Malicious Gift

She was alone. Though, this time she wasn’t covered in menacing shadow.

Dim sunlight was filtering in through the window in the room. Its color told her the day was almost over, reminding her of all the tasks she needed to complete before the end of the day.

Her animal friend’s feeding schedule. Tending to the sickly creatures and preparing them for Luna’s restful night. Making sure the creatures of the night were taken care of before herself went to bed.

But there were a multitude of things she would need to do for herself. Shower, a little bit of cleaning, and getting something to eat among other things.

She frowned as memories of the metal meal returned. The uncomfortable memory was still quite fresh in her mind. So she tried to think of other foods she had previously. Haybugers, salads, even the tofu bean custard she tried a few days ago.

It made her stomach grumble like she hadn’t eaten for days. A deep pain in her gut that silently demanded her attention. She had eaten, hadn’t she?

She sighed as she felt her stomach grumble once more, the computer’s error rolling off of her ears as she stood mute as a statue. Clutched in the grip of the metal harness.

Action denied.

She felt miserable. Alone. She never so badly wanted to talk to somepony. Or, some creature! She wanted to be surrounded by Twilight’s contraptions as she tested hypotheses on what she truly was.

Or a full party of all the townsponies hosted by Pinkie pie where she was the main star. Complete with a multi-layered cake and other delicious goodies.

She’d love to be surrounded by the Apple family, as they took turns guessing her predicament. Laughing with them on some wild guesses while devouring the many apple-themed confections that could be present.

She shuddered, remembering that those were only dreams, thoughts written on a paper of hope. She found herself thinking about her friends next. Both her animal friends and her pony friends. The many experiences they had and the unfortunate events that had occurred over the past few days.

But she lingered on the memories of the group hugs she had experienced over the last few days. The big group hug of reassurance from all of her animal friends before she went to the school. The hugs she had gotten when little bits of truth had emerged. She pushed the worry away, feeling them bare down on her. She stubbornly stayed in the phantom hug she could barely feel.

It helped. A little.

But it merely braced her for the wave of emotions she was caught in.

She shook her head, holding onto the memory of her friends like a life preserver.

Action denied.

She couldn’t just give up! Her friends would be fighting for her! Twilight was probably up at this very moment, surrounded by stacks of books that had to contain knowledge that could help her. Help them.

Right?

Her life preserver seemed to deflate a bit. What could her friends do about her predicament? Even Celestia stood very little chance at fighting off her new form. If Noah wanted her to do something, how could her friends stop her?

And now she could hide like anypony! She could walk right next to Twilight and she’d never know! Her much too quiet voice would now be mute to voice any objections.

Her mentality deflated further and she felt darkness pushing once more against her.

She stood there for a few moments, only the feeling of the Harness’s limbs breaking the mental silence in her mind.

She then jumped as sleep was once again pushed away from her.

She didn’t even have the energy to sigh.

She summoned her virtual hug from her friends again, letting her mind drift idly among the realm between the waking world and the dream world. She was so tired…

Her attention suddenly filled her cranium as words appeared in front of her vision.

Warning! CMG running at 20% efficiency. Running diagnostics for power continuity…

…

…

She felt her brain sluggishly process the information fed to her. Though she couldn’t understand it. She still didn’t know what the CMG was. She was pretty sure that it was the Cuite Mark Generator she had received but that didn’t mean anything to her.

…

…

She felt nothing as she watched the dots take turns showing themselves to her. Her mind felt as empty as her stomach as no other stimulus entered her mind.

…

Unable to fix automatically. Problem is identified at CM input on ports 342 through 401.

Error:[CMG_00009283B-C]

Power cap instigated with the name: CMG_BadCON:342_401

Priority has been placed on {BIO_Core}

Please talk to Glyph at Canterlot for full diagnostics.

An address appeared below it. Though, she had been there already. It was the pegasus that didn’t open the door and was somepony Celestia had trusted.

Fluttershy felt hope flutter weakly in her chest. She had seen the pegasus at the Crystal Empire and she was helping Twilight to subdue the puppet strings she was entangled in.

There was hope.

Somepony did know what was happening to her. Or, maybe? She frowned but pushed the thought away as the computer denied her again.

Twilight and Glyph would figure out something, likely in a stack of books.

Determination seemed to inflate her, surrounding her in a bubble that held the waves of depression away. She wouldn’t just stand idly. Not when her friends would no doubly be trying to free her.

Her thoughts darkened as she again thought about what she could do.

Nothing. She couldn’t even blink without permission. Tartarus, she couldn’t even breath on command.

She wrapped herself in a phantom hug again.

“Relax. You can’t think of anything if you are freaking out!” She told herself.

Her mind told her now was a really good time to be freaking out, but she repressed it. Rarity had told her that looking at the entire project would cause a lot of stress. So, it was good to take things one step at a time.

But where to start?!

She could feel the needed to hyperventilate. She shook her head, feeling no motion in her head as Action denied assaulted her ears.

One step at a time.

One step at a time.

She backtracked in her mind and thought about the incident at the bar. How could she tell her friends that she was disguised?

She just focused on that question. Not the fact that she could disguise herself. Not the following questions she had been asking herself for days now.

Her stomach grumbled, but she ignored it.

What would she do?

She couldn’t move her body. So that ruled out talking, gesturing, or speaking in character contrary to who she was disguised as.

She felt hopeless as she didn’t have unicorn magic. Maybe if she could get that artificial horn to appear on her head she could—

Was it artificial? Her mind asked, chilling her blood. Did she just have some other unicorn’s horn?!

Her mind seemed to freeze again and once more began to panic.

What was she?! Was she a conglomeration of metal and other ponies? Was her pegasus magic even hers?

Were her wings hers?

She stopped. No, those at least were hers. Those were made of metal, right?

She shivered, feeling the action rattle the harness.

“Please let them be made out of metal!!” She thought as she imagined a poor pegasus stripped of their wings for her sake. “Please let them not be some other pony’s wings!”

She stood there, still once more.

“If they do belong to somepony else, I can give them back, right? If I could use them then they’re not lost right?” She thought. Though the thought sounded absurd but so was the situation she was in. Surely if a pegasus could overcome the might of two alicorn, no, three alicorn Princesses then surely she could give back the wings on her back.

She’d much rather deal with the heavy silver wings than have some pony elses.

The horn would be much easier to return, and her mind had an easier time accepting the fact that it could be reattached. The only reason Tempest probably didn’t is because she didn’t have the other piece.

Her mind settled down after she addressed what she would do if the wings on her back were not in fact hers. Well, a partial answer anyway.

But that didn’t matter if she couldn’t remove the strings attached to her body!

She mentally took another deep breath as she asked herself again, “What would I do if I saw my friends while I was disguised?”

No, what could she do?

She pondered it for a few minutes, feeling the occasional shock to wake her exhausted mind. But she found herself running in circles, upon circles.

Anger welled inside her chest this time. Furious about how powerless she was. How her friends would have to come save her, again.

Sure this was different. Much different. But she always felt like she was a burden. A rock in a carriage.

“Oh Sugarcube,” Applejack laughed in her mind, “Even a rock in a carriage has a use! How are ya supposed to keep it from moving when ya need to take a break?”

A smile tried to creep along her lips but the computer stopped it. Though it didn’t matter. A cool relief flooded her senses as she remembered the conversation. Just a small one where she talked to AJ after the invasion by the Storm King.

A rock in a carriage. Just waiting to be used to stop the wheels from moving when the pony took off the harness. Its weight was an easy burden to bear by the pony. It was better than risking the cart rolling away to crash into a tree.

She’d just have to wait. Trust her friends. Though she wouldn’t just let her friends do all the heavy lifting. She’d keep an eye out for an opportunity. And then she’d pounce.

Rarity was enjoying herself. Or at least the best she could. She was quite vigilant at the moment, looking for any sign of a pink-haired pegasus with a yellow coat. She saw many colors. Reds, blues, greens, browns, blacks, and greys. But only once in a combination she was looking for.

Though it only was a unicorn wearing a yellow dress. Her pink hair was in a tight little bun and much to short to belong to her timid friend.

She kept looking though and often had to ask others to repeat themselves when she saw a pink or a yellow move across her peripherals.

The concern was warranted but she firmly brushed it off, “Oh I’m just a little scattered at the moment. Teaching at Twilight’s school has given me an eye for sudden movement. Some of my students like to pass notes while I’m talking. And they’ve gotten quite sneaky at it.”

That normally pushed the conversation forward. But she’d have to tell her tale every time she met with a new group. While it was true, she hated to mislead them. Though, what was she supposed to say?

“Oh, I’m just keeping an eye out for Fluttershy. Apparently she’s a robotic pony! And now she’s under the control of a complete heathen! A fiend! A monster!”

She subtly shook her head, imagining the responses she’d get. She magically lit her horn and adjusted the collar of her dress. The devices seemed to be working but she’d excuse herself to go and check at planned intervals. The last thing she wanted was the little device to not activate if she did happen to see Fluttershy.

She did still glow when her work had been complemented. Some thought the horn adornment was a tad much but the craftsmanship still received complements.

She agreed and wouldn’t have had it if it didn’t serve a second purpose. Though she’d guide the conversation away from its hidden purpose by asking for critique on her work. Hiding the activation switch under the guise of trying something new.

Though she did have to admit the weight of the dress pushed her to take a break here and there. It was a small trade-off, no matter how much her hooves were killing her.

“Oh Princess Celestia!” The pony in front of her exclaimed and the group did a small bow their formal clothes would allow.

Rarity blinked and turned her head around to see Celestia in a fancy dress of her own. Though it was more suited to allow the alicorn to move, it still had many frills and patterns laced with gold. But it was a tighter-fitting dress that didn’t go pas her knees. She smiled and did a small bow, “Princess?” She said, noting the look in her eye below a more simple crown. It better matched her attire, was thinner, and looked more like a golden wreath of golden leaves. It still had the purple gem though.

“I’m sorry to intrude but I’m going to have to steal your attention for a bit.” She said smiling at the others in her group.

“Of course!” Rarity replied, then turned to the group, “I shall be right back.”

She got a few nods of approval as she turned away and followed the Princess. The alicorn took her into the backroom. This building wasn’t the main attraction, but rather a small side show of mineral use on fabrics. So, the smell of chemicals was still lingering along the walls as she followed the Princess.

She continued for a minute then asked, “Is everything right Princess?”

Celestia smiled warmly, “Yes, of course. At least for the moment. I just ran into an old friend from long ago. Or at least their predecessor.”

Rarity frowned, unsure of whether to respond or to not. Though that trouble was taken from her as they turned a corner to see a pony waiting for them.

It was Alaina Mineralis! The current caretaker of the Sparkling Boutique! Rarity had to contain a gasp but could feel her eyes beaming.

The unicorn smiled with a practiced formality that conveyed a happy sense. They were tired but pleased. Her flat uniform was freshly pressed and had a small gemstone fastened to the collar. It was a pin of sorts, with a gold-plated base and a dark purple gem encrusted with white minerals along the edges. The pony herself was a chocolate milk brown that was complemented by her dark blue vest. The vest had a lighter blue dress underneath it, tucked neatly away as it became a gradient to the vest’s darker color. It ran across the pony’s body, ending just short of where most dresses would end. Rather, the hem stopped just after the pony’s knees leaving her back hooves exposed. A design most likely sought after since she was no doubt walking a lot for the event. Her tail wasn’t visible, so she assumed it was tied up. But her blonde mane was left to flow with its shorter length. It rested lightly among her ears in a slightly rough shape. But it complemented the colors of the dress, giving it a movement without it moving.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” Celestia said with a small smile, “But I had to get another friend.”

Alaina smiled, “It’s not a problem. This is a touchy subject.”

Celestia turned to Rarity, “Alaina is going to show us the gem we may think that she is after.”

“She?” Rarity asked, trying to confirm whether or not to use her timid friend’s name.

Alaina smiled sadly, “I know about Fluttershy, or,” the unicorn said, “At least in part. I also know this gem was given to us by Celestia long ago. So, I have no qualms in showing it early to you two.”

Celestia smiled with another nod, “I thought it necessary to enlighten Alaina as she is in charge of the show. It may prove to be useful in corralling ponies should Fluttershy appear.”

Rarity nodded, trusting the Princess’s judgment, “Alright, lead the way! But please, I do not want to spoil the whole show if possible!”

Alaina smiled, “Of course. The gems are in protected storage until the show. You won’t see anything else unless you want to.”

Rarity smiled in response and Alaina escorted the two through a backdoor of the building to the streets. Where they walked a few blocks to another building.

This building was surrounded by ponies as well but instead of dresses, suits, and other manners of fancy clothing, there were security outfits. Armor, restraining devices, and other devices Rarity couldn’t identify covered them in varying shades of blue and black.

They were stopped briefly but let through after Alaina showed a badge concealed in her mane. Multiple guards followed them as they were allowed into the building, past armored doors and several other guards.

The group was then led into the basement, where they paused before a large, metal, circular vault door.

“My goodness,” Rarity said plainly, “That’s quite a bit of security.”

Alaina chuckled as they waited for the door to slowly swing open, “Oh you should see the gem’s actual storage in Manehattan. This is nothing to that.”

“Oh wow,” Rarity said, imaging the quality of gems that required such security measures.

“Oh,” Alaina said perking up, “You’ll need to put on this,” She said, proffering a small ring.

Rarity looked at the adornment and looked at her crystal swan, “Uh, do I have to?”

Aliana also looked at the swan sitting on Rarity’s horn, “Hmm. Maybe not.” Her horn glowed a bright shade of blue, then faded.

She then shook her head, “No it looks like you’ll be alright. That crystal is stopping any magic fluctuations from coming out of your horn.”

“Would you like me to wear one?” Celestia asked.

Alaina shook her head, “No, alicorn horns are able to contain their magic much better than unicorn ones. As long as you don’t perform any magic, you won’t mess up any of the spells operating the vault.”

Celestia nodded.

Alaina smiled and placed the ring on her own horn, “Alright. Follow me.”

On her words, the massive door clunked and hissed, then slowly opened up. It took a few moments for the massive metal door to stop moving but Rarity was able to see dozens of glowing runes and symbols lining the edge of the door. She also was able to glimpse gears and such from the opening on the side of the door. But the rest of it was hidden by a magical glow emanating from the center of the door’s interior.

The guards did not follow them this time as they walked into the metal box they called a vault. Boxes lined the room in a grid pattern, leaving just enough space to walk between them. Black drapes covered each one, obscuring the contents from view.

Alaina walked to a seemingly random box and paused at it till Rarity and Celestia had assembled around the box as well.

“Well, here it is,” Alaina said, gently pulling off the black tarp.

Rarity wasn’t sure what she was expecting. A rock? A gold ornament surrounding the rock that was older than her family name? Perhaps a flawless-looking diamond?

But she wasn’t expecting to see the yellow chunk of rock sitting in a plush red velvet stand surrounded by a glass box.

It was an odd little gem that looked like it was two gems smooshed together. The top portion was a near-flawless complexion that made Rarity’s eyes sparkle. However, the rough yellow residue that it was jammed into had quite the opposite effect. It made her pause and stare at it, following the lines of lights as they bounced through the clear top till they became befuddled in the rough bottom.

“Huh, I was expecting something quite different if I must be honest,” Rarity said, pulling her eyes from the little piece, “It’s a beautiful gem but can’t the imperfection be removed?”

Alaina smiled, “It's been a source of much fighting in my family. However, the gem was to not be modified, not under any circumstances. My great-grandmother was very stern about that, and I will be certain to maintain that decree.”

“And that is why I trusted the gem to be in your family’s care,” Celestia said with a smile, “Me and my sister both.”

Rarity nodded. She was curious but she didn’t want to spoil the true nature of the gem by asking why it wasn’t refined. But she continued to look at the gem, letting her eyes continue to play among the lines.

“So, this is the one your unfortunate friend is after, correct?” Alaina asked, getting a little more serious.

Celestia nodded, “We do not know for certain, but it is a possibility, and as the caretaker of the gem you should be one of the first to know.”

Alaina nodded, “I appreciate the knowledge. Though it’s discouraging to not be able to do anything should she arrive. Are you certain you do not want us to interfere?”

Celestia nodded her face serious, “Whatever magic or contraption fueling the control of Fluttershy, it makes her formidable. Formidable enough to pose a serious threat to even my sister and I,” She paused looking Alaina dead in the eye, “If your security measures have the ability to subdue an alicorn, then we can consider a plan of action. But for now, your team will be on damage control as we discussed.”

Alaina blinked, “It’s that serious?”

Rarity nodded, saddened.

Alaina frowned, “Are you sure we should still host the event? Or at least keep the gem in storage?”

Celestia shook her head, “This is more of a test. We do not know the plans of those pulling their strings on Fluttershy. She may not even show up! But if she does, it will give us a better idea of their final plans. Plans we can then counter.”

Alaina nodded nervously, “If you are sure…”

Celestia smiled, “Both Luna and I are on duty for tonight. If anything, it will attract more ponies to your event. So everypony will win.”

“If she doesn’t show up,” Alaina said with a small smile, “If she does show up the event will probably be ruined for times to come.”

Celestia chuckled, “Do not worry. I’m sure my sister and I can help with restoring your event. You help me, I help you.”

Alaina nodded but her nervousness was still on her face, “Of course Princess. It’s your gem after all, even after all these generations. A gift that has been able to bless our event with much participation. I am happy to return the favor. Though, should she show up, I will enjoy a conversation about how to smooth the wrinkles that would inevitably appear in the fashion world.”

The Princess smiled, “Like a dress, you just need to do a little work to get out wrinkles. It's even better when you have the correct tools,” She winked, “I would be happy to help. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to smooth out wrinkles caused by public contentions.”

Alaina laughed, “Yes I recall many stories from my foal hood from my grandparents.”

Celestia shared the laugh, “Pray tell it’s not too embarrassing!”

Alaina chuckled, “No, not that much.”

Rarity continued to stare at the gem while the two talked. It was just a very simple gem. Yet it had caused a pony to take the life of her friend and use it like she would a puppet. Was this power really that strong?

“Rarity, are you alright?” Alaina suddenly asked, her cheery tone dropping.

Rarity blinked pulling her mind out of the world it had been in, “Yes, I’m just surprised is all. It's just a small gem! Yet, because of something so small, my friend suffers.”

Alaina smiled sadly, “Yes. Unfortunately, I can share in that concern and grief,” She looked around the vault with eyes that were somewhere else.

“There was a time when we didn’t have to store these wonderful examples of our lands. Yet, from the stories of my grandparents, there were many fights about them. Our events would bring ponies from many lands to compete. Friendly competition! Yet, there will always be that one pony who just wants it all,” Alaina looked back at Rarity, “Years upon years ago, there was a battle in this very city over these gems. Hundreds were hurt. Several were even killed. All over simple hunks of rock that contained purpose given to them. At the end of the day? They are just formations of minerals that we find to be pretty. Yet, some are willing to throw others away for that given value. It’s unfortunate…”

Celestia nodded, “Indeed. Thankfully I haven’t had to stop such contentions in quite a while. But they still hide in the shadows. Waiting for their moment.”

Rarity nodded sadly. But it made her pause to think. What was the moment that caused Fluttershy to fall into the hooves of Noah? She may have been made of metal since she first met the timid pegasus. But why now?

She absent-mindedly followed the two other ponies out, preoccupied with her thoughts. Could she have done something? Should she run back into the vault and break the gem?

“Is she alright?” She heard Alaina speak, but she didn’t respond as it wasn’t directed at her.

“She is dealing with the potential loss of a friend. A dear one at that. Somethings will simply not make sense.” She heard Celestia reply.

“I’m fine,” Rarity said with a smile, “I’m just uncertain about the motives of the fiend that is controlling Fluttershy…”

“Some ponies' ambitions will not be known unless they want them to be known,” Celestia said with a somber voice, “But take heart! Try to enjoy the event that you have prepared for so much. It will not assist you to be full of doubt and worry.”

“It’s a great dress!” Alaina complemented, “You’ve done a wonderful job.”

Rarity smiled, feeling a glow inside like a flashlight in a dark woods.

Celestia nodded with a smile, “Let us head back to your group. The main event will be starting here soon.”

Alaina smiled, “Just a review before you go. If your friend does show up, just focus on evacuation. Let you deal with her. No engagement and no trying to stop her, right?”

Celestia nodded, “Yes, the gem’s safety is not comparable to that of ponies. Just get the guests out, let Rarity do her thing.”

Alaina nodded, “Alright, I will debrief the security once more. Just to be safe. You two enjoy the event! I shall go and oversee transportation.”

Celestia nodded and she and Rarity did a small bow before leaving. The two were silent as they were guided through security. It was a block back towards the building before the silence broke.

“Are you okay?” Celestia asked quietly. The city's roads were quiet, with very few ponies in the cool night air. No doubt enjoying the event’s venues.

Rarity frowned, “It is just a tiny rock. All this because of a tiny rock…” She gestured with a flick of her head to the dress she was wearing, “Fluttershy is no doubt feeling terrified! I just can’t help but get mad! Or frustrated!” She let out a breath, “I suppose I can’t understand why some pony would do such a thing! I mean, I understand that its part of something bigger but, why?”

Celestia was quiet for a moment more, but her pace slowed. She gave the unicorn a small smile, “Power. It's as simple as that.”

Rarity frowned, understanding. She knew quite a few ponies willing to do a lot of things for money. But taking over some pony’s life? Replacing their very body with metal to serve a new purpose?

“Do you think she was born a pony?” She asked quietly, “Or do you think I’ve been friends with a machine this whole time? A very kind machine. But, still a machine?”

“Would it be a bad thing either way?” Celestia asked simply.

Rarity shook her head, “No, that’s not what I mean. I suppose it would be odd had I known she was who she was. And that would have cleared up quite a few things as well. But, I’m trying to figure out if Noah,” She paused, feeling the words choke up in her brain, “Built her. Or she was born of her parents and changed by him?”

Celestia sighed, “I do not believe Fluttershy was built by Noah. I’ve never seen Cuite mark magic replicated except that in a family,” She turned to Rarity, “I do believe that she was changed by Noah later in her life.”

“But why would some pony do that? I’ve seen ponies do some awful things to others to get money and power, and heard many more stories about much worse! But to change somepony like that, with no remorse or thought about her?! Who are we really dealing with?”

Celestia’s face was blank, “Some pony who thinks they are right.”

Rarity frowned, “Huh?”

“Say the Everfree forest became rampant and you and your friends had to go destroy it. Would you be in the right to do so?” Celestia asked.

“Of course! If it's rampant and destroying Ponyville; we have the right to defend it!”

“But what do you think the inhabitants of the forest think?”

Rarity frowned, “With all due respect Princess, I do not think the Timberwolves think…”

Celestia smiled, “Not like us sure. But they do think. They have families of their own and wish to protect them. It’s a simple thing of nature. Life is quite protective of the next generation, regardless of the form life takes. Yes, there are exceptions. But, if you had to protect your children, do you think you would be willing to take some pony’s life?”

Rarity frowned. The only pony she had technically killed was Sombra. Even then, he was apparently able to come back. But he had deserved it for the actions he took against the Crystal empire. But, if it was somepony else? Some creature not so obviously evil?

Celestia’s face formed into a small smile, “If somepony was trying to kill your child, then you obviously would react accordingly. Now, I would like to think that you wouldn’t try to actively kill the attacker but some would. And they would feel justified as they were trying to defend their offspring.”

Rarity nodded remembering a few cases where such a thing had happened. They were quite rare but they had occurred.

“Now imagine that feeling in something else. Say, entitlement to something. For example, as the older sister of the family you are entitled to boss your little sister around.”

Rarity frowned, “I wouldn’t say boss…”

Celestia chuckled, “I agree. We as older siblings want to take care of each other and have more experience. And if we see our younger siblings doing something that we know is going to turn out bad then we feel the need to stop them.”

“Like using super glue as hair gel…” Rarity said, remembering a vivid conversation with her younger sibling from a time ago.

Celestia nodded, “Yes! But how do you think they feel? Do you think they would understand?”

Rarity shook her head. She knew that from experience.

Celestia smiled, “It’s the same way here. Or, at least how I see it. Noah feels entitled to the power of the amulet as it may help him accomplish something that he feels needs to be done. Maybe he just wants the power? That might be true. But regardless, he feels he’s right to change Fluttershy to serve his needs because he feels its right. Or he’s crazy…”

Rarity smiled, “I hope it’s the crazy…”

Celestia shook her head, “I disagree. Crazy ponies can not be negotiated with. And as such, many lives are affected or even lost. I hope he is not crazy or I fear for our friend.”

Rarity nodded. A part of her wanted to talk to Noah and stop this whole debacle with carefully spoken words. But the other part wanted to pound him flat for the things he had done to her friend.

“Do not let anger cloud your judgment. It is simply an urge to act, acting on it too soon and without clear thoughts will only prolong your suffering,” Celestia said quietly, stopping at the building she had pulled the unicorn from.

Rarity sighed, “I’m sorry. I’m just so mad at Noah. What gives him the right?”

“Himself.”

Rarity frowned, recalling the earlier conversation.

“Relax, and enjoy your event. Keep a vigil eye out and get a scan if she appears. You do not want to get grey hairs because of stress, do you?”

Rarity frowned with distaste at the image, then chuckled, “Thanks.”

Celestia mirrored her smile, stopping in front of the building she had pulled Rarity out of, “Of course. Don’t forget about the check before the main event. We want to make sure everything’s in order.”

Rarity nodded, “Of course.” She then bowed and walked back into the building she had left minutes ago. Her group had changed a bit from when she had last left them but it made for pleasant conversation. All the while looking for her timid friend. She even would look at the ceiling as it could provide a hiding place with one with wings. She did get asked about it but she was able to throw such suspicion under the rug, barely. She again used her excuse of being a teacher, saying her patrols through the hallways looking for students not in class had taught her to look up often. Some bought it, some didn’t. Thankfully the suspicion didn’t affect the conversations too much. And there were many. She enjoyed it though, traveling through venues and different mini-events.

She enjoyed herself! She even got several new ideas for designs for new fashion lines! Got much-needed input from all around the fashion industry. All stored away in her little notebook she kept on her at all times. She even had a spare if she ran out of space on the little pages.

But she would have really enjoyed herself if she constantly wasn’t looking up from a conversation because something pink caught her eye. A yellow dress pulled her attention so much that the owner came over to ask about it. She was able to smooth that over with compliments on the piece only because the pony had just gotten into fashion. Using that, she was able to pull the attention away from her accidental glances by giving the pony advice. She was much more careful from then on.

So, when it came time for the main event, she was exhausted. But she excused herself from her group saying she had a meeting with Twilight before the event. They wished her well and she trudged over to Glyph’s place. Luckily, she didn’t have to go to the Castle to meet with her. Though it was still a trek before she got to Glyph’s house.

She wearily reached up and knocked on the front door, trying her best to keep her face cheerful. Thankfully it opened quickly and her tiredness was momentarily forgotten.

Twilight had opened the door, but she was covered in wires and bits of metal. Flashing lights emanated from the satchel she had hanging from her left side. Also there, were multiple glowing cords that ran to several devices on her head which looked like her little scanner. Her horn was covered in glowing rings of metal, but they were glowing because her magic was levitating them. Instead of a bright purple, there was way too much white. Staining her friend’s natural glow with a much lighter color.

But she didn’t seem perturbed by it at all but had a large smile on her face.

“Uh, Twilight, how much did I miss?” Rarity asked with a weary smile.

Twilight chuckled, “Oh not much. Except me and Glyph may have found a better way to crystalize magic. A method that could potentially store Alicorn magic! Now, we can’t reverse the process but its potential to be a battery is quite strong!”

“A Alicorn battery?”

“An Allterry,” Twilight corrected, letting the unicorn step inside, “That’s what we’ve dubbed it for now until Pinkie can come up with a better name.”

“Pinkie?”

Twilight nodded, “I’m sure she’ll want to come up with a better name than our haphazard combination. She’s pretty good at it.”

Rarity nodded, “I’m sure she would. But, I hate to be a bother, can I get out of this thing?” She shifted her weight, making the dress shift, “I made the dress to be comfortable but the jumpsuit is not up to par. The weight is also killing me…”

Twilight frowned, “How long do we have?” She pushed open the door to the basement allowing Rarity to go first.

“Not long really,” Rarity said with a sigh, “I would say maybe 20? Likely ten with the walk.”

Twilight shrugged, “Let's do the test real quick then I’m sure I can shave off ten minutes with teleportation,” She replied giving the white unicorn a wink.

Rarity chuckled, “Oh I would love that!”

Applejack had a load on her back. Both emotional and physical.

Her physical load was a load of animal feed of varying types. Her emotional load was because of her task.

She was helping Dr. Fauna feed the nightly critters taking refuge in Sweet Feather Sanctuary.

She was happy to help but that wasn’t the problem. The task had to be filled because of the recent events that were happening to her friend.

Applejack couldn’t fathom it.

In just a few days, she had seen her friend turn from her skittish self to a machine capable of fighting off the Princesses of Equestria. And the Element bearers to boot.

She knew the little pegasus had quite the strength. She had seen the pony push over boulders and trees like it was nothing to save a critter. Not to mention survive the hugs she had gotten from Harry and the numerous Boa constrictors she cared for.

She shivered and put down the feed where Dr. Fauna had indicated, making her chest pull along her patch. Those hugs made her ribs want to crack and her lungs would feel tighter than an apple in an apple press. While Fluttershy could still sing notes under the same pressure! The fact that Fluttershy would be much more comfortable with metal ribs, made a lot more sense.

But it was also confusing and, unnerving. When Fluttershy was pulled away from her puppeteer strings she would be very happy. But, would things be the same when she knew her true origins? Surely not?

“Thanks again Applejack, I wouldn’t have been able to carry all this in one night. I’m really not sure how she does it!” Dr. Fauna said, beginning to portion out the feed.

Applejack nodded, “Yeah, she does always have her hooves full don’t she?”

She looked around trying to escape her thoughts. It was very dark and made it nearly impossible to see. But numerous rocks around the Sanctuary glowed gently next to the care center. Marking it for ponies to find but not too bright to disturb the sick wildlife.

“Eat up little one,” Fauna said proffering a small ball of food to a creature Applejack didn’t recognize.

The critter shook its head, making Dr. Fauna sigh with acceptance. She then pulled the pill out of the little ball of food and gently pushed it down the critter’s throat with a carefully made tool. Applejack watched, remembering times she had to do the same thing with Winona.

Unless Fluttershy was around. She could get that little devil to eat a whole mound of pills if she needed to. Applejack chuckled at the envisioned thought but sighed it gently away.

“How long do you think Fluttershy is going to be tied up?” Dr. Fauna asked, giving another hidden pill to another critter.

Applejack frowned, “No idea. Just hope its soon.” Dr. Fauna had been filled in on Fluttershy’s fate but they avoided talking about it around the animals. They didn’t need a whole sanctuary of sick animals getting upset and potentially hurting themselves further.

“I agree,” Came the tired response, “You holding up alright? I know you are normally asleep at this hour.”

Applejack nodded suppressing a yawn at the mention of the time, “Yeah, it's not the first time that I’ve been up late. Won’t be the last. I’ll be alright.”

Dr. Fauna nodded, “Good. Don’t want to impede your work at the farm!”

Applejack smiled, “Don’t worry about it too much, you got quite a bit to chew yourself. But I’ve got ma friends coming tomorrow to help us catch up.”

“Oh that’s good. If you finish up with good time, mind sending some of that pony power here? I could use it.”

Applejack nodded, “Of course. But, knowing ma friends, we are just going to get pulled away.”

“Pulled away?”

Applejack nodded, “On some adventure. It always calls when ya don’t need it!”

Dr. Fauna nodded with a laugh, “Oh you can say that again. Life seems to be a game of whack-a-mole sometimes. You get the hang of one thing, and another pops up!”

Applejack nodded, pushing a bowl of feed to a critter. This one looked like a very small cat, almost a kitten. But she didn’t know what it was but it didn’t seem hostile, accepting the pungent food with a grateful purr.

She found herself just staring at the creature, waiting. Only, the thing she was waiting for was not going to happen.

She sighed and looked at Dr. Fauna, “What’s this little creature?”

“Hm? Oh, she is a black-footed cat. Tiny little nocturnal cats that are excellent hunters.”

Applejack looked at the cat peacefully eating its meal, wondering what the creature would hunt, “And what she stuck here for?”

“Oh not too much. She got a splinter stuck in her paw that got infected after removal. She’s just recovering from that.” Dr. Fauna said, portioning more of the food.

Applejack nodded, looking back towards the lone building in the sanctuary. This building had a few more glowing rocks but it was simply a storage building. Well, more of a building built into the stone wall. The little glowing butterfly marked the door. Behind the locked door were many of the medicines, feeds, and tools needed to run the sanctuary. Some were placed in hidden locations around the sanctuary for quick use. Like the little stone box that contained the means to test and manage the Ph level of the little pool. Or the toy station for playing with the critters located in a fake tree.

“Oh I’m sorry,” Dr. Fauna said pulling Applejack’s attention back, “But Fluttershy isn’t around right now.”

The little lizard seemed to look upset, its facial expression strongly effective on that fact. The air seemed to droop as the group kept quiet.

Fluttershy had known she was the only one that could communicate with animals so she devised a system with her veterinarian friend to help her. Simply, it was her cuite mark cut out onto a little stone plate. There were little piles of them placed throughout the sanctuary. So, if a creature wanted to communicate something that Dr. Fauna couldn’t understand, it would bring her a little stone butterfly. Fauna would then get Fluttershy and work from there.

The little lizard gently placed the little butterfly on the ground and looked imploringly at the vet. Applejack and Dr. Fauna looked uncomfortable as they were able to understand the lizard’s question.

“I’m not sure little one. It may be a little while…” Dr. Fauna replied sadly.

Rarity was floating in her friend’s magic. She had gotten a ten-minute break while Glyph double-checked her work but then jumped back into the jumpsuit and dress. She then allowed Twilight to teleport her back to the event. Well, sort of.

“Uh, Twilight? Why are we in the sky?” Rarity asked confused as she floated several house lengths above the buildings.

Twilight smiled awkwardly, “Well, I actually don’t know where the event is at so I have no way of targeting it with my magic. You’ll need to point out the building.”

Rarity nodded and quickly looked down. She had to squint to make out the details among the lights of the buildings but it wasn’t too difficult with the size of the building she was after. It’s bright front doors lit up much like her friend’s emergency beacon would. Though, in that light, she also saw a multitude of ponies getting in line to get into the door.

On second thought, maybe she shouldn’t have waited.

She shrugged and pointed out the building to her friend. Who nodded and with a flash was next to the ground. Rarity was gently placed on the ground where she once more felt the weight of the dress on her hooves. She looked up at Twilight with a smile.

“Thank you, darling!”

Twilight nodded still hovering in the air. A few ponies paused to give the Princess looks but only gave nods of recognition to the Alicorn, “Oh course! Have fun!” She replied, vanishing in a flash of light.

Rarity smiled and started to make her way into the crowd of ponies going through to the entrance. Luckily it wasn’t too crowed and everypony had the decency to not step on the expensive gowns that were ever so close to the ground. So, Rarity strode in with confidence. Or, until she heard her name called out.

“Rarity! Oh, it’s such a delight to run into you!”

Rarity turned and was greeted by another lavender pony in a blazing dress. She immediately smiled seeing the phoenix that spread its wings along her chest and alongside her shoulders. Flames seemed to dance as the folds of the dress drifted backward, completely enveloping the pony in red and gold. Black and purple sequence followed the flames along, creating ribbons of smoke that trailed from the collar. Smoke that seemed to rise up with the pony’s hair dyed in a black and purple gradient.

It was well done and Rarity took a moment to soak it all in. But then she frowned while half smiling.

“I’m terribly sorry, but I do not recognize you. It’s been a long night, can you refresh me?”

The pony’s face did not falter, but rather, she laughed, “Oh I wouldn’t expect you to recognize me. I’m Enya Phoenix? We’ve been sending some letters back and forth!”

Rarity’s eyes lit up, “Oh! You’re Timber’s marefriend!”

Enya nodded with a smile, “I sure am! Thanks for all the fashion advice! It was really helpful in getting my dress done! Well, sort of. Wasn’t able to finish the bodice and in my rush, I ripped the gown…”

Rarity frowned, remembering such times in her early years, “Oh my goodness! Did you tear the robe? Cause otherwise it’s still salvageable!”

Enya shook her head, “Oh no, it's intact. Just, I was trying to finish it last night and…”

“She ripped it clean apart and the house was filled with screams of rage and despair…” Said a much deeper voice. That one Rarity knew. That was Timber’s voice, a stallion who was a pale grey that seemed to lack shadow. He was well built with muscle but not overly so. Neat black hair lay atop his head styled with a slight blue color. It matched his dark blue fashion, a suit with a pale green tie. Along with his clothes, he wore a simple watch that was held on by a dark blue band while the watch itself was a dark metal. Rarity knew that Timber had created the piece himself, and she could visualize the many gears and such turning in their case. Timber had created the piece specially to allow the outside world to see the tiny sea of turning parts.

While he wasn’t the best at creating the clothing his girlfriend created, he was good with the non-clothing parts of fashion. He often would take orders from Rarity if her designs needed something to be made out of less malleable materials like metal or plastic. His work was quite splendid and detailed even at a tiny level.

The work was even more impressive with Timber being an Earth pony. Rarity did know that Enya helped him from time to time with her unicorn magic but that was for special projects like placing patterns of flux on red hot metal.

Enya smiled with an embarrassed air, “Yeah, might have woke up the neighbors on that one…” She chuckled, her embarrassment showing on her face.

Rarity frowned in confusion, “But, you fixed it right? It looks wonderful!”

Enya chuckled once more, “Oh no. I didn’t have enough materials to repair the damage. Ran out of elastics for the mid-body. No, this is the dress of my family. An heirloom you might say.”

Rarity’s eyes widened a bit, “An heirloom! Darling, should you be wearing such a piece?”

Enya smiled, “Yes. My great, great, great grandmother would scold me for not wearing it to such an event. Or, so I’m told…”

Timber nodded with a laugh, “Oh she was told alright. Nearly the entire family demanded that she use the dress when they found out she was going to not go in fashion.”

Timber’s voice changed pitch, presumably mimicking a family member’s voice, “Now don’t you dare wear such a plain gown to such an important event!!”

Enya rolled her eyes, “If the neighbors weren’t awake by that point, I’d envy their sleeping abilities. I simply do not know the fuss! It’s just a dress, every pony isn’t going to judge an amateur going into fashion! Surely a simple dress would have been just fine.”

“Oh,” Timber said, voice back to normal, “It’s not just an event. This is a very important event! Especially for you!”

The group had finally made it into the building, being one of the last few ponies to do so. Enya rolled her eyes once more and smiled.

“That’s what you keep telling me. Yet, besides the obvious, it's not that important. It’s not going to ruin my career because I wear a different dress! This isn’t life-changing!” Her tone wasn’t upset, but comical, even playful.

“We’ll see about that,” Timber said mischievously.

Enya gave him a playful look, “Uh uh. Is that why you made sure I was able to make it to this event?”

“I’m not saying anything.”

Rarity laughed, “I presume this has been going on for a bit?”

Enya nodded, “A bit? Oh my dear its been weeks!”

“Weeks?”

Enya nodded once more. The group was now in a hallway, simple purple and whites adorning them. Each one led to other hallways to other events that would be going on. Though they were heading to the far ballroom, the biggest of Canterlot, except maybe the castle itself.

Timber chuckled, “It’s important!”

Enya laughed, “Oh I’m sure it is! You’ve just been so-“

“Uh, I’m sorry. But can I bother you for a moment?”

Rarity sharply turned her head to the new voice, seeing another mare in a simple blue dress. This pony didn’t match the pony she was looking for, so she relaxed after a moment.

This pony was dark orange with light brown hair. The hair was left to flow naturally and seemed a tad bit of a mess which matched the pony’s frazzled expression.

“Do one of you think you can grab something for me? I spilled something and really wanted to help clean it up! Only the supplies are too high up for me…”

Timber nodded, “Sure thing! Where’s the thing you need to get?”

Enya chuckled, “Darling, I do think she needs the assistance of magic.” She said, lighting her horn.

Rarity looked at the new pony, who was also an Earth pony. So, if she couldn’t reach it then Timber probably wouldn’t be able to reach it either.

Timber chuckled, “Oh alright. I won’t show off my climbing skills.”

Enya nodded satisfied, “Where was the thing you needed?” She asked, turning to the other pony.

“Don’t take too long!” Timber said after the two had started down the hallway, “You don’t want to m—”

“Table four, seat 01. Don’t worry darling! I’ll be right behind you.” Enya called back with a smile.

Timber nodded and he and Rarity continued down the hallway. It was quiet for a moment while Rarity decided to ask Timber about the conversation or not.

“Would you like to sit with us?” Timber asked suddenly.

“Sure,” Rarity said, “but I don’t want to take up too much space as it seems you reserved a table. May I ask for the reason?”

Timber smiled and said not a word as he pulled out a small velvet box. It was a dark hue of purple, so dark that it was near indistinguishable. The color was only separated by a simple golden band that cleaved the box into two soft shapes.

Rarity’s eyes shot wide when she saw it, “You’re going to propose?!” She asked in an astonished whisper.

Timber nodded with a smile, “I would love to have you at the table. It was you after all that got us to meet.”

Rarity smiled remembering the occasion, “Yes I do suppose. What’s the plan?”

“Let’s sit down and I’ll fill you in,” Timber said, stepping through the large doorway that led to the ballroom.

The ballroom didn’t immediately begin but slowly transitioned into one from the hallway. It widened gently into a well-lit room that had a large runway in the far back, taking a majority of the center. It was covered in a white cloth that draped a little off the sides. Fancy white ribbons trimmed off the rough edges, making single-colored rainbows dance along the side of the runway.

Around the runway were a multitude of tables, all garnished with simple plates and glasses of water on more white cloth. Many tables were already filled with ponies, tasting the water and conversing with their parties. The room was colored with dark blue walls and another shade of dark blue. Though it was a slightly different shade from the walls, giving one the ability to discern floor from wall easily.

On either side of the room was an unshielded staircase that led up to the upper level. This upper level was the same color as the lower level but not as large. It looked like an inside balcony. She also couldn’t stare directly up at the upper level as she’d blind herself with the light system above.

These lights weren’t the same lights Glyph had shown her in the limited time she had worked on her dress. These lights worked on the principles of magic-based crystal systems, not electricity. Though their housings were similar, instead of using glass to create a vacuum, it was simply used to protect the very fragile crystals.

But even protected they weren’t meant to last longer than Luna’s night. Rather, the room had tons of windows surrounding the upper walls to allow Celestia’s day to fill the room. But for the late-night events that occurred the lights did very well to light up the entire room.

She was curious to see the upper level but that’s where the gem exhibit was. But that wasn’t going to be open for a little bit. Though that wasn’t quite on her mind at the moment.

She was scanning the tables for her controlled friend. She continued her search even as her legs followed Timber to one of the few unoccupied tables. She continued to look around a bit more as she took the seat Timber offered her. But she relaxed a bit when she didn’t see her. Though her nerves were a little restless, she tried to push the feeling away with a little curiosity.

“So, we are siting down…” she said, looking at Timber.

Timber chuckled, “Yes. Well, it’s a simple plan. We are going to sit through the first part of the show.”

“The Exhibition?”

Timber nodded, “Yes, then after that, I will do my thing,” He gently padded the side of his suit jacket, “And then Alaina herself will take us on a little tour of the gems upstairs!”

Rarity smiled enthusiastically, “My goodness! You really went all out didn’t you?”

Timber chuckled, “Come on, you know me. I don’t do anything half way.”

Rarity grinned, “Huh-uh. I do suppose that your record would suggest that.” She chuckled.

Timber grinned.

“So do I need to say anything? Do anything?” Rarity asked.

Timber shook his head, “Nope, I can take care of everything. You can even join us if you’d like!”

Rarity frowned tempted by the offer, “No I couldn’t do that! This is your special time with her!”

Timber shrugged, “See it as a repayment for getting us together.”

Rarity rolled her eyes, “Darling the offer is tempting but I am interested in the first entries in the show! I realize that Enya may not yet be at the point for horseshoe creation and you are already an expert, but I do need some inspiration in that field.”

Timber chuckled, “Alright, alright, fair enough.”

Rarity smiled, “I do thank you for the offer though.”

“What offer?” Enya’s voice suddenly said.

Rarity turned to the pony with a smile, “Oh, you’ll see.”

Enya rolled her eyes, “You too huh?”

Rarity merely held her smile. Though noticed the pony’s hair seemed a little frazzled, or, different. She continued to stare at it as the pony took a seat.

“Seat number 01,” She said settling into her seat, “Right on time, early even! Does that satisfy you?” Enya said, giving Timber a playful look.

Timber chuckled with a nod.

Rarity mimicked the smile, “Did it go alright? Need a touch-up on your hair?”

Enya frowned and shook her head, “Is my hair messed up?”

Rarity frowned, “Not really? Just seems a bit different.”

Enya shrugged, “Eh, guess I need to relook at all the hair gel I’ve got.”

“Well, you look great still,” Timber assured, “The hair color seems to be holding fine.”

Enya sighed with relief, “Good, couldn’t choose the normal stuff I use.”

Rarity smiled, “I’m beginning to understand what happened with your original dress.”

Enya laughed, “Oh, I can say it was me being terrible at using my time.”

Rarity chuckled, “Oh time is one of the most slippery resources.”

Enya frowned, “You can say that again…”

The lights dimmed, prompting the trio to look towards the stage. The whole room quieted as the lights on the runway lit up with a bright white light. A bouncy tune started as the runway suddenly glowed with a magic hue. It sparkled across the entirety of the runway with bright white sparkles and ended at the end with another white flash of light.

When the sparkles cleared, Alaina stood there with a bright smile.

“Hello everypony! Welcome to the Sparkling Boutique!” She cried in a magically amplified voice.

The audience around them clapped their hooves together in a slight applause that lasted for just a moment.

Alaina nodded several times in multiple directions, “To those who haven’t gotten the schedules at the front doors or do not remember the schedule of events, it goes as follows: First off will be the exhibition line up. Then we will be showing off several of the horseshoe innovations that have happened in the time since the last time we met. After that comes the fashion shows! Mare formal dress will be first, then stallion formal dress, and after will be our hip-hop-themed show this year. Then will come our medieval theme showcasing multiple styles of fashion from multiple species!”

More applause filled the room. Rarity smiled at the selections. While the brochure had made the schedule clear, it had not specified the different creatures. Curiosity poked at her brain, but a sudden movement of yellow caught her eye. Thankfully it was just another outfit.

“Once that has been completed, there will be a Q and A about their line ups. After we have satisfied our questions there will be a miscellaneous line up of honorary guests. Then there will be our Fashion contest! Through out the event, keep an eye out for the best outfit you see! Under each chair will be your contest cards. Fill them out with your name, and three of the best outfits you’ve seen! Don’t vote for yourself now…” She said with a smile.

Rarity smiled, using her magic to pull the little piece of paper from under her seat. Attached to the paper was also a small pen. She quickly filled out her name and set the piece on the table. She already had a few ponies in mind.

“Don’t vote for me now,” Enya said playfully, “If I’m going to win, I want to win fair and square.”

Timber smiled and nodded, crossing out something on his piece of paper.

“Also, in between each event will be a little snack and refreshments. You can use that time to socialize and get those three names! The lights will signal the start and end of each section of the show but feel free to move around whenever you’d like! Just please do not get on the stage,” Alaina said with mild annoyance, “Let’s not do what happened a couple of events ago…”

A few laughs echoed through the hall. Rarity also chuckled, remembering the stallion rushing onto the stage to flirt with one of the actors. Before he could be physically removed, however, he fell through the stage after a stomp of anger.

“A few more things before we start,” Alaina said, walking back to the curtains on the stage making sparkles around her hooves, “For those who have allergies, all the waiters and servers have been briefed and can accommodate you. Just let them know your name. The gem exhibit will be opened after the hip-hop fashion show and will remain open for the remainder of the event. Just remember the evacuation protocol listed at the end of the schedule! These gems are extremely valuable and there may be those who wish to try and take them.”

She paused and turned around in a half circle, looking at the room with the curtains at her back, “If you are one of those who wish to steal one of the gems, know Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are on guard along with the team. So I would highly recommend you just enjoy the show! For those who are not here to do harm, please, enjoy!”

She vanished in another white flash of sparkled brilliance. The curtains behind her opened revealing a bright red pony with a top feathered plume dancing on her head, walking through the bright mist. Her darker red coat was partly concealed by a bright red dress with many layers. Each layer had levels of sequence that made every step bounce light in a different direction. Rarity watched the pony walk down the runway, enjoying the table she had been given.

She wasn’t a huge fan of the dress as the sequence was a little much. She would have loved the thin dress to be a bit darker and have a smooth finish. But she did applaud the fashion pony for the alignment of the sequence not blinding her as the pony walked by. It was just reflective enough to draw attention but not enough to blind.

The next pony was covered in a slick black suit that made them look more of a secret agent type. It was a normal suit with coat tails. Though the change was the slightly different color undershirt that had, two colors?

She gave the shirt a closer look, seeing the lighter blue thread only showing in a swirling pattern. It wasn’t too fast but barely noticeable. It then became even less apparent as it traveled through the black suit in semitransparent hues. The stallion’s hair was also in a slick flat fashion, completing the stylish secret agent look.

Though the next pony was wearing what Rarity could describe as a magician’s outfit. Thin purple vest with a white shirt and red bowtie. She had on a purple magician’s hat with a single red stripe at the top. It was quite odd as the white earth pony seemed to be wearing a plain magician’s outfit. Though as she got halfway through the stage, she began to do a little dance. A little tap dance that showcased her horseshoes having small pieces that swung in and out, creating more taps than a normal hoof could.

She then spun around, seemingly pulling a rainbow sheet out of thin air. She waved it around and twisted it up into a rope, then tied it together in a way that made a multicolored rose! Now the cloth origami wasn’t as exciting but the fact she got the sheet not from her vest while tapping all about? That was pretty impressive. She then tapped the bottom of the rose to her tongue and stuck it to her chest with a small wink to those who could see it.

“How did she get that thing to stick to her vest? Saliva isn’t that sticky, right?” Enya whispered.

Timber chuckled quietly as the pony began to tap dance back, “It’s an old magician trick. It’s a special pad that the pony keeps on their tongue. It’s an edible type of glue that is activated by saliva. It's not very strong and only lasts for like ten minutes. But it's suitable for earth pony magic.”

Enya nodded with a smile, “I’ll have to right that down! That could make for some quick patches in a pinch!” She patted down the front of her dress, then the side, then her mane. She frowned and looked at the table franticly.

Rarity gave the pony a concerned look as the tap-dancing magician was exiting the stage, “What’s the matter?” She asked in a whisper.

“I’ve lost my idea notebook!” Enya said in a panicked whisper, “I must have dropped it somewhere…”

Rarity smiled and pulled her secondary notebook out with her magic and proffered it, “Here, I always keep two on me for these events.”

Enya gave the unicorn a warm smile, “Oh thank you! I really should do that…” She wrapped it in her magic and hastily opened the book, “What was the name of the patch?”

Timber had a smile on his face as well, “It’s the Instant Swamp patch.”

Enya paused with her writing, “Huh? Swamp patch?”

Timber chuckled, “Cause of all the sickness it first caused. The main reason why the disinfectant was added to the formula.”

Enya shook her head, “Wonder why that wasn’t added at first.”

Rarity shrugged, “Those things aren’t always thought about.”

The next pony walked onto the stage clad with full metal armor. The lights above dimmed and moved their gaze away, so as to not blind the audience with the reflected rays. The pony marched onwards, allowing others to note the engravings on the various pieces of armor. Rarity could see bits of thickened pieces of fabric meshed beneath the armored plates.

She didn’t look too deeply into the medieval times of her species. But she was certain those pieces of fabric were likely capable of stopping a sword from sliding across it. She doubted it would stop a stabbing motion but it was certainly better than an empty hole in the metal adornments.

Her analysis stopped short when she realized that the pony wasn’t alone. Entering the stage was another creature, a gryphon. The gryphon had a helmet with semitranslucent panels for them to see through. It looked much like a pony helmet that the Canterlot Guard would wear but was made up of thicker plates of metal. They also ran down the front of the neck, connecting to a thick chest plate that had a bunch of thick polygons. They seemed to bulge out of the metal as if they were beneath it. But Rarity knew such sharp shapes and ridges were to deflect the heavy spears and claws the griffons had. The rest of the creature had several armor plates protecting the various other parts of the body but she could still see a lot not covered by metal.

Rarity knew that reason too. The griffons were creatures that had a lot more endurance than ponies. Well, except earth ponies with their magic. However, gryphons were heavy-hitting fighters. They used attacks that could fell the enemy in a single swipe. If they missed or needed to do another attack, they’d curl up, interlocking their amor along the polygonal shapes. This would protect the exposed areas and allow them to counterattack soon after.

Rarity could feel the stage trembling with the armored creature walking on top of it. She kept her smile, holding back the fear she felt. She never wanted to go head-on with a griffon. While their culture and battling spirit had dimmed over the years, their anger could still be seen through the ages.

The next creature came floating in a sphere of water. Rarity gave the liquid a skeptical look. Such a volume of water could spell disaster if whatever was holding it together broke. Though the thought remained in the forefront of her mind, she focused on the contents of the bubble.

It was a Seapony! She also was wearing armor that was adorned in many colors of a coral reef! It was very light armor that seemed to glow with lines of magic every so slightly. It was barely visible as it traveled along the metal plates.

The glow included her helmet which was very open in design. With wide cut outs for the eyes that joined together in a nose plate that extended outwards and around her head like that of a sea horse. Rarity could see the differing colors of sharpened steel as her gaze wandered close to the very edges of the metal mohawk.

A chest plate of many plates protected the creature’s chest, allowing for full swimming movements. Simple leg gauntlets adorned her two forelegs, covering only a small section of them. Though they had a locking mechanism on the top half. Rarity gave the piece a look, wondering what would lock into the piece.

The Seapony’s fish tail had a skirt of metal plate that continued down her tail like large stones making a path along a river. They were held together with a myriad of metal cords that seemed to slightly restrict her movement. Though, Rarity was sure it wasn’t enough to inhibit the creature. But she would have to ask how the plates were sticking so close to her body.

Her thoughts popped as the bubble exploded into a myriad of mist and sparkles. Rarity wasn’t the only one to cry out in alarm as she feared the consequences of getting wet. Especially for the sensitive electronics she was holding. Though her relief seemed to permeate the entirety of her mind when she was only pelted with sparkles of residual magic.

Timber chuckled as he surveyed the two mares catching their breaths, “Oh? Scared of a little water?”

His girlfriend whipped her head towards him with an angry but bemused glare, “Do you think I want this dress ruined? My aunt would kill me then throw my spirit in Tartarus!”

Timber chuckled once more as the seapony had become a hippogriff. Her armor also changing in the transformation. Though it retained its colors and mystical glowing lines, it nearly perfectly resembled a pegasus’s armor. Only it was slimmer with more aerodynamic angles and an overall opalescent look. The thin wires snaking in and out of the metal plates.

It was very pretty.

She found herself wondering if she could layer thing layers of metal under an opalescent cover to mimic the effect in clothing. She frowned as her mind swore there was a way to implement that into the metal itself. She continued to think on this as she watched the group turn and walk backstage. Once the curtains stopped moving, the lights gradually turned back on.

“Well, that was quite a teaser!” Enya said with a thoughtful pose.

Timber nodded and gave Rarity a small smile. Rarity returned it and settled her gaze on Enya. Enya noticed immediately and gave her a curiously playful look. But her attention was pulled to Timber as he got up from his seat.

“You’ve given me quite the teaser yourself over the years,” Timber said in a confident voice, “You’ve taught me a lot and have been willing to let me teach you a lot. And I hope to be able to continue the camaraderie we’ve built for years to come.”

Rarity could hardly keep the smile from dominating her face. She could see herself with a stupid wide grin on her face with ponies and the little crystal bird on her head watching it all. Though she didn’t let it bother her too much. Timber wouldn’t mind. Though she noticed that Enya’s face was still in a confused state but there was a cautious smile on her face.

The smile only grew on Rarity’s face. Enya couldn’t decide if this was on of Timber’s pranks or not. Enya looked at Rarity, trying to decipher the secrets she had been given. But she kept her face firm and tried to keep her smile as innocent as possible.

Enya turned to Timber though when he lowered himself into a bow, the velvet-covered box open in one hoof. Inside was a unicorn engagement horn ring. A tradition sign of a unicorn marriage promise. Rarity smiled, wondering how the earth pony traditions would be satisfied later.

“Will you be willing to continue our journey? From now to forever?” Timber asked, his voice gentle but firm.

There it was! The proposal! Rarity had to hide her smile behind her hooves this time. But she knew her face was no doubted giving away her expression. She had known Timber for years. Many years. As he was her go-to for all the metal things her tools weren’t able to work with. She had helped Timber connect with Enya almost 2 years prior. Two years that she had never met the unicorn but she knew that the two had become an amazing team. A nearly inseparable duo at that. Only distance managed to keep her from meeting her. But she heard many, many good things about her in her letters from Timber. It was an absolute delight to finally see the mare in person, no less see Timber finally propose!

However, her delight hit a wall in her mind, leaving a brightly confused mix of confusion and worry.

Enya’s face didn’t match the face she had been playing out in her mind. Rather, it was one of confusion, and horror. Rarity frowned, moving her hooves from her face to try and mitigate the situation. As Timber’s face was equally confused.

They were a match made in heaven! Why wouldn’t she be jumping all over the proposal?

Then, a brilliant blue bolt of energy crackled along the unicorn’s face. Like a lightning bolt dancing through her coat hairs, lasting only for a second. Rarity felt all her feelings freeze, then shatter with horror.

She’d seen those little bolts of energy before…

“I’m not the one you should be asking…” Enya said, in her timid friend’s voice.

Fluttershy felt the words fall out of her mouth, escaping the hot emotions she felt in her tired mind. Horror, shock, and burning embarrassment choked the realization that she did speak of her own accord. But it was short-lived as she felt her entire body seize up, causing her to fall out of her chair. She tumbled backward, drawing the burning gazes of the others around her. She felt her body roll upright of its own accord with a smoothness that she could not repeat. She felt the hair on her head unfurl and float around her head. She could feel a strange numbness on her back where her wings should be. Though she shuddered as she fought her wings emerging from her back.

Not the dress! She screamed internally, her exhaustion ever so present in her mind but washed thin by her anxiety and adrenaline. She knew the dress was important. Very, very important to the pony she left in the closet. She did not want to break it. No. She wouldn’t break it!

She could feel straining in her back, as something seemed to be trying to push itself out of it. She could hear it complaining about her efforts, an awful, unnatural sound that reminded her of metal. She somehow knew it was her wings but she refused to let them out and tear up the tight underlying of the dress. She shuddered once more, trying to get the dress off of her forelegs. But she couldn’t move more than a centimeter before her limbs fought her.

Action denied!

Action denied!

Action denied!

She continued to fight to stop her new body from destroying this important piece of clothing. Her confusion about how she knew was raging in her mind. Her worry for the pony who owned it. The hot embarrassment of being wrongly proposed to. It boiled down in her mind, coalescing into anger.

Just take off the dress!! She screamed at the thing controlling her, the new thing that she had found in her mind.

Rarity could only stare at Enya seemingly struggling with herself. She felt as if her body was bathed in liquid nitrogen as she watched more tiny little bolts dance around the pony’s exposed coat. Her ears twitch uncontrollably. She was shuddering every other moment, seemingly trying to get her hooves out of her sleeves.

“Enya? I’m sorry! Are you okay?” Timber asked, putting the ring in his pocket before jumping forward.

Seconds. It had only been a few seconds for the entire mood of the party to change. Seconds to change the very way she saw her friend. So she wasn’t surprised as pink hairs burst out from the top of her head. Her original hairstyle seemed to be a container made of polygons that shattered as the hairs burst from it. It morphed the polygons into much smaller ones, barely holding together with infinitesimal specs of colored light. Rarity could still see the original hair if she squinted at it, but it soon became an unrecognizable blob as more hair suddenly shot out of it. It vanished, revealing the bright pink hair that she knew all too well.

Each follicle went to the back of Enya’s dress, gently peeling it up and off with expertise of magic. The pony’s head was enveloped by the dress for a moment before it was pulled off exactly as it was designed. Rarity felt her eyes widen in shock, not noticing the hair place the dress gently on the table. Rather, she was awe-stricken seeing the pink butterflies where Enya’s Cutie mark should have been. The light lavender coat that was slowly being consumed by a butter yellow while large rectangles of ethereal blue waves marked large holes in her back. But her attention snapped to the pony’s face as her horn flickered and lost all appearances of a horn.

It, was clear.

It looked to be made of blue-tinted glass that had several wires, crystals, and other tiny electromagical components encased inside. It clicked, then sank into her forehead. A panel closed behind it, making it seamless.

Rarity felt herself swallow, barely hearing the small gasps of those around her. The holes in the back of the seemingly earth pony were quickly filled with wings that sounded like the sheathing of a sword. They gently unfurled, mimicking flesh and bone perfectly. Rarity looked into the now teal eyes, feeling the fear and embarrassment radiating from them. Then, the entire body suddenly relaxed and took a smooth step to steady the rest of her form. The little bolts of energy stopped dancing around her body, the emotions vanishing from her eyes just as quickly.

“Enya?” Timber asked quietly, the shock, disbelief, and worry heavy in his voice.

Fluttershy didn’t respond but smoothly closed her wings and looked around with sharp, unnatural movements. Her unnaturally wide and blank eyes disappeared for moments under her very quick eyelids.

Snickt.

Snickt.

Rarity remained in her seat as if it had turned into a tree with her still in it. She was vaguely aware of the room being suddenly very quiet. There were still conversations but as the shock traveled along the room, they faded to silence. It seemed to fill the space, tightening it to the point where Rarity found it difficult to breathe.

She felt like a rabbit in the gaze of a tiger. Like taking a sharp breath would make the entire room explode.

Fluttershy’s eyes settled forward, staring at nothing in particular. Her wings smoothly, slowly extended outwards to a lower flapping position. Then sharply flicked upwards, sending two feathers soaring into the air. Rarity watched with tense breath as they whistled through the air, then pierced the glass casings of the lights above.

They exploded with a large, sharp bang! Releasing glass shards and all of their stored light energy in a flash that illuminated the room so brightly, that Rarity thought the sun itself crashed through the roof.

The tension in the room exploded as several ponies screamed in fear; causing the majority of the room to follow suit. Ponies jumped from their chairs, knocking them over in their haste. Many continued to scream in fear but all started for the exits. Rarity felt her anxiety crawl into her throat as she felt the desire to follow the crowd. But her eyes locked onto her shy friend uncharacteristically weaving in and out of screaming ponies. They only seemed to recoil in panic as she got close though, creating a fairly easy path.

Rarity steeled her nerves and jumped off her chair. She magically pulled chords near her chest, pulling the folds of her dress closer to her hips, clearing her back legs to run forward. She allowed a little pride to enter her heart of the little design. But it was hardly noticed as she jumped to and fro to avoid the ponies running around. She could hear Alaina’s magically enhanced voice shouting over the chaos, providing what little order she could.

She ignored it though, her target fully on her friend. Her magic turned to her little adornment, making the wings swing down. She felt the little devices embedded in her dress come to life, the little visor snapping to her eye. The words appeared immediately when she trained it onto Fluttershy.

Quantum fluctuations detected! Scanning for possible quantum states and patterns. Please retain subject in reticle!

Rarity felt her lips form into a tight smile of determination as she followed her friend to the side of the stairs. Thankfully, the others were giving her a wide berth. So even with the pegasus having a headstart, she was able to get to the stairs as Fluttershy reached the top. Though that’s when she paused.

Fluttershy reared up her back legs, then brought them down with a mighty thud. The ground beneath her cracked and Rarity backed up in alarm. The ground under and between the steps fell away as the support beams tore from the wall from a force they could not handle. The plaster, wooden edges, and other decorative finishings fell off like dry frosting off a cake. Creating a pile of broken stairs.

Rarity looked up in time to see Fluttershy dash off from view and a few steps falling off from the little edging they were anchored two. But they were just little beams of wood now! The ones left were supported by nails that were as thick as the pins she’d put in her hair! There was no way she was going to be able to use them now.

But her training with Twilight gave her a solution.

She’d been able to use her magic to make shields that were quite resilient. And Twilight had helped her to make them into different shapes and sizes. And able to hold weight in midair!

With varying success…

But she knew she could hold a pony or two for at least a few seconds. And that’s all she needed to—

“Rarity!” Timber’s voice was suddenly next to her, “What happened to Enya? Why was Fluttershy wearing her face?!”

Rarity pushed up the little wings on her device before turning to Timber, “I don’t know!”

“What? She’s your friend! One of your best friends!” His voice was shrill but plenty loud enough to be heard above the chaos currently around them.

Rarity felt the words clog in her mouth. She didn’t just want to tell exactly what was happening. Nor could she say much as she truly didn’t know what was happening to her poor friend!

So what should she say?

“Surely you have some reasoning? Or some understanding of what she’s doing?!”

Rarity felt her emotions bubble to her mouth as she tried to make magic stairs upwards. However it was a difficult spell for her, and her concentration had to give on something.

“I don’t know Timber! I don’t! All that I do know is that my friend has been abducted by a ruthless fiend who has control of her every limb. Her body and her will are his. And it seems that he changed her to fit his terrible design. All I know is that she’s in pain. Terrible pain. And I can only imagine being caught in a proposal not meant for you. Her poor heart can only handle so much! And now I’ve got to try and get scans of her. Scans of her new body that she didn’t even know she had!”

Her magic responded to her outburst, swirling fast around the wall where the broken steps were.

“And I have no clue about it! I’ve just got to keep her in my sights so this little gadget thing can, who knows what! Then I find out that she’s taken the looks of another of my friends! And acted just like her! And what happened to Enya? I don’t know! For all I know, Flutterbyte’s got her inside her! Tucked safely away in something that I can’t understand!!”

Timber blinked, his confusion diluting his anxiety and worry, “Inside her?”

Rarity nodded her head in a matter of factly, “Yeah! Inside her! They are magically compressed and it's totally safe. But, she’s metal! And I’ve got no idea how much metal she’s got in her. Or how long she’s been that way!!”

She felt her magic pause in its magical pull as it completed the shapes she wanted to get. She turned to them, the now very cubical shapes hovering in the air like bright blue diamonds. She put a hoof on it, testing its hold.

“Look, I’m worried about Enya but I need to get to Fluttershy. Cause she might be holding her and the more of a scan I get, the more I help Enya.” With that, she quickly clambered up the magical stairs. It took a lot more magic out of her than she expected but she reached the top with little time spent.

Her words did not inspire confidence in her though. The little hope she could draw from her mind was the knowledge that even if Flutterbyte hurt Enya to near death, Fluttershy wouldn’t let her die.

Right?

She ran forward, seeing the very large door that led to the gem exhibit blown to splinters and metal scrap. She steeled herself and flipped her crystal wings up, making her little visor flip out once more.

She’d seen Fluttershy heal Applejack after stabbing her in the chest. So, if Flutterbyte did something similar to Enya, she was still in good hooves.

Provided she could hold her control…

Or maybe it was because it was Applejack? Would she do that to a complete stranger?

She felt her head nod as she reached the shattered doorway. She timidly peeked around the frame, like a foal spying on their parents. Her timid friend was not very keen about strangers but she wasn’t a jerk to them. She was still very nice! Always nice!

But as she watched her friend shatter a glass case to allow her hair to gently pull the golden yellow gem out, she felt doubt in her mind. Not towards her friend but towards the evil twin she had hidden inside. And the nefarious thoughts and wants of the pony who put it into her. Would he allow her to be her kind self? Did she have to worry about her friend attempting to kill her? Could she take her appearance as well?

How many things could she realistically expect?

Her mouth was suddenly dry as she watched the little bar in her visor fill ever so slowly. She hadn’t entered the room yet but she was unsure if she should. She remained in the doorway, feeling like a mouse that stumbled into the house cat. If she breathed improperly the cat would spin to look at her then gobble her up.

She swallowed as she watched her friend’s chest crack open to reveal a metal interior. It looked like how Cadence described it and not how she’d seen it the first time. A six-pronged star that had the centerpiece come out in a circle. A long cylinder followed, filled with several compartments all covered in shielding of either transparent hues or solid metals. All in the gleaming hues of metallic colors. It was mostly steel grey but the star itself seemed to be made of silver. It definitely looked to be more of a decorative piece but she could see tiny indentations at the end of each prong. Were there more compartments?

Her mind froze as she watched the pony place the gem in one of the compartments nearest the back, only to glimpse the familiar shape of the Alicorn amulet. It was tucked away, covered in a light blue shield.

But it was most certainly there.

Rarity gave it a silent scowl. A tiny trinket that had caused them so many issues already. Now it was back again, a new type of thorn in her side. A thorn that had seemingly brought up ancient history, and destroyed known history to that.

Rarity watched her friend’s chest return to normal then froze as they locked eyes. Almost blank eyes, like a doll that you couldn’t decide was alive or not. Whether or not it was judging you from the shadows.

She maintained eye contact, not able to see if Fluttershy was actually breathing or not. It seemed time itself froze around her. She didn’t even blink while Rarity felt her eyes need to blink several times. But Fluttershy’s head suddenly snapped to the other side where the opposite doorway opened.

Timber was there in the doorway, looking slightly flustered as if he’d run up several flights of stairs. But noting the other set of stairs and the whole room to run across, she wasn’t too surprised. Though she felt worry as Timber rushed forward, his intent unclear.

“What did you do to Enya?!” He said with an elevated voice. Fluttershy blinked once, faced him, and closed the gap with a small jump. Her foreleg snapped upward with a slight twist, a sudden blue semitransparent blade at her hooves.

Rarity felt her eyes widen as she recalled Glyph slicing through rock with a similar blade. Though she didn’t even have time to open her mouth. Nor did Timber have time to do anything but an instinctual sliding stop.

But Fluttershy’s foreleg stopped with the edge of the blade barely entering the coat of his face, just by his cheekbone. More tiny lightning bolts were dancing around her, sounds of metal rubbing against each other with a slight whine. It quivered like a dangerous caged animal, just begging to be let out.

“M-m-Move…” Fluttershy said in a strained voice.

Rarity jumped forward and half pushed half tackled the earth pony back. The moment she got him out of the way, Fluttershy’s hoof continued its swing as if nothing had impeded it. The swing cutting off a corner of a display case clean off.

But Rarity paid it no mind as the piece hit the floor. She remained still, watching her friend’s movements till she stopped moving like she was encased in ice.

“What was that?” Timber asked, his voice suddenly much lower.

“The work of a fiend after he got his hooves on my friend. Don’t get too close. That blade will cut right through you.”

“Yeah. I can see that.”

Rarity nodded and remained still. She wanted to unlock her magic but wanted to continue her scan. It was vital but how vital? Should she be ready with her magic? Should she get away?

Indecisiveness was in her hooves, her stomach, even her hair!

But it jumped into her throat as she watched Fluttershy’s head snap to some unseen thing. Rarity wanted to look behind her and look at what she was looking at. But she didn’t dare deter her gaze.

She continued to watch as Fluttershy tracked something that Rarity couldn’t see. Was she looking through walls? What would be drawing her attention?

Was it one of the Princesses? Were they close? That might grab her attention…

Fluttershy suddenly felt her body shudder. A sudden shake that lasted only a moment.

But it barely registered.

Her mind was almost numb with exhaustion from all the stress she’d gone through the past few days. Days that she’d barely had any sleep with.

Days since she’d eaten anything. Or even drank anything. But that didn’t bother her nearly as much as not having food. She felt hunger sit like a rock in her stomach. Pulling all her insides down till it ached.

She felt her body shudder again as she watched the glowing outlines of ponies through her eyes. It looked like alicorn outlines but she couldn’t be certain. Her mind was too tired.

Warning! CMG irregularity detected! Attempting diagnostics…

Error log compiled with Diagnostics log: MMO/CMG/Error Log

Power is being restricted to BIO_CORE.

Fluttershy frowned. What did that mean?

She shuddered again.

Warning! Electrical overdraw!

Huh? Electrical overdraw?

Her vision turned to Rarity once more, with the other pony behind her. She shook again as she recalled being caught in the proposal. After taking the face of another pony, a unicorn. A unicorn who had a very special day. A day she had ruined.

Now she was in a janitorial closet, drained of her magic, and left for her to walk in her hooves. Or, at least that’s what she thought she’d done.

She could feel it, she thought. The other pony's magic or, whatever she took from her. She could feel it nestled next to her own. Next to the other magics she’d stolen.

Sombra. Candance. Celestia. Each one had its own vibrance to it. But Celestia’s and the unicorn’s magic was much stronger than the other two. But it felt weird. Unnatural even.

She felt her mind tense as she stared at Rarity. She stared back with eyes of fear. Though she too had an unnatural addition to her eye. A solid semitransparent plane covered her eye. But it didn’t seem to originate from her, rather something that she was wearing.

Was she wearing it?

Glowing lines drew themselves around Rarity, making shapes that she could not see normally on the dress. Circular nets covered her cutie marks. Then wires connected to other boxes: power converter, basic CPU, storage device, and quite a few others. But they didn’t stay in her vision long enough for her to read. They got replaced with Quantum event scanner.

It was pointing to the little piece over her eye. And looking at the glowing lines, it seemed the devices she was seeing were built into Rarity’s dress and not built into her body.

Unlike herself.

It brought a little relief to her mind. But it was quickly consumed in the turmoil and exhaustion. She was barely able to stop the blade attack her legs had deployed. The gap in her mind was, fuzzy. Anything she tried to do seemed to be, inhibited.

It felt like she was trying to pull a carriage with a harness covered in soap. Possible but more difficult.

Much more difficult.

Battle mode activated.

Error. Insufficient power.

Deactivating Battle mode.

Reconfiguring battle mode to fit power restrictions…

…

Done.

Battle Mode activated.

Fluttershy felt the tiredness in her mind only increase even more. But Rarity was highlighted with the other pony. Rarity was marked as no threat but the other pony was marked with a low threat.

Fluttershy tried to swallow but felt it get denied once again.

Was she going to have to fight herself from trying to kill others? Was she going to be able to stop herself?

She felt her head turn to look behind her. She seemed to be in a sort of display room, with many little rocks and crystals on display. She had already taken one. But in the far back of the room was a large window. It was circular and seemed to be armored with metal bars along the frame and grilles. But it was well blended together and was barely noticeable.

She turned back to Rarity who hadn’t moved a muscle. She felt worry build in her gut, her tired mind getting ready to wrestle with her internal demons should they rear their ugly intentions.

But she felt it drain slightly as she felt herself walk backward. It was odd to be walking backward without looking behind her. But it felt even weirder as she could feel her balance unaffected by her walking back. But soon she stopped, the small room not taking long to navigate. But it felt much longer. Her mind tensed and ready.

Well, as ready as it could be. She was so tired…

All she wanted to do was curl up in her bed and sleep for days. Or go to the forest to cuddle with the many animals that she hadn’t seen for several days. She could imagine the little pile of warmth.

But she felt surprised as she reared up her back legs. They bucked, one leg at a time at the window behind her. It was much stronger than she was used to nor did she think she could kick one leg at a time while on two hooves. But the loud cracks from the window made her jump and the crackling made her heart tense.

But then she felt her balance remain on her forelegs for a bit longer. Then she felt her legs do a full buck that made the room explode with sound.

The window behind her buckled and shattered. But the glass seemed to hold itself in the frame despite its many, many cracks. A few pieces gave but it held together. But the frame…

It creaked and crackled as the frame was ejected from the wall. A multitude of voices were heard as they flowed through the new hole in the wall. Several of them screamed.

Fluttershy blinked, her tired brain realizing what she’d done. She’d knocked out the window.

And there were ponies below.

“No!” She yelped turning around sharply. She turned to the opening and saw the window falling.

Catch it! Catch it! Catch it! She screamed in her head, praying that the system would let her. Or, let it do, whatever!

JUST CATCH IT!!

Her hair listened and rushed from her scalp with an impossible length. The strands worked together to hook themselves around the frame till they had a grip all around the frame. Her head dropped as it suddenly felt the weight of the reinforced window. But with a grunt, she managed to stop it before her head hit the ragged edge of the broken hole in the wall.

She heard a pitched whine in her neck as she resisted the weight as much as she could. And found she could. She was breathing heavily though, like she was in a gym doing too many reps.

A thunk sounded the window frame striking the wall of the building. She could hear yelps and screams as the glass was punted out of the frame.

But that was okay. It was better to have little shards of glass rain down than have the metal frame landing on somepony.

She took shaky breaths as she stared at the broken frame of metal, wood, and the little bits of glass still hanging on. She braced her forelegs on the frame and pulled up as hard as she could but it didn’t do much than lift it a few inches with her legs and neck straining.

Though, she’d strained her muscles before. They didn’t whine like they were now…

She shook the dark thoughts from her mind. Right now, she needed to make sure that this thing didn’t crush anypony. But how?

The tension on her neck was a lot but it wasn’t unbearable. But she couldn’t pull it up! Didn’t know how!

She could feel something inside her being compressed like a lemon being squeezed for lemon juice. It was uncomfortable and it started to make her panic. It felt as if somepony had their hooves around her throat and was squeezing. But she could still breathe at the same time! What was she feeling?

She took a few more raspy breaths and refocused. She needed to put this down and now.

How?

She twitched, feeling her insides groan and it wasn’t biological.

Could she ask the thing in her head again? The computer? But she couldn’t just ask it to drop it! She might drop it on somepony!

She shuddered.

Can you please place it somewhere where it won’t hurt any pony? She asked in her mind, feeling as if she was pushing the thoughts through her teeth.

She felt something in the back of her mind process her words. Then felt her hair begin to move. She winced as she felt the squeezing sensation get unbearably tight.

Warning!! CMG at maximum limits!! Stop overdraw or fix the errors at affected ports!!

CMG safety shutdown in 10 seconds!!

Her vision went blue and she saw all the ponies appear in their colors. She could see them through the walls, items, each other… And she noticed a clear little patch. Her hair already moving towards it.

CMG safety shutdown in 7 seconds!!

The squeezing was making her numb. She could feel her mind screaming for release but the screaming was getting quieter every moment.

CMG safety shutdown in 5 seconds!!

It was above the patch now. Her hair lowered, pulling more from her scalp. The broken window landed on the ground with a quiet thump. Its remaining glass crinkling and clicking for a few moments before going quiet.

Fluttershy felt herself breathing heavily. Part of her was trying to make sense of the sensation of her hair retreating back into her skull. But she was unable to keep herself up any longer. So she went limp, the broken window frame supporting her. It was a bunch of wood splinters, twisted metal, and insulation but it felt like a hammock lined with the softest of linens. It wasn’t a silk bed cause her legs were still beneath her. Supporting her weight not by standing but by being cushions for her barrel.

CMG Stabilizing…

CMG Safety shutdown cancelled.

She tried to peek over the edge but wasn’t able to. Her legs were far too weak.

“Fluttershy? Is that you?” She heard Rarity say from a distance. But she was closer than before. She weakly turned her head to her and she had an expression of concern on her face. Though she could still identify the fear layered beneath. But her vision suddenly turned as her movement dislodged her head from the window sill, letting gravity pull her to the ground with a thud.

It now felt like she was on a bed. The tiled floor beneath her was not as colorful as her covers but that barely mattered. She continued to breathe, trying to focus on her lungs and aching body. She also was vaguely aware of the unicorn that was slowly getting closer to her.

Fluttershy wasn’t sure how to respond but her lips were unable to get words past the ragged breaths she was taking. She felt like she had just been underwater for too long and had just gotten to the surface to breathe. Only, it was part of her. Like, a portion of her had experienced it but she could feel it radiate through her body.

It was odd. It felt like she had two bodies. And one just nearly drowned. Yet, they were the same thing, right? Did she really have two bodies?

“Fluttershy?” Rarity said, only closer now. Very close. She was hesitantly stepping closer with her face of concern. Though, this time she was able to turn her head to face her. But still couldn’t talk because of her breathing.

But in her exhaustion, she felt something click, or something that seemed to wake up and take notice. It made her foreleg snap up with the blue blade blazing into existence. She felt her eyes widen as she violently stopped her foreleg but it was difficult.

Thankfully, Rarity was still aware and was able to jump back the moment she moved. Like a cat realizing there was a new object behind them.

Her breathing resumed back to normal in a moment, despite her lungs’ complaints. Her expression was wiped from her face and she got up smoothly.

Action denied!

Action denied!

Fluttershy felt a great confusion at the sudden appearance of the words. She’d just been acting on her own, why didn’t it stop her from catching the sign?

But, did she catch the sign? Or did the computer?

Well, she was able to move her head! And breathe how she wanted, what changed?

She shuddered as she fought for control of her limbs and lungs. But she simply wasn’t able to break free of them this time. But the strings didn’t make another move to attack Rarity so she restrained her efforts and saved what remaining strength she had to fight when she really needed to.

She felt herself look around, then turn to jump out the window. Only, the earth pony jumped forward and caught her back leg, pulling her back mid-jump. Her forelegs caught her though, anchoring her to the outside wall.

“No, you don’t! Not until you tell us where Enya is!” He said, voice full and confident. She could hear the fear in his voice, only it was smothered by the conviction to get his friend back.

And she had a pretty good idea who Enya was. It was likely the unicorn that she left in the janitorial closet.

Her body turned towards the earth pony and swung at him again with her hoof blade. Something that she managed to stop but not before her hoof crossed his face. It seemed the blade lasted no more than a second and that alone saved the earth pony’s face from being cut in two.

Error. Insufficient power for Sugical_bladeVER4.

She shuddered and again felt her body try to leave but she couldn’t fight the earth pony in her weakened state. Or was it because the earth pony felt so obligated to get his to-be wife back? Was that supercharging his magic? Making him able to hold her down?

She felt the need to hyperventilate. To run, to hide, to get absolutely away.

She didn’t know why the blade had vanished but she was so tired that her efforts to slow down the strings attached to her were effectively sabotaged. She didn’t know when she’d slip or when her efforts not be enough. At any moment she could see her hoof spouting a blade to stab another friend in the chest.

And she wasn’t sure if she’d be allowed to heal it or if she could in her tired state.

She just couldn’t take that risk.

She watched the earth pony hold her back from getting out of the window. Saw his very sturdy stance and noted the magic emanating from his hooves. She saw Rarity hanging back, confliction on her face as she seemed to ponder what to do.

She needed to break the earth pony’s grip but he wouldn’t just let go until Enya was back with him. But she just couldn’t tell him, right? She felt her balance shift and she allowed the earth pony to pull her from the window. But she used her wings to turn her body mid-air to then get a grip around the pony’s neck. Her momentum brought them to the ground but she had him in a very precarious position. Both forelegs wrapped around his neck and the system inside was trying to get her to suddenly twist.

She knew that maneuver. She’d seen similar actions with crocodiles or other large prey animals. A violent twist at the neck would sever the spine, removing their life in an instant.

But she wasn’t allowing that. Not at all.

The system tried to get her to tighten her grip to suffocating levels but she stopped that too.

Barely. She could feel her forelegs tightening their grip but it wasn’t deadly. But she was playing ping-pong in her mind, trying to think ahead of her puppeteer. It was working but it was driving her anxiety mad.

She was going to slip up. She was going to sprout some sort of knife somewhere and kill the pony. Maybe she’d just light ablaze! Maybe a destruction catalyst would happen, vaporizing the pony in a moment. Or maybe her hair would just zip-zap and kill both of them! Or maybe her eyes would shoot lasers!

Error! EMDs are offline!

Couldn’t she get the earth pony to let her go without killing him? Surely there was a way!

She wrestled with her mind again, pushing her body from delivering a deadly strike to the pony in her grasp.

Could she tell them where Enya was? Or the thing that she took from the unicorn? Surely it would make the pony let her go! Then she’d not have to worry about killing him or Rarity! Was that okay for the thing controlling limbs?

She again felt something click in her mind. Or, not click but, compute? Something in her mind heard her through all the fuzziness. And, she felt it in the back of her mind. Like, much further.

It was coming from outside her mind! Just behind it!

She continued to wrestle with her body trying to kill the struggling earth pony but she felt the energy she took from the unicorn get pulled from the rest of the magic she’d stolen. It ran up from her chest and flowed down her leg, collecting at her fetlock. She felt a few things click inside, and it opened to have a thick bracelet emerge and wrap around the top of her hoof.

She then saw an image in her vision. An image that moved and contained two hooves bumping against one another.

Magic in receptacle. Please perform the action to give energy to patient.

Patient? What?

She felt her mind shudder as she fought her forelegs from trying again to break his neck. She frowned not understanding who the system was supposed to give it to but that didn’t quite matter.

Something heard her. And it was going to give it back to hopefully make the Earth pony stop trying to hold her down.

Stop him from endangering his life.

But she felt something trying to pull the magic out of the little device on her foreleg. Trying to take it back and put it back with the rest of the stolen magic. She could feel its pull, like a big magnet.

Her stomach was empty and she could feel herself reaching her absolute limit. If she didn’t get the pony out of her grip and make sure he didn’t try to hold her back, he’d surely be hurt.

If not killed.

She steeled her mind again, trying to remember the feelings that she had to stop the spears from hurting the guards. The feeling that she felt when she healed Applejack and Starlight. The feeling that she felt when Glyph tried to help her in Canterlot. The absence of the gap in her mind, the gap that was restricting her movements.

She couldn’t feel it as strongly as it was all filled with fuzziness and exhaustion. But she pulled it together anyway, pulling as hard as she could. It slowly, shakily, came together.

Slowly, her limbs stopped fighting her. But it didn’t stop all the way. She had to fight for her movements. Every one.

Action denied!

Action denied!

Action denied!

She forcibly unwrapped her forelegs and slid the earth pony along the floor towards Rarity. She stood on her legs feeling her body twitch and spasm at random intervals as she fought for every movement. She could feel the little lightning bolts as they traveled around her coat, tingling her skin as they did. Her mind felt like a mouse trap, ever so tight, ever so sensitive. She looked up at Rarity but felt the strain increase as the earth pony stood up to tackle her again.

But he stopped when Rarity spoke firmly, “Wait! She’s fighting, trying to not let Flutterbyte hurt you. Don’t be brash and—”

She couldn’t wait, the strain was too much, “R-R-RA—I-I-I-TTTyyyy…” Her voice was even fighting her, breaking up her words like a terribly broken radio...

Rarity immediately turned to her, “Fluttershy! Yes, what is it?” Her attention was fully on her.

Fluttershy felt her body twitch, “Co—KRRST- heer.” She felt frustrated at her voice, feeling as if her words were bouncing around her throat like tiny plastic beads. But as she was about to repeat it, Rarity stepped forward, seemingly understanding.

“What is it?” Rarity asked. She wasn’t too close as she could tell Rarity was ready to jump back at a moment’s notice.

Fluttershy felt a wave of twitching go through her wings and then pass through her body. It nearly knocked her over and made her look at the ground. But she took a few solid breaths and steeled her mind.

“HooOOOooF,” She said, trying desperately to keep her voice understandable through the changing pitch. She raised her hoof, the one with the thick bracelet.

Rarity frowned but cautiously raised a hoof and bumped it to hers. Immediately she felt something in her fetlock start moving but it stopped as her fight for control smothered it. She pushed the air out of her lungs and pulled more in as she gently pulled her stilling touch out of her fetlock.

Immediately a few rings and rods of metal extended out from hidden panels and wrapped around Rarity’s hoof. She yelped and tried to pull away but it was a tight grip and Fluttershy pulled back.

“Do-o-oNnnT…” She said, feeling as if her throat was the size of a straw, filled with even more little straws.

Transferring Energy storage cell. Please do not move.

Warning. Energy does not match recipient. Are you sure you want to continue?

Fluttershy nodded.

Warning. Recipient doesn’t seem to have the right tools to deploy the energy cell properly. Be sure that you trust the recipient with this energy cell.

Are you sure you want to continue?

Fluttershy nodded once more.

She felt Rarity trying to pull away but she paused as they both watched the bracelet being transferred to Rarity’s hoof. Once around the white foreleg, it tightened snugly and a few of the metal rings and rods were pulled from Fluttershy’s fetlock to wrap around Rarity’s.

While it did bring some concern for her, Fluttershy felt completely overwhelmed. But she confirmed that she could no longer feel the energy that she took from the unicorn in her body. It was now in the little bracelet around Rarity’s hoof. And as long as she had it, she had access to ponies who could give it to its proper owner.

But the strain was getting worse, and it was getting harder and harder to keep her body from lashing out. She was constantly hearing the system telling her actions were denied. But it fell on deaf ears. She didn’t know how long she’d last, she needed to focus.

“Fiirsst…Flooo-r. Jan-i-i- t-tst-alll C-C-Claaaset…” She said, straining her voice as much as she could. But it was getting rough and sore. She could feel something trying to keep it closed as she used it. Sending out the wrong syllables at the wrong moments.

But she said it.

“First floor, Janitorial closet?” Rarity asked perplexed.

Fluttershy felt a smile tug at her lips. She got it! So she nodded slowly, feeling the motions get twisted as the commands traveled down her spine.

Rarity blinked but nodded. Fluttershy nodded again and tried to speak, tried to tell her that Enya was there. What she was giving her but something snapped in her mind, and she could feel the gap quickly returning.

Her words abruptly ended in a whimper of alarm and she quickly pulled her hoof away. It came loose with a few rods remaining on the bracelet. It hurt but she barely noticed with the growing alarm in her chest. She took several quick steps back, falling over in her haste. Her hooves went to the side of her head as the pressure only increased before suddenly snapping. She could feel the pieces in her fetlock return to normal but it was overshadowed by the loss of control in every limb.

The earth pony again jumped forward but Rarity tackled him back, nearly throwing him off his hooves.

“Don’t!” She said forcibly, “She’s no longer in control.”

Fluttershy felt herself smoothly stand straight and look at them both. Then towards the window that was now a hole in the wall. She felt her body nimbly run to it and jump out into the open air. It was decently dark, with only the little lights of the buildings keeping the area dimly lit.

The air was chill and it felt good as her wings snapped open to catch her. If she was flying on her own accord, she’d be excited for the flight. But all she could feel was worry, anxiety, and the extreme exhaustion she felt in her mind. But she tried to get her mind to relax, to allow her nerves to loosen even a little bit.

But even as she tried, she heard another sharp sound of rushing wind. Her tired mind took several seconds to process the sound. Was it coming from her? Was she making another new sound? It was then she recognized the sound.

It was Rainbow.

She felt her body twist mid-air, turning to face the rapidly approaching pegasus. She felt panic as both her fore-hooves raised to face her and she felt energy build up in them.

She had no time to react.

But rather than beams of plasma, a brilliantly bright flash of light came out. It was so bright that it illuminated the buildings nearby as if it were day.

At that moment, it looked like the sky was the wrong color.

Rainbow yelped and stopped abruptly. Her pupils went to pinpricks before being shielded by her hooves. Fluttershy felt herself continue on, flying low and close to the buildings. After she had cleared Canterlot, she felt herself gain altitude till she was above the night's oncoming storm.