REGAL'S RESIDENCE...

" And you say she's been like this the entire day? ". Asked Doctor Links as he moved the stethoscope over Sunset's chest. Celestia could only nod with bottomless sorrow as her daughter was inspected.

A day has passed since she lost consciousness, despite both hers and Starlight's best efforts, Sunset remained sleep, no amount of noise, smell or touch was able to awaken her, even magic was tried but failed as well. Celestia was at wits end.

" Hm, her pulse and heartbeat seems normal but she looks pale, I'm going to have to take blood samples and do further tests, which mean I have to take her to the hospital". Link's said, he covered Sunset's chest and turned to face Celestia directly.

" The hospital, I, yes, yes, whatever you deem is the best Doctor, I appreciate ". Celestial responded with a bit more of hope.

" But first a question, is this... magic related? Like what happened with the police Chief's daughter? ". The doctor asked surprising Celestia. " I hear it from Miss Luna and Miss Shimmer last time they went to the hospital so don't worry about me spreading the secret ". Link's assured her.

" Thanks, I do trust you doctor. Magic is involved for sure, but the main cause was something else, something that has to do with Big Mac ".

The doctor seemed to understand right away. " I see, I have heard a few things about the search here and there but nothing conclusive ". The doctor turned to the sleeping girl. " The shock of the news must have been very bad if that caused her to faint ". The doctor sighted with heaviness. " I hope he gets found soon, not only for him and Sunset's health, but for Granny's as well ".

" Yes, Granny Smith must be in terrible pain as well ". Celestia hasn't spoken with her since Big Mac's birthday but she made a note of doing it as soon as things with Sunset were taken care off.

" By the way, how is Professor Turner, any improvement? ". Celestia received a call from her sister telling her how she found th man collapsed in his house, he has been moved to the hospital the same day.

" Mr Turner is currently with connected with an UV and under observation, he may be dismissed within the next couple of days but it would be best to know how he drove himself to that state ".

Celestia nodded again, she would need to ask Luna as well, she seemed disturbed by what happened with her friend but she was still in better condition compared to herself, reason as to why she was in charge of the school while Celestia dealed with Sunset.

" This will do for now, I'll call an ambulance and have a room ready for your daughter, you can come with them if you like to ".

" Thanks doctor, please, take care of Sunset ".

" Sunset and Big Mac are not only my patients but my friends also, I'll do everything I can ". Celestia gave her gratitude and accompanied the doctor out before looking for Starlight. She found her guest trying one more time using her magic and failing miserably, her expression showed her frustration at not been able to heal Sunset or find Big Mac.

" Ugh! ". With no energy left, Starlight flopped down on the couch of the living room.

" Not sign of him yet? ". Asked the Principal.

" Nothing, nothing at all, at least when he first went missing we found a trail, a signal that led us to the bridge where he fought the siren, but now, now there's nothing. Buck! I should have kept my mouth shut! Because of me now Sunset is like this! It's all my fault! I'm so stupid! I'm... I'm..! ". Starlight bit into her lip, her disappointment boiling inside, tears came forth and easily passed through her closed eyelids, that was until the arms of Celestia embraced her.

" Don't think like that sweetie. You did what you could and I'm grateful for that, let's have faith that the hospital will have a way to wake her up, let's hope ".

" Yes ". Starlight said meekly.

SWEET APPLE ACRES...

The police car stopped in front of the old house and two people stepped out. Police Chief Lemon Grass and Mayor Chancemare. The old mayor looked around finding little to none activity around the always busy farm, it was a rarity that reflected the current situation. The old woman walked towards the house when she saw her companion doing the same.

" It is better if you stay here Lemon, I can deliver the news by myself ".

" But, what if the Apples turn aggressive? ". Grass protested.

" Then my dear Chief, you'll witness a rematch long due ". The mayor smiled and walked away without further explanation.

Walking with a cane through the dirt path hurt her knees a little, but the pain was nothing compared with the pain she knew she would see on her friend's face.

When she was a couple.of meters away from the porch, the door of the house flew open. " Mighty bad seen ya 'round her Earna ".

" Smith, long time no see ol' mule ". Said the mayor as she took a moment to rest.

" Mule? Yer insults haven't changed much in the last four decades Ah see ". Granny responded, she too painfully walked towards her rocking chair. " Last time ya were here, ya didn't brought good news, are ya here to do the same? ".

Earna did backtrack her memory, and indeed, she recalled the last two times she was here, the further one in time was when she challenged Smith to a fight for the love of Rusty, a challenge she lost obviously, the second time was a more serious visit, it was to inform Smith of the passing of her only son and daughter-in-law.

" I'm ". She said without beating around the bush, that was pointless between country women. She went up the small steps of the porch and sat on the little bench at the other side of the door opposing Granny Smith. The two women had a lot of history between them, most of it bad, they have been friends, then rivals, then friends again, then rivals again, then their friends once more, mostly out of how similar their lives had been with both losing loved ones so early in life.

" I came to tell you, that if your grandson is not found within the next 10 days, I'm calling off the search and declaring him dead. Earna saw how the knuckles in the old farmer turned white and her frame bulging up, Earns had no doubt that if Smith so wanted it, she could beat her up within a inch of her life before Grass could stop her, her old age was just like a soft glove that concealed a hard fist.

" What would ya do WHEN he appears again? Won't ya be in trouble for doin' it? ".

" IF, he turns to be still kickin' then I'll come to apologise to you, on my knees, then, then you can do whatever you want ".

" Hmm, fair, then there's nothin' else we need to talk ". Granny rose from the chair and walked to the door, before closing the door she spoke again. " When ya come back, Ah'll have a carpet ready for ya, don want to see yer fancy dress gettin' muddy, now get yer ol' butt out of mah bench! ".

" Sure thing crazy Smith ". Earna smiled. " I really hope from the bottom of my heart that your day right about him ". Earns heard the door close and then took a deep breath of relief, the fire in her old friend's eyes was just as fierce as she remembered it.

She got up from the bench and started her slow track back to the patrol car.

CHS, PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE...

" And that's all I know, my sister may fill you in further ". Luna finished explained to the seven girls in the office. The Rainbooms minus Applejack took it bad as expected. Cheerilee was less affected but she still showed support, as did Trixie.

" Celestia is settling her in the hospital, I'm sure you'll be allowed to see her tomorrow, in the meantime, please, don't get into any trouble, and that goes specially for you two". Luna pointed to Rainbow and Trixie. " Things are pretty hot as of now, the cops are extra alert and looking up for anything suspicious, that goes for your partner as well Cheerilee, tell Aria to stay put ".

" Don't worry about her Miss Luna ".

" Hmm! Well, the great and powerfully Trixie will not be guilty if some other magic stuff happens near her ".

" Well, if stuff happens then just let me know, we need to keep our heads cool. Now, to back to class ". The girls returned to their classes, only Cheerilee stood behind.

" God, first Big Mac, then Sunset and now also that idiot! Why is our luck so fucking rotten?! ". Luna said throwing her arms up.

" So it's true about Mr Turner then? ". Cheerilee asked.

" Yeah, I don't know what he was getting into this time but whatever it was it has to do with Big Mac, and it was important enough to almost drop dead looking into it ".

" Hm, I remember Aria mentioning something about Big Mac's whereabouts as well when she and Starlight were near the bridge last time ".

" The bridge, that damned bridge, the same place where his parents lost their lives ". Luna didn't believed in curses or superstition, but since finding out about magic she was beginning to wonder if that place had something against the Apples.

" There's something missing, something we are missing that is bugging me ". Luna turned to the librarian who was also deep in thought. " Cheerilee, when you get a chance, please talk with Aria, ask her if she heard anything that that monster woman said before running away, no matter how insignificant or mundane was, can you? ".

" Of course, I'll ask her as soon as I'm back ".

" Thanks, with any luck we may find a clue somewhere ". Cherokee nodded.

CHS, CAFETERIA...

The Rainbooms sat on the table with no words, the mood of the group was visible even a mile away. The cheerful Pinkie was sad, the shy Fluttershy looked more scared than normal, the curious Twilight was lost in her own mind, the talkative Rainbow was quite, and Rarirty, Rarity didn't even know what to do or say that wouldn't put her in the middle of the storm, she wanted to help, but after failing to support her friends she felt undeserving of even speak her mind.

Still, if she could give the group some support, any kind of support, she would fell better. " Girls, I know things aren't looking go-?! ".

" Oh this should be good, Miss Generosity is gonna give us a piece for f her time ". Rainbow said with a scowl.

" Excuse me? ". Asked Rarity shocked.

" Nothing, nothing really, just pointing out how busy you have been recently with your own business, is really nice to have a slice of that precious time you seem to pack for YOUR friends lately ".

" I, I'm sorry, ok? I have apologized many times already, ok? As many times as I could, why do you keep pushing me around Rainbow? ".

" Why? Because the moment we needed you the most, you bailed on us! We fought that siren wench with inches of our necks, Applejack almost lost an eye, Twilight and her BF almost got abducted, poor Sunset is still not herself, can't believe I'm saying this but, Aria has done more for the team that you! ". Rainbow say d without mercy and just loud enough to make the tables around dead silent.

" Y-you... You think I don't feel ashame? You think I like to feel guilty and afraid like I'm right know? You think this is easy for me? ". Tears started to flow and eyes turned red with suppressed anger about to be released.

" I'm afraid too, we all are, the difference was that even with fear, when one of our friends was in need, we didn't hid behind some lame excuse, that's not what friend does, that's not what WE do ". Rainbow pointed to the rest.

" T-then, then I guess, I'm not a good friend anymore ". Without saying more Rarity took her food tray and left in tears and whimpers.

" Why? Why are we fighting? ". A small voice asked.

" Fluttershy? ". Pinkie called her friend.

" Why are we fighting among ourselves? Didn't we said that we were friends forever? ".

" Fluttershy, Rarity, I-!? ".

" No! I don't want this! I want my friends back! ". Fluttershy got up and left as well. Rainbow stood there, afraid that moving or talking would cause another bomb to go off, but it was too late.

" Girls I, I need to tell you, I... I need to think ". Twilight too got up and walked away from the remaining Rainbooms.

"... ".

By now, the whole cafeteria was aware of the drama occuring within the group, it was impossible not to know with the news and the show they just witnessed.

" I'm sorry Pinkie, I fuck up again ". Rainbow left after saying that, only Pinkie stood behind, her mind too confused to even register that she was crying already.

MARSH PASS TOWN, EQUESTRIA...

Small communities were always exposed to danger, specially those who moved far from the bigger cities, not only because they had a higher chance to be attacked by wild creatures but also because in the case of danger, communication with Canterlot was spread thin, almost not existing, so when a town like this was finally attacked it would be too late for the Royal guard or anypony else to provide assistance. For this small town, that possiblity became a tragic reality.

It wasn't until a family of earth ponies traveling from the nearest city came upon the small town that the alarm was sound. The family came into the town in hopes of direction and buying supplies for their return home but found the place deserted. As they spread to look for the inhabitants they found signs that indicated that the residents left in a hurry or maybe that they were somewhere around.

It was until they ventured inside a few of the houses when they did the gruesome discovery, bodies, dead bodies. The elder of the group called the rest back and out of the town, after some discussion, they send one of their own to alert the Royal Guard while the rest stood hidden and observing.

The elder pony decided to go back and investigate one of the bodies, a young mare with greenish blue mane and a strong body, be could tell she was a farmer by the muscles in her body and legs, but now her body looked like a leather sack that was left under the sun for several days.

The eyes and face features indicated she met a terrible ending, the fear was unmistakable despite the state of decomposition already taking toll. The elder pony saw no wounds or marks that would indicate how she met her demise, even so, the few signs were enough to tell a most likely possibility. Dead by having her love sucked out of it. The town came under Changeling attack.

After making his deduction, the elder returned with his family in hurry, to his surprise, a group of several ponies wearing blue and yellow flying suits were already with them.
The Wonderbolts. Just an hour later, the Royal Guard accompanied by a group of colorful changelings arrived as well.

" Cursed luck! This got ' Scarlet ' written all over! If we would have been faster those poor saps would be still alive! ". Pharynx growled loudly.

" Hey! We came as fast as we could so don't blame us, you jerk! ". Responded Spitfire.

" What?! I'm not blaming you, you dumb mare, I said luck, luck! ".

" Oh, ok... Hey! Who you calling dumb! ". The duo was interrupted when a soldier approached.

" Ma'am, report ". Said the armored pony.

" Go ahead ". Spitfire allowed.

The soldier commenced. " Scouts are done with the whole town, no survivors so far, no idea if anypony did it out of town but we doubt it, by the looks of things, they were attacked by a single enemy ".

" It was HER! I'm sure of it. She was the only one with brain big enough to kill many targets without a problem, she must have made it this far! ".

" Tsk! Then she's making her way north and fast, we have to beat her up before shs attacks a city ".

" Hm, I don't think she'll squeeze her way to a place with so many ponies, even if she's strong and can transform she's gonna keep moving in the shadows and only attacking when the hunger is too much ". Pharynx said.

" And how the buck are you so sure about that? ".

" Simple, is the same old fashioned way we had before turning a new leaf, the hives can't win in numbers alone so they're always used other methods to hunt for ponies with love, that's way we obtained the ability of changing our appearance ". Pharynx explained. " Besides, after what happened with her sister I bet her mind is more screw than that of Trixie Lulammon! ".

Another Royal guard came rushing in to report. " What is it soldier? ".

" Ma'am! Sir! We found something that you may want to see ".

" That so? Then guide us there ". The guard saluted and ran back from where she came from, Spitfire and Pharynx on his tail. Soon they reach an old house, it wasn't any different from th others at first sight, but as they got closer they saw enough tools and the anvil belonging to a blacksmith, more precise, a horseshoe maker.

Rounding the house all they way to the back they found a metal door, the door was bulging from the inside with a single hole in the middle, as if it rammed from the inside by something powerful.

Spitfire asked first. " Is there any survivors in there? ".

" The guard that fetched them responded. " We don't know for sure but, maybe it would be better if you peek inside. The wonderbolt nodded and moved closer to inspect but the guard stopped her. " Be prepared, it's... awful ".

Spitfire nodded again, she kept her nerves in check but a big lump formed in her throat, memories of the battle in Neonbugg coming back to haunt her. She closed her face the the hole and right away she could smell the putrid smell of dead. She held her breath and peeked through.

Bodies, mare and stallion, young and old, some half devoured, dry blood splashed all around. " Buck! What the, gaah! ". She did the mistake of breathing, her nostrils and lungs taking all the stink inside.

" What happened?! ". Asked Pharynx exalted as Spitfire did her best not to throw up over her jumpsuit.

" Tha-that, what the, what the buck is that? They're, they are-bluaaah ". Spitfire lost the right against her stomach.

Pharynx turned to the door with fury, he could feel the fear emanating from the guards and now from Spitfire. Whatever was inside, he needed to see it, without much thought, he did just that. His stomach revolted as well, but not from seen the blood, he has seen a lot of that since their battle against his mother, no. He felt the nausea for the fury he was trying to contain, for the vile that rose from within.

" That hard flank bucking parasite! She's bucking crazy! ". Pharynx roared, his mind also swirling with guilt for not have been able to finish her up, even if nopony would voice it openly Pharynx knew that the destruction and dead caused by Scarlet Javelin would be attribute to the Changelings and his little brother.

Pharynx was about to pull away from the hole when his ears caught a very soft whimper, more like sobbing, and raspy breathing, something still alive was inside. Without asking for permission or caring to get it, he transformed into a huge feline creature with twin fangs. Spitfire and the other guards were showing shocked when he reared his head and swung forward like a hammer, his fangs dug depp into the metal and he started to pull with all his strength.

" Wha-what are you doing?! ". Spitfire asked, cleaning barf from her muzzle. Her question went ignored as the Changeling kept pulling at the metal door, a few guards seemed about to jump and stop him, only holding back because politics and such.

With one final pull, the hinges gave up and the metal door does overhead. He then turned around. " One of you! Any of you! Go inside and find it! ".

" What are you talking about? Finding who? ".

" The survivor! There's one inside, find it! ". He ordered but didn't explained further. He transformed back into his real appearance.

Spitfire got up from her spot and walked forward, she gave one last look at the Changeling but found no other comments, she wasn't used to be ordered around but there was something in his insect eyes that were commanding, maybe because he was royalty, she wasn't sure. She entered with doubt in her mind, if there was a survivor inside then why hasn't he or she tried to yell for help? Why hasn't the survivor come forward when the door was busted open, or when she called for anypony inside.

" There's no pony inside, are you sure you aren't imaging things? ".

" No! I, look around, I heard a sob, soft, there's must be some child in there, I can't go in there, you have to do it! ". He responded from outside without showing even through the door.

" Fine! ". She said, she understood his position of course, he couldn't come inside without giving a heart attack to any recent survivor of a changeling attack. She stood inside, just barely holding her stomach from puking once more, looking for any sign of live among the dead and blood, straining her ears to catch the sounds Pharynx detected.

She tried, but couldn't hear anything, it was when she was about to call out to the others outside when she heard it. Her head whipped around trying to find where the sound came from, the sound was just detectable if the noise was completely cancelled, but it was indeed there.

" Listen! I'm Spitfire, Spitfire of the Wonderbolts, if you can listen then you can come out! I, we of the Royal Guard are here to rescue you! Please, come out, you're safe, you're safe, you're sa-! ". Muffled cries, small fries, the cries of a filly.

This time around Spitfire was able to find the origin of the noise, in the direction were the only mare was located, her posture indicated that she turned her back toward the nearest wall, unlike the others who looked like they tried to escape at all cost.

Walking carefully around the body, Spitfire found a small cylindrical piece of metal, maybe the remaining piece of a pipe, whatever it was it was well hidden from the normal view, specially around all the chaos. When she approached her head to look inside the pipe she discovered a small filly hidden within.

" N-no! Ge-get away! Mommy! Mo-m ". The trail and scared filly started coughing by forcing her voice out.

" Don't sorry little one, don't be afraid, we're here to rescue you! Come out, you can come out, is safe now ". Spitfire tried to reassure the filly that she was no longer in danger, but the filly got more scared when she tried to reach her with her leg, the filly bit her and sprung out of the pipe as Spitfire retreaded her leg in pain.

Still, a filly was no match for the second fastest pony in all Equestria and she immediately caught up to her before the filly could even make it out.

" That's ok, that's ok little one, you're ok, you're safe now, I promise ". She tried to cuddle the filly in her legs as she took the filly outside to see the light. The filly cried as her little body ran out of energy to keep struggling against the pegasus.

From the shadows, Pharynx saw the scene and felt a little bit of relief seen at least one survivor, it was a tiny spark of joy in a sea of black, but it was there. Another changeling approached him from the side, one of his brother's escort. " Inform my brother of everything, tell them that we're in the right track, tell them that soon we'll have her ". The changeling saluted and flew away.

ROYAL PALACE, CANTERLOT...

" This should be all for the time being, until more information comes from the search parties is better that all major cities stay in high alert. The Yaks, the Kirin and the Crystal ponies have All been informed, the hippogryph and the Griffin are still not responding to our calls for alliance for their own reasons, the Yaks are also thinking in start hunting for changeling if we can't stop this uproar soon ". Luna explained to the present meeting.

In response to the attack on Neonbug and growing treat of the Rebellion, a special council was formed to deal with the immediate danger that they represented. Celestia gave Luna the order and soon she called out to the best ponies she could name right away, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts, Sunburst and his spells, Flash Magnus and his aerial prowess, and finally , Shining Armor and his barrier magic. She also wanted to include Starlight Glimmer and Discord to their disposal but Starlight was still in a mission on the human world, and Discord was... well, he was Discord.

" Princess, a question if you don't mind ". Flash asked.

" Yes? ".

" Shouldn't we mobilize more or f our forces to the areas with major rebel activity? ". The question received the nod of almost all ponies, except for Twilight.

" A fair question, unfortunately, the answer is not so fair in comparison. So far, the Rebels had been stirring commotion among the population by attacking certain point of discussion within our reign, for instance, the constant instance in forgiving or trying to reform any villainous creature that breaks the peace in our kingdom, starting of course with me ". Luna explained and soon the table broke into words of encouragement for her and of criticism for those who were opposed.

" That's ridiculous! If it wasn't for that level of forgiveness, then my old friend Stygian and your majesty would still be a danger! Reformation had been proven successful! ". Flash Magnus said and everypony agreed.

" Not to mention Starlight Glimmer and Discord would have caused great chaos if it wasn't for them changing their ways! ". Said Twilight and everypony agreed.

" Discord too, he was reformed and now at least he doesn't cause as much problems ". Shining Armor said and everypony nodded.

" And don't forget Trixie, if Twilight had not redeemed her she would have... she, she could have... maybe, sorta changed, carriers? ". Rainbow said, more to herself that anypony else.

" Psst, pssst! ". Magnus called to Shining. " Who is this Trixie? Is she powerful? Or great or something? ".

" She's... the something part, I think? ". Flash only nodded more confused than before.

" Ahem, in any case, as I was saying, while we know this form of regulation has been working so far, the normal ponies see this as been soft, others, the more vocals, believe we are only forgiving the evildoers because they're somehow connected with us or related in some form ".

" I don't understand their point ". Said Flash Magnus.

" Let's see if from their point of view, an evil creature comes and cause chaos and huge collateral damage to the kingdom, but oh goody, here's comes the elements of harmony and they save the day and the creature just get a slap in the hoof and is placed into intense redemption care, but a normal pony breaks a rule and suddenly he or she's charged, has to pay for the infraction, probably has to spend time in jail and in top of that he or she gets marked as an outcast for breaking our peaceful society, sounds fair to them? I don't think so ". Rainbow's crude explanation was a hard fact many present couldn't argue against, everypony present was first hoof involved one way or another into the redemption case.

" We-well, when you put it like that? Then no ". Twilight said with embarrassment well printed in her cheeks, she more than anypony else would be guilty of that.

" In resume, we can't shut them up just for expressing themselves in what is a real problem, doing it would only solidify as true what the Rebels are preaching and made us even more into a defective government, there's already a few town that have no loyalty for us and from there the Rebels are springboarding to others places ".

" If that's the case then why not showing them what they're missing by siding with those punks, I'm sure once they see no guards or assistance coming from Canterlot then they change their minds ". Magnus said with confidence, only to get shy looks from both princesses.

" Actually, there's a lot of towns in the border that lack that already ". Twilight explained.

" It seems we have stretched the kingdom too far away and ponies who once helped conquering those harsh lands received little in return, my... my sister have been busy with many internal matters and has let those poor ponies adrift for some time now ". Luna finished and the chamber felt into awkward silence.

It was true that many ponies that decided to look for land beyond the known territory did so under certain agreements, the main example of such thing we're The Apples, they were given first pick on the land south of Canterlot, they were also given a timeframe to explore in advance from the other settling groups, in exchange, they had to give back to the castle a portion of their crop and in case of State emergency like a war or a food crisis, the farm was obligated to surrender another portion of their crop to help. That was just one of many ways in which the government worked with pioneers and settlements.

Thai agreements however had changed during the long years of Celestia's ruling and now some of those were considered unfair by new economic standards. This and the previous discussion of lawmaking and punishment has swaying the more isolated communities into the Rebel's grasp.

" Anyway, this will be all for today, I hope that together we can come with a plan to solve this issue as fast as possible, every hour that we remain immobile is our subjects that suffer, let's give Equestria the peace it deserves ".

" For Equestria! ". All ponies screamed in unison.

Luna moved to speak with Twilight when she was talking with her brother. " Twilight, Shining, would you mind staying a bit longer? ".

The siblings looked at each other. " We can stay Princess ". They agreed.

Once the rest of the ponies were gone, Luna spoke again. " Thank you, I hope I don't take much of your time but this is a bit complicated ".

" Is this about Princess Celestia? ". Asked Twilight.

" Clever as always, yes. As you can see, my sister is absent from their meeting as she has been from the rest of the important stuff, ever since Sunset Shimmer's last visit my sister has been unmotivated to move or speak clearly, this is making the situation with the Changelings even worse ".

" Yes, I noticed ". Said Twilight.

" Cadence also noticed a lacking of enthusiasm in her ". Shining said.

" Yes, currently she's been holding up in her room or in the secret library, when I asked her what she was looking for she just give me a vague explanation or dodge the question completely, I'm worried that the situation is causing her to doubt herself as a ruler, she is strong but she's just as vulnerable to criticism as anypony else ".

" Of course, whatever you ruled by a couple of years or a couple of centuries, to have your subjects suddenly turning on you could shatter your self-esteem immediately ". Twilight expressed.

" Maybe we can do something about it ". Shining Armor agreed.

" Then we must do something to return her to her former confident self, the Celestia that could predict things even before they happened! ". Twilight said happily. In that time she didn't noticed but Luna found her comment intriguing.

CELESTIA'S ROYAL CHAMBER...

Princess Celestia watched the window as her agent reported about his mission. " He should have all the information now, the rest depends in if he's able to de-code it, he seemed in pretty bad shape already ". Said Time Turner.

" I see, good job my little pony, with this they should be able to link where the portal is located ". Celestia said, front the reflection on the window she saw the earth pony shift awkwardly. " Something on your mind? ".

" No, well, actually, yes. Is this really the right way to confront ' That ' ? Please, don't get wrong, I am all for exploring and pushing the boundaries of our world and beyond in the name of science, but I don't feel too good about involving the humans unnecessarily, more so if they could get injured, or worse ".

" I agree with your worries my dear subject, but unfortunately for them, the moment they got involved with magic they became part of this battle again ' That ', the arrival of Sunset Shimmer was necessary not just for her own good but for the human side as well ".

" I understand that your highness, as I understand that in order to maintain caution you have to keep things secret, even from your sister ".

" Specially from her " Celestia turned to face the smaller pony. " If Luna learns of what my ' Sin ' is about she may succumb to her darkness once more and I wouldn't be able to confront her again without one of us dying this time, and if that happens, all this, all the pain and dead in both sides, would have been for nothing! ". She said with a somber tone that send chills down his spine and hooves. After her exaltation, Celestia turned back to the window.

" I see, with all due respect, if giving the Alicorn amulet to the Rebels part wasn't crazy enough, the next step is, but, well? I suppose I'm just as crazy for believing in this, so I hope this gamble works, because, if it doesn't ". None of them dared to finish that sentence, for both knew well the meaning, the end of both worlds.

END OF CHAPTER.

Author's Note

Thanks to everyone for reading this chapter, I know that it has been a while and I'm happy to say that I'm finally getting some time off from work! It sucks to work in Christmas and new year but that's what Overlord Amazon wanted and that's what we had to do.

We're getting a week off but I'm also using my vacations to get a much needed rest, so I'll try to get some writing done. Also, if you feel like it. Check out the new story I'm working on in 'Archive of our own', look for Fernando 1717, is a Digimon story that focus on Yamato Ishida.

Anyway, thanks for reading and hope to have you back soon!