Daybreaker's Fiery Vengeance

Sunset knew the castle hallways like the back of her hoof. However, there were rooms yet to be discovered. Daybreaker hadn't specified the location of the Elements. What if it was just another trick to discourage the group? The wicked Mare of Flames was crafty and manipulative. She didn't want to be outsmarted again. The castle was as hot as the outdoors. Why wouldn't Daybreaker lower the sun? She wanted to march to the throne room, but held back. She couldn't go in unprepared. If she did, Daybreaker would imprison the group, and Equestria would be doomed forever.

Once Sunset and her group were in one of the secret rooms, she began to speak. "Let's split up and search for the Elements. There are six of them somewhere in the castle. Fluttershy, go with Rainbow. Pinkie, go with Applejack. Rarity, you come with me. Don't do anything drastic or you may lose your lives in the fight against Daybreaker's tyranny."

"We can defend ourselves," Rainbow Dash said. "We're not helpless."

Sunset cleared her throat. "It doesn't matter. The four of you don't have unicorn magic. Only Rarity and I had unicorn magic. Just look out for each other as we try to discover the Elements of Harmony. No reckless decisions, please. Do you understand?"

Pinkie Pie frowned. "What about the party cannon? I can use it."

"I guess it'll make Daybreaker angry enough to destroy you. Be careful where you go. If Daybreaker catches any one of us, all hope will be lost. This is a dire situation. Alright, time to explore the castle. Be quick on your hooves."

Once all four mares left, Sunset and Rarity walked into another hallway. She paced ahead of the unicorn, scanning the hallway for clues. She had only been gone for several hours, yet her world had already changed. Was this what Luna had in mind for her? If she was chosen to defeat Daybreaker, couldn't the princess have told her sooner? Rarity's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"What did you say?" Sunset asked.

"What is it like to grow up in Canterlot?" Rarity replied.

"For me, it's like a city that belongs to the nobility. My life isn't fancy. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just curious. I've never been to Canterlot until today."

"We're not here to take a tour, but to stop Daybreaker."

"I know that. I hope this goes quickly. My sister's probably scared right now. Another question here. Why does Daybreaker want to trap Equestria in eternal heat?"

"She wants to usurp Princess Luna. I'll tell the story of Daybreaker to you..."

As Sunset told the story, her mind focused on the plan. What if the search went wrong? What were the others doing? Had Daybreaker captured them? Rainbow Dash would be the type of pony to put up a fight. As for Applejack and Pinkie, she wasn't sure. Fluttershy would be the type to run and hide. Had Daybreaker harmed Luna? Did Ponyville catch on fire? She shuddered at the thought of the whole land going up in flames.

Rainbow Dash had never stepped inside a castle, let alone Canterlot Castle. The hallways felt like a maze to her. And Fluttershy had been frightened the whole time, as the kind pegasus kept fretting about Daybreaker catching them in the act. When she met Sunset earlier, she never expected to join her on this daring quest. The idea of being a hero appealed to her. But, being imprisoned by Daybreaker? She hated the idea of being helpless. What would the team of Wonderbolts think if she got captured?

"Maybe we should join Sunset and Rarity," Fluttershy said.

"That's like asking for help from a stronger hero," Rainbow replied as she flew ahead of Fluttershy.

"Wait for me! There's nothing wrong with needing help."

"And those words came from the pony who had somepony else stand up to the bullies. The idea of asking for help only makes sense to you."

"If that's the case, then why did Sunset recruit us?"

"Because of the Daybreaker drama, I guess. I bet Sunset's scared to go alone."

"That doesn't sound nice. Sunset wouldn't be happy if you make fun of her."

Rainbow led Fluttershy into another hallway. Was there a map around here? The castle might be huge, but the interior seemed to be larger in size. "I bet I'm not the first pony to become lost in this castle. Perhaps some lost ponies were stuck in the hallways."

"If that's the case, the princess would help them find their way out," Fluttershy said.

Hoofsteps echoed off the walls. Rainbow grabbed Fluttershy and hid behind a statue. She had a feeling that this wouldn't go well. If they got caught, she could use a distraction. No, she could try physical combat. She had always been a courageous mare, never willing to back down. Fluttershy was the total opposite.

A familiar voice boomed. "Who goes here?" The hoofsteps approached. "Come out, you little cowards. I won't hurt you."

Rainbow peered above the statue. As she guessed, Daybreaker was investigating the hallway. The alicorn turned, then scowled. She stepped forward. Could a pegasus knock out a powerful alicorn? Since Sunset wasn't here to watch, she might solve the problem herself.

"Ah, it's you, bold one. Where are your friends? What are they up to?" Daybreaker demanded.

"You stole the throne from Princess Luna. And you also took the Elements. You will pay for trying to destroy Equestria," Rainbow said.

"I like your feisty attitude. But you can't fight me. I'm much more powerful than you are."

"If I can stand up to anypony, then I won't back down in your presence."

Daybreaker widened her stance. Her horn glowed. "Bring it on. I bet you're still feeble. A place in prison will make you rethink your rebellious desires. I recall the Firebolts test I gave you."

Rainbow put the puzzle pieces together. So the Firebolts were Daybreaker's illusions? She hovered above Daybreaker and charged at her. A sphere of magic enveloped her, and she struggled to escape. "You're the worst! How dare you get away with your crimes?"

Daybreaker flung Rainbow across the hallway. "Excuse me? How am I the worst? You are easy to defeat. A pegasus cannot fight an alicorn and expect to win." She loomed over Rainbow.

Rainbow grimaced as she rose. She couldn't show Daybreaker that she was in pain. She didn't want to encourage her. All she wanted to do was stop the wicked mare. She hated to admit that Sunset was right. It wasn't fair, the difference between a pegasus and an alicorn. Not that she wanted to transform into an alicorn.

"For a pegasus, you sure are tough," Daybreaker said. "Have you considered joining the royal guard?"

"I've already said no. And I won't abandon my friends," Rainbow replied.

"Very well, then. Where is Sunset? If you won't answer, then you'll earn a place in prison."

Rainbow paused for a moment. If she refused to answer, then Daybreaker would imprison her. If she told the truth, her friends would never trust her again. The first option seemed reasonable. The second one could be an act of cowardice. What was a true hero to do? She stroked her chin.

"You have ten seconds to answer," Daybreaker said.

"Even if I know, I won't tell you," Rainbow replied. Behind Daybreaker, Fluttershy crept toward the door. The alicorn seemed curious.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing."

"Fine. Keep what you know a secret, then. I'll escort you to prison." The moment Daybreaker saw Fluttershy, she unfurled her wings. The yellow pegasus shook with fright.

Certain words came to Rainbow's mind. She wanted to say these words. 'Fluttershy, run while I distract her!' or 'Daybreaker, leave Fluttershy alone!', but Daybreaker was a formidable foe to deal with. And nopony could outrun an alicorn. The heat only accelerated her anger toward the pony who usurped the princess. She stood between Fluttershy and Daybreaker before the alicorn could do anything drastic.

"Let me guess. This little pegasus is a friend of yours," Daybreaker said. Her horn glowed, and a magical aura enveloped Rainbow. Then, she flung her out of the way.

Rainbow's wings ached from the impact. She couldn't deny that Daybreaker was stronger than Princess Luna. At least her other friends remained out of sight. Where were Pinkie Pie and Applejack? Had they gotten lost? Sunset seemed to know a way around the castle. Had the unicorn discovered the dungeon? What about Rarity? She stretched her wings to ensure there weren't any broken bones. She groaned. There was a sore muscle here and there, but she could still fly. If the impact had been more powerful, a bone would have broken inside her wings. That would disqualify her from becoming a future Wonderbolt for sure.

Daybreaker let out a malicious chuckle. "Well, well... you are the frightened one. The opposite of the rainbow pegasus, right?See if you can survive prison. You seem the type to wilt behind bars."

Fluttershy backed away as she spoke in a soft whisper. "Please... don't hurt me..."

"Why so afraid? Is it because of the wildfire? I can see what wildfires do to a pony. However, I'll watch you squirm in prison. All of you ponies are powerless and feeble. I'm the most powerful empress in the history of Equestria. And you ponies are nothing!"

Fluttershy glanced at Rainbow. "Go get the others."

Daybreaker smirked. "I knew you were up to something." Her magic enveloped both Rainbow and Fluttershy. "Off to prison. Try not to call for help, or I'll search the castle for your friends."

Just as the sphere glowed around Rainbow and Fluttershy, the yellow pegasus screamed. Daybreaker cackled. Had the others heard Fluttershy? What if the sphere blocked Fluttershy's voice from being heard?

Applejack swore she heard somepony screaming. It couldn't be, she thought. Who got caught? Daybreaker was too stubborn to lose. She had to tell Sunset and Rarity! Pinkie Pie's shocked expression mirrored her own. She led Pinkie toward the room where she last saw Sunset. The two unicorns weren't in here. As much as she wanted to call for Sunset, she couldn't let Daybreaker detect them. She didn't want the quest to go wrong. The group would be doomed if all of them found themselves in prison.

"We're not going to hide in here," Applejack said. "The others could be in the opposite side of the castle. I don't want to consider the worst."

Pinkie hopped toward the door. "Let's go, then. Who knows where Sunset and Rarity could be?"

"Good idea." Applejack followed Pinkie into the hallway. Sunset and Rarity were in the hallway, but Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy weren't. Had Daybreaker caught Rainbow and Fluttershy?

Sunset rushed to hug Applejack and Pinkie. "You're okay! I thought Daybreaker had you. I wonder, though, if she captured Rainbow and Fluttershy."

Rarity nodded. "I bet she did. Let's rescue them."

Sunset led the three to another hallway. As they navigated the castle, doubts filled her mind. Daybreaker was obviously desperate to win. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She wasn't sure if it was caused by stress or by the extreme heat. Perhaps it was a mix of both. What if she failed Luna? What if she failed her new friends? What if she failed all of Equestria? Had the Elements been transported to another location?

Sunset discovered a secret passageway. The door slid open. She glanced around to ensure that Daybreaker hadn't followed them. The passageway was dark and narrow, so she carefully descended the steps. Was this the dungeon? Daybreaker's cackle caused her to freeze. Was the wicked alicorn in the dungeon? She was oddly reminded of the dream she once had as a young filly.

Sunset reached a hallway. Cells lined the hallway as she crept further into the darkness. Her horn lit the area around the group. Hoofsteps approached, and she ducked behind a pillar. She faced Applejack. "Distract Daybreaker. I'll find the Elements," she whispered.

Applejack furrowed her brows. "Are you sure it's a good plan?"

"Yes."

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity emerged from their hiding place. Sunset watched them speak with Daybreaker. Once Daybreaker left the dungeon, she proceeded forward. She discovered what appeared to be a secret room. Six stones waited on the floor.

"Could they be?" Sunset whispered. She levitated the stones and raced through the dungeon. She approached a cell where Rainbow and Fluttershy were being held. She teleported them out of the cell.

Rainbow was the first to speak. "Let's go find the others. Are they the Elements you mentioned?" She scrutinized the stones.

"I think so."

"We'll stop Daybreaker in no time."

Daybreaker hesitated as she watched Rarity approach the dungeon's entrance. She had a feeling that she was being tricked. She scowled. Applejack and Pinkie didn't flinch, but Rarity seemed nervous. "Explain yourselves or else. Where is Sunset Shimmer? I demand an answer!"

"You won't destroy Equestria," Applejack said.

"We still need the night and the rain," Pinkie said.

Daybreaker hollered with frustration. She slammed her hooves against the ground, causing a jagged crack to form. She snorted. Why wouldn't the rebels stop fighting her? She was sure that Sunset discovered the Elements. It was too late to continue her reign, right? Hopefully her defeat wouldn't happen.

Daybreaker shook her head. "Not so fast. If you try to stop me, I'll destroy Luna in front of you. The battle shall take place in the throne room."

"You won't destroy Luna on our watch. The princess shall never be usurped," Rarity said.

Daybreaker teleported herself and the little ponies to the throne room. She landed on the throne, cackling. She was sure the group would be burned to ashes. Before she could eliminate them, the other three ponies materialized in front of the grand doors. This time, Sunset had the Elements. She didn't want to lose too soon. She summoned a circle of fire around Sunset.

Daybreaker approached Sunset. "You are more powerful than most unicorns. Perhaps you can join me. With the help of my sun, I have seen you grow."

Sunset maintained eye contact. "I won't join you."

"Don't be stubborn. Listen to me."

"I said no."

Daybreaker cast a spell on Sunset Shimmer, allowing them both to enter a strange realm with no ponies in sight. The orange ground churned beneath their hooves. The sun shone with an eerie yellowish glow. "This is the realm of memories. I will give you my take on them..."