CHOO! CHOO!

Steam had hissed from under the locomotive, as the clanking chug of gears and wheels of metal grated against the steel tracks beneath. Taking a deep whiff of the fresh, open air of her hometown, the mare trotted alongside her friend off the station, and onto the main road.

"Oh, it's most surely grand to be back to our humble abodes, after such dreary travels," the Unicorn beside her spoke, "I must admit, the shenanigans involved with that last trip was certainly one I wish to reprieve from."

"I hope you do get a good rest in, Rarity," Fluttershy offered gently, "All this traveling, alone, was exhausting."

"Quite right," Rarity answered, "Though I'm afraid I have much to make up for, since my absence from Ponyville. Thankfully, Sassy Saddles and Coco Pommel have done wonderful work maintaining their respective managements. Which should leave most of the gathered dust, cobwebs and clutter to be cleared here. Surely, at the end of this day, I should get in my long, awaited beauty sleep."

"You certainly deserve that. Especially how well you helped Cheese Sandwich with his cousins in Baltimare."

"Now, now. Let's not forget your efforts as well, Fluttershy. If not for your subtle methods of determining the cause of such an issue, undoubtedly there would have been an uproar."

"I just listened to what the animals had experienced, while you made sure you heard all sides of the problem."

"True. At any rate, I imagine you'll have quite the dilemma returning to your cottage also."

"Not too much, I hope. After sending Discord that note we'd stay for the trial in the Empire, and instructions of what to do, I'm sure he did a very good job of keeping an eye on everything, while I was gone."

"Be that as it may, your Wildlife Reserve may call for a need of maintenance, as well."

"I guess so. But then there's Doctor Fauna to help with that too."

"Back to the Crystal Empire, I'd also wish to find out if Twilight received any news from Starlight, or Counselor Daredevil. I imagine the two might have made a few strides concerning the stolen Amulet, by now."

"I hope so, too."

After that, the two simply walked on in silence, before reaching a juncture in the road where the two must separate.

"Well, take care, Fluttershy," the soft yellow Pegasus heard Rarity, "Rest well, and best of luck with any conundrums."

"Don't worry," she chuckled at the implication, "Like I said, I'm sure things have been well handled."

"In that case, darling, adieu."

"See you later, Rarity."

At once, she made a brisk, but graceful trot at the turn for home. Yes, it was definitely clear that all this traveling, searching, chasing, testifying, secret-keeping, more traveling and helping a friendship problem took their toll on the Pegasus mare. She was grateful for those times she took a nap on the train, as well as relaxed during Rarity's treat to a spa in Baltimare. So much so, she felt rejuvenated enough to check on how things went with Discord and her woodland critters.

Of course, her draconequine friend could perform numerous, and ludicrous pranks on her and her friends. And he had. But she would find some reason to enjoy it, as Discord intended it, while also ensuring that nothing terrible happened. In fact, she thought this might be a welcoming return to home for her. Especially after that assault. If she found something odd or ridiculous happening between him and Angel while walking in, that would be nice.

Her tree cottage in sight, she crossed the creek in front of it, and started to hover towards the door in slight excitement, and relief to be back home. Until...

CRASH! CLANG! RooAAAAR! Caw-caw! Screech!

Opening it with much haste, and sudden worry, she found the most unexpected shock inside. All her woodland critters were in a frenzy! Her bear friend clawing at the furniture! The squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons and mice were all scurrying the kitchen table and counters, so clearly hungry! And the poor birds scattered from the raucous that ensured throughout! Just then, Angel hopped away from the horrid sight, and went to her front hooves, waving his paws at her in fear, outrage and disbelief!

"Oh, my goodness!"

Elementary, My Dear Pony

Everything and everyone was in complete disarray, that it was the most horrible sight she had ever encountered. Well, aside from Nightmare Moon, Tirek, Chrysalis, Discord once upon a time, and that brief, but ominous glimpse of Sombra. But this took a different kind of terror for her to witness. This one involved all her furry and scaly friends, large, small and in between, terribly neglected.

"Now, let's take it easy," said Fluttershy, as calmly and as soothingly for their sakes, "I may not understand what happened here, but none of you has to explain anything right now. Just make sure you're well fed, and taken care of. Everything will soon be alright."

She immediately went for the supply cabinet, where all the essentials were carefully stored. Next she helped individually with the animals in releasing all tension inside of them. As she fed them, she spoke with a caring, gentle, yet firmly confident voice that encouraged them to eat, and trust in her kind words. Save one, of course.

"Oh, don't thing I forgot about you, Angel." She tended to her white, fluffy friend, after he nudged her mercilessly for attention. Placing the bowl of his favorite meal and dessert to satisfy his rumblings, Fluttershy watched the rabbit ravenously eat it without stopping.

"Oh, I sure wonder what could've caused all this." Taking a final glance of all creatures inside the tree cottage, she then noticed the coffee table set between the sofa and chair. "Oh, no."

At its center, sat the unrolled parchment of instructions and news Spike had sent to Discord by her.

"This is...somewhat like him to leave things like this. Maybe when he expected me back. But then, he still would find time to make sure they're okay for me. And he would've come back to surprise me, and say goodbye-" Ping.

"Hello, Fluttershy!"

"EEP!" Pew! Greatly startled, she launched into the air, and zipped towards the sofa, nearly to hide herself.

"Well that's a fine 'How do you do,' I must say." Screeching her sudden instincts to a halt, turning her ears back to the recognized voice, then fully facing him, she gasped.

"D-Discord!"

"In the flesh! Though, more bite-size, I'm afraid." She lowered herself towards the ground, and stared at the miniscule creature standing on the table.

"Discord, you-you're so...so..."

"So intimidating? Awe-inspiring? Wait, sorry. Wrong subtext. But I was made travel-sized, for somepony's convenience."

"Are you saying something made you like this? Is that why you couldn't help these animals, or even read my message?"

"Message?" Then turning towards the massive scroll right beside him, he shrugged. "Must've got lost in the mail. Or more, I must have."

"What happened to you?" Her voiced concern transcended to her wavering tone, and quivering irises of teal.

"Well, I was going about my own business, tending to the woodland creatures here, as you've asked me, until I suddenly found myself trapped in a jar, stuffed under the axle of a wagon, and spent the next TEN DAYS inside it, completely helpless!"

"Oh, how terrible!"

"No, Fluttershy. You don't understand. Ten days. Ten. Full. Measley. Consecutive days of chronicle order, without any passing on my own, except the hard, old-fashioned way! Ever wondered what spending even one in full sequence, without skip, rewind, slow-motion, play, pause or repeat would be like, after a millennia of such? Though perhaps that entire thousand-years-of-stone bit would've been worse than this. Only it wasn't, due to my lack of petrified state."

"Who did this to you? And how did you escape?" Her persisted questions allowed for the draconic multi-bred to regain focus, it seemed.

"Well, I didn't exactly escape. I simply used whatever chaos I stored inside myself for emergency reserves to time-travel here."

"Time travel? But I thought you said you were completely powerless."

"No, I said completely helpless, which implies that despite having some sort of power, I was still helpless in using it to defend myself."

"So you went back in time, to the day you were foalnapped?"

"That's right. Though, that was the intended purpose. Given this extra note from you to indicate you'd be away longer, it means I missed by a loooong shot."

"I'm so sorry! After the Amulet disappeared again, we had to help with Rainbow Dash's trial, and-"

"Hush now, my dear Fluttershy. I haven't much time left. Oh, the irony. But did you say, Rainbow Dash's trial? Suppose it was only a matter of time."

"Discord."

"Oh, yes. Right. Of course. No more chit-chat. At any rate, now more than ten days since my abduction, I have yet to determine where I am now. I mean, yes, I know I'm here now, though that hasn't been the case since, nor will it be so, 'til further notice-"

"Discord."

"Right! Not a moment to lose! My chaos magic helped maintain this spell longer than the normal casting, but still not too much."

"Who took you?"

"Some Unicorn stallion. Silver, golden mane and eyes, and from the looks of his flank while being put in his satchel, a horseshoe Cutie Mark of...yellowish-orange? You'll have to ask Rarity for the precise color on the spectrum. Also, it was nighttime."

"What's the last place you remember seeing?"

"After that ten-day agony, I saw Crystal Ponies passing my wagon in some sort of stockade for such vehicles."

"And after that?"

"Since then, all I ever saw was the darkness inside that pony's satchel. It's been even more agonizing, now, to get past another full moon, or so."

"Another full moon!? How many moons!?"

"Oh, roughly-" Poof!

"Discord!? Discord!" But the Pegasus' cries were left unanswered, as the room became totally quiet. Even the baffled creatures all around her made no sounds.

There was no time to waste! She had to hurry, as fast as possible! Twilight insisted that she helped in rallying their friends back to the Castle, this second! A day after returning from the Empire, and just getting back from Rainbow Falls to be reinstated, already trouble seemed to be building up. Again! Well, since the Alicorn Amulet was still missing, that was bound to happen. But despite the angst, and thrill, and hoof-pumping excitement in a great, big adventure she liked doing, her trial stressed her out a whole lot more than she realized. She just was not up for this kind of thing, this early. But she still needed to keep going, and help out wherever needed.

"Okay. Come on. She's the last one to get for Twilight. She just got back with Rarity. Where in Equestria could she have gone to?"

After checking the cottage, seeing the animals a bit tense, but calming down, Rainbow Dash darted to the different places where her fellow Pegasus could have been.

First it was the newly built Reserve. "Nope." Pew!

Then the duck pond. "Nu-uh." Whip.

Next the Animal Shelter. "No, way!" Zip.

And finally, Discord's house that sat totally empty. "Not even!" Whew!

Without much luck, she was starting to get very frustrated.

"Ugh! For a shy pony, she sure knows how to keep out of sight! I mean, where would she go? And just to be even more distant from ponies!? Huh?"

Just then, while hugely upset, she caught something, while staring blankly onto the ground below. Her wings flapping into a hover, Rainbow got a good view of the town square, where she spotted a light yellow figure. She saw the familiar Pegasus mare darting to a full gallop, straight towards the Tree Palace.

"Aw, come on!" Zoom!

"Alright, girls. I know you all have a lot on your plates right now, but this called for an emergency meeting of the utmost peril."

"Um, um, Twilight?"

"Not right now, Fluttershy."

"But-"

"Spike." Upon the Alicorn's singular request, the young Dragon stepped up from his seat before the Map Table, and unrolled a parchment.

"Ahem," he began, "To Princess Twilight Sparkle and friends, from the Crystal Empire. As I am dictating this first report on my investigation with Starlight Glimmer, Cadence and Shining Armor have set the Joint Guard on high, and full alert for the suspected thief of the Alicorn Amulet, who is now in possession of a hostage. But the thief and foalnapper might have left the Empire already. The victim's identity is unknown, but it seems the abduction had occurred shortly after the robbery. This makes it the elventh day, since then. Rendering the victim helpless, the Unicorn named Horizon Rider-"

"Ooh-ooh! Must be Midnight Rider's twin, or something!"

"Pinkie Pie."

"Sorry, Twilight."

"Ahem," Spike reiterated, "Horizon Rider, who was Limelight's friend from Canterlot, sent the victim to the Empire in a jar, and under the axle of one of three delivery wagons sent to Rarity's establishments. The wagons were used to conceal the stolen Amulet, as well as keep the victim from being detected, and throw off any suspected ponies. Horizon's means of steeling the Amulet remain unknown, if he was the culprit, however. But the artifact must have been used to help contain whomever he and his cohorts had taken also.

Therefore, I ask that some, if not all of you, meet me in Canterlot for further developments, and determine Horizon Rider's exact involvement and current location. I also ask that you convey with other ponies if they had seen him. He is described as a silver stallion with gold-amber mane and eyes, and Mark of a yellow-orange horseshoe."

"Got to be a relative, at least!"

"Pinkie."

"Uh...yellow-orange horseshoe. Either way, until next time, we all wish you the best. From your friend, Daredevil."

"Well, shoot," muttered Applejack, "Ain't that the needle in the haystack, for you."

"Especially if that needle was made even smaller to hide, and put under a wagon of hay!"

"I'll carry out this pony's description to the Mayor, see what we both can find out." As Twilight took the scroll from Spike, and rolled it back in, she continued. "In the meantime we must discuss...um, what is it, Fluttershy?"

Slowly raising her hoof, the yellow Pegasus seemed to be greatly troubled by the message. Trembling, she spoke, "I, um...I-I think I know...who was abducted."

"Well, come along, darling. We mustn't waste any time."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash joined, "Who was it?"

"Um, Dis-D-Discord."

"Wow," the Dragon remarked, "Plot thickens."

"And now it's even much bigger and badder and mysteriouser now, than it was before!"

"Pinkie sure got that right. Sort'a. Recon this is the makings for a pretty bad day coming for Equestria."

"Having the Alicorn Amulet," stated Twilight, "Whoever was wearing it used it to dispense Discord of his chaotic magic. How did he manage to escape?"

"Oh, um. He didn't."

"Then how the hay'd you know that, Fluttershy?"

"Because he suddenly appeared," she answered her fellow Pegasus, "saying he time-traveled to let me know what happened to him."

"How in the stars did he manage to do that, dear?"

"Chaos emergency reserves, he told me. Guess he learned to save some somewhere, after...gulp, Tirek."

"How long did he say he's been abducted?"

"Well, he was about to say exactly, Twilight. But all I could get, before he vanished, was maybe a few moons or so."

"Now wait just an apple-picking minute. You saying he was made tiny and small-like, put in a zap-apple jelly jar for trapping, spent ten days kept around the Crystal Empire, and maybe moons more someplace else? Why don't he use that reserved energy or whatever to get himself out?"

"Maybe it was only enough for one trip. And he also said he'd been kept inside the Unicorn's satchel since then. So he has no idea how to leave, where he is, or where to go without getting caught. Except to get help from us, back in time."

"Couldn't he have just gone back to when he was taken, and not after?"

"He said he missed his shot, Rainbow. Guess he couldn't control it as well as he wanted. He must be so powerless, and alone."

"Completely powerless now, it seems," Twilight continued. "I-I'm so sorry, Fluttershy. This must be very difficult for you. And considering all that's happened before."

"You mean during, Twilight," chirped Pinkie. "Discord didn't do any time-traveling yet! Or, did he?"

"Whatever," Rainbow Dash shook her head, "Back to the real problem here. Basically somepony's got the Alicorn Amulet, used it to take Discord, take most of his magic also, and then....Then what?"

"I fear that's precisely what we must determine, darling. And it seems our befriended Counselor is more than willing to meet with us in Canterlot, post haste, to do so. But I'm afraid not all of us can make it, I am sure."

"Got that right, Rarity. Still got to make sure our farm's fully caught up with everything. I recon you need to check on some things in your shop too, after just getting back."

"And I need to make sure my animal friends are safe and well cared for, because they'd been left alone since Discord was taken, and are still very scared and upset."

"But...But...But this is all of Equestria we're talking about, girls," stammered the light blue Pegasus, "Can't all that stuff just wait a little longer!?"

"We can't just put everything else at a stand-still, Rainbow Dash," Twilight answered, "If we did that every time something has come up so suddenly, like this, it could put us in a position where we couldn't do anything to help anypony, at all."

"Yep. Twi's right in saying we can't afford to leave our lives in cluttered messes, and be left alone. Otherwise, it'll come back to bite us in the flanks, one way or 'nother."

"Well, I'm going! Sure, Spitfire told me to take a small break from the trial to let off some steam, before getting back in the swing of things. But maybe a trip to Canterlot can help with that too."

"I want to go too," the rosy Earth Pony beamed, "Maybe then I can start planning a special party for Daredevil, while we go looking around for clues!"

"I'll be there also to check with Celestia and Luna. Find out what they know from their own investigations. I'll send this information of Horizon Rider to them right away, as well. And this should be a good opportunity to make final plans for the Friendship Festival."

"This will also be a good way to maintain a sense of calm among our fellow ponies here," Rarity added, "That the rest of us strive to maintain a sense of security in our own homes, during such worrisome times."

"Then it's settled," the Alicorn concluded, "First train tomorrow, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Spike and I will go to Canterlot, while the rest of us stay to give ponies here some sense of calm, and help in learning more about Horizon Rider's activities here."

Pssssh. As the engine let off steam, chugging away from the Canterlot station, Rainbow Dash took to a hover and went with her friends to find the blind stallion. However, what they all found there, instead, really caught her attention.

"Uh, okay. Wasn't expecting this many guards here."

"A precaution Celestia and Luna had set up," answered the lavender Alicorn, as they found themselves escorted into the city, "After finding out how Discord's abducted with the Amulet's use, we need to use extreme caution. Still not all that comfortable about it, though."

"Don't worry, Twilight," chirped Pinkie, "I'm sure this'll be all over and done with, very, very, very soon!"

"Yeah," said Spike from her back, "The way things are looking, we'll find the Alicorn Amulet in no time."

"No time. He-heh, don't we all wish." At the chromatic mare's remark, she noticed how they were making for the castle, its terraces standing straight ahead of them. "Guessing Daredevil's up there with them, huh?"

"That would be my supposition also," Twilight answered, "The princesses probably wanted him there too, and had him summoned the moment he arrived."

"Well, that makes sense," the Dragon responded, "Because he's basically here with us to know more about Horizon Rider. And since he and Limelight used to live here, maybe Luna and Celestia already found something."

"Ooh-ooh! I sure hope so! Because then I can spend more time here planning a special, super-duper, amazing party that I've been wanting to do for the blind pony! Maybe a super sleuth themed party! Or maybe flying ninjas! Or maybe even-"

"Pinkie," snapped Rainbow, "Worry about that later. Right now, we've got stuff to do that needs all our focus here."

"Being as rare as it is to hear that from you, Rainbow Dash, I really appreciate it."

"Ha. No problem, Twilight," she chuckled back, "I just can't get over how fast all this is going, is all. Even I'm wanting a breather."

"Yeah. And that's even rarer for you to say, Rainbow Dash," said Spike. "And that just makes me hope this all gets finished quickly even more."

"Me, too," said Rainbow.

"Me, three!"

"Yeah. I think you speak for all of us, Spike."

The mares and little Dragon had made their way into the royal throne hall, the gleaming colors shining from the stained-glass windows. Before them stood the pony regents of Sun and Moon, with the red-spectacled Earth Pony beside them.

"Hello, Twilight," warmly greeted Celestia, "I'm glad you were able to bring others with you for this."

"Is there something wrong, Celestia?"

"I'm afraid so," she nodded.

"We fear there's been a great, unexpected turn of events occurring in Equestria," joined Luna.

"What, something greater that Discord getting foalnapped," hoarsely asked the blue Pegasus.

"That's just the tip of the iceberg, Dash," replied the gold-yellow stallion.

"Ah," gasped the pink Earth Pony, "There's a giant iceberg in Equestria?!"

"Not now, Pinkie," Twilight said in worry.

"In the past week or so," continued Luna, "during Miss Dash's hearing, ponies of various tribes and occupations, including those of the Royal Guard, have been reported missing, or absent without relieve of post. These ponies are leaving their duties without mentioning their whereabouts, resembling Limelight's story. And this has happened not only in Canterlot."

"Now, it seems Horizon Rider's not the only pony to watch for," Celestia spoke, "Whatever this is, it's far, far more than a simple thief, or bandits in the night."

"Yet, equally as sinister, crafty and unseen. Hiding in said night's shadows."

"Basically," Daredevil said, "this is a serious, domestic crisis of its own scale."

"Unlike anything my sister and I had ever encountered," ended Celestia.

"I-I don't understand," stuttered Twilight, "Celestia, Luna, are you saying this is some sort of secret, rebelling occult that's building up in Equestria?"

"No occult that we know of, at least," the ivory Alicorn answered.

Her dark blue sister added, "Though they seem to disappear in unison, supposedly to congregate in secret, much like an occult, this might not approach such meetings as one would expect."

"As you know, Twilight, occults usually function as such when they practice a certain ritual without the public awareness and consent, so as to avoid being found and dispersed."

“This is more a conspiracy,” said Daredevil, “Secretive and passionate, sure. But very well organized, and resourceful.”

"Yet it seems any alongside Horizon Rider, as Limelight did, might openly express their intentions, directly after the Amulet was stolen, and may even claim credit for such."

"What makes you say that, if they haven't done it yet," asked Rainbow.

"Because," replied Daredevil, "they might have done so now."

"What do you mean," inquired Twilight.

"Upon searching for Rider's whereabouts at his small estate," Luna said, "The Guards encountered a Pegasus by name of Midnight Sky."

"Sounds very, *very*** close to Midnight Rider," squeaked Pinkie Pie.

"She claims to be a cousin to him and Horizon," nodded Celestia, "And that they, and all other ponies like them, act in protest against you Elements. Planning to come out and do so, now."

"But," stammered Dash, "But why? What did we ever do to them?"

"Partially," Luna said, "it's what they felt wasn't done for them. As Limelight openly stated, the Elements of Harmony had only been used in the most dreadful of circumstances. Hardly ever for the sake of tending to the damage that's been done."

"But if they're being open about it," said Pinkie, "they wouldn't be going around, disappearing and hiding, would they?"

"Again, unlike an occult," responded Luna, "They seem to be rallying to enact some form of protest from the shadows. You see, though they may be radically inclined, they still view themselves as part of Equestrian society, rather than cultivating their own beneath it. Despite that, they know they're viewed as fugitives, for the moment."

"The Map never did send us to friendship problems involving disgruntled ponies against us." Twilight noted. "Or, at least they weren't expressive of that. And that's basically what the Tree of Harmony and its Elements are doing. Tending to everyponies' struggles."

"They may not have been the ones you visited thus far," was Celestia's response, "Nor would they view that as sufficient course of action."

"Therefore, according Midnight Sky and her kin," concluded Luna, "They've decided to take matters by their own means. Whatever that may entail, apparently."

"What do we do about it?"

"That's where things get interesting," said Daredevil. "Though Miss Sky was arrested for conspiracy, and accessory to civil disturbance, nothing substantial could support the charges. Despite her open remarks, they weren't enough for a full confession. So, they're releasing her today."

"Go figure," grunted Rainbow.

"We need somepony, not a Guard, to trace her movements," the solar regent stated, "without alerting her suspicion."

"But won't she already know who we are," asked Spike, "and what we look like?"

"She'd most likely spot you all specifically in a crowd," agreed the blind stallion, "But with another pony that's far less familiar to her, she'd have trouble suspecting anyone."

"What, like, maybe some blind pony walking in the streets with her?"

"You catch on quickly, Dash," Daredevil smirked.

"But don't you need somepony to back you up," the Pegasus wondered. "For your bad eyes? Hard to tell where she's going without them, you know."

"That actually brings us to our next topic of discussion," answered the night-blue Alicorn, "In Starswirl's personal wing of the Archives."

As soon as they reached their destination, Princess Celestia spoke on. "When the Guards apprehended Midnight Sky at Horizon Rider's, she was seen carrying a torn page. Recognizing it instantly, our other guest took to finding the correct volume it came from for us."

"From Starswirl the Bearded's collection," Twilight gasped. "But how?"

"Miss Sky was apparently known for her rapid stealth," the gold-yellow pony replied.

"Nowhere near as rapid as me, I'll bet," boasted Rainbow.

"Speak from experience, Dash," teased Daredevil.

"Hey!"

"Don't worry, if that's the case. Attorney privileged information."

"Really?"

"Only if it isn't too incriminating. Or involves an ongoing, serious investigation."

"Like, right now?"

"Your words, not mine."

"Hilarious."

"She should be here, somewhere," muttered Luna, "You're certain we didn't pass her, Sister?"

"Just as sure as you are, Luna."

"Your Majesties," greeted a voice, as an elderly Unicorn came up, "You've arrived just in time."

"Mistmane," gasped Twilight, Spike and Rainbow Dash, recognizing the Pillar of Beauty before them.

"Well, duh! Of course it's Mistmane, you sillies! Who else would it be?"

"There you go," said Fluttershy, while tending to a family of chipmunks, "These blankets and drops of water will help. Everyone needs to feel safe and secure, after something terrible happened."

Receiving their gratitude, she moved on to the next of her animal friends. She has been spending the entire day at home, striving to nurture her woodland companions back to a peaceful state of mind. And for those that could not fit inside, she went out to care for them at the door. As for her rabbit friend, he managed to retain some sense of calm, although not enough. For he was constantly following Fluttershy around.

"Just a second, Angel," she patiently answered his incessant calls for her attention. "I'm almost finished here." It was after she had visited the last of the troubled creatures, did she give him her full, undivided attention. "Now, what's the matter?"

He first pointed at his nose, then towards the Everfree. "You hurt your nose in the Everfree Forest? Why were you even there?"

Shaking his head, he tried again. He took a sniff from a nearby flower, made a face while pointing towards the forest, and then made another face that imitated Discord.

"Discord made you smell a flower in the forest, and made it smell bad?"

Furiously, he stomped with impatience. He then picked up a jar from somewhere, showed his face through the other side, imitating Discord again, then took a whiff in the forest's direction.

"Are you saying this has to do with Discord's foalnapping?"

Nodding, he watched Fluttershy continue guessing. "You saw him put in the jar?" Again, he nodded. "You saw who did it, and which way they went?" A third time, but followed by a horizontal shake. "But you noticed something?" Another nod. "A smell?" Another. "Coming from the forest?" And another. "Can you pick up the scent still, and see where it leads?" Crossing his arms, he let her explain. "I really wish I could help find out more, but I need to ask Doctor Fauna to come and watch your friends here, first. I don't' want to leave them feeling all alone. Not again. After that, then I'll go with you to the forest."

"And there you are, darling. I'm positive it will suit you for such the occasion you envision."

"Thanks, Rarity," answered Bon Bon, "I was really hoping for something special for my trip to Canterlot, and the festival."

"No trouble at all. And Miss Heartstrings will be by for similar reasons, I presume?"

"Actually, Lyra's been planning to visit family out of town then. But she hoped to catch up with the rest of her and Twilight's friends, someday."

"Perhaps it also calls for a nice reprieve between housemates."

"Definitely that too." After the two mares share a brief chuckle, the beige Earth Pony continued as Rarity tidied up. "Must be nice to be back, after all that hectic chasing, searching, and even the trial everypony's been talking about."

"Yes, it's been a bit relaxing, surely," replied the Unicorn, as she reorganized her shelves next, "But I'm afraid that's limited, considering there's still a need to find the stolen artifact."

"It's got to be something important, for it to be hidden but then stolen, and all of you off looking for it. What was it again? Some amulet that Zecora kept, after that Trixie incident?"

"Yes."

"And Discord's been taken too?"

"Yes."

"And I heard the Mayor gave descriptions about a lead suspect."

"Indeed. A Unicorn stallion by name of Horizon Rider." Deciding to veer away from the magnitude of such a potent trinket still in the wrong hooves, Rarity continued, "I don't suppose you might have seen somepony by his descriptions, shortly before our own departure."

"Well actually, I can't really say for sure, but I think I might've seen somepony like that, when Lyra and I went spent the day at the spa."

"He was in the spa?"

"Only for getting some kind of ingredient. Insisted on a certain kind, making some excuse about his wife. I'm still not sure he looked like that pony. But silver coated Unicorn does ring some kind of bell."

"Given that this was over a week ago, I can understand that. But do you remember him carrying anything?"

"Just his satchel," Bon Bon replied, "But I think he mentioned something about a wagon he used for delivering stuff. He wanted to make sure he got it, before heading back from making deliveries."

WHACK! The bobbling sounds came from the apples that landed into the baskets below. As she picked up the first bushel within reach, the orange farm pony turned to her little sister nearby.

"And why didn't you say nothing about this to me or Big Mac?"

"I'm sorry, Sis," said Apple Bloom with a cringe, "But after what that pony did, myself, Scoots and Sweetie was worried what he might do to everypony else. And besides, y'all was already starting to leave to look for that there Amulet 'fore we could get a word out."

"Just what in tarnation were you three doing out in the forest, anyhow?"

"We already got permission from Granny and their folks. We just wanted to find Zecora and ask for something we wanted to use in our next Crusader Camp. She wasn't at home, so we were waiting close by. That's when he came up to her house, and busted himself in."

"And you sure he didn't see y'all?"

"None o' us made even the smallest peep. We followed for a bit, but was too affrighted to even move from our hiding place, after what he just done and did to Discord. Soon as we knew he was gone, we ran straight back to Ponyville, found Zecora, and told her about what we saw. We thought she had already told you everything about that."

"Well, after we get this here load in, us two will pay Zecora a quick visit, and just see if we can find out more from there."

"Alright."

As the two Apple sisters loaded everything into the cart, Applejack checked with her big brother about the other jobs needed to be done, before the festival.

"Okay, so let me get this straight," Rainbow Dash began, "Before Horizon left Canterlot, he had his cousin steal a page from Starswirl's books and scrolls, and she just decided to come back for it in his apartment, before she got caught, to get it for him again?"

"He probably forgot it, and realized that it wasn't in his possession," answered Twilight.

"And Mistmane, while passing through, recognized it from when she saw Starswirl work on that page hundreds of years ago, and found the book."

"There was a study in some new magic dispenser and inhibitor that he was working on with Stygian and Meadowbrook, yes."

"And it's basically saying how to make some potion, elixy-thing-whatever, to do…what, again?"

"To circumvent any Unicorn's magic in use."

"Meaning?"

"It makes something magic proof," muttered Spike.

"Oh, okay. Thanks."

"But isn't that just even sillier," beamed Pinkie Pie, "I mean, why would a Unicorn want to know how to make something magic proof, while also trying to steal the most powerful amulet in all of Equestria?"

"Maybe to make that magic proof," Spike offered.

"From what we gathered in Limelight's attempt to use it, that might not be the case," Twilight responded, as she continued through the volume before her, and its returned page.

"Maybe to make himself magic proof, when dealing with you and the other Princesses," Pinkie suggested.

"Possibly. But, then again, why would he bother with that when he possesses the Amulet? Or more, it possesses him? And he was busy abducting Discord, after spending time to find the hidden Amulet? It just seems too much for one pony to handle, spontaneously."

"Maybe that was his next step in the plan, or something," spoke Rainbow.

"Yeah," sharply added Spike, "What if that was his way of knowing where to find it? Zecora said that no Unicorn would've been able to use magic to find it."

"And finding a means to compensate for that does sound plausible. And given he decided to have Midnight Sky steal from these archives, he knew that Starswirl might have something on that as well. Perhaps from one of the missing Guards. Daredevil wasn't joking when he said these ponies were highly resourceful and organized. Intelligent can most definitely be added to that list of superlatives, even though they-wait."

"What's up, Twilight?" As Spike then got closer to the lavender mare, the other two joined.

"Yeah, Twi," exclaimed the Earth Pony, "Is it a mysterious riddle, puzzle or magical word to say in there? Is it some evil, crazy, scary monster that is in some kind of story? Or maybe-hmff!"

"Not now, Pinks," the Pegasus groaned, after removing her hoof from her friend's muzzle. "Save it for your crazy, super ninja party you got going on."

"Okay. And you just gave me my idea for Daredevil's party, before I even came up with it! Thanks!"

"It says here," began Twilight, as she showed them, "that in order for the potion to make its most effective reaction, the ingredients needed must be exact in there measurements. But that's not what's interesting. It's the ingredients themselves. Specifically, one of them. I saw it, while reading that Book of Supernaturals. It's the same used for the Poison Joke cure."

"Well, that makes sense, right?" Spike shrugged at that statement. "Poison Joke uses magic in it to make a joke on ponies who touch it. Guess he was trying to get ready for whatever plants were in the Everfree that could do something to his magic."

"Maybe. But like you and Rainbow Dash suggested, it might also be part of his plan to find the Alicorn Amulet. Using that ingredient would cause some reaction wherever Zecora hid it. But how would he even know about that? Where was his given opportunity?"

As she and her furry friend cautiously made their way into the Forest, and reached their intended destination, both stopped to see others heading to the hut also.

"Applejack, Rarity, Apple Bloom?" Fluttershy announced her presence to them with concern and apprehension. "What're you doing here?"

"I recon the same reason you are," her farmer friend answered.

"Oh, well Angel here told me about something he smelled in the Everfree Forest, when he saw Discord being taken."

"And Bon Bon had just told me today about a silver Unicorn stallion at the spa, asking for some sort of ingredient," spoke Rarity. "Aloe and Lotus said they gave it to him, but failed to recall exactly what it was. But they did remember it was from Zecora for the Poison Joke treatment."

"Apple Bloom and her friends saw the whole thing, when they tried to find Zecora. Never told us 'cause they figured Zecora had already done that. Told her 'bout it all scared-like, when they found her."

"Oh dear, were you okay?"

"We're fine," the yellow filly replied, "Just a bit spooked is all, but what about Zecora?"

Turning to the tree hut once more, Fluttershy gasped in shock, eyes widened, at the sight of the unhinged door.

"Oh my," she heard Rarity utter in kind, "You don't suppose…"

"Apple Bloom, stay with Fluttershy," spoke Applejack, as she darted towards the raided tree, with the Unicorn mare racing beside her.

"I don't get it." The yellow Pegasus turned to see the perplexed look on the foal's face. "Either Zecora forgot to fix her door, or it happened again."

"What do you mean?"

"It was just like that, after we saw that Unicorn come out with the Amulet."

"What's going on now?"

Upon hearing the blind stallion's question through the magical earpiece, Mistmane answered, "Thirty paces from you, in an alley. She has stopped before a doorstep, and is knocking."

"Anyone answering the door?" He halted roughly ten paces from the corner, leaning against the wall, away from the trotting ponies all around him. With him tailing the dark Pegasus mare, the Unicorn had been strolling, and observed from across the street.

"Not yet. She seems to be rather impatient."

"Just let me know when."

As she viewed Midnight Sky from her position, Mistmane could not help but wonder about something else. She found it rather odd a pony of the law, and a blind one at that, not only having the urgency to volunteer for this task, but also suggesting it. His motives for aiding in this entire search have been left unmentioned, it seemed, yet he also emanated a sense of trust from his efforts in the trial. His intentions to simply help the Elements surely seemed noble and pure. But, like her elderly appearance, there was more to him than meets the eye. Wishing to inquire the Princess on the other end about this, the mare remained silent, knowing he would be listening also from the communication crystals granted to them.

"Alright," she began, as she regained focus, "Somepony's answering…oh my."

"What is it?" Watching with surprise and genuine intrigue, Mistmane say Midnight Sky gain entrance.

"By the stars. I haven't seen one of those in so long."

"What? Who answered?"

"I don't know who it was, but I know that it was a Zebra. What is one doing all the way here in Equestria, I don't know." Then realization struck her. "Counselor, didn't you mention a Zebra safeguarding the Amulet?"

"Princess Celestia," sharply spoke Daredevil, "Did you get that?"

From the palace, the ivory regent sent her reply, "I'll inform Twilight and the others, at once. Give me the name of the street, and return immediately."

As before, there was no color. Even the shapes left an indistinct form, at first. Gradually, she could make out the sense of cold air travelling all around her, as she saw what could be distinguished as rays of heat through window panes like those of the palace.

Also like the previous visits, Luna was able to smell something burning nearby. But this, instead, emanated from small flickers of flame on several candles, their liquid wax flowing gently downward. And yet, the entire place was mercilessly cold. The box before her was rather long, and held something inside it. It was by his slow brush of contact that sent out vibrations she was able to identify the object within. A corpse. Female, based on the other he had held before.

The boiling fury quickly built in pressure, as heavy pants and heaves through nostrils joined the incessant drops of sweat and constant punches. Against a rather dense bag of sand, she observed his throw of fists against it with vigorous pain and rage, as he began to recall what brought this event forward.

"How could you say we're friends, when you lied to me since we *first met!?** And if you knew if I wasn't being honest with you, you still went with it? Was any of it real? Did anyone else know? Did that Greek chick know? What about Heather? Did you ever think about what the cops would do, if they found you bleeding out somewhere!? That they'd think I knew what you were doing? If Karen knew? Or were we just an afterthought!?"*

After him came another familiar voice from the first nightmare.

"So, what now?"

"We know who's making your father do this." She heard his even reply. "Calls himself Kilgrave. I'm working with a P.I. who knows what we're dealing with. Trust me, we're doing everything we can. We'll get him. We'll get your father out."

"When? Next week? Month? Year!?"

"Heather, please. Try to calm down."

"If you really did everything you could, you would've finished him off *long** before all this!"*

"You've had too much to drink again, Heather. I promise, this will be over, and I'll come back. I promise. Just wait for me. Please, Heather."

"Whatever, you piece of trash. Just stick to the dark alleys, like you always do, horned perforate."

It was sometime later that he was able to attain his goal, in finding the evidence needed to exonerate Mister Glenn. He made his way to her apartment building, where sirens wailed repeatedly, and echoed throughout the entire block. Taking the elevator, then reaching her floor, he noticed the numerous figures stomping to and fro her doorway. The muttering voices, the clicks of cameras going off, the scratching of lead on pieces of paper. He could still smell the ailing fluid, and clanking of bottles inside. But what hung from the fan truly horrified him.

"Matt? Matt!"

"Foggy," he gasped in reply, "Foggy. Tell me that's not her. Tell me that's not her!"

"She got a call from the warden. It was about her dad. He chose not to wait any longer."

"I…I asked her. I asked her to wait for me. I should've called. Asked you to help me watch-"

"Matt, don't go there. She made her choice. There was nothing you could've done. Even if I answered your call, and sent someone over, I don't think the subways could've reached her in time. Even then, you knew how out of control she was. Again, that was her call. And it's not on you, buddy."

Punching the bag again, again, and again, shouting and grunting ever more loudly, he caused it to break. As the sand spilt in an endless hiss onto the floor, his friend's voice was heard again.

"Got a lot of pent up anger and rage issues, huh? Don't you have anyone to talk about this kind of crud?"

"I have my priest," he hoarsely replied, "You would've met him, had you been to their funeral."

"I just want you to know that…that I don't want to end things between us. I just…I don't know how go forward from here."

"Yeah, well, that makes two of us."

"He was right, you know." As the bitter cold, and inner wildfire dispersed to silence and refreshing scents, Luna spoke on. "There may have been other ways, and different choices to make. But they offer no guarantees of any change to the past. And no knowledge can be gained for true growth and peace, except by what has been done, not what could have been. So, believe me when I tell you, Matt, we can't always give our best efforts, despite our desire to do so. For we struggle with our interior flaws as well."

His sighs of contemplation and calming state of mind were enough for her to know he took her words to heart.

"Thanks again. But where does that leave me, here and now?"

"Persevere in what you're doing. Fulfill your obligations, at their given time. Be patient and vigilant, for you know not the hour. And should you falter again, know I am here to listen still."

"Again, thank you, Luna."

"It's been my privilege."

"Just an afterthought, you censor my dreams also?"

"Rest well, Matt."

Author's Note

At long last, *it's CHRISTMAS!* Thank you for all your patience, and support. I hope to begin my three-parter here, shortly. Enjoy this wintry season, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and may God Bless us, everyone!