Bitter Autumn

Twilight, Spike, and Rarity's next destination was the home of their strongest, fastest ally; Rainbow Dash.

"Do you think she'll believe us," Spike asked.

"Not without proof," Twilight responded.

"Do you intend to show her," Rarity wanted to know.

"It's all I can really do to convince her."

"I guess you're right. Don't take too long. It's eerie out here."

"I'm on it. Spike, guard Rarity until I get back."

Spike nodded, and Twilight was off.

The disruption of her sleep cycle caused Rainbow Dash to grumble in resentment.

"Go away! I'm tryin' to sleep here."

"Rainbow Dash, it's Twilight. This is an emergency."

"What, did your wings fly off your back and desert you or somethin?"

"Very funny. Get up before I drag you out here."

"Grr. Fine!"

Rainbow flew out of bed and opened the door.

"What is it, your royal pain in the butt?"

"You won't believe me unless I show you. Follow me."

Twilight spread her wings and descended from the cloud. Rainbow could do nothing but sigh.

"This is gonna' be a long night, isn't it?"

"Take a look for yourself," Twilight told her athletic Pegasus friend.

"Wait a minute...You're telling me that thing is real!?"

"Shh!!!"

"Sorry."

"I don't know what's going on here, but we can't go in half-cocked. We need to see if the princesses know anything about these monsters."

"As much as I hate it, I have to agree."

"Guess you learned from past mistakes, huh?"

"Laugh it up why don't ya'."

"Anyway, we've got to stop messing around."

"How do you know this thing is dangerous?"

"One of its buddies tore through my barrier like paper. I'm pretty sure this thing's intentions aren't benevolent by any stretch of the imagination."

"I guess."

"There's no point in sticking around. Let's find the others."

"Right," Twilight's friends replied simultaneously, and they were off.