Which works out to our intended goal perfectly," the lavender Princess gleamed, "Rainbow can quickly find and gather the rest of us right to the very place he's standing, and start to become better acquainted with each one of us. We can make proper introductions to become friends on equal ground, for sure! And you can get Spike and Rarity right now, while I start to make that happen!"

The Princess of Friendship began to pick up her pace into a brisk trot, now sure more than ever how she intended to proceed. In fact, Twilight was well more than eager to carry it out. The fact that she already had a friend there to help reinforce it raised her confidence in this plan's success higher than she could imagine. That is, she was before she started to hear what Dash and Sentry had been saying to one another, prompting her to stop directly where she stood. As Cadence started to make her way towards the assisting pair with Trixie and Discord, the young, Alicorn mare halted and listened intently to what has been said. And what she heard between the two Pegasi unnerved her greatly, purple irises narrowing in shock and terror.

"Look," Rainbow Dash stated, "You miss hanging out with her very, very much right?"

"Of course, I do," Sentry nodded with insistence.

"You really do love her, right? And you really, really, really want to spend more time being with her, right? Make sure she knows how much she matters to you?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then you've got to try," Dash's scratchy voice raised an octave. "You have to find some way to get to Ponyville through your job. Take a vacation, or maybe even find some crazy loophole, for crying out loud! And actually take every chance you get in being. With. Her."

Chapter Three

"I am sure that is all well and good, Cadence, but I'm afraid that'll have to be put on hold, until the sun sets. You see, Spike and I are already on a tight deadline for this particular event, aren't we, darling?"

"Ngyuh. Hah! Huff! Right, Rarity." It was while the rosy Alicorn spoke with the Unicorn mare and adolescent Dragon about properly meeting Flash Sentry that she caught them frantically setting the stage, with great haste. The set pieces and tools of Miss Trixie's trade were placed and stacked to the side, the backstage if one will, when the wagon was converted into as much of an elongated platform as it would allow. Spike had just completed his task of moving the last of the azure show mare's instruments, as Rarity was about to make the final touches of her makeshift costume for Trixie. All the while, it appeared both the draconic multi-bred and blue Unicorn were most unamused by this sudden shift in both of their intended goals, as they seemingly found common ground in moping beside one another, rather than wondering about the sort of compromise Rarity had in mind.

"You see," she told Cadence, "I was inspired by this amazing idea from the hectic hustling about to make this act happen in time. We begin with a fashion show displaying Discord at his best, and the same for Trixie spontaneously, in the most improvised, yet thoroughly presentable attire possible in a last-minute change of plans, so chaotic that it would spark the two to take things from there. It'll be absolutely fabulous! While the ponies of this village are greatly entertained by the pair's antics and illusions, they will also get a brief taste, a preview, of my vision, imagination and creativity, done in the most abrupt, unexpected of situations, making them wonder-"

"Um...Rarity!" Hearing the purple, scaly youth call out to her for sudden aid, and crash-ting from behind, she was immediately caught back into the zone as it were, concentrating on the next piece to her elaborately sporadic puzzle.

"Sorry, darling," she said, quickly moving onwards to Spike. Then speaking back to Cadence, her focus unwavering, she added, "Please, do tell Twilight that we'll be more than happy to join her in that endeavor, as soon as we're finished!"

"Cadence! Cadence! We have a problem! We've got a very big emergency!" The lavender Alicorn in question then rushed towards her sister-in-law, who collectively ensured to sooth Twilight and keep Flurry to rest peacefully.

"This is bad! This is bad! This is really, really, really, really, really bad!"

"Twilight," the pink, winged mare uttered evenly, "Remember what I showed you."

She was fully aware of Twilight's sudden shifts in moods from confident and motivated to insecure and delirious in practically the blink of an eye. As she watched her sisterly friend take slowing, deep breaths, like when she first did in the Crystal Empire, Cadence began to see the purple of her irises gradually returning to their regular size when well collected.

"Now, start from the beginning," she told her, after nuzzling the little filly on her back to keep her from any further disturbances, "What seems to be wrong, this time?"

"Well," Twilight huffed, still trying to collect more air, "I was just on my way over to Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry, when I heard what they were saying. They were talking about Flash wanting to see somepony in Ponyville he missed being with so much, and how much he wanted to show her how much she mattered to him. And it appears Rainbow Dash knew exactly whom he's talking about, and is enthusiastically encouraging him to find a way in doing so. Now, given how he's only stopped by Ponyville twice, the second being his very first to stay there, ever, as well as the times we kept bumping into each other, both before and during, I'm starting to think that they might be referring to me!"

Her escalated pitch in tone, and a return to her unbridled self, may have disrupted a few ponies in their fun and mirth, but thankfully that was the minimum, for Cadence had guided them both to the nearest alleyway, where the least bit of attention could be attained. She still could not resist the urge to think of how she still sees that small, Unicorn filly she looked after all those years ago, chuckling at the prospect.

"Calm down, Twilight," she said then with comfort, "Take a few more breaths. In, and out. In, and out. There. Okay, remember what we said about eavesdropping?"

"That it only gives us a tiny piece of truth," Twilight answered plainly, her vocals mostly restored to normal, "And no pieces of fact."

"Exactly," was Cadence's response, "So, all we have to go on from this, is that Captain Sentry knows someone there, somepony he might be having corresponce already. And it's a pony Rainbow Dash mutually knows, herself. That could mean anypony, from you, your friends, to even a well-known acquaintance you have there."

She allowed time for another repose for her adoptive sister by spirit and marriage, as she watched Twilight begin to recollect her thoughts and calm her senses completely.

"You're right. Of course, we don't have anything further to suggest it. But, what if that were the case?"

"I understand you still have some uncertainties about this," nodded Cadence, "But let me tell you something, if you still want to be a good, true friend to him, don't hesitate to proceed as planned. Regardless if he and Rainbow were talking about you or not, just keep to the original plan of establishing a friendly basis with him first. At least for the time being. And if he opens up to you about that, or doesn't, you just establish with him how you are uninterested in pursuing that form of a relationship, until further notice."

"But how do I go about doing that?"

"Stallions like it simple and to the point," she smirked, "The more sensible and rational ones, anyway. In fact, they can be too forward and direct at times, while also frustratingly locked up at others. Just say to him that you'd like to be his friend, and that he'd be a friend to you and the others as well. So long as that's been firmly established, let the rest handle itself from there. Besides," she then added, "I highly doubt Sentry would be considering those thoughts for you already. He is a very sensible pony not to express having attractions and affections toward anypony so soon. I mean, consider how few and brief the encounters you both had, and so far in between. Not much time to really talk to each other, let alone deeply ponder about it."

"Yes, that's also true," smiled Twilight with a firm resolve, "It can be really hard to know for sure about that kind of thing, when given so little time to develop it. Something so, very serious and life-changing on both sides."

"Exactly," she nodded back with comforting affirmation, "After all, it took your entire foalhood for Shining and me to recognize how much we meant to each other."

After sharing a chuckle between the Alicorn mares, they simply continued onward in a casual stride, deciding to ponder on other matters. After knowing that not all of Twilight's friends were readily available for the meeting, at this time, they went on their simple walk across town without too much concern for whatever lies ahead.

They decided now was a good time to get some fresh air, away from the crowd of ponies, as well as allow for their stomachs to settle. Although the baking contest was most certainly enjoyable in more than one way, it was definitely upsetting in another. The villagers playing host began to reduce the excitement to a low simmer themselves, and started to wait until the fiery disc in the sky began to set. If not for that reprieve, Starlight, and even Applejack doubted how much longer their aching bellies could last.

It was at that point they opted to meander around the village themselves, especially after the cooking and consumption of such scrumptious goods.

"Hoo-ey! Ah sure wish Pinkie Pie were here for that finale! Not sure Ah can have 'nother bite, now."

"Tell me about it," the light purple Unicorn replied to the orange mare, "They were all pretty good. Delicious, in fact."

"Recon a bit of each goes a long way, huh?"

"And a lot more goes even further." Exchanging a bemoaning chuckle between themselves, the Earth Pony farmer and her friend decided to see the sights overall, rather than spend any more energy on games and events.

"Gotta say," AJ spoke up, as they sat down at the end of the road, "This bein' a rare opportunity to take a day off the farm, Ah need to take a load off still."

"No kidding," Starlight Glimmer remarked, "I've been wanting a break from my Friendship studies also. I wonder what Spider Bite's up to, himself."

"Ah'm guessing Twah's been keeping yah both pretty busy."

"No complaints from me, so far. And none from him either. Just got to know when to step back, and take a breather. That's all."

"Tah chillax?"

"Exactly," she sniggered back at the playful reference towards their Pegasus friend. They had gone off to the very edge of town, now viewing the titanic landscape of the mountains surrounding the vale.

"You know," Starlight muttered, "It's been quite a while since I've been able to spend time with each of you individually, except for a brief lesson on Friendship, every now and then."

"Heh," said Applejack in kind, "Ah s'pose it ain't since that whole mind controlin' spell incident that we got tah know more 'bout each other."

"Right," sneered Starlight playfully, then shifted somberly, "With everything that's happened, the way that they happened, and what could've happened, I just think I should take as many chances to grow more deeply bonded with all of you."

"Yah mean after the whole Chrysalis-foalnapping thing?"

"Yeah," she nodded to the farm mare, "After all of that, and what could've happened to you, Twilight, Trixie and all the others...I don't know. I feel like there's more that can be done about it. I mean, from here on out, that is."

"Ah hear yah, sugarcube," said AJ with understanding, "Just gotta learn to enjoy the company yah got s'best yah can, while yah still got the time."

"And it's not just that, though," Starlight added firmly, "I feel like there's still something else we're missing from all of this. Something very small, but at the same time very important."

"Yeah. It's like Ah can't shake this whole feelin' in mah gut. An' it ain't just talking 'bout the baked goods, neither. Feels like there's still a whole, lot more that needs tah get done."

"For instance, not having some kind of signal to know who's who, like Trixie and I did with Thorax and Discord."

"And like Twilight does with Cadence." Thus, uplifted by the prospect, they had decided to take this opportunity in also knowing about each other a bit more. They both also knew how it was a great way to deepen and solidify their friendship, given how rare this occasion was between the two of them.

"Why don't you tell me more about how you got Winona?"

"Well, shoot," muttered Applejack with a smirk of her own, "There ain't much else tah say, 'cept maybe the mamma dog that Ma found. Poor, little critter was so lost and alone, Ma figured she might've wandered off, got lost in the Everfree. Mama must've seen that the litter was still inside her, so she right'n took that little feller in. While she was havin' them pups, Ma, Pa and Granny Smith sent flyers to all the nearest towns and stations. Ah just helped watchin' her the best Ah could. By the time the owners managed to come by and pick her up, the pups came around also. Recon the forest spooked the mamma dog so, she just let instincts kick in and ran off. We finally got tah know the dog's real name then. And they let us keep one of them pups as thanks."

"What was her name," asked the Unicorn mare.

"Sheila."

"I remember this little hideout Sunburst and I used to have in the glade near home," Starlight began, taking her own time to reminisce, "We would find some of the strangest nocturnal animals wandering into it. Almost as if they knew we'd be there. That kind of strange. The possums, owls and raccoons would just linger there, and we sometimes play with them, while my own parents were busy and we took a break from learning. Twilight's own story of getting Owlowiscius reminds me of that too."

"Yah got to name any of 'em?"

"I called a raccoon Bandit Rex," giggled Starlight in reply, "A possum Mitts, and Sunburst called an owl Lookout. And they became the gang of tricksters in our little playtime adventures." After sharing a good laugh between them, AJ decided to start opening up a little on what she could remember about her late parents, Bright Macintosh and Buttercup, then they picked up from there.

"I don't even know where to start with my family," smirked Starlight, hearing what Applejack had later said about her brother and sister. "I mean, there's stuff that I can talk about, sure. Butâ€¦it'sâ€¦it's justâ€¦"

"Harder tah figure in how to go 'bout doin' it." After the Unicorn somberly nodded, Applejack became aware there was some difficulty in explaining things that had been hard to bear for anypony, especially since a very young age.

"Ah've got relatives in Manehatten, just so yah know. Maybe if you've been there, yah might be familiar with some of them, or some-"

Suddenly, something strange cut the mare from her trail of thought, prompting her to twitch her ears, and her snout to cringe. Lifting her Studson further up from her field of vision, the orange Earth Pony felt rather queasy and unhinged by the quiet disturbance that she felt through her natural instincts. It was while she caught a most unusual scent in the air, she felt prompted to examine her surroundings with much more focus, paying attention to any shifts or movements.

"Applejack?" Starlight Glimmer could not shake from the same inner tension she felt also. Only, for her it was the most unusual detection of energy she felt through her horn. The shifting in the air, the slight change in its warmth, the scent, the sunlight, the soft flutter of a hovering moth, the sudden stillness felt throughout the local atmosphere. Something. Something was on the outskirts of Our Town, beyond the joyful celebration that was so jubilantly enkindling everypony's spirit. And it was invisibly lurking directly before them, right underneath their snouts. Whatever it was, it was definitely throwing both friends into unease, causing them to wonder what to make of it.

"I don't know what it is, but something about this whole thing seems to be putting me into such a state of disparage." The white mare ignited her blue aura once more, as she placed the finishing touches onto the dark violet cloth embroidered with gold and silver swirls and beams.

"Considering what Trixie has on," the azure Unicorn flatly stated, "Not feeling so great and powerful might support that notion."

"Pish-posh," Rarity sharply retorted, "you look absolutely fabulous, darling. Simply divine."

"After today, Trixie will take this to the nearest fireplace." As she made the final adjustments to the new cape, Discord and Spike stood to the opposite side of the Trixie's stagecoach. The pair continued with their efforts in the upcoming show, having Discord and Trixie disgruntled and set apart with what was about to come. What none seemed capable to fathom was the comically spiteful sight the four had made of themselves, with Dicord and Trixie pouting more and more pathetically with every passing second, and Rarity with Spike continuing to work on them.

"Can't believe Trixie has ever been such aâ€¦a," Trixie moaned in exasperation, "softy! To allow such a travesty to befall on a pony as magnificently talented as I!"

"My, my. You're worse than Rainbow Dash, when I prep her."

"I still fail to see how this is totally necessary," whined the draconic malady, gesturing at his own attire.

"Trust me," Spike answered with enthusiasm, "I know this looks ridiculous at first, but when you step out after the sunset, it'll look even crazier!"

"That isn't very reassuring, Spike," Discord quipped with dull bemusement, as he watched the little, purple Dragon smooth out a few wrinkles in the newly bedecked suit. "Honestly, I do believe this'll prove to be a disaster."

"Hey!" Hearing Spike's indignant snap prompted him to sharpen his focus on the young drake. "You're the one who asked for my and Rarity's help, didn't you?"

"Yes, but-"

"So you do actually trust us to do our best jobs in helping you, right?"

"I suppose I did, but now-"

"And you and Trixie obviously can't get along about how to do this. So, what you're seeing is what you get, and stop throwing a fit about it."

"I say," shrugged Discord, "being talked down to by a Dragon hatchling like a child of all things is definitely a new one."

"Helps to be Twilight's number one assistant," puffed Spike proudly, "So stop squirming around, why don' you. You're going to love how awesome this'll be! Especially when you know Rarity got her hooves on this project!"

"Had I heard that from a pony, fully grown, and with a professional opinion," groaned the draconic multi-bred, "And not from the smitten baby Dragon, I might've been more inclined to be comforted by that. You do know that I can simply rid myself of this entanglement called a monkey suit, don't you?"

Both Spike and Rarity fiddled with the costumes for a short while longer, now fully ignoring their counterparts' obnoxious and ongoing complaints. After rehearsing with Twilight on what to say, when to say, and how to say their conversation with Sentry, Cadence and she allowed for the time to progress around them with serenity. They now awaited for the spectating sight of wonderment that was soon to be witnessed. Hearing even the constant wallows of misery from the Unicorn mare and Draconequus prompted the two princesses to share a brief moment of mirth amongst themselves.

Just then, they both sensed a rather awry disturbance through their Alicorn, heightened awareness of unwarranted changes in the local area's magic.

"Cadence," Twilight uttered with bristled tension in her voice, "What do you think's going on?"

"I'm not sure," warily replied the vigilant mother, now having her light blue glow around her filly as a barrier.

"Hey, Twah! Cadence!" It was then also that AJ and Glimmer eagerly jumped into the rising conversation. "Starlight and m'self found us something we think yah got to see!"

"Rarity, Spike," Cadence asked firmly, while gently raising a waking Flurry Heart to the two, "Would you mind taking Flurry, and watch her for a minute?"

"We'd be glad to, surely," said the white Unicorn, "But I doubt how much help we'll actually be in doing so, considering our current task potentially distracting us."

"Can't that wait for a little while," asked Twilight.

"What about Pinkie Pie," offered Spike, "She's always great with Pound and Pumpkin Cake. She'll be an even bigger help with Flurry."

"Spike," scolded Twilight.

"What," he shrugged defensively, "I'm just saying."

"And how about Fluttershy," added Rarity, unaware of the bewildered response from her lavender friend, "She was truly a marvel when looking after the Crusaders that one time."

"Wait," said Twilight, revealing her true reason to be shocked and flustered by the mere mention of the two mares. "Has anypony seen or heard from Fluttershy and Pinkie?"

"No."

"I'm afraid I haven't, dear."

"I didn't either."

"Shoot fire, no Twilight." The simple fact that all answered in the negative, including herself, Applejack then decided to snap all attention back to her saying, "Well applesauce! That's definitely a bad sign! Twilight, Cadence, now Ah really think you two got to see this!"

"What we discovered," shakily added Starlight, "Might give us a clue as to what might be happening."

"What're you talking about," sharply asked Twilight, now with even greater discomfort than earlier today. "What do you mean? What did you two find?"

"Recon it'd be easier to show yah, and even quicker to explain it on the way." Catching the gravity of the situation, Spike quickly volunteered himself.

"Um, I think that means I stay and watch Flurry."

"Thank you, Spike," graciously answered the filly's mother.

"I suppose I need to partake in this investigation," firmly stated Rarity, who urgently joined in the sudden gathering of the group. They all rushed to the edge of town in a hastened trot, passing where Rainbow Dash was with Captain Sentry, who both sensed an uneasy shift in the wind through their ruffled wings.

"You felt that, didn't you?"

"I did," somberly nodded the orange stallion.

"Hey, Twilight," Rainbow called out, "Noticed anything weird just hap-"

"Not right now, Rainbow Dash," sharply stated the mare in question, choosing not to face the two directly as she passed, "We need to start looking for Pinkie and Fluttershy this instant!"

"You think they're missing," the blue Pegasus asked, as she and Flash took flight alongside the rest.

"They could very well be, darling," answered Rarity, "Nopony has even heard a peep about them all the while."

"If you want," said Starlight, "I can look around, and ask my friends in the village if they know anything."

"That'd be very helpful," Cadence answered, "Thanks, Starlight." At that, as the light purple mare made her way back to town, the rosy Alicorn silently gestured her covert Captain to remain also, and keep watch. Despite his apparent reluctance in his stiffened, hovering stated, Flash Sentry followed the quiet order from his departing regent. He gave a short nod, and darted in the opposite direction of the mares.

"Hey," shouted back the rainbow Pegasus, "Where's he going?"

"My guess is," shrugged Princess Cadence, "He might believe to be of some help to Starlight in asking other ponies."

"The two of them can even round everypony up for a searching party, if need be," Princess Twilight added, "Now, come on!"

"Alright. Man. Twilight, you're not going to believe who that guy-"

"I said not now, Rainbow Dash!"

"Okay, okay," grumbled a startled Pegasus in reply, "Sheesh. Guess it'll have to wait 'til later, huh?"

But as the troupe pressed on in their search, now in full gallop, the orange Earth Pony could not shake this unnerving sense that her lavender, Alicorn friend was deliberately ignoring something. Or someone. At that, Applejack rushed over to Twilight's side opposite of Cadence, catching a glimpse of a deeply upset Twilight Sparkle who looked directly ahead of her, and tried to focus. AJ did the same, and picked up the pace to lead the way, as she waited for the opportune time to question her about it.

"So..." the azure mare stiffly stood, shifting her amethyst eyes toward the rigidly posed Discord. "Just you and me. Standing here. Like this. By ourselves."

"Maybe this is an opportune time to bond a little more as friends, isn't it," flatly stated the draconic mismatch.

A silent pause carried on between the great and powerful mare and reformed master of chaos. The two separated figures continued to stare at each other, as the rest of the world and festivities began to move on around them. Neither could even fathom what to say to one another, as they previously witnessed the unfolding growth of tension amidst the departing ponies. The fact that they had been left to their own devices, unsure of what to do or make of this situation, seeing as how they were not even acknowledged by their friends in the sudden panic and sense of urgency that Twilight ensued, nothing else seemed to come to mind as to their own responses to all that. Perhaps, had they been given a more suitably appropriate role to play in the ponies' current endeavor to search for their friends, or at least been released of their costumes filled with pins and needles, they might not have felt so awkwardly placed. At least, not as badly. Instead, the two oddly dressed, and pinpricked creatures, once sulking in their complete, hostile takeover by Rarity and Spike's shenanigans, had no clue as to what to do or say next.

Chapter Four

When this unexpected dilemma had occurred yesterday evening, as well as the disturbing disappearances of Princess Twilight Sparkle, her friends, and her first Friendship student, none were able to know how best to handle it all. All any of them could ever do was to sit tight and hold down the proverbial fort that was Twilight's Tree Palace. Once they had been informed at mid-morning where they all were, and what happened, there was more than great relief to know they were fine. Given how everything transpired the way they had, the Crusaders were more than glad to have this chance to go on another adventure. So, with Spider Bite taking the day to fully recover from his little sick spell, while he and Gabby looked after the place for Twilight, Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went exploring the numerous chambers before them.

"Ah heard Miss Lyra's comin' to help Gabby and Spidey out."

"I can't wait to show her the gigantic piano I found in that enormous ballroom!"

"Are you kidding," scoffed the orange filly to her Unicorn friend, "Everything here's so huge!"

"Plus," the yellow Earth Pony added, "Bon-Bon's gonna come here, after she's done working."

"Cool," Scoots said, her wings now buzzing, "Then it'll be an even bigger sleepover!"

"With how big the inside of this castle is," Sweetie offered, "I think nothing could ever be too big for in here, ever!"

At that, they all laughed and whinnied in agreement, as they continued down the gemlike corridor of countless doorways. PONG.

"It's too bad we never done finished our playdate with Spidey, though." At Applebloom's sullen remark, in response to the familiar sound and scarlet wave that just engulfed the place, all three turned downcast for a brief period.

"Yeah," said Scootaloo somberly, "Man, I so want to try those web shooter things again."

"Us, too," both Sweetie Belle and her bow-donned friend replied.

"Can't wait to try them some more, when he gets better. Maybe we can get them ready for when he does!"

At her sudden remark, Scootaloo heard Sweetie say, "You think he wouldn't mind?"

"Why would he," she answered, "We've got Gabby to help and watch us. Plus, Miss Lyra's coming too, remember? So, it shouldn't be too big of a deal." At that, her fellow Crusaders cheered with rejuvenated enthusiasm.

"We gotta find Babs," said Applebloom, "See what she thinks 'bout havin' Gabby with us, and work on making more webs!"

"Yeah," exclaimed Scoots, "And maybe I can take some time with Mrs. Parker in doing those wing exercises she promised to show me too!"

"Then come on," the Unicorn filly shouted, "What're we waiting for?"

At that, the three young foals made for a mad gallop down the long, never-ending hallway, striving to make it to their destination with great haste. The clibbity-clop of their tiny hooves echoing throughout the crystal halls matched the beating of their excited hearts.

"I sure hope Doctor Bromwell and Zecora think Spidey's better tomorrow," Scootaloo huffed, wings outstretched as she ran along.

"Fluttershy. Yellow Pegasus. Pink mane and tale. Butterflies Cutie Mark. Have you seen her?"

"Sorry, Starlight," said Double Diamond, "No idea where she is."

"What about Pinkie Pie? Pink Earth Pony, and I mean really pink. Can't miss her."

"I was planning to meet with her later," answered Party Favor, "But she never showed up."

"Believe us, Starlight," said Night Glider, resting her hoof onto the Unicorn's withers, "We know to keep an eye out. You'll be the first we tell, when we spot either of them."

"Okay," Starlight Glimmer sighed, now staring the ground beneath her hooves. Then she looked back up towards her village friends and said, "Thanks."

"Um, Starlight," the purple Unicorn then asked as she began to move on, "Before we forget, we were wondering if you were thinking about coming back to Our Town again."

"Yeah," the blue Earth Pony stallion said, "After that baking contest, and bringing your whole bunch of friends to the party too, we thought it'd be more fun that you'd hang around often."

"Maybe even move back here," the night blue Pegasus added.

"Sure missed having you around," the white stallion offered. Speechless and dumbstruck by that invitation, Starlight Glimmer cleared her cracking throat, and shook her crystallizing eyes back into focus. "I'llâ€¦um, I'll be sure to consider that offer. Thank you, very much."

After a wide array of nods and acknowledgements, she took matters one step at time, reminding herself of the present situation, and added, "Just be sure to be ready if we need a search-and-rescue party."

"You got it, Starlight," nodded Sugar Belle with fervor, as did the others.

Once she and the Pegasus Captain trotted onward, Starlight smiled at the prospect of returning to this other set of friends she had once taken for granted. It was more than inviting. It was most invigorating. The idea that she could return to start rebuilding her bonds with these ponies here, to truly have a refreshing start, sent a glimmer of joy into her heart, knowing that such was well within her reach. After all, Princess Twilight exchanged letters with Princess Celestia while still being her student, and moving to Ponyville. She could most definitely follow that same route. However, the fact that she truly began to bond with her most recent friends there, starting with Twilight, then Applejack, made for a rather difficult conundrum. Would it be right to leave the others behind without making proper arrangements to learn more about them? Although, she could certainly write letters to Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and the others while away. But that might not be the same as actually bonding with them in pony. She knew this might be a difficult decision to make, but there was something that needed to be addressed first.

At that, she and Flash Sentry decided to walk through town to see what else could be done to help in their enquiry. Throughout the entire village, the light violet Unicorn and orange Pegasus scoured for any kind of answers concerning Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy's whereabouts. However, in determining if they had ever been seen, the pair was draught of any good fortune.

It was then Starlight chose to take full reins of this situation, as much as possible. She believed, now, that enough was enough. She then pulled Flash aside, placing them both into the building at the furthest end of town that was once her quarters. Then she magically barricaded the house, sending her own ponging sound wave to check for unwanted company, as well as a field to keep all sounds from escaping.

"Alright, look," she said firmly, and with slight exasperation, "I know you're not some local that decided to help me out. Even if you're a newcomer I've never met before. But that's just it. I recognized you from the Crystal Empire, when Thorax first showed up. And don't give me any of that dumb excuse nonsense! Kind of hard to ignore somepony that wears golden armor around Shining and Cadence. Though, admittedly in retrospect, that's been taken for granted before. But anyway, given that you're here, and not acting as Captain of the Joint Guard, as Cadence told me about you, and the fact that two of my friends are now missing, I can't help but wonder what you know about all of this."

It took the Pegasus stallion to recollect himself from the shocked stupor that she ignited, and stiffly turned his head to review his surroundings. His ears rose back from their flattened, uncomforting position, and his blue irises regained their normal size, as he loosened his tense muscles. Seeing that his cover is completely safe from undesired eyes and ears, he fessed up.

"I was sent by Prince Shining Armor to watch over Princesses Cadence, Flurry and the rest, as well as help wherever I can. The Prince had already checked me out, in case I was another imposter, before sending me. Since then, I've just been casually blending in with the ponies here, and kept an eye on everything, especially around my charge. But I'm afraid I know nothing about what's going on now, nor did I see anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary. And believe me, my awareness is at its Pegasus peak. Those Changelings were very lucky to escape my notice as long as they did. At least, I thought so."

"Mind elaborating on that for me," Starlight said with a sneer.

"I don't know how," he huffed in bereavement, "Especially under my watch. All I know is that the one posing as Princess Cadence failed to give the countersign specially made between us and Prince Shining Armor. None of the other soldiers disappeared, or were even out of sight without the proper clearance and passkey. Not even casually stepping out of some shadow in the corner of a room, or a closet. Anyway, I still started to doubt my own senses and memory of the day's events. Even my own fellow officers and subordinates. But I still had to act quickly, and decided to turn to the only pony I knew I could trust. Ironically, it was Thorax. A Changeling showing himself to a wide array of ponies, despite some still fearing him and doubting his good intentions. He gave the correct phrases I personally established with him, and he even allowed me to be extra thorough in confirming it, before I sent him to fetch for Princess Twilight and her friends."

"How else did he confirm who he was?"

"Some mark that he and his brother knew about," he answered, "But only he had the exact details of it. And that's as far as I'll go."

Sensing that she may have struck a private matter, Starlight Glimmer conceded with a nod, allowing for Captain Sentry to continue.

"So, that Changeling must've known I became suspicious, and alerted the other one. The one seen as the Prince had me arrested under suspicion of being an unfriendly Changeling, myself. I had been sitting there, in the prison, hoping that I at least did something right in performing my duty for both the Empire and Equestria. It turned out I was too late to even warn the others. It was my duty to protect them. My responsibility. My task to be fully prepared for something like that. And I failed. Just as I failed your friends, right now. In fact, I...I was thinking of possibly sending my resignation."

The Unicorn mare then saw how downtrodden the Captain looked and felt, his half-opened eyes ashamedly looking down at the wooden floor. Recognizing that same self-doubt and discouragement, Starlight then walked up to him, offering a slide of her hoof onto his for attention.

"Hey," she said, "Did you ever find out how everypony was rescued?"

"Prince Shining never told me," Flash shook his head, "There wasn't time for that. But I wondered what had actually happened. Was planning on viewing the report he would make later."

"Well, long story short," she tilted her head and shrugged, "I was placed in an uncomfortable position to take the initiative, and lead a show mare, Discord, and a run-away Changeling into that infested hive to save my friends. Like you, I doubted myself, and thought I couldn't be a good leader, not without turning back to my more...unfriendly frame of mind. But with their help and comfort, I got the confidence I needed to work my way through it, and take charge. I know what it's like to think you're not able to do a good job anymore. But that shouldn't ever get you down like that. Not even for a second. But that's not my point."

"And that is?"

With a smile Starlight answered him, "Thorax. He was the one that warned me about Shining, Cadence and Flurry being taken. And he also gave us the lowdown of how the hive works, and their hive mind. He guided us through that labyrinth, and was the one that took down Chrysalis, when I realized how he could. From him telling me how he wasn't hungry anymore by sharing love with the Crystal Ponies, I knew how he could stop Chrysalis, and save the others. And you're the one who took that initiative in sending him to Ponyville, in the first place. If anything, you did exactly the right thing you needed to do. Who knows? If you hadn't, Thorax would've been locked up with you, or taken back to Chrysalis even. So, we all had a part to play in that. We all did our best. And look how that turned out."

It was then that she remembered Spider Bite, his poor health, and how that prevented him from aiding her, Trixie, and the rest. She was aware of how adept, powerful and smart he was, how determined he could be, as well as how he relied little on magic still. But knowing he was there at the Castle now, looking after the place, she knew her statement was even more substantially true. She also recognized how much she had picked up on a few of those traits. Those of keen observance and wit, from his giving of his Love willingly to Chrysalis, and throwing her off balance. It was not simply Thorax, and what he told her, that gave her that idea of sharing Love.

"And about right now," she added, "You've been doing your job watching Cadence and Flurry Heart, more than anything else, while also talking to Rainbow Dash. So don't feel too bad about what's going on here."

"I suppose so," Flash nodded. With that, he smiled at Starlight and offered his own brush of hoof in return. "Thanks for that."

"Don't mention it," she said, waving that same hoof passively, "Just be sure not to get yourself down about that anymore. Just try to learn what you can from it, and carry on. Besides, like you said, I bet those Changelings were pretty, darn lucky to slip past you like that. I mean, why would Shining send you here, and that Cadence still trusts you? I mean, I may not know you well enough. But for what it's worth, I think you're a great Captain."

"And I can see why Princess Twilight chose you for her first student in Friendship."

A flattered blush was shared between the mare and stallion that had arisen from their cheeks. But then it dissipated as quickly as it appeared, for both then regained their focus on their current task. Firmly, Captain Sentry asked, "So, what did you and Miss Applejack find?"

Nothing. There was nothing there. It was gone. Nowhere to be found. Vanished. She made a quick glance about her surroundings once more, making absolutely sure she was right where she and the light purple Unicorn spotted it. Judging by the distance they quickly were from the town, as well as the rock formations close by, she could adamantly say that this was the exact, same spot. No mistake, or doubt about it.

"Dag-nab it! Just where in tarnation did it run off to!?" Applejack became so distraught, throwing her Studson right, slam-smack onto the parched soil the missing object last occupied.

"Obviously it's been moved to another location," the lavender Alicorn said stiffly, "Somewhere that its owner knew it couldn't be found again."

"But what was it, AJ," Rainbow Dash hoarsely inquired, "What was so special about it to try and show us to explain it, then find out it's just as lost and Flutters and Pinkie?"

"I fear that's just it, Rainbow Dash," the white Unicorn evenly stated, "Applejack and Starlight both suspected its significance after hearing of Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie's disappearance. Which was probably why it's been taken as well."

"What did you two see," Cadence asked, "What did it look like?"

"Well," the orange farm pony pondered, "It was round, and oval shaped. Like a giant ostrich egg. About the size of a pony, Ah recon. It had a bunch o'green, slimy muck inside and around it, like it all spilled out from a smashed melon."

"Like one of those cocoons Chrysalis used," Twilight gasped.

"But it looked like the shell was busted from the inside too," Applejack continued, "All the pieces scattered all over the place, like the chicks on the farm hatchin'."

"Maybe it was one of our friends," the pink Alicorn surmised, "who somehow managed to escape from it, but was captured again."

"Well, then I imagine there's no more time to waste," Rarity obstinately proclaimed, but then hesitantly asked, "Um, just how exactly do we carry on from here?"

"Hey, girls! Look!" Upon hearing the blue Pegasus' outcry, they all trotted to see where her foreleg was pointing. There, before their narrowed irises, rested the disturbed patches of dirt and sand on the untouched, dessert ground. They were numerous, leaving a small trail further into the wilderness, and closer to the rocky hills that was the edge of the mountains.

"Hoofprints," Rainbow muttered with excitement. "And I think that set right there's Fluttershy's!"

"Got to be," said the orange Earth Pony, recognizing the same, unique set of tracks as well, "Very short in 'er step. And not too firm on the ground, like Pinkie's."

"Then what are we waiting for, girls," Twilight snapped them all to attention, as she tensely trotted onward. "Like you said, Rarity, no time to lose!"

"Man. Scoots' so going to love hearing about this, when we get back." Despite how enthusiastic and pumped up the chromatic Pegasus was, the Unicorn and Earth Pony shared a concerned expression between themselves, as they eyed their Alicorn friend's frigid movements. Seeing as how they progressed into a prance, and kept a steady eye on the tracks they followed, AJ thought this to be as good an opportunity to find out what ailed Twilight so.

As they moved on, the farm mare picked up her pace to stay beside Twilight, then asked, "There somethin' else aching yah, sugarcube?"

"Two of our friends are now missing," she rapidly answered back, "Along with the possibility that Chrysalis is behind all of this, and maybe even luring us into a trap. Something else wrong? What makes you think that something else is wrong? Because I don't see how else I should be bothered? Do you?"

"Well," AJ huffed in response, "It's like you're too up-tight about it. Yah keep yur eyes ahead, and not really looking around. Not even to look at us. It's almost like yur ignoring somepony, and not tryin' to think about that at all."

At that, Cadence stepped in to offer her reinforcing input, "It's about that Pegasus Rainbow Dash talked to earlier. Twilight recognizes him from the Crystal Joint Guard, and from that mirror world that she visited. Someone she had grown fond of while there. Which is why she's more pensive about everything that is happening."

"And the sooner we can stay focused on this issue rearing before us," Twilight snapped again, "The sooner I can have one less problem to deal with!"

"But that's just it, Twah," countered Applejack smoothly, "You're not all that focused on this here problem. Not in the right way, that is. You're just too wound up that you're actually keepin' yurself from seeing what's all going on 'round yah."

"She's right, Twilight," affirmed the rose Alicorn, as the mare between them became even more wooden in her movements. Her countenance more agitated than before. Nudging her sister-in-law with comforting support, Cadence added, "You're too distracted by everything that's happened, and you need to get it out of your chest."

"That way," AJ finished, "Yah can make pretty darn sure yur focused, and can help our friends."

Twilight then stopped, with a puff of air and a slight snort, then sent her farm pony friend a wavering look, and said, "I just don't...I can't seem to...what am I supposed to do? How can I even plan to handle that?"

Hearing this prompted Applejack to offer her own opinion about the matter.

"Listen, sugarcube. Ah don't rightly know what yah got goin' on with this, here Flash feller, but Ah think the best way tah deal with him is to let him know exactly what's goin' on. Let him know, from the get-go, why you act up whenever yah see 'im, so that he can understand. That way, yah both can figure on how to be good friends at least, and act 'cordingly. 'Cause that's the best way to start anything with anypony: being totally truthful with them."

"Yeah," sighed Twilight in response, "A firm establishment of trust with each other is the proper method to act. But that doesn't make it any easier."

"That's why we're here," her pink, fellow regent and special sister said, "Your friends and family."

"Yeah," beamed Rainbow Dash from behind, after she and Rarity had listened, "You bet you got us to back you up!"

"There is nothing we can't handle together," Rarity said warmly.

"You know," the lavender Princess remarked, "This kind of reminds me how Mary Jane helped me out, while on the train to Manehatten. She just helped me realize something was wrong, without hearing me say what it was first. Like she knew something was bothering me, just by looking at me. She's a lot like you in that way, Applejack. And she also reminds me of Sunset Shimmer in her demeanor and delivery. And she's the one that helped me open up to Cadence about Flash Sentry, to begin with."

"She certainly sounds like a very good friend," Cadence smiled in response.

"She sure does, don't she," nodded AJ in kind. It was then that she and Twilight shared a warm-hearted smile. Once she heaved a relieving sigh, Twilight turned to them all gratefully, and said, "Thank you. I actually feel much more relaxed. Now I'm positive that I can definitely make it through both ordeals. We can."

It was then Applejack looked down at the trail of hoof marks, now ending. She looked up, before she could express what she saw, to face what they all stumbled upon. It was a rather high, sloping pile of rocks, massive in size.

"Recon we ought'a to climb up there, and see what we can see."

Cautiously, they took each step of their hooves to reach the top of the rugged hill, ensuring none stepped on any patch of loose stones and slip. Once they eventually reached the top, they took note of a great pit surrounded by the mound they had just climbed. After taking a slight peak of what was down below, they swiftly ducked down from view, immediately recognizing what they found: Fluttershy, who was completely surrounded by Changelings.

"Er, Twilight, Cadence," lowly muttered the white Unicorn, "Pray tell, do either you have a clear idea of how we're going to handle this situation yet?"

Chapter Five

"Okay, I've got an idea," whispered Rainbow Dash, "I dive in and sweep Fluttershy away from there. They'll be so confused that Twilight and Cadence will have plenty of time to set up a force field around them. Rarity can run back for Starlight for more backup. Then Applejack and I will keep any stragglers from getting away."

"Ah don't know, Rainbow," countered the orange farm mare, "Recon we got eleven of them there, while there's still just the five of us. Still don't even know if there's more of 'em."

"I concur," Rarity added, "We still haven't seen what has become of Pinkie Pie either."

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight evenly muttered, "You fly back to Our Town, and bring back Starlight and Captain Sentry."

"Wait," realization struck the wide-eyed Pegasus, "You mean that Captain? The guy you kept bumping into in the Crystal Palace, and Ponyville? I knew I saw him somewhere before. I just thought-"

"You need to hurry, Rainbow Dash," the pink Princess sharply said, "while there's still time. The rest of us will keep an eye on the Changelings from a distance and wait."

"We'll only engage them if they spot us, or we feel Fluttershy's being threatened."

"Or both," the white Unicorn added under her lavender friend's statement.

They all then heard the rushing clops and pounding quakes of hooves on the ground. At first, they believed it was already too late, and more rogue Changelings were heading their way. But to their surprise, they looked back to see Starlight Glimmer and the Pegasus Captain already making their arrival. Rushing beside them were Double Diamond, Night Glider, Party Favor and Sugar Belle.

"There you are," panted the light violet Unicorn. After receiving a sudden shush from her mentor and friends, Starlight toned down to a low whisper in saying, "We were starting to get worried. You'd been gone longer than we liked. So I took Sentry and the others with me to where AJ and I found the shell, and saw a trail that led us here."

"Good thing you did so, Starlight," Twilight nodded in kind, "We weren't sure how well we could manage this without jumping into a trap."

"I'll keep a perimeter around the mound with the others," said the orange Pegasus, "Watch out for any more surprises."

After receiving a nod of understanding from the others, they joined Flash in the task of surrounding the pit. However, before departing, Party Favor offered, "You know, I can go to the other side, and create a diversion for you to get your friends out of there."

"Perfect," Rainbow whispered vigorously, "Just make sure it's enough for me to grab Fluttershy."

"But also keep an eye out for Pinkie," the lavender Alicorn added, "We still haven't seen her."

"And keep a wary guard for the Changelings in there," Cadence said, "If they are alone, those eleven might be desperate enough to try anything spontaneous."

They all moved into position, readying themselves for whatever might happen. Once Captain Sentry transferred the signal initiated by Twilight, the blue Earth Pony commenced with his distraction of balloons. Water in some, and air in others. The latter were released to fly sporadically around the Changelings, while the former popped and splashed in each and every direction.

Upon seeing their baffled and dumbstruck reactions, the chromatic Pegasus rushed with a blinding blur through their ranks, taking her yellow friend in tow. At her exclamation for the all clear, Twlight, Cadence and Starlight Glimmer sent out stun blasts onto the now-panicking horde hunkered within the mound. Spontaneously, with each pew, clunk and pop, they were rendered immobile. But before they could move in and fully take advantage of the situation, they were prevented by something that caught them equally by surprise. Or someone.

"Twilight! Rainbow Dash! Wait!"

"Fluttershy?" She could not resist facing her rescued friend with a perplexed look, as she firmly, though gently, left her grasp. "What gives?"

"Look," she answered pointedly. In response, the others turned to see along with Rainbow, and noticed that a twelfth Changeling was, in fact, transformed, as they all began to recover from their sudden knock-out. At that, Twilight, Starlight and Cadence deactivated their horns, stopping themselves from setting up a barrier. At the sudden change in dispositions, Flash Sentry and the local ponies took to the top of the slope, and remained on higher ground for whatever may transpire next.

"What's going on," evenly asked the orange Pegasus, keeping vigilant.

"They're not dangerous," Fluttershy stated, again with firm gentleness.

"Hang on a sec." Sharply the blue, winged mare examined her startled friend with great apprehension. "How do we know you're even Fluttershy? If that's you Chrysalis, I swear if you did anything to our friends-"

"Rainbow, please calm down," Rarity said evenly, before Dash could finish her statement towards a frightened Fluttershy. "I believe I know a way to settle this. Darling, if you are truly our friend, Fluttershy, then tell me this. How did you fill in for Big Macintosh, after he dropped out of rehearsal for our quartet, all those moons ago?"

"Um, he didn't drop out," muttered Fluttershy in answer. "He just lost his voice. So, um, I just touched some poison joke to change my voice, and sang backstage while he was up front still."

"Well, that settles that issue," nodded Twilight, "But what did they want with you, if you weren't in any danger."

"We knew how Thorax stopped Chrysalis." They all turned to face the transformed insect pony that responded. "The Hive Mind, the one we used to know how to get into the Crystal Empire, was our way of finding out what happened."

"But how," Cadence inquired, "Thorax told us about the Hive Mind, and that he removed himself from it."

"For the most part," the Changeling nodded, "That is, except Chrysalis had a way of regaining his mind from her side of it. The reconnection was pretty fuzzy and unclear for a lot of times, but she got enough to know the key phrases of certain guards, and sent three of us there, and wait in the barracks for the change of shifts. When Captain Sentry wasn't around."

"Then it's a good thing Chrysalis didn't know about Thorax's own passwords for us also," muttered the Pegasus mentioned.

"No kidding," huffed Rainbow Dash.

"But how did you manage to get past Celestia and Luna's guards," asked Twilight.

"Well," spoke a fellow Changeling, slightly ashamed, "Unlike you and your friends, Princess, when we fooled ourselves in as one of you, then catpured you one by one - that Spider Bite pony just stepped in, when we nearly finished - we just had two of us in Canerlot as small objects that can be moved by the breeze, like a balloon or paper airplane. Then we just casually took to the air, and floated straight into Luna and Celestia's own chambers, without any suspicion. And after we found out what happened to Chrysalis, we flew off, not sure what to do next. But after we met up, we were able to sense where all that Love and Magic in the Hive suddenly moved to, and followed that here. Just...did it out of instinct, we guess."

"So," Starlight finally spoke up, "what now? I mean, what's stopping you from helping Chrysalis now, after you got away?"

"That's just it," answered Fluttershy on their behalf. "They've been as much afraid of her, as they were of what we'd do, if they ever tried to show themselves."

"Hold on there. Let me get this straight," the farm mare said, "They used that-there Hive noggin thingy-ma-jig to know how we were rescued, and how Thorax and Starlight beat Chrysalis, and how tah find us, and how their fella Changelings were changed, but they're still the exact same as the others were? And they were too 'fraid tah come talk to us also?"

"That's why they had me with them. It was after I talked with Discord that they pulled me into an alleyway to talk."

"Not like we wanted to capture her again, or anything," stammered a third Changeling.

"Then they asked for my help in bringing them to you."

"Also," the colorful insect pony added, "We were asking for tips in how to share Love, so that we could...well, you know, make ourselves more...friendly-looking for all of you."

"So I just went with them to where they were hiding. I'm sorry for not going back to let you all know where I was going. I might've lost track of how much time passed. But I was never in any kind of trouble."

"It's okay, Fluttershy," the lavender Alicorn politely nodded, "You were just focused on helping those who asked for it. And it's nice of you all to think about solving your dilemma, before meeting us. I'm glad I got to do that recently, myself. But you could've just gone back to the Hive and see Thorax about it."

"Uh-huh," they each chuckled bashfully, in reply, "Yeah. I guess we could've done that."

"How about should've," said Dash with a slight growl, "I mean, hear we were thinking that we had to save both our friends from...from..."

Upon seeing the silent realization shared by all ponies present, Twilight Sparkle gasped, and asked the question everypony had, "Where's Pinkie Pie!?"

POP! Pew! Wheeeze! After she dropped the party favor from her muzzle, said Earth Pony rapidly spoke up, "Hey, everypony! Hope I didn't get you all so worried about me, but was I was planning a very special, super-duper surprise for all of you at the Sunset Celebration, with all my sneaking and hiding all over the place. I mean, whoever heard of a super-duper surprise that wasn't all made so secretly and sneakingly? I don't know if sneakingly's a word or not, but I decided to hide and wait until you were all wondering where I was, at the exact, same time, and if I couldn't get everypony to wonder where I was at the exact, same time, then it wouldn't be totally a surprise, now would it? But then I realized my surprise wasn't going to work because you were all gone, and if you were all gone, I thought something important came up that needed all of you, and if that important thing needed all of you, then I needed to be with you too. So I just followed the tracks that went off the road and to these rocky hills, where I found all of you, and all these Changelings here too. Gee, and it looks this is all the Changelings that took over as us, Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, Cadence and Flurry Heart! Wow! What a crazy coincidence!"

Picking up her part favor again, with another pffffv, she stated gleefully, "Welcome to the Sunset Celebration of Our Town, Changelings!"

"Well," Cadence huffed with amused relief, "I guess that settles everything here."

"But what made you want to welcome the Changelings right away, Pinkie," Twilight asked.

"Well, duh! One of the twelve Changelings is already colorful and pretty-looking."

"Heh," Rainbow Dash remarked, "Guess you got us there too, Pinks. And it does look like this is the rest of the stragglers. Guess you better not forget to tell Spidey about that either, huh Twilight?"

As everypony made their way back to the village, Twilight Sparkle was finishing a conversation that she held with Starlight during their stroll.

"So, you're sure about this?"

"Please, Twilight. After everything that's happened, I'm absolutely sure. I'll tell the others later, but they already said their offer back to Our Town will always be open. And I can always write to them, and also visit every now and then."

"Well, I'm glad to hear you want to stay in Ponyville to finish your studies," warmly stated the lavender Princess. "It definitely wouldn't be the same without you around, anymore."

"I feel the same way about it too. And besides, I've now got a fellow student to work with. I know I can sure learn as much from him, as all of you. And I'm sure I can help keep an eye on him also."

"Still," Twilight chuckled, "With how you, Discord, Thorax and Trixie helped to save Equestria and the Crystal Empire, there's got to be a way to commemorate that."

"Ooh," beamed Pinkie, who slid in between them, "Like another celebration like the one for Spidey, his friends and you, Twilight."

"Just be sure not tah overdo them surprises this time 'round, alright Sugarcube?"

"Agreed," added Rarity, as both she and AJ joined in, "I think I can do with much fewer unexpected situations at this point, also."

"Okie-dokie."

"Twilight." The moment she heard her name, she turned towards her fellow regent, and seeing Captian Sentry beside her.

"It has come to my attention that Captain Flash Sentry requires a leave of absence, requesting a couple weeks off duty to visit family in Ponyville. I'm sure you can help accommodate him, as well as take this chance to firmly establish a good basis with him."

"Oh," spoke Twilight in response, both baffled by, and glad for this sudden opportunity, "Thanks, Cadence. That'll be just perfect. That is, if you don't mind helping me walk through it, when needed."

"Of course."

"So, what was it you needed to talk to me about?"

"Well," she replied to the Pegasus stallion, "First of all, I just want you to know how much of a dependable friend you have been for all of us, and that I'm grateful to know such a good friend. Which is why I think it's important to fully establish a well-made basis of trust and total honesty towards each other. And I'd, well, like to take the initiative on that front with you, as soon as possible. Right away, in fact."

As she rambled on in her discussion, Twilight departed with Cadence and Sentry from the rest of the ponies, who began to assemble with the locals at the center of town.

"Man," muttered Rainbow Dash, "You're not going to believe who he's related to. Oh, and we got to talking about sending letters to each other. And I asked him if it was okay to share his address with my pals. And he said yes. So any of you interested, just let me know."

"Oh, well," stammered Starlight Glimmer, both pleased yet oddly disappointed, despite his clearly-good intentions, "I might be. It's good to know he's willing to make efforts in becoming good friends with all of us. Thanks, Dash."

"No problem."

The sunset that occurred was a sight to behold, in and of itself. Yet the entire day spent getting there was quite the adventure worth saving and cherish. And the festivities that followed directly dwarfed those before by comparison. Even Discord and Trixie somehow managed to create a storm of wonderment with their sporadically entertaining act. It built off of, and also launched away from Rarity's original idea, all at once. Their improvisational techniques clashing into one another had the most comedic, and dazzling effect. The Changelings themselves made their way back to the Hive on their own, after enjoying the Celebration alongside their newfound allies and friends. And the following day, Twilight, Spike, Starlight Glimmer and the rest took the first train back to Ponyville, saying all their goodbyes as they boarded.

The journey back was simply, and totally tranquil. Some had conversations that made them relive those fond memories they shared, as well as those of days past. Others, such as Twilight and Starlight, simply decided to rest the entire way back. After having nothing at all go as planned, as though Discord had deliberately made this day a reality, and despite how everything smoothly ended, Twilight most especially felt in need of a good sleep.

"Ah sure can't wait tah see Applebloom now. Poor filly must'ah got worried 'bout us fur a bit. Sure hope she and Babs are doin' okay."

"I for one am certainly looking forward to being back with Sweetie Belle. It's always good to know she has her friends and our parents with her often, while we're away. But we both miss each other greatly, no matter the distance or length of time."

"I just can't wait to tell Scootaloo everything that happened. The way we were taken, the way Chrysalis got beaten, then the whole craziness that happened at the Sunset Celebration..."

However, Rainbow Dash faded out of her own awesome ramblings, as they all shared a look of shock and confusion at the sight before them.

"Oh, dear," Fluttershy whimpered, "That can't be a good sign."

"Everypony, keep your eyes open, and be careful," Twilight Sparkle said, as they valiantly approached the Tree Castle that was completely covered in webs. "Chrysalis might still be inside."

But the moment they opened the door with extreme caution, they all heard the mirth and glee of small voices down the corridor, past the foyer. Seeing the interior engulfed in cobwebs also confused the ponies and adolescent Dragon even further.

"What the hay is going on he- Hey! What the..." As the blue Pegasus found herself entangled in the mess that caught her wing, the noise of merriment grew even louder, until they saw the Crusaders laughing uncontrollably. They wildly ran into the sticky walls all around them, bouncing off the stretched substance, only to return back onto the wall. Boing.Bop. Bump.Boom! As they watched, Sweetie lit her teal magic unto the webs that caught them, cutting them with a slight struggle, as the other three kept pulling as hard as they could, which caused them all to roll erratically onto the floor.

"Uh, Twilight," began Spike, but was then cut off at the sight of a Griffon gliding towards the fillies. She stopped in midflight, however, prompting someone from behind her to collide. Bam!

"Oof!" "Ah!" Smash. Both Spidey and Gabby found themselves on the floor next to the four foals they were playing with. And upon seeing the return of Twilight and her friends, realizing the mess that they have been caught in, Applebloom, Babs Seed, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Gabriella shifted hooves and talon at the web-head's general direction.

"Ratted out by the little punks and birdie," he huffed in defeat, "Harsh."

"I take it this is both your idea of watching the place, while we're gone to the Sunset Celebration," said the lavender Alicorn with bemused irritation at the sight before, and all around her. "We're gone for only a couple of days, and this is what happens!?"

"Okay, first off," the arachnid Unicorn began, "I'm not going to follow through on that last statement. Too easy. Secondly, we were. We've been doing a great job holding down the fort, until an hour ago. Guess it got...a little out of control. That's all. And three, what's a Sunset Celebration? Is that where you all went off to, after Starlight saved you? Where was that, exactly? And how come I'm the last to know?"

Having her muzzle agape at the final question, Twilight was rendered speechless at what she had forgotten to do, much to everypony's smirking amusement, and especially those of Pinkie and Rainbow.

"I said it before, and I'll say it again. It's biodegradable. Don't have to worry about wasting time and energy cleaning up something that'll just fade out in a couple hours."

"And as I said before, it's the principle of the matter. We need to set an example for these fillies and colt of cleaning up after ourselves."

"Um, Spike's not a colt."

"I wasn't referring to him."

"Hey! Still, an even better zinger. So kudos to you."

Sniggering at the squabbling ponies in front of her, the grounded Pegasus made her way to the next section of bookshelves that needed cleaning. With the Velcro-like material Twilight conjured up, she was able to remove a great amount of white adhesives from the volumes most easily. Though the fully-fledged Wonderbolt wished she could try it out on herself. Rainbow Dash then made her way to another sector that was still unchecked, when her maroon irises made note of a few book covers she had never seen before.

"Uh, hey Twilight. Didn't you say you couldn't find anything spider-related in your library?"

"I did," passively answered the Alicorn, as the beige stallion moved on to a spot on the ceiling, where he was clearly deep in thought, "Nothing in this world has been recorded about a pony with arachnid-like capabilities."

"Then, how come these are here," pointed Dash, as she picked up one from the shelf.

Pling.

Finally turning to face her Pegasus friend, Twilight asked, "What are?"

Looking back to where her hoof pointed, she noticed the same book covers that had a costumed figure matching Spidey's appearance had vanished. "But I- it- I mean, they were right-"

"Twah," shouted AJ from outside the Library, "Recon we could do with some help out here!"

"I'll be right back, you two," the pony in question told her companions, as she departed. Her focus had not reached its full, undivided awareness toward Rainbow Dash. So she was still oblivious to the strange volume that still rested in her hoof.

"But..." She took another look at the book she held, to ensure she had not lost her mind. And yet, she looked back at the cover, seeing a figure dressed like Spider Bite when he arrived, having digits that reminded her of Ahuizotl, and only two legs, like the one Chrysalis showed everypony, back in Canterlot. Glancing at the now-vacant shelf from where she grabbed it, she was still not sure of her own sanity. Upon a third viewing, she noted a grinning figure also illustrated on the front. It was donned in sickly, dark green and purple, with yellow eyeballs resembling Discord's.

"The Goblin Strikes," she read the title aloud, then turned to the first page. "The dictionary defines...defenestration...as the act of throwing a person or thing out a window."

It was the next statement that truly piqued her interest. "Really not my favorite word."

"What's up, Dash?"

"Nothing, Web-head," she shouted back in stutter, looking up while placing the book under her free wing, "Just, uh, a book of Twilight's I'm curious about, is all."

"Well, be sure to let me know what it's about, and what you think," he stated with a shrug, "Maybe I'd like it. But we still got this principle matter to deal with, first."

"Right, yeah," she muttered back, "If only I had both my wings, so I can get this done a lot faster."

"Can't you just use that Velcro stuff on it?"

"And risk pulling my feathers off too?"

"Good point."

As she watched the wall-crawling stallion continue with his own task, the sky blue Pegasus decided to place her mind on other things, and keep the current issue to herself for now. Before seeing Scootaloo head back home, Rainbow Dash intended to pass down a message to her from her big brother. Hopefully she will not be as forgetful as Twilight had been recently. Smiling at the prospect of what the little squirt's reaction would be like, she carried on with an excited beat in her step.

Author's Note

My apologies, but I seem to have hit a slump in motivation to continue with this series, by myself. So, even though I am currently putting this on hold at least, I encourage anyone interested to carry on with this, should they choose to do so. Again, I'm sorry. But I'm afraid this has dragged on, for too long. Maybe, someday I'll be prompted to continue with this different take on the crossover, but I have other, fresh ideas I'd like to try out that I haven't found as much use of by others. Thank you all, and God Bless.