Returning to Dark Water

Chapters

Chapter 1- The Cup of Despair
Chapter 2- The Spring of Hope
Chapter 3- The Setting of Salvation
Chapter 4- The Dawn of Disaster
Intermission- Rise of Dark Equestria

Chapter 1- The Cup of Despair

It was late into the evening and Princess Luna had already risen up the moon. Peace and serenity had filled Ponyville and place it in a calming and worry-less atmosphere. A few ponies are out on dates or strolls, but most of them are inside enjoying the relaxing evening or dining with friends. And at the Castle of Friendship, where the residential princess of friendship lies, things aren't that much different.

In the royal map chamber, 5 out of the 6 council of friendship members was enjoying a lovely dinner that was prepared by their loyal and faithful dragon, Spike. They were having tasty apple pies with ingredients freshly bucked from Sweet Apple Acres and baked to a golden crisp with help from some dragon fire. And in the middle of the lovely meal, the girls were busy chatting and sharing their individual stories.

"... And then, after we did our "Double-Tornado Barrel Roll", I did my iconic Sonic Rainboom to end off the show!" Rainbow Dash explained.

And Rarity then adds: "Yes, yes, it must have been spectacular. I've even heard the shocking boom over at my boutique."

"Yeah, sorry Rarity."

"Oh, no need to worry about that dearie. It was quite alright."

Rainbow Dash and Rarity had previously gone to Canterlot for their own respective careers. Rainbow for fulfilling her Wonderbolt duties and perform at the Wonderbolt Flight Show and Rarity to attend to her Canterlot boutique.

Once she was done with their story, Rainbow face Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack and ask them: "So, how was Ponyville while we were away? Any action that we missed out on?"

"No, nothing much" Twilight sighed in disappointment. "Everything was mostly quiet here at Ponyville."

Detecting Twilight's misery, Rarity worriedly asks her: "What's the matter, dearie?"

"Oh, she's just upset that there was another map mission and the map didn't pick her this time" Applejack explained.

Intrigued, Rainbow Dash enquirers: "A Map Mission! Who was picked?"

Fluttershy answers: "I think it was Pinkie Pie and Starlight."

"Which is absurd since she just had another map mission!" Twilight moaned.

And then, almost on queue, all of them suddenly heard a loud door shutting in the next room. When all of them turn towards the room's entrance, an energized Pinkie and a de-energized Starlight enter the room.

"Hi, Everypony! We're Back!"

"Yeah... We're back... woo hoo..."

"Hello, girls. How was the mission?" Rarity greeted.

Pinkie explains: "It was great! We went to a far off village on the edge of Equestria!"

But then Starlight adds: "And we had to hike half of the way because the trains didn't reach that far."

And Pinkie continues: "And we had to deal with a couple who had problems with their magical studies and spending time together!"

"Which involved several hours of tutoring and sleep-depriving time managing" Starlight moaned.

"And we ended up facing an Ursa Minor!"

"Twice!"

After hearing their story, everyone was understandably amazed. Twilight remarks: "Well you guys. That sounds like a really tiring story."

"You can say that again" Pinkie replied... before collapsing down on her chair.

But then Starlight states: "Actually, I think I will. It was really tiring!" And then she collapses onto the map table.

Everyone instantly senses the anger and frustration in Starlight Glimmer's voice. "Oh, you poor, poor pony" Rarity exclaimed as she patted Starlight's back. "Here. Have a rest on my fainting couch." And then with her magic, Rarity lift Starlight to her couch (which suddenly appeared from hammer space).

Once she was on the comfy couch, Starlight's tense body finally relaxed and unwind. "Thank you, guys. And sorry for yelling."

"That's ok, Starlight" Fluttershy replies. "But I must say, that was a mighty yell."

Applejack then comments: "Yeah! Has there been a lot on your plate lately?"

"Yeah" Starlight answered. "First, I helped Maud in her rock stone research. Then I helped Trixie in improving her magic show. And... I will admit that I may have stayed up too late practicing spells."

Rainbow secretly rolled her eyes as she expected this from "Twilight #2". Everypony else was a bit more concerned and Rarity suggests: "Well do you know what you need? A Trip to the Spa!"

However, Starlight disappointingly responds: "That's a nice thought Rarity, but unfortunately my money is currently all tied up and I can't really spend too much at the moment."

After that, all the ponies became stumped. They all want to help Starlight to relax and get remove some of her stress, but none of them could think a good alternative that is cheap or doesn't require much hard work. But then, with a light appeared over her head, Pinkie shouts:

"Oh Yeah!"

"What is it Pinkie?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie turn to Twilight and ask back: "Twilight, is that new spring resort ready yet?"

When she said that, everyone didn't know what she meant and was confused. As she was trying to figure it out, Twilight mutters: "Spring resort? Do you mean... OH! You mean those springs."

And like that, everypony else realize and remember what Pinkie's talking about, except for Starlight. However, instead of being happy or jovial, everyone became upset and moan.

"Oh, don't remind me of that" Rainbow Dash moans.

"That was a time that is best left forgotten" Rarity agreed.

"Mmm Hmm" Fluttershy sounded.

Starlight was lost. She could see that she's out of the loop of something that must have happened before she came to Ponyville. But whatever it is, it must have caused much discomfort if it causes her friends to be this upset. Hesitantly, Starlight asks: "Um... What you all talking about?"

Rainbow Dash cover her face with her hooves and moans: "Oh, Don't Get Us Started!"

Eventually, Twilight build up her strength and tells Starlight: "Quite a while ago, we all found these magical springs on the edge of Equestria and we all thought we should go in for a dip. But when we get out, we were......... evil."

Starlight froze with a shock expression on her face. "Evil?"

"*Sigh* Yep..."

"Like "Evil" Evil!? As in taking over Equestria kind of evil!?"

Applejack explains: "We weren't all weren't quite that bad, but some of us did think about conquering."

And then softly, Rarity moans on the side of the table that Starlight noticed. However, Twilight openly raised her hoof she admits that she was also a conqueror.

"Yeah, well, fortunately for me, I just got over confident and I just made Sonic Rainbooms all day" Rainbow Dash admitted.

AJ admits: "I was some maniacal business mare who might have disowned her sister if I was left for too long."

"Wow" Starlight exclaimed. She turns to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie and says to them: "I bet you two weren't that bad, right?"

But then Pinkie blatantly admits: "Oh No! We were quite bad. I set up bombs all over Ponyville and force ponies to watch my bad comedy."

And Fluttershy embarrassingly confesses: "And I may have... Led a charge of Everfree animals to attack Ponyville filled with angry bears, deadly deer, and bunnies playing war drums."

Starlight was left astonished. She thought that she was the only pony with a questionable past and found this revelation quite comforting (even though she knows that they were influenced by dark waters). "Wow... I guess we all were bad at one point or another."

"Yeah" Twilight admitted softly. "If it weren't for Spike, Princess Luna, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who know what we would have done."

"But still, I'm amazed somepony managed to stop you all. If you all worked together and were evil, I would think you all would be pretty much unstoppable."

"Funny enough, that's what Princess Luna said" Rarity responded. "Fortunately for all of Equestria, the dark waters had actually ruined our friendship and we spent as much time fighting each other than with other people."

But then Rainbow Dash ponders out loud: "But you have to wonder? How far all of us would have gotten if we really tried to conquer Equestria?"

Worried, Applejack gave Dash a suspicious eye and says: "Dash... You aren't sayin' that's something we should have done, right?"

"What! Of Course Not!" Dash angrily denied. "I'm just saying!"

However, even though the conversation has become a little more light hearted again, Starlight asks: "So anyway, why did you bring up the waters that made you all evil?"

"Oh Right!" Twilight exclaimed. She explains: "Well after the incident was sorted with and Zecora made us the antidote to turn us good again, we went and purify the springs. The springs are now harmless and we're planning to upon up a new resort there in the near future."

"Oh Wow" Starlight responded. "And... have they already made it yet."

Twilight answers: "Well... no, I think they're still preparing the ground work. But if I were to give them a message to let them know you were coming, I'm sure they would let you in for free."

"Hmm... I think... that actually sounds quite nice. I think I might actually go there in the morning."

"Well, it's settled then" Rarity happily proclaims.

And with that, everypony in the room began making joyful sounds of agreement and celebration (even though it was for one small thing). Starlight is especially curious about the waters that cause her friends, who she sees as the most paragon of ponies, evil.

But within the celebration, Twilight suddenly senses something. She wasn't sure what it was, but it felt like a cold draft that entered the room. She eventually got over it in a minute, but she still hopes that it was unwarranted fear.

Later that evening, everypony has returned home and were in bed. The castle was sound asleep and Starlight's room was half messy with her preparation for you excursion in the morning. However, even though everything was peace and quiet, Princess Twilight couldn't get to sleep.

As she was rolling around in her bed, she couldn't shake the bad feeling that she felt earlier. It was like her instincts are demanding her to get up and investigate the bad presence or they wouldn't let her sleep. Eventually, Twilight couldn't take it any longer and get out of bed.

Twilight quietly left her room and softly sneak down the hallway. She still thinks that it was only her imagination acting up and didn't want to disturb either Starlight or Spike. The princess explored her crystalline castle for a good solid 10 minutes before she felt like that she had enough and want to get back to bed.

However, as soon as Twilight was about to head back, she notices a slime light protruding through a door that was left unclosed. Twilight's nerves shook more than an earthquake as she had thought that she had turned off all the lights before she went to bed. But while the small pony is fearing what may lie inside, she remembers that she is an alicorn princess and had face much worse foes than a house intruder. Twilight stilled her nerves and went into the still lite room.

When she went inside, Twilight was surprised to see and realize that it was the map room. Everything seemed untouched and nothing was out of the ordinary. But as she was looking around for even the slightest sign of disturbance, Twilight then notice a glass of water on the map table. Twilight was confused as she thought all of her friends had finished their drinks and she couldn't imagine a burglar would pour themselves a glass without drinking it. The princess then slowly makes her way towards the glass, being cautious of any traps that may lay in wait.

But nothing happened. Twilight made it to the glass of water without any trouble and no traps sprang out at her. But as she picks it up with her magic and closely examines the contents, Twilight couldn't help but feel that there's something familiar about the water. Just the way that it looks and how she could sense the sinister presence that is hidden under the ordinary appearance. And then, as Twilight looked at it so closely that a bit of it was about to touch her face, she finally recognizes what it is.

It was the dark water.

Twilight slam the glass on the table and quickly move away from it. She couldn't believe what she had just found and she was shocked and horrified by the sight of it. She thought that all the dark waters have been cleansed and the springs have been purified from the dark magic. And while she was shocked, a voice suddenly echoed in the room.

"Well, Well, Princess! I bet you surprised to see the dark waters again!"

The voice readied Twilight nerves and she lite up her horn with her magic.

"Who Goes There!" she shouted. "Show Yourself Immediately!"

And then, appearing from behind the chair that Twilight's normally sits, a pony in a hooded cloak emerges. Twilight couldn't tell if they were an unicorn, earth pony or a pegasus or even their overall appearance. However, she could tell that he was male and see a confident smirk through the darkness of the hood and she light up her horn even more with anger.

"Wow, Wow, Wow!" the intruder pony sounded. "Let me say what I got to say and I'll let you blast me with your magic anyway that you want."

"Ok Then! Tell Me!" Twilight shouted. "Tell me how you got into my castle and why to do you the dark water in your possession!?"

"Ok, to answer your first question, it wasn't that hard. The front door may be locked, but one of the windows was opened and your don't really have any guards patrolling your castle, does it?"

"Shoot!" Twilight yelled in her head. She always knew that she needed guards to protect her castle. It just that the type of guards that she really wanted is already employed to other princesses and ain't quite sure how to manage them yet.

But the intruder then says: "But as for your second question, well that's mainly why I'm here... Can't I move around the table so I can speak to you a bit closer?" Twilight remained silent but did move towards the side. "Good."

As he trod around the map, the intruder explains: "Well you see, I'm your common, every day, bored pony who happen to see you and your friends entering those spring waters when you first discover them. Like you, I initially thought nothing of it. But then I follow you all back to Ponyville and I fell in love!"

"WHAT!" Twilight shouted in disgust. "You Liked Seeing Me And My Friends Becoming Evil and Destroying Our Town!?"

"Guilty" he replied. "I just love seeing Equestria being challenged by harsh monsters and evil conquerors and having "heroes being turned evil" was a nice change of pace. Oh, I'm not evil or like seeing ponies getting hurt, it's just that I'm bored of seeing some old peaceful Equestria and want to spice things up."

Twilight was both speechless and horrified. She couldn't believe how blatantly honest the intruder is to his malevolent intentions. She even thinks that he could give Applejack a run for her money in the honesty department.

"So... What!? You want me to take the dark water and turn evil again!?"

"Well if I didn't, I wouldn't have rushed back to the springs and saved whatever water that I could before you cleansed it" he nonchalantly and jokingly replied.

"And you expect ME to willingly drink it? Fully Knowing what will happen to me!?"

"Well, I know it wouldn't be that easy, but just look."

The intruder then picks up the glass of dark water and show it in front of Twilight's face. At first, she didn't know what she needs to look at. But then, as she spotted her reflection on the glass, Twilight notice something off about it. The eyes of her reflection were bright red and had a much more serious look than the surprised and confused face that Twilight was making.

"Didn't this make you confident?" the intruder confidently asked. "Didn't it give you new goals to strive towards. Didn't it give you the perfect image of Equestria that is much more safer and smarter than Celestia ever could? And what is "evil" really, asides to support an ill conceived notion of "objective morality?"

As the intruder pony continues to speak, the more tempting it is for Twilight to succumb to the darkness. Let her dark intentions run wild and let her be the destiny of her own life. Her voice of reason was shouting and reminding her that this isn't who she is. However, she does want Equestria to be safe and be better than what it currently is and starting to think that the dark water will help motivate her.

"And think of it this way; If your friends do stop you, you can always blame the water for whatever action that you might do.

And with that, Twilight held the glass with her magic. The dark water, mere centimeters away from her lips truly corruption her to the dark side. With the intruder waited with baited breath, Twilight makes her decision.

Chapter 2- The Spring of Hope

It was a perilous trek to get here. After a warmful "See You Later!" from all of her friends and a helpful map to show her the way, Starlight glimmer has made her journey across Equestria to her free therapeutic spring. A fair bit of it was traveled by train, but she still needs to trek the last bit of it on hoof through some thick woods. At certain parts, Starlight began to question is this even worth it. However, as she exits the woods and the bright sunlight enveloped her, Starlight finally found it.

Before Starlight's eyes was a beautiful oasis filled the bountiful water, gushing fountains and sparkling reflections. It was a nice little paradise where all of your worries can wash away. Washed away like the dark magic that was polluting it before.

After breathing a sigh of relief, Starlight exclaims: "Finally made it."

Since she finally made it to her destination, Starlight dropped and shake off any bags that she was carrying and prepare to dive in. But before she does so, she tried to look around to see any other ponies. She was sure that her friends said that they are trying to turn the springs into a resort. She was half expecting to see a few ponies walking about and drawing up plans. To make sure, she tried yelling out.

"HELLO! IS ANYPONY HERE!?"

However, the only response that she got was the sound of nature's breath in the wind. She waited a full minute until she decides that no pony is going to yell back to her. Starlight did have her concerns, but she then just imagines that every pony is just on a coffee break. Feeling that no pony can stop her, Starlight finally dives into the water.

After the sprung up for air, Starlight felt the initial coldness that you usually get when you dive into water. However, it soon went away and she started feeling the natural magical properties. Her body began to tingle as the healing water washes over her. Starlight then rests on a nearby rock and let the water soothes her worries away.

Meanwhile, back at Ponyville, everything seems relatively peaceful in the small calm town. The sun is shining and there is still some time left before the weather pegasi have to move the dark clouds. Things even seem calm even at the Castle of Friendship.

Inside one particular bedroom lies one purple reading comics on his bed. He was reading the latest issue of "Power Ponies" and this time Not get it from the magical comic book store. Spike was enjoying his comic until...

"Yes Humdrum! Show The Mane-iac that you aren't some useless, under appreciated or un-manly ~~draaaag~~I mean pony!"

"Um, Spike"

And with the sudden sound appearing from in his room, Spike jump from his bed with surprise. He quickly gets ready and stands in attention. However, when he saw that it was Twilight by the door, Spike become slightly relaxed. "Oh! It's only you Twilight" he said. But then he notices something on her. "Hey, why are wearing a scarf?"

Like the young dragon said, Twilight was wearing a rather peculiar aqua-blue scarf. Twilight isn't known the wear scarfs, except in winter but it's nowhere near cold. To ease his worry and confusion: Twilight tells Spike: "Oh, this!? Well, I just happen to find it in a box in my closet and I just thought about putting it on. I think it was a present from Rarity or something?"

"Really!? Let me check." Spike then reads the label that was on the scarf. ""From Rarity to Twilight. Here's a lovely knitted scarf that I made to keep you warm." Yep, that's Rarity alright."

"Yeah" Twilight sighed. "And speaking of which; I've invited everyone to come over again today and I want to get everything ready for them when they arrive."

"Again? Did we just had a small party with everyone last night?"

"Yes, but that wasn't with everyone."

"Well, if that's the case, why don't you just wait until Starlight return from her..."

"Spike! Do I really need to have an excuse to hang out with all of my friends?"

Spike froze, speechless that Twilight raised her voice at him. He can't even remember the last time that she raised her voice at him like this. After a quick moment to think, Spike cautiously replies: "No... I guess not..."

"Good" Twilight responded. "And sorry for raising my voice like that. I don't know what gotten over me." She said that... even when she was in a cheery tone.

"No problem" Spike replied. "So... I guess I should get things ready then?"

But as soon Spike began making his way to the door, Twilight stopped him with her magic.

"Actually..."

"Whoa!" he screamed while he was pulled back.

After pulling Spike back, Twilight explains: "I've been thinking. You have been working for so long without any breaks or holidays."

Confused, Spike responds: "Yeah, but that's because I like doing nice things for all of you."

"Well, what kind of friend would I be if I don't reward you for your hard work?"

"A Reward!" Spike yelled with shock and excitement.

"Yes, a reward" Twilight reiterate. She then pulls out a pouch full of money and tells Spike: "Here's everything that I think you earned. Why don't you go out today and spend something nice for yourself?"

"Really! But wait!? Then who will...?"

"I'll do it" Twilight answered. "I mean, how hard is it to pour everybody a glass of water and chat around a table."

But then, as Spike was given his bits and was feeling ecstatic, something just occurred to him. He realizes that Twilight was being awfully nice to him all of sudden in giving him the money as well as practically a day off. It isn't the kindness that confuses him but that he didn't do anything worth while that would garner such a reward. And then there's the fact that she's inviting all of her friends again and only serving them "glasses of water?" Spike could tell something was up.

As Twilight was pushing Spike through his door with her magic, Spike stops and ask her: "Hang-On! Are you hiding something that you're not telling me about?"

Shocked the Spike stopped, Twilight suspiciously says: "No... " Spike then gave Twilight the suspicious eye, hoping that he could intimidate her into telling her the truth. But then she says: "It's not like were planning your birthday or anything."

"My Birthday!" Spike yelled with surprise. He then has a quick check of his calendar that was on his wall and discovers that his birthday is in two months time. "Huh! I totally forgot that my birthday is coming up."

With his suspicions all gone, Spike then willing exits the room while saying: "Hm... Maybe I will spend that day off after all. Ok then Twilight, I'll let you all have your party "and not" talk about what you all are getting me for my birthday."

Twilight then waited. Waited for Spike to go down the hall and away from the castle. Waited until Spike is far enough away so he would possibly hear her sigh and then say: "Finally". And then she began to laugh...

Laugh like an evil maniac

Meanwhile, back with Starlight, she continues to enjoy the relaxing springs. She began swimming, seeing how deep the water will go, and (since no pony is looking) practice her aquatic dance routine in the water. It was all rather fun and relaxing... but also quite lonely and boring. Starlight began regretting that she hadn't brought some of her friends along to keep her company and save her from enjoying the spring water by herself. Also, since she was told that this place is going to be a resort, she was hoping that there might be a Jacuzzi or some hot springs.

But then, as Starlight was wishing for all of this..."

"Why... Hello There!"

The sudden voice startled her. It caused her to jump and trip over into the water. As soon as she comes up for air, Starlight saw who it was. And it was... a Zebra?

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to give you a scare."

Starlight was perplexed. It was a male zebra and she never saw one before. She knows of Zecora and knows that she lives in the Everfree Forest, but he's completely different. He was standing by on the edge of the springs and waiting patiently for a response. Bashful and shy, Starlight says to him:

"Oh um... Sorry. Nice to meet you. I just thought no pony was around since no one replied to my yelling from earlier."

"My apologies for failing to respond" the zebra replied. "I was further way yonder and unable to hear, but now I'm here and see you in the clear."

Ok, Starlight then learns that the rhyming thing is a quirk for all zebra. But wait! He says he can see her clearly...

"AH!" Starlight screamed as she covered herself up quickly.

"Oh sorry, I'm didn't mean I'm seeing one's glory" the zebra guy reiterated before quickly looking away.

The moment then became too embarrassing for either horse to bear (even though both of them are technically naked) and Starlight quickly got out of the water. The zebra continues to look away, even when Starlight was drying herself with a towel. But once that was all done, they felt ok enough at look each other again.

"With that embarrassing moment out of the way, let's trade greetings. My name is Lumbay."

"Hi, my name is Starlight Glimmer. Are you the pony who's trying to make a resort here?"

"Not quite, but you are almost right."

Lumbay then walks away and silently urges Starlight to follow him. Curious on what he wants to show her, Starlight grabbed her and let Lumbay guide. He took her around the small hill that was keeping the water that Starlight was swimming in secure. On the other side, not only did Starlight see that there was much more spring water to enjoy, but there was also a small herd of zebra walking around (around 12 or 15).

Some zebra were examining the foliage and other plants that were around the springs and others were taking samples from the water. A few appeared to be comparing their results and there's always one who was lazying about and trying the spring waters for himself (only until his supervisor caught him and force him back to work). Starlight was somewhat amazed and blown away. Not only because she hadn't seen these many zebras before but also for discovering this sort of research operation.

Lumbay then explains: "Our sister, Zecora, told us about these water and still thinks there some stuff that isn't in order. We're trying to find any dark magic that is trying to hide so no pony can fall to the dark side."

"Wow" Starlight sounded. "And... have you found any?"

"No" Lumbay happily replied. "We are nearly done and we can safely say that it's safe for everyone."

"Well, that's good."

Lumbay then adds: "And we found some pools that are utmost fun."

With Lumbay's words, Starlight was successfully intrigued. She then follows him to a set of pools with nice, work steam emanating from it. They were hot springs and Starlight was surprised/happy to see them.

"Can I try them?" Starlight eagerly asked Lumbay.

Lumbay replies: "But of course my magically inclined horse."

With Lumbay's approval, Starlight wastes no time and jumps right in. She caused a huge splash and a fair amount of water getting splashed onto Lumbay. However, he wasn't mad and was happy to see that Starlight was enjoying the hot spring. And unlike the cold water that she swam in before, the hot spring felt divine as it was like a warm, relaxing bath. It was so relaxing that Starlight began imaging herself passing out (and in turn drown) since it is that good.

"So I can assume this is to your liking?" Lumbay enquired.

"Yes" Starlight replied. "Can't you see me smiling?"

Lumbay began to chuckle, amused by Starlight's joke.

However, as Lumbay was about to walk away and let Starlight enjoy the hot spring in peace, one of the other zebras quickly intercept him.

"Lumbay! You Have To Hurry!"

"Wo-Wo-Wo! What's to worry?"

Starlight, in the middle of her bath, overheard the zebra and could sense the panic in the zebra's voice. Worried, she silently listens in.

The zebra that intercepted Lumbay tells him: "One of the pools, its water is all gone!"

"Gone you say!? Perhaps it just returns underground and sank beyond?"

"That idea was sound but there more that we found. You need to follow me!"

However, before the other zebra could take Lumbay away, Starlight shouted: "Wait! let me come with you!"

Lumbay, upon seeing Starlight getting out of the pool and was looking concerned, replies: "Then come you shall, my little pony!"

"Thanks... but don't call me a little pony."

Back at Ponyville, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash had entered Twilight's castle. They had gotten word that Twilight wanted to see all of them at her castle just so they can hang out and dine. Even though a few of them found it a bit odd and slightly different to Twilight's behavior, they all shrug it off and didn't think too much about it. Eventually, everyone made it to the map room where Twilight greeted.

"Hey, guys! Take a seat."

"Don't mind if I do!" Pinkie replied as she skips into the room.

But then, as Applejack was walking past Twilight, she asks her: "Thanks for invitin' us Twilight. But I gotta ask, why did you ask us to come?"

"And why are you wearing my scarf that I made for you in spring?" Rarity added. "It was meant to keep you warm in the winter."

But Twilight replies: "Yeah, well, I saw it hanging in my closet and I felt chilly enough to put it on. I think this castle got a draft somewhere."

"Well that's not good" AJ responded. "Do you want me to try to fix that problem for ya Twilight?"

"Eh, that can wait. Just come and take a seat by the map."

Curiously, they all follow Twilight's orders. But as soon as they got near the table, they all saw glasses of water waiting for them by their seats.

"Glasses of water, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash remarked. "You don't have any other refreshments?"

But as Twilight takes her throne, she just says to them: "Oh, those are just there in case any of us gets parched."

However, Applejack still has her doubts and tells her: "Well that's kind of you Twilight, but just..." She then looks intensely at her own glass and felt a slight shiver down her spine. "Something about these doesn't feel right?"

"Yeah" Fluttershy added as she was holding her glass. "It's like this is reminding me of a bad memory and I don't want to re-live it."

Shocked, Twilight responds: "What! You guys are imagining it. When have I ever invited you guys over just to serve you spiked drinks?"

"Well, there was that time where you try to make us drink a potion when you thought we were under Discord's spell" Rainbow Dash answers.

"Water under the bridge" she responded. "Here, let me prove it to you." And then, with her magic, she grabs Pinkie Pie's glass of water and drinks it all up. After a few moments after drinking, she says: "See. Nothing happened." However, her friends still finding this somewhat suspicious and could obviously tell that Twilight is being pushy about something.

But when Twilight poured Pinkie another drink, she also gave her the most begging set of eyes that silently asking her to take it. Pinkie, not wanting to hurt anypony, shrugs and says: "Eh. What could possibly go wrong?"

But as Pinkie was about to drink the water, Applejack looks intensely into her own glass and to try and figure out why it's making her so nervous. She looks into the dark, cold water with emanating darkness that also reminding her of...

"PINKIE! DON'T DRINK IT!"

However, as soon as Applejack yelled her scream and shock everypony to the state of motionless, Twilight activated her magic. Before any of them know it, everyone was enveloped in a magical aura and unable to move. They try to struggle and get free with expected results.

"Hmff... What's going on!?" Fluttershy cried.

Applejack, with the limited movement that was given to her, made an angry look at Twilight and yells at her: "Twilight! What In Tarnation Do You Think You're Doin'!"

However, Twilight didn't respond. She just made an eerily, downright creepy, smiling expression that made the whole situation that more unsettling. Eventually, she sighs and says: "You just had to foil my ingenious plan, didn't you Applejack."

Her friends, confused, slowly put the pieces together.

Rarity exclaims: "What are you... Wait!... (looking at her glass of water) Don't tell me..."

"Were You Trying To Make Use Drink This Dark Water To Turn Us Evil!?" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"WHAT!" Fluttershy and Pinkie gasped. Sure enough. As soon as they got a second look at their glasses, they quickly recognize the evil, dark water and was even more surprised.

"No-No!" Fluttershy cried. "That Can't Be True!"

But Twilight than answers: "But yes Fluttershy, it is true. And if Applejack hadn't ruined it, you all would be evil again and we could start planning our Domination of Equestria!"

The 5 ponies saw the passion in Twilight's eyes for when she said it. They all could see the seriousness in Twilight's expression and the proudly evil passion that was radiating off of her. She totally means it when she says that she wants to take over Equestria.

Shocked to seeing Twilight like this, Dash mumbles: "But why..."

"To Become Powerful of Course!" Twilight yelled with an evil, menacing sneer. "Don't you all remember how powerful we were when we were under the dark water's influence? The Strength! The Power! The Magic! Rarity managed to go hoof to hoof with Princess Luna and we manage to sink Ponyville in total and utter chaos!"

"Wha..."

"But we can do so much now! Remember what Princess Luna said. If we all worked, no pony will be able to stop us! MWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!"

As Twilight began laughing like an insane pony, all of her friends were terrified of her. They couldn't believe that their dearest friend is acting like this but they are completely at her mercy.

Fallen into denial, Fluttershy cries: "This can't be happening?"

Following suit (into denial), Pinkie says: "Hey Yeah! Somepony must have splashed some of this water onto her and making her act like this!"

"Hey yeah!" Applejack agreed.

Rarity proclaims: "There's no way that our Twilight would act like this of her own free will!" Everyone else agrees.

"Oh, you think you, do you?" Twilight remarks.

Everyone then gulped.

"It's true that somepony did give me this water and I am under its influence right now. But do you all want to know something?

I drank it... UNDER MY OWN FREE WILL!"

Everyone was then hit with an avalanche of despair. They could believe it. They couldn't believe that Twilight, of her own free will, liberty, or freedom, knowingly drink the dark water. She knows first hoof of what it will do to her and she willingly succumbs to the dark side? It was maddening and despair inducing.

At a total loss of words, Twilight began walking around and whispering in each of their ears.

"And I know you all want to do it too. You can become better than any pony (Rainbow Dash). You can spread perfection across Equestria (Rarity). You can make the ponies laugh and enjoy all of your jokes and nopony will ever feel sadness (Pinkie Pie). And we can make sure that no animal will ever be harmed while under our domain (Fluttershy)."

Twilight's words tug on their strings of their already fragile hearts. She's saying everything that they ever wanted to hear and started picturing their own little Equestrias. All of them know that it's the wrong thing to do... but since they are at evil Twilight's mercy, do they have a choice?

"So... are you all with me?"

One by one, they all made their decision.

Meanwhile, back at the springs, the zebra worker had finished leading Lumbay and Starlight to the empty pool that he mentioned. It was on the very edge of the oasis and separated from the main pool of water. The other zebras were around and they've found discarded tools, bottles and buckets and a hoof trail that leads away. And in the center of the empty pool was a few drops of water left and they all know what it is.

"Oh dear" Starlight sounded.

"It's as we feared" Lumbay added.

Chapter 3- The Setting of Salvation

Thick, choking tension filled the air as Starlight and the other zebra examine a scene that has awful implications attached to it. Near some restful springs that were not too long ago would turn anypony evil was an empty pool with evidence of some pony's presence scattered about. Acting like full on investigates, the zebra cone the area and search for any other clues.

As the investigation was happening, Starlight was looking down at Lumbay, the head zebra, who was examining the last remaining droplets of water in the pool.

Starlight asks/yells: "So... Is it that dark water!? Because I mean, it's possible that Zecora's cure could have..."

"No" Lumbay seriously replied, dashing Starlight's hopes. "Dark magic is what this water showing and its effects are still clearly going."

"Yeah. I thought so" Starlight whispered to herself.

It was quite obvious for any pony who has some semblance of logic. The pool was clearly isolated and fairly detached from the main spring. It would have taken a miracle for Zecora cure to effect this pool. And unfortunately, miracles don't happen every day.

As Lumbay safely gets out of the pool (with Starlight help), Starlight asks him: "So do you have any idea on who could have taken the water?"

With a commanding voice, Lumbay yell out to his other Zebra: "Men! Report!" One by one, his men quickly line up and gave Lumbay their findings.

"We've found hoof prints from here and yonder..."

"But the identity of the culprit couldn't be any harder."

"We've found discarded buckets, water bottle, gloves and a mask..."

"Which seemed easy to find if you were to ask."

"And we're pretty sure that only one pony did the deed..."

"Because we only found one mask, and that's all he really needs."

After all the zebra gave their reports, both Starlight and Lumbay have a clear understanding of what happened. Starlight summarize: "So, a single pony came here, found this pool, took all of its water and left no clues other than they came here?"

"Yes," Lumbay agreed. "And they must know what the dark water could do, why else did they came her and left behind so many clues."

"Yeah, it seems like they left too many evidence behind to merely call it accidents. Maybe they are just trying to mock us or any pony who would try to investigate this place."

"Hmm..."

Lumbay was deep in thought. It seems like he was weighing options and possibilities and trying to predict what's to come in the near future. After looking at his dark water sample that he just collected, it seems that he made his decision.

Lumbay tells Starlight: "Starlight Glimmer! You need to report this to the princess and you need to do it before dinner!"

"What!" Starlight responded, confused by the "dinner" rhyme.

"Bring what we discover here to the princess and act like this means great distress."

"Ok, that's better, but do you always have to rhyme?"

"TELL! PRINCESS! NOW!"

"Yes! Right-Right-Right!"

Starlight then runs off, quickly grabbing her stuff and head back on the trail from the one that she came. As Lumbay sees Starlight run off in the distance, they then look over the evidence that he and his zebra had found. But as he was thinking his next form of action, he found a peculiar marking on the gas mask.

A "weird" colt that is winking at him.

Meanwhile, back at Ponyville, Spike has just exited "Weird Bulls-Eye's House of Hooves", a strange knick-knack store that sells a variety of items for a variety of ponies. It's honestly one of Spike's favorite stores in Ponyville, although he thinks that the front sign seems more un-original to him. It's just Bull-Eye winking at you. But nevertheless, Spike was leaving the store as a very happy dragon, with a tub full of moderate-priced gems and several goodies that he's wearing (Shades, "fancy" coat and hat, etc).

"Oh man!" Spike says to himself. "It feels like that TODAY is my birthday or something. It's awfully nice of Twilight to give me this pouch full of bits." But after tossing one fake gem into his mouth, he then says: "But still, I think she still gave a bit too much money just for getting me out of the castle."

Twilight had given Spike 150 bits in the pouch that she gave him. That's roughly $300 in the human world. Spike just thinks that that's a bit too much overkill and couldn't help but wonder that Twilight has something else. And then there was the pouch itself that caught Spike's eye. It was wonderfully stitched, braided string and looks quite expensive to make (he should know. He spends a lot of time with Rarity). Spike then notice a logo on the bottom: A pair of very sharp, very pointy horns.

But as Spike was lost in thought and finishing the last of his gems, a rough sound coughed out to him.

"Ahem!" coughed a rather deep and opposing voice.

The "cough" quickly catches Spike's attention and looks to see who wants him. There, he saw a rather intimidating pair quadrupeds looking right at him. One was a skinny and rather shady unicorn pony who was chewing on a toothpick while his partner was a large, imposing Buffalo whose face is stuck on the serious setting.

"Are you "Spike the dragon", but any chance?" asked the shady pony.

Spike gulped. "Th-That depends. Who are you?" Spike was cautious. He doesn't know why this pair is asking for him, but his gut instincts are telling him that they're trouble and doesn't want him to reveal his name to them.

"Glad that you asked that" they shady pony replied. "We're workers for Steel-Horn, a rather kind and "generous" Minotaur who's happy to lend his money to ponies... assuming that they repay him."

"And um... why does Steel-Horn have with me?" Spike cautiously asked.

The pony turns to his Buffalo partner and says: "Why don't you explain to him "Big Chief?"

And then, in a deep and monotone voice, Big Chief explains: "Earlier this morning, Steel-Horn lend his money to a 3rd party where the 1st party must pay him back at 12:00 AM today with 300% interest. And right now, it's 12:05."

Spike was flabbergasted. 300% interest! That's insane. Obviously, Steel-Horn was some sort of loan shark with questionable legality. However, while the pair is clearly imposing, Spike felt slightly less worried. Slightly.

Spike explains: "Well I think there's some sort of mistake. I got my money from Twilight, who is a princess. So there's no way that Twilight would ever borrow money from..."

"Funny that you say that" the shady pony interrupt. "Tell him who the parties that are involved in the contract."

"Lender: Steel-Horn. The 3rd party who asked for the money: Princess Twilight Sparkle. The 1st party who needs to return the money: Spike the Dragon. Total bits lent: 150. The sub total bits that need to be returned (with the 300% interest)... 900!"

"*Gulp*"

Spike, now realizing the sharp horns on his pouch signify, was at a lost for words and frozen in fear. He couldn't understand why Twilight would borrow money from a loan shark or why she's forcing him to pay back the money? It's like she deliberately setting him up. And as the now obvious thugs get near him, Spike tries to worm his way out.

"N-Now, now guys. I'm sure we can get to an agreement" Spike said as he slowly moves back.

And the thug pony replies: "And the agreement is that you pay back Steel-Horn's money. Or else..."

"Or... Or else what?"

And the Buffalo thug flatly replies: "Indentured servitude until your debt has been repaid."

"So... Where's. Our. Money?"

And then, out of fear or him having properly digested the gems from earlier, Spike burped.

"*Burp*"

There was an awkward silence between Spike and the two thugs... as Spike now realize that he backed into an alley.

"LET ME GO!" Spike yelled out. "YOU'RE MAKING A HUGE MISTAKE!"

However, Spike cries were swiftly ignored as he was tossed into a parked trail wagon. In order to stop him from escaping, the thug pony went in with him and try to tie him up. And unfortunately, while Spike squirming to break free did make it challenging, the thug succeeded. With one successful wave from his associate, the buffalo began to pull the wagon to his boss and deliver Spike to his fate.

As the wagon was moving through town, no pony bats an eye towards it. No pony knows that a young dragon is being taken against his will or that thugs are operating it. They just thought it's just another wagon filled with goods and there's nothing to be suspicious about.

But along the way, as the wagon was moving through a calmer part of Ponyville, it travels past the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. They had just finished helping a pony in understanding their talents and they are heading towards Sugar Cube Corner to reward themselves. But as the two groups were about to get too far apart, Spike just managed to get his head of the wagon and plea for help.

"HELP!"

Spike's yell for help startled the three young girls. But before Spike could yell anything else, the thug pony managed to pull his head back in and tie him up once again. However, the deed was already done as the CMC definitely caught it.

Applebloom turn to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo and asks: "Did you guys heard that?"

"Yeah" Scootaloo replied.

"What going on?" Sweetie Belle asked out loud.

The three girls then turn around and try to see who made the noise. They didn't see any pony else but they did notice the wagon that was going off in the distance. They didn't see anything odd about it but their troubled sense was tingling and kept their focus on it for a few seconds. And then, as their eyes were about to move away, they all notice the wagon began to shake violently.

Realizing that something was off, Applebloom yells out: "Wait!" and she and the other two Crusaders chase after the wagon.

The buffalo, who was carrying the wagon, was peacefully moving along and trying not to raise any suspicion. However, he soon notices that three young fillies were running towards and he got a feeling that they know something was up. Worried, the buffalo began to move fast and try to out run them.

"Hey Wait A Minute!" yelled Scootaloo whose worries were growing ever more legitimate.

The CMC try to chase after the wagon with all of their might. However, with three sets of legs trying to catch up a fully grown buffalo, they best that they could do was retaining their distance. But then, as the chase was shaking the wagon, the tarp's flap began to wave open.

But before the CMC could see what's inside...

"Where Are You Three Going!?"

Out of nowhere, Applejack suddenly appears and got in the path of the CMC. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all collided into her and bounce back while AJ didn't budge an inch. As soon as they got over their ache and pains, Applebloom yells to her older sister:

"What are you doin'? We Were..."

However, as she tries to look for the wagon, Applebloom saw that it was gone. It must have gotten away while they were distracted.

"You were... What!?" AJ asks with a hint of frustration in her voice.

The CMC managed to get onto her hooves, somewhat confused and a little bit shy about everything that happened. Sweetie Belle replies to Applejack: "We're not quite sure. We heard somepony cry for help and then we saw a suspicious wagon, so we..."

"And did you know that that cry for help came from that wagon?" AJ interrupted.

"No..." Scootaloo answered. "But it sounded like they were in danger!"

Applejack, upon hearing their reason, quickly brushes it off and says to them: "Oh shucks. It's just your imaginations playing up and you "think" somepony is in danger. But really, it's probably somepony asking for help in their laundry or something."

The three girls were confused and didn't know what to think. They were sure that somepony was in danger and they were sure that the wagon that they were chasing was suspicious. But like Applejack said. There's a chance that their imaginations were just acting up and now they are beginning to doubt themselves.

But as the CMC was lost in thought, Applejack then says to them: "Well anyway, speaking about help, I've got a job for the Cutie Mark Crusaders and I'm wonderin' if you're up for the task?" And like that, they quickly became distracted from what they were thinking about.

"A job?" said Sweetie Belle with buckets full of curiosity.

"Yep. I heard from Braeburn that a couple of fillies from Appaloosa are having trouble with their cutie marks and I said that you can help."

"Really!" all three crusaders happily exclaimed.

The sound of a cutie mark problem send shivers of happiness through their brains. Ever since they got their own cutie marks and find out their superpose in life, they find sweet delight in helping other fillies or ponies in understanding their talents or just simply helping ponies. Suffice to say: they are eager to help.

"So, I'm gussin' that your answer is a "yes"?" Applejack ask them.

"YES!" all three girls shouted in unison.

"Good. Your train is leaving in 10 minutes."

"......... Wait, What!"

5 minutes later, almost against their will, Applejack was softly pushing the CMC along to a one-way train trip to Appaloosa. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, despite saying that they would help, was understandably adamant in leaving so suddenly.

"Wait Applejack!" Applebloom cry out. "Don't we need to go home an pack!?"

"No need" AJ replied. She says: "I already got all your stuff for you" gave the girls their saddle bags.

Scootaloo mumbles: "Well uh... can't we wait until tomorrow or something?"

"No good. You should always fix a problem as soon as they arrive."

In a last ditch effort before being pushed onto the train, Sweetie Belle cry out: "But Wait! We Promised Diamond Tiara That We'll..."

But then, before Sweetie Belle could finish, Applejack finally pushes all three girls on the train and replies: "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll understand."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders, in a last-last ditch effort, tries to run off the train before it departs. But as they were about to escape their fate, the train door shuts slammed in their faces. Smoke began to puff from the chimney and the train was getting ready to go.

"ALL ABOARD!" AJ yell out loud.

And shortly afterwards, the train was off. The CMC, while still in view of Applejack, yell and pleaded to her to stop her madness and get them off. However, their pleas fall on deaf ears. Not only was the section that they were in were sound proof, but Applejack just gleefully smiles and watches as she see her sister and her friends being trained off into the sunset.

"Good" Applejack evilly and silently exclaims. "Now all we need to deal with is that no good zebra and then no pony will be able to stop us.

Meanwhile, in the Everfree forest, Zecora has just finished getting all her ingredients that she need for not only for the food that she likes, but for any future potion making in the future. She look up to the sky and see that the sky was getting dark. She knows all too well how wild some of the creatures in the Everfree forest are like and sees fit to get to her home before it gets too dark.

Zecora trod on the forest path, feeling safe and secure that no dangerous beast will come out and attack her. However, as she was walking, she began sensing some other sort of danger. No beastly danger, but a feeling that she was being watched.

A bad sensation began flowing through Zecora's body as she look around for anything that seems suspicious. But everywhere that she looks, she only see harmless little bunny rabbits and birds and other small animals that are usually harmless. There were no Timberwolves that are in disguise, no Cragadile that are pretending to be rocks or any other Everfree monster that are in hiding that Zecora could easily find. Everything seems peaceful and Zecora let out a sigh that looks like a sigh of relief.

......... But it's not.

Zecora bolted. Running to her house and avoiding any small animal that that crosses her path. She know what is wrong. No small creature would ever stay out in the Everfree as it's getting dark as they all would usually burrow away by now. And true to her suspicions; the small bunny rabbits and squirrels that looked harmless before began look devilish and terrifying and began chasing after Zecora.

Our trusted zebra could sense that they are being manipulated but has not the free time to deduce the culprit yet. All that she can do was run to her house and try to secure herself for the time being. However, as soon as Zecora could see her cottage, she instantly saw that animals had already entered there and waiting for her. Zecora was shocked. Whoever it is, it was someone cunning.

With her house no longer sage, Zecora runs deeper into the forest and pray that none of her other safe-houses has been compromised. But as she was running away and the other animals in the zebra's house join the mob of (tiny) beasts that are chasing her, one squirrel accidentally knock one of the vials over and falls into Zecora's cauldron. There, the pot began to shake and the chemicals that was already inside it was beginning to shake.

Meanwhile, Starlight was on a train and making her way back to Ponyville as fast as she can. And as she see the moon begin to raise, she began to be even more anxious.

"Please... Don't let anything bad happen when I get there."

Chapter 4- The Dawn of Disaster

It was getting closer and closer to the den of the night and one of the last trains to Ponyville was making its way through the darkness. Starlight was sitting anxiously by the window and thinking about the bad discovery that she found earlier. Strange water that can turn any pony evil!? That's terrifying on its own. But being in the hooves of some pony who know of its effects and possibly having nefarious agendas for it? that's even worse.

But as Starlight was steadying her nervous and calm herself down, she looks outside her window and sees another train going another direction. She didn't think much of it except for a delightful surprise to see two trains going past each other. But then, in a split-second that was caught in her eye, Starlight notice three small fillies arguing with a conductor. They went by so fast that she couldn't be certain, but Starlight recognizes them as Applejack's, Rarity's, and Rainbow Dash's little sisters. Confusion has struck Starlight as she begins to question why would they travel on the train in the middle of the night.

However, those thoughts were shortly cut short as Starlight could spot Ponyville in the distance. But there was something strange about it. The town seems oddly bright for some reason but it isn't the town itself that is bright. It's like something near Ponyville is being bright and it's illuminating the town a little bit. As Starlight began questioning what is causing it, the train began to slow down as it was approaching the station and the conductor spoke out through the P.A system.

"Attention Passengers! We're approaching Ponyville station which is the end of our line tonight. However, there seems to be an incident that is happening near our destination and we like to advise caution to all ponies who are getting off. We thank you for using the Buckunear Express hope you all have a happy (and safe) evening."

And with that, Starlight fears was going even more wild as she begins to wonder what is happening.

The Everfree Forest is on fire.

Flames were spewing from the forest in a hypnotizing display of burning wood and raging fires. The fire hasn't yet begun moving its way to Ponyville yet, but there's still a strong enough possibility and emergency services have been deployed. Weather pegasi have been moving rain clouds and trying to pour water on the flames. But since it's night-time and most of the rainwater was used for a rainy day previously in the week, there was a little bit of trouble getting it out. Guards and police ponies were stationed on the ground so none of the civilians would try to get near it.

However, since the fire was making its way to Ponyville, the ponies didn't felt like they were in danger. A fair chunk of them are scared and panicking that the fire might be becoming towards them, but constant reassurance from the authorities are mitigating their fears a little bit. Meanwhile, the rest of the common folk were just standing around on the street, staring on in amazement towards the burning from afar.

But for Starlight, it was a different story. Dread was plastered across her face as she thinks that the Everfree fire is somehow connected to the thief who stole the dark water. Might not be the one who caused it but definitely corrupted another pony who did do it.

But as she looks around at the other ponies, the civilians and the emergency services, another scary thought crossed Starlight's mind: why isn't any of her friends helping out. She could imagine Rainbow Dash eager to help out, Pinkie Pie calming the other ponies down and Twilight taking charge as the leader. However, none of them are in sight and this worries Starlight even more.

But then, as Starlight was about to decide to look for them, she heard another pony crying out.

"Oh Wow! Wowwest This Day! This Day Has Been a Cavalcade of Disaster Upon Disaster Upon Disaster Upon Even Bigger Disaster!"

Starlight spotted a weird pony being dramatically over the top by some buildings. They were wearing a cloak so Starlight couldn't determine what pony race they belong to, but she could tell it is a colt. But the way that he is dramatizing and being loud and obnoxious about it, it's like he's trying to attract some pony. Curious, Starlight went towards him.

"Excuse me? Are you bothered about something?"

And then, when he noticed Starlight, he answers: "Yes! Something is definitely wrong!"

"Well is it the fire? Are you afraid that it'll come towards the town?"

"Well, no (but that is a legitimate fear that now you mentioned it). Earlier today, I saw a couple of thugs dragging a tiny, poor defenseless dragon into an alleyway and tossing him into their cart. It was horrible!"

"WHAT!" Starlight yelled out in horror.

She could instantly tell that the dragon that was kidnapped was Spike and was horrified that something terrible has happened to him. But before she could worry too much on that, the pony in the cloak continue.

"However, that didn't end there. Three small girls, the Cutie Mark Crusaders is what I think they are called, spotted the wagon that the thugs were using and try to chase after them. But before they could catch up to it, Applejack stopped them."

"WHAT!?" Starlight yelled, now in confusion. "Didn't she know that they captured Spike?"

"You know... you might be right" the pony replied. "She seemed very adamant to not let any pony chase after the wagon and trick the girls into boarding a train for Appaloosa."

Starlight couldn't believe what she was hearing. How could Applejack let Spike to be kidnaped and sent her sister and friends away to another town? Unless...

"But you know... I think I know might be responsible for all of this."

"What! Who!?"

"Well, the other night, a suspicious looking pony was heading towards Twilight's castle. They were wearing a concealing cloak, kind of like mine, and they were carrying a jug full of water, kind like of this one." He then shows Starlight an empty water jug. "They break their way into the castle and... I don't what happened after that. But you need to go and warn the princess!"

"Yes! I need to do that!"

But then, before Starlight was could run 10 feet away, she realizes something: the culprit was right there. He openly confessed and describe himself as the intruder who broke into Twilight's castle. He is clearly mocking her.

"Wait a minute."

However, as soon as Starlight turn back around, the pony was gone, vanished into thin air. Shocked, she began teleporting and trying to find him before he could get away. But no matter where she looks, in the alleyways, roads, rooftops, potted plants, etc, Starlight couldn't find him. Frustration ran rampant in Starlight's mind. Stuff is falling apart all around her and there's nothing that she can do to stop it.

"ATTENTION PONYVILLE!"

And then suddenly, like a loud announcement across town, a large projection of Twilight shot out from her castle. The loud voice and the large projection managed to grab the attention from all the citizens and pulled Starlight away from her depression.

"AS DECREED FROM YOUR PRINCESS, RETURN TO YOUR HOMES IMMEDIATELY! LET THE EMERGENCY SERVICES HANDLE THE FIRE! DO AS YOUR PRINCESS COMMANDED!"

And as soon the announcement has ended, Starlight remembered that she came to do. She needs to inform Twilight about the dark water. Starlight picks herself up and began running towards the castle. But quietly watching from afar, the hooded pony see Starlight running and laughs.

"HA-HA-HA! I'm so mean."

Starlight was running as fast as her four legs can carry her. She was going so fast that everything seemed like a blur to her. However, despite how fast she was going, she couldn't escape the other ponies chatting to one another and her own conflicting feelings.

"Hey, have you seen Princess Twilight right now?"

"Yeah, how could I miss."

"No, I mean didn't it feel like she was different somehow?"

"Now that you mentioned it, yeah, I did get that feeling."

"It almost reminds of..."

"The time when she and the other 5 were evil?"

"Oh man, don't remind me of that."

"Yeah. Pray to Celestia that that isn't happening again."

Starlight wants to deny it. She doesn't want to think that her friends, the ponies that helped her see the error of her way, might be evil. But then she remembers: it wouldn't be their fault. It would be the dark water's doing and the cloaked pony who forced it onto them. If there's anypony who might restore Twilight and the others to the good side again, she can do it (Starlight).

Starlight reached to the castle without any trouble. With the fire raging on behind her and the storm clouds that are trying to put it out, the castle looked foreboding as Tartarous. Starlight enters the castle and tries to look for Twilight, and with any luck, the rest of her friends. But as she was walking through the halls, she couldn't shake off a foreboding feeling of dread. She tries to steel her nerves, but the fear that she's feeling is just too big to swallow.

But then, as she was coming up to the map room, Starlight began to hear yelling that sounded like it was from Twilight.

"HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN!!"

Silently, Starlight hid behind the door and peek inside. There, she saw Twilight (who was still wearing a scarf), Fluttershy (who Twilight was arguing with), Rarity, and Applejack. She couldn't see Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash, but she assumes that they are dealing with the fire. Starlight then remain quiet as she hears her friends argue.

Twilight yells: "Not only did you let Zecora escape, but now we have to deal with a massive forest fire!"

"I'm Sorry, alright!" Fluttershy yelled back. "As soon as the fire started, I had to make sure that my animals are safe. Or... Are you saying that you don't care water happens to them, Twilight?"

Fluttershy gave Twilight a cold, aggressive stare, something like how a mature mother trying to look after her babies. Twilight, knowing what will happen if she gets on Fluttershy's bad side, retreats back a little bit and tackle the issue in a different.

"Look, Zecora is the one how managed to make the cure the last time we turn evil. We must eliminate any chances of that ever happening again."

"But what about Starlight?" Fluttershy asked her.

Applejack then steps in. "What about Starlight? She's out on her spa retreat/getaway thingy and isn't back yet."

"No, she isn't" Fluttershy bluntly replied. "In fact, She's Over There!"

Fluttershy then points towards the door and everyone spotted Starlight peeking her head out.

"What!"

"Oh, My!"

"What in Tarnation!"

With her presence exposed, a surprised Starlight step out and asks: "How did you know I was here?"

"A little birdy told me" Fluttershy sarcastically replies. And then, appearing from thin air, a chameleon revealed itself on Fluttershy's shoulder and gave Starlight a rather evil grin.

Starlight was left shocked and confused. She had been living in Ponyville for quite a while and she had never seen or heard of chameleons living in the area. But somehow, Fluttershy must have gotten one and spotted Starlight peeking in. While Starlight was left surprised, Twilight and the others began questioning her.

"Starlight, what are you doing back here?" Twilight asked.

"And how much did you heard?" Applejack added.

After organizing themselves, Starlight answers: "Well I came back to warn all of you that somepony had stolen some still corrupting dark waters from the springs and... I heard just enough to know what you all doing isn't good."

Starlight tries to put up a strong face in front of her terrifying friends. Her (evil) friends on the other hand/hoof sigh and realize that they need to deal with her.

Rarity says out loud: "So, it appears the cat is out of the bag for our perfectly-perfect-plans. But what are you going to do about it Starlight? Do you think you have a chance to stopping us or are you gonna run away and try to warn Celestia."

"I'm... I'm gonna remind you all who you really are!" Starlight loudly proclaims, to which the rest of them scoffed. "You all need to fight this dark influence and remember the kind of ponies that you really are. You all aren't evil schemers or conquers. You don't let your friends get kidnapped or see them in danger. You all fought for Equestria and show the light of friendship to everypony that you meet. You even saved me from my own madness for crying out loud! Don't do something that you are going to regret."

Once she was done with her speech, Starlight was hoping that her words might have gotten into some of them. However, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight looked unfazed and unimpressed.

"Oh Starlight, Starlight, Starlight..." Twilight sounded as she steps a little closer. "Did you really think your little speech is going to change our plans?"

Starlight remained silent and trying to hide her surprise that her speech failed to get through to them.

But while Twilight was trying to intimidate Star', an impatient Applejack yells out loud: "Oh, why are we wasting our time with this "evil menacing" shtick and not just splash her with some water?"

"Why Applejack! You're just as practical as ever" Rarity delightfully responded.

(Evil) Twilight and Fluttershy also agree with AJ's plan and even appreciate her straightforwardness. But while Starlight was left in fear to their plan, Pinkie Pie suddenly revealed herself from behind one of the chairs and spoke up about the plan.

"I like your straightforward plan Applejack. Unfortunately, that straightforwardness-ness will only get you being SLAMMED INTO A BLANK WALL!"

"And why in tarnation is that?" AJ angrily replied.

"Because..." Pinkie then pulls a glass of water from AJ's hat, drinks it, then spits it back out (to AJ's face) and answers: "... It's all gone!"

While AJ is trying to restrain herself from beating Pinkie till next Tuesday, a shock and infuriated Twilight angrily yells: "WHAT!! How is it all gone!?"

Pinkie Pie gleefully replies: "Well I thought it would be funny to fill a rain cloud with dark water and spray it on everypony in town since they did that with the cure last time. But..."

"But don't tell me..." Twilight interrupted.

But before Twilight could finish, she was interrupted herself when Rainbow Dash came crashing into the room at full speed and slammed into a wall. However, despite looking all mangled in her crash, Dash acts all fine and say:

"Bad new! I filled up a rain cloud with that water, like what Pinkie Pie told me. However, some other pony took it and used it to help extinguish the fire."

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity moaned. "That was the most awful, most unrefined, and imperfect crash that I have ever seen."

"And what would you expect me to do? Slow down? New-and-Improved Rainbow Dash, the best flyer in Equestria, doesn't slow down for nothing!"

Nearly every pony in the room face palmed and groan in frustration, except for Starlight Glimmer who was quite relieved that the dark water won't be forced onto her.

After getting over her disappointment, Twilight says: "Ok, let's do this the hard way. Starlight! Join us and help us bring Equestria to a new golden age that no pony has ever dreamed of!"

But Starlight refused.

"No! There's nothing wrong with this Equestria that needs changing, especially when the ponies who are doing the changes aren't in their right minds."

"Oh please. What about that time where you go on and on about "equality" and have big dreams for Equestria? Did you forgot about that already?"

"No, but like I said, I wasn't in my right mind. And unlike all of you, I did it... of my own volition. You didn't choose to be corrupted, did you?"

"... Yes, we did."

"See, you D-D-D-D-DID!"

Starlight was so surprised that her mind skipped a beat. She was expecting some admittance that they were tricked to surprised and did become willingly. "What did she mean that they did?" Starlight asked herself as fear began swelling up in her heart.

And as Rainbow Dash and the other began getting behind Twilight, Twilight explains: "Yes, we willingly chose to drink the dark water and got rid of our morality."

"It just got in the way" Fluttershy added.

Starlight was $^(*@&#&^. She didn't know what to think or how to respond. The fact that her friends willingly became evil was so foreign to Starlight that it was metaphorically crashing her brain. In her incoherent resistance to stay strong, Starlight mumbles:

"N-N-No! That's Wrong! You... You are just trying to trick me!"

"But We're not" Twilight gleefully replied. "If you don't believe me, read our mind! I know that you know the spell."

"O-Ok! I Will!"

Starlight's horn lite up and began scanning in each of her friend's brains. In each of their heads, Starlight could saw the moment where the dark water was right in front of them and the offer that was made to them. She could see the memory of the hooded pony offering it to Twilight and the memory where Twilight offers it to the rest of her friends. Starlight could see the tenseness in their bodies as they were holding the glasses of water and wishing so much for them to toss the drinks to the ground and stomp on them.

However, that wish was not to be. In a moment to defy all reality, logic, and sanity, Starlight bare witness to seeing Twilight, Rainbow, AJ, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all drinking and chugging down the dark water. She saw all their morality and common senses being stripped away as the water corrode them from the inside out (figuratively) and becoming evil. Once she was down watching, Starlight was left in a shocked, horrified expression that would make a sadist pony shiver with glee.

"No....... way........"

Starlight was so shocked and confused that she was seeing her whole world began to shake around her. It did not compute. It was impossible. This is all some bad dream and she still back at the spring and drowning in the hot water. However, the nightmare was very much real and Starlight was drowning in her own despair. She stammered. She began to sway side to side as she somehow walks back onto a balcony. As Twilight and the others followed her onto the balcony, they gave her the same ultimatum.

"So, will you join us?" Twilight asked her.

And then, as Starlight Glimmer was in her deepest, darkest, despairing darkness, something clicked. She remembers the image of herself where she wanted equality (or the "equality" that she knew it) and hated that image. She was so closed off and closed minded that she couldn't see what real friendship really was. Instead, she let other ponies in and help her see the light. And even though those ponies have fallen to darkness, even though she saw their willingness through their memories, Starlight still want to deny it. Even though Starlight could see herself being in denial, she still wants to have faith in her friends.

With all of her resolve and determination, Starlight proclaims: "No! I Won't Join You! I know There Still Good In All Of You And I'm Going To Bring It Out!"

After a moment of pause, Twilight sighs through her nose and says what she was thinking. "Well, that was disappointing."

And then, in a spark of magic, Twilight's eyes and horn lit up in a dark green and purple glow and Starlight could hear a tear into reality open up. Starlight looks behind her and saw a portal filled with chaos and insanity just below the balcony. It was like a realm of true and utter chaos and Starlight needed seconds to process what she was seeing. But within those seconds, Starlight "evil" friends finally decided what they're going to do with her.

"If you aren't with us, This is What You Get!"

And then, before Starlight could react, Rainbow Dash and AJ pushed and shove her off the balcony. Starlight stumbles through the air as she tries to use her magic to escape. But in her most dire moment where she would really need it, her magic failed to respond. As confused struck her for the last and cruel time, Starlight scream as she falls into chaos.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Starlight's scream continued to be heard, up until Twilight closes the portal to chaos. While dark and chaos magic of that degree would be exhausting for that amount of time for even an alicorn to do, Twilight got off with a few beads of sweat. Twilight and the others then stood around in silent, realizing that they have just sent a friend to a fate of abstract misery and despair. However, none of them felt a hint or remorse or regret their action.

"So Twilight, what are we going to do today?" Pinkie asked her.

And as the Everfree Fire continues to burn in the background, Twilight turns to her "friends" and said this.

"We're going to do what we planned to do Pinkie..."

"We're Going to Takeover Equestria!"

Intermission- Rise of Dark Equestria

Author's Note

The story is going to be on hiatus for quite a while for me to work on different stories. But just to satisfy a few people's curiosity, I've prepared a small intermission about what the evil Mane-6 will do after the last chapter and how they rise to dominance. Apologies for those who will be disappointed and upset, but I hope that you enjoy it and thank you for following it this far.

Intermission- Rise of Dark Equestria

After the disastrous fire of the Everfree Fire, there was a period of peace and calmness for Ponyville. None of the ponies think they were in any danger and think everything is normal.

But when everything is at its quietest, that is usually when disaster strikes.

A few days later, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her council of Friendship announced their conquest of Equestria and lay siege of Ponyville. A horde of animals swept through the town and set fear to all the inhabitants. When the citizens try to spread the word of Mane 6's betrayal to the rest of Equestria, Twilight cut all communication from the outside world by casting an invisible dome over the town.

Once they conquered Ponyville, Twilight and her friends declared themselves as the "True Princesses of Dark Equestria" and set their sights for the rest of the kingdom.

After forcing some of Ponyville's strongest citizens under their command, their next goal was to attack Canterlot and take down Princesses Celestia and Luna before they could have time to react. However, Celestia and Luna was already made aware of their treason (thanks to a miraculous letter that Spike managed to send to them despite his captivity). The Equestrian capital then became a battle ground for a fierce battle and many ponies were hurt by the result of it. But in the end, despite Celestia's and Luna's best effort, they were defeated.

Fear had swept the kingdom as their once proud heroes are now the overlords of their enslavement. Once the Canterlot was captured and the other princess has been imprisoned in an undisclosed place, the "6 Princesses of Darkness" then went on and take each major city for themselves.

Twilight went to the Crystal Empire and strip Princess Cadence's rule of her kingdom. Despite her family's pleas, Twilight imprisoned them and uses the Crystal Power to assert her dominance over the empire.

Rainbow Dash invaded Cloudsdale and swiftly defeated the Wonderbolts single handily. She then dismantled the famous flying group that she worked so hard to join and form her own elite flying group to enforce the Dark Princess's rule:
The Rainbowbolts.

Rarity takes control of Manehatten and renames it: "Raretopia". She asserts her dominance over the fashion world and forces her own tastes and "perfection" on every designer and artistically inclined pony. If any pony may have a negative opinion on her or her work, Rarity would punish them, shame them, and then blacklist them from ever finding a job again (except for being her slave).

Applejack took ownership of the desert area of the kingdom and enlist every outlaw and bandit under her fold. AJ then enact harsh taxes and rules on any business who isn't her own and force every pony to be a consumer for her "Sweet Apple Empire".

Fluttershy seizes dominion over all the forests and natural areas all across Equestria and set up her animal kingdom in the remains of the Everfree Forest. However, Twilight gave her a role to hunt down all the zebra that she can find and prevent them from making a cure that will free them from their madness.

Pinkie, the last of the Dark Princesses, was put in charge of Ponyville and let her have free rain over the town. In her own sweet, twisted madness, Pinkie converted the town into a "fun wonderland" where every pony and laugh and smile, even when they don't want to.

The Dark Princess's rule was absolute and all shortly fell before their might. However, not all quickly surrender to their rule and races from other kingdoms was not liking the new status quo of Equestria. The Yaks, the Griffons, the Changelings and the Dragon all opposed the Dark Princesses, with the leaders of the latter two (Fire Lord Ember and Changeling Leader Throax) being worried about their close friend: Spike. To make sure the other races don't invade and challenge her rule, Twilight bribe the Yaks and the Griffons into neutral relations and threaten to harm Spike if the Dragons and the Changelings dare oppose her.

And with that, Equestria had fallen into a dark age of tyranny and fear where everypony but obey the Dark Princess's rule. All resistances were stamped out and were made examples of for the future resistances to come. During this harsh times, the mystical land of ponies was given a new name.

Dark Equestria

However, not all hope is lost. There are still few ponies who still (silently) oppose the Dark Princess's rule and conspire to restore the kingdom to what it once was. They may not be many and they aren't strong enough to stand up to them yet, but the tiny ember of hope haven't faded from their hearts.

Meanwhile, in the realm of Chaos...