MLP: Agents of Harmony Season 1

by Jaden Joynes

Rating: teen
Tags: Starlight Glimmer, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Random, Violence, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Main 6, Drama
Length: 187811

Join Twilight, her friends, and Human allies in yet another adventure and friendship across both realms. This will be a revision of Season 5 but focus on OCs' origin, story, and relationship with Canons.

After Dark Mayhem's defeat, Twilight Sparkle, Ash Ketchum, their friends, and allies looking to expands the magic of friendship throughout both realms. Along the way, they will face new villains and new lessons.

Published 2021-09-29 22:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2021-11-09 22:36:21 UTC

Episode 2- Castle Sweet Castle

At Fluttershy's Cottage, she was showering, cleaning, and washing her animal friends. But she wasn't alone to do it. Twilight, Ashley, Twinkle were helping her as well. As they finished showering the animals up, they dried the latter up. The animals were all cleaned. But for Twilight and her family, they were all dirty and messed.

Fluttershy sighed in relief, "Phew! Thanks for helping me get them so fresh and clean, Twilight."

Twilight smiled, "No problem, happy to do it!"

"You probably can't wait to get back to your castle and take your bath, huh?"

"Yeah! Can't wait for it. That bathroom was awesome!"

Both Twilight and Twinkle looked shocked and scared of what Fluttershy had said. What scared them?

Nyx quickly spoke up, "Aren't there more animals that need cleaning?"

Twilight smiled as she nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah, Fluttershy. Maybe I should bring both Pikachu and Owlowiscious here for cleaning? That would save our time!"

Fluttershy shook her head, "No need. Ashley told me she cleaned them off. I think you and I are the only ones left, and I can't wait to get the mud out of my mane."

And again, both Twilight and Nyx once again looked scared and worried. As they looked for a way to 'excuse' themselves to stay, Nyx found Angel standing behind her. She whistled softly as she kicked him off to the mud.

Angel slowly got up as he turned and glared at Nyx.

Spotted what Twinkle did, Twilight gasped in 'shock', "Oh, no! Angel got dirty! I'd better stay longer to help bath him too!"

Nyx smiled in agreement, "And I'll help too!"

As Angel shaken and quivered in fear, Twilight and Nyx levitated him into the bathtub as the latter helped cleaning them up. Both Fluttershy and Lance looked at each other as they both wondered - what was that?

After the bath, Twilight and her friends brought both Boomer and Angel into Fluttershy's Cottage. Both Twilight and Nyx wiping and drying the bunny as hard as they can. Both Fluttershy and Lance looked concerned and skeptical for Twilight and Nyx.

Fluttershy cleared her throat softly, "Thank you ever so much for staying to bath Angel too, but, um... I think he's dry."

Both Twilight and Twinkle stopped their wiping Angel. As they levitated the towels up, Angel was dried and good-looking. POOF!. Angel's fur got fluffy.

Lance whistled and chuckled a bit, "Now that's one fluffy bunny."

Fluttershy 'gasped', "Goodness! It's gotten late! You didn't have to stay all day. Not that we don't appreciate it. Isn't that right?"

Angel grunted softly.

As Ashley was about to ask his family to leave, but Twilight and Nyx were dusting and cleaning Fluttershy's house. Both Ashely and Fluttershy looked surprised yet concern about them. Why were they so reliable and helpful?

Concerned for his family's behavior, Lance 'yawned' softly, "I for one am exhausted. Plus, we need to rest up for that big pancake breakfast tomorrow. Dad might be joining us there."

But Twilight and Nyx ignored Lance as they continued cleaning Fluttershy's cottage interior. It was very unusual to them.

Fluttershy hummed in concern as she spoke, "And I'm sure you have both to get the castle ready."

"NO! The castle's fine without... both of us." Twinkle looked down and muttered angrily, "It's better off with someone else."

Both Fluttershy and Ashley looked shocked and surprise by Nyx's sudden attitude.

Twilight cleared her throat. The small dark purple alicorn yelped in concern as she looked away. The Princess gasped, "But maybe we'd better see if Pinkie Pie needs help with the pancakes!" Twilight and Twinkle quickly headed exited the cottage at once. She turned to her daughter, "Young lady, you and I are gonna have some conversation. And it's a serious one too!"

Twinkle huffed, "Sorry, mommy... I miss home..."

Twilight sighed, "I know... I know... I know..."

As Twilight and Twinkle headed off to Pinkie's home, Fluttershy and Lance looked at each other for the moment.

"What was that? I'd never seen her so... upset... Or even seeing Twilight so 'reliable'." Fluttershy said in concern.

"Hmm... Me neither," Ashely agreed, "Hopefully they don't overdo the cooking. This is not usual of them."

Angel bounced off to his own room for the preparation of the bed. Fluttershy said goodbye and good night to Lance who returned the thanks to her. He then departed and returned to his home. All he can think was wondering why the two of them were so 'helpful' yet upset about the 'castle'.

At Dex's Apartment Shop, he and Conner were cleaning and dusting some books off as they were closing down the shop. They then heard the knock. They turned and found a familiar character with a blackish spiky mane entered their store.

"Son?" Dex asked in surprise.

Ash sighed, "I need some help, father."

On the next morning, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were invited to Twilight's Castle as they were all eating their breakfasts together per Fluttershy suggested. Pegasi and Earth Ponies ate them by their mouths while Unicorns levitated their forks in poking and eating the pancakes. All of them were enjoying their meals so much.

Applejack swallowed her food up. She smiled, "Mm, these are delicious, Pinkie Pie!"

Having her face covered by creams, Pinkie had her tongue licked them off into her mouth. Pinkie smiled in pleasure.

"Thanks! Twilight and Twinkle spent all night helping me pick the flavor! I kept thinking we'd found the right one-" Pinkie explained as she put some group of pancakes each to the top, "- but Twilight insisted I make even more to try. And more. And more and more and more and more! And even Nyx agreed with her. It was like they never wanted to—"

"Leave?" Fluttershy and Cutie Mark Crusaders asked in concern.

"Exactly!" Pinkie agreed as she took a bite on pancakes as she explained, "Eventually we ran out of time so we just went with every-berry-any-chip-surprise!"

She approached Rarity as she whispered, "The surprise is I lost a measuring spoon in the batter. Somepony's gonna get a very special pancake!"

Concern about what Pinkie had said, Rarity and Sweetie Belle levitated their pancakes in checking if the measuring spoon was in any of them.

"Up all night, huh? Is that why they're so, uh... out of it?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

Ashley, Main Five, and Cutie Mark Crusaders turned in north direction. They saw both messed-up Twilight and Nyx were sitting yet snoring like they both were sleeping.

"Wow... And I thought I was the only one who can't sleep well," Scootaloo commented.

"What has happened to them lately," Ashley asked in concern.

"Um, I don't mean to sound unappreciative," Fluttershy said in concern, "but has anypony else noticed that Twilight has been a little too helpful lately?"

Applejack admitted, "Now that you mention it, Twilight was lendin' a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres the other day and stuck around 'til near midnight. Dug up fifty tree-plantin' holes when all I needed was ten."

"She spent an entire afternoon rearranging a single gem drawer at the boutique. An entire afternoon!" Rarity explained.

"You weren't the only one, sis," Apple Bloom said in concern.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. We spent the whole day playing any activities we planned for finding our Cutie Marks.."

Scootaloo groaned in annoyance, "Yeah! That was crazy! I'll be tired."

"You think that's weird? She raced me, like, a hundred times the other day. And lost every time! She just kept goin'! Best out of ten, best out of twenty, best out of a hundred!" Rainbow Dash groaned, "I mean, I know hanging out with me is awesome, but it was like she'd rather keep losing than—"

"Leave?" Fluttershy and Cutie Mark Crusaders asked.

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. Who does that?

Both alicorns continued snoring. Their heads fell on the creams of pancakes. They then make them comfortable for them to sleep like they were in bed.

Ashley asked in concern, "This is serious... They never worked out so much before."

"Did you or Ash know what happen?" Applejack asked. Lance shook his head. She hummed in concern, "Somepony who's avoidin' somethin', that's who. Soon as she wakes up, we're gonna find out what."

When Pinkie ate the last one, she felt something stuck in her throat. She coughed for a moment. Lance hit her back causing her to spit the measuring spoon straight to Cutie Mark Crusaders. They looked at it with their shock and surprise looks.

Pinkie cheered, "I WIN!"

Twilight and Twinkle got up at once with their widened yet shocked eyes as they exclaimed in gibberish, "Huh?! I'm pancake!" They gasped as they took the pancakes which stuck on their horns out. They smiled nervously, "I mean, awake..."

Everyone looked at both Twilight and Nyx. They were all concerned and worried for the latter. It's time to find out.

"Uh, Twilight? Is there somethin' you wanna tell us?" Applejack asked.

Ashley nodded, "You two haven't been yourself lately since we came back from the village."

Twilight and Ashley remained silent for the moment. They didn't want to answer their friends because of their 'reasons'. Rarity and Sweetie Belle approached the two Alicorns.

"You know how much we appreciate all you do for us, and we simply adore having you around..." Rarity commented happily.

Sweetie Belle looked worried, "We worry you two might be avoiding something else?"

Twilight sighed, "Oh, has it been that obvious?" Everyone looked dumbfounded yet concern and worried by her answer. She continued, "We've been... the thing is... I know it's silly, but We... We've been avoiding... this place."

Everyone was in shock and confuse about what Twilight had said. They turned to Twinkle who nodded her head at well. That was shocking. They had been avoiding their own home?!

"Why in Equestria would you both want to avoid such a gorgeous castle?" Rarity asked in concern.

"Yeah, this place has everything!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.

"Big tall ceilings that make you feel tiny!" Pinkie jumped over Twilight and her friends. She landed on the floor as she touched them gently, "Shiny new floors that are cold to the touch! Brrr!" She then rammed the door wide and shouted wildly, "And it even has loooong empty hallways!"

As it echoed a long way from the dining chamber, Pinkie turned and approached Twilight and Nyx, "Okay, I get it..."

"The castle is amazing. But it just..." Twilight sighed, "It doesn't feel like home."

Twinkle cried unhappily, "I miss home..."

Main Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded their heads in understanding and even Lance nodded. Twilight and Nyx were referring to their old home - Golden Oak Library. But it was destroyed by Overdrive a member of the Cabal.

"Not home, why?" Ashley asked before he gasped as he remembered something, "Never mind. I think something just hit my head."

Rarity smiled, "Why, you simply need to decorate, darling. Make this space your own!"

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! That would be very easy!"

Twinkle shook her head, "It's not that easy, Sweetie Belle."

"Nyx's right. The castle is so daunting! Look how big it is!" Twilight looked at the castle's interior before slamming her head down, "I-I don't even know where to start!"

"You can start by letting us do it for you." Rarity answered calmly. Twilight got up and looked at her. She continued, "We will make this the castle of your dreams while you go to the Ponyville spa for some much-needed relaxation."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. But... have you looked in a mirror lately?"

Rarity nodded as she levitated the mirror for both Twilight and Twinkle, "I've never seen you look this... mmmm..."

"Frazzled?"

"Yes! That is the word I was going to use."

"Ooh, I guess I do need a little help. And so does my castle." Twilight agreed, "And I just know you'll do a great job because nopony knows me better than you."

Twinkle smiled, "Yeah. Nopony knows us than our best friends and family."

Applejack giggled happily, "We'll make this place feel cozier than hot cider on a rainy day."

"Oh no!" Spike exclaimed in shock. Everyone turned and found Spike entering the dining chamber, "Did I miss the pancakes?! I sleep like a baby under that cold, cavernous ceiling."

Spike sat on his chair as he started eating his pancakes.

Rarity gasped, "Spike, I'm so glad you're here!" Spike turned and looked at her with his hopeful eyes. She continued, "Yes! We're gonna work some decoration on your home. You're taking Twilight and Nyx to the spa!"

"Great! I've been meaning to get my claws done!" Spike took another bite on his pancakes. Everyone turned and looked at him with 'begging and please' looks. With his mouth full, he spoke, "Oh, you mean now."

"No worries. I'll go too. Besides, I'm gonna spent my time with you girls." Ashely smiled, "Hopefully, dad gets here soon. Where is he? I haven't seen him this morning."

Twinkle sighed, "You know him? Everyone and even Mystic Ponies need his advice and help for some problems. After all, he is Shadow General of Mystics."

"No kidding," Spike mumbled happily.

As Spike took two to three bites on pancakes, he held the rest. He got off the chair and exited the dining chamber. Both Twilight and Twinkle followed Spike and Ashley.

Applejack smirked, "Come on, y'all! We've got work to do!"

As Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders exited the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, they all turned and looked at the castle. They began singing.

Rainbow Dash: Let's all work together
To make this castle shi-i-ine

Rainbow Dash nudged Scootaloo up on her back as they flew around and around the castle while looking at it. Scootaloo waved happily while Rainbow Dash sped up her flight before landed on the ground.

Rarity: Once we add some sparkle
It'll feel, it'll feel, it'll feel...

All: It'll feel divine

Rarity levitated the gem up high, allowing the golden sunshine upon it brightly at the castle. Everyone then sang proudly before they split up and headed back home. Rarity and Sweetie Belle packed their stuff of diamonds, stationary gears, and pictures into their wagon.

Applejack: Crates of apples an' bales o' hay
Just makes ya feel at home

At the Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Apple Bloom packed their farming supplies and gears into the wagon as they headed off.

Fluttershy: Furry friends and some popinjays
So she won't be alone

Fluttershy and Angel gathered dozens of animals as they marched out from their cottage together.

All: And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make
This castle a home

Pinkie: There's nothing like balloons and confetti
To greet you every time you walk through the door

At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie gathered the party gears, supplies, and party canon as she headed outside.

Rainbow Dash: She'll need this and those
Posters of all my heroes

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo quickly packed all of their action figures, posters, trophies, and collective items. They then headed down the stairs. They then saluted to Rainbow Blaze's statue proudly before they left.

Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered and met up at the road as they walked and marched together to the Friendship Rainbow Castle.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: How could anypony awesome ever ask for more?

All: And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make
A home she'll adore

Rarity opened the curtains in allowing the light to pass through. Sweetie Belle helped Rarity setting some curtains up as well.

Rarity: Bright curtains of flowing silk and lace

Rainbow Dash set the pictures up to the walls. Scootaloo jumped and flapped her wings for the moment.

Rainbow Dash: This picture of me winning a race

Pinkie set her birthday party foods and presents on the Council's table.

Pinkie Pie: Party cannons to give her a surprise

As Applejack set her farmer gears up, Apple Bloom poured the seeds, weeds, and dirt on the ground.

Applejack: Hoes and rakes and some more garden supplies

Fluttershy settled her animal friends calmly at the castle.

Fluttershy: Getting hugs from this nice, big, friendly bear

Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders setting and decorating the Castle with their gears and stuffs. Rarity and Sweetie Belle decorated the castle's walls with gemstones. Rainbow and Scootaloo placed and posted the posters on the walls. Pinkie led the animals to the center for party. Applejack and Apple Bloom settled some foods out for the animals eat. Fluttershy settled some birdhouses on the walls.

Rarity: Decorate with some gemstones bright and rare

Rainbow Dash: More of this and that

Pinkie Pie: Don't forget the party hats

Cutie Mark Crusaders: How could anypony awesome ask for more than that?

Applejack: Let's all work together

Fluttershy: To show that we have shown

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Princess Twilight Sparkle

All: How we make, how we make, how we make
This castle a home
How we make, how we make
This castle a home
How we make, how we make
This castle a home!

With the song ended, the Castle's Council Chamber was completed with decorations. Almost...

At Avalon Ash, Dex, and we're having breakfast at the Chinese Restaurant. The young hero came very early morning to his father's home for discussion but ended up hungered as he hadn't eaten anything.

Ash sighed in relief after eating his Sea Veggie Bun, "That was great..."

"Now that you're full. Why do you seek me?" Ash asked curiously yet concerned, "Clearly, you don't need my advice or need to deal with your problems. Something has bothered you?"

Ash sighed, "It's Twilight and Twinkle. I'm worried about them."

"What about them? Aren't you, your girlfriend, and her daughter getting along well?" Conner asked in concern.

"No... Conner, Fu Qing (Father)," Ash sighed, "Do you miss your old home before moving here?"

Both Dex and Conner looked at Shadow Dragon with shock and surprise looks. They then looked at each other for the moment. They turned and looked at him.

"I do miss home... I miss my mommy so much," Conner admitted, "But she often came and visit me. That's important."

Dex nodded, "I did miss my old home. But son, why do you asked that? Did the castle bother them both so much?"

"Yeah. Ever since we've mange to stop Starlight and Plasma from hassling cuite marks, Twilight and Twinkle avoided going to the castle by giving some excuses of helping friends or going other places. I was worried about them. Do you know something that bother them?" Ask asked in concern.

Dex sighed, "That's what I'm afraid. Ever since their old home Golden Oak Library destroyed, they missed it so much. It attached to them so much..."

"I knew it!"

"You knew it?! When?! HOW?!"

"Two years ago when I came to Ponyville, I stumble upon the destroyed tree. And I asked some ponies about it. It turns out that it was the Golden Oak Library. It belongs to Twilight Sparkle. I felt sorry for her to lose home. But when I came to her castle, she and Twinkle were okay with it until now."

"I see... So, you're here for advice and suggestions to help them, do you?"

"Yes. That's what I'm hoping for."

Dex smiled, "Sure, why not. After all, you're my son. You're always welcome to your old home."

Conner nodded, "Yes. We're family. We'll always help each other out."

"Thanks..." Ash smiled before looked down, "Old home, huh? Why didn't I think about it?"

At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Chamber, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders have completed their decoration. But unfortunately, they find it not what they had hope for...

"Wow, girls! We did a... great job... together..." Applejack laughed nervously.

Her friends nodded their heads nervously in agreement with her.

Looking at some animal roaming around happily, Rainbow commented, "Fluttershy, I love that you brought so many animals."

"Are these your trophies?" Fluttershy asked in surprise upon looking at trophies on the window shelves.

"I prefer to think of them as everypony's trophies but with my name permanently etched onto them."

"My my, Applejack, bringing the outdoors inside, it's... earthy... What a lovely touch!" Rarity commented nervously upon looking at some farmer's gears and supplies on the floor. Levitating the quilt up, she then sniffed on it. She heaved in shock before putting it down. She asked, "Are these quilts vintage?"

"Nope, just old!" Applejack answered before she got blinded by some lights. She turned and found some diamonds attached to curtains as she commented, "Unlike your sparkly window doohickeys which are... why they're just swell!"

"I didn't know you were bringing some more of your comic books and posters here, Scootaloo" Apple Bloom said in surprise upon looking at comic books.

Scootaloo looked at music notes and instruments, "Sweetie Belle, I kinda like what you bring. It's cool to sing. Sort of."

Sweetie Belle looked surprised upon looking at tools and woods, "That's... kinda thoughtful of you, Apple Bloom - building some houses for Nyx."

Pinkie jumped over to the middle where her friends standing as she giggled happily, "No one said anything about my hidden confetti cannons! Oh, right! They're hidden!"

As the door was opened; Spike, Ashley, and his boyfriend Swift Ice entered the chamber. Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in fear as they saw the trio were here now.

Upon looking at the chamber, they all gasped in shock and freaked-out, "Sweet Celestia!"

"What happen here?!" The blue unicorn asked in shock.

"Oh, Spike! Lance!" Rarity gasped in concern, "Are you, Twinkle and Twilight are done already?"

Spike shook his head, "Don't worry, I ordered her the super-deluxe mane blow-out! She'll be a while. Man, this place looks terrible!"

"Spike!" Ashley and Swift Ice exclaimed in annoyance.

Instead of being upset and insulted, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed in relief and pleased. Both were in surprise by the former's reaction.

"Thank goodness somepony said something!" Fluttershy commented in relief.

"It's pretty bad, right?" Rainbow asked in concern.

"You could say that," Ashley agreed.

"This place looks like a mishmash of knickknacks." Applejack commented.

Shiroi sighed as she admitted, "I suppose it is a little cluttered."

"What are you guys talking about? I think it looks super fun!" Pinkie exclaimed in annoyance.

BOOM! The confetti shots out, causing the animals freaked out as they roamed around wildly and scared. They destroyed and damaged some of Mane Five's and Cutie Mark Crusaders' items. Pinkie running around for fun.

Lance, Shiroi and Spike were in shock and freak out now. Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were now in concern and worried.

Rarity annoyed shouted angrily, "Everypony, stop!"

Everyone stopped from running wild or crazy. The pig stopped as they knocked at each other to the walls. Bear and some animals stopped from running. Pinkie stopped as well. The chamber was in a terrible mess.

Pinkie giggled, "Okay, now it's a mess."

Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed in fear, "What're we gonna do?!"

"I dunno. But Twilight's blow-out won't take that long." Spike said in concern, "If she was avoiding the castle before, she'll never set hoof in here now!"

Ashley groaned, "That's just great! And be glad that dad isn't here. He would have been freak out by now."

"Spike! Ashley! You've got to get back to that spa and stall her! Whatever you do, don't let her come home!" Rarity said in concern. Spike and Lance looked at her with concerns. She cleared her throat a bit, " I mean - maybe you could manage it 'til... sunset-ish?"

With Rarity giving Spike some winks, Spike sighed happily, "Anything for you, Rarity..."

"Typical," Lance sighed, "We'll do our best. Swift, I think you'd better help them. They might need some advice."

He nodded, "Okay."

As soon as Ashley and Spike left, Swift turned to both Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders as they had some discussion for the next plan about the castle.

Applejack sighed, "Okay, we all agree the castle is too cluttered, right? So why doesn't everypony take one of their decorations out and we'll see how it looks?"

Everyone nodded and agreed with Applejack.

Swift Ice smiled, "I'll sketch the idea out. Once it's done, I'll let you all see it. You're all gonna love it. I can guarantee it."

At the spa, Twilight was having her mane blowing out by her mane-dryer. Twinkle sighed happily as she wiped her mane and body gently before shaken the water off. Upon looking at the mirror, Twilight spotted Lance and Spike coming into the scene.

"Spike! Ashley! You're back!" Twilight exclaimed happily. As she turned to the front, she levitated the blower up. Her mane was revealed to be her spiky and curved mane-like Spitfire's or Night Glider's. She smiled, "How do I look?"

Twinkle whistled happily, "That's awesome!"

Spike smiled nervously, "Great!"

Ashley nodded her head in agreement before she cleared her throat, "Where did you get that from?"

"You father and some of Pegasi I met. Their mane looked so awesome and great," Twilight smiled as she looked at her mane, "And more importantly, how does the castle look?"

Both of them smiled nervously, "Great?"

Twinkle squealed happily, "I can't wait to go home and see it!"

Twilight smiled as she got off from the pillow, "Me too! We're done!"

"NO!" Spike exclaimed in concern while grabbing his adopted mother's tail. Twilight and Twinkle looked at him. He yelped as he let go before explained, "I mean - I'm not... quite ready to go yet." He took the flyer out which revealed the muscular bicep hoof-like, "Uh, why don't we have a massage? I was hoping to get, uh... this thingy!"

"Spike!" Ashley exclaimed in concern.

Twinkle read the flyer, "The 'Extra-strength-hot-stone-deep-tissue massage'?"

She groaned in annoyance as she gave herself a small slap. Spike gulped, "Yep!"

Twilight smiled, "I think I'll just have a traditional massage, but you go for it."

"Me too!" Nyx agreed.

Ashley sighed in relief, "I'll wait around. Look around if Bishop is here. That Metal Pony sure love to poke around for learning."

Lotus smiled in pleasure as she whistled to call her friends. Aloe emerged from the door and smiled at her customers.

"Did somepony order messages?" Aloe asked gently.

CRASH! Bulk Biceps, dressed in his spa uniform, emerged from the walls.

"YEAH!" Bulk Biceps exclaimed wildly as he jumped behind of nervous Spike, "Let's do this, little dragon!"

Using his biceps, both sides grabbed Spike's head tight. Bulk Biceps marched straight to the walls, making another hole for him to enter.

Aloe sighed in annoyance, "Oh, I hate it when he does that. Come with me, princesses."

Aloe led both Twilight and Twinkle into the message chamber. Lance waited outside as he looked around in finding Bishop. Hopefully, it was long enough for the rest to finish the decoration...

At the Archaeologist Building at Avalon City, Richie allowed his family to enter as they all had some discussion about Twilight's old home. They were at his office where it was filled with books and artifacts, including his personal belongings and pictures. Richie was made as Senior Archaeologist Minister and Mentor among his company since he made several discoveries for Equestria and even for Human Ponies.

Ash was distracted by what Dex had said to him. 'Old Home'? He hadn't thought of it since his exile.

"Ash, stop daydreaming," Richie called out. Ash turned to him as the latter bowed down to apologize. He brought the Equestria Map down on the table. It revealed Ponyville's location but only forests and woods only which was part of Everfree Forest. He sighed, "Okay. This is Ponyville. Or what's going to be after 1,000 years later. The tree that Twilight lived is called Great Oak."

"So, what's so special about it?" Carly asked curiously, "And when did the library make it?"

"Patient, Jade. I'll explain. According to the legend, the Great Oak has been the center of the Everfree Forest for more than a thousand years. It is said that it brings good lucks or fortunes to anypony who treated it with wisdom, compassion and hope. And ever since Ponyville was founded, Great Oak was turned into Golden Oak Library. And the former owner treated it so well like a family to him. So, after his passing, he passed it to his next successors to treat it as its family."

"Wow... That's wow... I can see why Twilight was so attached to it."

"Yes. Yes, it does."

Conner sigh, "It's such a good story to hear it."

"But does it help us to restore it?" Ash asked in concern.

Richie shook his head, "It can't. There's no other way to restore Great Oak. Great Oak is 10,000 years-old tree. It's too old. Even if you did ask the Mystic Council of Wood to help, it's against the law. When there's life, there's death. Once life ends, death takes you to peace. That tree cannot be restored."

Dex sighed, "He's right. This is the law."

"It's not fair..." Ash groaned, "Why?"

"But let me ask you - why? Why do you want to restore the old home?" Dex asked curiously, "You ask me about missing old home? It sounds like that you miss home, don't you?"

Ash sighed as he turned to his family, "Ever since I was exiled, I missed my home so much. I kept thinking, dreaming, and wondering about it so much. Wherever I lived, I don't feel at home. When I came to Twilight's Castle, I felt peace and harmony like I'm home. But because I chose that, I forgot about my old one. I didn't want Twilight to feel it."

He nodded in understanding, "Ah Chai... I understand. Just because you've moved on to new life doesn't mean you should be ashamed of it. And besides, it's okay to miss home. But it is your choice to decide - forgotten it or remembered it. And you chose the latter. I'm proud of it."

"Really?"

"Yes... And besides, you are always welcome to home if you like. Mystic Realm is always your home, just like home Golden Oak Library is to Twilight. All of us do miss you too, my son. You're not alone."

Richie, Carly, and Conner nodded their heads in agreement.

Touched by his family's concerns and love, Ash hugged Dex tightly and passionately, "Thank you, father. I really appreciated it so much."

Dex hugged back, "I know. I hope that put your concerns down?"

"Yes... It does," Ash admitted as he departed from hugging. He saw Richie passed the golden Chinese Pendant to him. He took it and looked at it, "What is this?"

"Call it remembrance. It'll help you remember all the times we've been through, so you won't feel bad about it," He explained.

Ash then opened the pendant. It revealed the Chinese Portraits of himself, his family, old and new friends. He smiled happily upon looking at the picture. He nearly wanted to cry upon it so much.

Carly nodded, "Besides, you still remember us. That counts right?"

"She does have the point. You did come and visit us a lot. You were thoughtful of us. That's important," Conner added, "So remembrance is important."

Struck with an idea, Ash looked at the pendant again. He then looked at his family, "I have an idea. And I need your help."

And his family did was smiled at him.

Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were moving some items and stuff from making the chamber so cluttered. Rarity struggled in doing it. Shiroi was sketching on her drawing board. They were annoyed by their 'drama queen' friend's concern.

Applejack groaned, "Come on, Rarity. Everypony has taken somethin' out except you."

"Ooh, I know! I simply can't decide." Rarity said in concern as she looked around - her friendship portraits, gems on the walls, and curtains. She groaned, "Ooh! They're all my favorite too!"

Rainbow growled in annoyance, "They can't all be your favorite! Okay, I'm taking down the portrait. We all know what we look like."

As Rainbow Dash brought the portrait down to the outside, Rarity was furious and annoyed. She huffed in irritation.

"Well, the room still looks a little bit cluttered, doesn't it?" Rarity levitated some of the posters down at once. "Perhaps I'll take down a poster or two. Only to be helpful, of course!"

Rainbow was furious as she glared at Rarity. Rarity glared back at her. They both were about to fight but Applejack intercepted it.

"Okay, everypony calm down. I'm sure we can find a way to remove the clutter together."

Rarity smirked, "You're absolutely right, dear."

Rarity levitated the quilts away and gave them to Rainbow to kick her out. Applejack gasped in shock.

"Hey, those are my warmin' quilts!" Applejack exclaimed in shock.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity smirked proudly. Cutie Mark Crusaders were about to stop the argument. Scootaloo moved Sweetie Belle's stuff, which the latter noticed.

"Scootaloo! What are you doing with my music notes?!" Sweetie Belle demanded.

Scootaloo shrugged, "Well, we've gotta move the stuff. So, it can get more space for decoration."

"You mean like these?" Apple Bloom smirked as she held some of Scootaloo's Comic Books, causing the Pegasus Filly annoyed and angered.

"Think that is funny, Apple Bloom? Try this!" Sweetie Belle smirked as she levitated Apple Bloom's crayons and papers, "I guess we should move these and Scootaloo's away from here!"

"HEY!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo exclaimed in anger.

Suddenly, the balloons popped into pieces. The birds were pecking at them?!

"Fluttershy, tell your birds to stop pecking at my balloons," Pinkie begged.

Fluttershy huffed, "I guess they must not like being scared out of their wits by exploding confetti cannons or something."

Pinkie yelled, "But we can't get rid of the cannons! I don't remember where I hid them."

Irritated and annoyed by Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders' argument, Swift stopped her drawing and glared at them, "Knock it off! I'm sure we'll figure it out somehow. So, put your difference aside and work together. Or, we'll never finish this in time!"

BOOM! The confetti exploded and burst wildly. As if it sparked, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders argued wildly and angrily as they 'helped' moving some of the other stuff wildly and angrily.

Swift sighed, "Unbelievable..."

After the massages, Twilight and her family left the spa as they all headed back home.

Twilight sighed, "Great suggestion, Spike. I feel relaxed."

Twinkle bounced and squealed happily, "Me too!"

Ashley carried Spike on his back as the latter yelped painfully and wildly. Lance sighed in annoyance while shaking his head. Asking Bulk Biceps to massage Spike was a bad idea.

Ashley smirked, "That's what you get for getting the wrong message."

"Shut up!" Spike exclaimed angrily.

"C'mon! Let's go home! I want to see what it looks like!" Twinkle called.

"No!" Ashley exclaimed in concern. Both Twilight and Twinkle looked at him. He yelped before continued, "I mean - why don't we check on our friends? You know - get to know them?"

Twilight hummed, "I don't know..."

"C'mon, it won't hurt to know them." Spike persuaded as he stretched his arms and legs hard. He got down, "We don't wanna get another Duke problem again."

Twilight and Twinkle looked at each other for the moment. They did have the problem when both Fluttershy and Duke argued with each other over the bugs. They nodded in agreement to know more about Lance's friends.

As Twilight and her friends walked across Ponyville, they came across the destroyed and burnt tree. Twilight, Twinkle, and Spike gave depressed and painful looks. Ashley was confused and worried.

What happen here?" She asked in concern.

Twinkle sniffed painfully, "It's our home - our real home." Ashley turned and looked at her. She continued, "Golden Oak Library is where I was reincarnated and lived. It's also a family home since we lived in Ponyville. Now it's gone..."

Twilight sighed, "I miss this place, Spike. We had so many wonderful memories here."

Spike nodded, "We did, didn't we...?"

As both Spike and Twinkle were crying, Twilight came and hugged them both. Ashley looked at them with his pitiful and upset looks. He hated to see them being depressed and pained.

"I'm so sorry. Losing the Golden Oak Library was hard for you too. I know that feel..." She admitted painfully, "I've lost my mom when I was a teen. It's so painful..."

Twilight turned and looked at Lance. She used her wing and pulled him to us and her children, "Thank you. And I'm sorry too. You're a good son..."

Twinkle gasped, "I've got an idea. Why don't we have the girls add some things to make the castle feel more like our home as well?"

"Great idea!" Twilight, Spike, and Ashley exclaimed happily.

Ashley smiled, "But first, let's meet our friends."

Twilight nodded in understanding as she and her family left and find Ashley's best friends.

At the chamber, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders have finished clearing and moving all of their cluttered stuff out from it. It was very exhausting and tiring.

Rarity sighed in relief, "There! Now nothing is cluttering the castle!"

"You're right," Swift said bitterly, "There is literally nothing cluttering this castle."

Heard what Shiroi had said, everyone looked around at their surroundings. They found it completely empty and nothing. Back to the drawing board...

"What are we gonna do?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"But it's almost sunset!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in concern.

"We don't have much time!" Sweetie Belle said in concern.

Scootaloo groaned, "We're so busted!"

Rarity sighed, "Ooh! If we don't figure this out soon, it's going to look like we didn't lift a hoof to help her!"

"Why is this so hard?!" Rainbow complained, "We're Twilight's best friends! This should be easy for us!"

Applejack sighed, "She said it herself – if anypony should be able to make her feel comfortable in her new home, it's us. If we can't do it..."

"Then Twilight will be stuck living in a castle that makes her feel... sad!" Fluttershy finished Applejack's sentences.

Pinkie screamed wildly and fearfully, "What do we do? What do we do?! If Twilight comes home now, she'll be like "What did you guys do?" And we'll have to be like "Nothing!" And then she'll be like "I was counting on you! Some friends you are!" And we'll be like... "

Pinkie screamed wildly and fearfully while mimicking crying-like

Applejack sighed, "Calm down, Pinkie. We just need to figure out what we did wrong so we can make it right."

"Well, I didn't do anything wrong! I did exactly what I would do if this were my home!" Rarity spoke up.

Rainbow glared at Rarity, "But it's not your home. It's Twilight's home!"

"Where she keeps all her Rainbow Dash trophies?"

"Touché."

Swift sighed, "All of you did wrong. You're all making yourselves feel at home instead of Twilight. That's why it's so hard."

Everyone looked ashamed and disappointed. They realized that Swift was right. They were supposed to help Twilight to feel comfortable at home but instead making it for themselves. They looked at each other as they nodded their heads that they should fix and repaired the problems.

Applejack gasped, "I've got it! We just need to think about Twilight. What was it she'd loved about livin' in the Golden Oak Library?"

"Oh, everything!" Fluttershy answered happily, "The books, the smell of books, the joy she felt from organizing books..."

"Remember that time I crashed into all those books attempting my sonic rainboom after you guys just cleaned up?" Rainbow asked happily before she laughed in amusement. Mane Three was annoyed and angered by her jokes. She sighed, "That was good times."

Applejack groaned, "Yeah, for you, maybe."

Rarity gasped, "Oh, and Applejack, remember when we were stuck having a sleepover there? That turned out to be so much fun!"

"Hey! Remember the time when we get out lessons from Twilight," Apple Bloom asked happily.

Sweetie Belle giggled, "Yeah! And don't forget of what we did during Twilight Time."

"And best of all - all of us and Twinkle passed the test! Jonathan approved it and built the Twilight School for the gifted fillies and colts!" Scootaloo remarked happily.

Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were happy and pleased with the remembrance of Golden Oak Library. It was meaningful and wonderful to them so much.

"Remember the time it got blown up to smithereens?!" Pinkie asked happily. It turned Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders smiles turned to frown and pain. She yelped, "Wait, no, that was the worst."

Applejack sighed, "We had a lot of good memories there, though. That's what made the Golden Oak Library home."

"Yeah..." Everyone including Swift agreed.

Swift hummed as he looked at her sketches carefully, "If we add some parts of Golden Oak Library here, it might make her memorable and comfortable."

Applejack gasped, "Shiroi, you're genius!"

Everyone looked confused and surprise as they looked at Applejack. What was that?

Twilight and her family spent almost the whole afternoon meeting Ashley's Team across Ponyville.

They met Duke who is now exterminating some bugs and insects across the Ponyville for his food, though he often gave some to Fluttershy for the present. They found Rook who was working as the labor for almost every tough and difficult job for strong pony or dragons. Levin was working for Dr. Clem for his scientific works. Crystal Flare cooked some hayburgers for them. They found Sonia led Dinky Doo, Pipsqueak, and Twist in finding their Cutie Marks. And finally, they also found Star Thunder came by for a visit with Ashley as they both spar with each other for ten rounds. But Bishop was nowhere to be found.

Twilight and her friends sighed in relief as they were all tired and exhausted. Spike and Lance looked up as they found the sun was setting down. As they got up, they spotted Mane Five, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Shiroi were carrying some shovels and picks. They looked surprised and concern.

Applejack and Swift quickly gave Ashely and Spike a shush. Ashley and Spike sighed in annoyance. They hated doing it.

Twilight sighed, "Let's go home. I think we've done enough."

"Wait!" Spike exclaimed in concern. Twilight and Twinkle looked at him. He yelped, "Maybe we should... I think... We should go and buy some pillows!"

Nyx gasped, "Huh?! I thought you sleep like a baby?!"

"Nah! Everypony knows that babies are terrible sleepers," Spike protested.

Twinkle hummed, "Okay, Spike. What gives? What's your excuse? Is there something you're not telling us?"

"Yeah... Why do you behave strangely so lately?" Twilight asked in concern.

Both yelped in fear as they struggled of coming up with the answers for them. Before they could, a black smoke emerged from the ground. Twilight and her family gasped in shock and surprise. They found Ash stood on the stone.

"Ash!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she got up and hugged him. She departed and glared at him, "Where have you been?! What you've been up to?!"

Ash chuckled softly, "Sorry... But could I talk with you privately?"

Twilight sighed, "Fine..."

Shadow Dragon and Twilight left the children behind. Ashley and Spike were about to move but were blocked by Twinkle as she demanded some answers about their behavior. They both chuckled uneasily.

At the Ponyville's Restaurant, Ash and Twilight had some tea together for the moment.

Twilight sighed, "So... What is it you want to talk with me?"

"It's about your home," Ash answered. Twilight looked surprised and shock. He continued, "I'm aware of it. And I know what happens to your old home. And believe me, I'm very sorry for it."

"There's no surprise... And yes, I miss mine so much. I wish it was still here."

"I know how you feel. That's why I brought you this."

Shadow Dragon passed the snow globe-like which contains Twilight's Golden Oak Library and the miniature of herself, her family, and friends. She was in shock and surprise as she took it. She looked at it with both surprise and shock but joyfully.

"It's... It's beautiful." Twilight commented, "But why?"

Shadow Dragon smiled as he patted Twilight's cheek gently, "For your remembrance. I know you still miss your old home so much. And you're also scared to move on. But believe me, you're not alone. Spike, Twinkle, and Ashley, your friends, and I will be there for you. They're your home. That's important. After all, you're my girlfriend. And I'm here to help."

Twilight looked at him, "Do you mean it?"

Ash smiled as he gave her nuzzle, "Of course, I mean it."

"Thank you so much, Ash," Twilight smiled, "I'm happy to have you here."

Twilight smiled as she kissed Ash's lips. Ashley, Twinkle, and Spike sighed happily at seeing the couples being together.

Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders have arrived at the former Golden Oak Library. It was big and huge even though it was destroyed.

Applejack sighed, "Maybe my plan won't work after all."

They were all disappointed and upset by it.

Rarity refused as she had the idea upon looking at the tree, "Of course it will, darling. I can see it! You and Fluttershy stay here." She turned to both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, "Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, you come with me. We're going shopping! We'll meet back at the castle."

"Good to hear! I've brought some help," Swift said happily as she led Bishop and 25 Metal Ponies here.

Bishop smiled, "I'll be honored to assist."

"Alright, y'all! Let's do it!" Applejack exclaimed happily.

With Applejack's signal, her friends began working. Applejack, Fluttershy, Swift, Bishop, and Metal Ponies began digging. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie left for shopping.

Applejack: It's not the things that ya gather 'round

Fluttershy: It's not how much you own

Applejack and her team dug as hard and quick as they can in bringing the tree out from the ground.

Rarity: The things that hold the meaning in your life
Are the memories you've sown

Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had done their shopping as they headed back to the Friendship Rainbow Castle.

All: So we make, so we make, so we make
This castle a home
So we make, so we make
This castle a home
So we make, so we make
This castle a home!

Swift showed her sketches to her friends. They all began working on their latest decoration. Rarity, Swift, and Sweetie Belle sewed one shinning diamond to another. Applejack sharpened the tree's trunks. Rainbow tied the ropes to the top's roller and brought them down. They all pulled the rope back hard and slowly as the tree's bottom part slowly ascended to the ceiling.

Twilight and her family returned to Friendship Rainbow Castle. They entered the hallway.

Twilight smiled, "Hello? We're home!"

Everyone from the castle headed to the entrance as they greeted happily, "Welcome Home!"

As Twilight and her friends walked through the hallway, they looked around at their surroundings. The hallway and corridors of windows were the same as before.

"Oh, I, uh... love what you've done with the place." Twilight remarked gently yet unconvinced, "You did such a good job of... preserving the integrity of the original design."

Spike groaned, "Aw, come on! It looks exactly the same! Do you know how hard it was to keep her from coming back here?! I never want to see another dust ruffle as long as I live!"

"SPIKE!" Ashley and Twinkle exclaimed in annoyance.

"Wait. Keep me from coming back here?" Twilight asked in concern.

Ash sighed, "What happen?"

Rarity laughed nervously, "It took a teensy bit longer than we thought."

Applejack sighed as she had her hat down, "What really makes the home feel like home isn't what it looks like. It's the memories you make when you're there."

Rarity smiled, "So we've made something that celebrates the memories we've made with you since you moved to Ponyville."

As Mane Five opened the door, they and the rest entered the Council Chamber. Twilight and her family gasped in surprise. They saw the tree's bottom hung to the ceilings. Its roots were filled with several ornaments. It was like a chandelier.

As Fluttershy flew up to the ceiling, she explained, "The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we've had together."

Pinkie pointed at the orange ornament, "That one shows your party at the Golden Oak Library welcoming you to Ponyville!"

Fluttershy showed the blue ornament, "The time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala!"

"And the best is Twinkle Save the Day!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed happily as they pointed at the purple ornament.

Rarity smiled, "We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you to make new ones."

"And the best part of it is, it's made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library," Applejack explained, "so you'll never forget where you came from."

As everyone gathered at the entrance, they prayed and hoped that Twilight accepted it. That was the only idea they had.

Twilight turned to her friends. She worn the mask of happiness yet having tears in her eyes.

"It's exactly what the castle needed." Twilight Sparkle smiled and sniffed. She galloped towards all of her friends as she gave them a hug, "And I am ready to make new memories here."

Pinkie Pie squealed happily as she brought the seven colorful layer cakes, "Then let's start right now with a new memory cake! Seven-layer what's-that-flavor mystery surprise! These might be chocolate chips or they might be super-spicy black beans!"

Twilight giggled, "Let's go to the dining room. It's a little sparse, but at least there's a table and chairs." She led her party to the dining chamber. She gasped, "Whoa! What happened in here? Last I checked, this place was empty!"

The dining chamber was filled with decorative and noble-like dining tables. Twilight's family was in shock as well. They and Twilight turned and looked at the nervous Rarity and Sweetie Belle.

Rarity smiled nervously, "I couldn't help myself! It was just begging for the personal touch!"

"Yeah. That would make things interesting," Sweetie Belle admitted.

Applejack sighed, "Truth be told... I couldn't either. Your kitchen might have some rustic farm decor, Twilight."

"And it's a free apple," Apple Bloom added.

Rainbow Dash smirked, "And there may or may not be some Daring Do posters up in your library."

Scootaloo nodded, "I also added some action figures and comic books for you, Ashley, and Spike."

Fluttershy added, "And some stuffed animals in your bedroom."

"Um... I hope you don't mind if I add some drawing frames in your own rooms," Swift explained, "It makes you all comfortable and happy. That's how I feel with them."

Bishop bowed, "As your humble ally, I request to be your butler. After all, you do need someone to look after Twinkle and Spike."

Ashley chuckled, "Yeah, we could use that."

"Not funny!" Spike and Twinkile exclaimed in annoyance.

BOOM! Another confetti exploded from the hidden canon. And everyone yelped and startled in fright and shock.

Ash asked, "What was that?!"

Applejack sighed as she turned and glanced at Pinkie who was messed with creams on her. She smirked, "One of Pinkie Pie's confetti cannons."

"What?" Pinkie asked innocently, "It's not my fault I hid them so well!"

Everyone laughed happily yet amusing about Pinkie being so silly.

Ashley nuzzled Swift before giving her a kiss on her cheek, "Thanks for the help. I owe you one."

"You owe me nothing. But you did owe me a kiss," He joked happily.

"See? You're not alone," Ash smiled, "You finally settle with your new home."

Twilight shook her head in disagreed, "My home... My home is my friends, my family and you. That's what makes me better and happy."

Twinkle squealed, "We're home!"

Swift and Ashley gave each other a kiss, and so did Twilight and Ash. Everyone sighed happily to see the couples to be together. Twilight and Twinkle finally accepted the Friendship Rainbow Castle as their new home, with some friends and family...

Episode 3-Bloom and Gloom

At the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse, Apple Bloom gathered all of her friends and members as she had some announcement to make. Pikachu was sleeping outside near the clubhouse.

"Hear ye, hear ye!" Apple Bloom called as she hammered her podium twice, "This meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is now in session! Who wants to do roll-call?"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders (Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Twinkle, Carly, Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo, and Twist) remained silent as they all looked at Apple Bloom. Was she serious?

Scootaloo shook her head gently, "I'm pretty sure we're all here."

Twinkle nodded, "Yeah... Besides, it wasn't that a lot. So, what's this all about?"

"Oh, nothin'..." Apple Bloom snickered before she took the letter out for her friends to look, "except this letter from Babs Seed sayin' she's got her cutie mark!"

Everyone but Apple Bloom asked in surprise, "WHAT?!"

As they gathered around her, Apple Bloom nodded as she read the letter, "She says it's a pair of scissors!"

Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom, "So... she's good at cutting stuff?"

"Well, she did a mane-cut for my mane," Pipsqueak shrugged as he showed off his spiky mane, "I kinda like it. Hopefully, I can make it like Twinkle's dad.

Twinkle blushed happily at hearing what Pipsqueak had said, She appreciated hearing what he had said to her.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Of course! She was always fussing with her bangs and tail! I'll bet she grows up to be a celebrity stylist!"

"But if she spends all her time cuttin' hair," Dinky asked in concern, "who's gonna run the Manehattan CMCs?"

"Well, not Babs." Scootaloo answered in concern, "She can't be a Cutie Mark Crusader if she's already got her cutie mark."

Twist cleared her throat, "Why not? I've got Cutie Mark. And I was allowed in it. So, I think she can lead them."

"And if someponies had the Cutie Marks? Does this mean it's the end of Cutie Mark Crusaders?"

"Touché..."

Scootaloo's answer was logic, Apple Bloom nodded in concern as she slowly marched down, "Oh, wow. I guess you're right."

"I'm glad she's happy, but I sure wouldn't want to be up to my flank in mane hair all day." Sweetie Belle said in concern, "Can you imagine getting stuck with a cutie mark you didn't like?"

Apple Bloom gulped, "No... or at least I hadn't..."

Carly scoffed as she held Apple Bloom's shoulder tight to her, "Don't worry, Apple Bloom. Most of your family has apple-related cutie marks. I bet yours will be, too. And what's not to like about apples?"

Twinkle nodded in agreement, "She does have the point. It's gonna be the apple-Cutie Mark. You're gonna be alright."

Apple Bloom smiled in relief to hear it.

"There's the core, and sour apples, and rotten apples, and apples with worms in them—" Scootaloo counted before she was glared by her friends, "What?"

Sweetie Belle sighed, "Not helping."

Twinkle turned and found Apple Bloom quivered and shivered in fear. The former grew worried and concern for the latter. Apple Bloom was Twinkle's first friend and so the latter wanted to make sure that the former was okay. Her friendship and relationship reminded her of Twilight and Applejack.

"Don't worry, Apple Bloom. No matter what Cutie Mark you get, you're still Cutie Mark Crusader," Nyx comforted.

Apple Bloom sighed, "If only that was easy..."

"Apple Bloom? What do you mean? I mean you let me and Twist in because we were your best friends. We've always are. No matter who had the Cutie Marks, we're still Cutie Mark Crusaders."

"But what happens if all of us have the Cutie Marks? We may never be together again. We may never be Cutie Mark Crusaders. And if blank flanks saw us, they may think we're bullies. They may never want our help and advice. And this may be the end of Cutie Mark Crusaders..."

"Apple Bloom... What are you saying..."

Apple Bloom sniffed as her tears emerged, "Our friendship may end sooner than we think, Twinkle This maybe... our goodbye." She cried and sobbed, "I don't want to say goodbye to my friends! I don't want to forget you all! I don't want to be somepony I never like! I don't want to lose my friendship!"

Apple Bloom cried and sobbed in despair and pain. All Cutie Mark Crusaders were in shock as they never had seen her cried before until now. They came and comforted her. Twinkle was in deep shock and feared as she slowly backed away from her friends. She then looked at the window's reflection. What was she looking at?

She sighed as she looked down, "I don't want to lose mine either because of my reflection..."

As Cutie Mark Crusaders had their situation to deal with, a familiar someone watched the event. He smirked darkly yet evilly.

"Morgana is going love this," Ninja said darkly, "She will pay for betraying us..."

Ninja flapped his wings as he headed off to another area. Pikachu got up as he glared at the sky. He growled as he suspected someone was spying on her.

[Apple Bloom's Story]

It was nighttime. At Sweet Apple Acre, Apple Bloom was getting ready to get some sleep in her bedroom. Applejack was thee helping her. Apple Bloom was frantically feared and scared of her Cutie Mark.

Apple Bloom laid down on her bed as she said in concern and feared, "I guess I just spent so much time worryin' about how to get a cutie mark, I never even thought about what would happen after. There are just so many things I never considered."

Applejack shook her head in denial, "I'm sure there are, but you don't need to—"

"What if I finally get my cutie mark and I don't like it? What if I get my cutie mark and nopony likes me?"

"Well, that's just ridicu—"

"What if the Crusaders drift apart? I mean, we won't be the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore!" Apple Bloom gasped, "What if it's not an apple?! Will I have to move out?! Where will I live?!"

Applejack sighed, "All right, that's enough, sugarcube. Those are way too many questions to answer all in one night."

"But—"

"And nopony's gonna make ya move out."

"Are you sure, Applejack?"

"Of course, I'm sure. Now get some sleep. You'll see. Everything will be better in the mornin'."

Apple Bloom smiled in relief. She was happy and relieved to have a sister like Applejack. Applejack has always been there since she was a baby as the former was like a mother to her so much. As Apple Bloom settled herself on the bed with a blanket on her. Applejack began singing:

Applejack sang: Hush now, little sister
You're loved by all you know
You'll never lose their friendship
No matter where you go

As Apple Bloom's eyes slowly closed, Applejack slowly moved back while singing. She turned the lights off. She then closed the door.

Applejack sang: There ain't no call to worry
So don't you cry or fret
A cutie mark won't change you
No matter what you get

Apple Bloom yawned happily as she tugged herself on the bed, "No matter what I get."

With the lullaby ended, Apple Bloom happily sounded asleep. Nothing could ruin her peace...

[Twinkle's Story]

At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Twinkle was atop the Castle of Friendship as she was petting Pikachu, She looked up at the black sky with several bright stars.

The small alicorn sighed "What am I gonna do?" Pikachu turned and looked at her. She looked down, "Apple Bloom is my best friend. And I want to help her. She helps me so much. I don't want her to be so down because of Cutie Mark. And I don't want Cutie Mark Crusaders to be disbanded. But what can I do?"

Pikachu growled softly as if he answered her question. He gave her a calm look.

She asked suspiciously, "You think all of us can be friends, even though we all have Cutie Marks?"

Pikachu smiled as he nodded his head in agreement.

"I guess so. But still..." Twinkle sighed. Pikachu looked at her with concern and worried looks. She continued, "Apple Bloom said that she doesn't want to be somepony she likes." Nyx turned and looked at her watery reflection, "And I know how it feels like that. And I never want to be a monster. Never again ."

Pikachu roared angrily at her. Twinkle yelped in fear. He growled softly and calmly like he explaining to her about her concerns and fear.

Twinkle groaned, "Seriously? Do you really have to scare- me?" Pikachu glared at her. She sighed, "But... You're right. I shouldn't be worried about it. After all, Grandpa Dex removed the Demon Blood from me. I should be me, right?"

The Pokemon smiled as he gave Twinkle a few times licking on her face. She giggled happily for the moment. She then patted on his head.

She sighed, "Thanks. Wow... maybe dad was right about you. You're really a good partner to count on."

Pikachu growled calmly before giving Nyx a nuzzle.

"Hey, Pikachu," Twinkle called. Pikachu looked at her. She asked, "You won't mind if I sleep with you? I could use some company to accompany me when I'm asleep."

Knowing she was afraid and scared, Pikachu smiled as he nodded his head.

She smiled as she and Pikachu enjoy the beautiful night as they were left in charge since Twilight and Ash left having a meeting with The Council of Elements about Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt.

Further from the area, two creatures emerged from the ground. They both saw both the latter were sleeping.

Megavolt scoffed, "They fell asleep. It's time to strike them now!"

"No!" Boulder denied, "Morgana -said we must break her spirit. She said we'll be part of it. We must report to her now."

Megavolt growled in anger, "Fine..."

Both of them slowly submerged as they returned to their fellow Demon Successors. They were ready to attack Nyx. By what?

[Apple Bloom's Story]

As Apple Bloom slept for the whole day, the sun rose. It shined brightly through the window as it hit on her. Then, the rooster crowed happily. Apple Bloom opened her eyes. She got up as she showed happy face like she felt better from her bad medicine.

"Hoo-ee! Nothin' like a good night's sleep!" Apple Bloom exclaimed happily.

Knowing Applejack calling for breakfast, Apple Bloom immediately headed off to downstairs. She found her older sister setting food up on the table from the kitchen. She met up with Applejack.

"Morning, sis!" Apple Bloom called. Applejack smiled as she turned to her younger one. She continued, "You were right, Applejack! I feel much better! I don't know what I was so worried about last night!"

"See, now what did I tell you? A good night's sleep fix just about an—" Applejack got interrupted as she found something to surprise her about Apple Bloom. She gasped, "Well, no wonder you were so worked up!"

Apple Bloom was confused as she asked, "What? What is it?"

"Looks like somepony got her cutie mark!" Applejack answered happily.

Apple Bloom gasped as she turned and found a gas tank-like with Apple Cutie Mark, "I can't believe it! I got my cutie mark! I got my cutie mark!" She screamed happily as she bounced up and down for the moment. "Wait 'til I tell the others that my cutie mark is a..."

Apple Bloom continued stared at her Cutie Mark as she was trying to figure out of what it is, "a... What is it?"

Looking at her sister's Cutie Mark, Applejack shrugged as she admitted, "I have no idea what it means."

"I know what it means!" The stallion voice shouted. The Apples turned and found an old brown pony with a mask and small tank-like canister machine entered the house. He took a mask out as he breathed for the moment. He smiled happily, "It means I can retire!"

The old pony laughed happily while two Apple Sisters stared at each other in concern and disbelief. He showed his Cutie Mark which has the same symbol as Apple Bloom but without the apple. What is going on?

[Twinkle's Story]

As the morning risen, She yawned softly as she slowly stretched herself out for the moment. "I feel great!" Twinkle exclaimed happily as she stretched herself out for a while, "I just hope I can talk some sense into Apple Bloom."

Nyx turned and looked at the crystallized Castle's wall. She yelped in shock and surprise. She saw herself as a teenage form. When did she use her Battle Mode?! As she turned to the front, Twinkle gasped in shock. She saw the ruins and destruction sites of Ponyville. Not a sign of pony or creatures to be sighted. What was going on? And how did it happen?!

"Oh crap!! No... No! No!" She exclaimed in shock and feared. She turned to Pikachu and woke him from his sleep.

Pikachu growled in annoyance. He yawned loudly as he slowly woke up. He looked at the sights of Ponyville. He yelped as he was in deep shock and concern. He turned and looked at Twinkle. He was even shocked too.

"I don't know what has happened. I just woke up. I don't know how did I end up like this. I can't change back either. What are we going to do?" She asked in concern. Twinkle turned and looked at him as his head moved a bit in pointing to the north direction. She gulped, "So, we should look around, hoping to find someone alive?"

Pikachu nodded his head in agreement. Twinkle sighed as she nodded in understanding. He quickly got up while she climbed on his back. They then headed off in search of their friends and learned of what was going on in the area.

As both of them were walking through the streets of Ponyville, they found no one alive or sighted but only bones, rotten, and fresh dead bodies. Pikachu slowly used his head in nudging her body gently. He growled in suspicion as he found a foul scent in the area. As they continued marching into destruction sites, they heard some walking noise like someone was following them. She turned her head back. She found nothing. She suspected that her mysterious enemies are hiding from them. She didn't like it much.

She quickly to Pikachu's side. "We've been followed! Run, now!"

He roared wildly. Nyx held on to his neck as he galloped at once. The mysterious figures emerged and chased after both of them at once. As they continued running, they quickly stopped as they were blocked by another group. The front was revealed to be Mermaid Demons while the back was Buffalo and Reptilian Demons.

"Demon Warriors? The Demon Lords are the cause of this mess," She asked in shock and concern, "I thought they were banished to Netherworld for good!"

"Not by them..." Marmo spoke as she slithered to the front, "By us, Twinkle..."

Sensed that she knows them, Twinkle shivered in concern as she asked, "Who... Who are you?"

"Oh... You hurt my feelings, you little brat. And I thought we were so closed..." Marmo said in 'pain' and 'upset', "No matter... You shall pay for what you had done."

"Where is my family?" She snarled.

Marmo smirked, "You'll see them soon. Get them!"

Demon Warriors charged in as they were attacked them. Pikachu used a Thunderbolt! taking out one to ten warriors. Twinkle used her Lunar Shots and Night Beam at them off.

Marmo fired her Water Torpedo Blast at Twinkle off. Before the Alicorn could do anything, the Water Demon Heir slithered towards her. She launched her tail in coiling and wrapping Twinkle up as she slowly squeezed the teenage mare tight. Twinkle screamed in pain as her face slowly turned blue.

Pikachu roared as he was to save her Boulder charged and rammed the it off. Megavolt fired his Thunderstorm Strike at him off. Boulder summoned his Earthquake Punches on Pikachu's guts while Megavolt fired his Lightning Strikes on him.

Marmo hissed at Twinkle, "You shall pay for what you had done to my family..."

As both Twinkle and Pikachu struggled in getting out, several cans with smoke were thrown up before hitting on the ground. The cans launched the smokes out, causing everyone coughed painfully and sickly. Marmo coughed painfully as her tail accidentally free Nyx. She then approached to Pikachu as she refused to apart from him.

The mysterious black figure galloped towards them. The figure grabbed and dragged Nyx away from the smoke. Pikachu spotted her taken away, he followed them at once.

As soon as the smoke dispersed, Demon Warriors were slowly recovering from the smokes. The Snake looked around as she snarled in anger.

"Motherf***! "They escaped?! How?!" Boulder demanded angrily.

Megavolt growled, "I thought Morgana removed anyone from helping her? There should be none!"

"It doesn't matter. She will regret betraying us. Find them now!" Marmo said darkly.

Marmo, Boulder, and Megavolt disparaged through the puff of smoke while their minions searched the area

Further away from Demon Warriors; Twinkle, Pikachu, and the mysterious figure were hiding behind the broken Sweet Apple Acres. Both of them were recovering from the black smoke as they breathing slowly.

Twinkle sighed as she turned to the figure, "Thanks for the help. But what I really want to know is what the heck is going on-?!"

She got interrupted as Twinkle saw the figure slowly emerged from the shadow. She revealed to be a familiar pony with a right-eye scarred who is now a teenager dressed in black military suit with pink sash on her forehead and armed with Diamond Blaster. She is also in shock and surprise as well.

"Apple Bloom?!" Twinkle asked in shock.

Apple Bloom gasped, "Twinkle?!"

They both were in shock and surprise to see each other. How and what the heck is going on?!

[Apple Bloom's Story]

Outside of Sweet Apple Acres, Pest Control Pony guided Apple Bloom out as he explained about her Cutie Mark and what job he was doing.

"Infestation? You mean like..." Apple Bloom hummed in concern as she was reminded of one infestation at her home, "parasites?"

Pest Control Pony scoffed, "Anypony with a trombone can get rid of parasprites. I'm talking about the serious stuff! You ever hear of... twittermites?"

Apple Bloom asked in concern, "Twittermites?"

Pest Control Pony showed the lighting bulb canister-like which consisted of the flying beetles with lightning-shaped tail, "Pest ponies like you and me are the only things keeping these live wires from destroying half of Equestria! It's no easy trade! Even the best of us yearns for the day they can move on to greener pastures. Oh, now that you're here to take over, my day has finally come!"

Apple Bloom asked in shock, "Take over?" Pest Pony Control nodded his head in agreement, She shook her head in concern, "I'm sorry. I guess this just wasn't what I was expectin'."

"Don't worry. With a cutie mark like that I'm sure you've got the touch." Pest Pony Control chuckled a bit as he approached his Pest Control Wagon. He set the Pest Control Machine ready for Apple Bloom to wear while explained, "Now, you're gonna need to be quick. Once these things get out, it can get pretty shocking."

Pest Control Pony opened the canister. The Twittermites flew out while giving the powerful electrical shock.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked in concern. The Twittermites fired their electrical shocks on her. She exclaimed painfully as she held her flanks tight, "Ow!"

Pest Control Pony scoffed, "Hah, told you! And the further apart they spread, the more powerful these jolts will get!"

"What do I do?!"

"Call 'em back, of course."

Apple Bloom armed with her Pest Control Vacuum. She called out on Twittermites before firing her vacuum in sucking them into it. Seeing them caught into a machine, she smiled proudly. She called them before sucking them into machine. She caught them all in time.

"Well, looks like you're all set." The Pest Control Pony said happily. Apple Bloom turned and found him readied with his vacation bags, "Drop me a note sometime at the Piney Shade Retirement Community."

Apple Bloom gasped as she quickly unbuckled her vacuum machine down, "Now, hold on! I'm sure this job is real important, but... I don't think I wanna call bugs for the rest of my life." She looked up and found the old Pest Control Pony disappeared. She asked, "Hey, where'd he go?"

"Well, well, well! Look at the new bug pony!" Diamond Tiara commented as she and Silver Spoon entered the area.

Apple Bloom groaned in annoyance as she turned and glared at the bullies, "It's pest pony."

Silver Spoon disgusted as she looked at Twittermites, "Ew, it sure is! Ew!"

Diamond Tiara smirked, "I might've known you'd end up with the worst cutie mark ever!"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed in amusement. Silver Spoon passed the canister of Twittermites to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom looked down as she stared at her Cutie Mark. It was not what she wanted.

Silver Spoon smirked, "But look on the bright side! Whenever you need a friend, you can just go out and catch one!"

Apple Bloom groaned, "That's not funny."

Diamond Tiara smirked, "Heeere, friendfriendfriendfriendfrieeend!"

Apple Bloom hissed, "Stop it!"

"Here, bug! Here, bug! Will you be my friend, bug?" Silver Spoon asked mockingly on the ladybug from flower, "Because nopony else will! And not even little Princess of Demons can!"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed in amusement as they enjoyed insulting and tormenting the blank flanked ponies. Apple Bloom grew upset and angered by their insults. She had enough of it!

Apple Bloom groaned, "You know what? My cutie mark isn't the worst! You two are! Nyx is not a Demon! She is Pony!"

Apple Bloom cried angrily as she threw the canister out. She then ran off at once. She just had enough with the bullies. Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon continued laughing in amusement. Unknown to any of them, the canister had a sudden crack...

Both were staring at Apple Bloom who is now a teenage mare. And not to mention, she is now a military soldier.

"Twinkle? Is that really you?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise and shock. Nyx nodded a bit. Apple Bloom jumped and hugged Nyx happily, "You're alive! I thought you're gone! I thought they killed you."

As Apple Bloom departed, Nyx asked in amazement, "Apple Bloom, you're teenager. Just like me..." She frowned and concerned, "Whatthe hell happen here?"

Apple Bloom frowned, "Ever since you two disappeared, we've search everywhere for you. But we never did find you until those Demon Successors came out of nowhere and attacked us. They conquered all of Equestria and Human Realm. And now all ponies served them."

Nyx asked in concern, "Where're our family and friends?"

Apple Bloom sighed in shame as she led the twointo the Everfree Forest. For some minutes passed, they came across to the old shaman Zecora's hut. They saw various gravestones. Nyx gasped in shock and concern. Twinkle approached and saw three names on them.

"No... It can't be..." Twunkle sobbed in despair.

Apple Bloom nodded grimly, "They killed all of our family and friends, and even Human Ponies. I survived, with some resistance. And we've been fighting with them for years while rescuing some ponies until you came."

"Wait... Where's Twilight's graves? Why isn't hers here? I only saw my daddy and brothers' here."

"Well... That's complicated. When we managed to get everyone's body out, Twilight got captured by Demon Successors. No one knows what happen to her since then."

"I can't believe it. Who are these Demon Successors?" "They're Demon Lords' Children. They were Morgana, Klaw, Marmo, Boulder, Megavolt, Cinder, Bash, and Glacier. And they weren't happy with what we did to their parents. They're angry like beavers chomping down the woods."

"Because of me... I let everyone died because of who I am..."

"Twinks! You can't say that! It's not your fault," Apple Bloom pleaded, "We can't change the past... But we can change the future. We just need to beat that wicked witch and cronies."

Knowing Apple Bloom said is true, Twinkle can't let the past stop her. She had to make everything up. She had to make everything right.

"You're right, Apple Bloom," She agreed, "Let's find your resistance. We're gonna fight back."

Apple Bloom nodded her head in agreement. Twinkle and Apple Bloom got on Pikachu's back as they headed off at once before they discovered by their enemies.

[Apple Bloom's Story]

As Apple Bloom continued running away, she entered and stumbled upon the dark forest-like Everfree Forest, but more darker and grimmer than before. Apple Bloom stopped in the middle of the forest. She was saddened and upset by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's insults.

Apple Bloom sighed, "I hate to think that Diamond Tiara is right, but... this cutie mark sure isn't what I was hoping for."

Suddenly, a wind blew on her face and mane. Apple Bloom heard a mysterious yet dark voice spoke in her head.

Mysterious Voice asked mysteriously, "Why should you have to keep it, then?"

Apple Bloom scared and feared as she asked, "Who's there?! What do you mean?!"

The mysterious shadow lurked around Apple Bloom while looking her like predator toying its prey for fun and amusement.

"If your cutie mark bothers you so much, get rid of it!" Mysterious Voice answered.

Apple Bloom groaned in suspicious, "Well, if you know how to wave a hoof and erase a terrible cutie mark, you go right ahead!"

"As easily said as done." The Mysterious Voice calmly.

As the wind blow on Apple Bloom's face hard for the moment, she was in confuse and concern. She then looked at her flank. She found her Cutie Mark disappeared like magic...

Apple Bloom commented in concern, "Now that is some serious magic."

Despite of that, Apple Bloom was happy and relieved that she didn't need the Cutie Mark since it's not what she wanted to be. As Apple Bloom continued walking, she stopped at once as she found ponies screaming in fear as they panickingly ran away from something.

"Hey! Where's everypony goin'?!" Apple Bloom asked in concern. She then heard the noise. She galloped towards her direction. She found Ponyville destroyed... by twittermites! She gasped, "Twittermites!"

Apple Bloom quickly took the Pest Control Vacuum as she armed with them. She is ready to recapture the twittermites. Instead before, she got electrocuted and shocked by them, each time she called them or get closed to them for ten times. She was defeated on the ground.

Applejack; with carrying the sack of her belongings, came across Apple Bloom. She was in shock and concern, "Apple Bloom! What in tarnation are you doin'?!"

"I'm tryin' to stop the infestation, of course!" Apple Bloom answered.

Applejack frantically answered, "Only a pest pony can do that!" She then looked up and found more twittermites gathering and giving electrical charges with each other. She also found more ponies running away. She spoke frantically, "Now come on! We gotta skedaddle!"

Apple Bloom shook in denial, "But I've gotta do somethin'!" She gasped in shock, "Look out!"

Apple Bloom saw twittermites were above her and her sister. She quickly pushed Applejack before she got electrocuted and shocked.

[Apple Bloom's Story]

Apple Bloom screamed in fear and pain. She stopped as she found something shocking and surprising as well. She found herself in her bedroom. The sun had risen. The rooster crowed happily. Was that a dream?

Apple Bloom went to her window in peeking. She found her home and everything was safe and normal. No danger had come. No twittermites attacking. Everything is fine...

Apple Bloom sighed in relief, "Whoo-ee. That's what I call a nightmare. It seemed so real."

Heard Applejack's calling for breakfast, Apple Bloom decided to tell her older sister about her dream. Applejack may help her to solve it. Apple Bloom came across the kitchen as she found Applejack setting the breakfast up. Applejack turned and smiled at her younger sister.

Apple Bloom frantically said as she marched in, "Applejack! You are not gonna believe the dream I just had! I guess I needed more sleep than I thought!"

"See, now what did I tell you? A good night's sleep'll fix just about—" Applejack got interrupted as she found something surprise on Apple Bloom's flank. She gasped, "Well, no wonder you were so worked up!"

"What?"

"Looks like somepony got her cutie mark!"

"Again?!" Apple Bloom asked in shock and surprise. She turned and found a Cutie Mark on her flank, It was a potion with apple, "I mean... I did?" She cheered, "Woo-hoo! Potion making! Now that's more like it!""

"More like what?" Applejack asked in surprise.

"Never mind. I'm just glad Princess Twilight's lessons finally paid off!"

"I expect you want to run off to the clubhouse and tell your friends all about your new cutie mark. But before you go, make sure you do all your..." Applejack got interrupted before finishing up the sentence as she found Apple Bloom had left. She finished, "chores...?"

[Twinkle's Story]

Apple Bloom guided both of them to her Resistance's headquarters. They came to a familiar place. Nyx and Pikachu were in shock and surprise. But it's not a clubhouse, but a giant tree with building-like on top of it.

"That's our clubhouse?" Nyx asked in surprise.

Apple Bloom sighed, "Was our clubhouse. This is our headquarter. We need all the supplies and gear to be ready for the fight. We wouldn't know when the bad guys coming. Come on in, Twinks. There're some ponies who wanted to see you so badly."

Apple Bloom led Twinkle into the building via the elevator to the top. Pikachu walked through ramp to the top. As they all entered the building, they saw many rebel ponies talking and chatting about the next plan in dealing with Demon Successors. She then saw some ponies that she was very familiar with but they were much older.

Serious and firm adult mare Swift Ice dressed military black suit talking with the scarred and mechanical Star Thunder and Cybernetic Armored and Armed Bishop

Nyx gasped, "Swift? Star? Bishop?"

All three of them turn to their back and gasped to had seen her.

[Apple Bloom's Story]

Apple Bloom quickly galloped towards the clubhouse her friends were playing the horseshoe into a pole. As she rammed into it, she cried happily. They turned and found her standing and smiling at them.

"Why all the excitement?" Scootaloo asked surprisingly.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, what's going on?"

Apple Bloom snickered happily, "Oh, nothin'..." She then showed her flank with Cutie Marks and exclaimed, "except this brand new cutie mark!"

Her friends cheered happily as they commented happily to Apple Bloom of having her own Cutie Mark.

Apple Bloom smiled, "I don't suppose either of you got yours? Well, except Twinkle and Twist, of course." Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Carly, Dinky Doo, and Pipsqueak frowned and were quiet for the moment. She sighed, "I know it's silly, but I'd always hoped we'd get our cutie marks together."

Scootaloo nodded, "Me too..."

Sweetie Belle smiled weakly, "But I'm still super excited for you!"

"Absolutely!" The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.

Apple Bloom gasped as she had the idea, "I know!" She headed to the podium as she hammered on it twice, "Let's call this meeting to order! I'm sure all of us can figure out how to get more cutie marks."

Everyone went in silent as they had some thoughts to speak up.

"Um, yeah... the thing is..." Sweetie Belle said fearfully.

Scootaloo sighed, "Well, you can't be a Cutie Mark Crusader if you've already got your cutie mark..."

"Oh, yeah... Just like Babs Seed, Twinkle, and Twist..." Apple Bloom said in disappointment. She smiled, "Well, I could just sit quietly in the corner 'til you all figure out what you're gonna do. After all, we're the same on the team."

Pipsqueak sighed, "Well, technically the clubhouse is for Crusaders only."

"And you can't come in then either," Dinky added.

"What? When this added up?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Twinkle sighed, "Since yesterday... I'm sorry, Apple Bloom. It looks like we have to leave this."

Apple Bloom gasped, "What?!"

Apple Bloom, Twinkle, and Twist exited the clubhouse. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Dinky Doo, Pipsqueak, and Carly looked at their former friends.

"I don't think we're supposed to be friends..." Carly sighed in disappointment.

Apple Bloom looked down for the moment. As she looked up, she gasped in shock. She found the clubhouse was closed down. She looked around at her surroundings. She found her friends nowhere to be seen. And the worst, she's back at the dark Everfree Forest.

Apple Bloom was alone again. What is going on?

At the Canterlot Palace, Eight Demon Successors gathered at the Royal Sister's Throne Chamber as they had the meeting. Most of them were not pleased with the results now. But almost everyone was pleased with it...

Morgana hummed calmly, "Just as I expected. The plan went smoothly as I had hope for."

"WHAT?!" Drago exclaimed in anger, "You knew the plan all along?! And you kept the secret from us?! What's the big deal now, Morgana?!"

Megavolt snarled, "How dare you hidden your plan from us?!"

"Indeed. For what purpose are you trying to achieve?!" Cinder hissed angrily.

She explains, "They will lead her to us. When the time comes, that is where we break her spirit for good."

Marmo hummed calmly, "I see... You plan this all along. We need more of her friends to break their spirits for good."

Bash hummed in confusion, "Does this mean we smash them?"

"Better hope so..." Boulder growled in annoyance, "I'm bored with games."

"Don't worry. We're about to get some fun than we thought," Klaw commented.

BOOM! The Canterlot's walls got hit very hard. Demon Successors were in shock and surprise yet they remained calm. They knew Twinkle.

"And so they have come..." She said darkly, "Two can play this game. Bash, Megavolt, and Boulder deal with the ground force. Klaw and Cinder, deal with the stealth force. The rest of you remained with me. Let us welcome our little sister warmly here."

Five of Demon Successors disappeared through black mists while Morgan, Glacier, and Marmo remained here. It's time for battle...

The Resistance Force battled against the Demon Warriors on the Canterlot's City. Bishop and his Metal Ponies fired the Armored Catapult and Armored Metal Canon in firing at the castle's walls and Demon Army as well. Flamefist launched his Fire-Ability Attacks on his enemies. Declan fired his Blazing Crossbow and Typhoon Blaster at them. Red Arsenal fired his arrows and bullets through mechanical hooves at them.

Bash, Megavolt, and Boulder came out from the city as they all charged straight at Resistance Force.

"We've got their attention." Flamefist said firmly, "Keep their attention on us now!"

"Easy to said than done as ponies had said when it comes to a difficult situation," Bishop joked.

Star Thunder groaned, "Metalhead, stop with the jokes and focus on the mission!"

Declan hissed in anger as he took both Blazing Crossbow and Torpedo Blaster in firing at Bash for few times. He approached before roared in anger as he raised his fist in attacking him. Flamefist charged in before giving some Fire Punches on the fat demon while dodging the attacks from Bash.

Boulder smashed his fists on Bishop who reversed his gear while firing his Metal Canon at him before giving the former a punch. Bishop charged in to attack but got thrown aside by Quake. Quake jumped up as he began throwing punches on Metalgear who dodged and moved the attacks. He then fired his Hyper Emerald Blast on him off. They both then punched each other hard and quick.

Megavolt threw a few of Lightning Arrows on Star Thunder who charged and dodged the attacks. The archer fired his arrows and blasts at Voltscar who was unharmed from the attacks. Megavolt approached as he summoned his Lightning Sword in attacking him who blocked before punched the monster off. He continued to dodge and blocked the attacks while firing his arrow and blasts at Megavolt.

Twinkle and her stealth team were blocked Klaw and Cinder and their Demon Warriors. They had been waited by their enemies.

Crossbow and Swift Ice hold off Klaw and Cinder. Twinkle, Apple Bloom and Pikachu made the way to the throne room.

Apple Bloom's Story]

As Apple Bloom got scared when all of her friends left her behind in the forest, she heard the voice again.

"More trouble with cutie marks?" The mysterious voice asked.

"No! I mean, w— yeah, I mean..." Apple Bloom sighed in defeat as she gives in, "Well, I got mine, but my friends didn't get theirs, and now there's all kinds of trouble!"

"Sounds to me like cutie marks and trouble are two peas in the same pod."

"I guess so... I mean, if I was a blank flank again, there wouldn't be a problem!"

Mysterious Voice answered, "Your wish is my command."

The wind blew straight at Apple Bloom as her Cutie Mark disappeared from her flanks. She sighed in relief. This time, she's gonna stick with her friends till the end.

At the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse, Apple Bloom were waiting for her friends' coming. She saw them had arrived.

Scootaloo sighed, "Hey, Apple Bloom. Why'd you want to meet here?"

Apple Bloom smiled, "Well, us blank flanks have to meet somewhere!

"Um, actually, Apple Bloom, we..." Twinkle sighed, "all of us sort of got our cutie marks."

Apple Bloom gasped, "You did?! What are they?"

Scootaloo huffed, "Oh, we don't have time to go into all that."

"And we certainly don't have time to hang out at an old clubhouse." Sweetie Belle agreed.

Pipsqueak nodded, "Yeah, we've got responsibilities now."

"But maybe we'll see you later." Dinky agreed.

Twist and Carly sighed, "Much later."

"Goodbye, Apple Bloom," Twinkle said bitterly

As all of former Cutie Mark Crusaders marched and looked away, Apple Bloom was stunned and shocked. Her best friends had turned on her?!

"Wait! Hold on! I can get my cutie mark back, I think! Rrgh!" Apple Bloom groaned in annoyance, "I mean, I got it once, right? Oh, just wait a second!"

Her friends were miles away from her. And her surroundings changed into something familiar yet different and darker than she remembered. She found herself inside of the clubhouse. The area was filled with dust and mess. And she was all alone.

Apple Bloom screamed in fear, "Nooooooooooo!"

Suddenly, a rooster crowed from Apple Bloom's left window.

[Apple Bloom's Story]

Apple Bloom got up at once. She found herself in her bedroom. She quickly took a peek on the window. She found Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse was still intact and good shaped. Was that a nightmare again?!

Apple Bloom muttered in concern, "What in Equestria's goin' on?! I'm not so sure sleep is the cure-all Applejack thinks it is"

A sudden idea struck her. Apple Bloom knew who to ask for help. She quickly went downstairs as she found Applejack setting the breakfast up. She sighed as she needed some help now.

"Uh... Applejack? I know you said sleep is supposed to make me feel better," Apple Bloom said in concern, "but I'm pretty sure it's makin' me feel worse."

"See, now what did I tell you? A good night's sleep'll fix—" Applejack got interrupted when she turned to Apple Bloom. She was in shock and concern as she muttered, "Well, no wonder you were so worked up..."

Apple Bloom groaned, "Wh— Didn't you hear what I said?! I was trying to—"

"Weeeell, what do we have here?" Granny Smith said suspiciously.

As her family members gathered around and surrounded her, Apple Bloom gulped in fear, "What is it, Granny? What's wrong?!"

Granny Smith answered, "Oh, nothin', right, Applejack?"

"Right... Nothin' at all..." Applejack agreed, "Right, Big Mac?"

Big McIntosh huffed, "Truth is, Apple Bloom, it's your cutie mark."

With Applejack and Granny Smith nodded in agreement, Apple Bloom gasped, "Oh, no! What is it now?!"

Apple Bloom turned and found her Cutie Mark is dolphin without an apple. Her family is now turning on her since she doesn't have an apple on her flanks. Her family continued walked around as they talked about her.

Big McIntosh continued, "Well, I can tell you what it ain't. It ain't no apple."

Granny Smith shook her head, "Nnope!"

Applejack sighed, "And we don't have room for non-apples."

Big McIntosh shook his head, "Nnope."

"Time for you to mosey on. You can't stay here." Granny Smith demanded.

Apple Bloom was in shock and concern. Her family wanted to get rid of her. They wanted her out?! They betrayed her!

"This is my home!" Apple Bloom protested. And before she could do anything, Applejack opened the front door. It revealed a vortex-like as it dragged and brought her into it. Apple Bloom screamed, "Noooooooooo!"

Is this the end?!

[Twinkle's Story]

Twinkle and the other made it to the throne room. And there lied in wait as Glacier, Marmo and Morgana have waited for them.

With Apple Bloom against Glacier and Marmo at Pikachu. Twinkle and Morgana stated each other
down.

"I will end this nightmare once and for all!" She exclaimed determinedly.

Morgana huffed, "Really? You couldn't even face your own worst fear. Because of that, you will bring more ruin to yourself than others. Such selfless foolish brat as usual..."

"What are you talking about?!"

"You'll soon find out when I break you!"

she fired her Dark Beam on Twinkle's face hard. Twinkle fired her Lunar Shots on her former sister who dodged and fired back. Both the Alicorn and The Sorceress continued firing their magic spells on each other while dodging for few times. Morgana charged in as she launched her Blackish Blade at Twinkle, who dodged down before kicked her off. Twinkle punched on Morgana's face ten times before swiping on the latter's feet and fired her Night Beam at her off. Nyx jumped as she was ready to punish Morgana off but she was halted on midair.

Morgana controlled Gravity as she knocked Twinkle on all of the walls before bringing the latter towards her. Morgana was about to stab her Blackish Blade at Nyx. The Alicorn Princess growled angrily as she tried to control the gravity. She barely dodged the attacks before giving a hard punch on her to the ground. Nyx was about to finish her off but got blasted off to the ground hard.

Morgana growled, "Time to shift the balance... Time for your punishment..."

With her snapping fingers, the ceiling opened in two as the crane slowly lowered the metal cross-shape down. It surprises and shocks Twinkle's team.

"No..." She said in fear.

Twinkle's team saw weakened, broken, painful, and wounded Twilight Sparkle got chained to a metal cross-shape. Morgana and her cousins smirked darkly as their plans went smoothly...

[Apple Bloom's Story]

Apple Bloom fell to the ground hard and all she saw was darkness. As she struggled in getting out, she saw the light in front of her. She quickly reached the peak of light. She got out. She found herself back in her bedroom again. And the rooster crowed happily as the sun had risen. What is going on?!

Apple Bloom groaned, "Alright, this is getting ridiculous."

Apple Bloom approached the mirror as she slowly showed her back legs to the front. She gasped. It was blank and nothing.

"Whoo-ee! I never thought I'd be so happy to not get a cutie mark." Apple Bloom said in relief. As she was about to turn, she spotted an ice-cream cutie mark. She gasped, "What the?!"

Apple Bloom turned to her right side and revealed a tooth cutie mark. Then to her left side revealed potato fries. And back to her right again, she saw her face cutie mark. What is going on?!

When various and more Cutie Marks surrounded and went around Apple Bloom, she frustratingly grunted, "I don't wanna see another cutie mark as long as I live!"

Apple Bloom quickly swiped them off at once before galloped towards the door in a hurry. As soon as she entered, she got into the dark forest again. She turned her back as she found her bedroom door closed.

"Back so soon?" The Mysterious Voice asked curiously.

Apple Bloom groaned as she galloped in search of her culprit, "All right, whoever you are! I dunno what spell you went and cast on me, but I want it to stop right now!"

The shadow emerged from its hiding and revealed two crimson eyes and smiles, "I didn't cast a spell, on you or anypony else. I only did what you wanted."

"Rrrgh! Why would I want you to torment me with nightmares?!"

"You didn't want to catch bugs, and I helped. You didn't want to lose friends, and I helped. If there's a problem with your family, I'm sure I can help with that too."

Apple Bloom screamed in anger, "I don't want your help! Just get away from me!"

As Apple Bloom was trying to escape, a sudden light shined on her and so did the calm and gentle voice. It surprised her suddenly.

"Oh, Apple Bloom, you can't get away from your own shadow."

Apple Bloom looked up. She found a moon shined and glowed brightly as it slowly revealed the Princess of the Night herself. Princess Luna slowly landed on the ground before Apple Bloom.

"Princess Luna! My Shadow? What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise. Princess Luna levitated the moon to the peak of the sky. As it shined brightly, the darkness on the forest slowly becomes brighter. The shadow that followed Apple Bloom slowly transformed into the latter's shadow. She looked confuse and surprise at it," It's just me? You mean I've been doin' all this to myself?"

Princess Luna answered, "Of course, Apple Bloom. It's your dream."

"If I've been dreamin' this whole time, why don't I just wake up?"

"Sometimes we can worry about a thing so much, the fear can make us feel we're trapped in a nightmare."

[Apple Bloom's Story]

Princess Luna teleported herself and Apple Bloom into Astral Realm.

Princess Luna asked, "I don't suppose there's anything you're particularly afraid of, is there?"

Apple Bloom sighed, "Yeah... I guess I've been pretty worried about gettin' my cutie mark."

"Well, that is the same as worrying about who you are. That is all a cutie mark is. If you cannot accept who you are, your life might seem like a bad dream."

"But if I like who I am, do you think other ponies will too?"

"Of course."

Apple Bloom gasped in realization, "Then it doesn't matter what my cutie mark is!"

Princess Luna agreed, "Indeed."

"But that's so simple!" Apple Bloom said in disappointment, "I must be the only pony in the universe this worried about her cutie mark."

Princess Luna shook her head, "Oh, I wouldn't say that."

Princess Luna summoned Ponies' Dream Doors at once. Apple Bloom was in shock and surprise about it.

Princess Luna opened Sweetie Belle's dream door. Apple Bloom took a peek on it. She saw Sweetie Belle on stage as the latter was about to sing on Talent's Show. Just before she could do anything,the broom cutie mark appeared on her flanks. Sweetie Belle gasped in shock. The judges gave her zero points. The janitor came and gave her a broom and bucket for cleaning.

On the next door, Apple Bloom found Scootaloo was setting her scooter from the top of ramp slides's top. She worn both helmet and cape. She was ready for the stunt. As she flapped her wings, she charged straight down the slides. In the middle of her stunts, the baking stirrer on bowl appeared. Her helmet changed into a chef's hat while her scooter changed into a giant baking stirrer. Scootaloo screamed in fear as she was unable to control the stirring. As she slid up, she fell straight down on sticking milk. Scootaloo hyperventilating continued stirring in attempts to escape.

Apple Bloom gasped as she left Scootaloo's Dream Door, "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are havin' nightmares too? Pipsqueak, Dinky and Carly must have them too!"

"I'm afraid so, Apple Bloom." Princess Luna agreed as she turned to Twinkle's door, "But Twinkle's Nightmare is worst."

"Worst? How? She already got her cutie mark."

"True... But her identity isn't." Princess Luna answered. Apple Bloom looked at her. She continued, "Since you told her your fears, she is now more frightful of hers. She questioned herself - should she be demon or pony."

"This is all my fault... What have I done?"

"Don't, Apple Bloom. You didn't know. And now it's your chance to save her."

As Princess Luna was about to open the door, it got locked. That shock and surprise both Princess Luna and Apple Bloom. They quickly opened the door as hard as they can. That never happen.

"Something is preventing us entering her dream," Princess Luna said in concern, "And I don't think Twinkle can do such a thing."

Apple Bloom banged and knocked the door hard, "Twinkle!!!!!!

Back to Twinkle's Dream

She and her team glrare at Morgana, Marmo, and Glacier as the latter held weakened Twilight Sparkle hostage.

"Let my mom go!" She demanded angrily. "This is between you and me alone!"

"I don't think so..." Morgana snarled, "You have betrayed and banished all of our family! And now I shall return you a favor. I will give you a choice - come with me or your deary mother dies."

"And just to be safe." Morgana gave the order to Glacier. He held Apple Bloom as he armed with his Frozen Fist.

"Don't hurt her!"

"I won't. Just give in now, and I'll spare them both."

"You don't belong with these fools. You're no savior. You are the daughter of Tso Lan. You are the Princess of Black Moon. And ponies never welcome Demons. Come with me. We shall go home together."

"Twinks! Don't do it!" Apple Bloom exclaimed as she turned to earth pony. She continued, "Listen to me... You belong here. You're not a monster! You're a hero! You saved everyone's lives. If you hadn't, you wouldn't be Twinkle would you?"

Glacier hissed "Is that your final word? You rather die for her?"

Marmo giggled, "Such amusing noble cause for a little teenager."

Apple Bloom firmly answered, "Yes... She is my friend and sister. I'd rather her be with us than with you."

"Face...Your...Fears...." said Star Blazer her Astral From.

Even Pikachu encougered her.

Apple Bloom... Pikachu...Star Blazer" Nyx said in surprise. She turned and faced Morgana "You're right. I should have returned to home. But my real home lies in Equestria! As long as everyone is my friends, I'll always be pony! And I won't never betrayed my friends and family. I'm gonna keep Amber Dusk a promise to be myself till the end! Give your best shot on me. I won't back down!"

Morgana smirked, "Such heroic nonsense..."

She armed with her Blackish Blade at Twilight while Glacier launched his Frozen Fist. Both Twinkle and Pikachu do is watch and screamed. Twilight Sparkle and Apple Bloom were about to meet their end. Is this the end?

"Nooooooooooooo!"

The event had paused. Everyone but frozen Apple Bloom and Twilight Sparkle were in shock. Why is everything stopped?

"That is far enough, Demons!" The firm and serious voice spoke.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Dark Xing demanded angrily, "Who is interfering our plans?!"

The surroundings were shattered and broken into pieces by several white lights. Jonathan Godwinson, Pricness Luna, and filly Apple Bloom stood before Twinkle and her friends.

"HOW?!" Glacier exclaimed in anger

Jonathan Godwinson glared at the Demons Successors, "So, it was you?! Who are you?! And how dare you tormented Twinkle with Nightmares?!"

Princess Luna nodded, "Leave now... Or you shall feel my wrath! Nopony is allow to destroy fillies' dream, and even little Twinkle. I shall take you down personally."

"What?!" Twinkle asked in shock and surprise.

Morgana growled in anger, "You have not seen the last of me! Our revenge will come! Xiao Yue will pay for her betrayal!"

"See ya, bitches," Glaceir commented angrily.

Eight Demon Successors disappeared through black mists. They had escaped. Twunkle was in concern yet confused of what had has happened.

"What's going on? I don't understand..." She said in concern.

Apple Bloom approached as she hugged and comforted her, "You were having nightmares. And those Demon Successors nearly want to break you."

"I was having the nightmares from the start?!" Nyx asked in concern.

"Luna sought me to break the barrier," Jonathan Godwinson explained, "You were lucky, otherwise you would have suffered a great traumatized on your mental."

Princess Luna nodded, "It's been a busy night for us all, but I think it's time to bring it to a close."

Using their Magic Both Luna and Lord Godwinson teleported both Twinkle and Apple Bloom nto the Dream Version of Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse. They all bowed before them both.

"I know you've all had a lot on your minds tonight," Princess Luna explained, "but I think Apple Bloom has something she'd like to share before you wake."

"And so does Twinkle," Azure Phoenix added.

Everyone was in surprise of what Princess Luna had said. Scootaloo tested hers as she can fly but knowing it's just a dream.

"Well, I guess I should call this dream meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to order!" Apple Bloom joked as she headed to the podium, "I know we all got pretty anxious when we found out Babs got her cutie mark, but I for one don't want to have nightmares every night from now until we get ours!"

Twinkle added, "And even though we're all a little scared, a cutie mark won't change who we are or how everypony feels about us! As long you're still you, we'll always be friends till the very end. That's why Friendship is Magic."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

Sweetie Belle smiled, "It's lucky we're all scared of the same things. That way we can help and remind each other to just be who we are!"

Princess Luna nodded, "And when the day comes that you all finally get your cutie marks, you can be sure they'll fit you to a T."

"Do you fillies think that Babs is worried or scared about some of this stuff?" Scootaloo asked in concern.

Apple Bloom hasped, "I know! Let's put together a care package for her! We should remind her that she's still always a Cutie Mark Crusader and welcome to our club."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "That way she'll know she isn't alone!"

Twinkle noddded "We're still be friends! But, uh... maybe we should wait 'til we wake up."

"Good idea." Jonathan agreed. Twinkle approached him, "Yes?"

She bowed, "Thank you for saving my life. I owe you one. But why did you saved me? I thought you hated me for killing Hope Light."

"Never..." He answered as he gave her a comforted hug, "That was Black Yue. And even though you were her reincarnation, you retain different personalities from her. Thus, you are Twinkle. And I already forgive you. But there's one you can do me a favor."

"What would that be?"

"Love and keep your mother safe. That is your treasure."

She nodded in agreement. Apple Bloom approached to her. Twinkle turned to her friend. And before she could say anything, Apple Bloom hugged Twinkle in comfort.

Princess Luna smiled, "I think it's time to wake up, everypony."

With Princess Luna teleported the CMC out of the Astral Realm. She and Jonathan had a discussion.

"Are you alright?" He asked

"Yes... I'm glad we make it in time. We have not see the last of those Demon Successors. They'll be back for her again.

"Thank you for your concern. And it is nice of you to help her. You make a quite good grandfather to her. Just like what you did for Twilight and Crystal."

"Yes... I did..."

"Why don't you see Celestia? She did miss you. She loved you so much since Qin Dynasty Era."

"No... I think it's best we should stay friends. Not after what we had been through for last 900 years ago."

"I think it's best you should." Princess Luna sighed, "I envied you and Celestia so much..."

"Luna... I also miss him. He was my sworn brother. But always know that he's always with you. Understand?" Princess Luna smiled and nodded her head, "Take care. Don't punish yourself. He wouldn't want you to do that."

Princess Luna smiled and nodded her head, "Goodnight, my dear brother-in-law."

"Don't you mean Good Morning," Godwinson Joked.

Both dispared in flash of light as the Dream Realm was from the Demon Successorss.

In the moring, Twinkle woke as soon as the sun rose from Friendship Rainbow Kingdom while Apple Bloom did hers from Apple Sweet Acres. They both got off from their sleeping places. They looked around of their surroundings carefully. Twinkle found the Ponyville still standing while Pikachu was still sleeping. Apple Bloom looked at her flank. It was blank. They both smiled happily.

Both Apple Bloom and Twinkle sang together: There ain't no call to worry
So don't you cry or fret
A cutie mark won't change me
No matter what I get

Apple Bloom and Twinkle sighed, "Nothing can change our friendship..."

The End...

Episode 4-Making Friends But Keep Discord

At Fluttershy's Cottage, she and her best friend were having their usual Tuesday Tea Party. They've been friends since the day he was freed. And he had proven himself more friendly, gentle and kinder than before.

"Ohoho, but that's not all!" Discord joked, "When I went to look for them again, they were on the ceiling!"

Fluttershy laughed happily, "Oh, Discord, I've never known anypony as funny as you!"

Discord smiled in please and relief to have a good compliment from someone he trusted and loved with. Fluttershy took a sip of her tea.

"I love that story about the time you tried to train your right paw..." She giggled happily, "...to fetch your left leg!"

Discord smiled again to hear what Fluttershy had said. No one and not even Terrorcreep can ruin his special day. Just him and Fluttershy only. So peacefully...

Fluttershy giggled, "Oh, I do love our Tuesday teas, and I can't wait for you to meet my friend Tree Hugger. She's going to love you and others too."

"Tree Hugger?" Discord laughed in amusement about it.

Fluttershy nodded, "I met her on a trip to see the Breezies. She's a member of the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures."

Discord grunted angrily, "How nice for you."

'Great... Just what I needed - another competition to deal with. As if others aren't enough...' Discord thought angrily as he took a bite on teacup?

Fluttershy remarked happily, "We're all gonna have so much fun together at the Grand Galloping Gala!"

Discord gasped as he realized something important, "Oh, I was wondering when you were going to ask me. I'd love to. Well, since Terrorcreep won't be joining with us for the Gala."

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh. Oh, no. Um, I'm afraid I've already asked Tree Hugger since Terrorcreep didn't have the time."

Discord then gave her a sour yet angered look. Was she serious?! She chose Tree Hugger over him. She chose someone else over him again?!

"I'm sorry, Discord. I assumed you'd have your own ticket since you and Princess Celestia are friends now." Fluttershy said in concern as she saw Discord stood up from his chair. He then headed to the entrance as he magically summoned his purple coat. She asked in concern, "Were you not invited?"

Discord turned to Fluttershy, "Who, me? It probably got lost in the mail. No biggie, as the foals say." He snarled a bit, "Well, gotta go!"

Fluttershy held the tray of teacakes, "But we haven't had any of our Tuesday teacakes."

"Well, I guess we're just going to have to exclude them from our party this time." Discord muttered as he took the tray. He poured the teacakes on his suit angrily. He gasped, "Oh, did I say that out loud? I mean, ta-ta."

Discord magically summoned his hat as he put it on his head before magically disappeared. Fluttershy looked concern and worry as she never seen Discord looked upset and angry before.

But unknown to both of them, there was a periscope on Fluttershy's little teacup. Someone was watching the event. On the outside of her cottage, the mysterious figure watched the event from the distance.

"Just as I expected..." He said mysteriously and concerned.

At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Spike Room, Spike was playing a deck of cards with his dragon friends. They were gambling for some rotten and bad bugs? That's disgusting and disturbing...

The dragons held their five cards for the moment as they waited for the chance to strike. Spike smirked as he gave Straight Cards (Diamond 2, Forest 3, Forest 4, Spade 5 & Diamond 6) down. Jeff scoffed as he place Flush Cards (Diamond 3, 5, 7, 10 & J) down. Duke exclaimed wildly as he placed his Full House down (Diamond, Forest and Heart Kings & Forest and Heart 10) Root smiled as he gave the Royal Flush Cards (Full Spade 10, J, Q, K & A). The trio dragons groaned angrily. Grunt won the game again?!

"Aw man! How does he do that?!" Spike demanded in shock.

Duke shrugged, "You'd tell me. I'd never know how he do it."

Jeff sighed, "To think that Grunt only said a few words can win the game so easily..."

Root smiled as he gathered all of the bugs together at once. He held the bugs up as he ate them all at once. He chewed happily. He smiled happily before giving a loud burp.

Bishop entered Spike's bedroom as he wanted to check on the dragons if they were ready or not for the Grand Galloping Gala. Instead, he found them playing the deck of cards with each other.

"Unbelievable... All of you were not ready?!" Bishop demanded in annoyance, "Gambling is forbidden within the castle! And shouldn't you be ready for the gala?"

"Relax, Metalhead! It's not even tonight," Spike commented happily, "Don't worry. We'll get dressed before you know it."

Duke groaned in annoyance, "Remind me why we have to go to Grand Gallo-whatever-it-is! I rather play the poker than going to some boring ballroom."

Rob huffed, "I wouldn't call it boring, Boomer. I heard that Grand Galloping Gala is the gathering of all the ponies for their reunion and chatting. I would like to introduce my latest and best invention to some scientists."

Spike chuckled in amusement, "Yeah... sure."

Grunt shrugged, "I am Root..."

Before Spike could eat the beetle, it transformed into a familiar character. Everyone yelped in shock and frightened. And he wasn't very please for some reason...

"Where's Twilight?" Discord demanded in anger.

Spike gulped, "Uh, she and Twinkle were in Canterlot, helping Princess Celestia with the Gala!"

Discord groaned in anger as he disappeared magically. Everyone remained in shock and concern of what had happened. They have never seen how angry Discord is. What made him so angry?

Unknown to anyone, a mechanical bug had the spy camera in recording or spying on the event.

At Rarity's Carousal Boutique, Rarity was preparing the dresses for Cutie Mark Crusaders to dress. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were playing the cards. Declan was there to assist her in preparing the dresses.

"Oh, your first Grand Galloping Gala!" Rarity said happily as she made a greenish bow, "The excitement, the anticipation! I wouldn't miss this for all the jewels in Equestria!"

Rarity placed it on Sweetie Belle's back dress. Sweetie Belle dressed in cyan and white dress with blue bloomed flower pin on her mane while Scootaloo dressed in her purple dress with a dragonfly pin on her mane. They both were excited and happy as they finally get to go to the Gala.

Both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sang happily, "We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala!"

Declan shook his head a bit, "They were all excited, aren't they?"

"They sure do. These little fillies got upset that we didn't invite them for the party," Rarity said happily.

Applejack shook her head a bit as she placed the cards back, "Alright, y'all, keep it down. It ain't like it's a life-changin' experience or nothiiiiing..." She was interrupted as she turned and found Apple Bloom dressed in her red and peach dress with a flower pin on her mane. She was in shock and surprise as she slowly had some tears coming out. She sniffed happily, "My little sister's all grown up!"

Applejack sniffed a bit as she took Rainbow Dash's tail. She blew her muzzle on the latters. Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance as she took her tailback at once.

"Never see how sensitive and lovable sister Applejack is. She must have loved Apple Bloom so much like a mother," Declan said in surprise.

Rarity shook her head a bit while smiling, "Even she's an older sister, she acted like a mother to Apple Bloom. They formed a special bond."

Apple Bloom approached her friends as they all looked at the mirror for the moment before they giggled happily about how excited and happy they were for the Grand Galloping Gala.

Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled happily, "This is gonna be the best night ever!"

Before any of them could do, the mirror suddenly turned into a one big eye?! Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed in fear as they quickly jumped off the stage. The eye disappeared as it transformed into Discord. Three Cutie Mark Crusaders hidden behind of their sister's back from letting strange go near to them.

Discord approached to Applejack and Apple Bloom as he asked calmly, "I don't suppose that, uh, these adorable little cutie pies have their own tickets to the Gross Gruesome Gala, do they?"

Discord gave Apple Bloom a ticklish paw on her chin. Applejack didn't approve it, and so did Apple Bloom as the younger one gave Discord a slap. She then blew raspberry at him. Applejack smiled in approval. Discord groaned angrily.

Rarity cleared her throat, "Ahem! To answer your rather rude question, they're going as our dates, our plus-ones.

"We're plus-ones!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed and sang happily, "We're plus ones! We're plus-ones!"

Discord groaned in annoyance as he quickly put both his antler's and deer's horns into his ear. He exclaimed in annoyance, "Yes, yes, yes, I believe I got that!"

Discord magically disappeared from everyone's sight. They all wondered what and why Discord asked of that. Something had happened to him...

Unknown to anyone again, a mechanical bug had the spy camera in recording or spying on the event.

At the Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie made another sale of her cupcake to her customer.

"Have a wonderful, special, fantastic day!" Pinkie greeted and thanked happily. As she turned and headed off to her counter, she passed the mysterious black box. She spoke happily, "Oh, hi, Discord. Want some cake?"

The box bounced in shock. It opened and revealed the surprisingly Discord. How does she do that?!

Pinkie Pie bounced happily in front of her friend, "I can give you a list of all the flavors we have in order of most delicious to incredibly, unbelievably delicious!"

"Actually, Pinkie Pie, who are you talking to... I mean, do you... enough," Discord asked nervously yet concerned. He groaned as he gave up, "Oh, you know what? I am famished. I'll take all the cakes."

"All of them?!" Pinkie asked in shock and surprise. She turned to the front as she screamed happily, "He wants all of the cakes!"

As Pinkie Pie happily prepared and packed various sweet and delicious cakes, Discord chatted happily with her yet calmly...

Discord sighed, "Well, I'll need all my energy when I'm dancing at the Gala if I decide to go that is. Oh, by the way, are you bringing anypony?"

Pinkie smiled happily, "Oh, of course! I was gonna ask my mom, because she's, you know, my mom, but it turned out she didn't want to go, so I started asking around and around and around..."

As Pinkie was busy in preparing the cakes packages and busy talking with her friend, Discord turned to the entrance. He gasped in shock and realization. He spotted Fluttershy was hanging out with the greenish Earth Pony with braided pink mane and tail and her Cutie Mark was red heart-shaped tree with yellowish headscarf with flower patterns.

Discord groaned in anger. So, that must be Tree Hugger?!

Pinkie Pie continued, "and I couldn't think of anypony, and I was about to just go by myself, and I realized, of course! Who loves fancy exciting affairs more than anypony else? My sister Maud!"

Discord groaned, "You know what? Cancel my order."

Discord magically teleported while leaving Pinkie Pie dumbfounded and shocked about it. The lobby was filled with cakes-packed packages!

"You want none of the cakes now?!"

As Fluttershy and Tree Hugger were laughing happily together as they were joking, Discord's neck stretched and glared at them both.

"I guess every being in Equestria is funny today." Discord remarked angrily.

Discord slithered in midair to the front as he remained quiet.

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh, how rude of me. Tree Hugger, this is Discord. Discord, Tree Hugger."

"Radical to meet you. Really digging your vibe," Tree Hugger commented in a hippie tone.

"My vibe?" Discord demanded angrily as he turned and glared at Tree Hugger.

Fluttershy assured Discord, "It's a compliment."

"Oh, well, I'm sure it is. Well, I must be off." Discord talked off as he disappeared from his friends' sights. He magically reappeared behind of them. He spoke angrily, "It has nothing to do with seeing you or not seeing you. You can rest assured of that. Hahaha... Have fun at the Gala!"

Discord groaned angrily as he magically disappeared again.

Tree Hugger smiled, "Righteous! And by the way, is your boyfriend coming? I want to meet this Vampire Pony. That is so rare in these days, you know?"

Fluttershy sighed, "I don't know when. He's been busy lately. After all, he is the advisor and general to the Earth Intelligence Force and especially to both Baron Blade and Sir Lancelot.

In the unknown realm which was filled with various and strange places and creatures, there was a small house on the floating island. Within the house, the door was opened. Discord magically reappeared as he looked very angry and upset.

"Oh, Tree Hugger. You're such a great friend. So much funnier than unfunny old Discord!" Discord imitating Fluttershy's voice for the moment.

He magically slammed the door very hard. The jar fell to the ground in breaking to pieces. He sighed in annoyance as he magically dressed in his maid's suit. As Discord continued cleaning or making some messes at his own house - making some fluffy and dusty bunnies underneath the furniture, wetting and soaping on the windows and magically dirty the plates; he muttered angrily about Fluttershy's choosing new ones over him.

"No, no, here. Take my plus-one. I insist. Before somepony else thinks he's my friend and expects to be asked instead. What's that? You're worried Discord might be upset?" Discord groaned angrily, "The nerve of her! First Terrorcreep as her perfect boyfriend, then Boomer as her guest and a friend, and now Tree Hugger as her best friend?! Not a problem! I can make more new friends anytime I want. It's not as if any of this actually mattered! I don't even want to go to the Gala anyway!"

Suddenly, a screaming noise sounded. Discord undressed his maid's suit as he exited the house. He found the floating Parcel Post pony screaming and yelping in fear as he struggled in getting used to the unknown realm's atmosphere.

Discord grabbed the Parcel Post pony at once. He looked at him while smiling happily yet hopefully.

Parcel Post gulped as he held the envelop up, "Are you 'Discord or current resident'? I can't find any street numbers in this place."

Discord magically levitated the envelop up. He magically tear up and levitate a golden rectangle ticket up.

"My ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala! I was invited after all!" Discord exclaimed happily. He paused as he turned and glared at Parcel Post pony. He grimly asked, "Why is this so late?"

Parcel Post Pony gulped in fear, "Well, I got a little lost after I escaped the flying badgers... Can you point me in the direction of the bottomless pit? I think I can make my way back from there."

"I'll save your troubles now," Discord said in annoyance as he gave a snap from his eagle's claw. Parcel Post Pony disappeared from the Draconequus. He turned and looked at his ticket. He smirked darkly, "Looks like I'll see you at the Gala after all, Fluttershy. But I can't show up alone. She'll think that she's my only friend. Who could I bring on such short notice?"

Discord gasped in shock and surprise as he knew someone he can asked for help. He chuckled sly-fully and happily. Unknown to him, a Joker Card was left on the ground as it had a submarine periscope in spying on him. Who is spying on Discord and Fluttershy?! Why?!

"This is going to be fun! He's gonna get it for dumping his own partner now!" The voice exclaimed happily.

At the Canterlot Castle's Hall Lobby; noble and rich ponies from far and wide were invited and come to Grand Galloping Gala, including some of the Human Ponies to join in as well. Princess Celestia dressed in her crimson dress with sun patterns was standing on the top of the first staircase level, along with Twilight dressed in her cyan dress with orange ribbon and her mane tied up in the round, and Twinkle dressed in her purple dress with small lavender ribbon and sparkling star on her mane ponytail mane.

Princess Celestia smiled, "I must say, it's been very nice having you take over some of the planning responsibilities for this year's Gala."

"Anything I can do to make it easier on you," Twilight said calmly.

"Thank you, Twilight. I am quite looking forward to just enjoying the Gala for once." Princess Celestia thanked happily.

"Are you looking forward to see him here? You remind me of how nervous and scared Iris is when she and him had the first dance at Grand Galloping Gala. That was adorable and cute."

Twilight giggled, "Yeah, I am. I can't wait to see him."

Suddenly, the fanfare sounded. Everyone turned to the front entrance. Who was it now?

"Announcing the spirit of chaos, Discord, and his guest, the, uh..." Announcer announced firmly but stopped as he doesn't know the name of creature. Discord whispered to the Announcer's ear. Announcer sighed, "The Smooze!"

Everyone turned to the front as they found Discord dressed in his orange suit and top hat and the greenish slimy ooze-like creature dressed in his blue top hat and red bow-tie marched into hall. Everyone gasped in shock and concern. Everyone is aware that the Oozes are very rare and mysterious yet dangerous creatures as they possessed unknown magic and abilities. Everyone can't be certain if the Ooze are safe to communicate with.

"Good evening, everypony! What a glorious affair!" Discord said happily. The Smooze turned to the second announcer. It took the golden shiny fanfare honk into its mouth. He smiled as he gave it a hug, "He does have a yen for shiny things, the rascal."

As Discord departed, he found his paw was covered by slim. He turned and dry it off on the announcer's white scarf.

Twilight sighed, "I'll take care of this."

"What are you doing here with..." Twilight demanded in concern while pointed at the Smooze, "that?!"

Discord smiled as he waved it off, "Now, now, now. The Smooze may be an "it", but it's it with a heart of, well, blob."

Twilight turned and glared at Discord, "This night is extremely important to me, Discord." She smiled uneasily to her former mentor. She gritted her teeth before glaring at him, "Keep it under control!"

Discord grunted a bit, "Yes, yes, yes, of course. Tell me, have you seen Fluttershy anywhere?

"Well... She's with Tree Hugger at the Dining Hall," Twilight answered calmly. Discord headed off at once. She cleared her throat, "Aren't you forgetting something?"

Discord groaned as he turned and dragged the Smooze out at once. They both headed straight to the Dining Hall in finding Fluttershy. Both Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle sighed in relief. They both turned as they found Ash and his family had arrived. Twinkle headed off at once as she gave Ash a nuzzle on his legs.

Twilight Sparkle approached her love at once. She nuzzled his neck for a while, "You've made it." She departed and looked at Ash's dress. She awed in amazement, "Wow... I didn't know that you wear the Canterlot's Suit."

He smiled, "What can I say? I'm full of surprises. So, is everything alright?"

"Yes... But I'm more worried about Discord and the Smooze now. I wonder what is he doing here."

"Trying to get Fluttershy's attention, no doubt."

"How did you know about this?"

"Shadowclaw told me about Discord. He's been off and jealous on some certain ponies since both of them became the couple."

"I take it that would be Shadowclaw, Duke and Tree Hugger?" Twilight sighed in annoyance, "I just hope that he's not doing something stupid."

"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Come on, let's enjoy the party."

A black-coated figure entered the hall as he found Discord and the Smooze entered the dining chamber. He followed them. Unknown to him, he was followed by the happy clown who acted like he was having fun. Something's not right...

Both Discord and the Smooze entered the hall. Discord looked around in search of Fluttershy. But blocked by the mysterious happy clown as Discord was looking around.

"Hey there! Nice to meet you. Can I have the chat with you?" The mysterious clown asked happily, "And by the way, the name is P.J. the Clown Boy! Would you like to hear my jokes? Mine have always been the best and greatest of all!"

Discord groaned as he was focusing on finding Fluttershy, "Yeah... Sure. Maybe later."

"What's the matter? Got a girl problem with you? She must be important to you."

"Yeah, she is. She's my best friend. I've gotta find her first."

"Tell me - are you in love with her?"

"What?! No! She and I are just friends. She already got her own boyfriend who is pony and better than me, no doubt."

"So, you're not jealous of him? He stole your girl! You deserve it! No one claimed your prize!"

Discord stopped as he glared at the clown, "What do you mean my 'prize'?! I don't treat her a thing, I treated her a pony, genius! I don't like what you had said."

"Sorry. I was just helping. If she really had a boyfriend, then where is he?" P.J. asked curiously, "Boy... For a guy, he doesn't know how to make her happy like you did."

"Come to think of it. You're right. How dare he ran off?! And he dare called himself Fluttershy's boyfriend! Where is he now? Gone! But I'm here! Thanks anyway!"

"No problem. But one advise - proved her that you're the best for her."

Discord smirked, "Thanks."

Discord then headed off while bringing The Smooze with him. P.J. clapped his hooves as he smirked darkly and evilly. What was he's planning?

Discord then stopped as he spotted her sitting together with Tree Hugger. Both of them were chatting with each other happily. Fluttershy was dressed in her greenish and bluish peacock's dress with a head's feather on her mane while Tree Hugger's dress was plain light lavender dress.

Fluttershy giggled in amazement, "Really?"

Tree Hugger nodded, "The aura coming off the waterfall was so alive! So, like, magic manifestation."

"Wow..." Fluttershy said in amazement, "How did you even know to look for an aura on a waterfall?"

Both Discord and The Smooze approached Fluttershy from her back. The Draconequus cleared his throat in getting her attention.

Fluttershy turned and gasped in surprise, "Discord! I thought you weren't coming!"

"No. I actually never said that. But funny how you remembered it that way." Discord remarked sarcastically. He then approached to Tree Hugger, "Anyway, good to see you. Tree Friend, is it? Your name is slipping my mind right now. How strange."

Tree Hugger smiled happily, "Nice to meet you. I'm Tree Hugger. Blessings."

"You have met me before actually!"

"Cool! Like, in another life, maybe?"

Discord gasped in shock, "You've gotta be kidding. You don't remember me?"

Tree Hugger laughed happily, "I meet a lot of different creatures, each one of them perfect and unique."

Discord huffed as he grew closed near to Fluttershy, "Yes, well, as I was saying, it's just great to be here with my oldest, bestest friend."

"Am I really your oldest, bestest friend?" Flutetrshy asked delightfully.

Discord laugehd happily, "Of course not! You think I don't have other friends? I'm centuries old! I was talking about the Smooze!" He dragged the Smooze to the front at once, "Smooze Face, the Smoozinator – well, I mean that's what we called him back in college. Smooze! I would like you to meet Fluttershy and, um, hmm... Tree... how'd you say it... Tree Embrace?"

"Oh, I like that! It's so in rhythm with my life force!" Tree Hugger commented. She gasped and laughed happily, "Maybe I'll change it!"

Smooze licked his mouth as his tentacle was reaching Tree Hugger's necklace. Extremely annoyed and angered by Tree Hugger's innocent comments, Discord gave Smooze a hard slap.

Fluttershy giggled in amusement as she patted the Smooze, "I can't believe I've never heard you speak of the Smooze before. Sounds like you two are so close."

"Well, I'm glad you got that, because that's what is true. We are." Discord smiled proudly as he hugged the Smooze very tight and passionately. He chuckled in amusement, "Very close."

"That's wonderful! The four of us should go out to dinner sometime!" Fluttershy suggested happily.

Heard Fluttershy's suggestion made Discord squeezed too hard and tight in splitting Smooze in two. But as an Ooze, he won't died easily as he regenerated happily back to himself.

Discord demanded angrily, "We should all go out to dinner sometime?! Have you no heart?"

Couple of ponies screamed in fear and concern. Discord turned as he found the Smooze slithering happily approaching them as he wanted some shinning items to eat.

"Oh, oh! It looks like somepony wants to mingle. We'll be back in a bit." Discord smiled happily.

Fluttershy nodded in understanding, "Oh, okay. Treezie and I would love to talk to you more later!"

"Treezie? Really? Sort of a juvenile nickname, don't you think?" Discord asked in annoyance. Ponies screamed while some glasses smashed as The Smooze continued chased after their diamonds and crystals. He called happily, "Smoozie! Wait up!"

Discord immediately headed off at once. Both Fluttershy and Tree Hugger laughed in amusement and happily about it. The black coated pony approached her as he carried a tray of orange cider and salad. He left it down on table. Fluttershy and Tree Hugger turned and found the mysterious figure standing before them.

"Oh... I didn't know you have another friend joining with us," Tree Hugger said in surprise.

"I didn't..." Fluttershy said in concern. She looked at the mysterious figure, "Who are you? Do I know you from somewhere?"

The mysterious figure removed his hat and sunglasses as he looked straight at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy gasped, "You?"

As everyone was enjoying their party, Discord pushed and dragged Smooze away from the party. They approached to the back door. The mysterious clown approached to Discord as he was juggling the balls in front of Discord while smiling oddly.

So, how it goes?" P.J. asked curiously. Discord muttered angrily. He shrugged, "Oh... Someone's mad again. It looks like that making Fluttershy jealous on doesn't work well."

Discord groaned, "Shut up! I need to do something! I need to win her!"

"Why pretend to get along? Once you and your enemy get closed enough, you and her will move to safe distance. And that's where you will teach her a lesson for messing with the wrong friend!"

Discord hummed before smirked in please, "That could work. Thank you, Mr Clown."

"Please, call me P.J." P.J. insisted. Discord headed off at once while moving the Smooze away. He smirked darkly, "Enjoy it while it lasts, old buddy. This is going to be the best payback ever..."

"Now, listen, Smooze. I need to make this a party of one for a little while." Discord explained firmly as he pushed it outside. He slammed the door hard in locking the locks, "Just stay out here until I come for you."

The party was in full until Discord bring his chaotic antics, as

Everyone was about to attack but stopped by the Mysterious Figure.

Fluttershy continued, "I don't understand why you're doing this! We were all getting along so well!"

Discord huffed, "As well as we could, considering you've already stomped all over our friendship by inviting her to the biggest night of the year as if I didn't matter at all! And that's not the worst of it, you are forgiven Duke for what he had done to you even when he ate some bugs?! There's one thing I can't stand the most - you chose Shadowclaw as your boyfriend! I hated it! I hated him for taking you as his girlfriend! It's not fair! It's not fair! And now, I'm all alone!"

"Did you really think I'd abandon you just because I have some new friends?!

"Yes, because that's what you did!"

"No, Discord!" Fluttershy exclaimed, "I invited Tree Hugger to a party because she's my friend! I forgave Duke about it because he's a dragon and different from us! And I love Shadowclaw because he's special to me! I didn't abandon you! What if you had a friend that you could discuss chaos-based magic? Would that mean we weren't friends anymore?!"

"Uh..." Discord was stunned as he spoke nervously and confused, "No, I suppose not. It would just mean that I'd have different friends for different things..." He gasped in realization, "Oh, oh, dear, it looks like I've perhaps overreacted just a skosh."

"More like a lot of skoshes!"

"I'm just so new at this whole friendship thing. It's so much more complicated than it looks."

"Do you think maybe you owe somepony an apology?" Fluttershy demanded. Discord gave her a flower. She slapped his paws hard, "Not me!"

"Oh! Oh." Discord gasped in realization, "Yes, right."

Discord approached The Smooze as he removed all of the shining items it ate out from its stomach. He snapped his finger in making them disappeared.

"Er, Tree Hugger," Discord apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry that you got caught in the middle of my... er, you know... wrath."

"Oh, it's all groovy." Tree Hugger forgave. Discord hugged Tree Hugger passionately and happily. She was still in scared and worried mood, "Um, I need like a few minutes to clear out my chakras before I can hug you from a place of authenticity."

"Oh, your chakras." Discord laughed nervously as he nodded his head in understanding, "Fair enough."

Everyone sighed in relief and happy that everything finally is okay and fine at the end. P.J. looked unhappy and anger while gritted his teeth of how the event.

Fluttershy approached Discord, "Don't you think it's better that you tell me about how you felt? I would have help you."

"Yeah... I guess it's quite silly and stupid," Discord admitted sheepishly, "I guess I took the advice from the wrong clown."

"A clown? Why would there be a clown here?" Twilight Sparkle said in confusion. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "I didn't invite a clown here. Grand Galloping Gala is more like civilized and noble party, not a wild party."

Discord twitched in fear while gulped, "You're not actually a real clown aren't you, P.J.?"

P.J. chuckled and laughed evilly as he held a Gem Blaster up in aiming at Discord. He smirked darkly, "Oh... Discord, always try to be funny. And that is why you're the second-best. And for me, I'm the best!"

"P.J.?" Discord gasped, "Oh no... Psychopath Joke..."

P.J. or Psychopath Joke chuckled evilly and darkly as he took the disguise off. He was revealed to be white make-up clown with a greenish messy mane and short tail. He has a Glasgow Smile. He was dressed in his greenish vest, blue shirt with a tie. And his Cutie Mark is scarred smile symbol, with a knife and bombs.

Everyone gasped in shock and concern as they witnessed the true face of the clown. Discord and the Smooze trembled in fear upon looking at him.

"Good evening, mares and morons," Psychopath Joke greeted calmly yet giving his scared smiley to them. They were scared and feared him due to his appearance. He continued while approaching around them, "Tonight's entertainment - do you know who I am?"

Everyone remained silent as they looked at him in both fears and worried.

"Classic..." Psychopath Joke scoffed. He then chuckled evilly, "Maybe I will tell. But I need an assistant to help me make the story interesting... And she's perfect."

Psychopath Joke turned and glared at Fluttershy as he smiled darkly. She yelped in fear as she slowly moved back. Twilight and her friends were about to attack. He threw a disco ball at them. The Smooze charged off as he had them caught within the slime. As he approached her, she trembled in fear and concern as she stared at him.

Psychopath Joke smirked darkly as he slowly approached her. Fluttershy trembled in fear while Discord could do was watch in fear at her as he knew that the clown will kill her if he tried anything funny, "You looked nervous. Is it the scars? Come here!"

Psychopath Joke pulled Fluttershy closed as he touched her face and place a knife neared her mouth. He narrated in amusement, "Well... Let's see. A long time ago, I was a jester - the best of the best. I always loved making ponies smiled. And then, that's where I met Discord. He told me that we both work together to make the world laugh for joy. I make the best laugh while Discord..."

Psychopath Joke sighed as he slowly put a knife on Fluttershy's mouth, "He makes insane and crazy tricks for everyone to watch. Me just watching. He takes the knife to me and says, 'Why so Serious?' He sticks the blade to my mouth, 'Let's put a smile on that face!' And..." He slowly turned and looked at the frightened crowds. He smirked as he turned to Fluttershy, "Why So Serious?"

Unable to take anymore, Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby in using Bear's Strength. She punched Psychopath Joke's guts. He chuckled in amusement.

"Oh... I like that. For a shy little brat, you've got spirit. I like that!"

"Then you're gonna love this, P.J." The firm and dark voice exclaimed.

Psychopath Joke turned as he found the mysterious figure punched on him on his face two times before hitting on stomach three times. He jumped and grabbed the clown up. The insane clown used the knife to injure his shoulder before kicking him off. His hat and sunglasses dropped off. The mysterious figure jumped up at once. Everyone gasped in surprise and shock.

"Terrorcreep?!" Everyone but Fluttershy and Tree Hugger asked in shock.

Terrorcreep took his Twin Bat Axes out as he charged in. He swung his axes at Psychopath Joke for few times but he missed or the clown dodged them while beating him back. Psychopath Joke rolled to the front as he ran off at once. He was about to grab Fluttershy. Discord came in-between as he gave his old friend a tail whip. Psychopath Joke was thrown off as Terrorcreep grabbed him up high.

"Your days of terrorizing are over, Psychopath Joke!" Terrorcreep exclaimed in anger.

Psychopath Joke chuckled evilly, "Oh... Mr. T. You should know it. This is just the beginning. Ta-ta!"

Psychopath Joke winked his eyes for few times as he disappeared from everyone's sights. But his laughter echoed and heard across the ball as his was pure menacing and sinister. Everyone remained silent for the moment. They wondered of what happen next...

After the shocking attacks from Psychopath Joke, everyone was gathered at the stage. Discord decided to explain about his old friend and how it really happens. Everyone listened carefully to him.

"I kinda forgotten about his name. But P.J. was really a jester and a partner to me but unfortunately, his jokes wasn't really that good," Discord explained, "I tried to teach him about being funny but I guess he got angered and upset easily because of my critics. And the next, he went solo and disappeared. After I was turned to stone, I'd never knew what happen to him until this modern days. I was extremely worried for him. And I heard a lot about him. I've lost my buddy."

Fluttershy looked upset and concern, "I guess that explains why you never wanted me to go away. You were afraid of me doing something foolish that I regret."

"That's the half of it," Discord admitted, "But yes, I'm jealous. I've got manipulated by him from the start. But Fluttershy, why didn't you tell me that Shadowclaw was here?

Shadowclaw cleared his throat, "I have my own reason, Discord. And believe me, I knew you were jealous. So I decided to hidden myself to see if my theory was right. And so far, I was right. I told Fluttershy to snap you out of your jealousy."

"Well, I'm glad she did. That was embarrassing," Discord chuckled in embarrassment. He turned to the Smooze, "I owe you an apology, Smooze. I spent the whole evening thinking about my own feelings and never thinking about yours."

The Smooze smiled in understanding as it kissed Discord's face. Discord smiled happily as he remarked happily

"Well, friends! I think I may actually grow to like this multiple-friend thing."

Maud Pie nodded unemotionally, "I like it too."

"Hey, it's not a party until somepony spreads magic-resistant ooze uncontrollably over the ballroom!" Pinkie squee happily, "Come on, Smoozinator! Let's dance!"

Pinkie pushed the Smooze out as they both danced happily. Terrorcreep smiled happily as he held his hoof up for Fluttershy. She smiled happily as she took his hoof. They both headed to the middle as they danced gracefully and happily in tango style. Everyone joined in the party.

Celestia and Twilight were discussing about the party.

Twilight sighed, "I'm sorry, Princess Celestia. I thought I could give you a break tonight, but it turns out I was in over my head."

"You have nothing to apologize for." Princess Celestia shook her head gently while smiling, "This has been the most fun Gala in years!"

"I know, it was a—What?!" Twilight asked in shock and surprise, "But there was ooze all over the place! And one of the guests threatened to send somepony to another dimension!"

Princess Celestia giggled in amusement, "I know! Can you imagine how dull it would have been if I hadn't invited Discord? Come on! Whoo! The night is still young!"

Princess Celestia headed off as she began partying around. Twilight Sparkle was about to protest but stopped by Ash who shook his head in amusement while smiling. Twilight Sparkle sighed in annoyance but smiled at the end as she knew it's no point. Princess Celestia loved Gala to bewilder and partying, just like the last Gala she and her friends went to.

Both of them joined in the party as they both danced happily and gracefully tango style. While Shadowclaw and Fluttershy danced gracefully and slowly while looking at each other.

"I really wish you could have told me of what you were planning," Fluttershy said in amusement, "This could have avoided some problems."

"If I did, then we wouldn't have made Discord reveal his problem. And you did well to snap him out."

Fluttershy smiled, "That's a relief. But thanks for saving me."

Shadowclaw and Fluttershy kissed passionately and happily for a long. This was the best gala they ever had...

Episode 5- The Princess and The Emperor

Within the library section of the Castle of Friendship in the Rainbow Kingdom, Princess Twilight Sparkle was alone. She approached to the Photography Section. She levitated the book down as she read through the pages of her old photograph. She smiled and giggled happily of looking at them.

Her first picture was her mother held her as a little foal while her father and colt brother were standing near to her. The second picture was her father was playing a game with her. Third picture was her mother teaching her about how to speak. The fourth picture was Shining Armor playing with Twilight Sparkle. Fifth picture was shown her as a filly in getting her book from her family for her first birthday (4-years-old). Sixth picture was her playing together with her family at the park. Seventh picture was meeting Princess Cadance when Shining Armor invited the former as her foal-sitter. Eight picture shown Twilight entered 'Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns'. Ninth picture shown Twilight raising Spike as her brother/son. And finally, the last picture shown to be her and her family including Princess Cadance smiling at the camera for the graduation day.

"So many fond memories," Twilight smiled. She turned and looked at her graduation day photo. She touched on it gently. She sighed, "I missed you... Mom... Dad... BBBFF... You're the most important ponies in my life..."

Suddenly, Twilight's flank glowed brightly. She turned and found her Cutie Mark was glowing. she gasped in shock and surprise. She knew what it means! She headed off to the Friendship Meeting Chamber at once where her new adventure is about to begin...

Inside the Meeting, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Bonnie, and Sonic headed to Griffinstone, Twilight, Yusei, Applejack and Jaden turned to the Cutie Map as they chatted and talked of what they need to do about the friendship problems. Then Twilight's parents enter the chamber.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet both spotted Twilight Sparkle and Applejack were discussing about what to do with Knighton. The parents looked at each other for the moment as they both laughed a bit. They both approached to Twilight Sparkle from her back. They both cleared their throat loudly.

Twilight Sparkle was in shock and surprise as she turned to her back. She gasped in surprise and joyfully.

"Mom! Dad!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily as she hugged her parents passionately and happily. She nuzzled them for the moment. They hugged and nuzzled her passionately and happily. They departed at once. She smiled, "What are you doing here?"

"Why visiting you, sweetheart," Twilight Velvet giggled happily, "After all, you're our daughter."

Night Light nodded proudly, "Your mommy's right, Cupcake! We know how busy and hardworking you really are at your studies and assignment." He chuckled in amusement, "We wouldn't want to trouble you. You are our little special Princess."

Twilight blushed joyfully, "Oh... Mom and dad... You don't have to do this!"

"Na-ah! Your daddy's right. We don't want to trouble you to come and visit us," Twilight Velvet insisted, "So, we decide to come and visit you. That would make less troubles."

Night Light smiled, "So, what do we say that we go and have our family lunch? Shining Armor and Cadance are here. This would be the blast, Twiley."

Before Twilight could respond, she realized something important to her. She turned and looked at the map. She had the mission to do. She and Applejack, and the guys had solved Knighton's Friendship Problem She didn't want to do this but her duty must comes first.

Twilight turned and looked at her parents. They were in concern as they knew what her looks meant. They kept quiet and listened to her reason.

"Mom... Dad..." Twilight Sparkle sighed in upset, "I don't think I can make it because I have a responsible to do. Applejack, The Guys and I are going to solve a Friendship Problem.

Both Night Light and Twilight Velvet didn't say anything as they looked at her with disappointed and upset looks. They were looking forward to spend some quality time with their daughter. They hadn't done that since Twilight Sparkle moved to Ponyville for studying and making reports about Friendship to Princess Celestia.

Applejack nudged Twilight's shoulder while giving her a disapproved and upset look. Twilight shrugged innocently yet shamefully as she didn't mean to hurt her parents' feelings.

Night Light gasped as he had the idea, "Hey, how about this, sweetheart? Why don't we all followed you to Knighton. Me and your mom always wanted to go there."

Applejack smiled, "That's a great idea, Mr. Light! That would make a great family quality time!"

Twilight Velvet smiled in please, "Thank you for the support, Applejack. I'm amazed. Twilight always said that she wanted to have a close sister. And she told me so much about you. You're a really great help, Applejack."

Applejack smiled in please. As she was about to answer, Twilight interrupted as she remarked in concern yet rudely and fearfully.

"Absolutely not! I can't let you go! It's too dangerous!"

Night Light gasped, "Dangerous? What do you mean by that, sweetheart? We've got you. You're the Alicorn! You can beat anything that tried to threaten and hurt us! And don't worry, your old stallion still got some skills to protect himself and your mother from danger. Nothing to be afraid of!"

"Dad! This is serious! What happen if there was a robber or group of terrorists? What if they used you as leverage?! And what happen if I can't protect or saved you?! I can't risk that, dad! It's too dangerous and unsafe! I don't want you or mom get hurt! So, I think it's best-!"

"Excuse me, sweetheart! Are you saying that you're okay to get hurt while we don't?!"

"Yes! That's my responsibility to protect you and Equestria! I don't want to put anyone that is close to me in danger! It's best that you stay here and wait for me."

"Oh no! I'm not agreeing with this! No daughter of mine getting involved of this kind of danger! Not at all!"

"Dad! This is serious!"

"So am I! Do you have any idea how worried and scared your mother and I am?! Whenever we heard you and your friends went into some kind of adventures, battles or diplomatic mission; we both got worried and scared that you may not come back alive!"

"But I'm fine! I come back alive. Safe and sound!"

"Like you were almost killed by Nightmare Moon! You were almost corrupted by Discord and King Sombra! The Changeling Queen almost traumatized you at the hidden cave! And that's not the worst of it, you were almost killed by the plunderseed! I can't stand in listening and watching you get involved and killed during the fight!"

"I'm 21-years-old! I'm not a kid anymore!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in upset, "I do what I must for my home and the Equestria! I an the Princess of Friendship!"

Night Light argued, "No, you're not! You're my daughter! And I won't risk your life for some stupid mission! If you go to that place, then you'll be grounded for the rest of your life, Twilight Sparkle! And that's final, young lady!"

Everyone and even Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern. Night Light grounded his own daughter because of the danger he was worried for her?!

Twilight Sparkle sniffed and sobbed tearfully yet angrily, "Why can't you understand me?!"

Twilight Sparkle then galloped at once. Applejack sighed in concern as she followed after her best friend. Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Ashely, Swift Ice, Twinkle, Spike saw what has happened. And they were all in shock and concern.

Both the dragon and small alicorn and Yuseil, Jaden followed Twilight and Applejack at once while leaving the rest behind. Night Light and Twilight Velvet emerged from the meeting chamber.

"Mom! Dad! What happen?" Shining Armor asked in concern.

Twilight Velvet sighed as she glared at Night Light, "Ask your father."

Night Light looked at the hallway. He sighed, "I just want her to be safe... That's all I wanted. Why won't she listen to me?"

Everyone remained silent and quiet as they prayed that Twilight Sparkle and her friends reached home safely...

On the Train then this happen... Twilight Sparkle was glaring at the window as she looked at the plow field. Applejack looked at Twilight with her concerned look. Everyone else remained silent from Applejack had told them.

"Twilight," Applejack sighed, "Are you alright?"

Twilight sighed as she answered bitterly, "Yeah. I'm okay."

"Twilight... You shouldn't be mad at your own pops. He didn't mean to upset you... He's... He's just protective and worried for you."

"You don't know him like I do, Applejack. My dad never believed in me that I can handle on my own. When I was a little filly, I dream to become Princess Celestia's trusted and beloved student and teacher. Dad didn't believe in me because he thinks I'm not strong enough to do it. It took some snapping from mom to get him support me."

"And he did. You got your Cutie Mark and adventure we've never had before in our lives. And best of all, we all learned the value and moral behind the friendship."

"Maybe... Even so, my dad still thinks I'm not ready. He still refused to support or help me to further my studies. It's like he doesn't want me to leave."

Jaden scoffed, "Come on Twilight your dad never meant to discourage you so much. He just looking out for you."

"Jaden's right mommy. Grandpa Night Light cared and loved you so much. He just didn't want to lose you." Twinkle sighed, "Just like how you felt for me when you learned who I really am. Isn't what parents do for their children?"

Twilight sighed, "It's hard to tell when my dad won't listen to me. He doesn't believe in me. He still thinks I'm not responsible of my own..."

Her friends remained silent as all they can do was watch and looked at her. They prayed that Twilight realized what her father was trying to do for her...

The train had arrived at Knighton Twilight and her friends looked around the area as they found how great and beautiful the city is, despite them being ancient yet traditional designed houses and fortress. The kingdom looked very safe and secured as there were many guards patrolling and guarding the area. They were armed with their swords, spears, axes, pikes, and shields. The Imperial Phoenix Army was even armed with bows and arrows and rifles, as well as artillery weapons.

What impressed them is that the ponies not only lived here but also some Griffons, Diamond Dogs, and even Dragons working and cooperating together as one. Others were like Gremlins, Orcs, and Trolls as the laborers and workers. They were impressed...

"Wow, I never knew that Knighton had some many creatures living here with the Human Ponies." as Spike was amazed.

Yusei turned to Twilight "Is that even possible?"

Twilight smiled as she explained, "Knighton was founded not only by ponies who tried to avoid the Civil War but also some other creatures. Since that very day, they lived peacefully on the land. But unfortunately, it comes to war when it comes to a disagreement with each other. And they all refused to work together. They formed their own kingdom in taking control of It. It lasted for almost 40 years. Thawne Dynasty took over the control of Knighton as the first dynasty."

"And then Three Kingdoms come as the true kingdoms for leading the army and defending the lives," Twinkle smiled, "And just before their fall, more kingdoms tried to control and lead Knighton. But neither is fit to lead the country. So the Human Ponies sent the former warriors from Knighton, Avalon, and Haven as the true rulers and dynasties of their home."

Twilight smiled in approval as she nodded in agreement.

Applejack hummed in concern, "But if that's true, then why did the map sent us here?"

"Only one way to find out," Twilight said calmly, "Find and ask Lord Jonathan. He can help us to solve the friendship problems."

The train stopped at the train station. Twilight and her friends came down from the train. They headed straight to Xu Chang City. Unknown to them, they were followed by a mysterious figure as he watched the event.

"They've come... At last... Everything will come true..."

They looked around the places as they found how peaceful the creatures were. They make good sales and trades. They worked together as one in building some houses and workshops. The Citizens greeted them in coming to their home. The city was fortified and guarded seriously by the guards across the area.

Twilight and her friends knew one thing for sure about the Imperial Phoenix Kingdom. Never let their guard down so easily...

Twilight and her friends arrived at the large and biggest Chinese Palace-like. They were about to enter the palace's entrance. But they got blocked by Imperial Phoenix Guards.

"Hold!" Imperial Phoenix Guard #1 demanded.

Imperial Phoenix Guard #2 nodded, "State your name and intention of visiting Ma Lou Yang Palace?!"

"Boy... They could at least be more gentle and nice," Spike commented in annoyance.

Twilight hushed Spike before turned to the Imperial Phoenix Guards, "My name is Twilight Sparkle. These are Applejack, Twinkle, Spike, Jaden, and Yusei. And we are here to see Lord Godwinson. It is very urgent."

Imperial Phoenix Guard #1 hummed in concern as he spoke, "Unfortunately... We can't."

Imperial Phoenix Guard #2 nodded, "Unless you have the passage documentary approved by the Emperor himself, none shall see him even if it means urgent."

Twilight Sparkle gasped as she slapped her face for being stupid, "I can't believe that I have forgotten to ask him for that! And now, we can't enter the palace!"

Applejack groaned, "Now what?"

Behind Twilight and her friends, the carriage stopped as three ponies emerged and climbed down from it. The first one was Dumon the white Unicorn Stallion with black long mane and tail in a short ponytail dressed in his prince's robe and armor while his Cutie Mark was a Dual Blade with Ice Element. The second one was his wife - Scarlet Glow the cyanish Unicorn with brown mane and tail in bun-shape dressed in her black and blue dress. And the last one was Sunrise Gust a Unicorn Child with a blond mane and tail.

The Unicorns spotted Twilight and her friends standing before the entrance. They knew why they were here.

Dumon cleared his throat, "It's alright, guards. They're with me. Father told me that they have a meeting with him."

Imperial Phoenix Guards nodded in understanding as they moved aside. Twilight and her friends smiled in relief. Dumon and his family marched in while they followed the former. They walked through the courtyard to the palace.

"Thanks for letting us in, Prince Dumon Twilight thanked happily, "Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten in to see your father."

He chuckled a bit, "My pleasure, Twilight. But please be sure that you and your friends are best in behavior. I heard that Dragon Brotherhood had some bad manners at the Gala before."

Scarlet Glow nodded, "Indeed... They're such barbarian and rude dragons. At least here, the Imperial Dragons have better manners than they are."

Spike rolled his eyes in annoyance, "I'm not Duke. I've got some manners. Twilight and Rarity never stopped teaching me about manners."

Twinkle nodded "We'll behave."

Sunrise laughed in amusement, "Well. Let's hope our grandfather doesn't lose his temper from like last Twilight Time. That was the close call."

"So, what is it that you wish to speak with my father," Dumon asked curiously, "Usually, my father come to you for a lesson or giving you some advice for your problems. And this is the first time to see you visiting our kingdom."

"Well. I'm pretty sure that you heard about Cutie Map." Twilight answered. He nodded in agreement. She continued, "Both me and Applejack were sent by the map here to solve some kind of problem. And I had the feeling you know something about it."

"Believe it or not. We have a grim crisis than anything the Kingdom had faced with. This is not a war, economy nor political crisis."

"What do you mean?"

"A Ghost of the Past has come to haunt my father..."

Twilight Sparkle gulped in concern, along with her friends. And they realize that the challenge may not be easy as they thought when they had to deal with a Ghost who haunted Godwinson for some strange reason.

The mysterious figure approached the entrance. Imperial Phoenix Guards stopped him from entering the palace. He held the bag of bits that tempted the Guards to let him. He smirked darkly as he entered the palace.

Dumon guided and led Twilight and her friends through to the Palace. They went through the palace's interior and exterior as they found it very beautiful and grand despite being so ancient-type, and even the gardens looked very beautiful and passionate as well. They were impressed with it.

"If Rarity was here," Applejack joked in amusement, "Rarity would have gone drama and excited of how great and grand the palace is. She would have designed something special and great for her dresses."

Twilight giggled, "You've got that right. If I had known how great this kingdom is, I would have come and lived here with my family together. I can learn everything of what it means to be a good ruler as Lord Jonathan and Princess Celestia."

"I'm pleased that you like it, Twilight," Dumon said calmly. He sighed, "That's what my little sister. You looked so much like her..."

"Excuse me?" Twilight asked in concern.

He cleared his throat, "It was nothing. Come on. Let's keep moving..."

The Prince lead Twilight and her friends to his father's private office where Jonathan Godwinson was chatting with his officers- Wu, Prometheus, Smith, and Ironwood about politics and situation. The former entered the office but at the same time, they overheard what the Emperor and his officers were discussing and chatting about.

"Your majesty," Master Wu spoke, "I've brought some good news. The agriculture is well now due to our new effective and strong growing spell and seeds for our supplies."

Smith nodded, "We have fortified and strengthened the defenses as you had requested for all of strategic location and fortress. No enemies will pass off that easily."

Ironwood nodded, "As you had requested, we have strengthened the securities. So, nobody will come and assassinate you. Rest assured. We won't let them have it without the fight."

Jonathan sighed in concern, "And what about the missing children and citizens, as well as our soldiers? Did you found them yet?"

"No, sir... We're still looking for them," Ironwood said, "We'll try our best to get them back safely."

"Not best enough!" He snapped angrily. Everyone was stunned and shocked by his tone. He continued, "First, there was some crisis that we never had problems with for nearly three months. And then, we have both innocent and soldiers went missing that we have no idea how or why it happens. And now... I have somepony tried to assassinate me when I haven't done anything wrong!"

"My lord, calm down! We will settle things. I promised you." Wu calmed the emperor down.

"You'd better..." Jonathan muttered in annoyance and disappointment. He then looked up as he found some familiar ponies he knows of. He gasped, "My son? Twilight? What are you doing here?"

Twilight giggled uneasily, "I was hoping that we could have a chat. But seeing you being busy, I think we'll wait outside."

"Do not worry, Twilight. Our council is done already. Now we can have chat? Is anyone hungry?"

Twilight and her friends smiled uneasily since they hadn't had some lunch. At Throne Chamber, Jonathan and his family sat on throne seats while his officers sat on the left and civil administrators sat on the right. Twilight and her friends sat at the guest table which was close to the family throne seats. They all were eating some rice, vegetables, ginger, and noodles.

Applejack hummed happily, "These are delicious.

Spike nodded, "Yeah... And not to mention, they'll all be healthy and delicious." He sighed, "I could use some gems for my dessert."

"Unfortunately, we don't," Jonathan replied firmly. He turned to Twilight Sparkle, "So, Twilight Sparkle. What brings you here to my home? Has Celestia asked you to deliver a message?"

"Well... Not exactly..." Twilight admitted sheepishly. He looked at her suspiciously and oddly. She sighed, "Well. You already know what Cutie Map is. It sent both me and Applejack here to solve some friendship problems. We don't know what but..."

Applejack continued, "We believed that you were having some kind of trouble with this 'ghost'. Your son told us about it."
Yes... We do have some troubles. It happens a week ago after some minor crisis had been dealt with. In my sleep, I encountered this ancient ghost. He said that as long as I lived, ponies you tried to protect shall disappear. I'd never believed in him. I thought he was trying to trick me. But..."

"The fillies and colts went missing last week," Dumon added "After that, more of both soldiers and civilians went missing including the officers, politicians, and some of my family members. We don't know why and how. But we do know is that there is a possible rebellion that wishes to overthrow my father. And at the same time, there were some disturbance and crisis as well."

"Such as our armory, artillery and weapons have been sabotaged and destroyed. The soldiers grew weary and scared without the general's guidance and commands. Agriculture and supplies often got poisoned by an unknown source. The mines and even some important historic artifacts were destroyed. And the worse of all, some assassins had infiltrated and tried to assassinate our Emperor."

"Whenever we caught them within our grasps, they got turned into dust before we got interrogate them. These punks were one step ahead of us. They won't stop until Jonathan steps down. "Not on my watch! I'm not going to let that happen without the fight."

"Agreed. Have they no courage to speak complaints to us but to insult our Emperor and assault our military strength and might? Cowards..."

"This will cause ponies to question my leadership. After nearly 1,000 years of ruling the country, this never happen before. I refused to surrender to this enemy of mine. I will not let these rebels take over my home without the fight."

"Yes... His majesty spoke the truth," Wu said in concern, "If we do not solve this in time, our kingdom will fall. Knighton will fall into chaos.

Both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack looked worry and concern. They knew Jonathan Godwinson and the Phoenix Kingdom are capable in ruling Knighton for centuries. If their kingdom was removed like before, there will be chaos. They also dobut that Zenith and Volcanic Kingdom could have strong ideal to calm them down.

"You think this is the friendship problem?" Applejack asked curiously.

"Maybe it is. Lord Godwinson needs our helps to deal with the crisis. Reality, we need to befriend them before it gets worse. " Twilight said proudly as she turned to Imperial Phoenix Members, "Your majesty, I know what we can do."

Johnathan and his troops turned and looked at her as they all wondered of what kind ideas she had in mind to stop the insurgency.

"These fools have no idea of what they gotten themselves into. And soon the fallen dynasty shall rise from its ashes. All will fear the true ruler of Knighton.

Outside of the study, the mysterious figure smirked darkly and evilly. He was expecting it from the start. He magically disappeared.

Spike gulped in concern, "I still think it's the bad idea..."

Dumon led Scarlet Glow, Applejack, Jaden, Spike, Minister Wu, and Hunter across the town in search of clues and leads to any connection or suspects. But at the same time, using Dumon as the bait to lure the assassins out for them to capture them alive.

"We don't have much of the option, Spike," Applejack said in concern, "And besides, we need to know more about this rebellion and how they able to cause the ruckus without any of Imperial Phoenix Guards to realize. Twilight also thinks that someone is behind of this mess as well."

"And the only one way to lure them is a bait. And who would be a better bait than the heir of Johnathan Godwinson."

"It's risky and dangerous," Scarlet Glow said in concern, "I don't like it..."

"If they come and kidnapped our prince," Hunter snarled a bit as he held his wrecking ball on his back, "I'll pound them to the ground."

Wu sighed , "Let's pray that we won't stay here for long. I can't stand it for the assassins to assassinate my prince and lord."

"Hopefully, it's not too long... Hopefully, we can find the clue." Applejack said in concern. She then noticed most of ponies and other creatures quickly hid behind their doors and homes from making contacts with the royalties. She hummed, "Is this always happen?"

"Yes... Why?"

"Well... They seemed to be scared of you. But you and your family are the rulers while they didn't seem to be happy. Care to explain why?"

"It's simple. We use fear on them. Fear earn the respects and loyalties. We also had to make our enemies feared at us, so none can challenge us. We show this strength and might to the world that we're the strongest nation among Equestria. That is the way of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."

Applejack sighed as she looked at the ponies locked their gates and doors from going out and in, "I get it. But still... It's not right..."

Spike gasped as he pointed his finger out, "What is that?!"

The ponies looked as they followed where Spike was pointing at. They spotted a brownish stoned Knighton Pony standing idly neared to the restaurant. They then approached to it.

"What the heck is this?" Spike asked in concern, "This guy looks scary."

"That's the Terracotta Warrior - ancient soldier who guarded the First Emperor- Thawne." Dumon answered.

Applejack and Spike turned and looked at him. He continued, "When his death approached, he wanted his tomb to be hidden and kept secrets from his enemies at all cost. But it wasn't enough. When the craft ponies came to him, they presented the Terracotta Warriors as not only guardians and sentinels against the intruders but also guarding the spirit once he reached to the Heaven."

Applejack approached and looked at it carefully. She whistled, "Why... That's fascinating. It feels like that the pony was turned into stone. I can see why Twilight wanted to see them. They're amazing. These statues wouldn't able to keep their pieces together for 1,000 years unless it's got something to do with materials and crafts in making this happen."

"Which is also true. They kept the Terracotta Warriors beneath the underground for a warm and cool temperature to make them hardened and strong for the rest of years. So, they were all place together at the underground in guarding the Emperor's Tomb."

"That's awesome..." Spike said in surprise. His surprise face turned into worry and concern as he looked at the statue, "But what's it doing here when it supposed to be guarding the Emperor's Tomb?"

"Hmm... Good point...I don't recall them being moved here." Dumon said in concern.

Applejack narrowed her eyes at the Terracotta Warrior, "Something's ain't right..."

As Applejack and her friends looked at it carefully, the Terracotta Warrior stood still and did nothing. They shrugged as they decided to leave it. As they left area, the mysterious figure approached to Terracotta Warrior. He smirked as he took some powder and poured on it.

But nothing happens. Suddenly, Terracotta Warrior turned its head and looked at them. What the heck?!

In the study room, Twilight, Twinkle, and Yusei were investing the mystery behind the rebellion and the attack in bringing Godwinson down. Imperial Phoenix Officer have passed all of the evidence and information to them to investigate the mystery. They spent nearly 5 hours in searching for the answers. As Twinkle and Yusei looked through the books, Twilight gazed on the map in hoping to find answers of why they want Johnathan overthrown. So far it was nothing.

Then Johnathan and Axol enter the study room.

"Everything alright?" He asked in concern. Twilight Sparkle turned and bowed before him. He smiled, "There is no reason for you to bow before me, Twilight. Rise, my student. Why don't you take a break? Green Tea clears your mind and makes you relax."

Twilight sighed, "No... I shouldn't. I have to find out of who is he and why he did this to you. I won't
rest until I find this criminal..."

Twinkle nodded, "That's my mother. When it comes to mystery and books, she won't rest until she solved it. That's her way to find the answer."

Johnathan shook his head in denial, "Take a rest. Perhaps, would you like to have a chat with me?"

Twilight yawned softly, "I could take a break..."

All of them decided to take a break at once. Johnathan poured the tea on their cups. They all drank the tea while eating the Mooncakes.

Twinkle hummed happily, "Wow... These mooncakes were great! When Nightmare Night happens, we could have them to celebrate!"

"True... But we only make mooncakes when the 15th Moon of September comes. But this one, I make it special..."
.
"Why is that?" Yusei asked

"Have you heard the Legend of Moon Princess?" He asked them curiously. Twinkle and Yusei shook her head in concern. He smiled as he began narrated the story of Moon Princess.

"This one is special. It happens during the Thawne Dynasty. One day on The Fall Season, the Emperor's Concubine Yue came across the drought village where ponies suffered from sun's wrath. Unable to see them suffered, she levitated the moon while lowered the sun down to save them. Her older sister was worried and disappointed at her doing. But the General stopped as he defended her and proved that ponies were happy to be saved from suffering. Until the rain comes, the moon stayed for ponies to be healed. To honor her for saving their lives, they gave the offering of fruits to her as the symbol of healing. And interesting of it was her putting the fruit into a cake. Both her and the general makes the very first mooncake as the symbol of respect and worship to the full moon and herself. Thus, it became the Knighton's Special Moon Festival Day in honor of Princess Luna."

"Wow! Princess Luna was the pony that ponies worshiped her as their savior and god. And she's the responsible of making mooncakes with the general?"

"That's right..."

"Wow... That's so cool! Who was the General that Princess Luna in love with?"

"That is a story that will be told another time." Johnathan turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle who was looking at the map and clues she found so far. He knew what she was thinking. He spoke, "Still trying to find the answer?"

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Sorry... I didn't mean to be disrespectful, milord. I'm just worried and scared that I won't able to solve the case and save you in time."

"Rest assure, my dear. Everything will be fine. I'm sure you will find the answer."

"Lord Godwinson... There's something I wanted to ask something important. It's about-!"

"Do you know how to serve the tea?" He asked curiously. Twilight Sparkle was surprise and shock as she nodded her head. He smiled, "Make a tea and served me."

Twilight Sparkle nodded her head in understanding. She levitated the book about tea. She read them carefully. She smiled as she make the tea perfectly. She poured it into a cup. She levitated the teacup before him.

"Your majesty, I brought you a cup of tea," Twilight Sparkle spoke humbly.

"Not correct... Try again, my dear..."

Twilight looked at Twinkle who shrugged innocently and confusion. She sighed as she bowed while levitated the teacup, "Your majesty, would you like to have a tea?"

"That is correct, Crystal..." Johnathan smiled as he levitated the teacup. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx gasped in surprise and shock. Did he called her Crystal? He continued, "I've always enjoyed your graceful ways of serving tea. We both taught you well, my beloved daughter..."

Twilight Sparkle was in confuse and surprise of him calling her Crystal but at the same time, she had the feeling he missed her so much since her death...

From the outside of study room, both Ironwood and Smith saw what has had happened. They were surprised yet understanding and concerned. They knew why he called Twilight his daughter's name and how much he really missed her.

"Lord Johnathan?" Twilight asked him. "Why did you call me that? Was it because of my
appearance?"

"Yes... Were you bothered and upset by me? Then, accept my apology for being bluntness and blind."

"No... It's just that... You did miss her, didn't you?"

"A lot... She was the most beautiful yet kindhearted and gentle but surprisingly strong, brave and stubborn as her parents. She was so special as my first-born son and others..." He sighed,.

"My greatest and deepest regret was not loving her enough. I didn't give her more freedom or even spending some quality time with her. I didn't help her to be strong or having friends. All I want... is her to be safe from danger..."

"Safe... From... Danger..."

"Twilight? Was something bother you?

"Well... Yes... It was my father. He and I often argued of what I wanted for myself. He didn't believe in me. He didn't support me. And the worst thing I couldn't stand the most is that he refuse to see that I'm a grown-up mare. He thinks I'm not mature enough. It's really pointless. He doesn't love me..."

"You're wrong, Twilight..." He said firmly yet calmly. Twilight was in shock and surprise as she looked at him. He continued, "Your father did support and believed in you. And most important of all - he loved you so much..."

Twilight was surprise as she asked, "How would you know? You'd never met my father."

"But I know how he feels. My daughter and I often argued but at the end, we're willing to accept each other's opinions. While my mind was fearful and worried that my daughter would be in grave danger because of me but in my heart, I do believed she is ready. I'm proud to have a good and special pony in my life. While your father stubbornly to admit you're strong and independent pony, he will and always love you so much, as what fathers did for his children."

"Really?"

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle. I will and always be proud of my children. And all I want is to see them alive and be safe. And most important of all, make the right decision and choice for the world. That's all I'm asking."

Twilight was in shock yet surprise and touched by the emperor's wisdom She realized that her father did care for her, even though he was too stubborn to realize that she's not a little girl anymore.

She smiled tearfully as she hugged him passionately and happily. Twinkle smiled while sniffing tearfully as she wiped her tears off. She knew and understand what her mother feels. All she wanted was her father to be proud and approve of her for being an independent, matured and able to make good friends.

"Sorry!" Twilight departed in fear and concern, "I-I-I-I-I didn't mean to do that! I... I just need-!"

Johnathan smiled as he patted Twilight's mane gently, "I know. You feel shame and regret about not understanding your father's way of love. You just want him to see that you've mature well. I know. And I understand..."

"Thanks. Can I get a hug? I think I understand why they call you the 'Father of all Phoenix'." Twilight asked happily.

"Of course." as all of them hugged each other.

As they were all hugging, Twilight took a glance at the map again. She noticed something about it. She saw the empty space which was located between Ma Lou Yang Palace and Xu Chang City.

Twilight gasped as she departed from the group hug. She approached to the map. She looked and analyzed it carefully as if she found something surprising.

"What is this place, ?" Twilight asked curiously.

Johnathan answered, "That is where both Thawne's Tomb and Terracotta Warriors are located."

"I knew it!" Twilight exclaimed in shock and surprise. Johnathan, Nyx, and Yusei looked surprised and concern about what she had said. Both Smith and Ironwood entered the study room. She turned to them as she levitated the hardened clay armor up, "I know where this came from. I think I know who is this Ghost of the Past. But I need your help."

Everyone was in shock and concern of what they heard. Twilight knew who was the suspect being responsible of causing chaos at the Northern Ma. But who? Who did this to bring Johnathan and his Imperial Phoenix Kingdom down?

Twilight explained of what was going and happening at the Northern Ma. She then pointed at the empty area which was between Ma Lou Yang and Xu Chang City. Everyone was surprised and shocked by it.

"Are you certain of it, Twilight?" He asked her in surprise.

Twilight Sparkle nodded her head firmly, "Yes. Yes, I am. I'm sure of it. There's no doubt of it."

"If this is true, then there might be someone who wants the revenge," Smith said in concern, "By tarnishing your reputation and destroying all the effort you had tried in protecting the North, ponies will be turned against you."

Ironwood hissed, "Our kingdom will fall."

"Not for long..." Johnathan said firmly. He then closed his eyes like he was contacting with someone. He gasped in concern, "I can't reach my son. Something had blocked my mental link to him..."

Twilight Sparkle gasped in concern, "Applejack! Spike!

Yuesi reach for his comms, "Dammit Jaden isn't answering! We need find them and fast!"

And so, Twilight and the others raced out the library...

Twilight and her friends had arrived at the city of Ma Lou Yang in search of their friends. As they searched and looked around, the city was empty but quiet as well. Twilight Sparkle , Twinkle, and Yusei Fudo were uncomfortable and concerned, though they noticed some ponies hid and locked their homes. So many ponies refused to come out and enjoy their day or greet their Emperor.

"Is this always like that?" Twilight asked in concern.

Johnathan nodded, "Yes... When the Emperor marched on the street, the ponies must either bowed before him or returned to their home unless they were told by him. That is the traditional way to respect the Emperor."

"This is more like fear to respect than joy to respect," Twilight said in concern. She sighed, "No wonder you and Princess Celestia broke up. No offense."

"None taken... Why would you be concern of this?"

"One - you're the Emperor, you should care and love your ponies, not make them feared you. You were supposed to make them better. Second - you used fear on enemies, not your own. And third and important of all, don't pretend to be something you're not."

"What are you trying to say, Sparkle?"

"I'm trying to say that you should be yourself. There is no reason to hide yourself."

"Twilight Sparkle... What makes you think that I hide myself?" He asked in annoyance. I'm the Emperor of Knighton. All feared me because of my strength and cunning to defeat the enemies and make my nation strong."

"Because I was too afraid," Twilight admitted as she looked at him, "I was afraid that ponies may not like who I really am. I was afraid nopony will like me. But when I met my Ponyville friends, they shared their friendship with me. I was so happy and proud to have it. I shown my true self to them. And they're happy to be my friends. And I know deep down, you were actually a kind and noble leader but feared ponies will used it as your advantage."

"Twilight Sparkle... How dare you-?!"

"This is modern days, not ancient. And it means that it's time to change and show who you really are and what you are meant to be. I want to meet the real you. I want to know who you really are. And above all, do you treasure your friendship with everyone you love, care and trust?"

"Twilight Sparkle..."

Johnathan was stunned, surprised and shocked of how Twilight reacted to him like she knew who he really was and how he felt. He then saw her image blurred as she turned into someone he was familiar and yet to see her for a long time.

"So... Who you really are, Johnathan Godwinson?" Crystal asked calmly, "It's okay to show who you really are from the inside. I know on the outside that you want the world feared you but to protect ponies you've cared and loved."

He asked in stun and shock, " Crystal..."

"Crystal?" Crystal asked in surprise.

The image blurred and turned into Twilight Sparkle. Azure Phoenix shook his head hard before looking at her again. And before any of them could speak or ask, Prometheus approached to him at once.

"M'lord! We found something!" He exclaimed in concern as he took the Texan Hat up and Dual Blade, "Applejack's Hat and the Prince's blade."

Twilight Sparkle gasped in fear, "Applejack... No..." She turned to Godwinson, "We have to find them now! To the Emperor's Mausoleum!"

He nodded his head in agreement as he and his allies headed off at once. They were all heading to the Emperor's Mausoleum in search of their friends and allies..

...
...

Within the mysterious chamber, Applejack moaned and groaned painfully as she slowly regained her conscious. As she looked around, she gasped in shock and concerns.

She found herself trapped and chained before the floating tomb. She looked behind as she found all of her friends (Spike, Dumon, Scarlet Glow, Sunrise, Hunter, Sensei Wu, and Jaden) were chained to the pillar. She also found thousands of hanging cages contain almost all the missing ponies from Ma Lou Yang and Xu Chang City. And of her surroundings, the chamber was filled with thousands of Terracotta Warriors.

"What the hay-?" Applejack asked in concern. She turned to the front. She found the mysterious hooded pony approached her. She yelped, "Who- Who are you?! What do you want?!"

The mysterious figure smirked darkly as he held the knife out. Applejack gulped in fear and worry as she doesn't like it one bit.

"Let the Thawne Dynasty risen from the Hell! Long Live Emperor Thawne!"

...
...

Using her magical tracker on Applejack's Texan Hat, she followed her best friend's scent. Her friends followed them at once. For hours they had spent in following the scent, they arrived at the large Chinese Temple-like on the barren wasteland. They knew what it was. They were on the right track.

"This has to be it," Twilight said firmly. She put Applejack's hat on her head, "If I have to guess correctly, then he is the responsible of the conspiracy."

"But why here?" Yusei and Ironwood asked.

Prometheus nodded in concern, "Indeed...within the walls it was nothing but the tomb of the FIrst Emperor and his warriors."

"No...There's definitely something going on," Twilight said firmly.

Twilight and Twinkle Sparkle, and Yuesi Fudo rushed into the temple at once. Johnathan and his army stood by as they all wondered of what they should. Should they follow her or keep on looking for more clues?

After a long thought Johnathan nodded his head and then, all head in the temple at once. What lies ahead, no one knows...

...

...

Within the Emperor's Resting Chamber, the mysterious figure chanted darkly and evilly as if he was calling upon something while Applejack and her friends were still trapped. As Applejack's table slowly flipped upward, the chains tightened the grip around her hooves. She gulped in fear as she doesn't like what happen next...

The mysterious hooded figure turned to Applejack. He continued, "Oh... Great Emperor! Hear my voice! I've brought you the greatest sacrificial pony you ever feast upon! I have brought you your power! I've brought you your strength! And I've brought you your eternal youth! I have brought the Wielder of Element of Honesty before you! Feast upon her blood and soul! You shall be reawakened!"

Applejack gasped, "No, Don't!"

The mysterious hooded figure held his knife up high, "Prepare to meet your destiny! Let your soul shall sold to the Great Emperor! Let him live!"

"STOP!" The familiar voice screamed in anger and resistance. Everyone stopped as they turned and found Twilight Sparkle and her friends stood before their allies. She spoke, "That's far enough! You will not resurrect the Emperor, Roman!"

Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Did she called the figure, Roman?!"

"Are you sure? Smith asked.

She nod her head. "I'm sure... The only only who knew this place were General Benjamin, General Nash, Commander Johnathan Godwinson, Prime Minister Luke, and the traitorous Roman!"

"Of course, "Yusei said in shock," those pieces of hardened clay we found from the crime scenes. They were actually Terracotta Warriors! You somehow managed to put them alive, to avoid being found by Imperial Phoenix Soldier for almost every night to play their tricks! Wasn't it, Roman!"

Everyone was silence as they were all shocked and surprised by Twilight's respond. The mysterious figure then laughed in amusement like he was expecting it or find it funny. He removed his hood as he revealed to be a young fat pony with black mane in bun shape dressed in his black Ancient Eunuch Uniform.

"Impressive... Everything you said is true..." Roman nodded, "But... How did you know I survived and lived for a long time?"

"That's easy... You stole the Immortal Pill for yourself while letting the Emperor died. You feared that he would punish you for betraying him because of all the deeds you had committed against the nation and citizens, isn't it?"

"Again... Correct. But not this time. This time, I will correct my mistakes! I will restore the order. Thawne will rise once more!"

"Neither you or Thawne deserves to rule. The three kingdoms of Knighton are better than any kingdom!"

Johnathan Godwinson pulled his sword out and ready to fight. "Roman! I will have my revenge!"

He smirked, "We shall see... Guards! Terracotta Warriors! Take care of them now! Kill them all! For the true Emperor of Knighton!"

As if rudely awaken, Terracotta Warriors had their eyes glowed darkly and yellowishly. They unsheathed and took their swords, pikes, spears, bows and arrows, crossbows and arrows out in ready to fight their enemies. They then marched towards Twilight and her friends. They're in trouble now!

"Now what?!" Twinkle asked in concern.

"Warriors, freed your comrades and peasants! Fight our enemies to the death!" Johnathan turned to Twilight, "You and Twinkle must save Applejack! I will deal with Roman! He shall pay for the murder of Ben and Nash! All shall be avenged!"

Smith and Ironwood freed all of the missing warriors and peasants from their prison. Dumon led the Imperial Phoenix Army into the battle against the army of Terracotta Warriors with both might and ferocity in destroying the latter. Scarlet and Sunrise and all of Imperial Phoenix Politicians protected the innocents and peasants from their enemies. Spike quickly headed and regrouped with Twilight and others.

Johnathan flew off at once to the top of pedestal. Roman yelped in fear as he quickly chanted quickly while the tomb glowed darkly and evilly. It slowly levitated in vertical position.

"In order for you to live, give you - your new found power and immortality! With Element of Honesty within you, you will live forever! Take it! It is yours forever! Long live the Emperor" As Roman aimed his knife a Appleajack. But he quickly ran away , and Godwinson gave chase.

With the words struck at the tomb, it opened in one. It revealed the frail and old skeleton with long white beard and small mustache of Thawne dressed in his Ancient Golden Emperor's Robe and Crown. He screamed wildly and painfully as his chest glowed darkly in getting out from within!

Applejack screamed painfully as her orange aura emerged from her body. It then immediately entered tThanwe's Body. He is draining her powers, strength, youth and will to be reborn as the Immortal Emperor of Ma once and for all...

"APPLEJACK!" Twilight Sparkle cried in fear. She turned to both Spike and Twinkle, "We have to help her! We can't let him reborn."

Both nodded in understanding. Twilight and her children charged in to rescue Applejack. Twilight Sparkle pulled the cowgirl down as hard as she can while Spike and Twinkle tried to break the chains off. But it is useless. Even the chains were broken, Applejack's aura continued been absorbed into the hollow bodied.

Twilight hissed in concern. She knew if the Emperor fully resurrected, he will destroy the lives and the world. She had stop him! She teleported herself in blocking the Emperor from draining Applejack's power and youth. She dropped down hard as both Spike and Twinkle, and Yuesi helped Applejack getting up. The Southern Pony is safe but not the princess.

Twilight Sparkle screamed in pain as her aura, powers and youth were absorbed into the Emperor. He slowly laughed evilly and darkly as his flesh turned into youthful skins, followed by his facial and appearance. From old to young, the Emperor is reaching to its resurrection!

Johnathan continued attacking Roman. If it not for the scream, he stopped and turned his back. He found Twilight Sparkle's magic and power been absorbed into the Emperor's body!

"Twilight Sparkle!" Johnathan cried.

He wanted to save Twilight Sparkle but he can't afford to let Roman escaped from his vengeance. He has to choose one or he will risk everything. Which one he should go? Save Twilight Sparkle? Chase and kill Roman?! It's so hard to choose!

As Twilight Sparkle's power and aura been absorbed, the Emperor laughed evilly and darkly. He smirked darkly while looking at her. He has everything he needed to restore his kingdom and his secure as the Ruler of the Knighton.

"Your powers... They are truly amazing! As long you are here besides me as my new concubine, none can stand in my way! I will become the Immortal! I will become the Emperor of Equestria!"

"Not this time!" Yuesi shouted. "Now, Jaden!"

Acting fast, Jaden stabbed his Scythe of Quake at his back ausing him to cease from absorbing and draining Twilight Sparkle's energy and youth. She fell to the ground hard. She slowly returned to normal with her powers and aura returned to her and Applejack.

"Nooooooooo!" Qin Wang Di screamed in fear and denial, "This can't be!"

As the light glowed from the emperor's body, he screamed in pain. His heart got exploded into pieces. His body became empty and immovable as the dead. With him gone, the Terracotta Warriors ceased from attacking as they slowly returned to the position where they stood in their previous position.

"Go to hell your highneess!" Johnathan as he struck his sword as his body.

Everyone cheered happliy as Thawne is dead never to returned again! Everyone is relived from the battle. Johnathan approached to Twilight and her friends.

"Are you all alright?" He asked . Twilight Sparkle smiled and nodded her head. He sighed as he hugged her passionately, "Thank the Mystic! You are safe, my dear! It's over for now..."

Everyone awed and sighed happily to see what has happened. But not everyone is, Roman climbed the stairs to the fifth. He turned to the lower level. He hissed in anger. He lost the fight again. He quickly escaped before he get captured.

"This isn't over yet..."

...
...

At the Emperor's Throne Chamber, Imperial Phoenix Politicians, Military Officers and Citizens have gathered in congratulating Twilight, Applejack, Twinkle and Spike for saving both ponies and the kingdom from vengeful eunuch and the nearly-resurrected Emperor. They all cheered happily and wildly for them as Johantan handed them the Golden Phoenix Medals.

"Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. You have saved us all. We are eternally grateful to you."

"Thank you, your highness," Twilight Sparkle bowed, "It was you who we should be thank to. If it weren't for you, Thanwe would have resurrected and takes his revenge."

"True... I couldn't bare to lose someone who is very important to me as anyone else I had loved very much. However, You were right from the start, Twilight. You were right." He sighed.

"Father?" Dumon asked in surprise and concern.

Everyone was in confuse as they wondered of what he was talking. He then look at the ponies. Twilight Sparkle realized of what he was trying to do next. She smiled.

"My great Ponies, It is time you learned of who I am. I am sorry for forcing you to fear me," Johnathn spoke calmly and firmly. Everyone was in shock and surprise. He continued, "I'd never wanted to do this. I pretended to be cruel and ambitious ruler for you to fear and obey because I want to protect you from danger, even it means sacrificing my kindness and gentleness. I did this to make not only our nation strong but making ponies to be more intelligent and stronger, so they can not only protect themselves but their families and friends."

Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they just heard.

He continued, "I know this is impossible to believe in. But after everything I have done for thousand years, I did good thing for you all. I built this country for you all to live peacefully and harmonically. I built the military to defend this country from danger. I built education and training for you all to train and learn to be wiser and stronger. And above all, it is not the fear that makes the nation strong! It is the talents you possessed! Because of you all, we have make the nation and family strong! We cannot give up that! We must win for our nation!"

Everyone remained in shock and surprise to hear his speech. Is this the same Johnathn Godwinson they once feared and respected for centuries?

He sighed, "I'm not asking your forgiveness. I'm asking your cooperation and unity to make our nation strong. So, without any further a due, I shall step down from being Emperor. This should please you all enough."

As he was about to turn, Dumon spoke up.

"Father! We never said we want you to step down," Strikespell said calmly. Johnathan was surprise. Hesmiled, "We will do what you had ask. It is not because of your appearance and reputation. It is who you are that we truly respected for many years. You are the true Emperor of Knighton. Please, rule for us, father. Long Live the Phoenix Emperor!"

Other than Dumon ried and cheering, politicians and military officers joined in and followed by the peasants and foreigners. They all cheered and cried happily and wildly.

"LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR!"

With loud cheering and clapping their hooves across the Imperial Phoenix Kingdom, Johnathn was in shock and surprise. He couldn't believe in his eyes. They actually willing to let him continued his rule as the Emperor.

Without any delays, he returned to his speech desk. Everyone cheered wildly and happily.

"Thank you, my ponies. From now on, you will no longer fear me but respected me as your benevolent Emperor of our great kingdom."

Everyone cheered and cried wildly for him their kingdom. Twilight's and Applejack's Cutie Marks glowed brightly.

"I can't believe it. We solve the problem," Applejack said in shock and surprise, "How?"

Twilight smiled, "I helped and opened his eyes. It is time to move out from his shell - the true Jonhathan Godwinson.

He smiled as he waved to them while approaching to Twilight Sparkle. He bowed down before her. She bowed back to him. They both stood up and smiled at each other.

"Thank you, Twilight Sparkle for everything," He said calmy. Twilight Sparkle smiled. He cleared his throat, "Would you like to know more about me and my relationship with my family and officers? Would you like to know about brave and intelligent Crystal as you are and her mother Princess Celestia?"

"Yes!" Twilight Sparkle cheered.

He looked and spoke, "Let us celebrate! For our kingdom!"

Everyone cheered wildly and happily as they all began celebrating for their ruler as being true kind and generous ruler of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom...

...
...

At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Library, Night Light was looking at the photo book. He looked at all of the photos which involved him and Twilight Sparkle for playing, working, teaching and learning together as father and daughter. He then came across the graduation photo. He sighed in shame and upset. A small teardrop emerged and flown down his cheeks. He should have given Twilight Sparkle a chance...

"Father?" The gentle voice called. Night Light gasped as he turned and found Twilight Sparkle stood before him. She then bowed before him while levitating the golden medal up, "Father, I've brought you the crest of the Emperor. It's the gift to honor our family as their tradition way to thank me."

Night Light was speechless and surprised. But nevertheless, he knew what he should have done. He pushed the golden medal aside. He then hugged the shocked Twilight Sparkle.

"The greatest gift of honor..." Night Light spoke humble before departed and looked at his daughter, "Is having you as my daughter." He then hugged her passionately and happily as she hugged him back, "Twilight Sparkle, I'm sorry for being doubtful and unsupportive father. And therefore, I will say this I'm proud of you. And I always love you no matter what path or risk you took. As long you are safe, I'm happy to hear it..."

Twilight sniffed happily and tearfully, "I know. But seeing you happy is what I really wanted. I missed you, daddy."

"So am I..."

As Twilight Sparkle and Night Light shared their happiest moment, the rest of their family including Applejack entered the library. They all smiled happily to see father and daughter are together again.

Princess Cadance sighed happily, "Now this is the happy ending..."

"Indeed..." Twilight Velvet said in please. She turned to Applejack, "Applejack, thank you for looking after my daughter."

Applejack smiled, "It was nothing, Mrs. Twilight. I did what I'm good at - being there for my best friend and sister..."

"Speaking of there," Twinkle said in concern as she looked around, "Where is daddy? I haven't seen him since morning. I hope he's not in trouble..."

Shining Armor chuckled a bit while covered his mouth but his family suspected otherwise.

"Shining Armor, what did you do?" Princess Cadance demanded.

Twilight Velvet groaned, "Shining Armor, how dare you do that to her boyfriend?! I was looking forward to meet him!"

Shining Armor smirked slyly, "Just relax. I didn't send him away for dangerous mission. I just send him away to get a cool and good looking armor. I doubt he can get back here in time! So, I'll just tell dad that-!"

"Excuse me," The humble and gentle voice called. Everyone turned to their back. They found Ash dressed in his black Chinese General's Hardened Armor with black cape while holding the black helmet. He smiled, "Is Twilight home?"

Everyone pointed at the library's entrance. Ash bowed humbly before entering the chamber. While the family were amazed and surprised to see him, Shining Armor groaned in annoyance as his plans to stop and embarrassed Ash failed again.

Twilight Velvet whistled, "For a thousand years old warrior, he looked so handsome and good looking. Twilight Sparkle is so lucky to have one! Just like my son, he's so lucky to have you."

Princess Cadance giggled, "Indeed. Shining Armor, job well done. You've make your future brother-in-law handsome, heroic and great as Twilight's Knight in Shinning Armor. Your father would be proud and approve of Twilight's boyfriend."

Shining Armor groaned, "Just drop it... This is not how I wanted. I still don't trust him either."

"Oh, Uncle Shiny... When you ever gonna stop being overprotective," Twinkle joked in amusement.

Spike nodded, "You're gonna sounded like Night Light again."

As everyone laughed in amusement and happily, Shining Armor groaned in annoyance. Ash approached to both Night Light and Twilight Sparkle. He bowed down before Night Light.

"Honorable Night Light, I am honored to meet you. I-!" Ash was interrupted as he found Twilight Sparkle came to the front. He yelped, "Twilight?"

Twilight Sparkle whistled, "Wow... That suits you well. So, this is what you've been up to? Shopping some armors to impress me and my dad?"

Yes! I mean no! I mean I did this- well- I'm just- I'm just- I'm just! I thought maybe showing this armor may prove your father that I can protect you from harm. And of course, trying to prove that I loved you as well. So, I hope-!"

"Twilight..." Night Light spoke humbly. It surprise Ash yet made him nervous and worried. He smiled, "Why don't you introduce your boyfriend to me? I would like to know him more..."

Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Sure, daddy. It would be my honor." She approached him as she introduced him to her father, "Daddy, this is my hero and protector Ash Kecthum."

He smiled nervously as he bowed, "It is an honor to meet you, sir."

"The honor is mine..." Night Light said calmly before he smiled, "Now, young man... Tell me how you and Twilight met. I'm dying to know it."

Ash smiled as he began to explain. Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement yet happily. The rest of her family joined in for chatting and reunion. This is indeed a happy family reunion Twilight Sparkle ever had. And she was proud of it...

Episode 6-Princess Spike

At the Canterlot Castle, the delegates across the Equestria; including Sliver Buster and the Human Council, and different creatures were invited for a special event. Everyone had set the tents up within the castle's walls for entertainment and food for everyone to enjoy. They were all happy and excited about the event. And they all can't wait to start one.

At the Dining Hall, everyone chatted with each other about how important the event is especially a cloak over a strange yet mysterious statue-like. What was it?

A fanfare sounded. Everyone immediately turned and headed to the stage. They all stood before it including Ash, Twinkle Ashley, Duke, and Drake Trio. They all saw Royal Princesses of Equestria and a dragon stood on the stage before them. But one of them, Princess Twilight was half-awake and half-asleep. The event has begun...

Using her Royal Canterlot Voice, Princess Luna announced proudly, "Welcome to the Grand Equestria Pony Summit!"

The crowd then cheered wildly and happily! They were all excited and happy for the event including Mystic Ponies and Different Creatures across the Mortal Realm. They can't wait to start the Grand Equestria Pony Summit which involved uniting both Equestria and Mystic as one.

Princess Celestia smiled as she took over, "You delegates have traveled far and wide to represent your cities and country as we seek to celebrate and learn from all the unique places that make up our wonderful land of Equestria. At tonight's welcome reception, Princess Cadance will dedicate this beautiful friendship statue made up of gemstones from each of your home cities."

Without any interruption or disturbance, Princess Celestia levitated the cloak up. It was revealed to be a crystallized tall yet large pony. It consisted of colorful and several gemstones. Everyone was awed in surprise and amazed at the statue especially some dragons who wanted it so badly.

"I... am... Root..." Grunt mumbled happily.

Duke licked happily, "You said it. It's beautiful..."

Jeff nudged both of his sworn brothers in snapping to reality, "Remember! We're not supposed to eat it! We're here to support Spike and his family."

Duke groaned, "Don't remind me..."

Root muttered in agreement, "I am Root..."

But they weren't the only dragons who wanted the statue, Spike also find it delicious and tasty too as well. He licked his mouth happily that he wanted to eat it. Twilight nudged on his back gently in snapping him back to reality. He smiled nervously and innocently that he couldn't help it. But nevertheless, she smiled in understanding.

Princess Celestia continued, "Now I'd like to turn things over to the one who organized the summit: Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

Heard her queue, Twilight Sparkle smiled as she approached the front at once while everyone cheered happily and wildly, and even gave applause for her.

Despite tired and sleepy, Twilight Sparkle spoke of her speech, "Thank you, everypony. With delegates from over fifty cities and twelve countries of Mystic Realm attending three days of conferences, receptions, and meetings, this is the largest Grand Equestria Pony Summit yet. And let me tell you, putting it all together has led to more than one sleepless night. We're so excited to have you here and to learn more about life all across this great united land of ours."

Twilight Sparkle's speech had touched and inspired their hearts and minds. The crowd cheered and gave applause to her. They were great to have her.

"One sleepless night?" Ashley scoffed, "Yeah... Tried three sleepless nights. Kinda like what my mom did when she was a healer when it comes to saving lives."

Nyx shrugged, "That's my mummy. When it comes to organizing the event, she won't stop until everything is certain and ready for the event."

"If you ask me, that's overdue. She should have asked some of us to take over and help out," Ash said in concern, "I just hope she didn't push herself hard."

Duke yawned boringly while both Jeff and Root glared at him. He shrugged innocently as he couldn't help it since he hated boring events like press conferences or presentations. It bored him to death...

Spike pulled Twilight Sparkle's tail hard. She turned and looked at him. He smiled innocently yet happily with large pupils like begging or reminding her.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "And now my faithful assistant Spike would like to say a few words."

Spike moved to the front at once as he began his speech. It was his first time doing it. He took a deep breath and spoke up about what he wanted to say, "Um, hello, everypony! I'm here to help any way I can. So if there's anything I can do for any of you—"

"We love you, Princess Twilight!" Delegate #1 exclaimed happily.

Delegate #2 cried, "We love all the princesses!"

And nevertheless, the crowd cheered wildly and happily as they all agreed that they all loved the princesses. Not only they were just rulers of Equestria, but a great noble and kindhearted teachers, saviors, and leaders they ever had in Equestria. The Princesses smiled back.

Shadow Dragon and the children smiled as they gave applause for Twilight Sparkle since she's part of their family. Drake Trio wasn't pleased with it though. They felt that ponies didn't treat or respect Spike as equal and one of them.

"Talk about respect," Duke scowled a bit.

Jef shrugged, "Well... The Princesses or Royalties are considered to be the highest rank in ruling Equestria. Therefore, Spike was not considered to be royalty since he's just a Dragon. Nothing can be done..."

"I am Root..." Grunt said unhappily and sadly.

Boomer and Rob sighed, "We know..."

Spike sighed, "I guess everypony loves a princess. Hmph."

Though Spike did a heroic and noble sacrifice and bravery in saving Crystal Empire, he was scared and worried to face thousands of crowds because of his fear of failure and embarrassment. After the Equestria Games, he tried to be confident and today was his day. But it's ruined since he was not important and left out from a special event again. The Princesses are special. And he wishes he could be one...

...
...

You know you can help me than doing nothing, Boom."

Duke huffed, "If you mean the books? Forget it. I'm not so into the books. I hate reading."

"And I thought Rainbow Dash is the only one who hates the books before."

"By the way, wanna tell us why you like this place? Those ponies sure got a lot of nerve disrespecting then cheering you up."

Jeff hummed in agreement as he and Spike shuffled a d shoved the books into the shelves, "He does have the point. You did save the Crystal Empire. And you rescued us and saved your family too especially the Princess. The ponies didn't give you the chance to talk."

Root hummed and nodded in agreement, "I... am... Root..."

Spike sighed, "Don't worry. I'm used to it anyway. I'm not that important anyway."

"As if... You're the son of General Spiketail - the legendary Dragon General and Hero!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance. He scoffed, "And I'd say you're important since he is the one who helped the Ponies win the Demon War and free the Dragons."

...
...

As four ponies left the tower guest-chamber, they walked down the stairs while having some discussion. And hopefully that the dragons will keep Twilight from being disturbed...

"Do you think Spike and his friends can handle it?" Ash asked in concern.

Princess Cadance smiled, "Of course. This is Spike we're talking about. He can handle it. After all, he is Twilight's number one assistant she ever had."

Twinkle smiled, "She's right. Mummy will be fine. I promise you for that."

He sighed in concern, "It's his friends that worries me. I suspect that they might up to something."

"What makes you say that, dad?" Ashley asked suspiciously. He scoffed a bit, "Duke may be a bit hotheaded and tough dragon but he's a good and loyal friend like Rainbow Dash. Jeff is a smart good dragon to do something stupid, even though it was quite annoying and boring to hear his theory and science."

"And don't forget about Root. He maybe a big and tough dragon," She squealed happily, "He's a nice dragon. I'm sure that they can be trusted."

"Hmm... I hope you're right," Ash said in concern, "I just hope they're not doing anything stupid when helping Twilight Sparkle."

All three of them looked confused and worried about what Ash had said. What does he mean?

Inside the bed-chamber, Twilight Sparkle was snoring and sleeping happily and calmly while Spike and his Dragon Friends marched around the area in guarding her and making sure that she is not disturbed. But at the same time, it was boring.

"Worst guarding the princess ever..."

"What do you expect? An excitement or battles? Well, I for once want to have peace and quiet without some rebellion or demons to deal with. I've just had enough of that. And at the same time, I can study some theory and engineer books when we get back to Ponyville."

"I should have stayed at home with Bishop. That guy put a great act of comedian."

"Really?" Jeff and Root asked him.

"Yeah, he can put on quite a show."

Spike approached to the window. He used a telescope in spying and checking the area of Canterlot. He had to make sure that everything is peace and quiet. No noise disturbed his princess. He saw a mother carrying the wheeled crib of a baby, he saw a stallion drinking tea and a mime performing and entertaining before the crowds. Spike smiled in please that everything is good...

As Spike continued his monitoring the area and making sure Twilight Sparkle was not disturbed, he stopped as he heard a tweeting noise. He turned back to the window as he used the telescope in finding the source of the noise. He found a bird singing at the top of the castle's tower pin.

He groaned in annoyance as he quickly left the bed chamber at once. He then climbed up all the way to top. He quickly spoke.

"Uh, excuse me? Can you keep it down a little?" Spike asked. The bird was annoyed as it flew straight to the tower bed-chamber. He gasped, "Oh no!"

Spike returned to the bed-chamber at once. He saw the bird still singing while standing still on Twilight Sparkle's horn. Boomer was tempted in whacking on it for making noise while both Rob and Grunt held him tight and kept his mouth shut from making noise. Twilight Sparkle was still sleeping. This is serious!

Spike approached the bird as he begged frantically, "I'll give you birdseed! Worms! Anything! Just please stop singing before you wake the princess!"

The bird stopped as it looked down at once. It was a surprise and shock. The dragons became nervous, worried, and scared as they wondered if the bird did heed their begging. They prayed it's good news. They got the answer - the bird bowed in respect as it turned and flew off to the window. The dragons sighed in relief.

"Huh. I can't believe that worked." Spike said in relief. He turned and found three dragons glaring at him. He looked worried and scared as he asked, "What?"

"You could have closed the window?"

"Honestly... That singing bird was hardly a problem for us to deal with."

Before any of the dragons could ask, they all heard the noise especially the shouting part. The dragons approached the window. They all saw ponies playing the polo outside the Canterlot Courtyard while the spectators cheering wildly and loudly for them. This had caused Twilight Sparkle groaned from being disturbed by the noise.

Spike groaned in annoyance. Before Jeff could speak anything, Spike headed off at once followed by Boomer and Grunt. Rob groaned in annoyance as he hated being ignored when his plan was logical and avoidable.

As one of the polo ponies shot the ball straight to the pole goal, Spike jumped up and grabbed the ball before landing on the ground. They gasped in shock as they were angered. They approached and glared at him. He interrupted their games.

"Uh, hi fellas. Sorry to break up your game," Spike apologized innocently, "but there's sort of an important diplomatic summit kind of thingy going on, and it involves a princess needing to sleep, and, uh..."

Spike gulped in concern as he watched ponies getting angry with him. And before they could do anything, they heard the stomping and felt the ground shaking once. They turned and found Root and Duke glaring at them. The polo ponies gulped in concern.

"Do us a favor?"He smirked darkly. The ponies gulped in concern. He said, "Can you move your ass game somewhere else? Root is not a happy dragon too."

The polo ponies looked at each other for the moment. They all know what to do. They smiled nervously and nodded in agreement. They took the ball and poles as they walked away at once.

"The princess thanks you for your understanding!" Spike thanked happily as he turned to his dragon pals, "Thanks, guys. I owe you all."

"No problem...What took you long?"

"Was this necessary? Like I said before, we could-!"

BUZZ! The dragons stopped as they turned and found greenish Horticultural Pegasus activated his chainsaw as he was cutting down the branches from some trees. The dragons immediately approached to the trees. They climbed to top and spoke with the Pegasus.

"Uh, Excuse me. Do you have to do this right now?" Spike got interrupted as he sneezed out. Why does he sneeze? He looked and found some strange flowers attached to branches and leaves. He gasped, "Oh, no! Are those dragon-sneeze trees?"

"Yup." Horticultural Pegasus nodded in agreement, "Wouldn't take much to bring these beauties down."

"Can't you just wait a few hours?" Spike asked while rubbing his eyes.

...
...

Time had passed as the dragons did what can to make sure that Twilight was fully rested and not disturbed in any way but naturally they did know that the end would result in chaos, as the conference room was a royal mess ( Pun Intended).

Spike explained to all the Pones what happened, but it backfired as Jeff was mad at him for ignoring him , which made Duke mad at him.

"Wow... That's harsh..." Star Thunder remarked.

Ashley groaned, "Really?"

Duke whacked his spear on Jeff's head, "You'd take that back, Robby! Spike doesn't deserve this! He just want to help! Why can't you be more helpful and supportive!"

"He could have taken the advice in first place!" Jeff exclaimed in anger, "But all he want is attention! He's such a spoiled brat! I don't him to be reminded of you again! I want him to be smarter than you!"

"Take that back!"

"Forget it!"

"Take that back!"

"NO!"

Duke roared in anger as he rammed Jeff to the ground. Both the dragons punched each other's faces hard and quick while screamed angrily and wildly. Everyone watched the event as they were all in concerned and worried. Are they going to let a fight ruined their friendship?!

Spike couldn't believe that two of his friends were helping him. And all he repaid them is fighting and ignorance of friendship. This is not what summit was about! This is not what Twilight Sparkle was fighting! This is something he refused to see!

"STOP!" Spike shouted at once. Everyone turned and looked at him with their shock and concern. What does he want?

"Uh, hi there, everypony. So I guess I owe you all a pretty big apology. I got a little carried away. It-it just felt so good to have ponies caring about my opinions on such important matters. I guess I was just enjoying feeling like a princess." Spike explained in concern. He sighed, "It's funny. Here we are at a summit that brings together ponies from all across Equestria, and all I could think about was myself. You all came here to celebrate the things that make each of our cities so unique and special. But instead of getting into the spirit of things like all of you, I used my friend's position to make myself feel good. And the worse is I made my dragon friends fighting with each other when they were helping me. I should have been more thoughtful of them."

The delegates were surprise and shock to see and hear what Spike had said. He actually taking responsibility of the mess?!

Spike gathered some jewels as much as he can. But there too many for him to carry. Suddenly, Root came and help Spike carrying the jewels up after he removed himself from door. Spike was surprise and shock to see a wooden dragon helping him.

"Root... You don't have to help me," Spike said in concern, "I make the mistake. I have to fix it. You didn't get involved in my problems."

Root shook his head while smiling, "We... Are... Root..."

Everyone and even dragons were surprise, shock and amazed of what they just heard. Not only Grunt was able to speak other words than just 'I am Root', but his was very inspiring, emotional and touching they ever hear...

Spike smiled happily as the two of them began building the statue up. Both Jeff and Duke looked at each other for the moment. They really want to kill each other for not helping Spike but instead they smiled. They turned and went towards their friends. They helped their dragon friends gathered the gems and build them together a Mare Statue of Thousand Gems.

The delegates were surprised and shocked to see the dragons were redeeming the mistake they had make. They looked at each other for the moment. They all smiled and nodded in agreement. As Spike was about to grab the red gem. It was levitated. The dragons turned and found Fancy Pants stood before him. Instead of angry, he shown his gentle smile.

"The Canterlot ruby goes here, old sport." Fancy Pants said as he placed a ruby on top of Mare Statue's legs.

Followed by peach gem near to a ruby, Whinnyapolis Delegate smiled, "And ours goes here, don't'cha know?"

Spike and Drake Trio were surprise and shock to see the delegates from both Equestria and Mystic Realm were helping them build the Mare Statue of Thousand Gems. Instead of stopping, they continued building it up. The statue is ready and complete!

"Does this mean you forgive us?" Spike asked in surprise.

Manehattan Delegate smiled as he looked at the statue, "Sure! You know, the whole idea of the statue is that when each of us plays our own small part, it adds up to somethin' great."

"Quite. Just like how all our cities make up the beautiful land of Equestria!" Fancy Pants agreed and smiled, "As a wise words from wooden dragon said - 'We... Are... Root...'."

Princess Cadance smiled as she declared, "I hereby dedicate the Citizens of Equestria statue to everypony who plays their part, no matter how big or how small!"

The delegates cheered wildly and happily to hear. They had the best summit ever - not because of the event but how important value it is about unity and friendship.

"Strange... But true..." Star Thunder smiled, " I figured what 'We are Grunt' means. There's no 'I' in team."

Ashley smiled, "You said it. Root is really a wise dragon we ever had. Hell, he may prove to be Starswirl the Bearded's Reincarnation."

He chuckled, "Funny... Definitely funny..."

Duke, Jeff and Root had the chats for the moment about the event. They did make a mess in the first place especially putting Spike i n troubles.

"Listen, just wanna say - sorry for the mess," Duke apologized.

Jeff sighed, "Me too. I'm sorry as well. I guess I should try to be relax or could have stop the problem in time before things get out of hand. Pals?"

"Pals..." He smiled.

Root smiled as he hugged Boomer and Grunt happily, "We... Are... Root..."

Ash and Twinkle approached Spike. Spike was about to say but hugged by Twinkle. He hugged her back. Ash smiled to see Spike learned his lesson.

Spike sighed, "Twinks, I'm sorry for being a jerk."

"It's okay. And I'm sorry for having an argument with you," Nyx sighed, "I just don't want my brother to be a jerk and selfish..."

"I know... But thanks," Spike smiled.

Ash smiled, "Well done, Spike. Twilight would be proud of you."

Spike smiled happily. He was glad that everything is okay now.

Suddenly, the door was opened as it was revealed the happy Twilight Sparkle who whistled happily as she entered the dining hall.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry, I'm late. I just had some naps after what I did for three days organizing the summit event. I hope you find it entertaining and happy. I hope nothing ruin the summit," Twilight Sparkle said happily. As she looked around, she found the hall a mess and even delegates waved at her. She blinked of shock and surprise, "Did I miss something?"

Ash smiled as he patted Twilight Sparkle's shoulder, "I'll explain it later. But for now, enjoy the summit..."

Episode 7- Amending Fences

A lot as happen in Equestira, with the Summit, Welcoming the Yaks and Matilda's Wedding, everyone decided to take a long break on the weekend. As Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders minding their own usual business, Twilight and her family did as well.

Within the living chamber of castle, Twilight was reading a book called 'The Legend of Three Kingdoms' to the happy Twinkle. The little purple Alicorn has the interest on the Knighton's history and story very much since her father's stories and her adventure from it. It was very memorable and special for her.

Spike entered the Living Room as he was dressed in maid since he was helping Bishop and Metal Ponies in washing some dishes and other tableware after three events.

Spike sighed in annoyance as he approached his family, "You know the worst thing about you being the Princess of Friendship? The dishes." He took one of his gloves off and then his maid dress, "Glad we have those Metal Ponies, otherwise I would have been damn tired."

Twilight smiled as she glanced at adopted son, "Thanks for taking care of that, Spike. After three events in one week, I really needed to relax with a good book."

"Yeah, no kidding." Twinkle nodded in agreement, "I'm just glad that you and daddy finally got over that mess. Can you imagine? Three weeks fighting over 'friends with the Yaks' while last two events, everything went smooth and no argument until today."

"Tell me about it," Spike nodded in agreement as he climbed up the sofa and sat on it. He took the book out from back of his pillow. He read it while commented, "It's kinda funny, isn't it? All these ponies comin' to you for advice about friendship?"

Twilight stopped her reading as she looked at Spike, "What's funny about that?"

Twilight climbed down while levitating her book. She wanted to put it back in the bookshelf.

Spike smirked, "You know, 'cause you used to be famous for being such a bad friend."

"Huh? Is it true, mum?" Twinkle asked curiously.

As Twilight put the book back on the shelf, she turned to her children with shock and disbelief expression, "What are you talking about? I had good friends in Canterlot."

"Come on, Twilight. Look at the wall." Spike insisted as he pointed his finger at the portraits from the wall. As Twilight approached and looked at them, he continued, "D'ya see any photos from before we moved to Ponyville? And look at you now – the Princess of Friendship."

She hummed thoughtfully as she climbed down and approached her mother, "I hate to admit it but Spike's right. I'd never met any of your old friends. You'd never talk about them as well. You were bad friend to your old friends, weren't you?"

As Twilight looked closely at her coronation portrait and others, she thought carefully. She gasped in shock and realization, "This is a disaster! All my old friends! I can't remember any of their names right now!" She turned and looked at Spike and Nyx, "But do you really think that they think I'm a bad friend?!"

Twinkle groaned a bit while glaring at Spike, "Way to go, Spike - you've just made mum panicked again."

Spike yelped, "Well, I only meant that you've come so far. You're a great friend now and—"

"Oh, I feel terrible!" Twilight said in shame. She gasped, "I've gotta make it up to them!"

"Hey, what's going on? "Ash asked as he ,Crystalforce, and Pikachu and her daughter just finished their training

Ashley nodded, "Heard something about bad friend you've make. Is it true?"

Twilight nodded, "Yes. I want to make up for them. After all these years, I'd never bother to see or visit them since I've make my friendship with Ponyville friends here. I feel terrible for being a bad friend to them." She sighed, "I feel guilty. I hope they forgive my rude and uncivilized behavior after all these years. They were my friends..."

Ash sighed of what he just heard. He remembered his betrayal to his own friends and family when he joined Dark Mayhem and his rebellion in making the world a better place. But at the end, he saved and rescued them while defeating him and his minions.

While he amended that to his family and friends, there was someone he hasn't amended. He still feel guilty and responsible for him...

"I'm pretty sure that you guys are tired now. You do not to go," Twilight said.

No... We're going together."

"Really? Why?"

"There's some place I want to visit especially a friend to see."

"I understand. But where is it? Who is he?"

"It's... It's personal, Twilight."

"Alright... I guess we're bringing everyone to Canterlot, right?" Twilight asked curiously. Ash nodded in agreement. She smiled as she turned to her children, "Pack a bag, everypony! We're going to Canterlot! And Spike, make a list of my friends' names."

"I'd tell Bishop of our early trip. I'll get Pikachu ready in my Summon Gem. Don't want to leave him behind. He's getting grumpy lately."

As both the immortal ponies headed out the libary, Spike, Twinkle, Crystalforce, and Ashley have their own discussion.

"Aw. Me and my big mouth." Spike groaned.

Ashley smirked, "It looks like we're going to Canterlot for Friendship Amending. Mum and dad are gonna be very busy with it. Wow, this is surprisingly turn of the event."

Twinkle giggled, "You've said it. I can't wait to meet these friends of hers. I hope nothing bad happens to them both when they visit and apologized to their friends."

"Yeah, me too. And hopefully, no more parents argument," Crystalforce remarked.

Everyone went to their rooms and packing their stuffs up. The family are going to Canterlot.

Unknown to Twilight and her friends, someone was watching the event. He was shrouded in darkness beneath the tree. His shadowy head has the shape of bat and his body shown have strange yet titanium armor-like. His eyes glowed in crimson darkness like he was in rage. Who is he? And why?

"I'll have my revenge, Ash Ketchum."

...
...

Twilight have Spike and Twinkle riding on her back as she flew straight to the Canterlot Castle. Both As the Human Ponies, Lance and Ash can levitated and flew. They both followed Twilight straight to her old home. As Twilight and two Human Ponies landed on the ground, Spike and Twinkle climbed down from her back. The family followed her towards her old Home Library where she lives since she became Princess Celestia's Prize Pupil.

Twilight and her family entered the library. It was a mess since no one has lived here for a long time. Twilight and Spike haven't been here for nearly five years.

"So, this is where you lived to study under Celestia's tutelage?" Ash asked curiously.

Ashley looked at Library Hall, "Wow... Definitely a big mess..."

Twinkle patted the pillow from the sofa. It puffed some dusts out in making her cough, "And dusty too..."

Twilight climbed up the stairs to the top. Her family looked worry and concern for her. They followed her up. They came to the library section. It was more messier than the hallway.

"Oh... It's exactly how we left it!" Twilight approached to the book stand. She blew the dusts off from her old book. She recognized it in learning Nightmare Moon's return. She commented, "Look! It's Predictions and Prophecies! And it's still open to the Elements of Harmony!"

Spike gasped as he picked the torn Teddy Bear, "And here's that present I was gonna give Moon Dancer! Huh. Guess she won't be needing that." He threw it off. He picked the broken present, "Hey, look! The rest of it's still here!"

"Moon Dancer?" Twnkle asked curiously.

Spike nodded, "Twilight's closest best friend she ever had since they're both eggheads."

Ashley chuckled a bit, "Pretty obvious..."

"How could I have let this happen? It's a total mess!" Twilight said in shock and upset of what she saw her old home. She then looked at the window, "Just like how I left my friendships."

Ash approached and patted Twilight's back, "You didn't know it, Twilight. From what Spike and Nyx told me about your first adventure, Princess Celestia gave you an assignment. Don't blame yourself. Mine is the worst."

"Ash... I'm sorry," Twilight said regretfully and upset as she turned to her lover and family. She sighed, "I guess we both make terrible mistakes. I've got to make it up toooo... uh..."

"Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moon Dancer." Spike listed all of her friends down.

Twilight smiled and nodded, "Yeah. Them..."

"Wait... Didn't we see Lyra Heartstrings back from our home?" Ashley asked in surprised, "We've missed her. I didn't know she lived in Canterlot too. And of course, I didn't know she was mum's best friend."

Twinkle shrugged, "Me neither..."

"What's next," Ash asked curiously.

Twilight smiled, "Isn't it obvious? Research!"

Both Ashley and Spike grunted a bit to hear the word while Twinkle smiled happily. They're going to spent a long night to do research on Twilight's old friends - Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings and Moon Dancer. She hoped that she can apologized her action to them while they forgive her as well.
...
...

During the night time, five robbers arrived at the Canterlot Bank. They unlocked the lock before entered the building. They avoided from being caught by some securities by hiding behind the pillars, crates or artifacts. They then approached to the vault where the golds and bits have hidden. They smirked darkly as they looked at each other. They then approached it as they prepared to open it.

"You know... It's nighttime now, don't you, boys?" The firm voice asked in annoyance. The robbers turned and glared at him. He continued, "And by the way, it's not a very good for you to rob the bank too."

The robbers took their Gem Revolvers and aimed them at the mysterious warrior. He chuckled in amusement as he took his Crimson Blaster.

"Big Mistake, losers. You're gonna go to hell!"

Before any of the robbers could fire, the warrior fired his Crimson Blaster at them to death. He smirked darkly beneath his mask as he used his grappling launcher as he escaped the area. The securities came to the vault at once in finding the source of noise. They found three dead robbers. They all wondered - what has happened here?!

...
...

Moring had come and Ashley and Spike were a little sleepy headed after they stayed all night doing research. Ash came by which Pikachu in his gem.

"I'm taking Lance to meet him. I want to show our son something important as well. It won't be long, I promised."

"While the rest will find and meet my old friends," Twilight added. She looked closely at the notes, "I did a little research, and I think I know where we can find Minuette! That is one of my friends, right?"

Twinkle nooded Nyx nodded happily while the Spike grunted a bit. She asked, "Once we find our friends, where do you think we should meet?"

Twilight smiled, "Once we find the rest of my friends, we'll contact through mind-link about the place we're meeting up."

"Got it. Good luck."

"You too..."
...
...

At Minuette's Home which has the hourglass logo on the building, Twilight Sparkle knocked the door in hoping to see her old friend. Nyx and Spike were there to accompany her.

"Uh, it's not too late to forget I opened my big mouth." Spike commented in concern.

Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at Spike, "No, Spike, I'm glad you opened your big mouth. These ponies have probably been suffering ever since I left. Wondering why their supposed friend would treat them so badly!"

Twinkle shook her head while smiled in amusement, "Mummy, you're being drama again. I'm sure they understand it well."

Twilight sighed, "I wish I could share same optimistic. I really wish. I'd never bother to visit or check on them because I was too focused on my studies than my friendship."

As the door was opened in half way, Twilight and her family turned and looked at the inside. They wondered if Minuette was inside her home or not.

"Twilight Sparkle!" Minuette exclaimed happily as she emerged from her house. She giggled, "You old so-and-so! What are you doing here?!"

"Hey, Spike!" Minuette greeted Spike. She then looked at Nyx who was waving at her. It made her gasp in surprise and shock, "Oh my gosh! This must be Twinkle!" She giggled as she held and touched her face. She pressed her cheeks softly and gently, "She is so cute! Just like her mummy! I actually like her face because that was too cute!"

Minuette let Twinkle go from her hooves. She approached and looked at Twilight's wings in making her old friend walk down to the ground, "Look at these wings, huh?!"

Minuette giggled as she levitated the camera out from her home. She passed it to Spike. She then levitated Twinkle in putting near to Twilight Sparkle.

"Grab a picture of me and the princess, will ya?!" Minuette asked happily, which make Spike nodded. She turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle, "I tried to tell my co-workers we used to be friends back when." She giggled happily, "But they've never believed me!"

As Spike was focusing the camera, Minuette instructed Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle to fluff their wings up. As they did, Minuette moved to the middle in lifting her hooves up like she was flying. But nevertheless, they smiled happily. Spike took a picture of it.

"So what are you doing here? I mean, I know you're here all the time, but you never come to see me." Minuette commented. She gasped, "Hey! I just had the greatest idea! You wanna go see Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine?"

"Of course! My old friends!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily.

"It'll be great! Come on! Let's fly!" Minuette giggled playfully as she jumped over Twilight like she was flying, "Get it?"

Minuette headed off. Twilight and her family followed her as they chatted with each other for a while.

"This is perfect! I can apologize to all three of them at once!" Twilight Sparkle smiled happily.

Spike remarked sarcastically, "Let's hope they're not as traumatized as Minuette."

Twinkle giggled, "Come on, Spike. She's just exciting and happy to see mummy. Come to think of it... Minuette reminds me of Aunt Pinkie. Hmm... I wonder how's daddy and Ashley doing now..."

...
...

Ash and Ashley looked up as they found some robbers emerged from the jewelry shop. They held the bag of jewels and gems as well as the Gem Revolvers. They both knew what was that about. The robbers were about to make their escape.

Ash and Ashley were about to attack but stopped as they spotted a Royal Guard standing in the robber's way.

"Hold it! You're not getting through me, without the fight!" Flash Sentry exclaimed firmly. The robbers laughed in amusement as they held their gem revolvers up and aimed at him. He narrowed his determined eyes, "Just because you have those weapons, doesn't mean I'm gonna get scared. Do your worst!"

Ashely gasped as he was about to make a move but was stopped by his father. For some reason, he decided not to get involved in the matters but watched only. His daughter sighed as he just watch only yet worried for Flash Sentry.

As the robbers fired their Gem Revolvers at Flash Sentry, he dodged them before dashed to the front. He kicked the first one-off, before swiping his leg at the second one and then using his wings to flap the third one-off. The fourth one charged in and gave Flash a hard knock to the ground. Fifth and Sixth charged in as they kicked on him but he quickly rolled aside. He kicked them both out in getting up. The fourth was about to attack but Flash flipped his right hoof back in knocking the robber out.

BANG! Flash got his right-wing shot. He grunted a bit as he looked and found the seventh robber had shot him. He and his gang surrounded him as they were about to punch him. Both of them dashed to the front.

"You know one thing I can't stand the most," Ash said bitterly.

Ashley nodded, "Trying to cheat out of the way."

Flash Sentry gasped in surprise at what he saw. Both Human Ponies charged straight in at once. The robbers were about to fire their Gem Revolvers but they got disarmed by the Human Father and Daughter in a second. Angered and upset as the robbers tried to land a punch on them but they dodged and avoided the attacks. As soon as the robbers got tired and exhausted, Ash and Ashley took them down with ease without putting much effort.

The robbers were defeated. More Royal Guards came and arrested them while two of them brought the gems and jewels back to the jewelry store. As the Medic Pony treated Flash Sentry's injury, Ash, and Ashely

"You okay?" He asked.

"Just a scratch. I'm fine. Thanks," Flash thanked happily. As soon as his wing got treated, he stood up and bowed before Ash "Mr. Ketuchm, it's an honor to meet you here! I'm your biggest fan since the third war!"

"Oh?"

"Yes, it's true! I've been reading all of your adventures and battle! I even watch the clips about you! They were amazing! To meet you here is my greatest pleasure, sir! And sorry for being embarrassed in front of you."

"It's okay. Lots of ponies got injured during the last fight. No difference at all."

"But you - your speed and strength - they're amazing! You beat them in a second! I want to be fast and strong as you, sir! Will you train me like your protégé? I would be honored to fight alongside you."

"Train you?" Ash asked in concern. Flash nodded happily. He hissed, "I don't know... I don't think it's good idea..."

Ashely gasped in shock and surprise of what he just heard. His father never turn anyone down especially training someone who sees him as his hero. Flash was shocked and disappointed as well.

Flash sighed, "I understand... Sorry for the mess..."

Ashley gave a nudge to her father's stomach. The father yelped as he looked at his angry son. He groaned a bit yet he also feel bad for turning Flash down.

"How about this? If you prove yourself, I may reconsider..." Ash sighed.

"Really?" Flash asked hopefully. Both nodded in agreement. He smiled as he bowed, "I promised you that I won't let you down!"

Ash sighed as he muttered, "It's me that I shouldn't let you down..."

"Dad?" Ashley asked in concern, "What are you afraid of?"

Ash hummed calmly and closed his eyes as if he was receiving a call from his mental link. He smiled, "It looks like your mum has found the place - Donut Joe's Shop. Let's go and meet them now. Flash, you can come too as well."

Ash nodded, "Got it!"

Flash smiled, "I'll be honored, sir. Thank you!"

BANG! All three ponies yelped in shock. They quickly turned to the front. They found six arrested robbers killed. Royal Guards were in shock as well as the citizens of Canterlot. The trio was too. Who could have done this?!

A sudden chill went through their spine, as someone was watching the event. They turned to search for the chill they felt.

Flash looked up. He noticed a strange pony dressed in titanium armor with black patterned crimson jumpsuit-like and worn the modern bat helmet-like with two digitalized crimson eyes standing on the branch. Ash and Ashley noticed it as well. The mysterious warrior quickly launched his grappling launcher in escaping.

Who was that? Could he be the one who killed the robbers? Why would he do it?

"I have the feeling that we'll meet him soon..." Flash said in concern.

...

At modernized and rich Donut Joe's Shop, Twilight was chatting and giggling with her three friends - Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts as well as eating their donuts. Nyx was with her mother while Spike was ordering his donut.

"She did! Twinkleshine literally spit out her oats when she heard you were the Princess of Friendship!" Minuette remarked before taking a bite on her donut.

Twinkleshine nodded, "We saw you at the coronation. That was some shindig!"

"You did?" Twilight asked in surprise.

"Sure! We see you all the time!" Twinkleshine smiled.

"You remember our old friend, Lyra, right? She lives in Ponyville, too. We're always over there visiting her. Or she's coming over here!" Minuette giggled happily as she levitated the donut up before eating it, "We've thought about asking you to join us from time to time, but we just sorta figured you'd moved on."

Twilight looked down in shame of what she head. Her three Unicorn friends remained silent as they were surprised by her reaction. She usually never be quiet or reacted to their comments. Nyx was worried for her now as she knew the look very well.

Lemon Hearts broke the silence by clearing her throat, "So what brings you by anyway? All those times you've come back to Canterlot, you never had donuts with us before."

"Mummy..." Twinkle said in concern

"Well, uh, you see..." Twilight struggled in speaking out. She sighed, "I came to apologize."

Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Minuette looked surprise and shock of what they just heard.

Minuette swallowed the donut into her stomach as she asked, "For what?"

"Before I left Canterlot, I didn't really appreciate my friends. And that's because I didn't know how important friendship was." Twilight explained shamefully. She then faced and looked at her old friends. She spoke calmly, "But I've learned so much since I moved to Ponyville. I learned what it means to be a good friend and that I certainly wasn't one to the three of you. So for all the pain I caused you, I am truly sorry."

Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts were silent for the moment. They smiled as they giggled in amusement. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx were surprise and shock by their reaction. They find it funny?

"Oh, come on, Twilight!" Minuette said happily, "Sure, it might've stung a little bit when you ran off to Ponyville without saying goodbye, but it's not like we weren't used to that from you!"

Twinkleshine nodded, "Yeah, we didn't take it personally."

"But it's really good to see you now." Lemon Hearts said happily. Twilight smiled a bit to hear that as the princess was glad that her old friends forgave her. Lemon Hearts gasped, "Hey! Anypony up for a blast from the past?"

All of the Unicorns smiled in agreement, and even Twilight too.

Twinkle smiled, "It looks like they're okay with you, mummy. Maybe Spike's right. Maybe you shouldn't be so worry about it."

"I guess so," Twilight said happily.

"Hey, who're those stallions along with mare?" Twinkleshine asked in surprise as she pointed her hoof out at the entrance.

The unicorns as well as Twilight Sparkle and Nyx looked up and found Ash, Ashley and Flash Sentry entered the restaurant. The stallions were looking for Twilight, Spike and Twinkle.

Twilight smiled as she answered, "My boyfriend, my daughter and my friend..."

As the trio Unicorns awed in surprise, Twilight waved to her boyfriend and friends in getting their attention. They spotted it and approached the rest of girls as they have some chats.

Twilight smiled to her old friends, "Everyone, this is my boyfriend - Ash. This here is my daughter Ashley . And this one is my friend and my brother's trusted lieutenant - Flash Sentry."

The Stallion Duo and the young Peagasus bowed before Twilight's old friends in respected manner. The girls commented of how handsome they really are and how lucky Twilight Sparkle got them. She is very lucky...

Twilight and all of her friends made all their way to an old school of hers. It was an old yet big old lavender and purple mixed schoolhouse-like. Twilight approached to the school while her family and even Flash followed her.

"Wow... It's the Unicorn Science Lab," Flash commented, "I heard it's great place for the unicorns study and experience their magic and spells."

Ashely sighed, "Well... I didn't get go to school very much since my old mum and I don't have much money. We both were working as healers in helping ponies from old home."

"Didn't Princess Crystal Sparkle at least send you to a cheap or small school for you to learn?"

"Yeah... But that was temporary. And the one who taught me is my own mum..."

"Wow...."

Twilight Sparkle gasped happily as she approached to the window and took a peek on it, "It's our old science lab! I have so many great memories of this place!"

Twinkle approached and flapped her wings in seeing the school, "Wow... This is where you study as Princess Celestia's student?"

"More or less," Twilight answered happily.

Ash smiled as he leaned against the wall, "It's very special to you, isn't it?"

Twilight nodded, "It is... Even though I wasn't really great friend, but I helped others of how the science and magic works."

Minuette giggled in amusement, "Remember when Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in that beaker?"

Twinkleshine and Minuette then laughed happily yet amusement about the joke they make. Lemon Hearts gave the dry and annoyed looks at her friends. Twilight and her family puzzled of what happens. The boys and even Nyx imagined of how Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in the beaker while Twilight recalled of how it happens.

Flashback:

Some years ago when Twilight Sparkle was a young filly, she and her old friends were studying the magic and doing science experiment from her old school. The teacher helped and guided the students of how the progress works. Some asked their teacher of how the progress works. Others chatted with each other. A few studied and doing their homework.

Lemon Hearts got her head stuck inside the beaker as she ran away playfully while Twinkleshine and Minuette chased after her. Twilight Sparkle and another friend were reading their science books.

Twilight put the book down as she explained, "But according to this book, you're supposed to add the sodium chloride first."

"I read ahead, and to make a proper salt lick, you need to add the molasses first." Twilight's yellow doppelganger with crimson mane and twin stripes of dark and light purple.

Twilight shook her head, "Well, I read ahead too, Moon Dancer, and I'm sure it said sodium chloride first."

"Oh. I've got the wrong book. That's so hilarious." Moon Dancer said dryly upon learning the book she read.

Twilight and Moon Dance looked at each other as they both giggled a bit while shrugged. They then continued reading the books while the rest of their friend minding their business. It was busy moment for Twilight and her old friends...

Flashback Ends

Back to reality...

Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts continued giggling at their past while Twilight seemed to be worried. Her family and friends noticed her look. Twilight knew there was one friend she hasn't check on. One who shares same hobbies and idea...

"Whatever happened to Moon Dancer?" Twilight asked as she turned to her friends. Her Unicorn Friends looked at her with their surprised yet confused looks. She explained, "You know, our other friend. The one she and I read the books from the very day?"

"Oh, right! Moon Dancer! I remember her!" Twinkleshine nodded as she recalled of her another friend.

Lemon Hearts hummed, "I wonder what she's up to."

"Yeah, I always liked her. We just sort of lost touch after you left." Minuette smiled.

"So, where is she?" Twilight asked in concern.

Twinkleshine answered, "I think she went to live out by the stadium, didn't she?"

"Well, let's go see." Lemon Hearts suggested.

As her three friends turned and headed off, Twilight and her family followed them at once. They all can't wait to meet Moon Dancer.

Ash and the others were about to follow but stopped as they heard some clanking-breaking bricks. They turned to their backs but found nothing from the school or anything, though they have the feeling that someone was here and spied on them. They decided to drop it for once as they went and followed Twilight and her friends to Moon Dancer's home. They can't help but think their meeting and confrontation may come.

The mysterious armored warrior emerged from the chimney's back. He continued glaring at Ash for unknown reason...

"You will pay for everything you did to me..." The mysterious knight said darkly.

...
...

An hour later, Twilight and her family followed her three old friends in search of Moon Dancer's home. They came across the in-between shops where the old yet broken cottage house-like with moon shaped on the door. They were surprise and shock to see it a mess and ruined. Did something happen to Moon Dancer?

"I think this is the place. Didn't used to look like this, though." Minuette commented.

Twilight Sparkle approached to Moon Dancer's house as she knocked the door for few times. The door creaked as it opened halfway.

"Moon Dancer?" Twilight asked in concern.

"What do you want? I'm trying to study."

Moon Dancer revealed herself as young adult like Twilight Sparkle but unlike her younger self, she had her mane tied up and pinned in bun-shape while wearing glasses and black sweater.

"It's us!" Twilight exclaimed happily. Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts stood from her left side while Minuette stood on right with Spike on her back. They all smiling at Moon Dancer She smiled, "Your old friends!"

Instead of friendly reply, Moon Dance gave annoying groan as she closed the door hard at once. Twilight and all of her friends were in shock of her response. That was unusual answer from her.

"That went well," Flash remarked in shock.

Ashley nodded, "I was expecting her to shout happily like 'Twilight, you're here!' or 'Oh my gosh, my best friend! You came back'! But not this..."

Minuette smiled nervously as she chuckled a bit, "That's old Moon Dancer, all right. She always did like her books." She gasped, "Hey! Kinda like you used to be, huh?"

Twilight Sparkle in shock as she remarked, "Exactly how I used to be."

Twinkle gulped, "I've got the bad feeling about this..."

Ash was about to comment but stopped as he sensed something familiar to him. He turned and found the same mysterious figure turned and escaped. He had his eyes narrowed suspiciously yet angrily. Flash and Ashley noticed the look as they know what it means...

"Something tells me this isn't about stalking..." Ash muttered in concern.

What is next?

...
...

Twilight and her family have spent three days at Canterlot as they have been observing and watching on Moon Dancer's behavior and schedule if there is a way to reach her since she didn't bother to visit and hang out with any of her old friends. Ash, Ashley and Flash spent their three days in investigating the crimes and criminals' death while trying to seek and learn behind the mysterious warrior.

At Twilight's Old Library, Twilight and her family were preparing to leave their home as their friends had arrived.

"Are you sure that you're not coming with us?" Twilight asked in concern, "I have to know what has happen to her. She'd never been like this before. She's acting like how I used to be."

Ash sighed, "I wish I could. But there is something I need to investigate and know."

"About the Canterlot's crimes dropping to zero? And the mysterious vigilante?"

"Yeah... I sensed something familiar about him. I can't help but to find him..."

Twilight nodded in understanding, "Alright. Please, take care. I heard that the vigilante is not friendly hero. He doesn't seem to be working for Royal Guards of General Rexstrike either."

He nodded, "Alright. Good luck in reaching Moon Dancer."

With Twilight nodded, she and her family exited the library and meeting up with their friends. Ash, Ashley and Flash Sentry walked on left direction. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Twinkle, Crystalforce and three unicorn friends walked on right direction. Will they get the results of the mission?

...
...

Moon Dancer was walking towards the Canterlot Library while carrying her baskets of books. She entered it without socializing or greeting with any ponies. Twilight and her friends watched the event from a cafe. They all worn sunglasses while reading the menus in acting like they were here to order the foods.

Spike sighed as he put the menu down, "Come on, Twilight! We've been watching her for three days! Library, house, library, house. That's it!"

Twinkle hummed in concern, "Nopony looks at her or says hello or even gives her a smile. It's like she doesn't even exist. Or she even bother to say hi to other ponies..."

"Was she always like this?" Twilight Sparkle asked Minuette.

Minuette explained, "Well, she always was a little shy. But for a while there, she was really starting to come out of her shell. Remember when she threw that party?"

Nyx turned and looked at her mother with curiosity looks. Twilight gave her friends and family a shrug and embarrassment blush. Minuette, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts thought carefully of their friend's answer as they gasped in realization.

"Oh, right. I think you might've been busy that day." Minuette giggled a bit.

Twilight and her friends remembered of what has happened. She did declined the invitation to Moon Dancer's party because she feared Nightmare Moon makes her return from her imprisonment moon as she wanted to know how can she stopped the former tyrant...

"Thought she finally might be letting her guard down a little with that party. We invited her out a few times after that." Minuette explained, "But she was always too busy studying. So, eventually, we just stopped asking."

"Study over friendship..." Crystalforce commented in concern, "That's really bad..."

"I had no idea that party was so important to her." Twilight said regretfully. She looked down in shame as she felt responsible of what she did to her very best friend. Rather than being down, she stood up with her firm looks, "I've gotta find a way to make it up to her!"

Twinkle nodded, "I'll help too, mummy. A friend of yours is the friend of mine."

Twilight smiled as she nuzzled her little daughter gently, "Thanks. I don't know what I'd do without you..."

"Hey! What about me?" Spike asked as he was being offended.

Twilight giggled as she gave him a nuzzle, "Oh, don't worry, Spike. I still need your help. Twinkle and I will talk with Moon Dancer while the rest - you can go back home."

"No worries, Twilight. We'll wait," Twinkleshine said happily.

Lemon Hearts smiled, "Yeah. We're all friends. We'll wait for you and Moon Dancer to come out."

"Say hi to Moon Dancer for us," Minuette smiled as she then giggled, "Or maybe, we say hi to her when she comes out."

Twilight smiled in amusement as she and Nyx headed to the Canterlot Library at once in finding and talking with Moon Dancer...

Heading Into Nightime Twilight and friends had caught with Ash and the others at the restaurant. They were all chatting and talking with each other happily.

"So, how's the progress with Moon Dancer?" He asked in concern.

Twilight sighed, "It's in progress now. And I hope everything is fine."

"So, uh, what are you studying these days?" Minuette asked curiously.

"Science, magic, history, economics, pottery. Things like that." Moon Dancer answered bluntly.

"Yowza! You planning on being a professor or something?"

"No."

"So you're just... studying."

Moon Dancer asked in annoyance, "Can I go now?"

"Moon Dancer, please." Twilight pleaded.

Twinkle nodded, "Please, Moon Dancer. Give them some chance to talk. We promised to give you some lessons about Hayscates' methods."

Moon Dancer huffed in annoyance.

"It's all right, Twilight. We're having a good time. Right, everypony?" Minuette said calmly. Both Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts nodded nervously as they have no idea how to react. She continued nervously, "So, uh... Spike, tell Moon Dancer that story 'bout how Twilight had to read a book about doing a sleepover!"

Spike was about to answer but Moon Dancer interrupted, "Slumber 101? I've read that."

"Oh!" Twilight chuckled uneasily, "Really? Well, uh, did you know Lemon Hearts here works at the Canterlot palace?"

"Uh, yeah. It's true. I do the big events mostly. State dinners, that sort of thing." Lemon Hearts said uneasily.

Everyone nodded and commented in agreement with Lemon Hearts, though Moon Dancer wasn't amused.

"Awkward..." Ashley said in concern.

Seeing her angry and not amused attitude, it reminded Ash of Drax. But nevertheless, Moon Dance groaned in annoyance as she stood up and left the dining table.

Twilight was worried and scared as she stood up from her seat at once. She went after Moon Dancer. Ash. Ashely Flash, Twinkle, and Spike got up from their seats. They all headed and went after Twilight Sparkle.

Both Twinkle and Ashley stopped at once as they noticed something amiss. They turned to the table as they spotted the pony reading the menu. It was a purple mane with green and light lavender stripes. Something about her was familiar to them.

Spike pulled his siblings' tails hard. He reminded them that they have to go after them. Wanted to know about the mysterious familiar girl reading the menu, nevertheless; they both turned and went after their parents.

The mysterious character lowered the menu in revealing a familiar angry character glaring at Twilight and her friends leaving the restaurant.

"Hmm... Poor Twilight Sparkle... She's having some troubles with amending her friends..."

As Moon Dancer walked out from the restaurant, Twilight Sparkle emerged from it.

"Moon Dancer!" Twilight called. Moon Dancer continued walking away. She teleported herself in front of her friend. She pleaded, "You've gotta give friendship a chance!"

Moon Dancer groaned in annoyance as she levitated her former friend over her. She then walked away.

"I gave friendship a chance a long time ago! It didn't work out then – it isn't gonna work out now!"

Twilight Sparkle was heartbroken by what she just heard. She can't believe that the once shy and gentle yet close friend is becoming a more antisocial pony who focused on studies than playing with others.

ash and others galloped towards her. They checked up with her.

"Twilight, are you alright?" He asked in concern.

"No..." Twilight answered painfully, "No, I'm not. I just need some time alone, Shadow Dragon."

As Twilight walked away, Shadow Dragon nudged Twinkle and Spike to go after her. They have to keep her comfortable and happy.

"Aren't you going after her?" Flash asked in concern.

Ash sighed, "Twilight needs some time off. But for now, we need to know more about Crimson Knight. We need to catch him before he could cause some trouble. I don't want to involve Twilight or others in this. He will target on them if he knows about me."

As Ash and the others walked giving her some space unknown to them, Crimson Knight emerged from his camouflage. He turned and glared in Twilight's direction.

"Same old pony... Same old weakness..."

...
...

Twilight Sparkle continued walking in shame and in pain as she came across Canterlot's West Courtyard. She glanced at the landscape as she wondered what can she to make up for Moon Dancer. She was her closest friend. And now she left...

"I really messed this one up. That party was everything to her." Twilight said in shame as she looked at the landscape, "I can only imagine what it must've felt like when I didn't show up."

Twilight's Imagination

Prior to Twilight's Departure to Ponyville, Moon Dancer was setting her party up. She wants to celebrate it with all of her good friends. It's a special day for her 'Get Together Party' with her closest friends. Minuette, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts have arrived to the party.

Minuette called, "Hey, Moon Dancer! Look at this spread, huh?"

"Thank you so much for coming!" Moon Dancer thanked happily.

Twinkleshine smiled, "Of course. We wouldn't miss one of our best friends' parties."

"Is Twilight coming?" Moon Dancer asked happily. Her three Unicorn friends gave the nervous and worried looks as they have no idea of how they answered to her. Seeing their looks make her realized and heartbroken, Moon Dancer looked down, "Oh. Okay."

"Hey, we'll still have fun, right?" Minuette asked while chuckled nervously.

"Sure..." Moon Dancer said unhappily.

Moon Dancer walked away at once while looking down and pain. Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Minuette felt sorry for her. Twilight Sparkle was a special friend to her. Because Twilight didn't come, Moon Dancer was heartbroken...

Thinking of what Twilight imagined of how Moon Dancer felt when their mother left the party.

If there was only a way to undo the damage..." Twilight said in upset. She gasped in realization, "I know what I need to do. And I know just who can help me."

"Too bad..." The firm voice said darkly. Twilight yelped in concern as they turned and found Crimson Knight standing before her. He approached them slowly, "Your friend's gonna have to wait. You're invited to my party."

Twilight gasped in worry as she armed her glowing horn in ready to fight. Crimson Knight draw his Scarlet Blade and started to breathe heavily. Who will survive?

The next morning, Moon Dancer approached Canterlot Library. Before she could enter, she looked down in shame and upset like something break her heart. She was ashamed of what she did to Twilight Sparkle. Then again, it was her best friend who abandoned her. So, why should she feel sorry for that Princess of Friendship? She shouldn't be bothered but why she feels guilty and shame?

Nevertheless, Moon Dancer was about to enter the library but the shadow bat form loomed over her. She gasped in shock and worry. She turned to her back. She was in shock and feared like a blast of the past haunted her! Before she could react, someone charged in as he held her by her neck to the door very hard. He glared at her.

Moon Dancer gasped, "You?! What are you-?!"

"I need you to do something for me. Deliver the message to him!" Crimson Knight exclaimed angrily.

"Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not going to be involved in your vengeance!"

"I don't care if you do. You will deliver it to Ash! If you don't, well - I don't want to kill you because you were too important to me. But your best friend will."

Moon Dancer gasped, "What?! You did what?! How could you?! If you hurt her-!"

"What? I thought you want payback on her." Mystic Knight said darkly, "She did leave your party. She did betray you. And the worst, she did to you - hurt your feeling!"

"You're wrong! I may be angry at her for hurting me... But I'd never resolve with violence," Moon Dancer sobbed tearfully, "Truthfully, she's my best friend! She always is to me."

He snarled angrily, "If you want her to be safe, give this message to him! Tell him to come and find me! He and I have some unfinished business."

Moon Dancer gulped in concern. She was worried about her best friend...

At the library, Flash sighed in concern as he put the newspaper, "So far nothing about this guy. He's like a ghost. He only appeared for some crimes and deals with them by giving a killing blow."

"He did appear during the Changelings' Invasion of Canterlot but not the Mystic War Three," Ashely said in surprise as he read the newspaper about Crimson Knight's involvement during Changelings' Invasion. He commented, "Wow... Talk about how ruthless and cold he is."

Ash hummed in concern, "It doesn't give us any clue of who he really is. We're getting to nowhere. I need to know who he really is! There must be something we're missing!"

"Dad? Are you sure there was no one else you train with? I know Drax... But there's gotta be someone else you train with." she asked in concern.

He shook his head in concern. Flash hummed in concern, "Why do I get the feeling a blast from the past is coming to haunt you?"

"What do you mean, Flash? Are you onto something?" Ash asked.

"Not really sure... You do have some rivals or enemies before. I've got the feeling someone got a serious grudge against you."

"The only enemies I have is Deathstroke and Black Falcon. Deathstroke was killed on the war. Black Falcon gave up his vendetta against me since I'm no longer involved in Ultimate Warriors Affair. Some rivals like Mad Dash and Wildmutt were on good terms with me. We just spar for a few times only."

"Yeah... I guess so. But who else wants you dead? And why?"

"I wish I knew..."

"Yeah... I guess so. But who else wants you dead? And why?"

"I wish I knew..."

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! Ash and his team walked down the stairs at once. They opened the door. They encountered the frightened yet tired Moon Dancer.

"Moon Dancer? What's wrong?" Ash asked in concern.

"Twilights in trouble! She needs us now!" Moon Dancer exclaimed in concern.

Ash and his team gasped in concern at what they just heard. Twilight Sparkle and her family got kidnapped!

At Canterlot Castle's West Courtyard, Twilight Sparkle moaned painfully as she slowly woke up. She found herself and her children trapped and tied to the chair. They were planning to find Pinkie Pie but got attacked and kidnapped by the mysterious Crimson Knight.

"Are you both okay?" Twilight asked in concern.

Spike grunted painfully, "I've been the worst. But what's with that guy's deal?"

Twinkle sighed, "I wish I knew. That guy packs lots of punches! And it's the same as our dad too. How?"

"I don't know. I just hope he's okay and stay away from here," Twilight said in concern. "Whoever that Crimson Knight is, he sure got a grudge against your father."

"Twilight!" The voice called.

Twilight and her children looked up as they spotted Ash and the others galloping towards them. Twilight and her children gasped in surprise yet relief.

Twilight gasped, "Ash!"

He approached Twilight as he untied her, Twinkle and Spike, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. But you shouldn't have come!" Twilight nodded. She turned and looked at Moon Dancer, "Moon Dancer, you came?"

Moon Dancer nodded, "Yeah... I couldn't bear to see you get hurt because... Because you're my best friend I ever had."

"Moon Dancer..." Twilight said tearfully as she was touched by her old friend's concern. She looked up and noticed something up ahead. She gasped, "Ash! Behind you!"

Ash turned and found Crimson Knight stood and aimed his revolver at him and his team. Ashley armed her Thunder Spear while Flash armed his spear. They're both ready to fight with this strange yet mysterious enemy.

"It ends now..." Crimson Knight said darkly.

Ash narrowed his angry eyes, "Who are you?"

He narrowed his hatred eyes as his blue turned into crimson, "You really don't know, don't you.

"I don't. Now start answering! Who the hell are you?! Why are you doing this?! What have I done to you?!"

He growled in anger as he aimed his Revolver at Ash. Moon Dancer gasped as she quickly moved to the front of him. She's in a blocking position.

"Drax, don't do this! Please!" Moon Dancer exclaimed in fear and pain. Everyone gasped in shock as they wondered if they did hear correctly or not. She said tearfully, "Please, don't do this, Drax."

Everyone was confused and concerned about what they just heard. Does Moon Dancer know about him?! Is Crimson Knight really...

"You really have no idea of how much pain I have to go through..." He said darkly as he pressed his mask's bottom button. He was unmasked. He revealed himself to be the scarred yet pure angered and hatred crimson pony with a black spiky mane. Ash gasped in shock. He continued, "It won't go away until I have his blood!?!"

"Drax?!" Ash said in shock and feared. He couldn't believed it. Everyone was in shock as well. He saw it. How could his former apprentice be alive?! He saw the abandoned warehouse blown to pieces. He said, "It can't be..."

"Sorry to disappoint you, boss..."

"I saw the building exploded. I looked everywhere for you. I couldn't find your body."

"Don't you dare lie to me! I trusted you. I always thought you believed in me that I will be strong and fats as you. But you left me dead!"

Ash shook his head in denial while protesting, "That's not what happened! I really did try to find you!"

Crimson Knight put his Revolver on Ash's head, "Yeah, like I'm gonna believe in you. You know what I'm gonna do next, ?"

"Don't try it."

"Too late!"

Before he could fire his revolver, Ash gave his former apprentice a headbutt. yelped painfully.He quickly spun himself and kicked his face off. Ash turned to others.

"Get them out! I'll deal with him..." Ash ordered firmly. Before anyone could speak, he turned and gave them his firm and angry face, "That's an order! Now go!"

Everyone hated doing this but they have no choice. To them it was personal.

Ash and Crimson Knight glared at each other as they both readied to fight. Crimson Knight put his mask on. The fight is about to start!

"I can help you, Drax! It's not too late!" Ash pleaded.

Crimson Knight hissed in anger, "There's no helping me now! You died!"

He roared in anger as he charged in. Ash struck his punch at his former apprentice but the latter jumped and hovered over the former. Crimson Knight landed on the ground as he turned and kicked at Ash. The hero dodged down before swiped his leg at the vigilante. Crimson Knight jumped up before giving a hard punch on Ash to the ground. The vigilante charged in but kicked off by Ash. Both of them charged in as they both punched and kicked at each other while avoiding and dodging the attacks in fast pace.

"Stand down!"

"Shut the hell up! Don't call me that!"

Crimson Knight gave Ash a headbutt. He grabbed and thrown his former mentor to the ground. He landed his right hoof on the ground before pushing and spinning himself up in getting up. He positioned himself with his hooves raising up and standing with one hoof with electricity energy - Electric Flight Strike Style. Crimson Knight huffed himself as he did the same as his master. He mimicked his master too well.

Ash jumped, followed by Crimson Knight as they both punched and kicked at each other while dodging and avoiding the attacks for few times. They slowly descended to the ground. While they managed to avoid the attacks, they managed to give each other some hard punches and kicks. They landed on the ground hard before they bounced and hovered back for few times. Before landed on the walls, they thrust themselves straight at each other. Ash slammed Crimson Knight to the ground as he gave his former apprentice some punches. Mystic Knight gave his former a headbutt before kicking Ash up.

Crimson Knight summoned his Scarlet Blade while Ash summoned his Shining Light Blade. They both charged in as they swung and clashed their blades at each other hard and quick for few times. But at the same time, they both dodged and avoided the attacks from heads, chests and legs. They then clashed their blades at each other while glaring at each other.

"I'm gonna break you! If it's not enough, your family will be good enough!" Crimson Knight exclaimed in anger.

Ash hissed, "Don't get involved them of this! How did you escape that house?!"

"I crawled! Barely alive! Thanks to that damn clown!"

"Psychopath Joke?! He's the one who kidnapped and tortured you?! Why?!"

"Haven't you figure that out?! He wants to turn you to Dark Mayhem and his minions! They want him to become their sides, so they can destroy the Human Realm! Isn't that obvious?!"

"I guess it is. Hurting my friends, my family and my love. When they're gone, I have nothing but desired revenge..."

"Yeah, it's always about you! It's always about you! I'm sick of it! When I'm through with you, I finally be free from my prison!"

"Revenge won't get you anyway. So, stop this maddness!"

"Shut up!".
Crimson pushed his blade off before swinging his on Ash's but the latter blocked and deflected the former's off. They both then swung their blades at each other while dodging and avoiding for few times. As they both clashed their blades again, Ash gave Crimson Knight a punch but the vigilante gave back the punch on the hero. They both got pushed back. They then charged in as they thrust and swung their blades against each other for few times. They then clashed their blades for the moment.

He then took his Revolver up as he readied to fire. Ash dodged down before swiped his leg on Crimson Knight's down. Mystic Knight grabbed and thrown his former master up, causing Ash fell down. Crimson Knight slammed his Scarlet Blade on Ash. The hero rolled over back before firing his Sun Blast at the vigilante. Crimson Knight deflected it off before firing his Revolver at Ash who deflected it.

With their swords disappeared, both armed themselves in their Dragon Spiritual Style - they both stretched their legs out while held their hooves in battle position like dragons. They both charged in as they punched and kicked at each other for few times while dodging them. Ash thrust his punch at Crimson but deflected as the latter gave thrust punch on the former's chest. Ash gave a knee kick on his head. Crimson Knight kicked Ash off but grabbed and the twisted his leg in turning the vigilante backwards. Crimson then kicked Ash down. He was about to punch Ash but held the punches. They both glared at each other.

"That's enough, Drax! Stop it! Don't go down the path! Please, turn back now!" Ash exclaimed in concern.

"Shut up!"

Crimson Knight shouted angrily. The vigilante took his Revolver as he fired straight at Ash's guts. The hero yelped as he fell to the ground hard. Ash moaned painfully. Mystic Knight held his gun aiming at Shadow Dragon, "It's over now. I will kill you."

"Don't do this..."

"Too late!"

STROKE! Crimson Knight screamed in pain as he felt his right hoof thrust and speared by a spear. He turned and found Flash Sentry stood before him. Twilight and her friends had arrived.

"You're dead!" He exclaimed in anger.

He swung his punch at Flash Sentry who dodged down and swipe his leg on the vigilante's legs. The young soldier held the vigilante to the ground. Crimson growled painfully while screaming angrily.

Twilight Sparkle, Ashley and Moon Dancer came as help him up. Everyone turned and looked at him. Ash looked at Flash Sentry while giving a nod. Flash Sentry disliked it but agreed.

Crimson Knight growled angrily, "Finish me!"

"No..." Ash denied, "I won't do it!"

"Just kill me! Just like what you did to me before! You left me to rotten to death! You left me to died!"

"I'm sorry. I really am. I really did try to save you," Ash said shamefully. He held his hand out, "Please... Let me help you. For old time's sake. We still can fix this, Drax..

Crimson Knight looked down for the moment as he was thinking. He glared at Ash again. He threw the smoke bombs down. Everyone yelped and gasped in shock before they coughed heavily as they got themselves caught in the smoke. As soon as the smoke dispersed, they all found Crimson Knight was nowhere to be found. He's gone!

"I can't forgive you, but I can't blame you for everything. Until I clear my mind, I won't come back to the team. Red Hood is gone, only Crimson Knight stands. If you need me, I'll be in touch."

Ash sighed, "Drax..."

Everyone remained silent as they all could do was looking at him. They all feel sorry for him to lose his friend again.

Twilight approached Moon Dancer, "Moon Dancer, do you know him?"

Moon Dancer sighed, "He was my friend and my boyfriend..."

...
...

At the evening, Twilight and her family have set the party. All of her old friends have come and joined the party. Everyone loved and even Moon Dancer. Moon Dancer was chatting with Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts. Spike was blindfolded in playing 'Prick the Tail on Pony' while Twilight and Minuette cheered for him. Ashley and Twinkle danced wildly and happily. Ash and Toby were chatting with each other. Moon Dancer finally open her eyes and mind after the terrible experience of what happen to Drax.

"Moon Dancer, can I have a word with you?" Twilight Sparkle approached to Moon Dancer. Her old friend turned to her. She sighed, "I know this party can't make up for the way I hurt you. But please, don't let my mistake be the reason you can't be friends with anypony else. Don't end up of what happen to Ash's friend."

Moon Dancer sighed, "Twilight... When I first make the party, it was meant for everyone including you for being my best friends I ever had. I feel appreciated of it." She said tearfully as her eyes poured some tears out, "But you didn't even bother to show up! Then you left town without saying goodbye even though we were supposed to be friends! I was humiliated! I felt like I wasn't important! I never wanted to let myself be hurt like that again!"

"Moon Dancer..."

"I realize something. If I held that too long and unleash that fury at you, I not only lose myself but I will lose you. Therefore, I'm sorry too for not giving you a chance."

"Moon Dancer?"

"I finally see that now. You really want to make it up for me." Moon Dancer hugged Twilight passionately, "Thank you, Twilight. I never realized how much I needed to hear that."

Twilight smiled as she hugged Moon Dancer back, "Yeah. And thank you for forgiving me."

Both Twilight and Moon Dancer cried tearfully while hugging each other. Both of them were really good friends indeed...

Everyone but Ash and Flash Sentry saw it. They awed happily to see it. They were glad to see both Twilight Sparkle and Moon Dancer are friends again.

Twinkle sighed, "I'm glad everything is back to normal."

"It sure is," Ashley nodded in agreement.

Spike held the broken present, "I wonder if she likes it."

"She will," they both answered happily together.

Ash and Flash Sentry have their own chats about Mystic Knight.

Flash Sentry sighed, "I'm sorry. For your loss of your best friend, sir."

"There was nothing I can do. What happens in the past is done. I have to let it go now until next time I meet Crimson Knight," He said calmly. He turned to Flash, "By the way, thanks for the save, Flash. I owe you one."

"It's no big deal. I'm just glad to help around, sir."

"You know, Flash. You may prove yourself that you can be a hero. What the heck? You may even join the team."

Flash gasped, "Does this mean-?"

"Yes. I will help and train you, soldier. And welcome to Omega Force too," Ash smiled, "That's for helping and saving me and my friends, Sentry. Come to me when you have the time."

Flash saluted, "I won't let you down sir."

"I know you won't, soldier." Ash saluted back.

With the party ended, everyone were clearing the mess up. Twilight and her family approached Moon Dancer. It's time for them to leave.

"I think it's time for us to go, Moon Dancer." Twilight spoke.

Moon Dancer nodded, "Thank you for helping me make some new friends. Even if they are my old friends."

"Oh. We'll come back and visit soon."

"That would be great! You've still gotta teach me that Hayscartes technique!"

"Deal."

Twunkle sighed, "I'm glad you two are friends again. That what makes me happy the most. I almost want to call you Aunt Moon Dancer since you and mum share the same manestyle."

Everyone then laughed happily to hear that. That was a good joke!

"Um, Moon Dancer? It got kinda banged up," Spike held the present up, "but here's a little something I wanted to give you back at your first party."

As Moon Dancer levitated the present up, she took something out of it. She smiled happily as she recognized it very well. It was her first photo of her and her friends eating their first lunch - donuts at Donut Joe's Restuarant.

"I'll treasure it. Thank you." Moon Dancer smiled. Twilight and her family smiled happily to hear that. She turned to Ash, "I'm sorry for everything. If I have stopped him, he wouldn't be like this."

He sighed, "I know. I just hope Jason got his senses back and come back to the team. I also hope he can let go of his grudge too."

"Me too... I really like him too. He reminds me of me..."

On the castle's tower, Crimson Knight was glaring at his old teammates portraits before kept it on his bag. He sighed in annoyance yet unhappily as he looked up and glared at the moon. One day, he will...

Episode 8- Do Princess Dream of Magic Sheep?

2,000 years ago...

Two ponies were riding the blackish yet rarest fierce and determined winged scaly Fury Classed Dragon. One was the young crimson Pegasus with his blackish short spiky mane dressed in his black General's Armor with the cape while another was young Princess Luna were crossing through mountain's long road, along with 100 Qin Soldiers following them both.

They came across a small village. The peasants suffered from droughts as they have no food or water to survive. Princess Luna feel sorry as she wanted to help them. She looked up for the moment. She smiled in realization. She turned and looked at her General who nodded in agreement. She had her horn glowed brightly as if she was trying to summon or control something. The sun slowly descended, followed by ascending the moon up to the sky, followed by the heavy rain. The growth of vegetables and fruits magically grew back. The pond is filled up with much of water.

Everyone gasped in surprise. They all cheered wildly and happily as they finally have the water. They decided to throw special celebration for Princess Luna. They prayed and payed their respect to her as the Goddess of the Moon and Healing. They also offered her their fruits and It touched her heart and mind as it's the first time to see ponies pay their respect to her and enjoyed her night so much.

Princess Luna decided to return the villagers a favor. She asked her general to help her in making something special. They both combined their eastern and western cultural desserts - their first strawberry mooncake as the special dessert for Moon Festival Day for every 15th Day with Full Moon of Mid Autumn Season. Everyone loved and enjoyed it very much. It's the very important celebration they will never forget about.

Princess Luna and her General enjoyed their first meal very much. They both looked at each other with their passionate and happy eyes as if they have fallen in love with each other. They have known each other since she and her older sister came to Land of Ma as the concubines to the Emperor for secured alliance between Eastern and Western.

"Nash..." Princess Luna smiled happily as she held her general's hoof.

Nash smiled as he held her hand, "Luna..."

Princess Luna and Nash slowly leaned their faces towards each other. They smiled happily as they were about to kiss.

SWOOP! Princess Luna gasped in shock upon looking at swarms of arrows flying straight at her. Nash quickly pushed her aside before he got struck and thrust by them

Princess Luna gasped, "Nashhhhh!"

He coughed heavily as he spitted some blood out. He turned and glanced at Princess Luna for a while. He moaned painfully as he fell to the ground hard. Princess Luna was in stunned and shocked of what she just saw. Her lover was killed.

A laugh was sounded. Princess Luna turned and glared at Roman and his Dark Signers as they all armed and aimed their bows and arrows at her. She growled in anger as she slowly levitated herself up as she transformed into the form of malicious and dark Nightmare Moon.

"All shall died!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in anger as she launched her powerful attack on her glowing horn, "N Curse Beam!"

Nightmare Moon fired hers straight at the Dark Signers to dusts. She smirked darkly as she laughed manically and darkly. Revenge is hers!

"Princess Luna! Hold on! We're coming!" The familiar voice called.

Nightmare Moon looked down. She found Twilight and her five friends stood before her. As the power of light flashed upon them, they all transformed into their Rainbow Form! They will do what they can to save her.

Nightmare Moon scoffed, "Fools! Yours power can defeat me! I am invincible! Princess Luna is gone! Nightmare Moon is now your master!"

Twilight Sparkle narrowed her determined eyes, "Think again! Together!"

As Twilight and her friends levitated herself up, the magically rainbow ball formed around them while their eyes glowed in white magically. They then launched their United Friendship Rainbow Power straight at her. Nightmare Moon summoned the powerful force field in blocking and deflecting the blasts from hurting her.

As the evil princess laughed evilly, the moon glowed darkly as it slowly formed in the blackish clay-like. Upon spotting the moon's strange behavior, Nightmare Moon gasped in shock and worry of what she just saw. It turned to its back as it was trying to breach something out.

The rift was opened to the path of dream stream-like. The mysterious creature immediately escaped.

"No! Dreamcatcher , come back! Noooooooo!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in anger.

Seeing Nightmare Moon distracted, Twilight and her friends immediately fired and pushed their United Friendship Rainbow Power. It hit Nightmare Moon hard. It purged all of evil within Princess Luna out. She returned to normal. Instead of happy, Princess Luna was in shock and feared. Twilight and her friends came and surrounded her as they cheered happily and wildly for her. She doesn't seem to be one.

Princess Luna gasped in shock as she immediately woke up and stood up. She looked around of her area. She's back to reality and her own bedroom. She breathed heavily. It was a dream?!

"What? My dream ended... happily?" Princess Luna asked in shock and concern. "That. Cannot. Happen!"

What has been going on with Princess Luna?

...
...

In the morning...

Twilight and her friends including Ash, Ashely, Swift and Spike were at Rarity's Carousal Boutique outside. The bathtub baskets and small stage-like were set. They were all washing, cleaning and grooming their pets. Rarity have invited all of her friends to wash and groom their pets.

Pinkie giggled happily, "Ooh, this is amazing!"

Rainbow Dash yawned loudly as she felt and looked very tired, "Yeah, Rarity. Thanks for setting this up."

"A grooming day for our pets really was a great idea." Fluttershy remarked tiredly.

Rarity was combing her Opalescence's furs. Twilight was brushing Owlowiscious's head. Rainbow Dash was bathing her pet Tank from his bathtub basket. Applejack was petting Winona's head. Fluttershy was rocking her Angel. Pinkie was playing with her pet Gummy.

But for unknown reason, Mane Six seemed to be tired and sleepy while the rest looked healthy and okay. Did they sleep late?

Feeling tired and exhausted, Rarity have her eyes closed for a nap while magically combing on Opalescence's tail without stopping for the moment. A sudden poke on Opalescence's back make her yowled painfully and jumped up high. She landed on Rarity's head hard.

Rarity yelped in surprise yet tired, "Oh, my! Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't get my normal beauty sleep last night..."

Rarity's cat hissed angrily at her. She sighed in upset. She really needs a lot of rest because the last thing she wants is Opalescence to get angry in clawing and scratching the fabric and silk.

"You know..." Twilight yawned loudly as she brushed Owlowiscious's head, "I didn't sleep well either."

All of her friends nodded in agreement while Pinkie Pie strangely looked okay as she bounced around happily. Spike went into Raity's Carousal Boutique in getting some more towels.

As Applejack took a nap, Winona barked happily for the attention. Applejack sighed as she knew her dog is very obedient and punctual for everything especially washing and grooming. It was her favorite time to do.

"All right, Winona. Time for your brushin'." Applejack said tiredly as she was finding the brush.

As Applejack took her 'brush' up but closed her eyes, Winona laid her head in front for her master to brush her up. Instead of brushing, something bite her left ear. Winona yelped painfully as she shook something off her head. Applejack woke up and found Gummy was biting Winona's ears as the former realized that she took the wrong one!

As Winona swung Gummy off her ear, he landed on Owlowiscious's head. The owl yelped as he flapped his wings in panicked. Twilight noticed it.

As Winona rubbed her head off on the stage gently, she glared at her owner. Applejack blushed while showing her tired face. Winina then glared at the cowgirl pony.

"Oops. I guess I'm too plumb tuckered out to do this right." Applejack admitted in shame.

Fluttershy yawned as she rocked Angel gently, "I even went to bed early last night... but then I had a really scary nightmare."

The rest of Mane Six exclaimed in shock and surprise, "Me too!"

"Uh, only, you know, I didn't think mine was that scary!" Rainbow Dash said 'bravely'.

Ashely scoffed, "Yeah... Like that's gonna convince me."

"Well, mine sure was. There was this blue smoke monster and..." Twilight stopped as she saw her friends staring at her. She asked, "what?"

"I dreamt about a blue smoke thingy too!" Fluttershy said in concern.

"Me too!" Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity agreed.

"So what? Probably just a coincidence." Rainbow Dash said confidently.

Swift hummed in concern, "I don't like this. And something tells me this isn't coincidence."

Ashely nodded in agreement, "You say it, Swift. I think this is very serious one."

"You're probably right. Sleeping early for today? Dreaming same smokey creature? And then, suddenly we have the nightmares? It's scaring me off now..." Twilight said in concern.

Spike brought more towels as he looked surprise since he overheard of what happens from his friends. As Twilight got off the bathtub basket, she levitated the towel in wiping the water out of her.

Overheard what his friends had said, Spike emerged and said happily, "Huh. I wonder why I didn't have that nightmare. I slept great!"

Everyone glared at Spike. They really hated it when Spike bragged of something he did amazing or even avoid from getting into troubles.

"Enough with your bragging, Spike. We all too sleep well," Swift added.

Ashely hummed in concern, "Yeah... It's kinda strange and funny to think that. I checked on our family and friends. They seemed to be okay."

"So then, what could've given you six all the same nightmare?" Ash asked in concern.

"I don't know, but I do know who might." Twilight said in concern with her eyes looked tired. She turned to Spike, "Spike, could you send a scroll to Princess Luna?"

As Spike set his scroll and quill up, he wrote everything down from what Twilight had said."

"Dear Princess Luna, last night my friends and I all dreamt of a creature made of blue smoke. I'm sure you're very busy, but," Twilight yawned, "when you have the chance, please let me know if you have any idea what it could mean. Yours," She again yawned tiredly, "Princess Twilight Sparkle. You can leave out the yawns."

Spike nodded as he scrolled the scroll up. He fired his greenish flame on it. The message has been delivered! All they can do is...

A flash of light popped in the form of Princess Luna. She asked frantically, "Which of you saw the creature of blue smoke in your nightmare?!"

Everyone was in shock yet surprise to see Princess Luna coming to their aid very soon. Surely, it takes princesses some times to think of what advice they can provide for Mane Six and their friends of what they're dealing with...

"Just me and my five friends. The rest of them slept well.." Twilight answered in concern. She then asked in concern, "So you've encountered the smoke monster too?"

Princess Luna sighed in shame as she explained, "The Dreamcatcher is a creature of my nightmares. It escaped from my slumbers yesterday."

"But how did it get into ours?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"it like a parasite. My dreams must no longer be enough for it." Princess Luna answered in concern and fearfully, "Now it seeks others to infect and corrupt. It must have learned of you six from seeing you in my dream."

"So, that's why they didn't sleep well," Swift said in concern.

Ashley nodded in concern, "Mom and her five friends are its target to feed!"

Ash turned to Princess Luna, "Can you remove it from the others?"

"Yes... But it's not going to be that simple," Princess Luna said in concern.

Rainbow Dash scoffed, "So Smokey gave us bad dreams. No biggie."

Princess Luna shook her head, "I saw that the Dreamcatcher had grown more powerful, but I did not realize that power was enough to enable it to escape my dreams."

Princess Luna used her Illusion Spell in showing her friends of what happen to if should it grew more powerful and strong enough. As it grew bigger, it breached a small hole as it entered Equestria Realm as it began enlarged itself and covered the whole land with its pure nightmarish cloak-like.

"If its power grows, it could very well find a way to escape into the real world. It could turn all of Equestria into a living nightmare!"

Everyone looked shock and worry of what they had learned. The Dreamcatcher had proven itself dangerous and scary to deal with, should it escaped the Dream Realm to the Living Realm. It can't be good...

Rainbow Dash gulped in concern, "Okay, okay, okay, I take it back! That does sound bad! Really bad!"

In the evening,

Twilight, Spike and her friends have prepared 13 beds inside the Princess of Friendship's bedroom. Ash led Princess Luna into the bed chamber while Ashely and Swift explained to four Cutie Mark Crusaders of what really is going on.

Twilight Sparkle turned to Princess Luna, "We've prepared everything exactly as you requested."

Princess Luna nodded in relief as she flapped her wings up in midair, "Good. As you six slumber here, I will pursue the creature into whichever of your dreams it infests."

"Hopefully we can catch that Dreamcatcher before it could do more damages on Mane Six's dreams," Ash said in concern, "And the worse to think - it could escaped and unleashed the nightmares upon Equestria and Mystic Realm. We can't let that happen."

Twilight and her five friends were getting themselves ready on their beds. The rest of their friends were on guard duty in checking on Mane Six as well as assisting and helping Princess Luna, with everything they can provide for her.

Twilight Sparkle realized something important as she turned to Princess Luna, "Aren't you gonna ask Celestia for her help as well?"

Princess Luna shook her head, "There is nothing my sister can do. She has no power in the realm of sleep. Not even Human Ponies possessed that kind of ability but the Power of Darkness. Only I can move from dream to dream. I am afraid nopony can help me tonight."

"Even us?" Applejack asked in concern.

"Especially you." Princess Luna said shamefully as she looked at her shocking and worrying friends, "You have all suffered so much because of me. You need only slumber while I hunt the Dreamcatcher in your dreams."

Ash sighed in defeat, "Princess Luna's right. Neither of us have that kind of ability. She's on her own to stop and capture it."

"Wait a minute!" Twinkle protested. Everyone turned and looked at her. She continued, "I've got the same ability as Princess Luna because I'm her reincarnation!"

"You can't!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in concern.

Scootaloo nodded, "She's right. It's too dangerous! There's no telling what that Tanta- Grr! Whatever it was can do to you! In fact, we don't want you to get lost!"

"Especially Demon Children!" Sweetie Belle added, "They will be expecting you to be in there."

"I can handle it! I can do it! I want to help!" Twinkle pleaded frantically. Everyone is much against the idea of letting Twinkle go on journey with Princess Luna. They were worried that Demon Successors would be waiting for her. They want to capture and torture her for betraying their kin. She continued, "Please! I'll be fine! I've got Battle Mode with me! I can do this! I'm not afraid of those monsters."

As everyone have some thoughts, Princess Luna could see Twinkle's determined eyes. She knew it very well since Twinkle is part of her.

"Alright, you shall accompany me to our journey into the dreams," Princess Luna remarked as she landed on the ground while held on Twinkle's shoulder. Everyone gasped in concern. She continued, "Do not worry, my friends. I will not let Demon Successors or Dreamcatcher harm her. I will keep her safe."

Everyone thought for the moment. They actually don't like it because of both Dreamcatcher and Demon Successors. The monsters could harm her badly. They sighed in defeat as they all agreed to let Twinkle join with Princess Luna for the journey into dreams.

Twinkle cheered, "Thank you, everypony! I won't let you all down!"

With that Princess Luna and Twinkle activate their horns and the Dream Realm.

[Rarity's Dream]

"Oh, my!" Rarity gasped happily as she was inside of her favorite dream. She saw several different kind of dresses flying and floating around in her dream city. She smiled, "This is simply divine! How avant garde!"

As Rarity was distracted by looking at the dresses, Dreamcatcher flow and entered into one of them. The dress fell to the ground as it exited and entered into another one.

Upon hearing strange noise, Rarity turned to her back as she found the monstrous dress was charging straight at her.

Rarity gasped in fear, " Forget avant garde! I should have said en garde!"

Rarity fired her Unicorn Bursts on several monstrous dresses. As they were defeated, one of them enlarged itself like something was breaching out from it! Princess Luna and Twinkle emerged from the broken dress.

"It is here!" Princess Luna exclaimed firmly.

Nyx gasped as she pointed up at it entered several dresses turning them into monsters, "There it is! It's turning Rarity's dream into nightmares!"

As several monstrous dresses comes to alive, they then attacked the normal ones to pieces. Rarity gasped in shock as she held the torn pieces and parts of dresses. Princess Luna and Nyx came and approached Rarity.

"It was such a pretty little chiffon...!" Rarity sobbed tearfully before growled a bit, "What kind of monster would do this?!"

"The Dreamcatcher." Nyx said firmly as she transformed into her Battle Mode.

Rarity growled, "Then let's stop it!"

"No, please! I don't want you to suffer anymore because of me." Princess Luna said firmly. Dreamcatcher reacted strangely as it grew bigger and darker. Princess Luna shown her determined looks as she turned to Twinkle, "Twinkle, Help Rarity! Deal with all of the monsters! I will catch it."

Dreamcatcher summoned the monstrous dresses out. They all charged straight at Princess Luna who fired her Lunar Shots at them off while chasing after it ! As Princess Luna turned, she gasped in shock as she found it and escaped through the window. The bricks formed up and blocked her from entering it.

While battling with their enemies, Twinkle and Rarity gasped in shock of what they saw! Princess Luna flew down and approached her friends.

"It has jumped into another dream!" Princess Luna said in concern, "I am sorry, but if we are to stop it, we must follow it where you cannot. Twinkle, let us go!"

Princess Luna fired her Unicorn Burst at the bricks as both she and Twinkle flew straight into the hole while leaving Rarity behind to deal with her nightmares.

"Go! I should be able to handle things here." Rarity said confidently as she turned and faced at the monstrous dresses. There were lots of them! She gulped in fear, "I hope...!"

[Pinkie Pie's Dream]

Pinkie was singing happily as she was walking and jumping off from one place to another - Ponyville Hill, Everfree Forest's Secret Pond, Dragon's Mountain and then to Cloudsdale where she met Princess Luna and Twinkle.

Princess Luna hissed as she looked around of the surroundings, "I followed the Dreamcatcher here. Now I need only find—"

Unfortunately, Pinkie bounced off to another place - Tecnotitlan Basin without letting Princess Luna explained.

"Sorry, can't help it! An idea pops into my head, it—" Pinkie bounced off to another place - her room of Sugarcube Corner. She gasped happily as she found cakes around her, "Ooh, cake!"

As Pinkie Pie was about to eat the cakes, it suddenly fired some watery cream at her. She shook her head off the creams. She yelped in shock as she the cakes comes to life as monsters! Dreamcatcher have created Pinkie's nightmares!

Before the monstrous cakes could harm her, two cakes broke to pieces as both Twinkle and Princess Luna appeared before them. They both fired their Repel Power in breaking the cakes to pieces. They looked around in finding Tantabus.

Princess Luna and Nyx spotted Tantabus escaped through the donuts package box. As they were about to enter, they got slammed on something very hard! They looked up and found themselves at Crystal Empire! Pinkie Pie have bounced her and them to another place!

"No!" Twinkle exclaimed in shock.

"Sorry!" Pinkie apologized. Princess Luna teleported Twinkle and herself to another dream! Pinkie bounced to another place - Ponyville. She gasped, "Who wants ice cream?!"

Everyone emerged from their home. They all smiled happily as they were looking at what Pinkie has - giant ice-cream of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry with chocolate sauce and cherries on them!

[Fluttershy's Dream]

At the yellow Pegasus's cottage, a giant rabbit Angel was combing Fluttershy's mane gently. As normal Pegasus, Shadowclaw was drinking tea with her. Everything looked so peaceful and perfect for her...

"Mmm, it's so nice to be the pet for once." Fluttershy said happily. She turned while looking at Shadowclaw with her lovely and passionately eyes. He smiled gently while looking at her. She giggled happily, "It's nice to see you being normal for once. This is what I dream of. Don't you agree, Shadowclaw?"

Shadowclaw chuckled, "Certainly. I am your prince charming."

Fluttershy giggled in amusement. As she and her friends were enjoying their happy times, a large Dreamcatcher was flowing and passing them. It then touched on Angel's and Shadowclaw's back in giving them a shock.

As Fluttershy leaned towards Shadowclaw, she suddenly smell... blood scent while her mane got slime and clawed for some reason. She opened her eyes. She yelped as she saw mutated Vampire Pony-like glaring and roaring at her. She looked at her back - she found the demonic yet monstrous form of Angel.

Fluttershy gulped fearfully while shuddered, "N-n-n-n-nice... giant... evil Angel... and vampiric... evil Shadowclaw!"

Fluttershy screamed in fear as both evil Shadowclaw and Angel were about to attack her. Both vampire pony and giant rabbit got blasted as both Princess Luna and Twinkle came and swooped her up to the top of tree.

Fluttershy sighed in relief, "Phew! Oh, thank you, princess and Twinkle!"

Before any of them could reply, they both spotted Dreamcatcher escaped through the birdhouse's hole. Princess Luna summoned the dream door as she and Nyx quickly entered it. As for Fluttershy, she was surrounded by both flying demonic Shadowclaw and monstrous Angel in crunching the tree. She's trapped!

[Applejack's Dream]

At the Apple Orchard, Applejack was wiping the big apple gently in making sure it is clean and spotless. She didn't want the prized apple to be ruined.

Applejack sighed, "Now this is what I call an incredible dream."

Dreamcatcher emerged from the rift. It flown straight down as it touched the apple tree into rotten tree one-by-one. The flower bloomed from the apple tree as it formed both Princess Luna and Twinkle out from it. As they looked for Dreamcatcher, they spotted it heading straight at Applejack and her big apple!

Applejack spotted it from the reflection of her big apple. She turned and found it heading straight for her! She ducked down but it touched and entered the apple's core! Princess Luna and Twnkle went after it before it caused some damages! Unfortunately for Applejack, her Apple Orchard is in ruined!

[Rainbow Dash's Dream]

As Princess Luna and Nyx searched for Tantabus in shadowy place, they came across Rainbow Dash was battling and fighting with the Changelings fiercely and determinedly. One of them caught her from her back, Princess Luna fired her Lunar Shots at Changeling from holding Rainbow Dash. Twinkle fired her Night Beam at the rest of Changelings. They all turned to Rainbow Dash.

"I can see the Dreamcatcher has already turned your slumbers into a nightmare!" Princess Luna exclaimed in concern.

Rainbow Dash scoffed, "What are you talking about? This is my favorite dream!"

Rainbow Dash flipped her punch on her back. Twinkle scoffed, "I should have known. Aunt Rainbow Dash sure love the fighting especially with monsters."

"Where could that Dreamcatcher be now?" Princess Luna asked in concern, "It should have turned her dream in nightmares by now."

Princess Luna was right. Dreamcatcher touched the crystallized branch-like as everything slowly turned into peaceful and beautiful yet cute landscape. Rainbow Dash yelped in concern of what she was watching. She spotted talking flowers smiled cutely as they all sang happily.

Sunflowers: We are such happy flowers
We will now sing for hours
Aren't we unbearably cute?
Watch me solo on jazz flute

The Sunflower then played the flute in solo while his friends were singing happily. Rainbow Dash shuddered in fear before screamed wildly and fearfully.

"You must be joking..." Princess Luna said in shock.

"I guess we know why Rainbow Dash hates dolls or even wants to have tea party with Fluttershy," Twinkle shrugged. She gasped as she pointed out, "Wait! Is that-!"

It flew straight up to the sky. Both Princess Luna and Twinkle chased after it to the sky!

[Twilight's Dream]

Within Castle of Two Sisters' Library; everything and books were cleaned, organized and perfect on the bookshelves. The books were flying around. Twilight Sparkle was reading them all by herself since her childhood...

Dreamcatcher emerged from the flying books as it once again cause some chaos and mess in the library! Twilight turned to her back. She gasped fearfully as she encountered the flying monstrous books. They were attacking her, causing her to dodge and avoid them three times. She then flew off to escape.

As she was flying, she encountered it coming towards her! Just before it catch her, Princess Luna appeared and fired her Crystallized Beam at the parasite while Twinkle stood besides her mother.

Twilight gasped, "Luna! Twinkle!"

"Mummy! Are you alright?" She asked in concern. Twilight nodded. She noticed more flying monster bats coming towards them, "Mummy, stay with me! We've got bats!"

As Princess Luna continued firing her beam at it into crystal statue, Twinkle defended Twilight in firing and blasting monstrous books off. But there too many as they continued attacking and biting her and her mother. They all screamed in pain.

Princess Luna was distracted upon seeing her friends were in danger! The crystal statue cracked as Dreamcatcher freed from its prison. It screeched wildly like monsters from outer space film!

...
...

[Real World]

Mane Six gasped in shock as they woke up from their slumber. Princess Luna and Twinkl stopped their Dream Journey Spell as they slowly descended to the ground.

Ash and the others noticed it as they quickly checked on their friends. Ash checked on Twilight Sparkle. Spike and Sweetie Belle checked on Rarity. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo checked on Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Swift and Ashley checked on Twinkle if she was okay.

"What happened? Is everyone alright?" Ash asked in concern.

Swift Ice used her Aura Scan on everyone. She saw everyone were covered by blackish nightmare glow. She hissed, "It's not good. Their auras are in bad shape. The Dreamcatcher must have given them very scared."

"She's right!" Fluttershy admitted from her bed while covering herself with the blanket, "That... that was terrible! I-I never want to have that nightmare again!"

Rainbow Dash shivered in fear while rocking front and back, "Me either!"

Mane Six looked scared and frightened. The nightmares Dreamcatcher created have scared them badly. Ash and his team make comfort to them.

"But Luna caught it, didn't she?" Spike asked.

Twinkle shook her head, "We didn't... That thing is strong as Tso Lan... And not to mention, it's scary too..."

Princess Luna nodded in agreement, "It will be back to infect your dreams the next time you sleep."

"Oh, no!" Fluttershy gasped in fear.

Applejack gulped, "Yeah. I reckon I could live without seeing that thing ever again."

Princess Luna shook her head as she gave her angry and firm face to everyone, "But you will. Again and again, every night, until it grows powerful enough to infect the waking world!" She sighed unhappily as she approached to the window, "After what I did as Nightmare Moon, the fact that I am once again responsible for harming others is more than I can bear."

"It'll be okay! Everypony makes mistakes!" Twinkle comforted Princess Luna.

Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Everypony given second chances!"

Princess Luna turned to her friends as she approached them, "As long as none of you dreamt about another pony, it remains confined to your dreams. I still have a chance to catch it before it's too late."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Princess Luna. There might be another chance to catch the monster. Before any of them could do something, Pinkie Pie sighed happily.

"Phew, that's good to hear! Although after you left, I did happen to dream that I was eating a giant ice-cream cone with all of Ponyville while taking a test we hadn't studied for. See, what'd I tell ya? Everypony makes mistakes!"

Everyone gasped in shock of what they just heard! Pinkie Pie dreamt of other ponies! That was the biggest mistake she ever did!

"That wasn't mistake! That's the great risk!" Ash exclaimed in annoyance as he slammed his hooves on Pinkie's bed, "What were you thinking, Pinkie Pie?! How could you put the lives of others at risk all because of an ice-cream!"

Pinkie gulped, "I-I-I didn't mean it. I swear. I thought-!"

"Don't take things so lightly! You shouldn't have done that!" Ash scolded angrily, "Now everyone is in danger because of you! The Dreamcatcher could be turning every dream in Ponyville into a nightmare! I hope you're happy about this because-!"

"Ash, enough!" Twilight called him. Shadow Dragon turned and glared at her. She continued, "Pinkie didn't know it. She thought it was just wild creature. She didn't know it was smart. What if you were in her position when there's a giant cake in front of you? What will you do with it if it's just the dream?"

He thought for the moment before sighed in shame, "You're right. I'm sorry. I-I just want to catch it before it could hurt you or the rest."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I know. But now we need to know of how are we gonna catch it before it could damage other ponies.

"It is far worse than that. Infecting all those dreams gives it more and more power. Soon it will be able to escape into the real world and infect Equestria with its nightmare plague!" Princess Luna said fearfully.

"Then you must let us help you stop it before that happens!" Rarity spoke.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! You helped four of us. It's our turn to return the favor for you, Princess Luna."

"Yeah!" The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed proudly,

Everyone nodded in agreement as they wanted to help Princess Luna to catch the it.

"But how?" Fluttershy asked in concern, "It was able to escape Luna when it only had six dreams it could get to!"

Twinkle hissed, "Fluttershy's right. With so many dreams to hide in, I don't think we can find and catch it in time. It could be anywhere."

Princess Luna sighed, "It's impossible."

Twilight Sparkle hummed thoughtfully, "Hmm... What if everypony in Ponyville were having one dream?"

Swift gasped as she realized of what Twilight was thinking, "This will be easy for us to catch it before it could escaped."

Ashely gasped, "Yeah... That could work. I bet if everyone were on the dreamland, we could catch that thing in no time."

"I... can create shared dreams, yes, but for so many ponies at once?" Princess Luna looked down in concern, "I have never done anything like that. The amount of power it would take..."

"Well, it is worth a try, isn't it?" Spike asked in concern.

"Of course. I will do anything to end this, including accept your help." Princess Luna nodded in agreement, "I cannot allow it to escape into the real world. All of you must now go back to sleep and hope that I can create such a dream. It's time to use Dream Realm Spell..."

Everyone went to their own beds as they all fell asleep. Seeing everyone in asleep, Princess Luna's horn glowed brightly in using her Dream Realm Spell. The dream lines stretched out and spread across the Ponyville as she was trying to connect everyone in one as soon as possible. Everything went in white...

This will be their only yet last chance to catch Dreamcatcher before it could do more harm to others from their nightmares...

[Unknown]

With the flash slowly dispersed and disappeared, Ash opened his eyes. He gasped in shock as he found himself alone in pure darkness. He stood in front of the dark yet demonic and monstrous European Castle-like. Where was he? Where was everyone? Why was he?

"What the-?!" Ash asked in concern, "What is this place?!"

Ash gasped in shock upon looking at the mysterious pale Unicorn with Twilight's manestyle and tail in light green with crimson and purplish stripes dressed in blackish suit with stripes and blackish long sleeves and her Cutie Mark is demonically eyes with crimson wings.

Ash looked surprise and worry as she looked like Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight?"

"No... But I am your guide. I shall guide you to the Castle of Acedia. Are you prepared?" The mysterious unicorn spoke calmly, "My name is Mr. Wicked."

"The Sorcerer of the Masters of Evil ?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.

What is going on? Why is he separated from his friends? Why is he chosen to come here?

[Ponyville Dream]

Twilight and her friends opened their eyes. They gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw - giant Derpy, flying muffins, Lyra's and Sweetie Drop's body got merged together which they're happy with each other, Cherry Berry's head turned into balloon, Big Mac is a unicorn, and more ponies were dreaming of something they wanted so badly on their dream. They're at the Dream Realm of Ponyville!

Twilight gasped in happy, "Princess Luna did it!"

"Ponies!" Princess Luna called. Everyone turned as they all gasped in surprise. She was inside of dream sphere. They bowed in respect before her. She continued, "There is no time for bowing, my friends! There is something coming, something terrible!"

Twinke gasped in shock as she pointed out, "Too late! It's already here!"

Everyone looked up as they spotted the large Dreamcatcher flowing upon them. They all gasped and screamed in fear. They're under attacked!

"I am so sorry! I brought this upon you! But I will end it now!" Princess Luna exclaimed firmly.

Princess of the Night fired her Night Beam at Dreamcatcher from approaching her and others. But unfortunately, her powers wasn't strong enough to repel or weakened it. It continued approaching the rest of ponies. They all screamed and ran away from it before it can catch or eat them alive!

Twilight and her friends approached Princess Luna as they all wondered of what happen to her,

Princess Luna grunted painfully, "It... is taking all my strength just to hold this massive dream together! You will have to stop it! I truly wish I did not have to ask this of you!"

Twilight and her friends looked at each other. They then nodded in agreement. They all smiled to her firmly and determinedly.

"Then you're in luck." Twilight said firmly.

Rainbow Dash smirked, "Yeah! We're already on it! Let's get that freak!"

Twilight turned to Ceutie Mark Crusaders, "Stick with us. Don't go too close!

With Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded, Twilight and her friends headed off and chased after the it. But the Nightmare Parasite has infected all of Ponyville Dream House into monstrous and nightmarish houses as they all attacked and frightened the Ponyville Residents off. Twilight and her friends have no choice but to help rescue the others first.

Rainbow Dash kicked the first house monster's head in releasing Filthy Rich out. She rescued him. Twilight fired her Unicorn Burst at the second monster's in releasing Crescent Moon. Applejack came in time and caught him on her back. Flutetrshy transformed into her Flutterbat as she took a bite on third monster house's feet in freeing Dr. Whooves out.

Ashely swung his Thunder Sper in defeating the monsters while Swift fired her Hikari Strikes at them. Cutie Mark Crusaders helped and guided the ponies to safety.

Applejack swung her Mind Whiplash in swiping down the plant monster's head in freeing the citizen. As she turned to her left, she gasped in fear. She spotted Big Mac falling back to the house as he was cornered by the flying monster muffins. He needs help! But how?

Applejack gasped in realization as she called her big brother, "Big Mac! You can do anythin' in a dream, remember?"

Taking his sister's advice, Big McIntosh closed his eyes as he was concentrating his power hard enough. His back grew two wings out while worn the king's crown with greenish apple on it and jeweled horse collar. He fired his Big McIntosh Blast at them off while cheered wildly.

Applejack sighed in relief to see her big brother safe from danger. Rainbow Dash flew towards her.

"Come on! If that Dreamcatcher thing turns any more of this dream against us, we'll be too busy saving ponies to catch it! And it'll grow powerful enough to escape into the real world!" Rainbow Dash said in concern.

Applejack nodded as she and Rainbow Dash climbed down the house and headed off to find the Dreamcatcher. She asked in concern, "How are we even gonna know when it's able to escape?"

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash immediately stopped at once upon spotting their friends standing and staring at the sky. It formed its own sword as it slashed on the sky's in forming a rift. Twilight and her friends yelped in worry. It's escaping!

Twilight Sparkle fired her Unicorn Burst on the head before Princess Luna sealing the rift.

Princess Luna called, "Hurry, my friends!"

Rainbow Dash flew and charged straight at it. But instead of hitting solid, she just passed it through. Twilight and her friends hissed in concern as they realized that they're not enough to stop the monster. They need more help!

Fluttershy turned to Ponyville Residents, "Please, we need your help too!"

"Fluttershy's right! We've all got to work together to stop it from escaping!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern.

Unfortunately, the Ponyville Residents chatted in concern and worry. They wanted to help Twilight and her friends but what can they do? They're not heroes like them. They're not fast, strong or magical as the others. They may not have the chance to help them win the fight.

Rainbow Dash came and aided Twilight and Fluttershy, "Come on! You all can do it! Yeah, we have everything... In Ponyville!"

"But this here isn't Ponyville! It's a dream!" Applejack added as she pointed at Big McIntosh chased off the flying muffins. She smiled, "If Big Mac can dream big, so can you!"

Twilight nodded in agreement, "And not just any! This is your dream! Anything you can do in your dreams, you can do now!"

Everyone was touched and inspired by Twilight and her friends' words about dreaming. Spike clicked his fingers as he was the first to try as he grew up as the Knight Spike he wanted to be.

Spike smirked, "Well, if you're gonna dream, might as well dream big, right?"

Twinkle nodded, "Come on, everypony! Together! We can do this!"

Everyone cheered wildly and proudly as they dreamt of what they wanted to be. Spike jumped and rode on Derpy. They all now helping Mane Six to stop it from escaping the Dream Realm!

Dreamcatcher used his shapeshifting scissor in cutting a rift but Spike swung his lance at the monster's side. Super Filthy Rich rode the magical tsunami of money in firing beam of moneys at it back. It then tried to breach on another rift. Scootaloo grew her big wings as she flew up and blown it away from the rift.

Rainbow Dash smirked to see Scootaloo stopped the monster from escaping. She transformed into her Super-heroine Form: Zapp! She created a powerful tornado in bringing it down. Unfortunately, it escaped again!

"Do more!" Pinkie called, "This is a dream, remember?"

Twilight headed to her old and ruined Golden Oak Library. She brought it back to normal as she launched her army of books in charging and striking at it down. Applejack transformed into Mistress Mare-velous as she lassoed and dragged it down.

As Rarity summoned her Magical Sewing in sealing the rift, Fluttershy led both monstrous Shadowclaw and Angel in attacking and charging at it. Ashley swung his Dual Blades in striking it down while Swift Ice fired her Hikari Strikes at it. Sweetie Belle fired her Unicorn Bursts, Apple Bloom knocked it hard and Twinkle fired her Lunar Shots. Everyone was doing their best in bringing the Tantabus down as hard and quick as they can.

Princess Luna struggled and strained painfully in controlling the dream together, "I cannot hold this dream together much longer! Equestria will fall because of me!"

With the words struck out, the Dreamcatcher grew bigger, powerful and terrifying as it knocked everyone off. They all gasped in fear and worry as they still can't bring the monster down. Despite of that, they have to stop and bring the monster down before it escaped.

"Am I crazy, or did it just get even bigger after Luna said that?" Trevor asked fearfully.

Twilight gasped in worry, "I think it's feeding off your guilt, Princess Luna!"

Princess Luna gasped in shock, "If that is so, then perhaps that is how it grew strong enough to escape in the first place!"

Everyone gasped in shock of what they just heard while they were trying to stop the monster from escaping.

She continued in pain, "I created it to give myself the same nightmare every night..." She panted heavily, "...to punish myself for the evil I caused as Nightmare Moon! And not only that, I couldn't save him... I couldn't save Nash..."

"Han?" Nyx asked in concern. She gasped, "The General of Thawne Dynasty! He was your lover! Lord Johnathan told me and my family of how the Mid-Autumn Festival was created!"

"But why would you do that?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Princess Luna sobbed tearfully, "To make sure I never forgave myself for how much Equestria suffered and how I lost nash in battlefield because of me! But it seems I have not learned my lesson, for now I have only made you suffer more!"

The Dreamcatcher then formed the largest unicorn-like. It created big rift enough for it to escape. Time is running out!

Twilight Sparkle thought for the moment before gasped, "But that means you might just be the key to stopping all this!"

"Yeah! If it gets strong because you feel bad about what you did as Nightmare Moon," Rainbow Dash agreed as she and her flying team were doing their best to stop it from escaping, "then you just gotta stop feeling bad for what you did!"

"How can I forgive myself? I am no better now than I was then." Princess Luna said shamefully, "My creation is about to turn the world into a living nightmare! If I couldn't save Han from death, then how can I save Equestria?!"

"But look at what you're doing! Nightmare Moon would've wanted it to turn Equestria into a nightmare! You're doing everything you can to stop it!" Twilight explained as she shown Princess Luna of the surroundings, "Don't you see? That proves you're not the same pony you were then! Everypony who knows you knows that Nightmare Moon is in the past! We all trust you, Luna! Do you trust us enough to believe we're right?"

Everyone gathered around as they shown their confident, kindhearted and caring looks at her. Princess Luna was in shock and surprise. The ponies actually forgave her, even though it was her mistake for creating the Tantabus?

Twinkle nodded, "Please, Princess Luna; you can do it! Do it for Han! He believed in you! Do you believed in him that he will always stand besides you?"

Princess Luna have some thoughts for the moment. A sudden touch on her shoulder. She turned to her back and found Nash's Spirit standing before her. He smiled and nodded confidently.

"You can do it, Luna... Wo XiangXin Ni (I believe in you)..." He said calmly, "Let go of everything. Forgive yourself, just as everyone forgive you..."

Princess Luna couldn't help but smile. Han always be there for her. He's always does...

Princess Luna smiled, "I do..."

As if something struck its ear, it yelped in shock as it stopped from marching into the rift portal. It slowly reshaped itself into the small size form. Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw and heard. Princess Luna did it! She stopped the it in time!

As the Dreamcatcher stood before Princess Luna, she smiled at it. It nodded calmly as it entered her body. She then looked at everyone especially spiritual Han. He fades away while smiling at her.

Twilight smiled, "You did it, Luna!"

"She sure did! Only..." Applejack hummed in concern, "I'm not exactly sure what she did."

Nyx explained, "Princess Luna created the Dreamcatcher to punish herself! The worse she felt, the more power it had! But once she finally forgave herself for what Nightmare Moon did. She can finally move on from Nash's death."

"Yes... Thank you. Thank you all." Princess Luna smiled, "Now, my little pony - Rest Now..."

Everyone smiled. As Princess Luna disconnected her Dream Connection Lines from everypony else, Twinkle noticed something amiss from Dream Realm.

"Wait... Where's Daddy?!" she asked in concern.

Everyone yelped in concern as they looked around of their surroundings. Ash was nowhere to be found! Something has happened to him when they entered the Dream Realm!

[Ash's Dream]

Mr. Wicked led Ash into the mysterious castle's hallway to the throne chamber. Not knowing how to get out and find others, he has no choice but to follow him. She might be his key to get out of the dream and regrouped with others.

"Alright! What is this all about?!" He demanded angrily, "Why do you separated me from others?"

He turned to Shadow Dragon, "Answer will come... But for now, my master is here to speak with you."

Before he could ask, the black smoke emerged and formed the demonically black knight's gentleman's suit and eagle mask-like with the cape.

"What the-?! Who are you?!" He demanded.

"I've been expecting you. It took me a long time to find and seek you out, my friend." The Mysterious Mask Warrior spoke coldly. Ash hissed in concern and confused as he wondered of who and what this warrior was talking about. He continued, "Tell me... Do you enjoy this realm very much especially these so-called family and friends?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"The ponies you have met for 500 years till now? The world you called home? The experience and struggle you are having now? The powers and abilities you have gained? And the special union of your new family? I was told that the girl you're dating with is the most beautiful and intelligent as the previous incarnation. I wonder..."

"You leave Twilight Sparkle and the rest out of this! I'm warning you! I will tear you apart!"

The mysterious knight scoffed, "Just like him... He will do whatever he can to protect her even though she's his enemy." Ash growled in anger. He continued, "I must know... Do you enjoy it much? Do you enjoy all of the painful experience you have been through in your life? Do you enjoy seeing ponies died for you? And above all, do you enjoy hating yourself for not saving the lives of thousands?"

He growled in anger as he wanted to hit this guy so badly, "Who do you think you are?!"

"You are emotionally in pain from the losses, guilt and sins you have committed since 500 years ago. I want to help you free from your pain. I want to help you erase this painful memories. I want to reveal the truth and origin behind your existence. You don't have to stay here. This is nothing but a broken memory..."

"Wh-What?!"

"I know the truth behind your origin and existence. But I must know your answer..."

Ash thought for the moment about the offer the mysterious knight have make. He recalled all the event he went through. It wasn't pleasant and nice for him to think about 500 years ago event especially loss of his first love. But for today, he was happy that he not only reunited with his old friends and family but made new ones especially Twilight Sparkle. It was his special and treasured memory...

"Thanks... But no thanks..." He answered firmly. Mysterious Knight and Mr. Wicked remained silent for the moment. He continued, "I admit it - it was painful for me to think about the past but there were good times too. I have friends and family especially Twilight and her family. They were too important for me. I'm not giving up that, even if I have to ran through some obstacles."

The Mysterious Knight scoffed, "Weak as always! I will open your eyes and see how wrong you truly are!"

Mysterious Knight summoned his metallic rapier out. He thrust his at Ash's chest but the latter deflect it in time. Both Ash and mysterious knight swung their blades at each other swift and hard while dodging and avoiding from head, chest and legs for few times. Ash swiped his leg over the Mysterious Knight but the latter dodged over and kicked the former off. The hero blocked and deflected the kick for few times before grabbed the mysterious knight's and twisted his over to the ground.

Ash was about to slam his leg on Mysterious Knight but the latter rolled over to the front before he fired his Darkness Blast at the former off. Both Ash and Mysterious Knight charged in as they continued swinging their blades at each other for few times while dodging and avoiding the attacks. Ash punched on the Mysterious Knight's head but grabbed as he was thrown down hard. Mysterious Knight was about to stomped his feet on Ash but the latter kicked the former off.

As the light flashed out, Twilight Sparkle and her friends emerged from the lights. They spotted Ash and Mysterious Knight were battling with each other. They were about to help but Mr. Wicked summoned the barrier in blocking them from helping Ash. All they can do is watch.

Ash and Mysterious Knight got up at once as they both charged in and swung their blades at each other for few times. They had their clash once before departed. They armed themselves with their blades as they ready to attack. They charged in and gave each other a hard slash!

Everything went in silent for the moment. The Mysterious Knight had his mask broke in halves but at the same time, Ash received a scar slashed on his left eye. Everyone gasped in worry and shock.

Mr. Wicked ceased her barrier as he approached and helped his master while Twilight and her friends helped and checked on Ash. The Mysterious Knight turned as he revealed himself to have dark grayish stallion with blackish spiky mane and his eyes were crimson eyeball with demonic serpentine irises. It shocked him a lot to recognize since his email from Rainbow Dash of UPGVerse.

"Shawn?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock, "It can't be..."

Mysterious Knight shook his head, "Wrong... My name is Zemo... I am the leader of Masters of Evil. I am glad to meet you here..."

He asked in shock, "What?!"

Zemo smirked while Mr. Wicked was beside to him, "Till we meet again. For what you have faced - nothing but an illusion... Farewell..."

Before anyone could react, the black smoke emerged as both of the disappeared. Ash and his team looked around in search for them. But they were long gone now...

"Who was that?" Twinkle asked in concern.

"I don't know... But that wasn't the last time we'd seen him," Ash hissed in concern. Twilight approached and held his shoulder while he held hers, "He'll be back. And we'll be ready for him..."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. They have to be ready for mysterious Baron Zemo or any of their enemies because the fight with them isn't over yet. It's the beginning of something really bad.

Episode 9-Canterlot Boutique

Rarity was levitating some of her silk mats as she was preparing to make some dresses. It was her usual morning routine to prepare it for her clients to receive. She received a lot of customers since Hoity Toity, Sapphire Shores, Fancypants, Fleur De Lis, Trenderhoof, Photo Finish and more celebrities have recommended about visiting and requesting her for their dresses. She really enjoyed making and designing the dresses. It was her life, her hobby and ambition.

She took a glance at the ceiling clock. It was nine o' clock. She gasped as she headed straight to her window in looking at something. She found nothing. She sighed in disappointment. What was she expecting in the morning?

Rarity approached her sewing machine as she began whirring and sewing her dresses for the moment. A sudden bell ringing. She was happy as she turned to her back but only found her cat Opalescence meowed happily in playing her mouse toy. She sighed in disappointment and upset.

Rarity hummed in upset, "Ohhh... Every other day he's here like clockwork! Not today! What could possibly be holding him up?! Shorty-Poo told me that the answer is today! But where is it?!"

"RARITY!" Sweetie Belle's voice called happily. Rarity sighed in annoyance as she hated when her younger sister screamed for something she wanted or needed yet nevertheless, she loved Sweetie Bell so much. Sweetie Belle cam to her older sister's room. She panted, "You won't believe what I found today! It's so exci-[squeaked happily]-ting!"

Rarity sighed, "Not now, Sweetie Belle. I'm much more concern about the letter. He should have send it by this morning..."

"That's why I'm here!" Sweetie Belle squeaked happily. She levitated the small letter up, "It's already here!"

Rarity gasped as she quickly levitated it. She opened it. She read the letter quickly as she prayed everything is what she wanted. She gasped happily.

"What did it say?!" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.

"I got it!" Rarity answered happily. She sighed happily, "Oh, I have been holding out for the perfect location, and it finally became available! So now I can fulfill my dream of opening a boutique in Canterlot! Shorty Thinking, thank you very much!"

"YEAH!" Sweetie Belle squeaked and cheered happily "I think I'm gonna lose my cupcakes!"

HURL! Rarity and Sweetie Belle yelped in concern. As they turned to the bathroom, they found Pinkie Pie was closed to toilet seat from bathroom?! She looked very green.

"Don't ask..." Pinkie muttered, "Why didn't you put me on this scene? This was supposed to be mine, not Sweetie Belle..." She took the script out as she read it carefully. She yelped, "Oh... Now I get it... Better keep my mouth shut..."

Sweetie Belle shrugged as she and Rarity turned and looked out at the window. Everything is going well as the white unicorn has hoped for. Her own boutique outlet is finally come true!

...

On the next day,

The train stopped at the Canterlot's train station as some familiar group emerged from it. Declan brought Rarity's five friends, Ash, Spike and Twinkle to the capital for important reason due to Rarity's request.

Declan smiled, "Thanks for coming, everyone. She really need you all to be there. It's going to be worth it."

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Rarity's such a savvy businesspony. I'm so impressed she used the huge bonus she earned making the costumes for Sapphire Shores' Equestria-wide tour to open this second boutique!"

Twilight and her friends have arrived at Rarity's second Carousal Boutique. Its rooftop has the shape of white cream-like whole bottom was purple building with four windows - top and below while middle has the crystallized heart and door. They were amazed and surprised by the designs. As the building's door opened, Sweetie Belle emerged. She gasped happily.

"You're here! Come in! Quickly! You're gonna love it! It's so amazing and beautiful!"

Sweetie Belle quickly entered. Twilight and her friends followed as well. They were about to see something amazing and surprisingly yet unbelievable. The hallway is filled with majestic yet beautiful architecture. It was filled with stage, foods on the table, clothes hanging and hiding beneath the cup-shaped hole while others were on the second floor.

Twilight and her friends awed in amazement of what they just saw. Rarity chose the architecture well for her second boutique.

Rarity smiled as she approached her friends, "I take it from your reaction that you like the boutique?"

Fluttershy commented in surprise, "It's lovely."

"Gosh, Rarity. I know hard work when I see it," Applejack remarked in amazement, "and it looks like you worked your hooves to the nub!"

Sweetie Belle giggled as she came besides of her sister's, "They loved it, Rarity! I told you they loved it!"

Rarity giggled, "Yes, Sweetie Belle. Yes, you did."

"I don't know." Pinkie said in concern as she held and checked on Rarity's right hoof. She looked at her best friend, "Those hooves don't look nubby. They look scrubbed and buffed and pedied!"

Rarity smiled as she moved her hoof down, "Well, despite my 'nubby scrubby buffy pony pedi, I actually have been working very hard especially my little sister's support and help from Shorty Thinking in getting this boutique. However, I never could have gotten the boutique ready for the grand opening without the help of my new manager-" She then pointed to her friends' back, "-Sassy Saddles!"

Everyone turned to their back. They found the light cyan Unicorn with orange long gentle mane and tail with yellow highlighted stripes dressed in her black dress with her golden saddle. She was looking at her paperclip in checking of her work, the boutique's cleanliness and structure, supplies requirement and preparation for its grand opening. She was none other than Sassy Saddles.

Heard her boss called her, Sassy Saddles looked up. She gasped in surprise, "Bust my buttons, Rarity! The ponies from Ponyville!"

Everyone greeted her happily and warmly.

"Hmm... Where did you find her, Aunt Rarity?" Twinkle asked curiously.

"I did," Declan answered. Everyone turned and looked at him. He smiled, "I knew Rarity wouldn't able to handle some management of marketing and outlet. So what does Canterlot Carousel need is a manager to manage them. So, I designed and sent several job vacancy flyers out. She came to me."

Rarity continued, "So when Sassy showed me her resumé and I saw that she worked in all of the finest boutiques in Canterlot, I hired her right on the spot!"

"She's amazing as Rarity and Declan!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily yet cutely.

Sassy Saddles smiled as she levitated the large folded plans up. She explained, "I then laid out this plan, or 'pattern' as we say in the fashion biz, for Canterlot Carousel so that Rarity's boutique will be a guaranteed success and those doors will never, ever, ever close!"

Twilight smiled, "Wow, Sassy. Your attention to detail is truly impressive."

"I've already put a pin in the first piece of the pattern – Beautify the Boutique!" Sassy explained as she unfolded the plans. It revealed the first page - boutique building. She moved to the second page - ponies and loudspeaker phone, "But next was the very crucial pattern piece – Marketing to the Mares! Turns out that everypony here loves royalty!"

"So I created a collection that beautifully revolves around the royal element of Canterlot!" Rarity added.

Sassy approached Twilight Sparkle, "And it just so happens there's a hot new princess in Equestria!"

Ash smiled in amusement, "I'm taking Princess Twilight Sparkle is perfect for the attention?"

"Yes. She is the latest and newest princess of Equestria. And what better way to attract the ponies attention is having the newest member among the royalty!"

"Impressive..."

"In every poll Sassy Saddles took, you were the most popular princess!" Rarity explained, "Coincidentally, one of my gowns is inspired by the window in Canterlot Castle commemorating your coronation!"

Sweetie Belle squeaked happily, "And you're gonna love it too! It's the most beautiful and amazing dress Rarity did! I's the perfect fit for Twilight!"

"Really? Can you show us," Twinkle asked happily.

Rarity and Sassy Saddles climbed on the stage as they unfurled the curtains. It revealed the pony manikin with blue-purple crystallized fabric-like dress with several jewels on it and has the wings behind of it. Everyone awed and commented in amazement and happy of the dress. Just as Sweetie Belle has described, it's the perfect fit for Twilight Sparkle.

Rarity smiled, "While I've always prided myself on paying attention to detail, I've taken my latest collection to a whole new level with 'Rarity's Rules of TLC'!"

Pinkie Pie gasped, "Judging by this baby, TLC stands for Tasty Liquorice Candy!"

Rarity giggled in amusement, "TLC stands for 'Time, Love, and Couture'. And while I do agree that this dress has potential, I've not had enough time to give it enough love to become couture."

Shorty smiled, "But the rest of the gowns in tonight's line have met Rarity's Rules and are ready to be presented!"

"My marketing research also confirmed that customers that viewed somepony famous wearing a gown wish to own that gown for themselves." Sassy Saddle explained as she levitated her plans up. She unfolded it to third page revealed big star with Rarity's head on it, "I call this piece of the pattern Celebrity Status!"

"Just as I suspected..." Ash smiled in amusement.

Declan smiled and nodded his best friend's suspicion, "Yes, Ash. With Twilight dressing Rarity's latest dress, this will not only boost the marketing demands but also media's interests, critics and reviews on it. Canterlot Boutique will be 100 percent successful business for dresses and gowns! Mares will take interests of them! The gowns will be their favorites."

"Outstanding..."

"Indeed, it is."

"So, Twilight, we were wondering if perhaps you might possibly wear this tonight?" Rarity asked in concern and curious.

Twilight Sparkle hummed as she looked at Sassy Saddle's plan, "If being a princess and wearing that dress can help your boutique in any way, then I say stick a pin in it. It's done."

As Twilight levitated and pinned the pin on third plan, Sassy smiled in please, "Alright, everypony! Let's set the stage!"

Sassy pushed Rarity's latest dress hidden behind the curtains. She then moved out in checking up on grand opening of Canterlot Carousel Boutique ready.

"YEAH! Twilight is gonna dress Rarity's latest gown, just like a princess!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily, "Well, Twilight is the princess. But this is like a dream come true. Okay, that's mostly my sister's."

"You bet it is," Twinkle nodded in approval, "I can't wait to see how my mummy's dress looks like. I bet she's the most beautiful princess of Equestria!"

Ash chuckled in amusement as he patted Nyx's mane, "Let's not get carried away. But yes, she is the most beautiful mare I ever fell in love with. Wearing dress would be something."

Spike chuckled in amusement, "I can't wait to see it."

Declan approached Rarity, "This is what you wanted, don't you?"

Rarity nodded as she approached to the door. She stared at it, "Ever since I was a little filly, all I've ever wanted was to own a boutique here in Canterlot. Somepony pinch me! I'm about to open the doors to that very boutique!"

Everyone smiled in approval and happy to hear it. They all then wished Rarity a luck. The time of grand opening is now!

"Are you ready?" He asked.

Rarity took a deep breathe, "Yes... Yes, I am."

"Then, open it, Rarity! You deserve it!" Sweetie Belle encouraged her happily, "The time is now!"

As Rarity opened the door, the unicorn trio marched to the front. They all saw the ponies standing before them. Rarity took a deep breath for the moment. She released it. She was about to make her greeting to the customer...

Sassy Saddles cut Rarity's opening speech as she exclaimed, "Welcome to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel!"

The crowds went wild. They cheered for the Canterlot Carousal Boutique's Grand Opening! Rarity and her friends gasped in shock and surprise. Did Sassy Saddles butt in and welcomed the crowds to it, instead of Rarity?!

"Hey!" Sweetie Belle yelled angrily, "That was Rarity's line!"

"Forget it. It's too late," Declan said in concern as he pushed Rarity and Sweetie Belle to others, "The Grand Opening just started."

As the ponies entered and marched into carousal boutique, Sassy Saddles greeted them warmly and happily. The rest were in shock yet upset especially Rarity as they couldn't believe that Sassy had actually stolen Rarity's place in welcoming the ponies into her boutique!

"That Sassy totally stepped on your hooves, Rarity." Applejack remarked in upset.

Twinkle nodded, "You'd tell me, Aunt A.J. This isn't right."

"Oh, I don't think she meant to." Rarity protested.

Sassy approached Rarity as she asked, "Rarity, are you ready to reveal the collection?"

"Is she sure she doesn't wanna do it herself?" Applejack muttered and whispered to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash snorted in annoyance as she whispered back, "Yeah."

Sweetie Belle huffed in annoyance, "I would be happy to give her piece of my mind about being rude to my sister."

"Yes, I am." Rarity interrupted as she pointed her hoof on Sweetie Belle's mouth. She turned to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy, could you help Twilight get ready?"

Fluttershy smiled and nodded as she guided Twilight Sparkle to the top floor while the rest remained behind and watched the event. Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Declan headed to the stage as they prepared themselves for the speech about Canterlot Carousal Boutique. They all saw the customers and guests were chatting with each other while having their snacks about the new fashion shop opened today.

"Fillies and gentlecolts! I am designer and couturier Rarity, I'd like to welcome you – again" Rarity said before laughed nervously, "– to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel, and I'm thrilled that you are here to see my newest collection inspired by this regal city!"

As the curtains unfurled, the stage is now filled with more of manikins with different kind of gowns. Everyone in the boutique awed in amazement and surprise while chatted about how good the gowns were. The photographer ponies immediately took the pictures of them.

As everyone was distracted by the gowns' appearance, Sassy Saddles smiled slyly as her horn glowed in golden. She levitated all of the gowns to the front. She used them to surround and rotate around the guests and customers. The latter chatted and awed about the gowns. The Unicorn Trio gasped in shock and concern of what they were watching. That wasn't part of the opening!

As Rarity marched down and was about to approach Sassy Saddle, she was stopped by dark blue unicorn with gray-white short mane and tail, worn a sunglasses and patterned crimson-yellow scarf and his three stars Cutie Mark on his flanks.

Rarity gasped, "Fashion Plate of Cosmare magazine! I'm so honored that Cosmare was able to do a piece on the grand opening of my boutique!"

Fashion Plate smiled, "Well, when Sassy Saddles calls, saying she's found the latest and greatest in fashion, we hightail without fail! Now tell me all about your latest collection!"

"Oh, uh, it's called 'Rarity's Royal Regalia'."

Fashion Plate gasped, "Royally radiant!"

Sweetie Belle hissed, "Isn't she supposed to deal with Sassy Saddles? That was too early!"

"I know... But it's too late..." Declan sighed, "Again. Anyhow, ponies seemed to enjoy it. So, let's not ruin it. Let Rarity enjoy the moment. She deserved it..."

Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat, "Fine... I just don't like what Sassy did. She could have told us about it. I just don't want Rarity to be upset again, not after what happen from my dream. It was terrible."

Declan patted Sweetie Belle, "Everything is fine. Let's enjoy it."

"My favorite part of being a designer is finding my inspiration, and that really wasn't difficult when it came to Canterlot." Rarity explained.

As she was distracted in talking with Fashion Plate, Sassy Saddles levitated the first gown behind of Rarity and the background of Canterlot Background Frame. The gown has the style of Canterlot and three stars on dress with a flower head cover. She then prepared the rest behind the first gown and background frame.

Rarity smiled, "Everywhere I looked, the royal city just spoke to me! I call it 'In-spire-ation'."

As the crowds awed in amazement while some taking picture of it, Fashion Plat smiled as he exclaimed proudly, "Genius! Simply genius!"

The lily pond background frame appeared, along with the manikin with the dress that is based on lily pond plants and water.

"I spent hours by the lily pond on the castle grounds, which inspired this gown – 'Water Filly'!"

The crowds awed in amazement and taken the pictures of the gowns again while Fashion Plate remarked in amazement, "Oh, the whimsy!"

"Watching Celestia raise the sun each morning literally lit up my day..." Rarity explained. A sudden light shined on her. She turned and spotted the hanging sun props and the levitating manikin dressed gown based on Princess Celestia's appearance. She smiled, "This is 'Tripping the Light'."

The crowed went wild again. Fashion Plate put his hooves on his face while smiled, "Fantastic!"

As the room went in dark, everyone became worry and scared as if Princess Luna have went mad as Nightmare Moon or the lights went out. Nevertheless, Rarity giggled in amusement as she turned and found hanging props of moon and stars. The manikin dressed in gown that is based on Princess Luna's appearance.

"And of course, Luna raising the moon guided me to sleep. I call this 'Over the Moon'!"

The crowds awed in amazement that before, Fashion Plate smiled happily, "Well, I certainly am!"

As the lights turned back on, Rarity proceeds to final gown for her Royal Regalia.

She smiled, "And for our finale, I have something very special. I was inspired by the stained glass window created in honor of Princess Twilight... I call this 'The Reign in Stain'!"

Fashion Plate gasped, "Because the dress is inspired by the—"

Fashion Plate and Rarity exclaimed together while looking at each other, "—stained glass window of a reigning princess!"

"YES!" Rarity exclaimed happily.

Sweetie Belle smiled, "Rarity's very happy about this. This is the best day she ever has!"

"Oh, well, I think 'The Reign in Stain' is too difficult to explain!" Sassy said with a short laugh, "Especially for the signature piece of a collection?"

Rarity shook her head, "But I rather like the—"

Sassy Saddles interrupted as she approached to the stairs, "Fillies and gentlecolts, I, Sassy Saddles, am pleased to introduce the grand finale of the grand opening of Rarity's Royal Regalia – the 'Princess Dress'!"

As Sassy Saddles pointed at the stairs, everyone looked up at the top. It was pitch black. A spotlight lightened on the area as it revealed Twilight Sparkle dressed in Rarity's 'The Reign in Stain' or 'Princess Dress'. Everyone awed in surprise and amazed by the dress especially Fashion Plate as his ears and sunglasses dropped down. She is indeed the most beautiful Alicorn in dressing the most beautiful dress in Equestria.

Fashion Plate gasped, "SUCCESS!"

Everyone cheered in joy and amazement while chattering with each other about how great the dress Princess Twilight Sparkle worn is. Twilight Sparkle nevertheless smiled as she waved back to others ponies especially her friends and boyfriend. She then walked down the stairs gracefully as the princess always does.

Ash felt his heart beat very fast and hard as he was staring at Twilight Sparkle with his deep surprise and passionate 'falling in love' eyes. His face burnt in red as the crimson. Looking at the dress Twilight was wearing made him to have a deep shock, surprised, amazed, joyfully and passionately falling in-love with her. Others noticed his look.

Spike sighed, "There he goes again..."

Twinkle giggled in amusement, "Well... He didn't love mum for nothing."

Sassy Saddles smiled as she levitated some application forms, "Everypony, please follow me and you can all place your orders for the Princess Dress!"

The guests followed Sassy Saddles at once to the reception counter. They then began writing down the application order form. The mares all wanted the Princess Dress.

As for unicorn trio, Rarity and her friends weren't happy about it. But nevertheless, both Rarity and Declan smiled. As long there is some good review and reaction from the guests, the boutique will never be closed again.

Sweetie Belle groaned in upset as she wanted to punch Sassy Saddles for ruining Rarity a chance to present her gowns and choice of work. Rarity calmly patted her sister's head gently while smiling at her. Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat because all she wanted is Rarity to be happy.

The unicorn trio were about to approach their friends but stopped by Fashion Plate.

Fashion Plate smiled as he shook Rarity's hand, "Rarity, I want to be the first pony to congratulate you! The Princess Dress has just guaranteed Canterlot Carousel's success!"

As Fashion Plate followed his colleagues to the counter, the unicorn trio approached their friends. The latter commented and congratulated to Rarity of how good the dress is and especially the reaction of the crowds is.

Twilight Sparkle approached Rarity as she commented, "Rarity's Royal Regalia is amazing! And everypony seemed to love the Princess Dress!"

Ash smiled as he approached and hugged her, "Indeed. You still look beautiful without the dress."

Twilight blushed, "Oh you..."

Rarity smiled gratefully as she was glad to have friends like them. Sweetie Belle and Declan looked at each other and smiled happily.

"You bet your saddle they did. Rarity now has one hundred orders for her signature gown!" Sassy Saddles reported happily while levitating one hundred application order forms before everyone. Rarity quivered and shivered in shock and concern. The Marketing Manager smiled, "According to my pattern, the next piece is The Success of the Signature Dress, so I do not see the problem!"

Declan slapped his head. Sweetie Belle groaned in annoyance. Rarity has her right-eye twitched angrily.

Their friends noticed the unicorn trio as they know their attitude very well. Whenever something have infuriated and frustrated Rarity, Declan and Sweetie Belle; the unicorns will lose their patience. They have no idea of what to do next - avoid from getting to the argument or calming them down from losing their tantrum.

"Cupcakes?" Pinkie asked happily.

That was a relief for them as Twilight and all of her friends turned to the table and have their own lunch while avoid getting involved with the argument Rarity was about to have with Sassy Saddles.

Rarity cleared her throat as she faced Sassy Saddles, "First of all, Sassy Saddles, I would have appreciated getting to name the final gown from my collection myself."

Sassy Saddles laughed a bit, "My research shows that your 'Reign in Stain' name was a play on words that was both very confusing and quite unappealing."

Declan sighed, "While I see your point, we all should have discussed it prior to the grand opening, Sassy."

"My only goal is for Canterlot Carousel to succeed," Sassy explained, "That's why I changed the name, and that is why I took all those orders for the Princess Dress."

"Without Rarity's permission?!" Sweetie Belle demanded angrily. Three unicorns looked down at her. She continued, "Order for one hundred dresses in one day?! It's too soon! Rarity can't handle that much of them!"

Sassy gasped, "Are you actually saying we should... cancel these orders?!"

"Wha... But..." Rarity stammered for a while, "Uh, n-no, Sassy. Promises were made, and I shall sew my very best to provide each and every pony a Princess Dress full of TLC."

"Oh, thank you, Rarity, thank you!" Sassy exclaimed happily as she gave Rarity a hug.

As Sassy turned and approached to the guests about the order will be made and delivered soon, Rarity sighed in concern as she wondered if she did make a right choice. Declan and Sweetie Belle looked at each other as they wondered the same thing as Rarity has.

"I'm worried that Rarity won't able to handle it..." Sweetie Belle said in concern. She huffed angrily while glaring at Sassy, "I don't like what Sassy did to my sister's work. This is Rarity's boutique, not hers."

Declan sighed, "Me too... I just hope nothing goes wrong..."

As the Grand Opening comes to the end, everyone left the Canterlot Carousal Boutique including Twilight and her friends as well. They all exited the building and waved goodbye to Rarity, Declan and Sweetie Belle. They all are going back. The latter returned their goodbyes to them. As

Twilight and her friends turned and walked away, they looked at each other. They were worried for Rarity. They wondered if she can handle it or not.

As Rarity turned to Declan and Sweetie Belle, she asked, "Sweetie Belle; why aren't you going back with others? It's going to be busy day."

"Nah... I thought I could keep you accompany until you've finished with making and delivering the dresses. After all, we're sisters."

"Aw... That's sweet of you, Sweetie Belle," Rarity admitted as she gave Sweetie Belle a hug. She turned to Declan, "And what about you?"

He sighed, "Sorry, Rarity. I've got some more works to deal with at Canterlot. I need to check thoroughly on the working and repairing progress from my company's outlet - Diamond Clock Watcher." Rarity nodded in understanding. He smiled, "If there's anything problem, I'll be at fourth block on down street."

"Alright, take care," Rarity smiled. Declan smiled as he turned and exited the building. She sighed, "Come, Sweetie Belle. We've got work to do."

Sweetie Belle smiled and bounced happily, "Aye-aye, Rarity!"

"Oh, satin and silk, Rarity," Sassy said in concern as she approached Rarity and Sweetie Belle, "are you sure you don't want your friends to help you make the dresses? And of course, I don't think she's capable of working on making dresses."

Sweetie Belle grunted in annoyance. Ponies like Sassy Saddles think negatively on her just because she's just a filly. She faced danger, so working is no different for her.

Rarity shook her head, "No, Sassy. These orders are my responsibility. And besides, I could use some assistant. All I have to do is stick to my plan so I can deliver each and every Princess Dress in keeping with my Rules of Rarity!"

"Let's do this!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle entered the dressmaking room. It was filled with sewing machine, drawer cupboard for silks and fabrics, manikins and treasure chests for dressmaking tools. Rarity levitated the blue, cyan and light purple fabric out. It's time for her to start the work!

Rarity: The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
This I can assure
For each and every dress
I vow to give finesse
With time, love, and couture

Rarity was sewing the light purple silk with the machine carefully. As Sweetie Belle pushed the manikin in, Rarity brought it out. She made and turned it into a transparent skirt on the manikin's flank. Sweetie Belle levitated and brought another two sets of cyan and greenish-mixed layer and different colored jewels on the back. Rarity then stitched and sewed them together happily.

Rarity: My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar

Rarity fantasized and imagined of how her boutique worked for the customers. She imagined them to awed and chatted happily and amazingly of how good the place. A light brown unicorn marched in as she faced Rarity and Sweetie Belle in front of them. They both smiled as they passed the Princess Dress for her to try and dress.

The customer was happy with her dress as she bought it. Stallions came to her as they wanted her to be their fillyfriend because of the dress Rarity has make.

As Rarity continued working while Sweetie Belle prepared some of materials and manikins, Sassy Saddles marched in as she placed her plans of boutique success on the billboard. It's to remind her about it.

RING! Three unicorns turned to the front entrance. They found more customers entered the boutique. Rarity gasped happily as it's perfect timing for her to greet and talk with them. But she was stopped by more materials and tools by Sassy Saddles. The marketing manager waved her as in asking her back to the work.

Sassy Saddles turned and approached the customers while leaving Rarity and Sweetie Belle behind. The little unicorn felt like she wanted to scold the cyan unicorn in denying Rarity from going and greet the customers. Nevertheless, Rarity stopped that she was fine with working and making dresses.

Just before the sisters could return to their work, they spotted Sassy Saddles levitated a few Royal Regalia collection back while bringing a Princess Dress to the front. The customers awed in amazement. The action have broke Rarity's heart while angered Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle was about to tell her older sister to deal with Sassy Saddles but Rarity continued working on making clothes. The little unicorn sighed pitifully for her. She went and helped her at once.

Rarity: The rules of Rarity, just a parody
No dress here's unique
The panels all the same
Each colored windowpane
I fashion only makes me want to shriek!

As Rarity and Sweetie Belle continued and finished making Princess Dresses, they were all delivered and sold to customers to dress. The sisters took a peek through the window as they found every mare worn the same dresses. They didn't wear any different gowns Rarity has placed on the display.

Rarity shrieked in agony and upset that all of her collection she did was nothing but wasted! Sweetie Belle sighed in upset to see her being upset.

Rarity sighed: Oh, to create would give me elation
To feel once again some inspiration
Come on now, Rarity
Give me some clarity
Time for your couture love to rule

On the next day, Rarity was sleeping on the table for resting since she worked so hard in making many dresses. Sweetie Belle came and put bowls of different colored jewels on the table.

As the sun rise, its light hit and shined the jewels out. Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle noticed it. They turned and found the jewels were hitting on the Princess Dress's skirt. Rarity took a glance at it before gasped in realization. She turned and looked at the jewels as she smiled happily. She's got the idea. Sweetie Belle smiled happily to see her older sister back to her old self.

Rarity: The rules of Rarity, extra TLC
This feels more sublime
Soon now, they will see how good these can be
With a little extra shine

As Sweetie Belle lifted the jewels and placed on the skirts' patterns, Rarity then sewed them together. She placed everything on the manikin. It's the same as Princess Dress but with different jewels!

Rarity: The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
All can see it's true
These new gems add such flair
Their beauty can't compare
This old style suddenly gleams anew

Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle who smiled in approval. Rarity cheered happily as she danced with her manikin together happily while Sweetie Belle cheered happily while bounced around her older sister and manikin.

RING! The customer marched into the boutique. Rarity and Sweetie Belle gasped as they spotted a light Unicorn with crimson shorten and gentle mane with light pink and red stripes and tail while her Cutie Mark is Chilly Pepper Mark. She levitated and looked at her pocket watch.

Sweetie Belle gasped, "She's here! This is your chance, Rarity!"

"I'll take care of her. You keep working." Sassy Saddle interrupted as she was about to enter the lobby.

Rarity gulped a bit while holding the manikin, "Uh, actually, I'd love to see her reaction to this particular dress."

"Paisley and poplin, Rarity, look at all the orders you still have to finish," Sassy said bossily as she pointed at the table that has uncompleted and completed form for making dress, "and you want to take a break? Now?"

Sweetie Belle groaned, "Why that no good mare! I'm gonna-!"

Rarity interrupted, "Well, it's just I made some really lovely changes to this dress—

"You did what?!" Sassy Saddle exclaimed in shock as she looked at Rarity's different Princess Dress, "But every Princess Dress is supposed to be exactly the same!"

"Hey! You've got the problem with the dress Rarity make?!" Sweetie Belle demanded angrily, "This is because the boutique and dresses-!"

Sassy sighed, "Fine. Go see her reaction."

Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle gasped in surprise. Sassy Saddles allowed Rarity to go?!

As Rarity approached to the customer, she smiled and greeted her. She also brought the different kind of Princess Dress with her as well. Sweetie Belle was there to support her.

"Hello, and welcome to Canterlot Carousel! I am so pleased to present to you your—"

"Princess Dress! Finally! I've been simply desperate to get this ever since I saw Princess Twilight wearing it on your—" Fashionable Pony exclaimed happily as she levitated her Princess Dress. She was stopped as she looked at it closely. She noticed differences of it, "...Wait a minute. There's something different."

"Well as an artiste, I did take the liberty to change a few minor details." Rarity explained. The Fashionable Pony turned and glared at Rarity. Rarity gulped, "I, eheh, I saw these gems glistening in the light, and they just spoke to me."

Sweetie Belle smiled, "Yes! That's Rarity's specialty! So do you like it? Aren't they lovely? And so unique!"

Fashionable Pony sighed, "They're... fine. But they're not what I ordered, are they?"

"Uh, no. No, they're not." Rarity replied in shock and concern.

"I want the dress to be exactly like the one Princess Twilight wore." Fashionable Pony demanded angrily while levitating the magazine that shown Twilight Sparkle in her Princess Dress, "Understand?"

Sweetie Belle groaned as she squeaked angrily at Fashionable Pony, "How dare you?! If you hate it so much, why don't you-?!"

Rarity interrupted while shutting Sweetie Belle's mouth with a zip, "Yes... Y-Yes, of course."

Rarity levitated both her altered Princess Dress and Sweetie Belle back to her office. Sassy Saddles noticed the look. She sighed in shame yet pitiful as she muttered 'sorry, Rarity'. As Rarity was passing the marketing pony by, Sweetie Belle gave the glare at the latter. Sassy sighed as she approached to the customer.

Rarity: The rules of Rarity
Once stood for something
But now it feels just like some factory

After Rarity thrown her altered Princess Dress into her rejected box, she continued working on making more of Princess Dresses. Sweetie Belle stared at her old sister in shock, displeased and sad. The little unicorn couldn't bare to see her older sister working and making same dresses everyday like slave pony...

Rarity: Now every dress I make
With every flaw and mistake
Oh, how it makes my heart
My heart just break

Sweetie Belle saw all the ponies came to Sassy Saddles. The marketing pony pulled the rope in launching the dressing tent down for the ponies get dressed in their Princess Dresses. They all walked out the door while smiled in please and satisfactory.

Sweetie Belle groaned in upset as she couldn't stand of this. Wearing one dress is one thing but all ponies dress the same as others for everyday - is enough!

Rarity stopped as she cried and sobbed tearfully. She leaned towards the dress while crying loud. Sweetie Belle stared at Rarity in shock and worry. She's having Deja Vu again but this time, Rarity is suffering of her other dresses not being appreciated! She groaned in upset.

"I can't take it anymore" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in anger as she turned and exited the door out, "I've gotta find Delcan now!"

On the next day...

At the Diamond Clock Watchers building, the workers were not only selling the watches or any kind of clocks to the customers but also repaired them. Declan was overseeing the working progress as well as the statistic from his paperclip. He smiled in please that everything went well. Nothing goes wrong in his company.

He took a peek on the ceiling clock. He looked worry and concern. It's been five days. She hasn't come and visit him for lunch or dinner time. He was getting worried for Rarity ever since Sassy Saddles changed the policy and rules without the former's permission.

The door was slammed in opening. He turned to the front and found Sweetie Belle panted heavily as she walked into the workshop.

"Sweetie Belle?!" He asked in shock. He approached and checked on the filly, "Sweetie Belle, what are you doing here?"

Sweetie Belle looked at him, "Please! You have to come now! Rarity needs you now!"

He gasped in worry as he suspected that something bad has happened to Canterlot Carousal Boutique!

At Canterlot Boutique's Dressmaking Room, Rarity just finished the last order for Princess Dress. She looked very tired and exhausted in working the same dresses for three straight days.

"Raving rick-rack, Rarity! You made two hundred Princess Dresses!" Sassy Saddles exclaimed as she approached Rarity while showing the latter her paperclip.

"Yes. Isn't it spectacular?" Rarity said in deadpan.

Sassy levitated the magazine for Rarity to read, "And I have a special surprise for you! The latest issue of Cosmare magazine just hit the stands!"

Rarity read the magazine, "'Canterlot's newest rising star'?"

"And in the hour since the magazine's come out, we've gotten another hundred new orders for the Princess Dress!" Sassy Saddles exclaimed happily as she levitated another one hundred application order form on the unfinished tray.

"One... hundred more... Princess Dresses?!" Rarity asked in shock, "I'm the Cosmare cover pony... I have the most successful shop in Canterlot... I've gotten everything I ever wanted... but I'm miserable!"

Sassy Saddles laughed in amusement, "How could you possibly be miserable? My pattern is perfect!" She approached to the billboard as she pinned on magazine page and Twilight in Princess Dress page, "Cosmare Cover Pony – done! You have your signature gown, the Princess Dress of Success!"

Rarity groaned in anger, "I don't want to make another hundred Princess Dresses!"

"I have a piece for that! Assemble the Assembly Line! You'll never have to sew again!" Rarity pinned on the Assembly Line for Princess Dresses.

"What?! No!" Rarity gasped in shock.

"Yes! Then the Canterlot Carousel never closes! And Sassy Saddles' boutique succeeds!" Sassy exclaimed proudly as she levitated and raised Princess Dresses up.

"STOP!" The filly's voice screamed in anger.

Both Rarity and Sassy Saddles turned to the door. They found Sweetie Belle and Declan entered the room.

Declan exclaimed, "I don't believe it! How could ignore Rules of Rarity?! This is not what I hired you for! How could you forget this is Rarity's Carousal Boutique!"

Sweetie Belle was furious and angered as she glared at Sassy Saddle, "How dare you?! How dare you called this boutique yours succeed?! This is Rarity's, not yours!"

"I... I was trying to help her succeed it, Little Filly," Sassy Saddles explained calmly.

"HELP her?! You ruined her! Look at her!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in upset as she pointed at weakened Rarity. She groaned, "This is not my sister! This is more like a worker than being a designer. This is not who Rarity was supposed to be!"

"I don't understand. I was sure this is what Rarity would have wanted. She'd never wanted the boutique to be closed. She wanted it succeed."

"Yes, she does! But this is not one of them! She built this place for ponies to love and appreciate tons of dresses and gowns, not for them to just buy and throw it away like their trash! She wanted the ponies to love and admire their own appearance and dresses. She wanted them and the dresses to be one and same. This is what Rarity wanted!"

Rarity gasped in surprise. Her eyes sobbed tearfully as if her sister's words have touched her heart. What Sweetie Belle is true...

Sassy Saddles looked shock and concern. She looked down in shame.

Declan approached and explained, "You not only ruined Rarity, but you also ruined her policy and effort! Your action reminded me of the Wsetport Kingdom's Fall! After the first generation passed on, the next one was supposed to help and protect the kingdoms but instead they ruined it. All they desired is making the name for themselves than thinking of others. And my home was gone! You're becoming one of them!"

Sassy Saddles shuddered in fear and shock, "I-I-I-I-! I didn't mean it."

"Well, you did. I hope you're proud and happy for the mess you've make," Shorty said angrily, "the boutique is becoming a factory. You'd better find the way to undo the mess."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. Start with apologizing to Rarity for trying to ruin her and her boutique."

Sassy sighed, "I guess I should."

"That's enough..." Rarity said firmly. Everyone looked at her. She came off from her seat as she gave her firm and serious eyes, "And if this is what success in Canterlot looks like, I want no part of it! Now, make up flyers for a going-out-of-business sale! I'm closing Canterlot Carousel!"

Everyone gasped, "WHAT?!"

"No! Oh, you can't, Rarity!" Sassy protested while shaking her head, "I-I've worked too hard to make this a success! I can't be a part of another failed boutique!"

Rarity marched out as she levitated all of Princess Dresses from both manikins and hanging clothes. Declan and Sweetie Belle followed her in making sure that she wasn't making any rash decision about a 'going-out-of-business' sales.

Rarity then levitated all different kind of gowns and dresses in putting on hanging stands and manikins. Sassy Saddles looked around while walking around the area before climbing to the top as she witnessing and watching all of Princess Dresses are replaces with other dresses. She was in shock and concern.

Rarity checked on some clothes that she placed on display hanging stands and manikins. She sighed happily in seeing them out. Both Sweetie Belle and Shorty Thinking approached Rarity at once.

"Rarity! What were you thinking?!" Declan asked in concern.

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, "You can't close the boutique because of Sassy Saddles! You just can't! Please, don't!"

"This has nothing to do with Sassy Saddles and her silly policy. I finally opened my eyes and realize of my biggest mistake I ever make. If anything went wrong here," Rarity said firmly as she approached to the entrance. She sighed and smiled, "I still have one boutique to work for sales..."

"Rarity..." Both said in concern.

Rarity noticed Sassy Saddles remained standing and staying on top floor, she sighed as she knew the latter was too proud and ashamed to come down and greet the ponies in since it's going to be 'going-out-of-business' sales without Princess Dresses.

"Seems Sassy Saddles isn't rushing to open the door this time. Hm." Rarity remarked as she approached the door. She opened it and faced to the crowd. She sighed before she smiled, "Welcome to the going-out-of-business sale of Canterlot Carousel."

Upon hearing what Rarity had said, the ponies chattered while charging into the boutique. They all looked around in search of the dresses they wanted to wear specifically Princess Dress. Despite unable to find the Princess Dress, they still chattered and admired other dresses. Rarity smiled in relief and pleased to see the result.

"Hey, is this Princess Dress on sale?" Nasal Pony asked while levitating the flyer up.

"Oh, no, I'm sorry, the Princess Dress has been discontinued." Rarity answered. Nasal Pony gasped in shock. She continued, "But there are plenty of other lovely dresses on sale today."

A pale gray Unicorn with navy slick mane and tail - Goth Pony stared at hanging hook of 'Over the Moon' dress. She flatly responded, "Whoa. This dress completely speaks to my soul. Can I try it on?"

Rarity smiled as she levitated 'Over the Moon' dress out and gave it to a Goth Pony, "Certainly. The dressing area is right back there."

Goth Pony smiled as she took the 'Over the Moon' dress and headed to the dressing area.

"This is the most amazing of amazing dresses! Just looking at it brightens my day!" Bright Pony - the happy pink Unicorn with golden long spiky mane and tail with bright star Cutie Mark - exclaimed happily upon looking at Manikin dressed in 'Tripping the Light' dress.

Rarity approached and levitated 'Tripping the Light' and passed it to Bright Pony, "And I'm sure you'll feel even brighter once you try it on!"

Bright Pony headed off with her 'Tripping the Light' dress. The Architecture Pony - silver unicorn with lighter and pale purple combed mane with stripes and tail worn the glasses and her Cutie Mark is drawing compass who was reading the magazine while approaching to Rarity.

"Do you still have this In-spire-ation dress that's in the new issue of Cosmare?" Architecture Pony asked curiously. Rarity smiled as she levitated the 'In-spire-ation' dress from hanging stand. She handed it to Architecture Pony. She smiled, "Bats in the belfry! I have to try it on!"

Both Goth and Bright Ponies emerged with their dresses put on. They approached to the mirror and looked at it. They both smiled.

"Whoa. This dress makes me feel like a princess." Goth Pony remarked flatly yet happily.

Bright Pony smiled as she hugged Goth Pony happily, "And this dress makes me feel like a princess!"

Shorty Thinking, Sassy Saddles and Sweetie Belle looked surprise yet amazed of what they just saw. The ponies actually liking other dresses when there was no Princess Dresses?

Rarity noticed a yellow unicorn with orange mane in ponytail and tail with her cutie mark makeup powder looked worried and concern. The latter was looking at some of gowns. Rarity approached Posh Pony.

Posh Pony sighed, "This gown is quite beautiful, but it totally clashes with my complexion."

"Hmmm. Perhaps you'd be even more taken with this one." Rarity turned to her dressmaking room. She levitated the manikin out with Egyptian-like dress with water wave skirt and cosmic map statue headwear but it was a mess. She smiled, "It was inspired by the fountain in the Canterlot Castle garden. I call it the 'Fountain of Truth'!"

Posh Pony gasped happily, "It's exactly what I've been dreaming of!"

"Oh! Well, then I'll finish it, and the gown shall be yours!" Rarity smiled. Posh Pony smiled happily before walked away. Rarity looked around of her surroundings. Both Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle approached her. She smiled happily, "How can I have forgotten? This is what I've been dreaming about!"

Rarity: My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar!

Rarity looked around happily. She saw and witnessed ponies were trying the dresses. They all liked them so much. She even helped some ponies have troubles in finding the perfect fit for herself.

Sassy Saddles was in shock yet surprise of what she was watching. And at the same time, she felt horrible and shame of what she did for five days. Shorty and Sweetie Belle looked at each other before smiling happily. They turned and looked at her with their pride and happy smiles. This is Rarity they know of...

"Attention, everypony! Canterlot Carousel will not be closing!" Rarity announced happily.

The mares gasped as they all cheered wildly and happily that Canterlot Carousel Boutique is not going to be closed! They can come here anytime to find and choose the new clothes to wear!

Goth Pony hummed in concern as she asked flatly, "But this stuff's still on sale, right?"

Rarity giggled, "Yes, yes, of course."

Sweetie Belle squeaked happily as she jumped and hugged Rarity, "Alright, Rarity! You didn't close the boutique!"

Rarity smiled and hugged Sweetie Belle back, "Yes... I owe it to both of you. You reminded me of why I built the boutique in the first place."

Delcan smiled as he patted Rarity's head, "We were just worried for you after what you've been through for five days..."

"Yes... It was horrible experience to achieve the success but today is worth it," Rarity said happily as she departed the hug from Sweetie Belle. She looked up and found Sassy Saddle climbing down the stairs with her bags on. She asked, "Sassy?"

"Oh, Rarity, I'm so sorry. I focused on that one dress, and the rest of Rarity's Royal Regalia paid the price." Sassy Saddle said shamefully.

Both Sweetie Belle and Declan looked surprise and shock to hear. Did Sassy apologized to Rarity and admitted her flaws of what she did for five days?

Rarity approached and patted Sassy's back, "Well, so did the Princess Dress. The more I sold, the more each dress lost its time, love, and couture, becoming terrible, lackluster, and common."

Shorty Thinking nodded as he added, "Not only that but also forgotten of what and why the dress was made. It's something that the Old Westport Kingdom have forgotten. But I'm glad today is not the same as before..."

"I think I finally understand the Rules of Rarity..." Sassy Saddles sighed as she turned to entrance, "and will apply them at my next job. Your sister is right. I have no right to make boutique mine."

Both of them gasped. Sassy Saddles wanted to quit the job because of the mistake she make for ruining the boutique and making Rarity to forget what and why she did in the first place. Sassy Saddles moved out.

"I beg your pardon? The Rules of Rarity are only to be applied at Canterlot Carousel!" Rarity sternly answered which make Sassy Saddles stopped from walking. She smiled and continued, "Which is why you must continue to manage the boutique while I'm in Ponyville."

Sassy Saddles turned and looked at Rarity, "Ponyville?"

"Well, yes, I'll come to Canterlot with new designs and to see the customers of course," Rarity explained, "but Ponyville was always going to be my home base."

Sassy Saddles gasped happily as she hugged Rarity, "Bobbins and bodkins, Rarity! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! And I promise to run everything following your rules."

"I would expect nothing less." Rarity smiled as she return a hug to Sassy Saddles.

"Miss Sassy," Sweetie Belle called. Both Rarity and Sassy Saddles departed from the hug. Sassy turned to the little filly. She continued, "I just want to say I'm sorry."

"For what, Sweetie Belle?" Sassy asked in concern.

"For being a selfish spoiled brat to you. I actually want to help Rarity. When I look at her eyes being sad and pain, I feel guilty and responsible for not helping her. So, I will do whatever it takes to help and make her better and happy."

"No... You have the right to scold me. I have no right to claimed boutique as mine because it belonged to your sister. I should have consult with her about the ideas I have for the boutique. But now... I finally see it. Boutique isn't about making business, it's about showing love and passion for the dress you loved to wear. That is Rules of Rarity."

Sweetie Belle smiled, "That's the way. Thank you. Promise us that you won't ruin our boutique again."

"It's the promise," Sassy smiled. She turned to Declan, "Mr. Declan, I want to say I'm-!"

"Say no more," He interrupted before smiled, "As long you learned your lesson, everything will be fine. Right, Rarity?"

Rarity smiled, "Indeed, it is."

"Oh my gosh! A sale?! " The happy voice called. Four unicorns turned to the entrance as they found a fat and big giant unicorn with dark greenish mane and short tail and her cutie mark is the picture of herself standing at the entrance. She smiled happily as she entered the shop while looking around, "Do you have the Princess Dress?!"

"NO!" All of them answered and laughed happily.

The fat pony looked confuse as she shrugged. She then looked around the Canterlot Carousal Boutique in finding some clothes to try. Rarity and her friends smiled at each other while looking at their boutique. It's the best day ever to have customers liking other dresses...

Episode 10-Scare Master

It was dark and gloom night in Equestria as every celebrating Nightmare Night (To all other realms of the universe Halloween.) But, not everypony was enjoying the spooky month.

"Ooh... How could I forget about Angel's carrots?!" Fluttershy exclaimed in concern, "Of all the time, why does it have to be Nightmare Night?!"

Fluttershy arrived at the Town of Ponyville, where ponies are setting the Nightmare Night up for tonight. The only event had scared and frightened her the most because of ghostly balloon, spider props from stall, monsters design such as a skeleton unicorn and even...

Foals: Nightmare Night, what a fright!
Give me something sweet to bite!

Foals gave their vampire fang props in front of Fluttershy. She gasped in shock as she quickly flew off at once. They shrugged as they continued singing.

Both Granny Smith and Big McIntosh were carrying and putting the haystacks into the cart. And just before they could do anything, they noticed the cart shaken very hard. They looked and checked underneath of cart as they found a familiar character quivered in fear.

"Fluttershy?" Granny Smith asked in surprise and shock, "What're you doin' out and about? It's Nightmare Night, remember?"

"How could I forget?" Fluttershy remarked frightfully. She turned and noticed a haystack, "Oh, I don't suppose I could borrow a few pieces of hay from you? I forgot to stock up on food for Angel, and you do seem to have quite a lot."

"We need it for the Apple Family Haunted Maze," Granny Smith explained before going into her spooky voice, "The scariest maze that there ever was. Who knows what lurks inside?"

Fluttershy yelped, "Oh, I'm sure I don't. I'll find Twilight, then."

"Are you sure you don't wanna try it? There's a lot of mystery and strange things happening from the maze..."

"No thanks!"

Fluttershy galloped at once as she doesn't want to know about the Haunted Maze. Granny Smith was confused of it while Big McIntosh remained silent and annoyed of his grandmother's dumbfound and confuse looks.

...

Fluttershy arrived at the Castle of Friendship. Hearing the thundering and seeing dark clouds above the castle, it scared her a lot. Just before she entered the castle, she heard growling. She looked up at the moon glowing and shinning before her. It revealed the serpentine demon with anthripods mouth-like. It growled for the moment before it screeched wildly.

Fluttershy yelped in fear as she quickly hid behind the tree at once. She breathed heavily while standing still as she prayed the monster's gone for good. As she took a peek on her left side, she found no shadow from the moon. As she returned to her hiding, she sighed in relief.

As she emerged to her left, she encountered the same shadowy beast before her! Fluttershy screamed in fear while cowering in fear.

"Please, don't hurt me! Please, don't!" Fluttershy pleaded fearfully. Just before anything happen, the creature licked her face for few times. She was surprise and shock as she looked up. She found Pikachu growled happily while looking at her. She gasped, "Pikachu?"

Pikachu roared happily as he nuzzled Fluttershy's head gently.

"Don't scare me like that. I hate Nightmare Night," Fluttershy remarked. It chuckled a bit. She sighed, "My friends are inside, right?"

It nodded. Fluttershy sighed as she went and entered the Castle of Friendship.

Fluttershy walked across the hallway within Castle of Friendship in search for Twilight Sparkle. As she continued walking, she heard the hoof stomping and the shadowy form of hunchbacked on the walls. It make her to scream in fear. As the shadow slowly became small, it revealed Spike dressed in his conjoined twin dragon costume.

Spike scoffed, "You think it's scary now, just wait until it's done."

"That's okay. I'll take your word for it." Fluttershy remarked nervously.

"Hey, wait a minute! It's Nightmare Night and you're here and not holed up in your cottage! Does this mean what I think it means?"

"That I foolishly forgot to stock up on food for Angel and had to go out to get him something but got spooked in town so I came here hoping Twilight had some lettuce I could give him?"

"Oh. I thought maybe you decided to come out with us tonight."

"Goodness, no! I couldn't be out tonight. I just couldn't."

"Technically speaking, you already are out right now."

Fluttershy looked surprise, "Oh. I guess that is true."

"So what if you stayed out a little longer with your friends? I know they'd be super excited." Spike suggested. Fluttershy looked reluctant and concern. He continued, "You would make them so happy if you joined in. They wouldn't believe their eyes! Come on, Fluttershy, what do you say?"

Fluttershy thought for the moment before she sighed in concern. What was her answer?

Within the library, Twilight and her friends were telling the ghost story but they weren't alone. Ash, Ashley, Swift Ice and four Cutie Mark Crusaders were there as well. They laughed happily for telling the ghost story, though not best or scary one but it's fun for them.

A sudden call spooked Twilight and her friends as the lights got turned on. They turned to the entrance where Spike and Fluttershy have entered.

"Fluttershy, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Twinkle nodded in agreement, "You usually stay at home until the Nightmare Night is done."

Fluttershy smiled, "Everything is fine. In fact, it's more than fine. I've decided to join you in your Nightmare Night festivities."

Rainbow Dash scoffed in amusement, "Seriously? You? Out? Tonight?"

Scootaloo giggled, "That's something..."

Ashley nodded, "You don't have to do this if you feel uncomfortable about it."

"Yeah. Nopony's forcing you," Swfit commented calmly, "We know you hate it a lot."

"Every Nightmare Night, I shut myself in my cottage and refuse to come out until morning. But it's just like when I was afraid to sing in front of anypony." Fluttershy admitted in shame, "If I hadn't given it a try, I never would've found out how much I enjoy it."

Applejack smiled, "And we'd have missed out on how great you sound."

"Fluttershy with us on Nightmare Night?" Rarity smiled, "Why, that's positively the most wonderful news I've heard in ages!"

Sweetie Belle clapped her hoof, "Hooray for Fluttershy! She's gonna join with us for Nightmare Night!"

Pinkie Pie squealed, "You can get dressed up in a costume with us and play Nightmare Night games with us and eat candy apples with us!"

Apple Bloom added happily, "Don't forget the best part. Goin' through our family's corn maze!"

Twinkle, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo squealed happily about it. Fluttershy quivered and shivered in fear and worry about it. Twilight and her friends realized that she's not ready of it.

"Uh, only if you're up for it." Applejack added.

"Oh, I am! I am ready to take on Nightmare Night!" Fluttershy smiled happily. She hummed in concern and realization, "What about your friends? Aren't they joining with us?"

"No. They all have got other things to do from their home especially Shadowclaw - he's having Nightmare Transcendent Power," Ash explained. Everyone looked at him. He sighed,

"Most of Vampire Ponies and even other Nightmare-Type creatures are going through that process for not only replenish their immunity against the light but also transcending their prowess. Other than that, they have to let their inner demon go wild for that night. And therefore, it's best that you don't to go near him when he's transcending until tomorrow."

"Ooh..." Fluttershy sighed in concern, "I was hoping he would be there for me..."

Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends went to Rarity's Carousal Boutique. They're dressing and putting their costumes up for the event. Rarity was helping Fluttershy finding the costume but found too scary for her to wear such as Mummy, Headless pony and Vampire fruit bat. Rarity worn her costume - a mermaid pony or Seapony.

"You see, Fluttershy, the beauty of Nightmare Night is that you don't have to dress up as something scary." Rarity explained calmly.

Fluttershy hummed in concern, "I hope you give me a good one. Because If we encounter something terrifying and need to get away quickly? All those layers could slow me down, or worse, make me trip!"

"Oh, don't worry, Fluttershy. I'll get a good one," Rarity said calmly as she pushed clothes aside one-by-one. She found a black slimmed dress and a decorated mask. She turned and passed it to Fluttershy, "Now this is a real stunner! I call it 'Masquerade'! Just a simple black dress underneath but with this ornately decorated mask!"

"Actually, I don't want the mask. It can just be so difficult to see out of."

"But this one has eyeholes."

"W-What about being able to see what's to the left or right of me?"

"I suppose your vision would be somewhat obscured. It's your first Nightmare Night out and about, and we do want you to be comfortable."

"What if I just wear the dress?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Oh, sure, dear. That's... fine." Rarity said in agreement.

As Fluttershy entered the dressing room for dress up, she muttered in concern about her friend. Upon hearing some doors were opened, Rarity turned her back. She gasped in surprise and amaze as she was looking at her friends' costumes other than Spike since he got his costume.

"Oh, my! Look at all of you! My costumes fit you to a T!"

All of her friends dressed with their costumes - Pinkie Pie dressed as an 80s roller disco dancer, Twilight Sparkle as Greek soldier, Rainbow Dash as an astronaut, Applejack as a lion, Ash as black armored Japanese Samurai with a cape, Ashley as futuristic cop pony, Shiroi Bai as mystical wizard elf-pony, Twinkle as Masked Cavalier , Apple Bloom as Platypus, Scootaloo as Wonderbolt and Sweetie Belle as countess lady.

"Hey, Nyx! What in the Equestria is that?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. I'd never seen this before. I don't think it's part of history."

Nyx smiled, "This is a Masked Cavalier. I got this idea from Human Realm. He's my favorite hero, even though that Travis Scott alter-ego."

"That's so awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily.

"Oh yeah? Try this!" Twinkle exclaimed proudly. As she drawn out her sword. She continued, " Awesome, isn't it?"

"YEAH!" Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed,

"She really likes the Masked Caviler, doesn't she?" Ash asked in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle smiled and nodded, "She does. He's very special and inspired hero to her."

Fluttershy emerged from her dressing room. She dressed in her plain black slimmed dress. Ponies were surprised yet concern of what they just saw.

"Hey, Fluttershy, where's your costume?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I'm wearing it." Fluttershy explained. Everyone but Rarity looked confuse. She continued, "I'm going to a masquerade ball. Without the mask."

"Oh, that's great! Isn't it great?" Twilight Sparkle asked her friends about it.

Twilight Sparkle looked at her friends while giving them a weak smile, signaling them not to criticize Fluttershy's costumes. Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement as well as commented about how good it is. Fluttershy smiled happily to see her friends accepted her.

Ash took the picture on Twinkle since she wanted her friends from Human Realm to see it. Twilight Sparkle paste it on the Communicator Book in delivering it straight to Sunset Shimmer.

At Sugarcube Corner, everyone then played the 'Pin the Horn on Nightmare Moon' game. Rarity finished hers. Pinkie Pie helped tied blindfold around Rainbow Dash's eyes while the daring pony prepared holding the horn pin.

"I figured I'd save the really scary games for next year when Fluttershy's more used to it." Pinkie Pie remarked happily.

As Pinkie Pie spun Rainbow Dash around and around, everyone cheered happily and sang 'Round and round and round you go, where you stop nopony knows'. Pinkie Pie stopped Rainbow Dash from spinning. The daring pony jumped over as she shown her ninja moves before landed on the ground before the wall. Rainbow Dash pinned the horn on Nightmare Moon's muzzle.

Rainbow Dash smirked as she removed her blindfold. She turned to Fluttershy, and so does everyone. It's her turn to play the game. She then gulped in concern and fearfully.

"Fluttershy, is there something wrong?" Nyx asked.

"Well, um, it's just that if I'm blindfolded and somepony were to leap out in front of me," Fluttershy asked in concern, "I'd never have the chance to defend myself."

Everyone looked reluctant about what Fluttershy. They were upset that she still wouldn't play, and even Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

"That's fine, darling. You don't have to do anything you don't want to." Rarity said calmly.

Swift nodded, "Yeah. Like we said, you don't have to force yourself in playing this game.

"We're just glad you're here." Twilight Sparkle commented.

"We don't have to finish that game. I have another one I know you'll love!" Pinkie Pie said happily as she poured the bucket of apples into basket of water, "Bobbing for apples!"

"YES! My favorite game!" Ashely exclaimed happily.

Fluttershy gulped in concern while shivered and quivered in fear, "What happens if, when my head is deep down in the water, some kind of scary monster appears? How would I even hear to know I was under attack?"

"I'm guessing she doesn't like it," Ash said in concern.

Spike sighed in upset, "That's no fun, at all."

Twinkle nudged Spike's stomach, "Come on, guys! Cut her some slacks! She's not used to it. She's trying, okay?!"

"Well... In that case, time for candy," Pinkie Pie cheered as she headed to counter. She took several colored doddle bags from the counter, "I made candy bags. Each bag has been made with each of you in mind, complete with each of your favorite candies!"

Everyone but Fluttershy commented happily about eating candies. They then take their own bags as they're ready to eat their food. Fluttershy still looked concern, scared and reluctant.

"Huh?! What the?!" Pinkie exclaimed in shock as she opened her bag. She found hers empty, "My candies?! They're gone!"

Twilight Sparkle and her friends checked their bags as they found theirs too are empty!

"Who ate all the candies?!" Pinkie Pie demanded angrily.

SNORE! Ash heard the noise. He turned to the small clothed table. As he approached it, he opened lifted the cloth up. He found three familiar dragons sleeping on the floor. Twilight and her friends checked it out as well.

"I think we found the culprit," He said in amusement.

Pinkie Pie groaned, "What. Have. You. Done. To. My. CANDIES?!"

Drake Trio yelped as they got up. They saw the angry Pinkie Pie in front of them. They screamed in fear. They quickly ran away at once before they get caught. Everyone groaned in annoyance as they hated someone eat their candies.

"Never mind, I'll prepare the next set. I still got loads of them," Pinkie Pie said happily.

Pinkie Pie then poured the candies into bags. Everyone but Fluttershy took their own bags and enjoyed eating them.

Fluttershy gulped, "Well, it's just... What if when I'm eating one of these chewy taffies, my mouth becomes glued shut and I can't scream for help?"

Everyone remained silent as they shown their upset and disappointed again. Each game they want to play, Fluttershy gave some excuses of how dangerous it is or even how fragile she is.

Spike sighed in concern, "This isn't clearly working..."

"Oh, goodness. We've only just started to celebrate Nightmare Night together," Fluttershy said in shame, "and I'm already taking all the fun out of it, aren't I?"

Everyone remained silent as they don't want to badmouthed about Fluttershy's weakness and reluctance about Nightmare Night and its games.

Fluttershy continued, "I really wanna do this. But there's just so many things that terrify me about tonight. I couldn't possibly predict what might upset me."

"Unless you were the one doing the scaring!" Twilight suggested thoughtfully. Everyone looked at her in surprise looks. She continued, "The thing you hate is being scared, but if you're the one doing the scaring, then..."

Fluttershy gasped, "Then I can help you all have fun and I can still be a part of Nightmare Night!"

Twilight asked hopefully, "So you like that idea?"

"I think I do! And I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think I have the perfect idea for how I'm gonna do it!" Fluttershy smiled happily as she exited Sugarcube Corner. She gave her friends spooky face and voice, "Meet me at my cottage in an hour."

As soon as Fluttershy left, everyone smiled happily as they're glad to make her happy and comfortable. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked unconvinced about it, and even Ash

"Twilight, are you sure? I don't think she can pull that off..." He asked said in concern.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Don't worry about it. I'm sure Fluttershy will figure something out. After all, behind her shyness lies some true strength as your father quoted."
...
...

As Twilight and her friends were on their way to Fluttershy's cottage, they stopped by the side of Everfree Forest. They saw something from the area.

SCREECH! Everyone got frightened and freaked out as they saw some Mystic Soldiers guarding against strange creature inside the cage - a giant mutated demonic humanoid bat-like. Twilight Sparkle and her friends were in deep shock and surprise of what they were watching.

"Is that-?' Shiroi asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yes. That's Shadowclaw. He's now in Nightmare Transcendent. He'll return to normal by dawn."

"But what's with the cage?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon sighed, "He wanted to make sure that he doesn't go wild and kill his own soldiers and innocents. It's the only way."

"I'm just glad Fluttershy didn't see this. She would be heartbroken," Twilight said in concern.

...
...

Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends have arrived at Fluttershy's cottage. As they knocked the door, it opened. They all saw a large table with several chairs only, along with teapot and teacups.

"Welcome to Fluttershy's tea party!" Fluttershy said in spookiness.

Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked annoyed about what Fluttershy just said while others remained quiet and calm. But they know what they have to do - play along with Fluttershy's. As they entered and take their seats, Fluttershy began her 'scary tea party' such as warning about 'no sugar', nopony complimented Rarity's dresses, asking for cucumber sandwiches, angry cardboard guests and even about over-scheduled to get kitten home.

But it doesn't make any of them scared, not even Spike or Cutie Mark Crusaders. Fluttershy saw everything. Their reaction have made her upset and concern about it.

"Why don't you look terrified? You showed up to a party and everypony was extremely disappointed in you. Can you imagine anything more upsetting?"

"It was a really good try, darling, but the scares at Nightmare Night are of an entirely different nature." Rarity commented.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "It was really creative, though. I never would have thought of... all this."

"Oh, I'm just not cut out for this. Just go on without me." Fluttershy said in upset. Everyone looked concern and worry about her as they didn't want to leave her behind. It's unfair for only them, but also herself. She sighed, "You have to. This is the night you look forward to all year."

"We could... stay here?" Ashley suggested.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. It wouldn't be much fun without you."

"Yeah..." Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed,.

"It's okay. I really want you all to have fun. This is how I spend every Nightmare Night. Please go. I'll be fine." Fluttershy insisted as she opened the door.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends sighed in shame as they walked and leave Fluttershy's home at once. All they can do is prayed for her to be alright for Nightmare Night. Poor them...

At Apple Farm, Twilight Sparkle and her friends have arrived at the Apple Family Haunted Maze where the fun begins...

"Oh, yeah! I can't believe we're finally doin' this!" Spike cheered happily.

Rainbow smirked, "Let's see what they have in store for us."

Just before Twilight and her friends could enter, Granny Smith lowered her hood down as she revealed scared and weird horse's face-like. They screamed in shock. They then laughed happily as they entered the maze.

As they walked across the hallway of maze, they could hear some screaming and laughter. Lots of ponies enjoyed the Haunted Maze very much. Twilight and her friends came across some scary obstacles such as mummified Big McIntosh, white bones-like sticks and glowing eyeballs in the dark cave. They all exited the cave. It was fun and great.

SNAP! Applejack yelped in concern of what she just heard. Everyone turned and looked at her.

"Hey, sis. What's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Applejack sighed calmly, "It's... It's nothing. Maybe just my imagination. Let's keep on walking."

"Then, what's that?!" Spike exclaimed in concern as he pointed up.

Everyone looked up as they found a giant shadowy bat-like on the glowing moon. It the flew straight down at once. It then landed on the ground hard. It revealed a familiar creature in front of them. It then screeched wildly.

"No..." Ash said in concern.

"It's Shadowbite!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in shock. Everyone looked at her. She shrugged, "You know? Shadowclaw became Shadowbite. It's kinda sound fun."

"Forget fun! RUN!" Rarity exclaimed in fear.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends quickly run at once while Shadowclaw or Shadowbite charged and chased after them. And each time they make the turn, they got blocked and stopped by him. They continued ran as fast as they can.

Rarity got tripped by her fin as she fell to the ground hard. Sweetie Belle and Spike turned and helped her up. As Shadowbite came close to them, they screamed in fear and worry.

A sudden tapping and running around the maze alerted him to turn. He snarled. He looked up and found some floating moaning wildly above him. He screeched wildly as he tried to swung his claws at them off. Missed, they dodged the attacks while moaning at him. Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Spike quickly escaped when he got distracted by ghosts.

"Fluttershy had a point with the layers on the dress." Rarity remarked.

As Twilight and her friends continued run as fast as they can, they got blown by heavy wind. They then got tripped and fell into the hole hard. They all moaned and groaned painfully as they slowly got up together. They looked up as they found the hole sealed by something...

Twilight Sparkle lighted her horn up as she checked on everyone if they were okay or not. They answered by nodding that they're alright.

"Dad, why didn't you beat Shadowbite up?" Ashley asked in concern, "That could solve the problem."

Ash sighed, "I can't. He's not himself because he's in Nightmare Transcendent. But what I don't understand is how did he escaped his cage."

"And I don't think he's smart enough to trick the guards to free him," Swift said in concern.

Ash shook his head, "No... I don't think he did. In his Mutated Bat Form, he's nothing but a wild animal."

"So, all we can do is wait until dawn for him return to normal," Twinkle asked in concern. Ash nodded in confirmation, made her groaned, "Just great..."

"Forget that!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern as she turned to Applejack, "Which way are we supposed to go now?!"

"Uh, I don't know! I don't know what's goin' on!" Applejack said in concern. Everyone but Apple Bloom looked at her in concern and scared. She continued, "Alright, I got to admit I didn't know about any of this especially Shadowbite. Something ain't right."

"Do you think it's Granny Smith and Big Mac behind this?" Sweetie Belle asked in concern.

Scootaloo gulped, "If it is, I think I should take a break from their crazy frightful night."

"I don't think so," Apple Bloom said in concern. Everyone looked at her. She gulped, "I heard Granny Smith's voice up there. I don't know why we're down here! This is really scarin' me now!"

Hearing what Apple Bloom had said, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even herself chattering their teeth in fear. Everyone looked in concern as well.

"What's next?" Spike asked in concern.

THUMP! Everyone yelped in concern as they looked up and found the hole they came in has been unsealed. But just before they could do anything, Shadowbite landed on the ground. He screeched wildly at them.

"That's not good!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern, "We're gonna get our blood drained!"

Twinkle gasped, "Not just that! Another monster!"

Everyone looked at the behind of him as they found a humanoid fish monster-like entered the scene. He growled and roared wildly like ready to rumble. Shadowbite got the attention as he turned and screeched at the monster.

"I don't think I want to know that!" Rarity exclaimed in concern.

Rainbow Dash screamed, "RUUUUUUUUUN!"

As both the monsters charged in, they both battled each other fiercely and wildly. Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends quickly turn and make run of it while screaming in fear!

As they keep on running, they slammed straight into something sticky! They found themselves stuck on giant spider's web! They all screamed and shouted in fear about it. How will they escaped now?!

Suddenly, more growling and roaring noise sounded. Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up and found both the monsters were still fighting with each other fierce and wild. Twilight Sparkle quickly used her teleportation spell on her and her friends. They escaped from spider's web while both monsters got tangled and stuck on the web. Twilight Sparkle and her friends made their escape now.

Upon arriving at the end of cave, they exited the entrance. But instead at the Haunted Maze, they're on the hill's edge above the maze. How did they get here?!

SCREECH! Twilight Sparkle and her friends turned and found Shadowbite standing before them. He licked his mouth like ready to feast on his enemies. But just before they could do anything, everyone heard the maniacal laugh. They looked on the hill's small tree. A strange female figure was upside down, tangling on the tree branch. She dropped to the ground. She hissed wildly while revealing herself to be a Vampire Pony.

And just before anyone could do anything, she charged and attacked Shadowbite. Both swung their hooves at each other fiercely and wildly on each other's face. As Shadowbite jumped on the Vampire Pony, she landed on her back. She then held and bounced him off before landed on the ground. She snarled while growling at him, making him whimpered in fear. She sighed in relief before turned to others. She was in shock and pain. Everyone hugged each other as they whimpered in fear and worry. They were all scared.

"Oh, my!" Vampire Pony said in shock and shame. She moved away from him as she emerged from the shadow before the ponies. She revealed that she's in Vampire Pony costume. She continued, "I'm so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Fluttershy?" Everyone asked in shock.

"It was you the whole time?!" Twinkle asked in disbelief.

"I can't believe it!" Twilight Sparkle said in shock and surprise. She gulped before smiled, "That... was..."

"THE BEST THING EVER!" Cutie Mark Crusaders and Pinkie Pie cheered wildly and happily.

Rainbow Dash chuckled in amusement, "It was way more terrifying than the most terrifying thing I could have thought of!"

"You out-nightmared the scariest part of the corn maze!" Applejack remarked in amazement.

"How did you do all this?! Did you free Shadowclaw?" Ash asked in surprise.

"That was Shadowclaw?" Fluttershy asked in shock as she turned and looked at the unconscious Shaodowbite or Shadowclaw . She gulped, "Oh, my! What have I done?!"

"It's not your fault, Fluttershy. I told everyone to keep the secret because we don't want you get heartbroken by his appearance and prison," Ash admitted his fault. It made him realized, "How did he escaped his prison?"

"After you left, I realized that I wasn't ready to give up on Nightmare Night. So I decide that I could try to make the maze even scarier for my friends at Haunted Maze," Fluttershy explained. She sighed in shame.

"We were on our way to Haunted Maze. Then, we saw the cage from Everfree Forest. We thought the soldiers were torturing that poor creature, and they refused to free him. So, I gave them some beating. But what I didn't know it's wild and dangerous. It attacked me. But my little critters helped and drove him off. It then headed straight to-!"

"Haunted Maze!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in unison.

"You were all danger because of me. So, I quickly make a plan to save you by scaring him off." Fluttershy said in shame. She smiled while looking at her animal friends, who were sitting on Pikachu's head emerged from the ground,

"Angel was the scary figure that kept scurrying after him in the maze. Birdies were the ghosts to distract him. Pikachu is the one who blew the wind and block the exit with a rock, so Shadowclaw won't attack you. Fuzzy Legs made the sticky wall that made it difficult for him to see and move. And, of course, Harry was the especially scary monster."

Angel the Bunny, Birdies, Fuzzy Legs the Spider and Harry the Bear nodded in agreement about the event. Dragoking chuckled as he too agreed that he joined the fun, which annoyed Ash a lot. His pet sure have funny way to scare him and his friends.

"I'm so sorry for this mess," Fluttershy said in shame while approaching Shaowbite, "Now I have to tend his wounds now."

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, "Fluttershy, you don't have to apologize about this. You didn't know about it. But wow! That was inspired!"

Everyone cheered and commented happily of how great her Nightmare Night tricks works, even though she unintentionally freed Shadowbite from his prison. Flutetrshy smiled a bit but frowned as she turned and looked at him before others. She sighed.

"We could celebrate Nightmare Night together every year. But the truth is I really don't want to." Fluttershy admitted as she removed her costume. Everyone was in confuse and concern about it. She continued, "I've also realized something. You all may love Nightmare Night and I may be good at being a part of it, but it's no fun for me to see my friends feel like they're in danger, even if I know they're not. I really don't like it. It's just not my cup of tea."

Pinkie Pie and Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled and made spooky sound, "Spoooooooooky tea?"

"No. Just regular tea. We do lots of fun things together, but I'm afraid this just isn't gonna be one of them." Fluttershy said in shame. She then smiled, "Actually, I'm not afraid. I'm perfectly fine with it."

Instead of upset and disappointment, Twilight Sparkle and her friends smiled. They know Fluttershy. They decide not to make or force her to join Nightmare Night, even though she's no longer afraid of it anymore...

"Then we are, too." Twilight Sparkle smiled.

Fluttershy sniffled happily as she galloped towards her friends and even animals. She gave them a hug as they hugged her back. Shaowclaw or Shadowbite joined as well, instead of his angry looks...

Fluttershy sighed happily, "I don't know why I doubted myself for a second. Now this is what I call a perfect Nightmare Night."

Fluttershy was having her tea party with all of her animal friends at her cottage. And even Shadowclaw or Shadowbite joined as well. He was more civilized and calmer than before as he enjoyed drinking his cup of tea. He smiled and meowed happily as he nuzzled her face. Fluttershy giggled as she patted his head...

In Human Realm during Nightmare Night or Halloween, Sunset Shimmer was dressing up as the Black Spider-Girl. She and her two friends are going to Flash Sentry's Halloween Party. She heard something ringing. She turned and picked the book. She looked at it. She then awed happily.

"Well, what do you know?" Sunset Shimmer said in amusement, "They're gonna love this one especially Masked Caviler . They've gotta see this!"

"Sunset! Hurry up! We're gonna be late!" Wheelie called from downstairs, "I don't wanna miss some bathing pool!"

Sunset Shimmer giggled as she put her Communicator Book in her bag, "Coming!"

Sunset Shimmer met up with both Wheelie and Brains at ground level. Both of them got into her bag while complaining of why she's taking so long. She replied that she got special message from Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle to show...

Episode 11-Kingdom of Apes

After Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie learned the location of Friendship Problem, they set their course off to Thorntree - home of benevolent and peaceful ponies and creatures and Ape Nation - kingdom of all apes. Whatever they may find at that place, they'd better be prepared for the mission.

For three hours have passed, the train reached to the station which located at the rice fields and some villages and hometown. Ponies emerged and came down the train, including Fluttershy and Pinkie.

As soon as two heroines exited the train station, they stopped for the moment. They witnessed the landscape of Thorntree- large fields of rice and vegetables, farmland, villages and hometowns. They even saw farmers and workers working with deer, buffalo and dragons together as one. They awed in amazement.

"Wow... Now this is what we called 'peaceful' town!" Pinkie remarked happily. She looked around the farmland as well as the ponies. She smiled, "Now this is what we called the real smile, unlike Starlight Glimmer's old home."

Fluttershy nodded, "Indeed, it is. So, how do we find the Friendship Problem?"

"I have no idea! Cool words from Twilight in first movie of Equestria Girls!"

"Oh, Pinkie... You are so random..." Fluttershy commented. She then spotted two greenish armored Western Guards. She said, "Maybe the guards can take us to the Benevolent Palace. We can ask Saber Dragoon or the Emperor himself about it."

"Great idea!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, "Come on!"

Fluttershy and Pinkie approached to the Western Guards as they were here to find Crossbow or Emperor Corbin from Benevolent Palace. The Guards were surprise and shock to hear. They quickly prepare the carriage for Fluttershy and Pinkie. The Guards held the carriage's shoulder holder. They all headed straight for Benevolent Palace.

The Guards were galloping across the road to the Benevolent Palace.

"Your grace! It is an honor to have you both here in our kingdom," Thorntree Guard #1 said happily.

Thorntree Guard #2 nodded, "Yes. We have heard about your tale and adventure. They were truly amazing and inspiring! So, you are here to solve the Friendship Problem just as you did for Hometown, Griffonstone and Imperial Phoenix Kingdom from Knighton?"

"Well, when you put that way," Pinkie said in puzzle before smiled, "Yes! That's what we're going to do here."

Fluttershy sighed, "We still have no idea what is the problem here."

Thorntree Guard #1 smiled, "I'm pretty sure that there wasn't a problem here. You have nothing to worry."

SWOOP! The Thorntree Guards yelped in shock as they stopped at once. They spotted arrow struck on the ground. Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked concern and worry of what they just saw.

Thorntree Guard #2 gulped as he chuckled a bit, "Maybe... A little problem..."

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked at each other for the moment. They know what they have to do, even though they're not strong and fast (well, just Fluttershy) as Applejack or Rainbow Dash, or even smart and magical as Twilight Sparkle.

"Can you take us to where that arrow came from?" Fluttershy asked politely.

Both Guards gasped in surprise. They looked at each other as they wondered. Are they willing to lead the girls to the battlefield?!

Moments later the Guards held and carried the carriage all the way to the Benevolent Palace's Fortress Walls. They all stopped at once. Fluttershy and Pinkie gasped in shock as they saw more of the Kingdom army were reinforcing the castle walls and entrance. Western Ma was under attacked!

Most of Buffalo Warriors held the entrance door with their mighty and tight strengths from letting it breached and rammed. Western Dragon Guards were on the towers or castle walls as they all armed and aimed their Ballistas, Arbalests and Catapults in firing at the invaders. Thorntree Ponies were armed with their weapons. Some climbed to the castle walls in preparing their archery, rifles and stones to throw. Others charged through the secret entrance to outside in helping and defending against the invaders.

Pinkie and Fluttershy climbed up the stairs to the castle walls. They wanted to see and know what is going on.

They gasped in surprise as they witnessed the large army of different kinds of Apes attacking and invading the Western Knighton. Thorntree Kingdom were battling against the Ape Nation Invaders from entering and attacking.

Fluttershy gasped, "What in the world-?!"

"Oh my goodness!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in shock, "Are those monkeys, gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees, Orangutan and more monkeys?!"

"I think it is. But why would the Apes attacked Western Dragon Kingdom?! I thought they were friends!"

"I don't know. But if we don't help our friends now, there's no telling what those monkeys will do with Western Dragon Kingdom!! If our friends are gone, there's no telling what the monkeys will do next!?! They could be stealing all of our bananas!"

Fluttershy sighed, "You're right. We've got to help our friends now! I hate doing this!"

Pinkie patted Fluttershy's back, "Me too. Come on! We've got to help them now!"

Pinkie and Fluttershy armed with their weapons and readied themselves in assisting and helping Equestria's Allies at once. They have to make sure that Western Dragon Kingdom won't fall or be defeated by the Ape Nation.

Both side fought bravely and ferociously in winning the battle.

Ace Shot the old yellow Earth Pony with white long bear and small mane and tail dressed in his yellowish robe with dragon green armor firing his arrows at his enemies while ordered the archers and rifle units in firing their arrows and blasters at the Ape Nation Invaders. The old veteran general dodged and avoided the arrows while taking the aim and fired his arrows straight at the Apes from infantry units, riders unit, climbing units on ladder, arsenal units and even workers accurately and quick.

Scorch and Sky Slam the yellowish dragon armored white Pegasus were riding their white Fury and Speed Dragons in leading their Military against their enemies. Scorch swung his Dragoon Spear in slashing, knocking and defeating the Ape Nation Army while deflecting the arrows to pieces and blocking the monkeys' attacks. Sky Slam unleashed his powerful Dragon Raid in charging and raiding across the large numbers of Ape Nation Army to pieces.

Ponies punched and kicked their enemies off or even used spears, swords, pikes and shields in beating them. Humanoid Dragons used their weapons in beating them while wild ones charged, rammed and bitten the invaders to pieces. Buffalo just rammed, charged and knocked the Ape Nation Invaders to pieces.

Ape Nation Invaders fought fiercely and ferociously in defeating Western Dragon Kingdom to pieces. Baboons, Mandrills and various small types of monkeys went wild in punching and scratching and even stabbing with their daggers on their enemies. Gorilla and large ones roared wildly as they punched, rammed, slammed and ripped them apart. Chimpanzees and various monkeys used their swords, spears and pikes in battling their enemies while blocking them off with their shields.

As Ape Nation and Thorntree Kingdom continued battling with each other, Fluttershy and Pinkie joined the battlefield in assisting their allies.

Pinkie used her Party Canon in blasting and knocking most of Ape Nation out in accurate speed while dodging and avoiding them catching or attacking her quickly as well. Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby in defeating Ape Nation by Elephant's Spirit in ramming and knocking them off, Monkey's spirit in dodging and avoiding the attacks, Cheetah's Spirit in running and raiding across them out, Armadillo's Spirit in rolling and charging in knocking them out, Bat's Spirit in unleashing powerful Sonic Wave at them and Mantis's Spirit in using her Twin Uppercut Attacks on them.

Thorntree Kingdom were pushing Ape Nation back. They're winning the battle!

Chimpanzee General growled, "We've been overwhelmed! RETREAT!"

Ape Nation screeched and roared in fear and shock as they all turned and escaped. They all headed straight to the Southern Jungle before they lose their army and get killed by their enemies. Treethron cheered wildly and happily as they have won the battlefield!

"Woohoo! We did it!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.

"For now, they'll be back," Scorch said in concern. Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked concern and horrified of what they just heard. He turned to them both as he smiled, "But we are relief to have reinforcement from you. I am Scorch - one of Five Dragon Generals. These two are old pony General Ace Shot and raider General Sky Slam."

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! This here is Fluttershy," Pinkie explained happily.

Fluttershy nodded while smiling, "Can you explain to us of what really happen here?"

He sighed, "Yes... But not here, let's return to the palace at once. Emperor Corbin needs to hear this."

Scorch and the main army returned to the Benevolent Palace at once. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie followed them at once. They're about to get the answers very soon.

At the shadowy of jungle, the hooded pony watched the event while smiling darkly.

"Good... They're here. Both will be mine to collect for Qin Wang Di's resurrection. And this time, it will not be the same as last time. I am more prepared than before..."

Both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy followed the generals all the way to Benevolent Palace's Throne Chamber with the theme of golden Chinese Dragon and Chinese style. The girls saw and met the rest of military officers from left and advisors from right while the green Unicorn with black shortened yet sharp twin mustache and beard dressed in his white robe while his mane was pin by the Prime Minister's crown while holding his Feather Fan stood besides the Emperor's seat.

As Scorch and his team returned to military side, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie stood still before the Emperor and Founder of Thorntree- a young lighted brown Earth Pony with the black mane in bun shape and short tail dressed in his dark green Imperial Dragon Armor and his Cutie Mark is Golden Dragon Symbol with twin blades.

He cleared his throat, "Presenting to the Emperor of Western Knighton - Emperor Corbin and Prime Minister Woodson!"

All bowed down before the Emperor and Prime Minister of Western Kinghtion. Fluttershy followed as well.

"Hey there!" Pinkie greeted happily.

Everyone but the Emperor and Prime Minister gasped in shock and concern. She cannot do that!

"Pinkie! Show some respect!" Fluttershy scolded Pinkie.

"It's okay... I'm sure that not all ponies are lucky to have the rulers or monarch on their home," Corbin said calmly. Everyone within Military Army sighed. He continued, "You must be Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy from Ponyville? It is an honor to meet you in pony."

Fluttershy bowed, "We are honored as well, your highness."

"So, my new friends," Woodson spoke up as he questioned firmly and calmly, "What brings you here? I'm sure you did not come here for vacation."

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Right again! The Map called us to come here and solve the Friendship Problems."

Everyone within the Throne Chamber chatted and muttered in concern and surprise of what they just heard. Their kingdom has some Friendship Problem?

"And I think that fighting with the Ape Nation could be the answer," Fluttershy said in concern, "What was that about? Why do they attacked you?"

Everyone within the chamber were in concern and scared. They wondered if they should tell Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie of what really happens.

He sighed sighed, "We don't know why. All we know is that we have received some threaten messages from our allied monkeys - if we do not return their sacred artifact to them, then they will not stop until all of us are destroyed and sought it out."

"What artifact would that be?" Pinkie asked in concern.

Sky Slam shook his head, "I wish we knew."

"Because we did not return their artifact or didn't realize that we have one," Ace Shot continued, "Ape Nation attacked and invaded our home for nearly two weeks."

"Indeed... We are lucky enough to hold and repelled the invasion with everything we've got," JWoodson said in concern, "But the fight with the monkey isn't over yet."

Scorch nodded, "These monkeys are very relentless and crazy. They will do what they can to get inside and defeat all of us. They will get their 'artifact' by means of necessary."

Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gulped in concern of what they just heard.

"Oh my gosh... That's terrible..." Fluttershy said in concern.

Corbin sighed, "Yes... I don't understand why and how could they attacked us. I'd never want to fight my own allied nation because they're my friends and brothers-in-arms. They're very important to me and this kingdom."

Pinkie Pie nodded, "That's cruel and meanie too! The Monkeys can't do that! I'm sure this is just a big misunderstanding! Somepony or monkey from their home was just playing the prank."

"You maybe onto something," Sky Slam said in concern, "This could be the enemy's plot in separating our alliance apart. They know our strength and weaknesses. They want to destroy it and let our own allies to defeat and destroy us."

Scorch hissed, "This isn't good..."

"We cannot let that happen!" Woodson exclaimed while stomped his front feet down hard.

"I agreed, lad. Neither us nor our allies will be destroyed," Ace Shot agreed, "But how are we going to stop this from happening?"

"Have you try to talk with them?" Fluttershy asked.

Pinkie nodded happily, "Yeah. Talking with new ponies help us know the problem. After all, you and the Apes were friends once, right? That means you still can chat."

Sky Slam hummed, "Yes. It's a good plan. We did plan to negotiate with the Apes but we did not have time because of the invasion. Now the Apes have retreated to the Southern. We now have the chance."

"I still think it's dangerous and risky," Ace Shot said in concern, "The Southern Jungle terrain is very dangerous and tricky when it comes to the Apes especially the today's weather. It's gonna be very hot, mate."

"And not to mention, we have the Barbarian King to deal with. He is the leader of the Ape Nation. Defeating and capturing him won't be easy." Sky Slam said in concern.

Scorch shook his head, "Do not be feared of what we cannot do. Prime Minister and I have been that terrain from many moons ago. We have defeated the Barbarian King's Ancestor and his tactics for seven times. We have overcame the obstacles before, then we can do it again."

"Yes, he is right. We still have the chance to reach the Barbarian King." Sky Slam said thoughtfully. He turned to Corbin, "My lord! We must move out now. This is our chance."

He stood up as he shown his firm and fierce face, "I agreed. Scorch shall be Grand Commander of the Force. Sky Slam and Ace Shot shall be the Generals of Right and Left Army. Rogue and Sparkler Shield shall be my bodyguards. Woodson is not only my advisor but also consultant. I shall lead the force. Our objective is simple - find and capture Barbarian King. We must not bring bloodshed to his monkeys. They're the essential to our forces."

"Understood!" The army exclaimed and bowed down.

Corbin sighed a bit before shown his firm again. "Prepare the army! We march at once!"

Pinkie and Fluttershy have their own private chats now about the mission.

"Do you think this is Friendship Problem?" Fluttershy asked.

Pinkie shrugged, "Well... It's the only thing we found so far. After all, I'm pretty sure it's just misunderstanding problem."

Fluttershy sighed, "I hope so... But why do I get the feeling that this isn't misunderstanding problem?"

An hour later...

The Entire Kingdom have prepared the army for not only invasion but also trying to find and capture Barbarian King from launching the invasion on Western Ma as well as understanding the problems behind 'Artifact Stolen'.

The army is up to 10,000 Army of Ponies, Dragons and Water Buffalo. Corbin is now the Leader of the Army while Scorch acted as the Grand Commander, Ace Shot and Sky Slam acted as the Generals of Right and Left Flank, the brown Unicorn with crimson spiky mane and short tail while his Cutie Mark is Broadsword - Rogue and a young lighted green Pegasus with shorty black gentle mane and tail and her Cutie Mark is sparkling shield - Sparkle Shield as the bodyguards and finally Woodson acted as the advisor and consultant of the campaign. They're all ready to enter the Southern Jungle.

Pinkie and Fluttershy joined the campaign as well. They believed that they can provide the aid and assistance in restoring the alliance between Ape Nation and Thorntree.

Fluttershy noticed Corbin talking with Blade Dragoon the crimson Unicorn with black long mane, mustache and beard and tail worn the greenish robe with golden dragon armor and headwear and Warpath Temper the dark brown Pegasus with black short spiky mane and tail and black mustache and beard worn the greenish General Armor.

Warpath Temper looked at Sparkle Shield, "Sparkly, just make sure that you're safe from danger. And whatever happens, look after your uncle lord. He's important family."

"I won't let you down, father," Sparkle Shield said firmly.

Blade Dragoon looked at Rogue, "My son... Do your best to protect our lord. And no matter what happens, you mustn't be defeated. I know you are strong and determined warrior."

Rogue nodded firmly, "Yes, father. You can count on me."

Both Rogue and Sparkle Shield turned and faced to the front as they mounted their Dragon Rides. They both headed to the front at once.

"Ever been to jungle before, Sparkle? I heard it's quite tropical and awesome," Rogue said happily.

Sparkle shook her head a bit, "No, Rogue. I'd never been there before. But I would like to try it. I heard they have various animals especially a giant mammal creature."

Rogue whistled, "Can't wait to try one from Ape Nation if we can end their invasion for good."

"Are you sure you can do it?" Warpath Temper asked in concern, "Going to the jungle sound dangerous. You could need some backup."

"Indeed. Thought Scorch and Woodson have been the jungle," Blade Dragoon said in concern, "you however are ready for this terrain. I feared for your safety, brother."

"Your concerns is noted. But as the Emperor of theKingdom, it is my duty to protect and keep everyone safe from harm," Corbin said firmly, "And that includes Ape Nation. So no matter what happens, keep our home safe."

Both Blade Dragoon and Warpath Temper looked at each other as they both disliked the idea in putting their older brother in danger. They sighed in concern as they know him well because he wants nothing more but protection of his nation and ponies.

"Alright. We'll do it. Be safe, brother." Both Blade Dragoon and Warpath Temper bowed.

He smiled in relief as he bowed back, "Thank you. I promised that I will return home safely."

Fluttershy saw he hugged both Blade Dragoon and Warpath Temper passionately. She hummed in concern yet upset for some reason. She took her amulet out as she opened it in two. She spotted her younger self hugged by older Pegasus figure as they both shown their happy smiles. She sighed unhappily.

"Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked in concern.

Fluttershy shook her head, "It's nothing. Come on. We have our mission to do."

"Okie Dookie Lookie!" Pinkie giggled happily.

As the Generals and Military Officers mounted on Dragon Rides, Corbin was the last one to ride on his White Shifter Dragon. Both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy mounted on thier rides. They're all ready for the mission.

Scorch approached Corbin, "My Lord , we are ready."

He nodded firmly as he turned to the front, "Warriors of Thorntree, we ride! To Southern Jungle!"

He galloped at once. The 10,000 army of Thorntree followed and charged straight into the depths of jungle.

Within the ancient yet ruined theme of throne chamber, a giant black Chimpanzee worn the heavy armor and pants as well as the barbarian headwear was sitting down on his seat as he received the reports from his scout. He growled angrily while clenching his fists tightly.

"Kattu?! My love?" The gentle voice asked. Kattu turned and found the slimmed Chimpanzee worn purple bra and and a long skit-like as well as the headwear to cover her face. She approached Kattu, "Is everything alright?"

Kattu sighed heavily, "No, Zhu Rong. I am not. They refused to return our sacred artifact to us, and now they wanted to wage war against us. We shall fight back. They have no idea of how angry and upset we Apes really are! Prepare for WAR!"

"Yes, my king!" Chimpanzee Scout exclaimed.

Ape Nation is now in war against the Western Kinghton. The hooded pony was hidden behind the cornered cave as he smiled in pleased.

"Perfect... Woodson and Scorch may have been through Southern Jungle but Fluttershy, Pinkie and peasant Corbin aren't. All goes according to my plan. It's perfect."

In the late afternoon... the Thorntree Kingdom continued marching to the Southern Jungle in search and hunt Kutta down and end his invasion of their home for good. But they soon found the terrain proved to be difficult to coordinate and travel due to the hot climate and the surroundings such as tight and cluttered trees, poison swamps, quicksand and some wild predators stalking the ponies with fear.

Most of the soldiers began exhausting and tiring as they feel so thirsty and tired due to the hot climate. Pinkie and Fluttershy felt that as well.

"Wow... This is my first time to experience the jungle." Pinkie commented in surprise. She sighed heavily as she wiped her sweats off, "Wow... It's very hot! I guess Prime Minister wasn't kidding about the weather and this jungle. I almost felt tired and thirsty."

Ace Shot panted, "I hate to admit but the lass's right. We need to rest. I'm too old to endure the heat. It pain my ass..."

"Ponies were too tired as well. We need some rest," Sky Slam added.

Corbin took a glance at his soldiers as he was worried for them. He heard about the Southern Jungle and its story but never experienced it before. He needed his soldiers armed and ready for anything. He can't have them to be tired and get defeated immediately.

"There's a lot of shades here and some lake as well," He said firmly and calmly, "We should rest here."

Socrch approached his emperor at once, "My lord, I must against it. It's best that we should keep moving to the open field."

Woodson nodded in agreement, "He's right. Ape Nation will use the jungle as their advantage to defeat us. We must camp on the open space for rest and the attacks."

Corbin sighed in concern, "I don't like it. But I trust your judgment and experience. We must continue to find the open space for both rest and defense. Resume the advance."

The Thorntree army moaned and groaned in upset. But they have no choice but to obey and follow due to Corbin being their only leader but their comrades. They continued traveling across the jungle in reaching the open space. As they continued traveling, both Pinkie and Fluttershy decided to ask their allies about the experience and history with Ape Nation. They want to know more about the Apes.

Fluttershy hummed in concern, "Um... Excuse me. I hope you don't mind us asking but may we know about Ape Nation?"

"Yeah... We wanna how you guys make friends with the monkeys. It sounded like they're very good friends to you so much," Pinkie said happily.

Corbin looked at both Prime Minister Woddson and Scorch .

He sighed, "Very well. We shall reveal the history behind our alliance. After the defeat and death of our emperor before reincarnated as Mystic Pony, our southern fortress almost conquered by the Southern Barbarians. Both me and him led the force for the Southern Campaign to not only defeat but also capturing Barbarian King's ancestor - King Kutta the Great."

Woodson continued, "We fought against him for seven times as well as capturing and releasing him. We faced against him, his wife, his officers, his brutal army, his trickery, difficult terrains, poison swamps, his Shaman and wild animals and even General and his rattan armored soldiers."

"King Kutta the Great is very brave, persistent and loyal Barbarian King to his home but very stubborn to admit his defeat," He continued, "We defeated and captured him for seven times. After the seventh but final battle, he finally submitted to us. We build our alliance."

Both Pinkie and Fluttershy were all shocked yet surprise of what they just learned.

"Wow... How long have you and monkeys been friends?" Pinkie asked in surprise.

Woodson sighed, "It lasted for nearly 40 years. But because of Thorntree Kingdom has fallen, so as the alliance with both Westport Kingdom and Ape Nation. After the long war and fall of kingdom-by-kingdom, we have returned and reestablished our kingdoms as the True Rulers of Knighton. We even reestablished the alliance with Ape Nation. And it lasted for thousand years."

"And now, the Ape Nation attacked and invaded us because they accused us for their sacred artifact been stolen," He said in concern and upset, "We could never do such a thing."

"Oh dear... This is terrible..." Fluttershy said in concern, "Who could do such a thing? Did anypny or monkey have against this much?"

"We wish we knew," Justice Tackle said in concern.

Ace Shot sighed, "All we can do is find and capture that King Kutta."

"Indeed... We have to stop at once. We have to clear the misunderstanding," Skysour said firmly, "We need to talk with him."

Corbin nodded, "I agreed. We must keep moving now. We need to end this before more lives could be taken away."

"My lord, stay close to us," Rogue said firmly, "Father wouldn't want you to get hurt. You're too important for our kingdom to lose."

Sparkle nodded, "Rogue is right. We would be lost without you."

He sighed in defeat, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worried. I just want to end this conflict."

"We understand, my lord. But it's best that you should remain stay close to us but vigilant." the prime minster said, "The Ape Nation will do whatever it takes to win the war and defeat you for reclaiming their stolen artifact."

Scorch nodded, "Indeed. Please, stay with us for your safety."

He shook his head in upset yet nodded in agreement. He and his kingdom continued marching across the depths of jungle. Fluttershy noticed it again as she shown her concern and pitiful looks for the Emperor of Western Knighton. She too felt that way because she too wanted to end the conflict and clear the miscommunication.

As W=they continued marching across the depth of jungle, they stopped as they heard the branches snapped. They were armed with their weapons. Both Rogue and Sparkle stayed close to Corbin and Woodson Intellect while three Dragon Generals approached to the front as they were armed and readied. Fluttershy and Pinkie too were armed as well. The Apes are coming!

Before any of the Army could do anything, a sudden struck on the Dragon Guard's back. An arrow has struck on his. His death alerted the rest. Some looked up and found Apes were on top of branches and trees while others found more standing in the mist, bushes and tree's trunks. The Apes are here!

The Ape Nation Soldiers screeched and roared wildly as they all charged straight at Western Dragon Kingdom from the mist or top of trees. The Mystic Pony armed with their weapons as they were ready to fight.

"Remember! We can't hurt them! We need to capture the leader alive to end it!" Corbin ordered firmly.

"Hurt them?! What about us?!" Pinkie asked in concern as she armed with her Party Canon. She giggled a bit, "Wow... That is so cliche for everyone not wanting to hurt some good or misunderstanding creatures."

"Save the jokes later. Here they come!" Sky Slam exclaimed in concern.

Socrch turned to both Rogue and Sparkle, "Protect the Emperor! No matter what happens, don't let any monkeys near to him!"

"My Lord!" Rogue and Sparkle exclaimed fiercely.

As the Ape Nation Soldiers came close to the Thorntree Kingdom, the monkeys attacked the ponies fiercely and wildly. The monkeys from branches and tree tops continued firing and launching their blackish bladed arrows and blackish painted stones in knocking and killing Human Ponies. Others attacked head on with their blackish bladed weapons in killing them. Western Dragon Kingdom fought back as they tried their best not killing them while knocking the Apes out, though some unintentionally and accidentally did it.

"What kind of weapon is that?! I thought Mystic Ponies are Immortals!" Pinkie exclaimed in concern.

Woodson groaned as he teleported from the multiple arrows and swinging swords, "They're Chaos Crystal! It allow anyone to harm and kill anypony who is Immortal - Alicorn Ponies, Human Ponies or even Demons. If they touched your heart, then you're gone! Don't touch them!"

Scorch climbed down from his Dragon Ride as he swung his Dragoon Spear in knocking and beating the monkeys down while blocking, deflecting and dodging the attacks and blackish blade. Justice Tackle continued rode his Dragon Ride in charging and attacking the monkey while he swung them off by his Raider Spear and deflect the attacks. Ace Shot dodged and avoided the attacks while accurately fired his arrows in wounded and knocked them out. Woodson teleported from the attacks while firing Wind Storm Blasts at the monkeys. Both Rogue and Sparkle swung their Broadsword and Sword at the monkeys as they defended Virtue Dragon from being attacked or kidnapped. Pinkie Pie fired her Party Canon in knocking the monkeys off the branches. Fluttershy helped defend Virtue Dragon with the help of her Animal Ruby Spirits - Bat, Elephant, Cheetah, Gorilla and Wasp.

As both sides continued battling with each other fiercely, King Kutta climbed from one tree's branch to another swiftly and accurately dodged the attacks. As he closed to the tree above Virtue Dragon and his bodyguards, he took the smoke bombs out as he dropped it on them. The bomb exploded and launched the foggy mist. Everyone coughed heavily. King Kutta roared wildly as he quickly jumped and dived down at once. His Chimpanzee and Gorilla Soldiers followed him as well. They then attacked the ponies hard and quickly.

As Fluttershy continued using her Bat Spirit in launching her Sonic Wave, her ears able to detect a feint noise of screaming and shouting in fear and pain. She turned and spotted monkeys' shadowy figure battling with the ponies. She gasped in shock. She quickly flew straight into the mist as she has to help her friends beating the monkeys back at once.

Both sides continued battling with each other, the horn sounded loudly. Ape Nation screeched and roared wildly as they quickly turned and escaped the battlefield at once. After seeing the monkeys running away from the fight, Thorntree Kingdom cheered wildly and happily as they won the battlefield.

"Glad that's over. Those Apes really likes to monkey around, don't you agree Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked happily. She heard no answers. She called and looked around as she only found the medic treated the soldiers' wounds and injuries. But it make her scared and worried, "Fluttershy, where are you?!"

"Has anyone seen our lord?!" Scorch asked in concern, "I can't find him!"

"He's not with us either," Ace Shot said in concern.

Wood hissed in concern, "We've been fooled and distracted! Our lord has been captured."

"Damn those monkeys!" Justice Tackle exclaimed in anger.

"Noooooooooooo!" Pinkie screamed in fear. She grabbed Woodson's robes as she screamed, "We've gotta do something! We've gotta save Fluttershy and Virtue Dragon now. There's no telling what those monkeys will do! They could eaten our friends alive!"

"Pinkie Pie! Monkeys don't eat meats," Scorch said in annoyance, "But she's right. We have to find them now."

Woodson nodded, "I agreed. And I know where they are. Move out!"

He and his remaining army of Western Dragon Kingdom headed off at once. It took them about two to three hours in passing through the jungle. They reached to the edge where they spotted the large castle with four towers on the edges in Indian theme, along with the giant skull of monkey hung over the middle spiral tower-like.

They even spotted King Kutta and his Ape Nation were marching through from road into the castle. His monkeys cheered wildly and happily for their leader's triumph. He had captured Virtue Dragon - Emperor of Western Knighton. But he wasn't alone. Rogue, Sparkle Shield, Fluttershy and 100 Soldiers were with him now.

Pinkie was about to move but stopped by Socroch.

"What are you doing?! We've gotta help them now!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in concern.

He nodded in understanding, "I understand but not today. We'll strike the Ape Nation by dawn where they're still asleep. No doubt they'll be cheering and celebrating for their victory."

"Yes... If we strike tonight during the celebration of victory, they'll strike us back." Woodsonadded, "It's best that we tired all of them down first before we strike."

Pinkie hissed before sighed in upset, "Okay... I just hope Fluttershy's okay. She's very sensitive and easy get bruised. I don't want her to get hurt. If that happens, I'm gonna make those monkeys sorry for messing with the wrong pony."

Within the ruined dungeon, King Kutta was glaring and watching Corbin and his soldiers being tortured and whipped by his persecutors. He wanted their spirits and resistance to be broken, so he can finally have the answers. He and his soldiers were enduring the torture as long as they can despite feeling the pain on them. Fluttershy too suffered it as well.

As King Kutta gave the signal of stop, the persecutors stopped from whipping and torturing Virtue Dragon and his soldiers. King Kutta approached and glared at his prisoners.

"Well?" King Kutta demanded fiercely.

Corbin panted heavily, "We told you before. We didn't do it. We don't have your artifact!"

"Yeah! We're telling you the truth! We don't even know what the goddamn artifact is!" Rogue exclaimed in anger.

King Kutta growled and roared angrily at them, "You're still lying?! Damn it! How long are you gonna keep this up?! I won't tolerate this anymore!" He huffed angrily as he turned and exited the door. Before he left, he turned and glared at them, "If I don't get the answers by sunrise, I will kill you all!"

Fluttershy moaned as she took a glance at King Kutta, "Why are you so angry with us? We're telling you the truth. We don't even know what artifact you keep talking about..."

"Don't you dare lied to me! Your envoy have come to my kingdom in delivering the best weapons for defense. We were really appreciated," King Kutta said calmly yet upset. He growled, "Then, he demanded the return to him and his kingdom - our sacred artifact! I refused. And the next, it's gone! And I know who to blame!"

Sparkle gasped in concern, "No... You're not actually think that-?! We would never do such a thing! Honest! We didn't even send our envoy for delivering the gifts to you neither!"

King Kutta roared in anger, "Enough! I want the answers by sunrise! That's final!"

King Kutta exited before he slammed the door hard. The persecutors then dragged and moved Virtue Dragon and other prisoners to their cells. Virtue Dragon and his friends were locked up until sunrise. The securities often came to Virtue Dragon and his friends' cells for delivering the foods for the prisoners to eat or checked on the latter.

As almost everyone was sleeping during the night, some were up and wondered what happen next. Fluttershy looked through the cell's windows. Rogue was looking through the door's small window. Sparkle was looking after the Emperor of Western Ma who remained quiet while looking at his picture of whole family. Virtue Dragon sighed heavily.

Fluttershy noticed and heard the noise. She approached Corbin as she found him looking at the picture.

"You miss them, don't you?"

He looked at Fluttershy who was worried for him. He sighed as he nodded before looked back at his picture, "Lots of times. Even though Blade and Warpath were just sworn brothers, but they're family too."

"I see..." Fluttershy nodded in understanding as she took a glance at the picture of her amulet. She sighed, "I missed my brother so much. I haven't seen him since I left home..."

"I understand, Fluttershy. And I'm pretty sure he missed you too. You're his sister and family."

"Yeah... Um, may I know... Why did you do it? You could ask Woodson or Scorch handle it. You weren't part of it before. If you don't mind me asking that..."

"Because I feel responsible." He said softly. Fluttershy looked concern as he continued, "Making alliance is not only about making friends, but also responsible and care for each other. Because I took things granted, my own allies turn on me because I did not honored my promise. At the end, I lost brothers and friends. I nearly lose my life when I started the war for vengeance."

"Oh my goodness. I knew feeling hate and anger is bad but... I'd never realize how dangerous it can be when you begin losing yourself."

"Yes... It was terrible and horrible. I don't want to go through that again. That's why I have to convince the King to drop it before he could not only hurt himself but his own monkeys."

"We have to stop them! He has to know that if he keeps doing this, he will hurt his own family and monkeys than himself!"

Rogue hissed, "How are we gonna do that? He won't even listen!"

"Still... We did found out one thing -" Sparkle Shield said in concern, "- Someone did try to frame us for stealing artifact. Someone used our name and gifts to make the King believed it was us did it."

"So if we did find him, we could clear this mess?"

"Possibly, yes. But problem is we're stuck here. And the monkeys won't listen to us or believe in us either."

"Not every monkey," The sweet and firm voice spoke. Everyone gasped as they turned and looked through the bars. They found Zhu Rong was standing and leaning against the walls. She smiled as she approached them, "I believe in you. And I will help you find this fraud."

Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Zhu Rong believed in them?!

"Why?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Zhu Rong turned and gave them a firm glare, "Because I want to end the war as well. And I don't want my family suffered as well."

On the next morning...

At the Ape Nation Kingdom, the monkeys were snoring and sleeping since the last night victory celebration party. They enjoyed the party very well. And they deserve it until...

SWOOP! The monkeys yelped in shock and surprise upon looking at some arrows struck on their houses's rooftops and walls. They even heard some battle cry from outside. They screeched in fear and worry. Their home is under attacked!

King Kutta emerged from his palace. He roared wildly and angrily as he took his Barbarian Claws. he headed to the front entrance at once. His Apes followed him at once while armed and wielding their bladed weapons in ready to fight. Once they're outside, they witnessed the large force of Thorntree Army charging at them while some fired arrows, juggernauts, arbalests and catapults at them.

The leader of Ape Nation cried wildly and fiercely. He and his Ape Nation charged straight at them as well. Both Ape Nation and Thorntree Army clashed and battled with each other fiercely and wildly.

Woodson stood at the top of hill in witnessing the battlefield. Shaman and his riders rode the elephants in charging and clashing against Sky Slam and his Dragon Riders. Rattan Armored Soldiers charged to the front in blocking and deflecting the arrows off while attacking Scorch and the Thorntree Guards. Ape Nations threw some of their Poison Bombs and fired their Arrows at their enemies. Ace Shot and his soldiers fired their arrows and arsenal at the apes back. Pinkie Pie charged while firing her Party Canon in knocking her enemies down fiercely and wildly. King Kutta swung his Barbarian Claws in knocking his enemies off.

As both sides continued battling, both King Kutta and Pinkie Pie came across as they both glared at each other. King Kutta roared in anger as he charged straight at Pinkie Pie. He slammed his claws in slamming and striking her down but missed as she continued dodging and avoiding the attacks. And at the same time, she fired her Party Canon in knocking him out but missed or blocked as well. Both dodged and missed each other's attacks while continued attacking their enemies barely or luckily.

Both King Kutta slammed his claw at Pinkie but she responded it by firing her Party Canon. They both got clashed before pushed very far away. Both glared at each other for the moment.

"I want my friends back, you big bully!" Pinkie demanded fiercely.

King Kutta huffed, "And I want my artifact back! Or I will rip you apart!"

"MAKE ME, BITCH!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Both King Kutta and Pinkie Pie charged straight at each other as they were about to unleash the bloody fight. Before anything could happen...

"STOP!" The sweet voice exclaimed. Everyone stopped as they looked behind and found Fluttershy and her friends coming out from the entrance. Fluttershy cried, "This has to stop now! No more fighting!"

"Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked in surprise.

Socrch gasped, "My lord! You're alive!"

"Everyone, stop fighting! This must be stop now!" Corbin exclaimed in concern, "We have clear the misunderstanding. Stop fighting!"

Fluttershy nodded, "Please... If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for your family. They have seen the anger and hate enough. Put the war aside and listen to the reason."

Everyone gasped in concern and surprise of what they just heard.

King Kutta growled in anger, "Enough! I won't listen to any of you until I get-!"

"Will ya shut up and listen?!" Zhu Rong called angrily. King Kutta yelped in concern as he kept quiet at once. She huffed, "Honestly... I don't even know why I bother. And they're right. This conflicts ends today because they are not responsible of the theft or even what happened two weeks ago."

Corbin nodded, "Yes. We'd never sent the envoy to deliver the gift or even ask for the gift returned. We would never do such a thing."

"Somepony is responsible of this mess," Fluttershy said in concern, "And he really wanted both sides be destroyed."

Pinkie Pie approached Fluttershy, "Who? Who could do such a thing?!"

"ME!"

Before anyone could do anything, everyone felt the powerful Dark Magic surge through the bodies like their bodies have been controlled. They have managed to looked up as they found a familiar character removed his cloak. He then approached to his enemies.

Corbin groaned, "Roman?! That was you?!"

Roman smirked as he held the golden monkey statue dressed in his magician robe while holding magic scroll. The statue glowed darkly. The Ape Nation gasped in shock and concern of what they just saw.

"Our sacred artifact - Spell Monkey Statue!" King Kutta exclaimed in shock while snarling at him, "It was you?! You stole the artifact?! Why?!"

He smirked as he took the pendant-like which six triangles within it. It has three apples on orange colored aura and sparkling stars Cutie Mark on lavender colored aura. Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gasped in concern.

"Yes, it's true. I need it for good use. No mortal or immortal could resist that power," Roman smirked, "Do you like it? It's called Pandora's Box. It allow me not only absorbed anything but magical powers like Twilight Sparkle and Applejack. Just before those girls destroyed the Emperor's resurrected body, I took some of them into mine for future use like today. And now you two are here, I can collect your powers now."

"All this... is to lure us here?!" Pinkie asked in concern.

Fluttershy grunted, "What are you up to?!"

He smirked, "You will find out soon. Spell Monkey Statue - make these monkeys and weaklings down! Pandora's Box - Absorb those two girls' magical powers. Take them now! They're yours! For the Emperor!"

Both Spell Monkey Statue and Pandora's Box glowed darkly on his back. The statue shot its greenish laser eyes upon both Thorntree Kingdom and Ape Nation in making them stayed down for good.

The box launched a powerful thundering lightning strikes on both Pinkie and Fluttershy fiercely and hard. The girls screamed in pain. Both the magical auras within the girls emerged, they all flew straight into the Pandora's Box! He laughed evilly and darkly as he have new auras to collect now!

Everyone struggled in getting out of control from Spell Monkey Statue while witnessing Fluttershy and Pinkie tortured for their magical aura being absorbed into Pandora's Box. Is this the end?! Has Roman won the fight?!

Corbin and King Kutta groaned and grunted angrily. They can't bear to see both Fluttershy and Pinkie to suffer by the power of Pandora's Box. The girls are not only their concerns but their nation and creatures. They have to end and stop this now!

Both Rulers groaned as they both struggled in getting up while resisting the control of Spell Monkey Statue. Roman spotted it but chose to ignore it as he found it no threat against him. He continued watching everyone suffered and struggled in pain and despair. Nothing can escape him.

As soon as Roman and King Kutta managed to got up, they turned and glared at Seekcurse and his weapons. They then marched towards him while struggled against the control of Spell Monkey Statue. As they almost reached to their targets, they charged in at once. Corbin screamed as he took his twin Sky Dragon Swords in blocking and deflecting the power in absorbing Fluttershy and Pinkie's aura. King Kutta jumped and smashed the Spell Monkey Statue to pieces.

With a hard smash on statue, it exploded to pieces in knocking everyone and even the Dark Signer off. Everything went blank...

Everyone got knocked out around the Monkey Castle. They all moaned and groaned in pain yet dizzy and exhaustion from the fight and spell control on them. Roman was nowhere to be found...

"You may have won the battle, but you have not seen the last of me! I have what I need. Thawne Dynasty will rise! And this world will belong to us! Mark my words!"
In the afternoon...

Both Ape Nation and Thorntree Kingdom have gathered at the Throne Chamber where everyone were witnessing both Corbin and King Kutta were facing at each other. Their officers stood besides with their lords. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were there as well. Something is about to happen...

"After what happen today, do everyone agree that we should put the difference aside?" Fluttershy asked. Both of them nodded firmly. She smiled, "Good... I'm glad that you both agreed. But before we proceed to anything, do you have something to say?"

King Kutta sighed, "Corbin, I just want to say - I'm sorry for being a dumb monkey. I should have realized that Thorntree Kingdom will never do such a thing to their own allies. I should have listen to reason than jump to conclusion."

"Indeed..." He nodded, "But I also want to say I'm sorry for your artifact being destroyed. That's really important to the Ape Nation."

"Nah... That thing cause nothing but troubles," King Kutta as he held the Chinese Dragon Statue coiled around a craved stone - 'Honor till the End' in Chinese Characters. He smiled, "Now this is the artifact. My ancestor has kept it for a long time. I will do the same."

"Friends?"

"Friends."

Both shook each other's hoof and hand proudly and happily. The officers were happy to see it happened. Everyone cheered wildly and happily. The Alliancehave been restored. Both Pinkie and Fluttershy smiled happily to see it.

Pinkie sniffed, "I love the happy ending."

"Me too..." Fluttershy agreed. She turned to her flank as she found hers and Pinkie's glowed brightly. She smiled, "And we are successful too."

"Yeah. So stopping the war is the answers. Cool."

"Not only that, both Lords did something right. They put the important or sacred the items are, family and kingdom always comes first. That's what the rulers should do."

"True enough. Wanna party?"

"Certainly..."

Pinkie screamed wildly as she held the Party Canon up, "Party's On! Everyone, dance!"

BOOM! The party canon shot up to the midair in launching confetti, stringers and sprinkles down. Everyone in throne chamber danced and partied happily and wildly. They're having great time together now with each other's company!

Episode 12-Crusaders of the Lost Mark

All of eight Cutie Mark Crusaders were gathered at the clubhouse for the discussion, including the brown spiky Earth Pony with short tail dressed in greenish and silver armor and his Cutie Mark was Flail Sword and Chinese Character: 'Courage. They were discussing about their next hobby or hunt for their next or right Cutie Marks to fit.

Apple Bloom glanced at the chart of all the hobbies, which were crossed or done before. Instead of disappointment, she smiled happily like she actually enjoy it so much. Since the very day she, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo founded; they all vowed that they will find and do whatever hobbies they found to get their own Cutie Marks. And despite unable to get it, she enjoyed it very much like it was a lesson and adventure for her and her friends.

"Okay, Crusaders! Back to the business of earnin' our cutie marks!" Apple Bloom asked happily as she turned to her team, "Any suggestions?"

"No, we've tried everything!" Scootaloo said in concern.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "We've run out of ideas."

"We could try something like fighting Demon Successors?" Carly suggested, "I mean we beat their mummy and daddy before, so the kids would be piece of cake."

Maya gulped, "I think I rather play safe than doing something dangerous like that."

Twist sighed, "Even with the Crusaders with Cutie Marks, we still can't find the right one for you girls. I'm sorry."

Dinky nodded in concern, "I hate to say it but Twist's right. We spent five years in searching and trying all kinds of Cutie Marks. We still found nothing."

"So, that's it? Just give up?" Twinkle asked in concern and upset.

"So what?" The colt said confidently. The fillies turned and looked at him. He scoffed, "Cutie Mark, Scutie Mark - whatever, man! You fail, you try again and again until you get the right one. But what's important the most is having each other back for fun and adventure. After all, Friendship is Magic, isn't it?"

"Blonk's right! We can't give up!" Apple Bloom smiled happily as she climbed down from the box stage, "We can do better than that!"

Apple Bloom: We've been searchin' for our cutie marks
For a while now
Tryin' to find out how we fit in

Apple Bloom placed the new empty white blank chart on the wall. She turned to her friends who stand together with her while smiling. They all sang happily and proudly about reaching their goals.

Apple Bloom: So many ways we've tried before
But we keep on tryin' more

Cutie Mark Crusaders: 'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in
We'll make our mark
One way or another
We'll make our mark
On the day that we discover
The ultimate reward of our cutie marks!

Blonk cheered wildly, "Now that's what I'm talking about! Sounds like my Adventure Speech works well as always."

Carly nudged his chest, "As if buddy."

"Cutie Mark Crusaders! Help!" A familiar voice cried. Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and found Pipsqueak barged into the clubhouse while wearing worry and feared looks. They wondered where he has been and why is he worried. He continued, "I'm running for student pony president, I was hoping you all would be my campaign managers!"

Apple Bloom gasped, "We've never tried gettin' our cutie marks in campaign managin'! What do ya say, Crusaders?"

"That's a great idea," Twinkle exclaimed happily. The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled happily and nodded in agreement. She smiled, "We're in!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered while giving a hoof unison, "Yeah! Hoof!"

Pipsqueak jumped while giving a hoof punch but he was too short to reach it. Sweetie Belle helped and levitated him high. They all smiled happily. They're in it together as one.

"This is where the fun begins," Blonk remarked.

At the Ponyville Schoolhouse's Playground, ten Cutie Mark Crusaders were setting their campaign up in the middle of it. Scootaloo, Carly and Blonk pushed the box to the front. Sweetie Belle levitated and placed Pipsqueak on top of it like standing on stage. Twinkle, Twist, Dinky and Maya brushed off some dust from his mane as well as making him looked good. Apple Bloom approached to the front, standing besides with him.

Apple Bloom smiled as she asked out loud, "So, Pip, how would you help the school if you were elected student pony president?"

The foals from schoolhouse turned and looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders. They wondered of what's going on.

"Our playground equipment took quite a beating during Twilight's battle with Paradox and also Third Shadow War!" Pipsqueak answered while pointed at the playground equipment which were badly damaged and ruined. He continued, "If I'm voted in as student pony president, I'll go to the school board and right this wrong!"

The foals cheered wildly and happily to hear that the damaged playground will be repaired and replaced.

"Well, I think that's a ridiculous waste of money!"

The foals turned to their back as they found Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Golden Sword, and Bronze Arrow approached. The foals have the feeling that whenever Diamond Tiara is here, the competition will get more serious and competitive than before. She'll make sure that she win the position for her personal gain.

"It's just like when Twist proposed to repair the window that Discord destroyed! She just wanted to repair it like a plain old schoolhouse window." Diamond Tiara explained firmly and calmly. She continued while pointing at the window which has her in glass stained window, "But you all know voting for me was the best choice because I convinced the school board to give that window visual appeal!"

Twist looked down in shame, "I should never have asked that."

"Forget it, Twist. What's done is done," Dinky comforted Twist, "And besides, we're gonna make sure that it's isn't about Diamond Tiara."

Maya smirked, "Great plan. I would like to see her try that."

"That's kinda a bit mean and harsh, don't you think?" Carly asked in concern.

Apple Bloom huffed, "Nope, it isn't. It doesn't hurt that her mother Spoiled Rich is president of the school board."

Twinkle huffed, "In other words, Diamond Tiara can get whatever she wants. I wouldn't be surprise of that."

"Exactly! Which is why when Diamond Tiara is voted student pony president," Bronze Arrow said confidently, "the school will be putting a statue of her in the center of our schoolyard!"

Diamond Tiara nudged him as she gave the latter a glare and gritted teeth, "Bronze! That was my big announcement for when I won!"

"I was only trying to help."

"I don't need that kind of help!"

"Haven't we all had enough of Diamond Tiara?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Do we really need a big statue of her?" Scootaloo asked.

"Especially where our playground equipment should be?" Sweetie Belle asked as well.

The foals whispered softly as they thought carefully and thoroughly of who is the right pony to become the president. And not to mention, they also want to play the playground equipment.

"If the playground is what you want," Maya asked proudly, "Then, join us now!"

Dinky nodded, "Not only that! We stand together for our rights and needs! And we want Playground now! We want Playground now!"

Twist smirked slyly, "Especially against Diamond Tiara! I've had enough of her bullying my friends or even replaced something that is complete unnecessary!"

"If I'm in, so should you!" Carly remarked proudly, "United we stand!"

Twinkle and Blonk levitated Pipsqueak as they flew and landed on top of giant horseshoe statue. They all stood before the foals and even Cutie Mark Crusaders stood besides with their comrades.

"A vote for Pip is a vote for the playground!" Pipsqueak declared proudly.

Twinkle smirked as she held her hoof high, "Come on! Everypony! For the Playground!"

"Who cares," Diamond Tiara scoffed before jumped to the front of the foals. She declared, "A vote for Diamond Tiara is a vote for more Diamond Tiara!"

"Don't you mean 'A demote for Diamond Tiara is a vote for who wants her here'!" Blonk exclaimed proudly as he held his hood up high, "Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground! Together, everypony! Battle Cry now!"

Foals cheered wildly and happily, "Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground! Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground! Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground!"

Diamond Tiara grunted in anger and upset to see ponies voting for Pipsqueak, and not her. And just before she could do anything, Cutie Mark Crusaders began singing while regrouping on top of the horseshoe statue.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's time to make a change
This is our chance
Don't be afraid to do what's right

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo held Pipsqueak up high while Nyx gave him a kiss on his cheek as the sign of supports. Maya, Twist and Carly cheered wildly and proudly. Heavy and Dinky held and swung the flags of Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Cutie Mark Crusaders slide down the horseshoe's statue before they let Pipsqueak to the front. They all then followed his lead.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: He's it! Vote for Pip!
We got an opportunity
To have fun again
A vote for Pip, and you can join the fight

The foals continued watching the event. And at the same time, Cutie Mark Crusaders continued persuading and asking them to support and vote for Pipsqueak.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's time for a new leader
It's time to make a change
We're here to fight for what we believe
(Vote for Pip!)

Cutie Mark Crusaders approached to the Tetherball. Pipsqueak kicked the ball around its stand.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's finally time we beat her
And play a better game
'Cause when we vote together
There's nothing that we can't achieve

Not amused yet angered and upset, Diamond Tiara stopped the ball at once. She then approached and 'talked' with the ponies about her and Pipsqueak. She then approached Pipsqueak before giving him a head slap, making the rest of his crew groaned in annoyance and anger.

Diamond Tiara continued convincing her classmates to vote for her, not Pipsqueak.

Diamond Tiara: I don't believe what I am hearing
I'm the only one you should be cheering
Pipsqueak? Try "Pip's weak!" Don't you think?
But a diamond is perfection
It's natural selection
So your vote better be for me, not the weakest link

"We'll let the votes decide!" Twinkle exclaimed in annoyance.

Diamond Tiara huffed as she turned and approached to the foals. She slyly and cunningly commented and threatened them about their dark secrets such as a purplish mane in two pigtail pink Earth Pony filly possessed strength, cyan pony with long extended magenta mane and tail, and pale Earth Pony with greenish spiky and mohawk mane and short tail possessed large teeth. Everyone were afraid of her if she revealed their secrets.

Diamond Tiara: Everypony has their little secrets
I know you do
A vote for me will help you keep them safe
Like your creepy super strength!
Or your mane extension
A little thing I won't mention
Or those freakish large teeth in your face!

"Come on now, ponies!" Apple Bloom called, "Don't listen to her!"

Carly squeaked, "Yeah! Fight Back! Show her who's the boss!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders continued convincing and pleading the foals to vote for Pipsqueak. Diamond Tiara was in shock before angered and upset by it.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: You've gotta vote for change
It's time for a new leader
End all the tyranny

Inspired and touched by Cutie Mark Crusaders, the foals know what to do now. And who they should vote for.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Vote now and we can beat her
It's now another day
And we believe in what's right

Foals: Vote for Pip! Vote for Pip!

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Our victory is in sight

"Stop! Everypony who hasn't voted, listen up!" Diamond Tiara ordered.

Diamond Tiara approached the yellow filly who was struggling of holding books. She held the bookbag for the filly to watch and wanted to take. She then trotted off.

Diamond Tiara: Pip makes promises he can't keep
But I can do more
You could really use a new bookbag

Diamond Tiara approached some foals as she played her charismatic trick on them. It annoyed some about how rich, spoiled and annoyed she can be.

Diamond Toara: 'Cause I'll make things happen
That none of you here can afford
To do, like, ever!

Diamond Tiara approached to the fat colt in giving him lots of sweets. She then approached to cyan filly in giving her a parasol for shades from sun. She passed Button while spun his cap's top before it flew. It makes him annoyed and upset.

Diamond Tiara: Wouldn't you like a little something sweet?
Here's a parasol to hide you from the heat
Who says that I can't be nice?

Diamond Tiara approached to the stand as she switched doodling and colorful 'Vote for Pipsqueak' stand to her rich and impressive 'Vote for Diamond Tiara' stand.

Diamond Tiara: But first there's one thing
An itsy-bitsy little string
And voting for me is the price!

Silver Spoon approached Diamond Tiara as she whispered to her best friend about her plans in wnning the campaign and make the foals vote for her.

Silver Spoon: I've a tiny suggestion
That you should be aware
You could probably win this election
If you show them all you real—

Diamond Tiara: I don't recall asking you to speak!

The foals gasped in shock. Diamond Tiara shut her own best friend off about winning the president campaign?!

"Well, if that's how you treat your best friend, then I choose Pipsqueak!" Sweetie Belle declared.

Blonk smirked, "You hear her?! Who are we gonna vote for?!"

"Vote for Pip!" Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.

Foals: Vote!

Cutie Mark Crusaders marched to the front as the foals cheered wildly and happily while holding 'Vote for Pipsqueak' stands. They all willing to support Pipsqueak as the school president.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Stand strong and don't be afraid, ponies
Let's free ourselves from the past

Foals: For Pip!
Vote!
He's it! Vote for Pip! Vote!

Carly and Maya helped passing some voting papers for ponies to write inside the booth. Heavy continued encourage and inspired the foals to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders and vote for Pipsqueak. Dinky and Twist swung their Cutie Mark Crusaders flag proudly and happily for everyone to follow their example.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: We'll let honor win out against the tyranny
And make a change that will last

Foals: For Pip!
Vote!
Vote for Pip!

Pipsqueak and his four members of Cutie Mark Crusaders marched together as they passed all of the foals. They all looked at him with proud and happy faces.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's time for a new leader
It's time to make a change
We're here to fight for what we believe

Foals: Vote for Pip!

As Pipsqueak approached to the broken seesaw's edge, Heavy headed to the back as he brought its end down while raising the colt up high. Everyone cheered while raising their hoofs up high. They believed in Pipsqueak win the President Campaign.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's finally time we beat her
And play a better game
'Cause when we vote together
There's nothing that we can't achieve

Foals: Vote for Pip!

Cheerilee gathered box of all votes in schoolhouse for counting the votes. It took an hour to get it down. She came to the schoolhouse's entrance as she make some announcement. Everyone can't wait for it to happen.

"The votes have been counted! The student pony president is..." Cheeriless announced calmly. Pipsqueak shuddered and quivered nervously while Diamond Tiara remained calm like she's gonna win it. Cheerilee announced, "Pipsqueak!"

Diamond Tiara gasped in shock while the foals cheered wildly and happily. Pipsqueak won the campaign! He's now the President of Schoolhouse Club!

"Oh, my gosh, Crusaders! Pip won!" Apple Bloom cheered.

Twinkle squealed happily, "I knew it! I knew he can do it!"

"I couldn't have won without the hard work of my teammates and campaign managers," Pipsqueak said proudly as he pointed at his teammates, "the Cutie Mark Crusaders!"

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle decided to check on their flanks if they did earn the Campaign Management Cutie Marks. But instead, they found blank like before. Their own teammates sighed in disappointment and upset. All of them were hoping to happen.

"Guess you're not as good as you thought, blank flanks!" Diamond Tiara remarked arrogantly. She turned to Cheerilee, "In fact, I demand a recount!"

Cheerilee shook her head while smiled calmly, "Trust me, Diamond Tiara. Pip won."

"I'll be the judge of that, Miss Cheerilee!" Diamond Tiara remarked confidently. As Diamond Tiara entered the schoolhouse for recount on votes, she screamed and screeched in shock. She emerged and looked at the unamused Silver Spoon, "One vote! Silver Spoon! Guys! You didn't vote for me?!"

Silver Spoon huffed, "No, I didn't."

"Hell No!" Both Bronze Arrow and Golden Arrow said

"But you're my best friends!"

"Really? 'Cause All of us tried to help by mentioning your 'surprise' statue, and suddenly we weren't even allowed to speak! You could have actually won this election if you just listened to me. You wanna know how?" Silver Spoon remarked. She then whispered to Diamond Tiara, "Sorry. I'm not allowed to speak."

Diamond Tiara grunted a bit before screaming in anger and rage. She then ran off at once. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked surprise and worry of what they just saw. Silver Spoon and two colts abandoned her best friend.

"What? We don't have to follow her drum any more." Golden remarked dryly as she turned and walked away.

"Good enough for us," Twinkle smirked proudly. She turned to her friends, who looked concern and worry but not proud or happy about beating Diamond Tiara in Presidential Campaign. She asked, "What's the matter? Aren't you happy that we've won? We show Diamond Tiara who's the boss!"

"Yeah, we did..." Carly admitted in concern, "I'm feel sorry for her actually."

Dinky nodded, "Yeah. She and Silver Spoon, Golden Sword, and Bronze Sword have always been friends since the first day of Schoolhouse. It feels... weird."

The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders chatted and nodded in agreement about Diamond Tiara.

"You can't be serious?!" Twinkle exclaimed in shock.

Apple Bloom sighed, "I know Diamond Tiara's been pretty awful, but... we should probably make sure she's okay. Just 'cause she's never cared about anypony else's feelings doesn't mean we shouldn't care about hers."

The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement. Twinkle grunted in anger as she reluctantly agree to it as well. As they were distracted, Maya moved away as she took a piece of paper out from her bag. She read it carefully while giggled happily.

"I can't believe this is it! It's gonna happen! It's gotta be!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders followed and spied on Diamond Tiara, who was walking across the main street of Ponyville. As she was passing the small store, a mare emerged from it. She revealed to be a dark pink Earth Pony with gentle and fashionable purplish mane and tail with lighter stripes like Rarity's dressed in her cyan blouse while her Cutie Mark is a diamond ring.

The mare spotted Diamond Tiara passing her by as she recognize the latter well. Diamond Tiara responded back to the former. It can only one thing - Diamond Tiara's mother.

"Diamond Tiara!" Spoiled Rich called. Diamond Tiara stopped. She demanded, "Why are you making that face? That is not the face of a winner."

"Because..." Diamond Tiara gulped, "I didn't win."

"What?! You mean I hefted all these party supplies to celebrate nothing?!"

Spoiled Rich pointed at her servants and maids carrying both Diamond Tiara Statues and party equipment from the store. Diamond Tiara looked down in shame and defeat as she bowed in apologetic position.

Spoiled Rich huffed, "It's bad enough you lost to that transplant from Trottingham, but imagine if you'd lost to one of those blank flanks. As a Rich pony, you must always think of your social standing."

Spoiled Rich spotted Fancy Pants and his girlfriend - Fleur De Lee passing her and her daughter by. She waved to them in respect. After Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lee passed, she turned and glared at Diamond Tiara.

"That starts here in Ponyville and reaches all over Equestria. Don't ever forget that, Diamond Tiara." Spoiled Rich explained while patted her daughter's mane gently. She then exclaimed, "Ever!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in concern and worry as they finally learn and realize of where Diamond Tiara get that attitude from. And it's not pretty too. Nyx even recalled that her mother nearly picked a fight with Spoiled Rich once about Nyx got lost in Everfree Forest by Diamond Tiara.

As soon as Spoiled Rich walked away, Diamond Tiara headed to the front as she began singing about her inner struggles and desire.

Diamond Tiara: If I'm a diamond
Then why do I feel so rough?
I'm as strong as a stone
Even that's not enough

Diamond Tiara took a glance at the diamond from the shop. She turned and walked away slowly and calmly.

Diamond Tiara: There's something jagged in me
And I've made such mistakes
I thought that diamonds were hard
Though I feel I could break

Diamond Tiara spotted both older stallion and his younger filly chatting happily from the bridge. She then walked to the middle of it. She stood up while looking down at the river of her reflection. She sobbed a bit as her teardrop on the river. It make her not only jealous but also despaired and upset. She wondered if her mother ever done the same for her.

Diamond Tiara: Would you believe
That I've always wished I could be somepony else?
Yet I can't see
What I need to do to be the pony I want to be

Diamond Tiara spotted The Cakes Family playing happily with the twin babies. She compared to theirs and her mother's treatment to her. She felt like her mother didn't actually love her but think of her as her necessary successor.

Diamond Tiara: I've been told my whole life
What to do, what to say
Nopony showed me that
There might be some better way

Diamond Tiara sighed as she imagined herself being lost from not only tracks but also what she wanted without her friends and family.

Diamond Tiara: And now I feel like I'm lost
I don't know what to do
The ground is sinking away
I'm about to fall through

Diamond Tiara continued walking across the alley of Ponyville while Cutie Mark Crusaders followed her. They all hid behind the house's walls. They all feel sorry and concern for her. She then decided to go home now.

Diamond Tiara: Would you believe
That I've always wished I could be somepony else?
Yet I can't see
What I need to do to be the pony I want to be
To be the pony I want to be

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other. They learned Diamond Tiara's true personality and true self. All the things she did was just an act for her mother and learned the latter's lesson as well. They asked themselves - what they should do with Diamond Tiara now...

Cutie Mark Crusaders returned to their clubhouse as they continued discussing about Diamond Tiara after they have learned the truth behind her now.

"Is it weird that I feel bad for her?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"If it is, then..." Scootaloo sighed, "I'm weird, too."

"I kinda feel sorry for her," Carly admitted.

Twist hummed in concern, "To think that a bully like her was actually a victim by her own mother."

"It's good think our mums never done terrible things to us," Dinky Doo commented.

"You could say that again," Blonk admitted as he turned and found Maya remained silent while smiling happy. He hummed suspiciously, "What're you smiling about?"

Maya whistled happily, "Nothing. Just waiting..."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders felt uneasy and concern about her since this morning. They know one thing for sure - she's hiding something but what.

Twinkle shook her head, "Come on, Crusaders. You're not actually gonna fall for that, aren't you?"

Pipsqueak sighed in defeat, "As much I want to deny it but that's the truth. I actually feel sorry for her being mistreated by her mother, instead of comforting her. That mare just harsh her badly."

"She deserve it for everything she has done to all of us. Don't you think of that?" Twinkle demanded.

"As much as I want to make her look bad, but-" Apple Bloom said remorsefully, "She wants to change, but she doesn't know how."

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Seems like she could use a friend or two to help her figure it out."

"Yeah, I'm in too," Scootaloo agreed.

Carly and even Maya nodded in agreement that they should help Diamond Tiara as well.

Pipsqueak sighed, "I want to help but I need to make some preparation. I have to ask the school board's approval for schoolhouse's playground repairs. So, good luck for helping Diamond Tiara. Hopefully, she can befriend with us."

Twist nodded, "I also have to help Pipsqueak prepare his proposal."

"Me too," Dinky Doo added.

Blonk sighed, "Sorry, I've got some training to do tomorrow morning."

Twinkle gasped, "So, you really going to do it?"

Apple Bloom nodded, "I know you've got troubles with Diamond Tiara, but so do I. But you saw what happened, and I don't think it's a trick. If it is, Diamond Tiara is poor in acting. So, we should at least help her. We should give her a chance to show who she really want to be."

"But still..."

"It's okay if you don't wanna follow us and help Diamond Tiara. But I suggest if you give her a chance. I'm sure she feel sorry for sending you off to the Old Castle of Two Sisters."

"Maybe..."

Apple Bloom smiled a bit, "I guess I'll see you all tomorrow morning. Let's cross our hooves that Diamond Tiara ain't trying to bully at us again."

"Right," Everyone agreed.

Twinkle hummed in concern as she not only holding a grudge against Diamond Tiara for bullying her and her friends, but also concern about the bully's true self. She wasn't sure if she should give Diamond Tiara a chance or not...

All of them left the clubhouse as they all departed and returned home at once. Twinkle, Carly and Maya were on their way back to the Castle of Friendship.

Twinkle was still unconvinced and concern about giving Diamond Tiara a chance to be her friend. She still think it's not good idea. Maya noticed it.

"Still worry about Diamond Tiara?" Carly asked.

Twinkle sighed, "Yeah... I still don't trust her. She's up to something. I can feel it."

Maya hummed in concern, "Maybe. But you should at least give her a chance. You saw what happen. And remember what Twilight Sparkle did to Trixie and Sunset Shimmer? She gave them a chance. They both turned out to be okay friends."

Carly nodded in agreement, "She's right. Twilight changed them."

Twinkle hummed in concern, "Hmm... I supposed so. But I can't make promises when it comes to grudge. I carried it very hard."

"Well, here's a good lesson, Twinkle. I learned it from Dex and Uncle Conner -" Jade said in confidently, "-'The Greatest Victory is the Battle not Fought."

"Huh? What's that supposed to be mean?"

"We shouldn't fight the enemies but gave them lots of choices - A) let them beat themselves up badly from their anger and their teammates, B) Give them a good lesson and reason for second chance, or C) Just forget about it."

"Wow... That's a lot of option," Carly remarked.

Twinkle sighed, "Easy for you to say..."

"Hey, I'd never say it's easy," Maya shrugged. She stopped as if something tingling her. She turned to Twinkle, "You feel that?"

She looked worry as she felt it too, "Yeah. It's coming from the train station. Come on."

Nyx, Alyson Joy and Jade Adventure headed off at once into Ponyville's Train Station. They hid below the deck as they took the peek. They spotted three Demon Successors and their Demon Minions trashing and destroying the train station, as well as creating graffiti in the area. Cinder, Soundwave, Klaw and were leading the team.

"Should have known Drago and his gang are the cause of this mess," Jade remarked.

Alyson hummed in concern, "What are they up to?"

Nyx shrugged, "No idea... Let's just watch first."

Cinder was unleashed her Dragon Flame in creating the graffiti of his demonic dragon killing Twilight Sparkle. Soundwave unleashed his Sonic Screech in destroying the properties. Klaw was unleashing his Twister Boom at the Ponyville in making the ponies stayed in their homes.

Cinder sighed in relief, "Oh yeah! That's more like it! Marmo is so love this one - the Blazing Dragon defeats Twilight Sparkle! That would cool her boiling water."

"Oh please... You bored me to death, Cinder," Soundwave said in annoyance as she landed on the ground, "So, what's the point of doing this? We were supposed to think of a way to get Twinkle!"

Klaw nodded, "Indeed. Her foolish friends have defeated Boulder and Marmo! This is a shame and humiliation! How will we face our own family now?!"

"Relax... This is perfect," Cinder said calmly and confidently. It make both Soundwave and Klaw confused. He continued, "We've been doing this for a month. And it's making Ponyville angry and complained about the mess. And when there's complain..."

Klaw gasped before smirked in pleasant, "Then, Twilight Sparkle and her friends will come to stop us. We will surely beat them as the token of our redemption."

"Not only that, Morgana and the rest will go and find Yue and her friends for defeating and banishing our family to the Netherworld."

The three fillies gasped in concern and worry.

Soundwave scoffed a bit, "Someone finally use her head, other than just being hotheaded dragon or even trying to impress the mermaid."

She groaned, "I resent that. And besides, no one is beautiful as Marmo. Come on, we're done. Let's report to Morgana of our progress. I really hate her control freak attitude."

"Tell me about it. Runs by her father's blood," Klaw remarked.

As Demon Successors and their minions walked away at once, Twinkle, Carly, and Maya remained hidden underneath the station's deck for the moment. They prayed the Demon Successors missed them.

Soundwave stopped at once as she looked around, "Wait a minute! Where's Bash?!"

"Not again..." Cinder snarled, "That idiot always run off for food. Where did he go this time?!"

"There!" Klaw exclaimed as he pointed at Avalanche lying down on the tracks while laughing happily. He grunted in annoyance, "What is that moron doing?!"

Soundwave hissed, "Is he crazy?! He's gonna get himself killed by the train! He hasn't reached his adulthood!"

"That moron never used his head!" Klaw exclaimed in annoyance. He then spotted the Ponyville Train coming towards Avalanche. He groaned, "Either he get up or get killed by it!"

As the train coming very fast and almost reaching Ponyville's Train Station, Bash continued laughing happily and wildly. Everyone gasped in concern as they all could to was watch. Will Bash get out of tracks in time?!

Unable to stand it anymore, Twinkle quickly charged in while unleashed her powerful Levitation Spell in lifting and pushing him aside quickly. The train just passed them. Everyone gasped in concern and wondered what happen to both of them.

As soon as the train passed, Twinkle and Bash were on other side of tracks. They both were safe.

Twinkle sighed, "Are you alright?"

"Twinkle save Bash?" Bashsked in surprise.

"Yeah... So hard to believe a pony like me actually save a demon. Sounds silly..."

...
...

Maya glared at Cinder, "What are you up to?"

She smirked, "See ya, losers! Knew you still have the blood of Demon in you, Yue!"

Cinder, Klaw, Soundwave, Bash and their Demon Minions quickly disappeared in the black smoke. Twinkle, Carly, and Maya were in shock and confuse.

"What was that?" Carly asked in concern and confusion.

At Castle of Friendship, Dex and Richie have prepared the Chinese Dish Dinner for themselves and the children. Both were requested as the guardian for Twinkle and her friends since Twilight Sparkle and Ash were at Canterlot for some important mission. Both Ashley and Spike were with both Swift Ice and Rarity for sleepover.

As the family were enjoying their dinner, Twinkle was staring while stirring and playing with the food in bored manner. Both Maya and Carly looked worry about her. Dex noticed it.

He cleared his throat, "Twinkle? Is there something bother you?"

"No..." Twinkle denied it. Dex gave her the stern looks at her. She yelped in fear and shock. She actually hated it a lot. She sighed, "Okay! It's Diamond Tiara and Bash..."

He gasped as he slammed his hoof on the ground, "She bullied you again? Did that Demon Successor of Nature hurt you?!"

"No. It's just unexpected..." Twinkle explained. He gave her his raised right-eyebrow. She continued, "I just found out that Diamond Tiara was harsh by her own mother for being failure. I saved Bash too."

"Aieyah..." He remarked in surprise.

Richie spitted the water out from his mouth. He coughed heavily. He then looked at Maya and Carly, who nodded in confirmation.

"I feel... sorry and concern for them. It's kinda strange."

"No, Twinkle. It's your conscious and pitiful. You are showing not only concern but also kindness for them. And surprisingly, you showed it for a demon. That's very rare."

"And weird too. I mean... She's a bully and a bad pony too! She deserve that punishment from her mother! And yet, I..." Twinkle groaned, "It's just so hard for me to forgive her after what she has done..."

"I understand. You weren't the only one who has difficult to forgive the bully. Your father struggled to give a chance for Shadowclaw."

Twinkle and her two friends yelped as they turned looked at Tao. Nyx asked, "Shadowclaw is the bully? He bullied my dad?! Seriously?!"

"I am." nodded, "His mortal life has passed on after the success conquest on Land of Ma by Sovereign Lion Dynasty. He was reborn as the son of Prowler and Amberly - the third Mystic Vampire Pony. He has shown some potential and greatness in doing good deeds. And so, he bullied everyone by calling them 'coward' and 'stupid', and he even challenged them. He also bullied my son too."

"No way..."

"It's true. I make a lot of reports about Shadowclaw for bullying my son. And so, that Prowler was harsh on him a lot and even treating him like a trash. Then one day, he was chased by the ponies at Trottingham because they mistaken him a monster. And when the morning rise, he was trapped and burnt to death. Vampire Ponies cannot survive the light, even for the Human Type. Shadow Dragon did something unthinkable - saving his life."

"Wow..."

"Yes, Twinkle. And they both became best friends and even the teammates. I was surprise, yet proud of it too."

"Awesome. But still..."

"Twinkle, have I told you about Sensei Miyagi Morita's special philosophy?" Dex asked curiously. Twinkle shook her head. He continued, "He is known to be Grandmaster of Karate Style and a true philosopher as well. And he quote a special philosophy behind the pony's nature - 'There's no bad children, but bad parent or teacher'."

Carly nodded, "True. Spoiled Rich gave a hard time on Diamond Tiara."

"And not only that, Richie wasn't even the good guy from the start," Maya added.

Both of them were surprise and shocked of it, both Dex and Maya nodded for confirmation.

Richie nodded, "It is true. I once served under Adam for riches and mother's approval. But every time I failed my duty and mission, he treated me badly. So, I abandoned and betrayed him. I joined sensei. It is where they treated me not only servant, but family. It's what I wanted. Ponies deserve second chance."

"Yes. It is indeed true. While they're young, they can make amends and choices for the better. They just need some help," Tao explained, "And I believe Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are making right decision. They may able to show her the way."

Maya smirked, "Yeah. And something awesome is gonna happen."

"And even Demons?" Twinkle asked curiously.

Dex hummed in concern, "Well... As far as I know of, Demons are dangerous and violent creatures. They desired not only battles but also creating chaos and destruction across the world. They did not show any generosity, kindness or concern. It's hard to tell, Twinke."

"But I betrayed the Demons because of who I really am, and yet I saved Bash. He appreciate it."

"True. But you can't be sure yet. Just be alert. And there's nothing wrong to give ponies some chances, even Bash and Diamond Tiara."

"I understand, grandpa."

Maya held Twinkle's shoulder tightly, "We'll help her too."

Carly nodded in agreement, "Yeah. We just have to make sure nothing bad happens."

"I'm glad to hear that." He smiled as he turned to Richie , "Keep an eye on her. We can't be certain if Bash truly care for her. He is the son of Po Kong."

He nodded, "Yes, sensei."
...
...
Deep within the Dark Forest...

Morgana and Cinder were discussing with each other about the plans. They both turned and looked at Bash eating lots of vegetables and animals into his stomach. Marmo was washing and moisturizing her face gently and calmly. Megavolt was practicing his Thunder Katana in making sure he grew stronger and powerful. Boulder was punching and smashing the rocks very hard. Klaw was reading some books. Soundwave was flying around in the sky while scouring and securing the area.

Morgana hummed in concern, "Are you certain he will do it?"

"Of course, it will work," Cinder admitted before smirked darkly, "We'll have her soon enough."

She groaned in annoyance and concern, "You'd better hope so. Father and the rest expected our results."

"Don't worry. It's perfect plan," The red demon dragon remarked.

,..
...

On the next day...

The Ponyville Schoolhouse's bell rang as the students quickly ran out and went home.. Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist remained behind as they planned to talk with school board about the school playground repairs.

Diamond Tiara just exited as well. Three Cutie Mark Crusaders exited as well. They looked at each other for the moment. They all nodded in agreement.

"Hey, Diamond Tiara! Wait up!" Apple Bloom called.

Diamond Tiara grunted in annoyance, "What do you three want? To gloat? Rub in my defeat?"

Apple Bloom shook her head, "Actually, we wanted to invite you to our clubhouse to hang out."

Diamond Tiara was surprised and shocked. Scootaloo smiled, "Yeah, for real!"

"Well, thanks to you all, I don't have any important class president business to attend to or anything." Diamond Tiara sighed, "So I might as well."

Sweetie Belle hummed, "That sounds like a yes..."

At the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse, three Custie Mark Crusaders brought and shown Diamond Tiara their place and objectives in getting Cutie Marks. Diamond Tiara looked at the chart as she was observing and analyzing it.

"So, do you three just sit around here plotting out different ways to try and get your cutie marks?" Diamond Tiara asked as she turned and looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders. They nodded in confirmation. She hummed before sighed, "You three are... really lucky."

Cutie Mark Crusaders asked, "We are?!"

Diamond Tiara nodded, "Yeah! You get to explore all these options, learning who you really are before you're stuck with something you don't understand."

"But... you've done that, right?" Apple Bloom asked.

Diamond Tiara smirked as she shown her Cutie Mark, "Yeah, 'cause I have my cutie mark! And I'm not struggling at all to figure out who I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to be doing with this mark that's already on my flank!"

Apple Bloom hummed in concern, "Uh... are you sure about that?"

Diamond Tiara scoffed in annoyance, "That's a weird question."

"Not really," Sweetie Belle admitted, "since we kind of overheard you yesterday."

Diamond Tiara gasped, "Were you trying to get your cutie mark in spying? Is that on your little chart?"

Sweetie Belle yelped as she shook her head, "No! We were just worried about you when you lost the election, and then you lost your friend, and then your mom yelled at you..."

Apple Bloom interrupted, "We know you wanna change, and we think we can—"

"HELP!" The familiar voice cried. Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and opened the door as they found Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist standing before them. The latter looked scared and worried like something bad has happened to them. Pipsqueak explained, "Cutie Mark Crusaders! I was at the school board meeting and they didn't approve my request for the new playground equipment!"

Twist hissed in concern, "There's no money in the budget! So we checked our piggy banks to see if we had enough bits, but..."

"It's still not enough!" Dinky Doo exclaimed in concern, "Even my mummy and Sparkle can't help because their salaries aren't enough too!"

"Don't worry, guys!" Sweetie Belle comforted.

Scootaloo nodded, "We'll meet you back at school."

"And help you guys find a solution!" Apple Bloom added.

Pipsqueak smiled, "Thanks, Cutie Mark Crusaders!"

Pipsqueak, Twist and Dinky Doo turned and left. Diamond Tiara overheard everything as she smirked darkly. It's perfect for her.

Diamond Tiara exited while smiling, "Oh, I already have a solution! Our new student pony president is gonna be kicked out of office, and I'll be reinstated!"

Before Cutie Mark Crusaders could do anything, Diamond Tiara quickly ran off at once.

"Where's she going?" Scootaloo asked in concern.

Apple Bloom hissed in concern, "Where do you think?! C'mon! After her!"

Sweetie Belle nodded, "I'm coming too!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders went and chased after Diamond Tiara before the latter could do something bad and dangerous. She spotted them as she quickly make haste across the Ponyville's bridge. They followed as well while pleading and reasoning with her as well.

Diamond Tiara: Cutie Mark Crusaders, get out of my way
Those ponies need to know the truth
And they'll hear it from me

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Stop!
Diamond Tiara, this is not the way
You know you're better than this hostility

Diamond Tiara quickly stopped at once as she pushed the cart down hard. It poured the couple of apples down. Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped as they almost slipped and tripped by the apples.

Diamond Tiara: You don't even know me at all
Don't understand the meaning of my fall
What my family would think if I ever
Fail at anything

Diamond Tiara continued running as fast as she can. She passed the Ponyville Water Fountain where the nobles and rich ponies were there chatting with each other about Ponyville Schoolhouse, including Diamond Tiara's parents.

Diamond Tiara: I'm a diamond – that means you'll never break
No matter what be the cost of the path I take
Whatever I have to do to win in the end

Each time Diamond Tiara came across the Cutie Mark Crusaders at the corner or blocking her, they kept on pleading and begging her to change her ways. But Diamond Tiara continued ignoring the advice and ran off quickly.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Stop! This is not the answer
Wait! And it's plainly seen
Listen! You can redeem yourself
But by helping others, not by being mean

As Diamond Tiara continued running, Cutie Mark Crusaders managed catch up to her. They quickly moved to the front as they continued reasoning and talking with her.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: We know you want friends who admire you
You want to be the star with all the power too
But there's a better way, there's a better wa-a-ay

Diamond Tiara slowly slow down her running as she began thinking of what Cutie Mark Crusaders have said. They all then ran besides together with her.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: There's so much more still left to
Learn about yourself
See the light that shines in you
We know you can be somepony else

Cutie Mark Crusaders came to the fork road while reasoning with Diamond Tiara for a better way. Diamond Tiara is now in dilemma as she wondered - what she should do now?!

Cutie Mark Crusaders: You can stop right now
And try another start
You'll finally free yourself from the dark
And see the light
And see the light of your cutie mark

Before Diamond Tiara or Cutie Mark Crusaders could do anything, they heard some screaming. They turned and looked at the Everfree Forest. Some ponies are in troubles!

Within the Everfree Forest, Bash was holding Twinkle and her friends in his both hands. Morgana and her brethren smiled darkly. They finally achieved their goals at last! They finally caught her in their grasp, thanks to Bash.

"Excellent work, Avalanche," Morgana complimented.

Cinder scoffed, "Told you that would work! It's all thanks to little one's weakness, compassion and heroic nonsense deeds for innocents and even her own kind. She feel sorry for "

Twinkle groaned painfully while glaring at Bash, "I gave you the chance! I wanted to befriend with you! I wanted you to be good like me."

Avalanche sniffed softly, "Sorry. Me wanted to be good like you but... Cousin Morgana told me that you did bad to my mama. And also, your friends mean to our family."

"I'm sorry, okay? We have no choice! We just want the medicine for our family."

"But what about us? I thought we are family. I was your favorite cousin, and so as Marmo."

"We were." Twinkle sighed.

Jade groaned in anger, "When we get out of this, Dex is gonna kick your flanks for kidnapping us! And best of all, he's gonna banish you all!"

"What she said," Carly supported.

"Pathetic..." Morgana remarked as she floated towards Bash. She patted him, "Well done, cousin. You finally have some usefulness. I actually thought I wanted to use your as sacrifice for my plan. Almost, of course."

"What is next?" He asked.

Soundwave smirked, "I know what to think - we could feast on them."

"I got a better idea," Klaw smirked while glaring at Twinkle, "Put him the same place she let her guard down."

Cinder whistled, "I like your thinking, Klaw. That's for my beautiful sexy mermaid."

Marmo smiled as she slithered and wrapped Drago while giggled, "Oh... My favorite dragon..."

Cinder and Marmo gave each other a passionate kiss, making everyone feel disgusted and annoyed.

Bash stuck his tongue out, "Yuck..."

Nevertheless, Demon Successors turned and glared at Twinkle and the others. The little ones giggled uneasily and nervously while their enemies smiled in pleasant. Something bad is about to happen...

At the train station, both Boulder and Megavolt formed the powerful stone wrapper in trapping and zapping Twinkle and her friends. Bash placed the Cutie Mark Crusaders on the tracks at once. Three of them quickly returned to the rest of Demon Successors at once. As she and her friends struggled in getting out from their imprisonment, Demon Successors were watching and laughing at it. Is this the end of Twinkle and her friends?

Suddenly, everyone heard a loud blowing whistle as well as spotting the black smokes coming from the north direction. The train is coming!

"The end has finally come!" Soundwave exclaimed proudly, "Our family will be proud of it."

Morgana nodded, "Indeed. Our mission is finally complete!"

The train is moving very fast. And it's almost reaching to the train station where Twinkle and her friends are trapping at now!

Klaw chuckled in amusement, "The train is coming! It's gonna go choo-choo on these brats!"

"Choo-Choo?" Bash asked in surprise. He recalled of what Twimkle has done for him - saving his life from being crushed and killed by the train. He gasped, "ABash must safe Yue-Yue! He must!"

Before anyone could say anything, Avalanche charged in as he quickly stood in front of Twinke and her friends. He held his hands up as he readied himself to stop the train or die trying. Everyone screamed and cried to Avalanche to get out due to him haven't reached his adulthood or obtained completely immortality.

As everyone continued watching, the train immediately stopped?! Everyone was in shock and surprise as they wondered why and how?!

"We did it! We stopped it!"

Everyone turned to the north direction as they found another three of Cutie Mark Crusaders and Diamond Tiara stand near to the train traffic light stand. It was on red.

"I told you!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed, "Putting red on it makes the train stop!"

"Thanks!" Main Cutie Mark Crusaders thanked happily.

Twinkle gasped, "Diamond Tiara saved us? I don't believe it..."

Diamond Tiara and main Cutie Mark Crusaders galloped towards Nyx and others as well.

Dark Xing screamed in fury, "DAMN YOU, MORTALS!"

Cinder gasped, "Bash! what are you doing?!"

"I don't believe it," Soundwave exclaimed in shock.

"I know. That fool is helping them!" Klaw exclaimed in anger.

Bash destroyed the wrapper in freeing Twinkle, Carly,and Maya out. Demon Successors were in furious and angered while Cutie Mark Crusaders were in shock and surprise of it. Bash actually saving their friends' alive.

"You-You saved us..." Twinkle asked in surprise.

Bash sighed, "Me sorry. Yue-Yue saved me. Me saved you."

"Wow... Did not expect that," Maya remarked.

Carly nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I'm guessing why Po Kong and him are always the youngest Demon Lords and Demon Successors."

"ENOUGH!" Morgana exclaimed in anger. Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in shock and feared. She and her Demon Successors were armed and ready to attack. She growled, "I will make you all pay for ruining our revenge, especially you, Bash! You disgraced us all! Prepare to die!"

Just as Demon Successors were about to attack while Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped and quivered in concern, the ground shaken very hard as it was creating a long line. Everyone turned to the south direction as they found Blonk was wielding his flail sword. He was armed and ready to fight.

"Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao!"

Demon Successors yelped in shock and feared. Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in surprise. They all turned to their back where Dex and Richie were holding both greenish glowing dead lizard and blow-fish while chanting and dancing harmonically and calmly. And at the same time, five cards - Red Fire, Blue Water, Green Air, Yellow - Earth and White - Light spinning around them. Theirs were glowing brightly.

"Stop him!" Morgana exclaimed in anger.

Dex smirked, "Evil Spirit feel Dex's Wrath! Heavenly Golden Flower Beam!"

Just before Demon Successors were about to attack, Dex and Richie screamed wildly. The latter fired their Heavenly Golden Glower Beam at the former off. Shewas thrown off to a far away from their home. Demon Successors turned and looked at Dex and RIchie.

Dex scoffed, "Who wants to piece of me?"

"Retreat!" Cinder ordered.

Demon Successors quickly turned and ran off at once. Even Bash did the same thing as well. And before he could regroup with others, he turned and gave Twinkle a gentle smile while she was stunned and surprise yet relief to know about him.

Dex, Richie Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Diamond Tiara came to them. The former all asked if the latter were alright or not. All three of them answered back to their friends that they were alright and fine.

Dex hugged Twinkle and Maya, "I'm glad you're alright. And I'm so sorry too. Please forgive me for asking you to let your guard down for befriending Bash."

"Grandpa, it's okay," Twinkle said calmly while patted Tao's back, "I'm okay. And actually, you were right about him. Maybe Demon can change."

Dex hummed before sighed as he departed, "I hope we're right about this."

Twiinkle nodded as she turned and looked at Diamond Tiara who looked away in shame. The former bully was too ashamed to face her because she bullied Twinkle a lot, and so as the latter's friends.

"Thank you, Diamond Tiara," Twinle thanked while bowed down as well, "For saving mine and our friends' live. And I forgive you too for all the things you have done."

Diamond Tiara gasped, "Really?"

Twinkle nodded, "Really. And I'm giving you a chance too. As my grandfather once said, everypony deserve the second chance."

Diamond Tiara let her tears of joy out as she hugged Nyx while smiling happily, "Thank you so much, Twinkle."

Everyone smiled happily. Diamond Tiara proved herself that she can be a better pony, instead of being meanie spoiled rich brat. Nyx also finally giving the bully a second chance now. Diamond Tiara then departed from hugging Twinkle. She wiped the tears off.

"There's one more thing need to do. To the schoolhouse now!"

At the Ponyville Schoolhouse, both Cheerilee and students were waiting and wondering of what happen next. Their proposal for playground repairs and replacement has been denied by school board. What can they do to change the school board's mind.

Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, Dex and Richie have arrived. Diamond Tiara approached to the door. Everyone wondered what is Diamond Tiara planning to do. Can she changed school board's mind about the proposal? Or will she make the wrong choice?

As the door opened, Spoiled Rich emerged while spotting Diamond Tiara stood before her. She wasn't please about it especially Diamond Tiara for failing her a lot.

"I just happened to be here for the school board meeting, and this is what I see when we adjourn? My daughter associating with confused, insignificant lowlifes? Socializing with their kind is not how you move up in Equestria!" Spoiled Rich remarked angrily. She sighed, "I'm truly disappointed in her."

Diamond Tiara looked down in shame while others feel sorry for her. Instead of showing her shame and upset looks, she shown her firm and determined looks. She looked up and faced at her approaching mother. She had enough as she decided to tell what she wanted.

"No, mother! I am not!" Diamond Tiara protested. Spoiled Rich was surprise as well as others. She continued, "You've spent your life acting like a high horse and raised me to follow in your hoofprints! At first I thought this was fine, but then I finally realized I wanted something you don't have – friends!"

Everyone gasped in surprise and shock while Twinkle and her friends weren't because Diamond Tiara was the one who saved Twinkle, Carly, and Maya from Demon Successors.

"That's enough, Diamond Tiara! Step away from those blank flanks!" Spoiled Rich remarked while glaring at Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Dex gave a whack on Spoiled Rich's head while remarked, "You are very bad influence to the children especially this little one."

Richie nodded in agreement, "Sensei's right. You claimed you cared for her. And now it's time to prove it."

Diamond Tiara shook her head as she approached Cutie Mark Crusaders and said, "These are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and they are my friends! You need to stop calling them such mean and hurtful names! They are working harder to get their cutie marks than anypony I've ever seen! And they will get them exactly when they discover their true talent, which I guarantee will be amazing! I saved them from danger because I owed them a big apology for the things I have done to them."

Everyone was surprised and amazed by how nice and caring Diamond Tiara is. Even Spoiled Rich was surprised by her daughter's action. She actually defending and apologizing to Cutie Mark Crusaders?!

"Now, will you please deliver this to father?" Diamond Tiara asked as she gave the piece of paper to Spoiled Rich.

"Yes, of course, dear..." Spoiled Rich said in defeat as she took it by teeth. As she walked away, she muttered, "She actually stood up on me - her own mother. I'm amazed. She actually helping others? I wonder what did my husband teach her."

As soon as Spoiled Rich waked away, Diamond Tiara approached Cutie Mark Crusaders as she commented,

"I have to thank you, Crusaders. Obviously I've known since I got my cutie mark that my talent is getting other ponies to do what I want. I just asked my father if he could donate the money for the new playground equipment!"

Everyone cheered wildly and happily. They finally get the playground repaired and replaced, all thanks to Diamond Tiara!

Diamond Tiara approached Pipsqueak, "I knew you were worried for a second there, weren't you? Ha! Well, I think it's all gonna work out just fine, Mister President!"

Pipsqueak smiled, "I hate to admit it. You almost got me there. You take the lead for saving us. Shall we?"

Diamond Tiara smiled, "We shall."

Diamond Tiara: We'll build a playground
For all of us to enjoy
So full of games
There's enough for each girl and boy

Diamond Tiara then led her classmates and friends to the playground area while explaining of what she wanted to do with it for not herself, but others. They were amazed and surprised by her change of heart. They glad to help her now.

Diamond Tiara: I want to help and do
Everything that I can
I'm here to show you I changed
Listen up, here's the plan

As soon as form Dark Warriors Trio brought the crates of playground equipment, the school ponies began working on rebuilding and replacing the broken items with new ones. Diamond Tiara led the group of what needs to be done such as she instructed the strongest to move the broken merry-go-round and the colt with strong teeth to carry and move broken see-saw.

Diamond Tiara smiled as she took a glance at her flank, which glowed a bit of light. She smiled happily.

Diamond Tiara: There's so much I can do
To help everypony else
I see the light that shines in me
I know I can be my better self

Everyone worked together very hard in getting and setting the playground equipment up. Diamond Tiara even helped Silver Spoon, and others set the fences as they both reconciled.

Diamond Tiara: I can free the past
'Cause now the future's bright for me
My cutie mark has set me free
To do what's right and be the pony I want to be
And be the pony I want to be!

After spending hours on working with playground, it is done. The playground is set. Everyone, including Cheerilee, Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist, commented and cheered for Diamond Tiara. Dex, Richie and seven Cutie Mark Crusaders have their own chats.

"Thank you, Grandpa," Twinkle thanked happily. Dex turned and looked at her. She smiled as she hugged him, "For giving me the best advice. Ponies deserve second chances."

He smiled as he patted Twinkle's head gently, "I'm glad to help. And I'm glad you did it."

Apple Bloom hummed, "I've been thinkin', Crusaders. We spend an awful lot of time fussin' and frettin' tryin' to discover our true talent. But when we take a little time off, we end up helpin' other ponies figure out their true talent!"

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, and I think that's way more important than worrying about our cutie marks, don't you?"

"Absolutely! I don't care if I ever get my cutie mark" Scootaloo remarked as she jumped for the moment while flapped her wings for the moment. She landed before held both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's shoulders, "as long as I get to hang out with my best friends."

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo hugged each other happily before they departed while smiling.

Blonk smirked, "Now that's what I'm talking about. Scutie Mark, Cutie Mark. Who cares?"

Carly nodded, "Blonk, you make a very good point. Friendship is the true treasure for ponies. And I'm glad our founders know it."

Apple Bloom turned and looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, "So what do you say, Crusaders? Want to just focus on helpin' others find their cutie marks?"

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle cheered, "Yeah!"

As three main Cutie Mark Crusaders gave a hoof clap, a sudden powerful magic appeared on their hooves. It surprised them. It then slowly surged through their bodies to the ground. They then floated in midair for the moment. A crimson, pinkish and purplish glowing aura-like appeared on their bodies as their flanks even glow brighter.

Everyone spotted it as they watched and wondered what's happening next. As soon as three Cutie Mark Crusaders landed on the ground, they slowly got up while regaining their conscious. Everyone then chatted and awed in amazement upon looking at Cutie Mark Crusaders. Why?

"What happened?" Sweetie Bell asked.

Apple Bloom asked, "What's goin' on?"

"It's your cutie marks! They're amazing!" Diamond Tiara answered.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo turned and looked at the flanks. They spotted something surprise and amaze them a lot. Theirs have same shield symbols with stripes of red, pink and purple with symbols - A Love on Apple icon for Apple Bloom, Music Eight Note on Star icon for Sweetie Belle and Lightning Shape on Wing Icon for Scootaloo!

Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped as they looked at each other while showing happiness, relief and joyfulness. They bounced happily as they finally did it. They then pushed their flanks on each other. They finally earned Cutie Marks!

"We all got the same cutie mark! Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!"

Twinkle cheered, "I knew it! I knew you all can do it! You all did it!"

"Now for the encore!" Maya cheered.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo departed as they all hugged each other happily. The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders approached and joined in hugging with them happily. They all began singing together as one.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: We were searching for our cutie marks
For a while there
Trying to find out how we fit in

Cutie Mark Crusaders went around of Cheerilee and schoolmates for once. They then headed off at once, followed by the school staffs and classmates. They all marched out of the Ponyville Schoolhouse together.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: So many ways we've tried before
But we kept on trying more
'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in

Scootaloo: Now we know what it took all along

Sweetie Belle: And our journey here is never really done

Apple Bloom: For it is more than just a mark
It's a place for us to start

Cutie Mark Crusaders and their friends walked across the main street of Ponyville. Everyone spotted it. They all turned and looked at the little ones walking on the streets like they were the parade. They even cheered for the little ones too.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: An adventure that has only just begun
We'll make our mark
Show the world what we can do
We'll make our mark
Helping fillies to break through
To the ultimate reward of a cutie mark

Mane Six, Omege Force, Team Thunder (Ashely, Spike, Swift Ice, Crystal Flare, Drake Trio, Bishop and Star Thunder) and Conner heard the news. And they couldn't be anymore happier and prouder than before. Pinkie Pie swiftly and quickly setting and preparing the party up for Cutie Mark Crusaders in gaining their own Cutie Marks after long five years.

Pinkie stood before everyone, "All right, everypony! Get ready for the biggest cute-ceañera celebration ever!"

The ponies cheered wildly and happily. They all can't wait to party.

Applejack sniffed happily as she approached Apple Bloom, along with Granny Smith and Big McIntosh. They were all crying in joy. They were so happy and proud to see the youngest member of Apple Family finally earned her Cutie Mark.

Applejack approached as she hugged Apple Bloom, "Oh, sugarcube, if Mom and Dad were here, they'd be so proud of ya."

Both Granny Smith and Big McIntosh smiled and nodded in agreement.

Apple Bloom sniffed as she hugged Applejack, "Oh... Thanks, Applejack."

Rainbow Dash approached Scootaloo as she gave the latter a noogie for the moment. Scootaloo then jumped on Rainbow Dash as the blood sisters hugged each other passionately and happily.

Rainbow Dash: I'm so proud of you, little buddy
You've taught me a thing or two

Rarity held Sweetie Belle's hooves up while looking at her sincerely and happily. As Sweetie Belle blushed happily of being commented, Rarity held and hugged her passionately and happily.

Rarity: You've inspired everypony around you
And you've inspired me too

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack: You've made your mark
Done Equestria so proud
You've made your mark
And we're here to sing it loud
For the ultimate reward of your cutie mark

At their clubhouse, they decided to have one more meeting about their next mission. Cutie Mark Crusaders were proud of it. Apple Bloom stood on her judge stand as she asked.

"Well, what do you think, Crusaders? Were these cutie marks totally worth waiting for or what?"

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! I can't wait to see who we're gonna help next!"

Twinkle giggled happily, "And don't forget us. Not only you helped our members get the Cutie Marks, but also we helped you on the mission. Crusaders, can we solve it?!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, "YES, WE CAN!"

Three Main and Founders of Cutie Mark Crusaders recalled all the adventures they have been through, followed by their honorary members and friends. They recalled how they founded their team, crazy hunt on Cutie Marks for various events, the morality and lessons they learned, helping Twinkle to be a good pony involving in Mystic War Three, venturing to Demon Land for medicine to save their friends and family and now helping ponies solve their Cutie Marks.

All of Cutie Mark Crusaders were proud of the events they have done in their lives. They now finally deserved the greatest reward in their lives - Cutie Marks.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: We started out just three
Crusaders driven to see
What we find in our hearts
Discover our destiny
And here we are, best friends
About to start it again
An adventure that never will end

The Cutie Mark Crusaders went out from their clubhouse as they regrouped with everyone.

Cutie Mark Crusaders: We'll make our mark
Helping fillies most in need
We'll make our mark
So each one of them succeeds
'Cause the ultimate reward is a cutie mark!

Photo Finish helped and taken the picture of the group. Spike delivered it via Dragon Message Delivery to Royal Sisters from Canterlot. The Rulers couldn't be any happier and prouder.

This marks the end of Cutie Mark Crusaders' search for Cutie Mark, and the beginning for their new adventure and mission - helping ponies understand their Cutie Marks...

Episode 14-Hearthbreakers

At Twilight Sparkle's Castle of Friendship, she and her three children were setting their special holiday at their living room - strippers, crystal balls, ribbons, presents and Snow Foods. The Hearth's Warming Eve is coming! They can't wait to start!

Suddenly, they heard something falling and landing on the ground very hard. They turned and found fireplace had some stones dropping down like someone is coming down the chimney. And then comes with...

"Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she dropped to the ground.

Twilight Sparkle and her children laughed happily and in amusement at Pinkie Pie. Applejack, Casey, Cinnamon Spice entered the chamber while smiling happily.

"Shucks, Twilight! Y'all done it up nice and cozy in here." Applejack commented.

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she levitated held their doll version of themselves up, "We're about to hang our Hearth's Warming dolls if you wanna join us."

"Why not? I definitely-!" Cinnamon yelped from interruption by Applejack's nudge.

Applejack smiled and continued, "Oh, that's mighty sweet of you, but we're just stoppin' in to wish y'all a happy Hearth's Warmin' before we go."

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she turned and placed the dolls on top of fireworks. She turned and looked at her friends. She commented,

"I think it's sweet that your families are spending the holiday together."

"Picture the most fun-tacular thing you can think of. Now multiply that times infinity!" Pinkie Pie commented happily. She then screamed as she bounced before the three earth ponies, "It's gonna be great!"

"Oh! I see everypony's here," Ash smiled as he entered the scene. He brought the dumpling soup bowls into it as well. He smirked, "Coz today's Ma Dongzhi Festival!"

"Ma Donkey Z what?" Casey asked in concern.

Ash chuckled as he passed the bowl to everypony, "Ma Dongzhi Festival or for your language - Winter Solstice. When a family or a clan gathered together to celebrate, they shared a very special meal - Winter Sweet Dumpling meals. It's not only important family tradition, but also gives you very good luck and positive energy for the next year. It happens just before Hearth's Warming Eve."

"I hear ya," Applejack whistled as she took a bite on it. She hummed happily, "Not bad. It's not so bad at all. It's not Casey's special Apple Treats, but it's good."

Twilight, her kids and Casey and Cinnamon tried as well. They too felt it as well. When Pinkie tried it, she spitted it out while yelping in disgust. Everyone glared at her.

"Sorry... It's just that. It doesn't taste sweets." Pinkie Pie apologized.

Ash rolled his eyes in amusement, "Not the first time to see that. Shadowclaw hated them a lot. And believe me; whenever he sees it, he gets pissed."

WHISTLE! Everyone heard the train blew the whistle. Applejack, Casey and Pinkie Pie along Cinnamon gasped as they realized that they have to go as well.

"That's us. See you later!" Applejack commented.

Spike turned to Twilight Sparkle as he asked, "Now can we open presents?"

"Wow? Really? That early? I thought we're suppose to wait after tonight?" Ashely asked in surprise.

Applejack nodded, "He's right. Tonight is Hearth's Warming Eve. Everypony knows you don't open presents 'til tomorrow."

Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement, "When Spike and I spent our first Hearth's Warming Eve together, he couldn't wait all night to open his presents! I even told Twinkle about it too. And she's ever excited about it too. Ever since then, we've always opened them the night before!"

"It's kinda like our tradition!" Spike commented.

Ash scoffed, "And I thought Carly and I were the only ones like to open the present without letting my dad noticed it."

Ashely chuckled happily as she held and gave Twinkle a noggie, "My mum did say that Hearth's Warming Eve is not always about following tradition but making your own and enjoy it. I guess this is what she meant. I'm gonna like it."

Twinkle giggled happily, "I guess we all have the same in common, daddy! Early the better to have the fun!"

Applejack shook her head in amusement, "That's not how our family does it, and I reckon it can't be how Pinkie's or Casey's does it. Is it?"

Caramel shook his head, "Not mine."

Pinkie Pie nodded, "No sirree!"

"To each their own, I suppose." Ash smiled.

WHISTLED! Everyone heard it. And it make Pinkie Pie yelped in concern as she realized it. She said goodbye to her friends as she pushed both Applejack and Caramel out at once.

Twilight Sparkle smiled in amusement while shaking her head. She turned as she levitated her presents before her children. Ashley, Spike, and Twinkle quickly opened them at once happily. It makes Shadow Dragon and even herself laughed in amusement.

As soon as they opened their presents, they saw something shock and surprise. Twinkle smiled and squealed happily while Ashley and Spike looked shock and surprise. Three to them turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle and Ash. She smiled while he looked surprise.

"Just what I always wanted!" Twinkle said happily while Ashley and Spike said nervously as they picked their own book up, "A book..."

Twilight Sparkle smiled happily while Ash sighed in concern. The Princess of Friendship really likes books a lot...

...

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Casey, and Cinnamon weren't the only ponies to use the train for travelling. The Apple Family were there as well. They were travelling to Pinkie Pie's old homeland - Rock Farm where her family lived for one special reason...

"It's so excitin'! Related or not, it's gonna be a hoot havin' our families together under one roof!" Applejack remarked happily.

Casey held Applejack's shoulder while smiling, "And I'm glad to be there as well."

Pinkie Pie giggled happily as she held both apple and pie in pushing together, "Apples and Pies together again for the first time! Maybe. Unless we're related! Which maybe we're not. I think I just confused myself."

Applejack smiled as she patted her best friend, "Friends or family, this here's about togetherness."

"Have you tried the Equestria flag crepes? The blue is blueberry!" Apple Bloom muttered happily with her mouth full in eating candies. She turned and whispered to Pinkie Pie, "And don't tell Granny I saw, but her trunk is full of presents!

Applejack, unamused yet annoyed as she spoke, "Now hang on, sugarcube. You know Hearth's Warmin' isn't just about candy and presents, right?"

"Uh-oh. That's your boring sisterly lecture voice." Apple Bloom remarked sarcastically.

Big McIntosh chuckled in amusement, "Eeyup."

"It's the reason I loved her," Casey remarked while giving her a wink.

"Get ready for crash course in history." said Cinnamon

Blushed by her boyfriend's compliment, Applejack cleared her throat to explain, "A long time ago, the Earth ponies, Pegasus ponies, Unicorn ponies and Alicorn ponies weren't friends. But then, the icy chill of the Windigos almost iced up everythin'. So the ponies decided to work together, and their friendship drove them nasty critters away. Triumphant, they raised a new flag to celebrate all three tribes, and Equestria was born."

"And don't forget about a Hundred-Year War or ponies prefer to call it," Caramel added before he cleared his throat, "the First Mystic War! A war between Equestria and Human Ponies! And trust me on this, it's not a friendly competition or even prank war! It's terrible! I wouldn't imagine of how bloody and terrible that war is! Because if that never stop, we all would have been-!"

"Casey! Not in front of Apple Bloom! That part is not important!" Applejack remarked in annoyance. She sighed, "That Hundred-Year War is over, thanks to the first Princess of Equestria and the Mystic Emperor met and wedded together as family.

"And I'm guessing that's when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were born," Apple Bloom asked happily. Applejack nodded in confirmation. She giggled as she asked, "Is that why we celebrate with a flag raisin' tomorrow?"

Applejack smiled, "Mm-hmm! And tonight, we'll have the traditional Hearth's Warmin' Eve dinner to remember the shared bounties of our ancestors."

"We do that too!" Pinkie Pie added.

"Then we'll hang our Hearth's Warmin' dolls over the fireplace to remind us of the warmth shared on that fateful night."

"That's what our family does too!"

"And tomorrow, we open presents!"

"Ah! We do that too!"

Cinnamon and Apple Bloom both smiled, "Sounds like the Apples and the Pies do everything the same way!"

"Of course! We might be related!" Applejack and Pinkie Pie said happily before looked at each other and said, "Hey, I was gonna say that! Stop sayin' what I'm sayin'! You stop it first!"

Applejack and Pinkie stopped for the moment. Instead of showing upset and angry, they laughed happily. They were joined by the rest as well.

WHISTLED! The train stopped at once right before the Rock Train Station. Apple Family and Pinkie Pie exited the train and landed on the station. The train headed off at once. They all now waiting for someone else as well.

"I'm so happy, I need to make up a new word for how happy I am. What about... 'rooftastic'?" Pinkie Pie squealed and bounced happily. Everyone looked at her about the new word she used. She continued, "As in, I'm gonna stand on the roof and yell to everypony how rooftastic this is!"

Applejack smiled a bit but frowned as she looked concern and scared, "What if our families don't like each other?"

"Applejack, that's crazy! Why would you think that?" Casey asked in amusement.

"Yeah! We are friends, Applejack, and after tonight, our families are gonna be friends too. Do you know what that means? Number of Apples times number of Pies is twenty four, minus my preexisting friendships plus one for Maud and you makes five from twenty four is..." Pinkie Pie took a deep breathe before launched her nineteen hooves literally out, "nineteen new friendships!"

Upon hearing the hoofsteps, Pinkie Pie turned and found two familiar characters stood before her, "Maud! Cheesy!"

"Howdy, Pinkie Pie! Took your sweet time! I have a great chat with your sister. She's sweet and awesome!" Cheese Sandwich exclaimed happily. He chuckled happily as he leaned close to her before giving her a wink, "And she's real charmer as you, babe."

Maud Pie pulled Cheese Sandwich while giving him an unemotional mood, "If you tried to hurt her again like what you did at Rainbow Dash's Birth-Anniversary Day, I will hurt you a lot, party boy."

Cheese Sandwich chuckled uneasily, "Okay... Cheesy Promise!"

Pinkie Pie giggled, "I missed you so much!"

Maud smiled a bit as she turned and hugged Pinkie Pie, "I'm so excited to see you, Pinkie Pie. You too, Applejack. I hope you had fun sledding yesterday."

"How'd you know that?" Applejack asked as she looked at her hoof.

"Isn't it obvious? There are specks of extrusive andesite on your hoof. It's a mountain rock."

Granny Smith whistled, "Oh, she's good."

Pinkie Pie, Maud Pie and Cheese Sandwich led and guided the Apple Family and Caramel all the way to the Pie Rock Farm. Upon arriving at the area, they all saw the farm being decorated and filled with Hearth's Warming Eve decoration. Apple Family awed in amazement and surprise.

"This place looks amazin'!" Applejack commented.

Rock Farmed House's door opened as Pinkie Pie's whole family emerged from it especially Marble Pie since Pinkie Pie have to push her out.

"Come on, everypony! Meet my super-mega-fun-derful family!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, "Everypony, meet everypony!"

As both family approached towards each other, Marble Pie ran home in fear and scared like they scared her off a lot.

Igneous Rock cleared his throat, "Surely thy name is not but Granny Smith. I am called Igneous Rock Pie, son of Feldspar Granite Pie."

"Thou shalt know me as Cloudy Quartz." Cloudy Quartz greeted.

Igneous Rock gave religious salute to Granny Smith, "May Providence favor thee well, and to thou comfort our humble homestead bring."

"Y'all gabbin' with words real funny-like. Wh-wh-what'd you say them names were?" Granny Smith asked in confusion yet amusement. She approached Pinkie's parents while asking, "Iggy? And I'm just gonna call you Big Mama Q!"

Both Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz were annoyed by Granny Smith's joke but kept silent.

Limestone Pie gave Apple Bloom a glare. It make Big McIntosh uneasy and annoyed since his little sister got her right eye nearly wounded by Marmo.

"Gaze into the eyes of Limestone Pie. Ma and Pa may own this rock farm, but I keep it running. Cross me and—"

Pinkie Pie interrupted as she pushed Limestone Pie away from Apple Bloom, "Aye aye, Captain Grumpy! No one's gonna mess with your precious mine!"

"Or Holder's Boulder!" Limestone Pie added.

Pinkie Pie sighed as she pointed at the giant rock, "Everypony stay away from Holder's Boulder. There, you happy now?"

"Whatever..."

"And my name is Cheese Sandwich - boyfriend and party partner of Pinkie Pie," Cheese Sandwich greeted happily while held his hoof before annoyed Casey. He asked, "What?"

Casey sighed, "We've met before since Third Mystic War, Cheese. Remember? Casey?"

"So, it's nice to meet you, buddy. I'm here to congratulate you for being Applejack's boyfriend. You two looked so cute!"

Casey groaned, "Is he serious?!"

Applejack spotted Marble Pie hiding shyly behind the cornered Rock Farm. Applejack approached as she was about to greet the shy one. Pinkie jumped before Applejack as she introduced her youngest pony.

Pinkie Pie introduced, "This is Marble Pie, my baby sister who's only a few minutes younger than me but she'll always be a baby to me, isn't that right? She's so excited to meet everypony! Oh, and she wishes you all a happy Hearth's Warming!"

Waiting for the reply, Marble Pie remained silent. Pinkie Pie nudged her younger one to respond.

Marble Pie nodded, "Mm-hmm."

Applejack whispered, "Guess Pinkie Pie always did the talkin' for her."

Pinkie Pie whistled happily, "Attention! Everypony get settled in! There's plenty of room upstairs. And then it's time for Hearth's Warming Eve dinner!"

Pinkie Pie threw the confetti out across out. Both Apple and Pie Family smiled as they turned and entered their home at once especially Maud Pie entered to home at once.

Applejack whispered to Pinkie Pie, "So far, so good, cousin!"

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Hee-hee!"

"Pinkie Pie, thou never told thee father that a friend of thee would be here earlier," Igneous Rock asked sternly yet calmly. Pinkie Pie and Applejack looked confuse and surprise. He continued, "Marble Pie has her eyes on him. I trust him not."

"Who's he?" Pinkie Pie and Applejack asked.

Within the guest's bedroom, Apple Family was unpacking their stuffs and settling down. But they weren't the only one.

"I just can't believe you're here! I'm kinda surprised." Applejack exclaimed in amusement yet happily, "I'm just curious - why are you here, Crossbow? Aren't you with your family for Hearth's Warming Eve?"

Crossbow crossed his hooves while leaned against the walls, "Let's just say - I'd never really enjoy Hearth's Warming Eve."

"Why?" Apple Bloom asked.

"My adoptive family never let me join the party since it's for related family while adopted not counted. They'd never give me some chances. Honestly. That's why. And besides, Marble Pie invited me here."

"Really? How? Are you in love with her? Pinkie's daddy said you have eye on her."

"Apple Bloom, don't be ridiculous. She and I are just friends. We both met when General Shy Slam and I were collecting some rocks for rebuilding the city and fortress some time ago. And let's just say, that Rock Farm is always a good business in trading them with my home."

"Wow... That's just like what we did with yours for Apple Cider!" Apple Bloom squealed happily as she bounced happily on bed, "Oh, I can't wait to taste their fresh sweet rolls! They're my favorite part of Hearth's Warmin' Eve dinner."

Granny Smith nodded, "I'm more of a six-layer bean dip filly myself!"

"I love that too!" Apple Bloom complimented. She turned to Applejack, "Oh, Applejack, do you think theirs'll be even better than ours?"

Applejack smiled, "Well, that's a mighty tall order, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least."

Crossbow smiled while shaking his head in amusement, "I don't think you're gonna like this one. Trust me on this. You'd be big disappointment. But best you respect their tradition, Applejack."

Upon taking their own seats, Pie Family sat on right side while both Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz set on the rear edge. Apple Family and Crossbow set on right side of the table. Applejack, Pinkie Pie and their boyfriends set on its front before their family.

Apple Family and even Casey were definitely disappointed and shock about the dinner. The Pie Family were having Rock Soup for dinner? And both Cheese Sandwich and Saber Dragoon are okay with it?

Applejack hummed in concern, "What about hot rolls and mulled cider and double-baked pot pie?"

"Uh, what about six-layer bean dip?" Granny Smith asked.

"We have rock soup." Maud Pie insisted unemotionally.

Cheese Sandwich nodded, "And they taste great too!"

"Potato, po-tah-to. Double-baked pot pie, rock soup! Dinner is dinner." Pinkie Pie remarked happily, "Am I right or am I right?"

The Apple Family and even Caramel even weren't please with the dinner. They were expecting of something else. Applejack decided not to make a fuss about it.

"Yeah, um, you know what? This is what we were expectin'! Right, everypony?" Applejack asked.

"Seriously?" Casey asked sarcastically. Applejack quickly kicked her boyfriend's knee. He yelped painfully before glared at her. She gave her glare back at him. He cleared his throat, "I mean... Yeah. It is. Can't wait to try..."

The Apple Family nodded and chatted in agreement as well. The Apple Family didn't want to make a fuss about it. Like Pinkie Pie said, 'dinner is dinner'...

So both family enjoyed their dinner. The Apple Family and Casey struggled drinking the soup and eating rocks? But Pie Family, and even Crossbow and Cheese Sandwich enjoyed it very well.

Marble Pie smiled while blushed as she was looking at Crossbow drinking his soup. She shown her lovely eyes at him as her eyes zinged brightly. She sighed happily. As he glanced at her, she quickly drank her soup and eat her rock but it was empty. Saber smiled as he helped and poured some soup and rock on her bowl. It made Marble blushed in reddish while giggled yet muttered happily.

"Are you alright, Marble?" Saber asked in concern.

Marble yelped in concern. She quickly shook her head at once while have her reddish blush disappeared. She cleared her throat as she nodded, "Mm-hmm."

"Thank goodness. I thought you were sick or something."

"Mmm-hmm."

"Good to hear. Let's enjoy our dinner."

"Mm-hmm."

Cheese Sandwich sighed upon finishing his soup, "Now! That tastes great! More rock, please! Give some to my new best friend!"

"Wait?! What?! No! I think I'm-!" Casey was interrupted as Maud helped and gave the soup to both him and Cheese Sandwich. He groaned in annoyance, "Great... More rocks... Why?!"

Applejack struggled in drinking her soup while muttered, "Sorry, Casey."

"Eat up, so we can get to our Hearth's Warming dolls!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily as she was finishing her soup up.

Applejack smiled, "Now that's somethin' I know all about!"

Again, wrong...

At the Pie Mine, both family were using their axe picks on the rocks like they were sculpturing them. The Apple Family were once again disappointed and shocked about it.

"Are you sayin' that rock is a Hearth's Warmin' doll?" Applejack asked in concern.

"Don't be silly, silly!" Pinkie giggled happily. She pricked on the small rock in creating rock version of herself. She held it up, "Our dolls are these little pieces! Isn't that right, Marble Pie?"

"Mm-hmm," Marble Pie nodded. She continued sculpturing her 'doll' gently and slowly. She spotted Saber Dragoon sculpturing his own doll by using his martial arts. His was in perfect shape and form. She awed in amazement while blushed and smiled, "Mm-hmm..."

Cinnamon hummed in concern while glaring at his bad-shaped version, "This is ridiculous..."

"Aw, c'mon, buddy. Don't be like that," Cheese said happily as he continued pricking his rocks, "It's fun to sculpture! It's best, C!"

"Great..." Cinnamon muttered in annoyance.

Applejack stopped as she finished her saddened glob-like, "Uh... y'all don't have traditional crocheted dolls passed down in your family?"

"Aww, you're just a frown factory because you got a weird rock." Pinkie Pie remarked happily. Applejack annoyed by it. She continued, "Cheer up! I'm sure you'll do great in the flag finding mission!"

"The what findin' what now?"

At Rock Lawn, Pinkie Pie gave instruction about Pie's Tradition - 'flag finding mission' while choosing and forming the group.

"Limestone Pie, you're the judge! Crossbow Big Mac, Marble Pie, you're team one! Apple Bloom and Maud, you're team two! Caramel and Casey, you're team three. Ma, Pa, you're gonna be with Granny Smith. Don't think of it as team old. Think of it as team four! And I'm with Applejack and Cinnamon of course, since we might be cousins!"

"So now that we're all split up, mind tellin' us what we're doin'?" Applejack asked in concern.

Pinkie Pie smiled, "As everypony knows, when the three tribes united to form Equestria, the first flag was sewn by Nimble Thimble. It's tradition to raise a flag on Hearth's Warming to celebrate that famous day."

Ponies nodded and chatted in agreement about the history.

"But who gets to put the flag on Holder's Boulder?"

"You mean on the flagpole?"

"No, silly, it goes on the highest point! And who's the lucky pony?"

Applejack, unconvinced as she asked, "Traditionally, it's the youngest—"

Pinkie Pie interrupted, "On your marks, get set, go!"

Ponies separated and headed off with their own way. Crossbow, Big McIntosh and Marble Pie headed to east since the youngest Pie blushed upon looking at the Thorntree Prince as well as keeping him accompany. Casey and Cheese Sandwich headed to northeast. Maud Pie and Apple Bloom headed to south. Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz and Granny Smith headed to north. Applejack and Pinkie Pie and Cinnamon headed to west. Limestone Pie stayed behind with her Holder's Boulder.

At Western Mine, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were searching and looking around the giant pinkish crystal mine area.

"I still don't understand." Applejack said in concern.

"Earlier today, Limestone Pie hid an obsidian stone." Pinkie Pie explained, "Whoever finds it gets to raise the flag!"

"It's all just so... complicated, and... rock-based."

"Well, how else would we do it?"

Applejack hummed, "I don't know. I sure hope everypony else is havin' a better time."

"This is ridiculous!" Casey exclaimed in annoyance. He groaned, "I know Pinkie Pie is random. But I'd never thought her family is. How can this be Hearth's Warming Eve tradition?!"

Cheese Sandwich and Casey were searching around at the diamond mine.

Cheese Sandwich laughed happily, "Well, what do you expect? Didn't think that easy, didn't you?"

"Well... I always thought it's about following tradition. And we have to respect it. And you should know how sensitive Applejack can get."

"If you'd think she's worse, try Pie Family. They're more sensitive and upset if tradition is not followed."

"Really? What makes you think that?"

Cheese Sandwich chuckled uneasily, "Let's just say this - I regret making that mess. They're really angry about it. Pain to my flank."

Casey hummed in concern about it, "I definitely not want on their bad sides. From their looks especially Maud and Limestone, they're not always happy."

"Oh, they are. They're just shy to show it. After all, they're all stoned family."

Casey chuckled a bit, "Yeah... I guess they are."

On Pie Family's Resident of East, Crossbow and his two shy friends were searching and looking for the stone.

"I guess finding a rock won't be easy, right?" Saber Dragoon asked.

Marble Pie nodded as she was digging the ground, "Mm-hmm."

"Eeyup." Big McIntosh nodded as he was looking at the bushes.

Crossbow hummed in concern. He approached Marble Pie as he helped her dug the dirt out of ground. She blushed a bit. They both continued digging the ground together. His hoof touched hers, she gasped before blushed happily. Upon looking at her cuteness face, Saber Dragoon blushed before cleared his throat a bit.

"Your hoof... is kinda soft. I like your mane - long and curvy?" Crossbow commented. Marble Pie blushed even more reddish. He cleared his throat as he continued awkwardly and embarrassed, "I guess what I like the most about you is your face. It's cute and gentle... And it fits you well... I guess you'd think the same way for me?"

Marble smiled and blushed more as she gently nuzzled Cross's neck, "Mm-hmm. Cute. Handsome. Soft. Like. You."

"Eh... I'd take that as compliment?" Crossbow asked in amusement.

Big McIntosh noticed it as he smiled, "Eeyup. She likes you."

"I guess I like her too..." He admitted and blushed in red. And before any of them could do anything, Marble kissed on his lips. It makes him not only kissed her back, but also make his face more reddish. They both departed while looking at each other. They both smiled happily. He chuckled a bit, "Wow... That... Was... Sweet..."

Marble Pie smiled as she kissed Crossbow's lips, "Mm-hmm..."

Crossbow smiled as he kissed back, "Mm-hmm..."

Marble Pie and Crossbow held and hugged each other tightly and passionately as they both kissed passionately and happily. Big McIntosh laughed happily a bit as he held the mistletoe above the newly couples.

Big McIntosh smiled happily of looking at the scene, "Eeeeeeeeeyup."

The parents and senior continued their search on northern part of Pie Family resident. It also housed thousands of rocks.

"So, how'd you meet this Iggy feller?" Granny Smith asked.

Cloudy Quartz explained, "We were chosen by the Pairing Stone and betrothed within a fortnight."

"The choosing stone decreed, 'Thou shalt love one another.' And lo, it was so." Igneous Rock added.

"Hoo-wee, I gots to look into this oldfangled choosin' stone thing." Granny Smith commented. She turned and looked at Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz, "You reckon it knows any apple-farmin' hunks?"

Both Pinkie Pie's parents blushed while looked at each other. They both nodded in admitting of loving each other much.

\

On Southern Mine, Apple Bloom and Maud Pie were searching for it as well. The youngest Apple was on top of rock while Maud Pie was searching and looking on the ground.

"What does the rock look like?" Apple Bloom asked.

"It looks like something that formed when volcanic lava cooled quickly." Maud Pie answered unemotionally. Apple Bloom looked surprise. She continued, "Have you ever wished you could turn into a rock?"

Apple Bloom answered, "I had a dream once I was an apple."

"We have a lot in common when it comes to thinking about turning into things." Maud Pie remarked.

Apple Bloom blushed of what Maud Pie had said. The eldest daughter of Pie actually complimented to the youngest one of the Apple. It makes Apple Bloom feel happy and appreciated.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Cinnamon Spice continued searching for the stone from western part. They found nothing until...

"Found it, found it, found it!" Pinkie Pie cried happily as she shown the picture of rock before Applejack.

"A picture? I've been lookin' for a real stone, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack asked in annoyance.

"Um, that would be weird. Do you know what this means? I get to raise the flag, and now it's time to hide the presents!"

"Y'all hide your presents?"

"Of course! What's more fun than getting a present? Finding a present! Although, most years, nopony finds one."

"So nopony gets presents?"

"Eh, not usually."

Applejack was in shock and disappointed as she asked, "So lemme get all this straight. You're only allowed to eat rock soup for dinner, then the pony who finds this rock gets to raise the flag, but not really 'cause you don't got no flagpole, and to top it off, you don't even get presents?!"

"Well, it doesn't sound very fun when you say it that way." Pinkie Pie admitted.

"Well, how 'bout you picture this? Both our families, openin' presents, raisin' the flag...?"

"Picturing it... Loving it...!"

Both Applejack and Pinkie Pie smiled happily as they actually liking some ideas. They turned and headed off at once.

Night time...

Everyone went to bed because tomorrow they're gonna find and get their presents. As soon as everyone asleep, Applejack got up from her bed. She was about to exit but stopped by Cinnamon.

"What are you doing? It's 3 o'clock in the morning" Cinnamon asked in concern.

Applejack sighed in annoyance, "What does it looks like? We've gotta do somethin'! Pinkie Pie's family never had a real Hearth's Warmin'!"

"Seriously?"

"Well, I-I'm sure it's what she meant."

"Applejack, this is their tradition. We've gotta respect theirs. If you're doing something stupid, they're not gonna be happy. Besides, the others were okay with it especially Crossbow and Marble Pie. They just became a couple that evening."

Applejack sighed, "I know they have their traditions and we have ours, but I just want them to see how much better theirs could be."

"Showing them is one thing, but doing something at last minute," Cinnamon gulped in concern, "I don't think they're gonna be very happy family especially Limestone. You know how furious and angry she can be if anything goes wrong with their home."

"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. Come on. I need some help to do it."

He sighed in annoyance as he followed Applejack exiting the guest room. He had the bad feeling about it...

As the sun rises upon the Pie Family's Rock Farm, Pinkie Pie got up at once as she cheered and cried happily - 'Hearth's Warming'! She woke almost everyone up. As she exited her home, she was in shocked and feared of what she was seeing. Her Pie Family too felt that as well. The Apple Family was in shock yet worried as well. And oh boy...

"What. Happened. To. My. Farm!" Limestone Pie demanded angrily.

The Pie Family's Rock Farm is filled with more decorated and beautiful Hearth's Warming theme, and even a flag poled was placed near to the Holder's Boulder. Everyone turned and looked at Applejack and nervous Caramel.

"Applejack, no!" SCrossbow exclaimed in fear and concern while holding Marble Pie close to him, "What have you done?!"

"It's Hearth's Warmin', Apple-style! We've been doin' everythin' your way, I thought we could mix it up a bit!" Applejack explained happily. She then pushed Marble Pie before the flag pole. She continued, "Marble Pie, you could raise the Equestria flag up this pole, because you're the youngest Pie! Ma and Pa Pie, we'll cook you up a meal you'll never forget! And look, we all get presents without havin' to find 'em!"

Upon looking at the presents neared to the fence, Apple Bloom charged and rushed towards them. Just before she could open them, Big McIntosh pulled her tail back by his mouth. The Apple Family looked worry and scared about it.

Pinkie Pie gulped fearfully, "...Yeah, this is gonna be great! All the stuff she's said. Right, everypony?"

"Pinkamena Diane Pie! Truly thou cannot favor this madness!" Igneous Rock exclaimed furiously.

"What about what we usually do?!" Limestone Pie demanded angrily.

"Well, I wanna be one big family! And I, um, well, I-I don't know!" Pinkie Pie cried and sobbed in despair and painfully, "Don't make me choose!"

Applejack was in shock and surprise. She was expecting happiness and cheerfulness from Pinkie's family, not disappointed and angry.

"I told you!" Caramel whispered in annoyance and concern.

Applejack sighed as she pushed Caramel aside and continued, "I didn't mean to cause a fuss... Why don't we just open presents around the flag pole? It'll be fun, you'll see!"

CRACK! The farmland shaken and quake very hard and quick as it spread across the land from the flag poled. It headed straight for Holder's Boulder. It make the giant rock fell and rolled over to the edge. It fell and fell and fell to the bottom.

Limestone Pie gasped as she screamed in anger and agony, "Nooooooooooooooo!"

The flag poled snapped in two. Its top part fell to the ground hard.

"Oh boy," Applejack remarked fearfully.

Minutes later, Pie Family were removing and threw all the decoration Applejack had 'misplaced' on their home into garbage. The Apple Family returned to the guest room And the worse thing is about to happen in breaking Pinkie Pie's heart...

"You didn't have to ask them to leave!" Pinkie Pie pleaded in concern.

"They wanted to go! We don't need anypony forcing their way into our family!" Limestone Pie exclaimed in anger.

"This was all a misunderstanding, everypony! I know Applejack, and she'd never do anything bad to anypony!"

"Look around, Pinkie Pie! It's gonna take me ages to get this rock farm back on track! And how are we gonna lift Holder's Boulder?! This is all her fault!"

Pinkie Pie sighed in shame as she walked away from her family, "Then it's my fault too..."

"That's very harsh, don't you think? Pinkie Pie and Applejack are cousins. Can't you all get along?" Cheese Sandwich asked in concern. The Pie Family but Marble Pie gave him a annoying glare. He yelped in concern, "Forget what I just asked."

He hissed as he turned away and muttered, "Party Popper. I hate doing this to my new best friend."

Crossbow sighed in concern and upset as he shook his head. Marble Pie approached him. And before she could do anything, he hugged her in comfort.

"I'm sorry for the mess. I really am. But don't blame Applejack. She doesn't know it," He explained. Marble Pie remained silent and surprised of it. He continued, "If Pinkie told her about her tradition, Applejack wouldn't have made this far. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult your sister. It must be hurtful?"

Marble Pie nodded, "Mm-hmm."

"I guess I should help those two to get comfort. After all, it's just big misunderstanding."

"Mm-hmm. Go. Crossbow."

Crossbow nodded before giving her left cheek a kiss. Marble Pie blushed in red of surprise yet loved and appreciated. He headed off to find both Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

Within the guest room, Apple Family were packing their stuffs up since they were not welcomed to Pie Family's home anymore after the stunt Applejack had pulled.

"I'm sorry. I really am," Cinnamon Spice apologized as he was put his stuffs into his bag, "If only I had convinced Applejack not to do this, none of this could have happened."

"Oh, it's not your fault. You just want to help especially A.J." Granny Smith said gently. She sighed in upset, "Prob'ly best if we head back to Sweet Apple Acres. Maybe in time we'll be friends again, but for the now it's best if we give them a little space."

"I wish we didn't have to. I really like Maud. She's sweet once you get to know her. They all are." Apple Bloom commented. She sighed, "Worst Hearth's Warmin' ever."

"Eh, has anypony seen Applejack?" Caramel asked in concern.

Apple Family gasped in concern. They have forgotten about Applejack! What happen to her?!

At the familiar mine...

Applejack sniffled unhappily and despaired, "I really cracked the corn this time."

"I really popped the piñata this time." Pinkie Pie sniffled as she entered the mine. She stopped upon looking at familiar character in front of her. She gasped, "Applejack?"

Applejack gasped, "Pinkie Pie?"

"What are you doing here?" Applejack and Pinkie Pie asked simultaneously. They continued, "I came here to think! You did? So did I!"

Applejack sighed in shame "I'm too ashamed to go back up there. Your family, my family, they all must think I'm such a nincompoop."

"Aw, no one thinks that!" Pinkie Pie shook her head.

"I'm sorry I forced my traditions over yours. I don't want you to have to choose between the family you were born into and the friends who love you like one. I really hoped we could be one big happy family. I guess not."

"Don't say that!"

"None of you make the mistakes," The firm voice said calmly. Applejack and Pinkie Pie looked up as they found Crossbow sitting on rock. He continued, "It's the stupid tradition. After all, no one doesn't know it but expected them to follow and obey it because of the rule. It's very stupid It's the reason why I hated Hearth's Warming a lot..."

"Seriously?" Applejack asked in concern.

Pinkie Pie sniffed, "Is this why you left your family for every Hearth's Warming because of tradition?"

"Yes. I make a lot of mistakes. I just wish someone could have told me about it, instead of expected to follow it," Crossbow admitted, "If they did, the mess wouldn't have become serious..."

WHISTLED! Three ponies sighed in shame and upset. It's time for Applejack and her family to go home...

"I wish I could stay," Applejack said in upset, "but I have a train to catch."

"H-Ha... Happy Hearth's Warming." Pinkie Pie cried unhappily as she hugged Applejack.

Applejack cried as she hugged Pinkie Pie back, "You too."

Crossbow sighed while shaking his head. It really shattered both of them's hearts a lot. Hurtful and pitiful...

On the train, Apple Family were on their way back home now. All of them were upset and disappointed after what has happen.

"I just don't get why Holder's Boulder's so importnat?" asked Casey.

"You want to know why Holder's Boulder's so danged important?" Granny Smith asked. Applejack nodded. The old mare sighed as she explained, "Well, now their great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather Holder Cobblestone – he found that boulder in a dragon's nest, older than time itself! He built the family farm around it, even though it was just an ordinary rock. It always brought them good luck."

"Aw, crickets! That is important!" Applejack exclaimed in shock, "I got so caught up in the things they were doin', I never asked why they did 'em!"

Something fell and dropped to the ground in front of Apple Family. Applejack glanced and read the tag of it - 'To Applejack, from Pinkie Pie. Cousins forever.'

Apple Bloom gasped, "You just found your first Pie Hearth's Warmin' present ever!"

Applejack laughed happily, "Only Pinkie Pie could hide a present on a movin' train." She stopped as she began to realize of why Pie's family is so special and important, "...What a great tradition."

At Pie's Rock Farm, the Pie Family, Cheese Sandwich, Crossbow struggled in pushing the Holder's Boulder back to up on its peek. It's too heavy and not even Crossbow could push it back up.

"Rrrgh, it's hopeless!" Limestone Pie exclaimed in annoyance. She turned to Saber Dragoon, "Can't you use your Mystic Magic to move it up?!"

Crossbow grunted, "I maybe Mystic Pony, but that doesn't mean I'm the strongest. And I'm capable of using Wind Ability. And I doubt it would work on boulder! Damn it! I wish Mike was here to help!"

Pie Family stopped for the moment to rest as well as thinking of how to move boulder back to its peek of mountain edge.

"Need a little help?"

Pinkie Pie gasped as she turned and found familiar group. She screamed happily, "Apples!"

Limestone Pie groaned angrily, "What do you want?!"

Applejack took her hat down and bowed, "I wasn't tryin' to take your traditions away, I was tryin' to share ours. I was so focused on us bein' one big happy family, I thought we needed the same traditions right away. What I should've done was learn about yours and teach you about ours. And over time, we'd make new traditions together. I'm sorry, y'all."

Touched by Applejack's apology and realization, Pie Family turned and looked at Limestone Pie since they're willing to forgive Applejack for the mess she made. Limestone Pie also had hard time to forgive ponies as well. She thought for the moment before giving the smirk.

"Well, don't just stand there! We got a boulder to move!"

Apple Family smiled happily as they joined with Pie Family in pushing the boulder together all the way up to the mountain's edge.

"I think we've just invented our first combined tradition! Pushing Holder's Boulder out of the quarry!" Pinkie Pie squealed happily, "I can't wait for Applejack to knock it over next Hearth's Warming!"

"No way!" Crossbow, Casey and Cheese Sandwich exclaimed in denying.

But nevertheless, everyone laughed happily yet enjoyable of Pinkie Pie's joke. It was memorable and meaningful tradition they ever had...

At Pie Family's Home, everything change and become something different than before. Both family decided to combined their tradition together as one.

Both Applejack and Pinkie helped and placed all of their family's dolls on the shelf. Both Casey and Cheese Sandwich were playing with their music instruments - banjo and accordion in Hearth's Warming theme song. Apple Bloom, Maud Pie and even Limestone Pie enjoyed eating their sweet buns, and even for Maud's little Boulder. Crossbow, Marble Pie and Big McIntosh have their own chats with each other.

"I'm guessing we all want to wish each other a happy Hearth's Warming?" Crossbow asked in amusement.

Marble Pie nodded, "Mm-hmm!"

"Eeyup." Big McIntosh nodded in agreement. He then held the mistletoe a top of Saber Dragoon and Marble Pie, "Mistletoe!"

Both Crossbow and Marble Pie blushed in reddish, not only embarrassment but love and joy. They both laughed happily as they leaned and kissed each other's lips happily and passionately.

Granny Smith, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz learned each other's languages.

"Eh, lemme see here, uh..." Granny Smith said happily as she tried Pie's Traditional Language, "If thou ask-eth me, uh, thou two art, eh, okay-eth in my book."

Igneous Rock smiled as he tried Apple Traditional Language, "Yee-haw."

Both Cloudy Quartz and Granny Smith clapped their hooves in approval.

Applejack opened her present - turned out to be a giant boulder. Pinkie Pie approached as she greeted her cousin.

"Happy Hearth's Warming!"

Applejack smiled, "Happy Hearth's Warmin' too, Pinkie Pie."

KNOCK! Everyone looked surprise and shock. Who could that be?

Limestone Pie opened and found a group of strangers, "Who are you? How did you know this place?"

Pinkie came as she gasped in surprise and shock, "Lord Corbin! Prince Whirlwind! You're here!"

Virtue Dragon and Whrilwind weren't the only ponies were here. Blade Dragoon, Warpath Temper and their children - Rogue, Terrastrikean armored darker greenish Pegasus with a brown short mane and tail tied with sash, and Jasmine Jade Cherry a young mare with long black mare and tail with two flower bun-pin on both sides dressed in her greenish Chinese Cheong Sam, Sparkle Shield and Heavy came as well. Black Noble and Scorch were there as well.

"Dad? Everyone?"Crossbow asked in surprise and shock. He continued, "What are you doing here? And how did you know I'm here?"

"It's the only place you go during Hearth's Warming, son. I noticed it a lot," Corbin explained calmly. He cleared his throat, "But that's not important. We're here because we want to celebrate our Hearth's Warming together."

"Yeah. It wouldn't be much fun without you!" Warpath Temper exclaimed happily.

"Wait? You all were waiting for me?" Crossbow asked in surprise, "I thought it was just for royalty, blood-related and sworn brotherhood only. So, I wasn't included."

Blade Dragoon chuckled in amusement, "My dear boy, that is the past, this is present. After what you have done before and for our home, we decide to include you in our group for Hearth's Warming."

"Really?" Saber Dragoon asked in surprise.

Kindy nodded, "Yes. We are the family."

"So may we?" Virtue Dragon asked calmly, "I did adopt you because you were like me. We have no family but these ponies are."

Saber Dragoon thought for the moment before smiled happily, "Why not? Come on in! It's time for Hearth's Warming!"

Warpath Temper chuckled in amusement, "Who wants Apple Cider?! They're way better than my wines!"

"Do not forget about Winter Sweet Dumpling!" Blade Dragoon added.

Pinkie Pie yelped in disgust, "Eew! Not that food again! They're not sweet!" Everyone glared at her for disrespectful. She chuckled uneasily, "No offense. Just eat them if you like it..."

Everyone laughed and cheered wildly and happily. Crossbow's family entered the scene.

Corbin chatted happily with Granny Smith and Pinkie's Parents about the tradition. Saber Dragoon told Rogue and Sparkle Shield about his new girlfriend - Marble Pie who is still shy in meeting them. Big McIntosh was challenging with Terrastrike for hoof wrestling, same goes for Limestone Pie and Heavy. Warpath, Blade Dragoon, Skysoar and Scorch enjoyed their Apple Cider drinks. Maud Pie, Apple Bloom, Whrilwind and Jasmine chatted with each other about Hearth's Warming while eating Ma's Winter Sweet Dumplings. Applejack, Casey, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich sang their Hearth's Warming song for everyone to listen.

Happy Hearth's Warming...

Episode 15-What About Discord

Twilight Sparkle and her family emerged out from Castle of Friendship. Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath before walking down the stairs. Ashely, Spike, and Twinkle looked boring and annoying. She must have done something wrong to them or rather something bored them to death.

"Worst long weekend ever..." Ashley complained. He grunted upon looking at the sun, "Damn the sun. It's blinding my eyes."

Twinkle nudged Ashley's chest hard, "Quit your complaining. So it's been a little while since we've seen the sun."

"A little while?" Spike asked in annoyance before grumbling, "We've been in that library for three straight days! All just for 'book-sort-cation'."

"Yes, but they were three very productive days!" Twilight Sparkle admitted while smiling at her children, "It's not like we missed anything."

"What the heck is that?!" Ashley asked in shock.

Twilight Sparkle and her children looked up and found two spiral-like twisters. They're heading straight to the Sparkle Family. The family quickly ducked down at once as the twisters passed them while crashed to the ground hard.

As Twilight Sparkle and her children slowly got up, they turned to their back to find out of what crashed to the ground. Rainbow Dash and Discord were standing still and looking at them.

"Hello, Twilight! Hi, Spike!" Rainbow Dash and Discord greeted happily.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash. Good to see you, Discord." Twilight Sparkle greeted uneasily, "Did you rehearse before you found us?"

"What makes you think we practiced?"

"Come on, Rainbow Dash. What's going on here?"

Rainbow Dash snickered and laughed happily, "Sorry. Me and Discord are just messin' around. Like we do."

"Since when?" Twinkle asked in surprise.

"Oh, Twilight. We simply had a momentous time together these past three days. You could say it was..." Discord commented as he transformed into a snake, "...'hiss-terical'!"

Both Rainbow Dash and Discord laughed in amusement and happily. It makes Twilight and her family very uncomfortable and concern.

"I don't get it," Spike asked in concern.

Ashely shrugged, "Me neither."

"Kind of an inside joke from this weekend. You wouldn't really get it unless you were there." Rainbow Dash explained in amusement. Twilight and her family were still uncomfortable about it. She sighed happily,"Well, uh, catch you later, Twilight!"

Discord laughed in amusement, "Catch you later, Twilight."

As Rainbow Dash flew off, Discord started running very hard that could dug the dirt out of ground before he disappeared before everyone's eyes.

"What was that?" Ashley asked in concern.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "That was strange, right? Since when have Rainbow Dash and Discord had inside jokes?"

"Since sometime in the last three days, I guess." Spike remarked in annoyance.

Twinkle nudged Spike's chest, "Hey! Nopony made you join me and mummy on her book-sort-cation."

"I'm jokin', I'm jokin'!" Spike corrected.

Ashley hummed, "So, what's next?"

"Let's check on Rarity. Let's see what she's up to," Twilight Sparkle suggested, "And hopefully, we can find out of what your father has been up to for last three days especially today. He never mind-linked with me or even send me a scroll. He's up to something. I can feel it."

Ashley, Twinkle and Spike remained silent as they were all worried for Twilight Sparkle. They haven't seen Ash or Pikachu for three days since they began their 'book-sort-cation'.

...
...

At the small squared building, ponies were cheering wildly and happily as they were watching the fighting arena. They were betting on two best fighters in arena. Black Falcon was among them. He hasn't been seen for nearly a year since the end of Third Mystic War. Pikachu was outside of the building as he was watching the arena.

Ash was battling with Martial Artist Unicorn. The latter fought fiercely at the former by punching and kicking for few times but only missed and blocked by him. The Martial Artist gave Ash a hard punch on chest, making the latter pushed back very hard.

Ash grunted, "Come on! Is that all you've got?!"

Martial Artist groaned as he charged and attacked Ash with everything he has. As Martial Artist continued attacking, he slowly getting tired and exhausted. Ash gave Martial Artist punches thrice before kicked him off hard. Ponies went wild as they threw the bits at Ash as he won the arena.

Pikachu was outside as he was putting some bags of money on Pikachu's back. Black Falcon approached him.

Ash glared at Black Falcon, "What are you doing here?

"I could ask you the same thing," He asked in amusement. Ash remained silent. He continued, "You haven't lost your fighting spirits, even though you said you're done with it. You wanted more. You want to keep fighting. After all, you're the warrior."

"Shut up."

"Deny all you want, but you're still a warrior from your heart. That's what you always will be."

"Shut up!"

"Fine... But what will your girlfriend say when she sees this? You know she won't be please about it," Black Falcon commented in amusement. Ash narrowed his angry eyes while remained silent. BF smirked as he turned and walked away, "Good luck with your life, my old rival..."

As Ash remained and anger at BF, Pikachu growled in concern as he lowered his head close to his master. Ash turned and patted his head gently. He wondered if he should continued or not...

As Rarity was busy in making dresses on manikins, Twilight and her family entered Carousal Boutique. Its door bell attracted Rarity to turn and check on front door.
Rarity gasped, "Twilight! You've returned from your book sorting sabbatical! All that organizing has done wonders for your complexion!"

"Thanks! It was very relaxing." Twilight Sparkle thanked happily, "And we were able to clear a shelf for those old-fashioned books you wanted to donate."

Rarity scoffed as she levitated the ball to Twilight Sparkle, "They're not old, darling. They're vintage, and they're over there! I've even included my favorites by former Canterlot designer to the stars Rococo Froufrou!"

"Twilight! This makes twice I'm seeing you in one day! Aren't I lucky?"

Twilight and her family yelped in surprise as they turned to their back. They found Discord is with Fluttershy. Wasn't he with Rainbow Dash?

"Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike! Hi, Ashley! Hi, Twinkle! How was your book-sort-cation?" Fluttershy asked.

"It was good!" Nyx answered happily.

Fluttershy giggled, "Orange you glad you did it?"

Suddenly; she, Rarity and even Discord laughed in amusement together. It made Twilight and her children very uncomfortable. Usually, Mane Five never actually have a great time with Discord except for Fluttershy.

"Orange you glad! Oh, Fluttershy, you're a card!" Rarity laughed happily.

"You do seem to be turning a shade of..." Discord commented but gasped, "orange!"

Fluttershy got turned into an orange. Three of them laughed in amusement and happily. Discord peeled the pedicel out as the orange peeled out while Fluttershy emerged from it. Twilight and her family were still confused and uncomfortable about it.

"I don't get it," Ashley asked in confusion.

Spike shrugged, "Me neither."

Rarity smiled, "Oh, sorry, darling. You see, we were at Sweet Apple Acres and, uh, ooh, how to explain..."

"Well, let me try and paint her a picture, dearest." Discord interrupted as he transformed into the form of Bob Ross with art block and painting tools. He was painting Sweet Apple Acres, "You see, we were all at Sweet Apple Acres, and I ended up turning the trees into the most—"

Discord returned to his normal self, "Oh, who am I kidding? I simply can't do it justice. You really had to be there."

"We would've invited you to come along too, but we didn't want to interrupt your organizing. We know how important it is to you." Fluttershy added.

"And I'm sure it was much more important than the fun that we had." Discord laughed in amusement.

"I appreciate that..." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily, "Speaking of books, I should get these on the shelves."

Fluttershy and Rarity laughed happily as they were watching Discord juggling the turning from apples to oranges. Twilight and her children felt uneasy and concern about this.

...
...

Ash and Pikachu were walking across the Ponyville while looked around in making sure he wasn't spotted by Twilight Sparkle or any of her friends.

"That was tough fight for three days,"Ash remarked in annoyance. He rubbed on his cheek gently. He hissed painfully, "Well, it better be worth it. I darn hate doing nothing."

Pikachu growled in concern at Ash. The hero hummed in concern as he knew what his pet was wondering. He had a bad feeling that Twilight Sparkle won't be happy.

Suddenly, they heard someone talking. Ash used his Summon Stone to put Pikachu back in, avoiding the bags of money to be seen or heard. They headed off and checked on whose voice belonged to. They spotted Twilight Sparkle and the children were chatting while walking across the street.

Twilight Sparkle hummed suspiciously, "Rainbow Dash bonding with Discord, Rarity finding something he did genuinely funny..."

"Must've been some weekend." Ash joined in. Twilight Sparkle and her children noticed him. He smiled, "Hey there."

"Where have you been for the weekend?"

"Visiting my friends and family. Nothing much."

"So, I heard. Something's off with my friends. They'd never been supportive with Discord."

"Somepony sorry she missed it?"

Twilight Sparkle huffed, "Very funny. Of course not."

"Look whatever it is, I'm sure you have nothing to shame that you're jealous. Just tell me." Ash insisted. Twilight Sparkle remained silent and quiet for the moment. Her children looked concern about her. He sighed, "Come on, Twilight. Tell us, so we can help you."

Just before Twilight Sparkle could explain, they heard the loud laughter. It came from Sugarcube Corner!

Twilight Sparkle and her family went into Sugarcube Corner to find out of what's really going on. They found Applejack and Pinkie Pie were laughing hysterically and wildly. And at the same time, Discord was at counter, eating his cupcakes.

"What the hell?" Ashley asked in shock.

Twinkle nodded, "I know. This is getting weirder. Something's off."

"Not to mention, he's everywhere today, isn't he?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

"What is Discord up to?" Ash asked suspiciously.

"We had just finished our soup, and then Applejack said," Discord said in amusement. His head turned into Applejack's head as he imitated her, "Peanut butter hoof? Yuck, not even with jelly!"

Applejack and Pinkie Pie then laughed in amusement and hysterically.

"I don't get it," Ash said in concern.

Pinkie Pie laughed, "It was hilarious! I wish we'd taken a picture for you!"

"Oh, well, this should do!"

Discord jumped to the center. He was wearing the peanut butter bottle as his shoes. He then began danced happily while tapping the bottles at each other. Applejack and Pinkie Pie laughed in amusement and happily. Twilight Sparkle and her family were still uncomfortable and confused.

"I still don't get it," Ash said in concern.

"Well, seems this has become quite the..." Discord said in amusement as he tried to take the bottles out. But instead, it poured the peanut butter out. He then laughed, "sticky situation!"

Applejack and Pinkie joined the laughter as well. Discord took the bottles out.

Applejack turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle, "Aw, shucks, Twilight. We haven't even asked how your weekend went."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "It was fine!"

"And yet you look so glum. Does somepony need a huggy-wuggy?" Discord taunted in amusement,

"I am not glum. I'm glad!" Twilight Sparkle insisted, "I'm glad you all had such a good time together. Having inside jokes can really create a lasting bond between friends."

"I'm just sorry that all this bonding happened while you were holed up in your castle."

Applejack smiled as she patted Discord, "Heh. Oh, don't you worry about Twilight. Bet you were in hog heaven organizin' all them books. Again."

"I'm sure I had just as much fun as the rest of you." Twilight Sparkle smiled in amusement.
...
...

At the Castle of Friendship's Meeting Chamber...

"I can't believe I missed out on all that bonding!" Twilight Sparkle complained as she was sitting on her chair.

Spike was chewing his rubies, "I knew it! You are jealous!"

Twinkle nodded, "He does have the point about it."

"I'm the Princess of Friendship. I don't get jealous." Twilight Sparkle protested calmly, "I'm sorry I missed out because sharing that experience would've helped me with my Princess of Friendship duties!"

"Come again," Ash asked.

"If our friends could enjoy three full days with Discord that much, it must have something to do with the specific things they did together!" Twilight Sparkle said thoughtfully, "If we could find out what those things were, it could be a real breakthrough in the science of friendship!"

"You're not planning something silly again, aren't you?" Spike asked in concern.

"She is," Twinkle hissed.

Twilight Sparkle squealed happily, "This is gonna be so much fun!"

"Sure, it is," Ashley remarked sarcastically.

"I can't join with you," Ash said. Everyone looked at him. He gulped nervously, "I've got something else to do. I'll see you later. And Twilight, please don't do something stupid."

"Me? Please! I know what I'm doing," Twilight Sparkle said while rolling her eyes.

Ash sighed, "That's what worries me."

On the next day, Twilight Sparkle gathered both family and friends at the park. She planned to recreate the event that Mane Five and Discord had enjoy for three days.

"Thank you for coming. I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't important." Twilight Sparkle said calmly, "I want to know how these funny moments you shared came to pass. I can use this data to help advance friendships all over Equestria."

"Well, I like the sound of that!" Applejack smiled of approval.

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity chatted and nodded in agreement.

"Perfect. Let's start with the snake." Twilight Sparkle instructed.

"It started when we were helping Granny Smith with her garden..." Discord began his story, "And then Rainbow Dash saw a snake!"

"I think it was a garden hose." Fluttershy insisted.

Rainbow Dash smirked, "It was a hose snake. Super deadly."

"I recall it bein' a large stick that looked like a hose that," Applejack added, "in turn, did in fact resemble a snake."

"Point is, we galloped away." Pinkie Pie exclaimed wildly and happily, "And it chased after us!

Ashley gave his raised left-eyebrow, "Say what now?"

"Is this some kind of joke?" Twinkle asked in concern.

"We literally trotted for our lives. Isn't that hilarious?" Discord laughed happily, "I guess you had to be there."

"I do need to be there." Twilight Sparkle smiled. Pinkie Pie and Discord dressed as Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown while posing in traveling back to time. She groaned, "Absolutely not! Time travel is not something to be messed with. We simply need to recreate everything that led to these jokes."

Discord smirked, "Oh, what a brilliant idea! Shall we begin with the lunch date that kicked off the glorious weekend you missed out on?"

Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement. Discord and Mane Five led and guided Twilight Sparkle and her children to their beginning of inner jokes. Unknown to any of them, Plasma Bolt was spying on them, hiding behind the bushes.

"Time Travel? Hmm..." He asked in amusement, "Could this be what Zytle has been talking about? If it is, I can't wait to use it."

At the Fighting Arena...

Ash grunted as he was beaten to the ground. He looked up and found stronger and bulkier than Bulk Biceps. He roared in anger as he stomped his hooves on Ash, who rolled away and away from the strong armed stallion. As Ash got up, he quickly jumped on the pole. As strong arm stallion charged straight at the Mystic General, the former jumped over and gave the latter a body slam to the ground hard. Ash took the wrestler up and thrown him to the wrestling arena's ropes. As the wrestler got bounced back, Ash gave the former a hard arm slam to the ground.

The crowds went wild again as they threw both bits and flowers at Ash. Ash held his right hoof up proudly.

Ash was settling the bags of money on Pikachu's back. He was counting on the Equestria Bits. Black Falcon approached him again.

"I know you're hotheaded and spirited fighter, but-" He chuckled a bit, "I'd never thought you'd be so greedy as the Cruez."

Ash groaned, "Shut up. I have my own reason."

"Really? Struggled to fit in your new peaceful life? Secretly fighting with the martial artists and wrestlers at arena? Earning bits for yourself? What else reason you do have?"

"Like I said, I have my own reason."

BF scoffed, "Whatever. One day, you might get into a big fight, Ash. And if that happens, what will your girlfriend say about this?"

Ash stopped at once as he gave into his thoughts about what he should do with Twilight Sparkle and others if they learned about his involvement with fighting especially earning the bits. He sighed in defeat and calmly.

"That won't happen," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Nothing will..."

BF smirked, "Let's hope so. Good luck for tomorrow night's fight. You're gonna need it. "

BF disappeared through the puff of smoke. Ash remained silent for the moment while Pikachu growled in anger and annoyance. They both hated him a lot but hated to admit it that he could be right about keeping secrets from Twilight Sparkle and her friends. One day, they might get into troubles sooner than later.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends were at the restaurant. They were sitting down on the red cloth table. Twilight Sparkle was writing down on her notes to find out of how and what makes Mane Five and Discord weekend so much interesting.

"Remember, One change to the equation could ruin the experiment," Twilight Sparkle said, "Alright, so you sat down at the table, and then what happened?"

Ashley hummed, "She's really specific on her work, doesn't she?"

Twinkle shrugged, "Well, that's her, alright. She loved everything to be exact and perfect but no mistakes. Hopefully, we don't go through the my mummy's panic wild mode again when she turned everyone into crazy loving ponies over Mr. Smartypants. It was very crazy."

"What?!"Ashley asked in surprise.

Spike chuckled in amusement, "It's a long and funny story."

Twilight sighed, "Can we get on it?"

"Certainly," Discord said in amusement.

Mane Five and Discord explained about what really happen last three days about their bonded weekend day, though they make several changes such as red tablecloth, cloud in ice-cream shaped, and even the soup at the right temperature until they reached to the part where Discord got his feet stuck on peanut butter bottles for dancing happily. Mane Five laughed happily for it while Twilight and her family were still confused and uncomfortable about it.

"No? Nothing?" Discord asked in surprise.

"Are you sure there's not something you've missed?" Twilight Sparkle asked uneasily.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel we've been pretty exhaustive in our attempts to recreate every single detail of our previous encounter." Discord commented in tired manner.

Mane Five chatted and nodded in agreement.

Ashley sighed, "I think it's best we forget about this. It's not really that important."

"He's right. And I'm tired too," Twinkle yawned.

"But it is really important that I figure this out. It's for the good of all Equestria!" Twilight Sparkle insisted.

"Well, there is one last variable that we haven't accounted for." Discord said in concern before looking at Twilight Sparkle, "You!"

"Me?"

"You weren't there observing us. No matter how hard we try, we can't possibly recreate our weekend of fun exactly as it happened because you'll always be watching, and you weren't there."

Everyone sans Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern and thoughtfully of what Discord had said. He could be right. It was Twilight Sparkle's fault for not being there and even want to recreate the occurred event perfectly when everyone is done with it.

Discord added, "It has only served to prove that moments of levity and bonding between friends simply cannot be recreated so that others might share in the experience."

Ashley hummed in concern, "Discord makes the point, I guess. If we wanna be there, we just have to be there before miss it."

"Yeah. Spend too much time on library," Spike remarked. Twinkle gave him a glare. He yelped, "Just kidding! Just kidding!"

Twinkle sighed, "I guess mummy's friends just enjoy their time with Discord. We just missed it."

"Oh, don't worry, darling. I'm sure there'll be plenty of other chances for you to share in the kind of-" Rarity giggled happily, "-frivolity we had with Discord while you were away."

"Yeah, and I'll bet they'll be just as hissssss-terical!" Rainbow Dash laughed happily.

Everyone laughed happily as they began walked away and returned to home. Discord gave a sly smirk as he walked pass Twilight Sparkle and her children. Applejack noticed his smirk. She turned to Twilight Sparkle who was looking down in sad. The cowgirl felt that she should comfort the princess since they're both close friends and sister-figures as well.

At Castle of Friendship on night time...

Twilight Sparkle was trotting around the library as she was thinking about Discord and Mane Five being friends. Ashley, Spike and even Twinkle were sleeping now. Ash got into the chamber where he spotted his girlfriend was still thinking. He knew one thing - Twilight Sparkle refused to believe or even denying that she's jealous.

"Twilight? Are you alright?" Ash asked.

"I'm not buying it. Not for a second. There is definitely something else going on here!" Twilight Sparkle muttered, "Even if I'm not able to laugh at what happened, I should be able to figure out why they find it funny. Why they think they had this amazing and hilarious time together. But I can't figure it out! It doesn't make sense!"

"Some things just can't be explained."

"Not to me. Our friends think something great happened to them while I was away, but no. It was something awful!"

"Twilight, I don't think that's really spell the reason."

"Spell?" Twilight Sparkle asked in realization She gasped, "If we don't break the spell they're under, who knows what terrible things could happen?!"

"Twilight, you're being ridiculous! Discord never used the spell on your friends. If he did, I would have sensed it."

"Maybe, you didn't. But I know it is! And I'm gonna prove it!"

"You want proof? Here it is! You're jealous of them for having fun without you! All this is just to cover your stupid denial to prove that you're always right!"

"No, I'm not! I just want to look after my friends!" Twilight Sparkle protested. Ash huffed. She hummed suspiciously while glaring at him, "Then, what about you? What you've been up to after past five days? I don't supposed that you have something more interesting?"

"What are you talking about?" Ash asked fearfully.

"Don't try to lie me. I sent message to your dad and other friends. They told me that you didn't visit them! And not to mention; I heard rumors that there was the champion won every fighting arena. You wouldn't be involved of it, didn't you?"

"What? me? Don't be ridiculous!"

"Just admit, mister, you like fighting than just peaceful life. That's why you get into fighting arena - all for the fight."

"No! That's not true!"

"Yeah, right. You may think about loving me and some peace and quiet but you were missing those glory days as the hero, didn't you?"

"Get over yourself, Twilight! You're the one who talk. Couldn't admit that you're jealous of your friends' hangout with Discord."

"Hey, I'm just being honest to myself and especially to you! You enjoy fighting and money than me!"

"You're crazy!" Ash shouted.

Twilight Sparkle shouted back, "You're a liar!"

Ash and Twilight Sparkle gave each other a glare for the moment. Ash was the first to walk away, followed by Twilight Sparkle. He headed to his room while she headed out to find Zecora. Applejack noticed it as she sighed in concern about it. She had the bad feeling about this...

At Zecora's Hut...

"Zecora, what do you think? Can you undo Discord's magic?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"In what way can you tell that they are indeed under a spell?" Zecora asked curiously as she was working on her

"They're having fun with Discord, that's why!"

"Ah. A friendship with Discord is truly a shock. But who says it is something that we must block?"

"Trust me, they would never laugh like that unless something magical was involved. It's not that funny. I know funny."

Zecora sighed as she passed the bottle of potion to Twilight Sparkle, "Alright. This potion will break the spell, then you will be able to tell."

Twilight Sparkle smiled in relief and happy. As she was about to turn, she found Applejack standing on the entrance.

"Applejack, what are you doing here?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "Aren't you at home for resting and sleeping?"

Applejack sighed, "Twilight, I saw everything. And believe in me, what we did before is real and not spell. Discord really is our friend."

"Are you sure? Coz I still think Discord is behind it."

"Twilight, look at my eyes," Applejack said calmly. Twilight Sparkle looked at her gentle and calm eyes. She continued, "What do you see, Twi? Did you see I was under a spell? Did you see I would lie to my best friend after everything she has done for me and my home? Did you see me just to ignore helping you? Did you see me for not being honest?"

Twilight Sparkle looked closely at Applejack's eyes while thinking carefully. Her cowgirl friend shown to be firm, calm, caring and even honesty.

"No, you wouldn't," Twilight Sparkle said in defeat. She sighed, "You were right, Applejack. And I was wrong. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, sugarcube. It's okay."

"I wasn't there. I missed out. And seeing you having all these jokes I wasn't a part of and couldn't understand made me..."

"Jealous?"

"No. The Princess of Friendship can't get jealous."

"Sure you can, Twilight, and none of me or our friends begrudge you for it. I'm sorry if me and girls made you feel left out."

"You didn't do anything wrong. You're allowed to share things that don't include me."

"And you're allowed to feel a little jealous about it. You just have to be able to admit it and not try to make us recreate everything that happened when you weren't around."

Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement, "I guess you're right. So, we should head back and tell the girls how I feel."

Applejack smiled, "Ya, we better. We actually want you be there but Discord suggested not to. Next time, we bring you along."

"Wait? What?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. Applejack turned to her. She continued, "You want me to be there? Discord convinced you and others not to?"

"Well, yeah. He said not to disturb you because you were busy with your weekend. So, I don't see..." Applejack stopped as she realized what and why Twilight Sparkle was in shock. She remarked in anger, "Why that no good snake!"

Twilight hissed, "I know. I can't believe it either."

Zecora approached as she took the bottle away from Twilight Sparkle. She smiled a bit.

"If the joke is on you done by him, why not bring joke on him back? There's an old saying to return a favor to him - payback." Zecora said in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle and Applejack thought for the moment. They both realized of what Zecorad had said. They both turned and looked at each other. They both smiled. They're gonna like this plan.

In the early morning...

Ash and Pikachu were walking across Ponyville Street. They have arrived at the fighting arena. Pikachu growled in concern while Shadow Dragon patted his pet gently.

"One last fight," Ash said calmly, "Then, it'll be over."

Pikachu waited outside while howling proudly, Ash entered the arena where everyone were cheering wildly and happily. He continued walking down the red carpet as he headed straight to the ring. He then spotted a familiar rival standing before him.

"So, you're my last opponent?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock.

Black Falcon smirked, "Yes. I've been waiting for a long time. It's time to find out why come back to fight during peaceful time."

"I'm not gonna tell you anything."

"I'll have to force you the hard way."

DING! Both Ash and Black Falcon charged into the battle as they both fought very hard. The crowds went wild. The final showdown begins!

In the early morning at Castle of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack called all of their friends and even children at the meeting chamber. They explained to theirs about what Discord did for the last six days. Mane Six and even three Sparkle Children nodded in agreement as they decide to trick him.

"Hi, Twilight! The gang mentioned we'd all be hanging out together today!" The familiar voice called. Everyone turned to meeting chamber's entrance. Twilight Sparkle gave Discord a glare. He continued while dancing in his peanut-butter bottles, "Yeah! The peanut-butter-hoof gang!"

Everyone remained silent for the moment while glancing at him. Discord was surprise as he thought they would like his joke.

"Is there something you wanna tell us?" Twilight Sparkle asked. Discord was confused. She continued, "Like why didn't you invite me to hangout?"

Everyone glared at Discord.

Discord chuckled uneasily while turned his mouth upside down, "You knew? Well, I didn't think that they should interrupt you. But now I see that we should have. Oh, I feel just terrible."

"You don't look like you feel terrible." Pinkie Pie remarked.

"You didn't suggest not inviting Twilight because you wanted to make her feel left out, did you?" Applejack demanded.

"Of course not. That whole jealousy thing was just a happy accident."

Discord chuckled as he pained his greenish paint on the art block of gentle Twilight Sparkle into angry and mad jealousy mare.

"Certainly we can all agree that Princess Twilight learned a valuable lesson here – that even she can have feelings of jealousy, that she should recognize said feelings rather than trying to pretend that she doesn't have them."

Twilight Sparkle and her friends gave Discord an annoying glare.

"Mm-hmm. Did I get the tiniest bit of glee out of watching her try to recreate our weekend of fun in the name of science? Oh, most definitely! But what's important here is that it was never my intent to make Twilight feel jealous. That's something that the old me would have tried to do."

Discord took an orange out and asked, "Orange you glad I've changed?"

Everyone remained silent for the moment while looking at him. Discord was in shock and concern. Why aren't they laughing at him?

"Orange! Like the ones at the Applejack farm! I-I mean, from this weekend!" Discord asked as the oranges fell. Everyone remained silent for the moment. He then transformed into a snake, "No? Nothing? Really? I thought you'd find this hisss-terical!"

"...Yes, no. Discord, I think these jokes have run their course." Rarity said in not amusement.

"Only way we'd find them funny now is if you put us all under some kind of spell!" Pinkie Pie joked.

Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Come on, you'd have to be a complete crazy pony to think he'd do something like that! What are you gonna say next, Pinkie? That we all have to drink some weird potion to break the spell?"

Everyone the laughed in amusement. It made Discord shock and confused about the jokes they make.

"I-I-I don't get it. Somepony want to tell me what's so hilarious? Anypony? Hello?!" Discord demanded. Everyone ignored him. He continued demanding as he shrunk himself into small figure, "I'm talking to you! You! And-and you and you! W-W-What's funny about spells? I mean, really, I don't get it, I feel left out and I feel really bad about that..."

"Sorry, buddy. Guess you had to be there." Spike remarked in amusement.

Ashley chuckled, "Yeah. This one is hisss-terical!"

Twinkle giggled happily, "Sounds familiar, Discord?"

Discord moaned in upset and disappointment as he looked down. An orange appeared before him. He grabbed it before looked up. He found Twilight Sparkle standing before him. She's actually forgiving him.

Discord magically appeared in his normal size as he hugged all the ponies. They all laughed happily and hysterically about the joke and fun they had. They were relief of it.

"Now, that's done. There's someone I owe to apologize," Twilight Sparkle said calmly.

Everyone turned and glared at her. What did she do this time?

Twilight and her friends arrived at the fighting arena where they saw the crowds went wild for the fight. Pikachu was outside watching the event since he's too big to fit in. They even found Ash and Black Falcon fought each other fiercely and determinedly.

BF gave a swift kick on Ash, who dodged down while rolling to the front. Ash turned and gave a thrust punch on BF, who quickly gave the kick on the Ultimate Mystic Warrior's face hard. They both fell to the ground hard. They both got up at once before charged at once. Both swung and struck punches and even giving a swipe kick at each other while blocking and dodging them for few times. They then launched at each other's faces very hard before they got pushed aside very hard. Both charged again but got clashed as they held each other's hooves.

"I see you haven't lose your touch," BF remarked in amusement, "It could have make me bore to death. It will be glory for me to taste of your defeat."

Ash groaned, "Too bad. I'm not here for glory!"

Both charged at once as they both punched and kicked at each other fiercely. As they were about to make another punch, Ash dodged down before gave BF an uppercut before kicked his chest off hard. He grunted as he dropped to the ground. Ash charged in as he rammed his rival hard to the ground. BF moaned and groaned painfully.

The crowds went wild as they all threw all the bits and flowers at Ash. He breathed heavily as he waved at them.

Black Falcon coffed as he slowly get up, "So, you've won? What will you do next for your reason?"

"I have my own reason," He answered as he collected the bits from the manager. He walked all the way up to the stairs. He found Twilight Sparkle and her friends standing before him. He sighed, "Finally got over your silly pride."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yeah, I did. And I'm sorry too. You were right about me. I was nearly doing something stupid. I was lucky to have someone be there for me. Applejack deserved it."

Ash nodded in understanding, "Yeah. And I'm sorry too for the argument and hiding the secrets that I'm bored with peaceful life. I'm a warrior who lived to fight."

"I know. But why do you need the money for?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

He smiled, "Oh, you're gonna love this one."

Twilight and her friends were filled with surprise, shock yet amaze. Black Falcon worn the disgust and disappointed looks before he disappeared through the black smoke. Ash was passing some bags of money to a few orphanages. Ash played with the fillies and colts playfully and happily. The managers and caretakers thanked him happily for charity and donation.

Ash returned to the group, who remained silent for the moment. He smirked, "What do you think?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "It's great. But seriously, fighting arena to earn the bits?"

"Hey, I'm the warrior. I lived for the fighting, even though I enjoy peace."

"I guess I can't argue with that. But please, no more lying again?"

"No more lying. Promised," Ash nodded.

Twilight Sparkle and Ash hugged happily and passionately. Everyone awed happily as they were glad to see the couples are back together again.

Episode 16-The Nature War

Fluttershy was flying straight to Castle of Friendship while her Cutie Mark glowed brightly. This means one thing...

Just before she could enter the castle, Twilight Sparkle opened the door at once. She looked very exciting and happy. Twilight Sparkle quickly grabbed Fluttershy and teleported to the hallway at once. The princess giggled happily.

"Isn't this exciting?!" Twilight Sparkle asked happily as she shown her Cutie Mark glowing.

"Oh! You were called, too! Thank goodness. I feel so much better going with a friend." Fluttershy commented.

"I was about to come and get you, but then I got distracted." Twilight explained happily as she and Fluttershy entered the meeting chamber. The area is filled with tons of books and information. She giggled happily. "Ever since the map called us, I've been doing a ton of research."

"Ever since the map called us? But that happened five minutes ago." Fluttershy asked in surprise.

The familiar voice grunted, "Yeah... Trust me on this, Fluttershy. She's always want to prepare for this."

Fluttershy turned to her left as she found both Rarity and Rainbow Dash emerged from the tons of books. They both looked mess up. They approached their friend.

"Rainbow Dash? Rarity? You were both summoned as well?" Fluttershy asked in surprise and shock.

Rainbow Dash grunted, "Yeah. We were at Twilight's home to talk about some charity event next week. And the next, the map call us."

"Let us not forget that, Twilight started do tons of research for some possible friendship problem," Rarity added in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle giggled, "I wanna be one hundred percent prepared! I mean, I'm the Princess of Friendship. How would it look if I couldn't solve a friendship problem?"

"I'm so lucky I'm being sent with you." Fluttershy smiled in relief as she approached to the Cutie Map. She asked, "So, where are we all going?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she looked at her Cutie Mark and Fluttershy's at Smokey Mountain while Rainbow Dash's and Rarity's at the Land of Knighton's southeastern area - Chinese Palace and towns on large land and small islands along with large pond-like and some rivers.

"Fluttershy's and mine are at the Smokey Mountains! Rarity and Rainbow Dash will be at Land of Ma's Southern Region - Westport Kingdom."

"Oh, I've never been there before." Fluttershy remarked as she looked at Smokey Mountains.

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she shown the book about location to Fluttershy, "Neither have I. And there isn't a lot of information on them. All I could find was this. The Smokey Mountains harbor the most beautiful valley in all of Equestria between its two majestic mountain peaks."

"That's gorgeous. And where there's nature, there's a ton of animal friends!"

"I can't wait to get started! I'm a little nervous since that's all I could find. I usually like to be a bit more prepared."

"You seem pretty prepared to me."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Hey, egghead. What about Westport Kingdom? What's awesome about that? Better hope it's not historical stuffs again."

"Well, this place looked very majestic and beautiful. And not to mention, it has lots of water," Rarity remarked amazement as she looked at Westport Kingdom.

Twilight Sparkle turned to Westport Kingdom location, "The last and third kingdom for Land of Knighton- Westport Kingdom. These warriors are the experts on using both fire attacks and military navy especially training and working together with the sea creatures. And believe in me, these guys are not to mess with. They won't let anyone take their home without the fight."

Rainbow Dash whistled, "Wow. I so not want to get on their bad sides."

"Indeed. If I'm not mistaken, this is where Aquajet and Declan lived," Rarity asked in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yes, they are. Since we're done discussion, we'd better get going. What do ya think our friendship problem's gonna be?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Oh give me break..."

Fluttershy smiled, "I'm sure we'll find out when we get there."

Rarity nodded, "Fluttershy's right. Let's get there and find out. Hopefully, Roman doesn't cause another chaos again like two previous kingdoms..."

Through the use of air balloon, Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy flying straight to the Smokey Mountains. They landed on the forest area near to two large mountains. They then flew straight to the area while the Princess of Friendship carried the heavy bags of books.

"Twilight, do you really need to bring the books?" Fluttershy asked.

Twilight Sparkle blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry I've been a little skiddly-bopty-boo. But I just want to be prepared for the problem. I can't believe this is finally happening!"

Before any of them could do anything, a pumpkin fly passed both of them, which shock and scared them. Both Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle looked down as they found it wasn't the same Smokey Mountains from the book they read and saw.

A plain short hill that has Oak Trees is filled with a broken and ruined farm and its vegetable field while a tall mountain with alder trees replaced by a strong wooden fortress-like. Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy noticed the pumpkins continued shooting from the farm straight to the fortress for multiple times.

"What in Equestria is happening?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Fluttershy hissed fearfully, "It's nothing like your book said it would be!"

"Oh, boy. I'm feeling very unprepared." Twilight Sparkle said fearfully, "Where do we even start?"

Fluttershy looked at the farm where the pumpkins came from, "Maybe by figuring out where the flying pumpkins are coming from?"

As Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy flew straight to the farm area, they spotted an old mare with funky long mane and tail as well as hvaing goofy teeth dressed in her old her vest with orange scarf ordering her family manned and fired the canon of pumpkins at the fortress. The pair quickly landed on the ground while approaching the elder.

Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat, "Um, hi. Hello. Excuse us, but what are you doing?"

"We're pumpkinin' our neighbors!" The Mare Elder answered.

"Yes, but, um, why are you... 'pumpkining' your neighbors?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Well, because the McColts are just plain rotten." The Mare Elder answered rudely before realized something, "Hey, wait a tick. Who are you two?! You're not spies for the McColts, are ya? Are ya sure you're not with that stupid bat pony or ugly mare?"

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, "I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. And I am here to solve your friendship problem."

Fluttershy smiled, "I'm Fluttershy."

The Mare Elder bowed, "Ma Hooffield. Pleased to meet ya, but you're wastin' your time. We don't have a friendship problem. We have... a McColt problem. And there's absolutely no friendship there."

Twilight Sparkle hummed, "Well, maybe there could be if we figure out what the McColts did to make you so mad."

"Oh, they done so many things." Ma Hooffield explained unhappily, "Why, just today, they shot pebbles at our farmhouse an' wrecked it. See, we're not very good at buildin', so all it took was a little pebble. But still!"

As Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, she looked through her Friendship Experienced Book. Fluttershy spotted the pumpkin house was placed inside the canon. She even saw the mice in it. She quickly grabbed it before the Hooffield Family Member manning the canon. She placed near to the bush for the little ones' safety.

"I know what to do." Twilight Sparkle said happily, "We're gonna talk with these McColts and hear their side of the story. Once we have all the facts, we can put an end to this using reason and rationale."

Fluttershy smiled, "Good plan. Could you please call off the pumpkining?"

Ma Hooffield groaned in annoyance. And just before she could gave the order, the Hooffields screamed in fear. She turned and found more canons blown up. With them destroyed, a familiar figure wearing a hat and black coat emerged from it along with other two. Ma Hooffield gasped in shock.

"You?!"

Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy gasped in surprise, "Shadowclaw, Mrs Heart and Conner?! What are you doing here?"

"Funny, we could ask you the same thing," Shadowclaw asked in amusement.

"We're here to solve the Friendship Problem," Fluttershy answered, "And you?"

Shadowclaw sighed as he glanced at both Ma Hooffield and Mama Hearts glaring at each other. Mighty Heart was calming his mother and neighborhood mother down from fighting.

"Mama's issues."

"Mother, please," Conner said in concern, "Let's forget about this and enjoy our camping."

"Hush! This mare has gone too far!" Mama Heart exclaimed in anger.

Ma Hooffield huffed in annoyance, "Not my fault because somepony don't know the meaning of 'stay out of my property'! This is war, not your picnic!"

"IT'S CAMPING, Stupid Pony!" Mama Heart exclaimed in anger. She turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight, do something with this garbage mare! She ruined my Mother-Son's camping trip! Today was very special for me and my son!"

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "What happen?"

Shadowclaw shrugged, "I was just doing my job. Mama Heart asked me to deal with these crazy ponies before they cause some problems."

"Smokey Mountain was a perfect place for me and my son to spend some quality time. We've been doing this every year on early Spring. It was supposed to be peaceful," Mama Heart said calmly before turned glared at Ma Hooffield, "Until this garbage mare and her family ruined everything especially destroying this place! Every year!"

"You're at wrong place and wrong time! Your fault, ugly mare!" Ma Hooffield exclaimed in anger, "Now get out of my property!"

Just before the mothers could do any damage, Conner came in-between the mares, "Stop! Everypony, please! I'm sure Princess Twilight Sparkle can fix this."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Sorry, Mama Heart. I'm sure Hooffield didn't mean to cause some problems because of misunderstanding with McColts. We'll get to the bottom of this. And please, Ma Hooffield, don't pick a fight with Mama Heart. She and her son are just having camping trip. I promised."

Mama Heart and Ma Hooffield huffed in annoyance while looking away.

Mighty Heart bowed, "Thank you, Twilight. And please hurry, I don't know how much long can this go on."

Fluttershy patted Mighty Heart, "We will."

Shadowclaw sighed, "I'd better go with you. You're gonna need some bodyguard. From what I heard, McColts don't play nice."

Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy shrugged as they flew off to McColts' Fortress, along with Shadowclaw joining them.

As Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Shadowclaw arrived at McColts' Fortress; Shadowclaw rammed and destroyed the main gate, causing the family members armed their canons. Shadowclaw whistled as his pet Fang the Vampire Bat and his friends charged and attacked McColts from manning the canon. He then armed with his twin axes, ready to attack.

"Shadowclaw! We're not here to fight. We're here to talk," Fluttershy exclaimed in anger, "What were you thinking?"

"I was trying to look after you." He explained.

"I know but you're scaring these ponies, they think we're the enemies. They won't let us talk now."

"Because their leader was talking with Ash and his family."

Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy gasped in surprise and shock. They looked up as they found Ash and Dex talking with the dwarf Earth Stallion Pony with navy mustached and bearded worn a tall gray hat and a blue overall pants.

"Please, Mr. Big Daddy McColts, can't you stop for one day?" Ash asked in concern, "My family really need this camping trip. It's very important."

Dex whacked Ash's head, "Son, you're wasting breathe on somepony who is extremely stupid and no respect of pony's property!"

"Now you listen here, you no good old wizard," Big Daddy McColts exclaimed in anger, "I ain't gonna stop fighting until the Hooffields are gone! And this here is McColts' Property, not yours or anypony! Now get out!"

Dex groaned while summoning his flying cards, "You wanna piece of Dex?!"

"Father, please! You're making things worse!" Ash said in concern, "We can go other place for camp."

"Ash?"

Shadow Dragon and his father turned to the entrance, along with Big Daddy McColts. They found Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Shadowclaw standing on the entrance route.

"Twilight? What are you doing here?" Ash asked in surprise.

"Solving Friendship Problem. And speak on Mama Heart's behalf," Twilight Sparkle answered calmly, "And you?"

Ash sighed while shaking his head as he was looking at both Dex and Big Daddy McColts glaring at each other.

"We were spending some camping trip until this happen. Now I'm solving my father's problem with Big Daddy McColts. My family were here for camping trip. I was hoping Ashley and Twinkle were here together but they've got friends to hangout."

Tao gave a whack on Big Daddy McColt's head, "This stupid pony has no respect on Tao's camping trip. He ruined it every year's early Spring! Dex hates it! Dex wants give him some piece!"

"Well, whoop-dee-do! We don't get a lot of visitors because we're in the middle of a giant feud with our..." Big Daddy McColt explained angrily before glared at Hooffield's home, "Terrible neighbors!"

Ash sighed, "See? This is big problem to deal with."

"Well, actually, that's why we're here – to solve your problem with the Hooffields." Twilight Sparkle smiled, "To help McColts become friends again."

"Twilight, you're wasting your breathe!" Dex exclaimed in annoyance whole giving a glare at Big Daddy McColt, "This barbarian give excuses about not doing anything wrong to Hooffield especially about their home, transports and foods got messed up!"

Big Daddy McColt groaned, "Well, it's true, you ol' no good billy goat! A whole week's worth of food rollin' down the mountain. Us McColts are mighty fine builders, but we don't know the first thing about farmin'."

"Likely story, McHenYuChun (Very Stupid)!"

"I'm telling ya the truth! We have to travel a ways away to buy our food. Now, we'll be stuck eatin' the pumpkins the Hooffields launched at us. But it'll get old!"

"That is why you're stupid!"

"Why I oughtta-!"

Ash came and stopped both Dex and Big Daddy McColts from fighting while Twilight Sparkle looked through her book. The McColt Family Members were eating some rotten and bad shaped pumpkins. A squirrel wanted to eat but scared to do it. Luckily, Fluttershy gave the food to it.

Twilight Sparkle hummed as she read the book, "Have you tried meeting at a neutral location, talking about your problems, and really listening to each other?"

"What?! No!" Big Daddy McColt answered angrily, "They'd sooner launch their dinners at us than listen to us."

Dex huffed angrily, "Well, if somepony hadn't cause the trouble in the first place..."

"Well, they'll listen to me. I'm an impartial third party." Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she flew into the middle. She magically enhanced her voice into loudspeaker, "Attention, Hooffields and McColts! I'm not on anypony's side, but I can see you're both wasting time and resources on being mean to each other. Ponies are supposed to help each other and be kind. So let's stop this senseless fighting!"

Twilight Sparkle returned to the group as she gave her confident smile to them. Ash, Shadowclaw and Dex looked doubtful and concern about it.

"Twilight, these ponies never listen. They rather rely on hooves than ears," Dex said in concern.

"Oh, yeah. They should be in peace any minute now..." Twilight Sparkle said calmly. A tomato hit on her head, making everyone yelped in concern. She yelped, "Or not."

Dex screamed, "Aiiiieeeeeyaaaaahhhh! Ash! Flying tomatoes!"

Everyone looked up as they found more tomatoes flying straight to their area. They all quickly take cover from the attacks. Twilight Sparkle and her trusted friends hid within the cabin at once.

"So much for potential friendship solution number twenty-eight." Ash remarked in concern.

Fluttershy hummed as she looked at Hooffield's Farm, "I guess we should find out why the Hooffields are launching tomatoes now."

"We should split up while using Mind Link for contact," Shadowclaw said calmly, "And that way, it would be easy for us to communicate and learn more of what's going on."

Ash nodded, "Alright. You and Fluttershy go back to Hooffield and stop those idiots. We'll standby with McColts. And father, don't screw it up."

"Huh? Why and how on Equestria could I screw if I don't have a screwdriver," Dex asked in annoyance. Ash groaned in annoyance, making him yelped in realization, "Oh. Expression. Sorry."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Let's do it now."

At Hooffield's Farm, Ma Hooffield ordered her family to 'tomater sligshot' at McColts' Fortress while Mama Heart and Conner were in shock.

"What are you doing?!" Mama Heart demanded in anger, "Did you not listen?! She stopped this senseless fighting!"

Conner nodded, "Please stop! You're wasting time and resource for no reason!"

"Oh, is that what she was hollerin' about? We thought the McColts rubbed her the wrong way. So we tomatered them for her. My mistake." Ma Hooffield said sheepishly yet calmly. Mama Heart and Mighty Heart groaned in annoyance. Ma Hooffield turned to her family, "Stop the tomater slingshots!"

Hooffield Family stopped the attack. Fluttershy and Shadowclaw arrived at the farmland.

"What happen?" Fluttershy asked, "Why would Hooffields attacked McColts?"

Mama Heart huffed angrily, "The Hooffields are stupid. They still want to pick a fight!"

"My mother meant they heard wrongly," Connor corrected his mother's insult into better one. He sighed, "At least, it's over."

Shadowclaw gasped, "No, it's not! Take cover!"

Fluttershy's team looked up as they found hay bales flying and shooting straight at Hooffield Family's side. Fluttershy's team quickly hid behind the bushes. The hay bales hit on Hooffields.

Ma Hooffield groaned in anger, "Reload the tomater slingshots! We're gonna paint their mountaintop red!"

Ma Hooffield and her family loaded their tomater slingshots and fired back at their enemies. Terrorcreep's team used Mind-Link in contacting and chatting with Ash's team about Hooffield-McColts situation.

Within the limbo or mind realm, both sides of team gathered for chat but unfortunately...

"You?!" Mama Heart and Dex asked in shock, "What are you doing here?! What am I doing here?! I was camping with my son but that idiot ruined my holiday! Really?!"

Dex whistled, "I'm shock..."

"Yeah. Who knew?" Mama Heart said in surprise, "We do have some in common."

Shadowclaw sighed, "What the hell was that? I thought McColts won't attack when Hooffields stopped theirs!"

"Unfortunately, McColts retaliated," Ash explained, "Honestly, these ponies won't listen to reason but to fight."

"We have to do something," Conner said in concern, "The last thing is my mummy get into a fight with sensei."

Ash nodded, "Yeah. Both can be easily tempered."

"HEY!" Mama Heart and Dex exclaimed in annoyance.

"Either way, we need to deal with this situation now," Shadowclaw said in concern.

Fluttershy sighed, "We need to think of another one. And soon. This fight is really affecting the animals around here."

Mighty Heart nodded, "And it's destroying the nature as well."

Ash turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight, I hope you have some plan to deal with it."

"Not to worry. I'll just, uh..." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily as she looked her book, "...find the root of the problem and work from there."

Everyone hummed in concern of what Twilight Sparkle had said. They prayed that they can find the answer about Hooffield-McColt Feud now.

Fluttershy's Team (Herself, Shadowclaw, Mama Heart and Conner) talked with Ma Hooffield about the problem while Twilight Sparkle's Team (Herself, Ash and Dex) questioned Big Daddy McColts about it. Unfortunately, the answer they were looking for is much more complicated than they realized...

Both team regrouped at the central zone as they have discussion about the information and details they have gotten from Hooffields and McColts. It does not make the team well.

"So the only thing they have in common is that they both want to win a fight, and neither of them know what it's over." Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "How can I end this feud if I don't know what it's about?"

Ash turned to Dex, Mama Heart and Conner as he asked, "Do you know what really happen before? I was banished for a long time."

Tao shook his head, "No. Ever since you got exiled, I stopped coming for Smokey Mountains camping until you returned."

"My son and I just moved to the middle for camping every year's Spring," Mama Heart explained firmly, "And unfortunately, their ancestors were there and start fighting for no good reason. In every place of Smokey Mountains we find to camp, we get attacked!"

Mighty Heart sighed, "We asked their ancestors stop fighting but they instead continued their feud. It's impossible to stop them."

"Not even me can scare them off," Shadowclaw said in concern.

"Ooh! Maybe somepony just needs to say they're sorry." Fluttershy suggested.

Twilight Sparkle gasped, "That's a good idea. And friendship solution number forty-eight. But we can move it up."

The rest of their friends gave in thought while looked at each other. They nodded in agreement with Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy about the plan. It's better than nothing...

Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Mama Heart and Conner talked with Hooffields about their 'apology plan' while Ash, Shadowclaw and Dex did the same thing with McColts.

For the moment later, Twilight Sparkle's team managed convinced Ma Hooffield to apologize to McColts. The Hooffields even brought the large giant carrot cake-like. They're all heading straight to McColts' Fortress.

"I'm so glad you agreed to do this. This apology cake will go a long way to making amends between you two." Twilight Sparkle said in relief.

Ma Hooffield rolled her eyes while muttered, "Yeah, yeah. All of it."

Mama Heart groaned, "I've got the bad feeling about it."

As Twilight's team reached their destination, Ash's team brought the McColts out for discussion with Ma Hooffield.

"Well?" Big Daddy McColt demanded in annoyance.

Ma Hooffield sighed in annoyance as she explained, "I've come to apologize to ya, McColt. I even brought an apology cake here too. Consider it a gesture of goodwill from us to you."

"Think of this as more than just a cake. It's the first step in the long road to forgiveness." Twilight Sparkle added.

Fluttershy nodded, "Nothing says 'let's be friends' like a cake that says, 'Let's be friends'!"

McColts awed in amazement and happy upon looking at the cake. Twilight Sparkle and her friends smiled happily as their plan is coming into fruition. And just before any of them could do anything, the top of cake got splashed as three Hooffields emerged from it.

"What the?!" Mama Heart exclaimed in shock.

Dex gasped, "Aiiiieeeeyaaaahhhhh!"

Ma Hooffield screamed, "FOR GLORY!"

And just before Hooffields could do anything, Big Daddy McColt charged and rammed the cake on Ma Hooffield to the ground. He then blew his trumpet out loud. He turned to his family members.

"McColts! Assume Delta Force formation!"

McColts gathered and formed the triangle formation, forcing Ma Hooffields and her three family members to run away. McColts gave chase after their enemy. While Hooffields arrived at the central zone, Ma Hooffield gave the signal to others in firing the foods at McColts. McColts responded the attacks by using the doors as shield from the attack.

With both Hooffields and McColts at central zone, both family began a big fight with each other. Twilight and her friends arrived before Ma Hooffield.

"Ma Hooffield! How could you?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded.

"Wait. Were you serious about apologizin'?" Ma Hooffield asked in shock. And just before Twilight's team could respond, She pushed them aside while shouted angrily, "Why in Equestria would we do that? We didn't do anythin' wrong!"

Big Daddy McColt groaned in anger, "What're you talkin' about?! You done so many things wrong!"

"Not as many as you!" Ma Hooffield shouted back.

Both Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt attacked at each other fiercely and violently while their own family members joined in as well.

Seeing how both Hooffields and McColts reacted to each other, Twilight Sparkle walked away before sitting down on the road track. Her team followed and checked on her.

"Um, Twilight? We should probably get back there." Fluttershy said in concern, "I mean, if you need a break, that's fine, but I really can't do this without you."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I don't know if we can do this at all. Even if I make things right, they're just gonna fight again."

"So, that's it? Give up?" Ash asked in shock. He groaned before make her look at him, "You can't just give up!"

"But what can we do?! You, Dex and even Mama Heart were right. They won't listen to reason. It's pointless."

"Maybe. But that doesn't it's over. We're missing something - something that make the family to fight each other. There's gotta be somepony or something who seen it and knows about it."

Mama Heart huffed, "Easy to say than done. Nopony has ever been to this place than the Hooffields and McColts. I sincerely doubt these ponies bother to help us."

Dex nodded, "This Dragon Lady is correct! It's a waste of time to talk with these ponies. We need someone who lived here for a very long time."

"Oh, you poor things!" Fluttershy said in concern as she saw how hungry the animals are. She commented in concern, "There isn't enough food here for you!"

Mighty Heart passed some cookies to the animals while feelings the latter, "They're freezing too! Due to this mess, there weren't much shelters for them to use."

"I don't get it. This was supposed to be the most beautiful valley in all of Equestria." Twilight Sparkle said in concern while looking at Smokey Mountains, "What happened?"

Shadowclaw hummed, "I suspect those idiots are responsible for this since all they could think is fighting. They don't even care for anything else."

"Make sense," Ash agreed as he armed with his Thunder Blade, "Enough is enough!"

Just before any of ponies could respond, a squirrel whispered to Fluttershy. It make her shock to inform others about it. They have the same reaction as well. They know what they have to do.

As both Hooffields and McColts continued battling for a long moment, they stopped as they heard some stomping and growling noise. They turned to the back as they found a giant Pikachu roared angrily and fiercely. They all screamed in fear as they quickly returned home at once. Hooffields were stopped by Shadowclaw, Fluttershy, Mama Heart and Conner. McColts were halted by Twilight Sparkle, Ash and Dex.

"What are you crazy?! We've gotta run!" Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt exclaimed in shock.

Shadow Dragon smirked as he turned to his buddy, "Nice work, Pikachu. That should stop the fight."

Both Hooffields and McColts were in shock yet anger and upset as they were about to argue. Pikachu roared in anger. Shadowclaw and Ash armed with their weapons while Dex, Mama Heart and Dex armed in Martial Art Position to attack. Twilight Sparkle armed with her magical Unicorn Burst to fire.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Shadowclaw said in amusement.

Both Hooffields and McColts stand down at once as they knew that they do not want to mess with the wrong ponies. Fluttershy flew to the middle as she began her explanation.

"Before you keep fighting, there is something you should know!"

Backstory...

"Long ago, there were two best friends - Grub Hooffield and Piles McColt. When they found the valley between the Smokey Mountains, they knew it was something special. So they made a promise to each other to protect and preserve the valley for all its adorable furry inhabitants."

During the old days, the funky farmer Grub Hooffield and the firm gentle builder Piles McColts arrived at Smokey Mountains. They were all amazed and happy to see it especially its inhabitant animals and nature. They smiled happily as they all agreed to do one thing - protect and preserve the nature.

"But they disagreed on how to go about it. Grub wanted to start by planting crops so that everypony would have something to eat. But Piles thought it would be better to start by building a shelter to protect them against the cold and wind. The two ponies were unable to come to an understanding, so Piles went ahead and built a shelter anyway, exactly where Grub was gonna start his farm! Grub was upset, so he tore down Piles' shelter so he could plant his crops!"

Grub Hooffield desired of farming and making foods for animals while Piles McColts wanted to build a shelter for them as well. When Piles McColts began building a shelter. Grub Hooffield spotted it - exactly same place he wanted to plant his plants. Grub Hooffield kicked very hard on the unfinished shelter down, making Piles McColts upset and angry.

"They kept fighting back and forth, until it turned into a feud!"

Both Grub Hooffield and Piles McColts argued with each other as they began to take their own territory to stay and build their own work. Grub Hooffield took eastern hill while Piles McColts occupied western hill. But each time they were minding and working on their own work, they sabotaged and attacked each other's tools and works.

Both Hooffield and McColts battled with each other fiercely while moving to the top of mountains as the years have passed by. Their simple disagreement slowly become a feud and competition to be winner on Smokey Mountains.

"The valley suffered from the constant destruction, until finally the Hooffields and McColts moved to separate mountains. Even then, the valley and all the animals in it continued to be caught in the crossfire."

Backstory ends...

"You see? By fighting, you're destroying the very thing that brought you here in the first place! So it's time you both put your differences aside and come together!" Fluttershy said angrily, "If not for yourselves, then for the sake of these cute and cuddly guys!"

Fluttershy's friends nodded in agreement about the mess Hooffields and McColts have make. Both family looked shame, upset and disappointed about the mess they had made on their home, the inhabitant animals and nature of Smokey Mountains especially Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt.

"Aw, shucks, we never meant to hurt you little critters." Big Daddy McColt said shamefully.

Ma Hooffield nodded, "Yeah, we're sorry!"

The animals chittered happily while nodded in agreement. Fluttershy smiled in relief as she understood about it.

Fluttershy smiled happily, "They say they accept your apology."

Pikachu growled angrily. Ash lowered his hoof down gently gesturing 'to stand down'. As Eletric Pokémon moved away, both Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt approached to the river for discussion and truce.

"Ma Hooffield? We promise we won't fight you no more." Big Daddy McColt suggested.

Ma Hooffield nodded, "Us too, except we promise not to fight you. I suppose it doesn't matter who's right. We're both wrong."

"That's one thing we can agree on." Big Daddy McColt smiled.

Big Daddy McColt and Ma Hooffield spitted out on their hooves while shook them. The animals and even their own family members cheered wildly and happily.

Twilight Sparkle teleported to the center, "This is wonderful! I am so proud of you two!"

"Aw, thanks, princess." Ma Hooffield bowed before she bragged arrogantly, "Though I would just like to point out that I was the, uh, first to admit I was wrong."

Big Daddy McColt huffed in anger, "That may be, but I promised not to fight first. That counts for more!"

"Oh, yeah?!" Ma Hooffield demanded in annoyance.

And just before Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt could argue more, they both got their heads whacked. They turned to their back as they found Mama Heart and Tao wielding their handbag and stick like ready to strike. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, the others and even the animals gave the angry glares and noise at them both.

Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt gulped in concern and worry as they know the ponies' and animals' angry looks and noise.

Ma Hooffield sighed, "Oh, all right. We don't have to speak animal to know what y'all are sayin'. Truce?"

"Truce," Big Daddy McColt nodded.

Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and their friends smiled in approval. They were glad both Hooffields and McColts finally put their difference aside and worked together to rebuild not only the forest and nature but also each other's farmyard and shelter.

The Smokey Mountains restored to its true self, and even built the water fountain with Grub Hooffields and Piles McColts to honor their wish and dreams, as well as the reminder of their mistakes about destroying the nature.

"Woo-hoo! Ain't that a pretty sight?" Big Daddy McColt exclaimed happily.

"Sure is!" Ma Hooffield nodded as she turned to Twilight Sparkle, "The McColts are gonna help us rebuild our homes! Good ones this time."

"And the Hooffields are gonna help us grow some crops!"

"Thanks for teachin' us that friendship is so much better than winnin' a silly argument."

Mama Heart huffed, "Hopefully, you two don't start some stupid fight and ruin my camping trip! I'm looking forward for next year's Spring."

"Or mine," Dex added happily, "And this time, the whole family of mine and Twilight's are coming too for next year. Tao look forward for this."

"Promised!" Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt exclaimed proudly.

Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt turned and have their own picnic with their own family. They were having some great time.

And just before anyone could do, Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy looked at their Cutie Marks as they found theirs glowed and rang loudly. Everyone knew one thing - mission accomplished.

"Yay! I told you we'd figure it out." Fluttershy said happily.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "We did, and we didn't need my friendship portfolio to do it. We just needed each other."

Ash sighed, "Well, that we're done with this mess. We can proceed our camping. And no fighting, you two. We're here to relax."

Dex and Mama Heart huffed in annoyance, "Tattletales."

"Sounds good enough," Mighty Heart agreed.

Shadowclaw smiled, "Yeah. It's far away from my home especially the sun will be killing me. So, it's best I stay low until night or tomorrow."

"Hey, may we join in? It's gonna be long home from here," Twilight Sparkle asked.

Fluttershy nodded, "Yeah. Besides, I loved to see more about Smokey Mountains."

Ash smiled, "Sure. Why not?"

Twilight Sparkle and her friends headed off to the hot air balloon's landing area where they were having their own camping after some crazy feud between two family. And now they enjoyed their day off...

END...

Episode 17-Spirit of the Westport River

After the brief of Cutie Map's, both Rainbow Dash and Rarity took their leave from Castle of Friendship. They were all heading straight to the last and third of Three Kingdom at Land of Knighton - Westport Kingdom. And unlike using the train to travel, they used the boat to reach their destination with the help of boat driver. They were now at the narrowed in-between mountains.

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Remind me why we're using the boat? We could have use the train or fly faster of getting there."

"Well, based on what Twilight Sparkle's book-" Rarity read the book, "The Tiger of Wuhu River - When travelling to the Realm of Water Tiger Kingdom, you must travel through boat or ship to enter the realm. Flying or using the train to reach destination makes no exception."

"That's the dumbest thing I ever heard. And why would this kingdom do this?"

"Well, now, darling; don't look at me. I have no idea. But apparently, they're the naval expert on transport, sea animals and even military. And if I were you, Rainbow Dash; I would not both insulting and complaining to them. Like Twilight said, the Westport Kingdom take it to their pride."

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Fine. So, how long are we getting there?"

"Won't be long, darling. We're almost-!" Rarity was interrupted as she gasped in surprise. She was looking at front direction, "-there?!"

Rainbow Dash was confused as she turned to the front. She gasped in shock as well. Both her and Rarity saw the Kingdom and its majestic water... or used to be. Rarity and Rainbow Dash found the large lake of the kingdom were at its very low rather than full portion like the water is sucking up.

As Rainbow Dash and Rarity were passing by, they saw the Westport Battleships were disorganized and messed, and even the soldiers looked dried up, tired and exhausted, and even lazy. The fish and its other kin suffocated heavily like they were losing the air due to the lake is not deep or wide enough for them to live and go underneath for it.

"Deja Vu..." Rainbow Dash remarked in surprise, "And I thought Griffonstone is the worse place to go."

Rarity looked closely at the area while hummed in concern, "This is very strange. The lake is not very deep as the book said. I wonder what has happen here. And why are the soldiers being lazy?"

"I heard rumors. It is said that the mysterious sorcerer has cast the spell in draining the water away. He claimed that the Emperor of Westport Kingdom must step down for him to rule or forever let ponies suffered and died of droughts," Boat Driver said mysteriously, "But the Emperor refused as he will find and hunt the sorcerer down to bring back the lake. It has been like this for nearly two weeks."

"Two weeks?! My gracious! They were able to survive it?" Rarity asked in concern.

Rainbow Dash was stunned and shock, "That was awesome. But who is this sor-sorce-whatever?!"

"Nopony knows. But legend speaks that this sorcerer knows and killed his older brother..." Boat Driver said calmly. Rarity and Rainbow Dash turned and looked at him as they were in shock and concern. He continued, "One who build the foundation of Westport Kingdom at this very place - honoring both his deceased father and ancestor. Now, Emperor Shadow Sunlight is trying to protect and save it from his enemy all by himself."

Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked at each other in concern and shock about it. Boat driver chuckled in amusement.

"After all, it's just a story..."

Rainbow Dash snorted, "Yeah, if it does sound like one..."

"Indeed. And something tells me that this isn't just the water. It's more like Roman's plot," Rarity said in concern.

"I don't even want to know. What the-?!"

"HUH?!"

Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity spotted the old light crimson Pegasus stallion with short white mane, mustache and beard in his tiger armor with cape. He moaned weakly yet dreadfully while looking dread. Both of them yelped as they shivered and quivered in fear and worry.

"Stop... Him... Stop... My son... My daughters... Save them... Save home..."

Rainbow Dash and Rarity screamed in fear. The boat driver yelped in concern as he quickly shook them up. they quivered and shivered in fear before they turned and looked at him.

"Are you alright? You seem like you saw a ghost?" Boat Driver asked in concern.

Both girls were surprise and concern as they turned and looked to the front. They found the mysterious ghost they saw is gone. What just happen?

As the boat arrived at the Harbor, Rarity and Rainbow Dash got off if while landed on the docks. They even paid to the boat driver while thanked generously and kindly. They then walked away. The boat driver smiled darkly and mysteriously like he's been expecting this.

Rarity and Rainbow Dash walking across the docks as they were reaching to harbor. They saw lots of ponies moaned and dehydrated heavily and painfully. The ponies of Water Tiger Kingdom didn't drink enough water, taking a bath or swimming, and not even taking the shelter from the sun. Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash felt sorry for them a lot as they wished that there was another way to help and save the kingdom.

"Poor them," Rarity said in concern and pitifully, "I wouldn't want to imagine of what happen to our home if we ever lose water."

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah. But do you know what cause this? Think Princess Celestia's sun cause this mess?"

"I doubt of it. Princess Celestia knows that well. And in fact, the Emperor would have informed her about this. But I have the feeling that we will get the answer sooner or later."

"Yeah. I'll bet of that."

Rarity and Rainbow Dash have arrived at the harbor. They both yelped in concern as they spotted a Pegasus stallion with brown goatee, brown short mane in bun with crown and short tail in his earlier 30's worn while worn the crimson and golden armor standing before them. He moaned and grunted dreadfully.

"Save my brother... Save my sisters... Save home... Save Family..."

Rarity and Rainbow Dash squealed fearfully as they hugged each other tightly while quivered in fear. For the moment later, someone patted them. They looked up as they found a group of ponies surrounded them. The ponies looked concern and worry for them. Like before, they didn't see the ghost because it's gone.

Either way, Rarity and Rainbow Dash headed off at once to the mainland's market. They spotted a familiar pony who is with two ponies - a light peachy Pegasus with a short brown mane and tail while her Cutie Mark was a Tiger Claw and a Sliver Shield and black scarred Earth Pony with torn and wounded wings worn the darker black with red highlights pattern and his Cutie Mark is Scar Symbol with Saber. Three ponies were helping civilians with some drinks for the latter to drink.

Rarity gasped, "Declan!"

Declan turned to the front. He gasped in surprise yet relieved as well. He trotted towards his allies.

"Rarity! Rainbow Dash! Am I glad to see you here. What are you doing here?" Declan said in relief. Just before Rarity and Rainbow Dash could respond, he held his left hoof up, "Don't answer that. The Map called you here?"

"Yes," Rarity nodded, "And we know the problem now."

"And these ponies?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance. The scarred general gave a katana neared to her neck, making her yelp, "Hey! What's the big idea?!"

The scarred general growled, "Disrespectful to the princess."

"Easy, Scar Saber. She didn't mean it unintentionally," Declan said calmly. He turned to Rarity and Rainbow Dash as he introduced his friends, "As you know of scarred general - Scar Saber, this is Princess Sliver Flash - Princess of Westport Kingdom and Wife of Emperor Corbin from Thorntree Kingdom."

Sliver sighed before giving him a nudge, "Knock it off, Shorty. I told you before not to call me that. I rather ponies especially my friends - old and new - call me my name. And I welcome you to my home, Rarity and Rainbow Dash."

Rarity and Rainbow Dash bowed humbly, "Thank you, your highness."

"Stop calling me that. Come on, get up," Sliver Flash said in annoyance as she helped Rarity and Rainbow Dash up. She smiled, "I always look forward of meeting you two in ponies. I heard a lot about you from my little sister. She really have some good friends like you especially Rainbow Dash. I'm so happy for it."

"Sister?" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise.

She giggled in amusement, "I don't believe it. She forgot to tell you about us. I guess she also hate being called 'princess' too, silly Aqua."

"Wait! Aquajet is your sister?! Really?!" Rarity asked in surprise. She turned to Rainbow Dash, who shrugged in not knowing about it. She continued, "I didn't know that. I'm sorry for being disrespectful to her."

"It's okay. In fact, we don't really care about royalty. And besides, Aqua is my adopted sister. But it's the same." Sliver smiled, "But anyway, thanks for coming here. We need some help now."

Rainbow Dash hummed, "Brother going insane and worry to deal with sor-ce-whatever issues?"

"And it's not just water problem and saving ponies but others were worry sick about his safety and health?" Rarity added.

"Most of it." Sliver smiled as she and her guards guided hew new best friend to her home, "Wow, you're good at this."

"You could call it 'gut's telling'," Rainbow Dash remarked in amusement.

Rarity giggled, "Or mostly like to call 'we experienced and seen this before' instinct."

Scar Saber, "Behave, outsiders. The Emperor is not in good mood now."

Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash yelped in concern and fear about it, Declan chuckled uneasily while comforted his friends calmly.

"Don't worry about that. He didn't mean it - some of it. Just behave."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Great..."

Sliver Flash and her allies guided Rainbow Dash and Rarity across the markets before entering the Tiger Fury Castle which is large and consists of beautiful garden-like with several majestic ponds with some flowers and lotus pods. Servants and gardeners were checking and planting them well. Rarity and Rainbow Dash awed at the sightings well.

As they all arrived at the palace, they heard some loud argument and fighting from the palace. Somepony just stormed out. He revealed to be a young light reddish Pegasus with brown short spiky mane, tail and his chin had a goatee. He worn the crimson robe and armor while his Cutie Mark is a eclipse. He was walking down the stairs as he was wielding his sheathed sword.

Sliver Flash and her allies stopped as they shown worry and scared. Rarity and Rainbow Dash noticed it as they turned and looked at the stallion. They suspected that is the Emperor of Water Tiger Kingdom - Shadow Sunlight.

He stopped as he glanced at his sister and friends, who just arrived. He looked shame and upset yet hurt to see them here. He groaned as he turned and headed off at once. He was exiting the area via east gate.

Sliver Flash sighed in upset, "Not again."

"What happen?" Rarity asked in concern.

"Another argument again," She said in concern, "Ever since the water starting depleting from that very day, Shadow Sunlight and Aqua got a big fight with each other about stopping that sorcerer and saving the kingdom. They have been at this for two weeks. They never stopped."

Scar Blade growled, "Unless that treachery sorcerer is stopped, the family will break up..."

"Yeesh, that sounds really bad," Rainbow Dash said in concern.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. Does he listen to his family and friends?"

"He did," Declan admitted in concern. He sighed in shame, "Because of that sorcerer return, he has been ignoring everyone and focusing on hunting him down for his kingdom and family. It's the hardest thing he ever did."

"Okay, wanna tell us of who the heck is this sorcerer guy?" Rainbow Dash demanded, "He sounds like a big deal."

Rarity nodded, "Yes, we want to know about him."

"We will. For now, we need to check on Aquajet. And hopefully, she's not angry or upset," Declan said in concern.

As Rainbow Dash, Rarity and her friends entered the palace; they found Aquajet kicking and punching and smashing the tables, walls, artifacts. The advisors and generals yelped in concern as they quickly ran away as fast as they can. The old unicorn pony with white long goatee and short mustache dressed in his crimson Grand Advisor robe and head-wear turned to Sliver .

"Grand Advisor Velvet Façade?" She asked in concern, "Did my sister gone berserk?"

Grand Advisor Velvet nodded fearfully, "She certainly is now! You have to quell her rage at once! His Lordship is getting stubborn and more foolish than before. What was he thinking?!"

Grand Advisor Velvet yelped while screamed fearfully as he and his colleagues were running at once. Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked worry and concern, and even for Westport Officials as well. They all approached Aquajet, who was breathing calmly and gently.

"You know you don't have to destroy everything just to vent your anger issues," Sliver Flash remarked in amusement.

Aquajet turned while sighed in upset, "Sorry. Sometimes, Sunlight can be pain to my flank. I was so angry like wanting to punch on his face."

"I know. I have somepony who wants to see you," She said happily.

As Tigress moved aside, Aquajet gasped in shock and surprise as she was looking at both Rainbow Dash and Rarity. She squealed happily as she trotted and gave them both a big hard hug while they both yelped in pain. She quickly departed while apologizing to them about it. She then asked about their arrival at her home. They explained about their reason, which make her shock and concern about it. Sliver Flash quickly suggested her friends to sit down for discussion

As everyone were taking their seats; Sliver Flash and Aquajet were seating on their throne couch, Declan and Scar Saber were sitting on left side - military seats, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat on middle before the royalty. They all were about to begin their discussion. Sliver told them to wait for one more. Who?

They heard some grumbling. They turned to their back as they found white humanoid bulldog with brown patches worn the crimson heavy Chinese armor-like entered the throne chamber.

"Forgive my lateness, princess; I was playing a chess with my old friends," The Diamond Dog exclaimed happily, "And my, they're stubborn like little foals. Ha-ha!"

Tigress smiled, "Good to see you here, gramps."

"I'd prefer call myself 'Anchor', your highness," Anchor said in annoyance yet playfully.

"A Diamond Dog?! You have a Diamond dog in your army?!" Rarity asked in concern. Everyone turned and looked at her in concern yet annoyed. She giggled uneasily, "I have an uneasy relationship with them especially how they treat me."

Rainbow Dash nodded, "They even make her whinny and complaining till those dogs gave up. Hahaha! That was so hilarious."

Anchor growled in annoyance, "And you think like them? You'd think I'll force you to work for me?"

Rainbow Dash and Rarity yelped in concern as they have no idea of how to respond it. Sliver and Aquajet giggled happily while others remained silent.

"Don't worry about gramps," Aquajet said calmly, "He can be trusted. He's a good loyal Diamond Dog."

Sliver nodded firmly, "He's our godfather since the day he joined my father's cause. He has always been with us for a long time till he passed away. And believe us, he will never ever betray us or even let us down from the fight."

"The princess is right. General Anchor have made a great military contribution to our cause." Declan said calmly.

Scar Saber nodded, "He's our lord's trusted and loyal advisor and general."

Rainbow Dash and Rarity hummed in concern about it as they both sighed. They reluctantly trusted Anchor since they trust both Aquajet and Declan a lot, despite he being a Diamond Dog. Rather continued with the same subject, they have to focus on the important one.

"So, wanna tell us about what the heck just happen?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. It sounded like you and the Emperor had a big fight."

Aquajet groaned while slamming, "That idiot! He still want to hunt that stupid sorcerer by himself again! And not only that, he even ordered me and the rest to stay put and help ponies! The worse is... he called me a 'little girl'! When he comes back again, I'm gonna knock some senses on him very hard!"

Anchor sighed, "Our lord feels responsible, princess. After what happen to our lord's brother by that sorcerer, he couldn't let anyone interfere him and his hunt."

"But him shouldn't do thing by himself. It's stupid and selfish..." Sliver said in upset, "He can rely on us to help him hunt that monster down. We should have been there!"

Scar Saber sighed, "That is not our decision, your highness."

"Can somepony tell me - who is this sorcerer?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in annoyance.

Members of Westport Kingdom looked concern and worry while looking at each other. They all sighed in defeat as they knew what they will do next.

"It happens long ago. After the death of Thunder Sentry, Star Tracer - Shadow, Sliver and Aqua's older brother became the leader and looked after the clan. He decided to retake his home Wuhu River back from the corrupted leaders," Declan explained calmly and concern.

"Most praised him as hero, but other sees him a demon," Scar Saber said darkly and angrily, "Governor Fearstroke is one of conspirators. I disposed of him."

Anchor sighed in concern, "One day when he was alone hunting down some demons, he encountered the mysterious white sorcerer. And just before anything happen, the sorcerer attacked him, wounded him and poisoned him! But a few conspirators attacked him at once."

"We were lucky that we were just few meters away from him," Sliver said painfully before pouring tears out, "But big brother... He was hurt badly! We took him back to get healed. But he died. He's gone. All because of that monster!"

Aquajet nodded angrily while clenching her hooves on the ground hard, "Yeah! Shadow Sunlight took over. He gave the order to find and hunt that sorcerer down by any means of necessary. We searched for him everywhere but found nothing, like he disappeared. We haven't heard of him for a long time... Until today..."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "I can't believe it! It's so uncool!"

"Indeed. They call Thunder Sentry a threat because he conquered Wuhu River?" Rarity asked in disbelief, "How dare they?! They should be called a threat, instead of him because they're the corrupted ponies!"

"But who is this guy? Is he helping Roman to mess this place up?" Rainbow Dash demanded.

Aquajet gave her angry looks, "No. He was alone. Roman wasn't even there. That pony who performs Dark Magic and did terrible things - poisoned my brother and evaporating the water. His name is Unalaq..."

Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked concern and worry of what Aquajet has said especially the looks of others. They realize what he was doing - he's not only trying to save his kingdom, he wants the revenge on Unalaq for the murder of his older brother.

"So, what are we waiting for?!" Rainbow Dash demanded, "We've gotta go now! There's no telling what bad happen to your brother!"

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. Unalaq may have something up on his sleeves in dealing with him."

"We would have, but..." Declan sighed, "Our lordship won't let us help him. And I didn't place a tracker on him. He could be anywhere."

Anchor hummed in concern, "At least, he has two generals with him now. Both River Lance and Hammerhead are with him. I hope the lord isn't furious with the decision we have made."

"We must find him," Scar Saber said firmly and concern, "We must protect him."

"And we will. I know how we find him," Rarity said calmly and firmly.

Sliver Flash, Scar Saber and Anchor looked concern and confused of what Rarity had said. Both Declan and Rainbow Dash smiled as they know what she was talking about because they had seen what she is capable of...

Deep in the forest, Shadow Sunlight was riding his Dragon Mount along with his 20 soldiers. But he wasn't alone. He has two generals - River Lance the white unicorn pony with long brown mane and short tail worn the crimson Chinese Armor and cape while Hammerhead the crimson Pegasus worn the heavy crimson armor and falcon's helmet. They were following him. He wasn't please of it.

"I cannot believe you disobey my order," Shadow said angrily.

River Lance sighed, "My lord, please understand us. We don't wish you to get harm especially what happen to your brother. I promised him that I will look after him."

Hammerhead nodded, "As do I. Please, my lord, do not let hatred blind you. We don't want to lose you. Your brother wouldn't want you die for him."

"Unalaq murdered my brother! And I'm not willing to forget it!" He exclaimed in anger while turned to his generals. He groaned while clenching his Tiger Sword, "What right do you have to stop me avenging my brother?!"

Both remained silent while looking concern and feared at their emperor. They don't want their master to get blinded by his vengeance as well as getting himself hurt by Unalaq, just like what happen to Thunder Sentry.

"My lord. We're not preventing you to avenge Lord Thunder Sentry's death," River Lance said calmly, "But we cannot let you handle this by yourself."

Hammerhead nodded, "Indeed. Please, let us help you. Once we captured him, you will decide his fate. We are the swords and shields for you, my lord."

"River Lance... Hammehead..." Shadow said in surprise. He sighed in shame as he bowed, "Please forgive my behavior. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"We know. But please, remember why we're doing this, my lord," River Lance said calmly.

Hammerhead nodded, "It's not just vengeance for Lord Brave Tiger, it's the ponies and kingdom we must save, my lord."

He sighed, "I know. And thank you for reminding me again. Let us go and hunt Unalaq down."

With his generals nodded in agreement, Shadow Sunlight smiled as he continued leading his army head on. They continued searching and hunting Unalaq down before he could cause some damages to his home and others. He turned to the front but gasped in shock as he was looking at the same ghosts Rarity and Rainbow Dash have encountered.

"Father? Brother?" Shadow asked in surprise and concern.

"Go back... Go back..." The elder ghost pleaded, "Your sisters... Need you... They need you..."

The older ghost nodded firmly, "Shadow... Go back... Go back... Don't do it..."

And just before He could do anything, he got shaken by his shoulder. He turned to back as he found River Lance holding his shoulder. Shadow Sunlight turned to the front but found both ghost gone. Was he dreaming?

"Are you alright?"

"I saw them..." He replied in concern and confused, "I saw my brother and father..."

Hammerheaf gasped, "Lord Thunder Sentry and Star Tracer? How?"

"I don't know. I could be dreaming. I've been like this last two weeks. They just keep to me and ask me to go back. Why?"

"This is strange. This could be omen or message from the heaven. I believe they're trying to warn you about the danger, my lord."

"Maybe... But I'm not stopping. Unalaq must be stopped."

As they continued traveled down the forest route, Shadow Sunlight and his generals noticed something odd on the area. It's getting foggy yet darker than before. They couldn't help but felt like they had been and experienced this before. They did recalled this happened during Star Tracer's hunt. They had the feeling he'll appear sooner than later.

"I've been expecting you, Emperor..." The sinister voice said darkly. Shadow Sunlight and his army looked up as they found a brown unicorn with white long mane and tail dressed in Taoist Robe-like. He smirked darkly, "We meet again, little cub."

"Unalaq!" He snarled as he clenched his sword tightly, "I finally found you. I can finally avenge my brother's death. Your head is mine!"

Unalaq smirked darkly, "Unfortunately, that have to wait. My partner and I have some use of you. You will be the one to bring our little friends here."

"Wh-What?!" He asked in concern.

And just before He and his warriors could do anything, Unalaq opened his mouth as he launched the dark mists. It covered them. They all coughed heavily as they were suffocating by the dark mist like they were poison. All of them fell to the ground unconsciously.

Unalaq smirked, "Just as we plan, partner."

Boat Driver emerged from the tree while approaching his partner, "Well done, Unalaq. This will suffice of what I needed. They will come for him. And when they do..."

"I will finish the Westport Kingdom for good. The nation will be freed from their tyranny," Unalaq finished the sentence darkly.

It looks like Shadow Sunlight and his team are in danger and trouble...

At the Tiger Fury Palace, Sliver gave the order to her generals to gather the army by 40 of them and prepare to march. She and her team including Rarity and Rainbow Dash have to find and rescue Shadow and his unit before they find Unalaq.

As everyone were preparing to march, a unicorn was trotting towards Declan - a crimson Unicorn with black curvy mane and tail and her Cutie Mark is two brownish gears and a wrench worn the black mechanic suit with crimson shoulder plate and armor while wearing electronic gloves.

"You're not actually planning to leave me behind, aren't ya?" The Unicorn asked in amusement.

Shorty Thinking turned as she smiled, "Izzy? What are you doing here?"

Rarity and Rainbow Dash noticed Declan turned to Izzy as they both were chatting. Rarity groaned in annoyance while her left eye twitching. Rainbow Dash whistled innocently as she knew what happen next especially she was getting jealous when somepony was trying to steal her.

Izzy smiled, "Isn't it obvious? I'm going with you."

Declan sighed in annoyance, "For the last time, you're not going with me. It's too-!"

"Dangerous," izzy asked in annoyance before sighed in disappointment, "I'm getting irritated by your worries for nothing. And I'm not a kid anymore. So, don't treat me one."

"But still-!"

"I can handle it. You trained me. You taught me. You helped me. And above all, you loved me. Can't you at least let me joined you?"

Declan hummed in concern before sighed, "Alright. But stick with me. Don't make me regret the decision."

Izzy smiled before hugging Shorty Thinking while kissing his cheeks, "Thank you so much!"

Rarity groaned angrily while her face was burning and her ears were steaming out. Rainbow Dash hissed in concern as she flew closely to Aquajet before poked her.

"Hey, Aqua, who's that mare sticking with Shorty Thinking?" Rainbow Dash asked while pointing at Asami who was talking with Decks.

Aquajet looked at Izzy before smiled, "That's Izzy. And she's my BFF and Declan's-!"

"He has the girlfriend?! The nerve of him!" Rarity groaned in annoyance, "How dare he lied to me! I don't care how important she is to him, he and I are gonna have a talk! For now, I'll be quiet until he apologize to me!"

Aquajet looked confuse and concern, "What's with her?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Jealous Rarity again..."

"Okay, everyone! Let's get moving!" Sliver ordered firmly, "We have to find my brother now!"

As she trotted off, her army followed her from behind. They were on the move to find and rescue Shadow Sunlight and his unit now!

As Sliver and her army were walking and passing through the forest while searching for Shadow Sunlight and his unit, Rarity remained silent for the moment ever since she saw Shorty Thinking and Izzy being together. This make everyone worry and concern of her. Izzy approached Rarity.

"Hey. You must be Rarity. It's nice to meet you. I'm Izzy," She introduced herself. Rarity remained silent. She whistled, "Wow... I didn't know you were good at silent type. Declan told me that you loved to talk a lot, mostly about fashion. But it's good because it's your passion. My passion is building the machinery, just like Shorty. He and I share some common."

Rarity groaned in annoyance. Declan looked concern of it as he approached her, "Rarity, is there something you want to tell me?"

Rarity huffed in annoyance, "Why don't you apologize to me?"

"For what?"

"You know what you did, mister!"

"Huh? What are you talking about?" He asked in concern. Rarity went in silent. He looked confuse and worry, "Rarity, please! Just tell me!"

Izzy sighed in concern, "You didn't tell her about me, did you? I have the feeling she's got issue of girls being with you."

"No, she shouldn't be that because you're important to me," Declan said in concern. Izzy gave him a glare. He sighed, "I was planned to introduced you to her when she came to my home. I didn't expect it's now."

"Terrific. I'll just have to tell her by myself," She said in annoyance, "Stallion... You're worse than Flamefist."

Rainbow Dash approached Aquajet and her team as they were focused on searching and looking for Shadow and his unit. She noticed Aquajet's angry looks as she had the feeling that her best friend is still furious with her brother's decision of going solo to hunt Unalaq down.

"You're still mad at him?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

"What do you think?!" Aquajet demanded in annoyance, "He can be so... thickheaded moron! Sometimes, I wanna punch and snapped him out from being stupid. This isn't the first time he make stupid mistakes. A lot of times! He couldn't even asked us for our opinion! He always wants to solve the problem without fighting. But this?! This has gone too far now! Want to hunt Unalaq by himself now! Act like he's a tough hero!"

Sliver Flash sighed, "We all mad at him too, Aqua. But there were things he made the right one - fighting against Imperial Phoenix Army at the Red Cliff thousand years ago, asking us to marry the enemies for peace and alliance and making alliance with my husband. So far, he did well."

Anchor chuckled in amusement, "Indeed! Lord Thunder Sentry did say that Star Tracer is always good at administrating the affairs. I believed that too. And he did listen to us for making a good decision - sometimes."

"It's his decision. We must follow," Scar Saber said firmly.

Aquajet huffed angrily, "Well, there are times that we don't because he thinks he knows what he's doing! There's one thing I hate the most is he treated me a kid!"

"Hey, he did to me once when he keep telling me to get married!" Sliver said in annoyance, "And believe in me, Aqua, I don't like his treatment either. It's like he'd never care about us at all!"

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Look. I don't like going to somepony's business but you girls got it all wrong. He does care for you. He just doesn't want you all get involved with his fight and problem."

"And what makes you think that?" Aquajet asked in annoyance, "You don't my big brother like we do."

Sliver nodded, "Aqua's right. Courage is very stubborn and hard to talk with especially he won't tell us what's bothering him or why he's doing this by himself. There was nothing he can do to save Thunder. We all feel guilty."

"That's because he doesn't want you all to get involved with it," Rainbow Dash explained. Westport Warriors turned and looked at her. She continued, "Yeah, sure, he did silly mistake now but he don't want to lose you all. You're all his family. You're all his prize trophy. And he doesn't want you all be burden with his problem. After all, he's your big brother - looking out for his family."

"Huh... I'd never..." Aquajet was stunned to say, "thought of it. Why didn't he tell us about this?"

Tigress smiled, "I guess he's too stubborn to admit it. He wants us to be safe from danger, just like how we think of him. After all, we're the fierce Tiger Family."

"Yeah, we are," Aquajet smiled, "Thanks, Dashie. I owe you one."

Rainbow Dash scoffed, "It was nothing..."

Anchor laughed in amusement, "You know, Rainbow Dash, for a reckless warrior like you, you sure make a good advisor. Princess Aquajet could use that since Princess Sliver Flash already has one from her husband's."

Scar Saber nodded while smiling, "We are proud to have you as Westport's Ally."

"Thanks..." Rainbow Dash thanked happily. As she looked up, she spotted a strange pony standing before them, "Who's that?"

Westport Warriors gasped in concern as they exclaimed, "Unalaq!"

"That's Unalaq?!" Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief, "He doesn't look like magical..."

Aquajet growled as she summoned her Water Tiger Claws, "Maybe not. But he's the one who murdered my family!"

"Yeah! He's ours now!" Sliver Flash exclaimed as she armed with her twin Chakrams.

Anchor, Scarblade, Shorty Thinking and Izzy armed with their giant anchor-like weapon, katana blade, twin Tiger Blades and electrical gloves. Rarity and Rainbow Dash armed with their weapons, and so did the Water Tiger Kingdom Troops.

"I would put the weapons away, my friends..." Unalaq said darkly as he summoned a familiar group before the heroes, which shocked and scared them. Courage Tiger and his team were trapped in rings of darkness. He smirked, "Surrender now, especially you two."

"He's right..." The voice said calmly as he emerged from the tree. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were surprise as they were shock to see boat driver here. He then removed his hat while revealed himself to be ROman, "Another meeting to meet."

"You're Roman! I knew it was you!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger, "The mess here spells your name!"

Rarity nodded, "After what you did to both Imperial Phoenix and Thorntree Kingdoms, there is no doubt you would be targeting this place."

"Then, you wouldn't mind surrendering to us," Roman asked in amusement, "You wouldn't want to lose your precious lord, now do you?"

Unalaq nodded, "Indeed. Don't make mistake like what happen to your Little Conqueror."

"NO! Attack him now! This is your chance! Avenge our brother now!" Shadowclaw exclaimed firmly while struggled, "I beg you! Don't give in! You must defeat him! Do not negotiate with them!"

River Lance nodded, "He's right! The fate of Westport Kingdom is in your hoof! Save them now!"

"Avenge our lord! Avenge us! In the end, you're victorious, not them!" Hammerhead insisted.

"Go on. Do it..." Unalaq said darkly.

As Westport Warriors and even two heroines were tempted to attack both Roman and Unalaq, they have no choice but to drop them. They can't risk the lives of their allies and Shaodw's life. They were too important to give up. Shadow and his team groaned and hissed in anger as they had no chance to defeat their enemies now.

Unalaq smirked, "Seize them now."

The Phantom Soldiers and Terracotta Warriors appeared as they approached and apprehended the heroines and their allies with the rings of darkness. Unalaq and Roman smirked in please. They not only defeat and capture Courage Tiger and his officers, but they also capture Rarity and Rainbow Dash. They're victorious now. The fate of Westport Kingdom is in grave danger...

At the secluded yet ruined castle, both heroines and Water Tiger Warriors were locked inside of the dungeon. With the rings of darkness restrained the heroes, they cannot escape or use their power to destroy it. All they can do is nothing. They then encountered Roman and Unalaq smirked darkly as their enemies were looking at them.

"Comfortable?" Roman asked in amusement before chuckled, "I hope so because if it's not, you will get the better one - taking your Rainbow Powers. The last two powers will be mine."

Unalaq nodded in agreement, "While my partner has what he needed, I will finish what I have started - cleansing the kingdom for the greater good."

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Why are you doing this?! Isn't enough for you to get rid of their leader?! And now, you want to destroy their home?!"

"You're despicable! You're willing to sacrifice the innocent because they're part of Westport Kingdom?!" Rarity demanded in anger, "Have you no heart?!"

Unalaq huffed, "You don't understand, do you? Their former lord - Thunder Sentry - had cause great grief and despair upon it! He drive all of benevolent and noble leaders away! And the worse is he corrupt the innocent into his slaves. He's a true threat! The Wuhu River must be cleansed!"

"LIAR!" Aquajet exclaimed in anger as she struggled and yelped painfully by the Ring of Darkness's power, "He is the bravest and kindest warrior we ever had! He is the one who saved the innocents and home from the bad ponies like you! You're the one who needed to be cleansed!"

Sliver groaned angrily, "Well said, sis! How dare you talk bad about our brother?! And the worse you did... You murdered him!"

"[Scar Saber] Your crimes will not go unpunished. [Hammerhead] You will regret for imprisoning us here! [Anchor] When we're out of here, we're gonna pound you to abyss of river! [Izzy] We won't let you destroy our home?! [River Lance] You will pay for your insult to our lord! I won't forgive you! [Declan] You will know our pain and our wrath!"

Shadow Sunlight snarled in anger, "Unalaq... I will not let you succeed it! I will stop you from destroying our home! I will defeat and kill you! I will avenge my brother!"

Unalaq scoffed, "All bark, but no bite. You will not succeed. First I absorbed the water, then I will create the large and powerful tsunami to engulf the whole kingdom into the sea eternally. Westport Kingdom will be forgotten."

"Indeed. We should make preparation," Roman said calmly, "Enjoy the stay."

Both Unalaq and ROmanimmediately left the dungeon as they were preparing the ceremony for the assault on Westport Kingdom. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and their allies remained at the dungeon as they went in silent while showing in concern and pain. Have they really lost? Will their home be destroyed?

"I'm sorry..." Shadow Sunlight said in shame. Everyone looked at him as they were confuse and concern of what he had said. He continued, "I've let you all down. The reason I didn't want to ask for your help is because I didn't want you all to be my burden or even want to lose any of you like how I lost my brother. I can't bear to see that again. Please, forgive my selfishness..."

Everyone remained silent and quiet for the moment as they were all surprised and shocked about his behavior and talk.

"Come now, that's rubbish talk!" Rarity insisted, "You shouldn't be ashamed of it especially letting someone to share that burden of yours."

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah. You've made ponies so worry sick about you. Don't you think it's best to have friends and family with you? They'll always be there for you. So, appreciate it and let them help you."

"You mean it?" He asked in surprise.

"Shadow..." Aquajet said in upset tone, "You shouldn't talk like that or even handle this problem by yourself. We came to help you not because you're our leader, you're our family."

Sliver nodded in agreement, "Aqua's right, brother. You're very important to us too. And we don't want to lose you. Big brother wouldn't want this, now would he?"

Courage Tiger was in shock and surprise of what his sisters had said. Anchor, Hammerhead, Scar Saber, Declan and Izzy nodded firmly and calmly. Rainbow Dash and Rarity joined in as well.

River Lance smiled, "My lord, I hope you are convinced that all of us are in this together to defeat Unalaq and save our home."

"Everyone..." Shadow Sunlight said in surprise before smiled weakly yet relief, "Thank you so much. I promised I won't be alone to handle it."

"That's really good, your highness. You should be happy to have them," Rarity said happily.

Rainbow Dash huffed, "You'd better be. The next time you pull the stunt of leaving others behind, I'm coming after ya and knock sense into you for Aqua! And believe me, what I hate the most is somepony left their own family behind to handle this mess alone! Got it?"

He yelped before chuckled uneasily, "Of course. Promised."

"I'm glad everything is alright," River Lance said in relief before looked at his Ring of Darkness. He struggled, "We need to do something with this! We have to stop Unalaq!"

"I agree! Our home!" Hammerhead exclaimed in concern.

Shadow groaned, "If only there's a way out of this-"

"Not a problem..." Izzy said calmly. Everyone turned to her - she is free! They were in shock and surprise by her escape. She smiled as she took activated her electrical gloves, "I always kept the extra."

"How?" Declan asked in surprise.

She smiled as she helped and electrocuting Shorty Thinking's Ring, "Let's just say - I know a thing or two about Ring of Darkness. By using electric power, the ring will dispersed. It's kinda like light beats darkness. So, I came in prepare, even though my first set were decoys."

Shorty Thinking smiled before hugging her, "That's my girl."

Rarity groaned in annoyance while Rainbow Dash whistled innocently. the white unicorn still got jealous issues on Izzy. Izzy freed all of her friends and soldiers from the Rings of Darkness. Anchor rammed and knocked the bars to the ground. Terracotta Warriors and Phantom Soldiers charged in to attack prisoners but instead got punched and attacked by River Lance, Hammerhead, Scar Saber and Anchor.

Hammerhead got the weapons as he passed all of them to his allies. Westport Warriors and even both Rarity and Rainbow Dash were armed and ready to battle.

"Everyone, we must stop the enemies at once! We will avenge our brother's death!" Shadow exclaimed firmly. With his brave friends cheered, he announced, "Tigers of Wuhu River, to battle!"

He led his army out at once. They were all chasing after both Unalaq and Roman.

"It is time.Westport Kingdom will be cleansed..."

Both Unalaq and Roman were at castle's top level as they were looking ahead - Westport Kingdom. Unalaq was levitating as his horn glowed darkly. He dragged and pulled the water all the way back to his castle while summoning the rain down on it.

Westport Kingdom ponies yelped, screamed and chatted in concern as their homeland's water gone and disappeared from their sights. They were worried and scared of what will happen next.

As Unalaq continued summoning and creating the large tsunami, Roman looked at his Pandora Box - consisted of Mane Four's Rainbow Power, only two more left. Shadow Sunlight and his unit have arrived in time. They were armed and ready to attack.

"Unalaq! This ends now!" Shadow exclaimed in fury.

Rainbow Dash snarled, "You're going down, jerk!"

Rarity nodded, "Whatever plan you're having, you won't succeed it!"

"On contrary, we are!" Unalaq said darkly, "Dispose of them!"

Both Terracotta Warriors and Phantom Soldiers appeared at once. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and their allies - Water Tiger Warriors charged into the battle at once.

The Water Tiger Warriors battled both Phantom Soldiers and Terracotta Warriors. Scar Saber swung his Saber in slashing and slicing the enemy into pieces. Anchor barked wildly as he swung and whacked his giant anchor at them hard. Hammerhead swung his giant dual hammer in knocking them down. Declan fired his Flame Volley Blaster at them. River Lance was striking and swinging his sword at his enemies. Izzy launched her powerful electrical gloves in shocking and knocking them hard. The soldiers of Westport Kingdom also helped their leaders as well.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity attacked Roman, who did was screaming, dodging and running away from the fight. Shadow Sunlight, Sliver Flash and Aquajet attacked Unalaq, who was protected by his force-field and Dark Thunderstorm Blast at them.

Rainbow Dash tried to strike and thrust his Magical Mystic Spear at Roman, who dodged and avoided the attacks quickly. He even tried to avoid the blasts from Rarity's Diamond Blaster wrists. But both got distracted and attacked by Terracotta Warriors from engaging him. As Rarity and Rainbow Dash continued attacking and engaging the Terracotta Warriors, Roman quickly opened his Pandora Box as it launched and grasped them tightly. It then electrocuted and shocked then as it was absorbing their Rainbow Powers. It even make them screamed in pain.

"I've got all of them! It's all mine now!" He exclaimed happily and wildly, "Everything has gone according to my plan now!"

"THINK AGAIN!" The voice exclaimed firmly.

And just before He could do anything, he got electrocuted and shocked. He fell to the ground hard while closing the Pandora's Box.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity were relieved that they were free, but they were on the edge of castle walls. Terracotta Warriors thrust their spears and pikes at her. Rainbow Dash struggled fighting back while trying to save her best friend. Rarity screamed fearfully as she was about to fall.

Anchor charged in and rammed all of Terracotta Warriors pieces aside hard while Izzy charged in and grabbed her hoof in time while pulling her back. Rainbow Dash sighed in relief, and even Rarity felt that too. They both smiled at Anchor and Izzy, who smiled back at them. grunted as he quickly get away before he get himself captured by his enemies.

"You're alright?" She asked in concern.

Rarity sighed in relief, "Yeah. You saved me. Thank you so much, darling."

Izzy smiled, "No worries. I'm happy to help my friends and even my big brother's. I don't even want to lose Delcan's girlfriend."

"Brother?!" Rarity and Rainbow Dash asked in surprise and shock, "You're Shorty Thinking's sister?! You're kidding me!"

Izzy sighed, "I knew it. He didn't tell you about me. Idiot..."

Shadow Sunlight, Sliver and Aquajet continued attacking and battling with Unalaq. But he was still protected by force-field and even launching his Dark Thunderstorm Blasts at them. They dodged and avoided the attacks while striking and attacking back at him. And at the same time, he was chanting in pure darkness as he was creating the largest tsunami. He's almost done with it.

"We have to stop him!" Aquajet exclaimed in concern.

Sliver grunted as she struggled in attacking at Unalaq, "But how? His sorcery is too strong!"

"We have to! Our home is depending on us!" Shadow exclaimed firmly.

Unalaq huffed, "Give it up, fools. It's over now! There's nothing you or your friends can do. Your home is finished!"

"No, it's not!" Izzy shouted firmly as she unleashed her electrical gloves in electrocuting and shocking Unalaq's force-field, "You're the one who is finished!"

Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Westport Warriors surrounded Unalaq as they were all ready to attack and finish him off.

"BEGONE!" Unalaq exclaimed in anger as he fired his Dark Whips in launching and electrocuted his enemies to the ground hard, "I will bring salvation to this land! Westport Kingdom must be destroyed! I will finish you off, just as I did to your father and brother!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone demanded in anger.

Unalaq smirked, "Yes. I did it. I was ordered by Noble Guild to finish Star Tracer and retrieve the Imperial Seal back. I was so closed to finish him until your brother came after me. He almost finish me off if it weren't for interlopers from Central Jing. And now I will finish this off!"

"Damn you! You even murdered their dad?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in anger.

Rarity groaned, "You're monster!"

Unalaq smirked, "I'd prefer call myself - the savior. It's over now for you all."

"No, you are!" Shadow Sunlight exclaimed firmly as he struggled yet grunted painfully in getting up while approaching him. He groaned, "I will defeat you!"

Unalaq groaned as he tried to shock Courage Tiger, "Who do you think you are?!"

"I am Shadow Sunlight - Emperor of Westport Kingdom! And I hereby sentenced you - death for high treason and murdered of both my father and brother! Take this!"

And just before Unalaq could do anything, He unleashed his Fury Tiger Slash in knocking him out and freed everyone from his Dark Whips.

Rarity then fired her Diamond Blaster wrists at him, weakening him. Rainbow Dash rammed and struck him to the walls before punching him very hard. Unalaq fired his Dark Balls at them off but they dodged and avoided the attacks. Hammerhead and Anchor slammed their hammer and anchor in knocking him hard for three times. Scar Saber and River Lance charged and gave their swift slashes of their blades on his back for three times. Aquajet and Sliver Flash punched him for ten times before kicked him off.

And just before Unalaq could respond, Shadow struck his Tiger Blade through the sorcerer's chest head on. Unalaq gasped and grunted painfully as he was slowly dying.

Courage Tiger groaned, "That's for my kingdom. This is for my family you have murdered!"

"Curse you..." Unalaq said painfully before coughed heavily, "Pitiful... It's too late now. Your kingdom will fall..."

Rarity, Rainbow Dash and everyone else turned to the front. They found the large tsunami wiggled as it straightly poured down hard as it was heading straight to the Kingdom. Their home is in danger!

"We have to stop it!" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

"There's not much time! We won't able to evacuate or stop it!" River Lance exclaimed in concern, "It's over..."

"No... It isn't. And I'm not gonna let my home be destroyed. Not on my watch!" Aquajet said firmly as she stood up and positioned herself up in martial art skills like, "I'm gonna slow it down!"

"You can't! It will take lots of energy on you!" Anchor exclaimed in concern, "Don't do this, Aqua!"

"I have to! Stand back!"

Aquajet's eyes glowed brightly as she waved her hooves like she was trying to pull something back. As it responded to her will, the back of river tsunami slowly pulling back towards her. But it's still not enough to stop it. Everyone else looked worry and concern about it.

Sliver growled angrily while clenching her hooves, "Well, I'm gonna sit here and do nothing! Hang on, Aqua!"

"I won't lose my family again! Hold on, sisters!" Shadow exclaimed firmly.

Both Shadow and Sliver joined. They all helped Aquajet in summoning and bringing the large tsunami's water back. They effectively have managed to bring half portion of tsunami back into normal state. But it wasn't enough as the other half portion is heading straight to the kingdom.

"This isn't good! What can we do? We're not powerful and magical as Twilight to handle this," Rarity exclaimed in concern.

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Come on, guys! You can do this! Don't give in!"

Everyone cheered wildly and determinedly at the Three Tiger Family to not give up while bringing the tsunami down to normal state.

As the trio continued doing it, two familiar ghosts appeared besides them. Everyone was in shocked and surprised of it. But nevertheless, the five family members worked together as they continued bringing the tsunami down swiftly and fiercely. As it almost reached the kingdom, the tsunami slowly dying down as it returned to normal state now.

The water flowed gently and calmly into the river banks of Westport Kingdom. Ponies cheered wildly and happily that their home is safe from harm and danger. At the abandoned castle, Rainbow Dash and Rarity sighed in relief, and so does everyone else. The kingdom is safe now.

"No... I failed..." Unalaq said in shock yet painfully, "Curse you all..."

Unalaq draws his last breathe before closing eyes. Everyone looked at him as his body slowly disintegrate into ashes. It then blown up to the sky. He is gone. Shadow Sunlight, Sliver Flash, and Aquajet turned to both Thunder Sentry and Star Tracer who smiled at him and his family.

"Father... Brother... It's really you..."

"Well done, my son. I'm glad you're alive," Thunder Sentry said calmly

Star Tracer smirked before gave a hoof bump on Courage's left shoulder, "I knew you can do it! I'm glad that you didn't get yourself killed. You almost had me worried."

"I-I... I couldn't have done it by myself. I have friends and family to help me," Shadow said humbly.

Sliver giggled weakly, "Yeah, he can be hopeless and stubborn sometimes. That is why we're here for."

"We'll keep doing this," She said happily.

"We noticed it. Thank you very much," Thunder Sentry said happily.

Star Tracer nodded, "Yeah. If it weren't for you all, he wouldn't have make this far. Thanks. And keep it up. And don't worry, we'll be watching over you."

"Will we see you all again?" Sliver asked in concern.

Aquajet sighed, "We just met..."

"Please, don't leave us again..." Shadow pleaded, "Can't you see how much we miss you both?"

"We know. But we have to go," Thunder said calmly, "We can't stay here for too long."

Star smiled, "But that doesn't mean we won't visit you. Don't worry, we'll come again. Promised. Take care. We all love ya."

"We will..." All three of them said happily.

Star Tracer and Thunder Sentry turned to both Rarity and Rainbow Dash as they both gave the girls a wink. The girl replied that to them. The ghosts slowly disappeared from everyone's sights. Westport Warriors bowed down in respect for the passing ones.

As Rarity and Rainbow Dash watched the event, they noticed their Cutie Marks glowing and blinking again. They smiled happily - mission accomplished!

"I guess we reconnect the family together - that's friendship problem," Rainbow Dash remarked.

"Indeed, it is. I'm glad everything is alright at the end," Rarity said happily. She turned to both Shorty Thinking and Izzy. She smirked in amusement, "Why didn't you all tell me about this?"

"I kinda forget," Declan admitted meekly, "Sorry about that. But I do have another sister named Roll. She's now working for Dynamo within Ultimate Mystic Warriors. At least, I didn't forget that one."

Izzy scoffed, "Typical. Sorry about him. He maybe the smartest strategist and inventor at Water Tiger Kingdom, but sometimes he can be forgetful. So, let's try this again. It's an honor to meet you again, Rarity."

Rarity giggled happily as she shook Izzy's hoof, "The honor is mine, Izzy. I apologize for my rude behavior."

"Apology accepted. And one day, I would like to bring Roll here to meet you. She would be happy."

"I can't wait."

Rainbow Dash approached to four Westport Warriors, "You guys are so awesome especially you, Anchor! For a Diamond Dog, you're really loyal dog. I hope we can do this again, but not fighting part. Just for some sports."

Four Tiger Warrior smiled and commented, "Thank you very much. We are honored, Rainbow Dash."

Shadow Sunlight, Sliver Flash, and Aquajet looked at their kingdom from distance. They were relieved yet pleased that everything is safe and sound.

"So, everything's alright?" AquaJet asked in concern.

"Yeah. It should be fine for now," He said calmly. He turned to his sisters, "Sliver, Aqua... Thank you for everything."

Sliver smiled, "It's no big deal, brother. We're always help each other out, no matter what. After all, we're family."

"Besides, you should thank those two girls. They're the reason why we came here. They helped and convinced to come after you. They even told me not to resolve with anger," Aquajet said happily.

Shadow Sunlight turned to Rarity and Rainbow Dash, "Rarity, Rainbow Dash; thank you so much."

"It's no big deal," Rainbow Dash commented.

Rarity smiled and nodded, "We're glad to help around, your highness."

"Now, that is done. Is everyone up for the drink?" Shadow Sunlight asked in amusement. Everyone laughed happily. He then laughed as well, "Come on. We do need to drink. After all, we have won the fight. It's the least we can do to honor these girls for the help! After this, we'll show the tour to our kingdom! Who's with me?"

Everyone laughed and cheered wildly and happily as they all turned and headed back to Westport Kingdom. Their home is safe from danger for now...

END...

Episode 18-The Mane Event

Near to Apple Farm, Ponyville Town Ponies were setting the dome stage up for the important event - the charity event. They were led and managed by Applejack. The dome stage were filled with props such as apple-shaped trees-like, steps, speakers, light props, colorful rainbow banners. Twilight Sparkle and Apple Bloom have arrived as she was filled with shock yet amazed by it.

"Wow, Applejack!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in amazement as she approached Applejack, "Are you sure you've never managed a concert before?"

Applejack blushed, "Well, it turns out doin' up a concert's the same as settin' up a rodeo."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "And thanks to Pinkie's connections organizing the Ponypalooza Rock Concert, we've got quite a lineup for the Helping Hooves Music Festival."

"And don't forget about us," The firm voice called.

Both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack turned and found Crossbow, Scorch and the iron masked brownish muscular yet fierce and wild humanoid twin-horned winged dragon with a rhino's horn-like approached them as well. Western Dragon soldiers and workers helped the Ponyville Town Ponies in setting up.

"My father did send me and some ponies to help you handling the charity events," Crossbow said calmly, "And father sends regards and luck for it."

Scorch nodded in agreement, "Our lord enjoys helping innocent ponies especially poverty and poor. He'll be here by tomorrow. He wished to see the charity event with his own eyes."

The dragon growled, "I... Help... Corbin! Help... ponies... For charity..."

"Thanks you guys. " Applejack said calmly while looking at the humanoid dragon, "Though I don't understand why he's the only dragon doesn't speak well. He almost reminds of Root."

Crossbow chuckled in amusement, "That's Branch's way. He never been good at education especially writing. But there's one thing he's good at - war and strategy."

"Loyal... To... Our Lord!" Branch exclaimed proudly.

He smiled as he patted his's back, "Sure, you are. We all are to our friends especially this princess."

Apple Bloom bounced happily, "I can't wait for it especially I wanna be part of concert! I wonder who will be coming here."

Applejack shrugged, "Who knows, Apple Bloom, I'm just glad that we have all the help we need to get it ready for charity. Whoever is coming here, she really does care for the fillies and donates the charity a lot."

"Everypony!" The familiar voice called. Twilight and all of her friends including Spike, Crossbow, Scorch and Branch turned to the entrance where Pinkie Pie charged into the area. She breathed heavily yet happily before she said happily at once, "I have the most amazing news ever! It is totally gonna freak your frizz!"

Pinkie Pie sighed in relief, "It wasn't easy. In fact, it was terribly difficult. But I have managed to book the biggest pony pop star in all of Equestria as the main attraction of the Helping Hooves Music Festival!"

"Sapphire Shores?" Applejack asked.

"Sapphire Shores?! Please!" Pinkie Pie hissed in annoyance, "Sapphire Shores is merely the second biggest pony pop star in Equestria. I have booked the one, the only, Countess Coloratura!"

Ponies awed in surprise and amazement of what they just heard. Crossbow and two dragons growled in annoyance upon hearing that name like they both met her before. And even Thorntree Dragon soldiers and workers muttered and chatted in anger and annoyance about her.

"Who in the hay is Countess Coloratura?" Applejack asked in confusion.

The ponies gasped in shock and surprise of what Applejack had said, even Pinkie Pie whose mane and tail went up yet fuzzy and hairy literally. She never heard of Countess Coloratura?!

"My frizz has been freaked!" Pinkie Pie remarked in shock. She then quickly combed her mane and tail down into her normal funky style. She then approached Applejack as she demanded in shock and concern, "How-how-how-how-how have you not heard of her?! She's the biggest pony pop star in Equestria!"

"Don't know. Though I did know a gal named Coloratura when I was just a filly." Applejack admitted. She then laughed and snorted a bit, "Wouldn't it just be the funniest thing if that Coloratura and this Coloratura were the same Coloratura? Heh."

"Do you mean to tell me that you actually know Countess Coloratura?" Apple Bloom asked in shock.

"Well, I don't think it's the same pony, since my friend wasn't any sort of high-falutin' countess."

"Do ya remember her cutie mark?"

Applejack smiled, "Sure do. It had this super colorful bunch of musical notes that just shimmered in the light."

"No way..." Apple Bloom said in shock and surprise, "Applejack! Your friend and the superstar are really the same pony! They really are Countess Coloratura! Or she is. I confused."

"What?! That's impossible! No way!"

"Actually..." Pinkie Pie said nervously while rubbing her head. She gave the picture of this mysterious Countess Coloratura's Cutie Mark to Applejack, "Apple Bloom's right about that one."

Applejack gasped in shock of what she just saw, "Well, fancy that! That there's the very same cutie mark!"

"Do you have any idea the number of hoops I had to jump through to get her to perform at the festival?!" Pinkie Pie demanded in upset, "A whole lot of hoops! That pony is very demanding!"

"Nah."

"Yah!"

"Unfortunately , Pinkie Pie's right," Crossbow said firmly, "That pony is very demanding! And we're leaving at once! Good luck with that, ponies!"

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock.

"If that spoiled mare is coming here, we will not be part of it!" Scorch said angrily, "Not after what she has done to us especially our lord and our ponies! She and her manager pressured our ponies to complete her outrageous demands and tasks for one day!"

Branch roared in anger, "Coloratura... Demands... Our foods... Our treasures... Our souvenirs... Mistreat... Us... Bad... Insult... Lord CORBIN!"

"She did?!" Everyone asked in shock.

Apple Bloom shook her head, "That can't be right! Countess Coloratura maybe a bit of demanding, but she's not a bad pony. She's a good one. She did lots of charity especially having fun and contest with the fillies like me."

"Don't let her reputation fool you," Crossbow warned firmly.

Scorch nodded, "Believe me. I told her off about her demands, and the next; she told me and my father off! So, we banished her from ever set her hooves or her behavior to our land again."

"That's a bit of harsh there, ain't it?" Apple Bloom said in concern.

Applejack sighed as she patted Apple Bloom's mane, "This was clearly some sort of misunderstandin', 'cause Rara was just as down home as me!"

"Rara?!" Everyone asked in shock and surprise.

Applejack smiled and nodded in confirmation, "Even that big name was too fancy for her, so I shortened Coloratura to 'Rara'!"

Flashback:

Nine years ago...

Applejack and her childhood friend - Rara who is an aquamarineish gray colored Earth Pony with twisted-like dark grayish indigo-dark indigo colored mix mane and tail with a stripe of moderate opal color, were having some fun and time together at Camp Friendship such as playing tug-of-war, swimming together and even singing the song together.

"We had the best time at Camp Friendship!" Applejack narrated, "Rara was just so easygoin'! We were like two apples from the same branch."

At the stage, both Applejack and Rara were themselves for the song. Applejack was playing her guitar while Rara prepared herself to sing. Camp Advisors were watching the event while the camper foals were busy with their own stuffs such as chatting, reading comic, eating popcorn and even playing cards.

Applejack narrated, "Rara and I prepared this song for the camp talent show. When we performed, she belted it out, singin' in the most colorful, clear voice I'd ever heard!"

Young Rara: Equestria, the land I love
A land of harmony
Our flag does wave from high above
For ponykind to see

Upon hearing her beautifully and harmonically voice, camper foals stopped their activities as they turned their attention to Rara. They were all shocked and surprised to hear it. As Rara continued singing, her Cutie Mark glowed brightly in pure golden. Applejack was shocked and surprised by it.

Young Rara: Equestria, a land of friends
Where ponykind do roam
They say true friendship never ends
Equestria, my home

With the sound of triangle played by Applejack, the music ends. The campers chatted and cheered happily for Rara being the best singer. Both Rara and Applejack hugged each other happily while sobbed with tears of joy.

"After camp, we wrote to each other for a bit, but... then we lost touch."

Flashback Ends...

Apple Bloom awed in amazement, "That's amazing..."

"Rara always did want to go to Manehattan to try and make it big." Applejack said happily. She gave frown yet concerned face, "But a demandin' diva? Crossbow are you serious?"

"I don't pulled jokes?" Crossbow said in annoyance. He sighed, "Whatever happens between you and that spoiled mare is long gone. And believe me, Applejack, she's not the same pony you used to know."

Scorch nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Not after what she had done to our home, it's wise that you don't trust her."

"Beat... Her... Up!" Branch exclaimed in anger.

Applejack groaned in annoyance, "Just you wait, ya'all. Once Rara gets here, you'll see she's just a plain old pony like you and me."

Pinkie Pie gasped like something surprised, "I don't have to wait – she's here!"

Ponies were surprised and shocked of what Pinkie Pie had say. She pointed at the entrance. They looked at her direction. They saw a giant golden diamond-like carried by four dancers by their backs holding its poles. The visitors were heading to their direction.

As the dancers stopped, the giant diamond transformed into a giant golden throne chair-like with speakers as handlers where the mysterious pony was sleeping. As she got up, she walked down the steps. She worn make up with thicker eyelashes as well as wearing long whitish ponytail with purplish stripe mane and tail wig. She was dressed with the purple jacket while wearing the diamond bracelets by her neck and hoof. Countess Coloratura or Rara has arrived?

The Ponyville Town Ponies awed and cheered excitedly and happily while Western Dragon Kingdom Ponies grunted and groaned angrily about Rara's arrival.

"Rara?" Applejack asked in shock and concern.

Pinkie Pie squealed happily, "Countess Coloratura!"

"Clear the way! Stand back! Keep your hooves and tail to yourselves!" The angry voice demanded.

As the ponies moved aside, Pinkie Pie stayed still while looking very happy and excited. Svengallop the white Earth Pony with light short brownish funky and tail worn the manager suit knocked Pinkie to the ground while moving to the front. Countess Coloratura and her dancers followed him to the stage while not watching where they're stepping...

Apple Bloom squealed happily, "I can't believe she's here! Your best friend is here - Rara as the Countess Coloratura! She's finally here!"

"No... that can't be her." Applejack said in concern. She and Apple Bloom approached Rara from behind as she cleared throat, "Um... hi. Remember me? We met at Camp Friendship? I gave you the nickname 'Rara'?"

Countess Coloratura gasped in surprise like the words hit hers. She turned to Applejack with surprise looks.

"AJ?" Rara asked in surprise. Applejack smiled happily while nodded happily. She gasped upon looking at Apple Bloom, "This must be your little sister you wrote to me about. Apple Bloom, we finally meet!"

Apple Bloom gasped, "She knows me! Applejack, you wrote to Countess Coloratura about me?!"

Rara nodded happily, "AJ said you were the best little sister ever, Apple Bloom!"

Applejack smiled happily to see Rara actually remembers both her and her letter. And just before Rara could do anything, Svengallop whispered to her. She sighed and nodded in agreement. She gave 'Kiss' stamp on both Applejack and Apple Bloom.

Rara smiled, "Hoofsies!"

As Rara turned and approached to her other fans, both Applejack and Apple Bloom were in stunned and surprised. Rarity approached the Apple Sisters.

"Ooh, you got hoofsies from Countess Coloratura! Look! Ooh, she clearly thinks you're very special!" Rarity commented happily.

Apple Bloom squealed while bounced happily, "I know! Countess Coloratura gave me her hoofsies! I always want that! Thanks, AJ, for being her best friend! I can ask her, sing with her and talk with her about everything especially about you!"

Applejack hummed in concern yet suspiciously. She looked at Rara giving some hoofsies to her fans. She can't help that Saber Dragoon and his officers were telling the truth about her especially about her manager - Svengallop.

As the dancer stopped ponies from approached Rara, she and Svengallop have their own private chats.

"Now that's how you make an entrance! Big, bold, absolutely stunning!" Svengallop commented proudly. He grunted a bit, "Though it was muddied a bit with your interaction with that dusty farmpony. Do you actually know her?"

Rara nodded, "Oh, yeah, that's my childhood fillyfriend AJ! She was the one that started calling me Rara."

"Oh, yes, how cute and... common." Svengallop remarked in annoyance, "Of course, I was the one that started calling you Countess, and just look at how you've moved up in Equestria since then! Why, you've gotten everything you've ever wanted! And if I were you, I watch out for her."

"Why?"

"Remember the incident from Thorntree Kingdom?"

Rara got shocked yet concerned about the incident being reminded, "It's something I want to forget it. What does it have to do with Applejack?"

"That," Svengallop said in annoyance as he pointed at Applejack and Apple Bloom were discussing with Crossbow, Scorch and Branch about something. He huffed in annoyance, "She seems to be friend with those filth. And no doubt those ponies will tell your friends about the incident, she will ignore and abandon you, Countess Coloratura."

"No. She wouldn't. AJ wouldn't do such a thing to me," Rara said in concern, "She wouldn't..."

Svengallop sighed as he shown little concern and sympathy, "I'm sorry, Coloratura. She may against you or even me. Just watch out for her and her 'so-called' friends."

Rara hummed, "I hope you're wrong about this."

"Speaking of watch out, where is the pony named Pinkie Pie?" Svengallop called in annoyance.

Pinkie Pie approached Svengallop, along with her wagon, "Ooh! I'm the pony Pinkie Pie, Mr. Manager, sir!"

"Do you have the water imported from Rainbow Falls that I requested for Countess Coloratura?"

"I have twenty glass containers full right here!"

"Hm. Let us confirm that you acquired the rest of the items that Countess Coloratura requested before she performs her run-through, shall we?"

"Ooh, we shall!"

Svengallop hummed as he looked and inspected the items from the wagon, "Floral arrangements from the royal Canterlot gardens... Chocolate éclairs made by Gustave le Grand... A selection of crystals from the Crystal Empire... Freshly picked cherries from Cherry Jubilee's farm separated red from yellow..."

Svengallop sighed as he approached Countess Coloratura, "Well, by some miracle, your requests have been reasonably met. So let us move on... to rehearsal!"

Rara sighed as she nodded in agreement. Both her and Svengallop headed off at once. Applejack witnessed everything. She was in shock and concern of it.

"You were right, Crossy. The Rara I knew didn't hide behind a veil givin' out fake stamp kisses, sippin' up imported water, and needin' her cherries separated."

He nodded, "Like I said, Applejack - whatever happens between you and her is long gone. I know it's hard to see our friends change."

Applejack hummed, "She's become a whole other pony!"

"Come on, sis. Don't get upset by her changes. Just be happy that you finally get to see her," Apple Bloom said happily, "Besides, you should Countess Coloratura moves! You won't believe it!"

"I... hate... her songs!" Branch exclaimed in anger.

"And so are we," Scorch remarked dryly, "I wouldn't waste my time with her if I were you. We should get moving. We're going home."

Applejack sighed, "Come on, ya'all. Don't be like that. She's not what you think she is. I know there's some Rara inside her. Believe me. Just give her a chance. I'll prove it."

Crossbow sighed, "Fine. Don't make me regret this."

Apple Bloom giggled, "Trust us. You won't."

On the stage, Svengallop gathered, led and coordinated the dancers to their position. Dancers on both sides of stage while Rara on top of the steps. With everyone in their positions, he gave the signal to others to begin their rehearsal. As the lights blinked and smokes burst out, Rara began climbing down the steps as she was shaking her mane and singing in pop style.

Rara: Time for the spectacle
Time for the show
The lights are bright and the colors glow

As Rara reached down, she gave her left hoof raised up and sang her last line prolonged. The fire popped and exploded to the sky, fan blew her tail and mane up and colorful lighting shoots everywhere.

Rara: I'm not just anypony
I think you know
The time is now, it's about to blow!

The dancers emerged from their hidden positions as they began dancing wildly and professionally. Rara continued singing and dancing calmly, with light flashing and blinking, as well as smoke continued burst out.

Rara: Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle

As more of lighting shooting and flashing for few times, Rara continued singing and dancing briefly. The dancers continued dancing a lot. The unicorn fired his beam on her throat as she gave the loud and prolong vocalize.

Rara: Give me more
Razzle dazzle
Glitter eyes, big surprise
Lights, cameras

The dancers emerged from their hidden positions as they began dancing wildly and professionally. Rara continued singing and dancing calmly, with light flashing and blinking, as well as smoke continued burst out. At the last moment, she stood firmly while her right hoof up.

Rara: Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
Hear the applause
Here to impress
Not just a pony, I am the Countess!

Ponyville Town Ponies cheered wildly and excitedly. Western Dragon Kingdom Ponies muttered and chatted with each other about Rara's song especially their three generals. Applejack was in shock and freaked out as she couldn't believe of what she heard and see. This is not the same Rara she used to know since Camp Friendship.

As the workers and dancers taking break, Svengallop approached Rara as he commented and remarked arrogantly and proudly.

"Oh, my shining star! Thanks to the sparkling costumes, dazzling choreography, and brilliant vocal effects that I designed, your performance was spectacular, Countess Coloratura!"

"Oh," Rara laughed a bit, "thank you, Svengallop!"

Applejack saw everything as she groaned in annoyance, "Correct me if I'm wrong here, but that feller isn't actually complimentin' Rara. He's complimentin' all the bells and whistles he's piled on to make her Countess Coloratura."

"You're correct about that one. Wanna know why Countess Coloratura famous," Crossbow asked in annoyance. Applejack nodded. He continued, "She relied too much on effects, lighting and full of nonsense technology. It shows her that she doesn't have the skills at all."

"Aw, come on. Don;t be like that," Apple Bloom said calmly and concern, "All those kind of elements take tons of work for her performance. Without them, Countess Coloratura wouldn't exist."

Applejack sighed, "If you ask me, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing."

Crossbow nodded, "I know what you mean."

At the stage, both Rara and Svengallop continued chatting with each other. Rara sighed in tiredness and exhaustion from rehearsing.

"Oh, if we're all done here, I'd love to go back to my trailer and rest, Svengallop."

Pinkie Pie approached and reported, "Actually, right now you're scheduled for your meet and greet with the schoolponies!"

Svengallop groaned as she whispered to Rara, "Ugh. I can totally get you out of meeting with the schoolponies, Countess."

Applejack was in shock before she groaned in annoyance and anger. Apple Bloom also felt her older sister's anger as well. They don't like Svengallop's attitude especially commanding Rara to do what he wants right for her.

"Absolutely not," Rara exclaimed firmly, "My favorite part of any event is meeting with the schoolponies!"

Applejack smiled as she approached Rara, "The schoolponies'll be so happy to hear that, Rara!"

"We will appreciate that much, Countess Coloratura," Apple Bloom said happily.

"Thank you" Rara smiled. As she followed the Apple Sisters, she spotted three familiar faces that she never want to see. She greeted dryly, "Nice to see you three again."

"Like wise, Countess..." Crossbow said in annoyance.

Scorch nodded, "Hopefully you behaved well, Coloratura."

Branch growled angrily, "Watching... You..."

Apple Bloom groaned, "Are they serious?"

Applejack sighed in annoyance, "Why am I not surprised?"

Applejack guided all of her friends to the barnyard where the schoolponies were waiting and exciting to meet Rara or Countess Coloratura. Svengallop gave his annoying yet unpleasant glares at Applejack and Apple Bloom.

Near to barnyard, Rara gathered all of the schoolponies at the small stage while Photo Finish took the photos of them both. She then began announced about the event.

"Ponyville schoolponies! As part of the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I'm holding a contest where some of you will get a chance to sing with me onstage at the concert tomorrow! Sound fun?"

The foals cheered wildly and happily. Rara smiled happily to see little ponies loved her and her ideas. She then asked them of who wants some hoofies. Applejack smiled in relief and happy. Apple Bloom approached her as she was relieved to see her older sister happy.

"I'd take it that you're happy to see Rara you used to remember?" Apple Bloom asked happily.

Applejack nodded, "You bet, Apple Bloom. This is real her. It's her that you should meet."

"But... I got everything you requested!"

Applejack and Apple Bloom looked shock and concern of what they just heard. They turned to the Sweet Apple Acres's entrance where Pinkie Pie and Svengallop chatting and discussing with each other.

"That was for Countess Coloratura! This is for me! And what I want is premium oats!"

Pinkie Pie gulped as she held the plate of oats out, "Oh! Well, we have lots of tasty oats right here in Ponyville!"

Svengallop groaned as he threw hers aside hard, "I would not feed those to a chicken! I want top-of-the-line Appleloosan oats! Next, it appears that we are surrounded by apple trees. Bring me five hundred pre-peeled, pre-cored apples, and I want those things in twenty-four hours!"

Pinkie Pie gasped fearfully, "But that's impossible!"

"Do you want me to pull Countess Coloratura from your little podunk charity show?! Because I will!" Svengallop exclaimed in anger.

As Svengallop walked away, Applejack and Apple Bloom emerged from the bushes as they all shown very angry and upset about it. They then approached heartbroken and shocked Pinkie Pie. Crossbow, and the two dragons came towards them as well.

Pinkie frantically exclaimed, "Applejack! Svengallop just made all of these new demands and he said—"

Applejack interrupted, "I heard, Pinkie. But don't you fret. I'll talk to Rara and fix things right up."

"And you'd think she'll help us to deal with him?" Crossbow asked suspiciously yet concern.

"You heard what happen! There is no way Rara could demand that much! Svengallop is the pony who makes the outrageous demands, not her."

"But still-!"

"No! I have to tell her about Svengallop. Hopefully, she give him some piece of her mind! I can't let him do what he wants especially manipulating her! She's my friend!"

"Applejack is right, young lord. Perhaps rumors were wrong," Socrch said in concern, "Master Sky Slam did warn us that we should be worry about her manager, not her. We misjudge her."

Branch growled, "Svengallop... Must... Pay..."

The Archer sighed, "Alright. We'll do your way, Applejack. Don't make me regret this."

"Trust me. You won't regret it," Apple Bloom said firmly.

Applejack smiled in relief as she and Apple Bloom led and guided three officers of Thorntree Kingdom to the stage. Rara continued chatting and giving the foals some of hoofsies. Twinkle was the last pony to get it. Twilight Sparkle and Ash were behind of her. Rara gave the hoofsies to both Twinkle and Twilight Sparkle.

"Hoofsie for you and your mummy too, Twinkle."

Twinkle giggled happily as she looked at her cheek that covered by red hoofsie, "Thank you very much, Countess Coloratura. I have her hoofsie on my cheek!"

Twilight Sparkle smiled while patted Twinkle, "It's so hard to believe that you and Applejack were friends once before. It's an honor to meet you."

"The honor is mine, your highness. I'm thankful to be part of charity event," Rara thanked and bowed humbly. She then spotted Shadow Dragon behind her. She gasped, "Ash Ketchum? Is that you?"

Ash hummed in surprise while looking closely at her, "Rara?"

"You know each other?" Twilight Sparkle and Nyx asked in surprise.

Rara smiled and nodded happily, "Yes, he was my mentor! I met him when I was at least 16 or 17 years old during my stay at Manehatten. While I was practicing my singing, I met Shadow Dragon and Pikachu at Central Park."

Ash blushed a bit, "That's true. After hearing her voice and seeing her lyrics, I decide to train her to be professional singer. She really has some potential to be one."

"And not to mention, we both became the couples. It was the best."

"Huh? You dated Countess Coloratura before me?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. Ash blushed as he looked away. She giggled in amusement before giving him a nudge, "You sly fox. Why didn't you tell me that you dated the pop star?!"

Twinkle nodded, "Yeah! We could have gotten free tickets, merchandise and hoofsies without paying the price!"

"If I did, you'd be jealous. And the last thing I want is your temper," Ash blushed in embarrassment. Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes in amusement while Twinkle giggled. He continued, "But nine months later, things change when Svengallop came. I warned her about him and his 'promises' but ignored it and go with him. I was upset and angry with her. So, we both broke up."

Rara sighed, "Yeah. That's true. We never see each other for almost 5 years. But worth it when I finally became a star."

"To become a true singer, you must use your true talents to perform, not hide behind the tricks," Ash said firmly and disappointingly, "For what you have done till now, that's not even your skills. You haven't change a bit."

Rara smiled while shaking her head, "And you're still the same stern teacher and boyfriend I used to love and have fun with. Either way, I hope you enjoyed your happiness with Princess Twilight. Take care of him, your highness. He tends to get into some fights."

"I will," Twilight Sparkle smiled before looked at Ash, "You and I are gonna have a long talk and fun especially your past relationship with Countess Coloratura."

Twinkle nodded in agreement while bounced happily, "I want to know how you and her became the couples, just before you met mummy!"

Ash sighed, "Son of..."

As Twilight Sparkle, Ash and Twinkle left; Applejack and her friends approached Rara to have a talk.

"Uh... Hey, Rara, you mind if I talk to you about your manager?"

Rara smiled, "Sure, what about him?"

Applejack sighed, "Well, while you were meetin' with the schoolponies, he was demandin' all sorts of stuff from Pinkie Pie."

"Svengallop works very hard as my manager, AJ, so if he needs some things when we're on the road, I don't see anything wrong with that."

"Well, do you see somethin' wrong with him tellin' Pinkie that if she doesn't get those things by tomorrow, he'd pull you from our charity festival?"

"What? But he knows how important charity is to me, and leaving the festival would completely ruin my image!"

Applejack hissed in concern, "I'm afraid Svengallop doesn't give a pickled pippin about your charity work."

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "She's right about that."

Rara shook her head and protested in denial, "That's not true! Svengallop has always supported me in all my interests. You're just saying those things because you're jealous!"

"Jealous of what?" Applejack demanded in anger, "A pony who hides behind a veil so thick she can't see when somepony's usin' her? No, I'm not jealous of that, Rara!"

"I am not Rara! I am Countess Coloratura!" Rara snarled, "And while we may have been friends when we were young, we have clearly gone in different directions! I wouldn't be surprise that those barbarians told you about the incident."

"What?! Did you call my friends barbarians?!" Applejack demanded in anger.

"Yes! Because they blamed and accused of me for making lots of demands! They even kicked me out from their homeland. We need the supplies for the trip, making music and album especially charity event! How could I help them if I don't have those supplies. They told you, did they?"

"They did. But I'd never want to believe it because Sevngallop is the one who make the mess!"

"Don't you dare blame him for this, Applejack! I don't want to hear this anymore. Now if you excuse me, I've got more important work to do than this. Goodbye, old friend..."

Rara turned and walked away from her old friend. Applejack then gave a upset and pained looks. Apple Bloom and others looked concern and worry about it. Applejack has lost her childhood friend...

In the next morning, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were peeling apples off the skins. They have no choice but to complete it before Svengallop threatened to pull Rara or Countess Coloratura from the charity event. Apple Bloom did nothing but watch the event. She was in pain and upset to see her older sister and Rara fight with each other due to Svengallop's manipulation.

Crossbow approached Apple Bloom, "Apple Bloom, I'm sorry for everything. I was wrong to misjudge Countess Coloratura over the outrageous demands."

"I know," Apple Bloom said in understanding, "There must be something we can do to help AJ and Rara. I don't want to see them fighting each other!"

Scorch hummed before gasped in realization, "There is! The pouch! Master Sky gave it to me before we left. He told us to open it when Applejack reached critical point."

"Open... It..." Branch exclaimed.

He took and open the pouch. He then open the folded note into whole. He and all of his friend read it carefully. They then looked at each other for the moment. They smiled and nodded in agreement. That could work.

Crossbow and Apple Bloom approached Applejack, who continued peeling the apples out.

"You okay, AJ?" He asked in concern. Applejack remained silent for the moment. He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry for what happened yesterday. I really do."

Applejack sighed, "It doesn't matter. Rara wouldn't want to talk with me since she thinks Svengallop is always right. No point to talk her out."

"So, that's it? You're gonna give her up?" Apple Bloom asked in upset. Applejack looked at her. She continued, "Just because you had one fight with her doesn't mean you should quit or forget about it! She needs you, sis."

"But Apple Bloom-!"

"The last thing you want is her to be laughingstock! Everypony will never ever look up to her again. Nopony, not even that jerk Svengallop would bother to help her. But you do. You and her are friends."

"Apple Bloom..."

Apple Bloom sobbed tearfully while hugging Applejack, "Please, Applejack; don't you dare give up that! Please, help Rara..."

"Your sister's right." Crossbow said firmly, "You can't let Svengallop manipulating her. She can't see it. She needs us. She needs you."

Apple Bloom wiped her tears off while showing her firm face, "So, are you gonna help her or not?"

Applejack thought for the moment. She then gave the firm and proud looks. She then nodded firmly. Crossbow, Apple Bloom, Scorch and even Branch smiled in relief. Applejack turned to Pinkie Pie.

"Sorry, Pinkie, but there is no way I'm lettin' that lousy Svengallop use my friend like that!"

Pinkie Pie was in shock and concern as she fell behind the peeled apples hard. Applejack headed off at once while her friends followed her. They have to find and convinced Rara about Svengallop's true nature before it's too late...

Applejack and her friends approached to the big stage, where Rara was leading and instructing ponies handling the stage and preparation for tonight's event.

"Countess Coloratura!" Applejack called.

Rara looked surprised and amazed as she turned to her best friend, "Wow, AJ, you said my real name."

"I said your new name, but I saw the real you hangin' out with those schoolponies yesterday. And I know somepony that'd prefer if you stop doin' those little events."

"Ugh, not this again."

"Come on now. You've just got to give me a chance to prove what I'm sayin' is true."

"Please, Rara, let AJ help you. You and her were best friends." Apple Bloom pleaded, "She would never lie to you. You've gotta believe in her."

Crossbow nodded in agreement, "You trust Sky Slam, don't you? He's the only pony who believed in you as innocent. Prove us that you are by trusting us and AJ."

Rara hummed a bit before sighed, "And just how are you going to do that?"

Applejack smirked, "Do exactly what we say. We'll see if that Svengallop truly has your best interests at heart."

Crossbow nodded, "Sky Slam's plan never fails. Listen carefully..."

Saber Dragoon and Applejack explained the plan to Rara about it, which she reluctantly to follow it as she's still unsure about Svengallop and his outrageous demands since he was her friend and manager when she began her music career. Either way, she has to see it with her own eyes.

As ponies were setting the props up for the event, Rara called Svengallop. Svengallop came from her right side of stage.

"Here I am! Did you need something?" Svengallop asked calmly.

"Yes, I was... considering..." Rara said reluctantly yet fearfully. She gulped as she hated doing it, "m-maybe cancelling the contest with the schoolponies...?"

Svengallop gasped in surprise yet relief, "Countess, this is wonderful! I've been waiting forever for you to cancel that pointless schoolpony contest."

"You... have?" Rara asked in shock.

"You do it at every charity event, and it does absolutely nothing to promote the Countess Coloratura image that I built! Consider it cancelled."

Rara was in shock and upset to hear what Svengallop had said. Applejack, Apple Bloom and even Shadow Dragon were right about him. He doesn't really care about schoolponies' contest without asking her or even pleaded her to re-considerate it.

"Pinkie Pie!" Svengallop called. Pinkie Pie trotted straight before him. She breathed heavily after spending a long time in peeling the apples' skin out. Svengallop smiled proudly, "We are making some adjustments to the show. Follow me!"

As both Svengallop and Pinkie Pie moved back to the backstage, Rara nodded in giving the signal to Applejack and Apple Bloom. They both nodded before turned to Twilight Sparkle and Nyx as they waved their friends to move out.

As both Alicorns flew in midair while following Svengallop and Pinkie Pie to the backstage, they used their magic in recording the event as the Earth Ponies began to have chats.

"Cancel the contest for the fillies and schedule me a spa treatment. Now that I don't have to oversee a rehearsal with those brats, I have time for the works!" Svengallop said happily. He then gave Pinkie Pie a glare, "You know the drill! Deliver, or the diva ditches your dippy charity!"

Pinkie Pie gulped fearfully as she nodded in understanding. Svengallop smiled happily as everything has gone exactly of what he wanted.

He returned to the stage to have a word with Rara. And just before he could do anything, a familiar voice and scene appeared on the blank screen. Both Western Dragon Kingdom and Ponyville Town Ponies chatted and muttered angrily about Svengallop's behavior and threat. Rara was even angry and furious about his behavior.

"So that's how you've been managing things?" Rara demanded.

Svengallop huffed as he brushed the claim off, "Yeah, so? What's the problem?"

"The problem is, is you've been using my name to intimidate ponies to get what you want! Your demands is the reason why Western Dragon Kingdom banished us from going to that land again! All because of your greed!"

"But I work incredibly hard for you! I deserve everything I get!"

"But not because you scare ponies into thinking I won't perform for their charities otherwise! I would never do that to my fans! Which is why you should have known that I would never cancel the schoolponies' contest!"

Svengallop groaned angrily, "Hmph. All this charity and schoolpony contest nonsense is just remnants of that boring little Rara I met back in Manehattan!"

Rara groaned angrily as she lifted her face cloth up, "Unlike my old teacher, Shadow Dragon understands the real me more than you! He always taught me that showing charity and kindness have rewards - happiness! He trained me to be good singer with heart and passion! All you can think of is yourself! He was right about you! Therefore, I no longer need your service!"

"Ha, that's a joke! I made you somepony while he wasted your time to perfect your skills! What can you even do without me?" Svengallop exclaimed in annoyance, Good luck, Countess Coloratura! Good luck."

"That's all we need to hear." Crossbow said firmly as he and his Thorntree Kingdom soldier surrounded Svengallop. He took the scroll out and announced, "In the name of Thorntree Kingdom, you are under arrest for using rude behavior, blackmail and threaten the innocent and mostly - insult our Emperor Lord Corbin!"

Scorch nodded firmly, "And don't worry, you're not going to prison... yet. Without Countess Coloratura's protection, we all would like to have a word with you."

Branch chuckled in amusement as he grabbed Svengallop by neck, "Crush... You..."

Svengallop gulped before chuckled nervously, "Can we talk this out? Please? I can do anything! Please, don't hurt me!"

"Take him away," Crossbow ordered.

As Branck dragged Svengallop away from ponies, the former manager screamed fearfully. His soldiers followed him. They all would like to give Svengallop some piece of their mind. They all began beating him up very hard and fiercely at the backstage. He continued screaming painfully.

Rara looked down in upset yet concern of what Svengallop had said. Applejack and Apple Bloom approached her for comfort.

"Oh, Rara, I'm so sorry."

Apple Bloom nodded in concern, "Are you gonna be okay for the concert tonight?"

Rara sighed, "Of course. After all, the show must go on!"

Night time...

"Oh, my gosh! Svengallop's right! This is gonna be a disaster! I'm gonna be terrible!"

Rara panicked as she found out that the dancers are not in their position, the props and special effect machines were not ready, and even herself not completely dress or even worn the make-up. She is doomed!

Applejack and Apple Bloom entered the backstage as they found Rara was panicking.

"So much of getting rid of Svengallop," Apple Bloom asked in concern, "Why do you need that jerk? He deserve the punishment for the mess he make."

Rara hissed in concern as she looked at the mirror, "Because Svengallop was in charge of everything! The lights, the visuals, the sound! Without Svengallop, I have nothing!"

Applejack sighed while shaking her head calmly. She approached and made Rara comfort.

"Now, now, don't go gettin' yourself into a tizzy there, Rara. Svengallop turned you into Countess Coloratura and acted like your friend so he could enjoy the perks that came with bein' a star. But the real perk of friendship is gettin' to see your friend bein' true to their self."

Applejack hugged Rara, "And Rara, when you're simply yourself, you're the brightest star I've ever seen shine."

Rara then looked at the mirror as she slowly gave in thoughts of what Applejack has said. She's right about it. Rara has an idea of what to do now...

Both Ponyvillw Town Ponies and Thorntree Kingdom were gathered at the stage, even Virtue Dragon was there for supporting and sponsoring the charity event. They all cheered wildly and happily as Twilight Sparkle emerged from the curtains as she announced through microphone.

"Good evening, everypony! Welcome to opening night of the Helping Hooves Music Festival! Now it is my great honor to introduce you to our headlining act – Countess Coloratura!"

As Twilight Sparkle moved aside, the curtains unfolded. The spotlight turned on and aimed on Rara with her original hairstyle and tail dressed in simple black blouse and a transparent grayish skirt, as well as wearing silver Egyptian necklace. She was neared to the grand piano. She smiled.

"This song may be familiar, but yet, it's totally different. Kind of like me, Rara."

The ponies were in confuse and shock as they chatted and muttered with each other, and even Virtue Dragon wasn't aware of it. As Rara began playing the piano calmly yet professionally, she sang harmonically and passionately.

Rara: I'm here to show you who I am
Throw off the veil, it's finally time
There's more to me than glitz and glam, oh-whoa
And now I feel my stars align

As Rara continued singing, the unicorns slowly glowed their horns with a sparkle of star.

Rara: For I had believed what I was sold
I did all the things that I was told
But all that has changed, and now I'm bold
'Cause I know

With the cue given, the stage lightened up beneath the curtain. The conductor and his orchestra played their instrument in supporting and boosting Rara's singing and playing the piano.

Rara: That I am just a pony
I make mistakes from time to time
But now I know the real me
And put my heart out on the line

Four Cutie Mark Crusaders nuzzled and touched each other's faces happily while listening to the song happily.

Rara: And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Just like the magic inside of you

Rara continued playing the piano, she emotionally sang her song with the tone of joyousness yet despair and relief.

Rara: And now I see those colors
Right before my eyes
I hear my voice so clearly
And I know that it is right

Rara went into determined and proud of singing the song. Her Cutie Mark glowed brightly and colorfully.

Rara: They thought I was weak, but I am strong
They sold me the world, but they were wrong
And now that I'm back, I still belong
'Cause I know

As Rara sang it out loud, ponies cheered wildly and happily for her including Applejack. She sobbed tearfully in both happiness and proudly to see her childhood friend finally revealed her true colors and true performances.

Rara: That I am just a pony
I make mistakes from time to time
But now I know the real me
And put my heart out on the line

During the performance, Rara also cried tearfully in joy and pride as she finally express her emotions in singing and playing the piano. She was relieved to have friends like Applejack.

Rara: And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Just like the magic inside of you
Just like the magic inside of you...

With the song ended, Rara smiled and bowed before the ponies. They all cheered wildly and happily, including Virtue Dragon and his ponies.

Rara used the microphone as she approached to the front to announced,

"Thank you, everypony! When I arrived at the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I had forgotten who I really was! But then an old friend reminded me what real friendship is about, and she told me that if I was true to myself, I couldn't go wrong!"

Rara then looked at Corbin, "To the Emperor from the West of Knighton, I owe you a great apology for the misunderstanding and rude behavior of me. Please, forgive me."

"It is alright, Rara. I too owe you an apology," Corbin bowed down for the moment. He smirked proudly, "And I would like to make this up to you! Ponies, allow me to present you to make this event interesting - who wants to wreck Svengallop the Anti-Charity Pony?!"

Ponies and even foals cheered wildly and happily. Gutsy moved the hanging cargo to the front for the show. Svengallop revealed himself to be beaten up badly while he was hanging upside down. He moaned and groaned painfully. Crossbow and Socrch moved to the front as they both held several kendo sticks.

Crossbow held his kendo stick up, "Gather around, ponies! It's time for the special game - Wreck the Anti-Charity Pony! And who would be honor to this game is none other than Svengallop himself. Thank you for volunteer!"

Scorch threw sticks to the foals while blindfolding them all, "The one who gave him the best, hardest and most beats on Svengallop gets free Countess Coloratura merchandise and free candies! Come and join the fun! Another one will be fallen to our spears!"

Ponies cheered wildly and happily. Both adults and foals were all in offense positions. They're ready to attack Svengallop, even Gutsy joined the fight. Svengallop gulped fearfully.

"Wreck... Him!" Branch roared happily.

The ponies cheered wildly and happily as they used and wrecked their kendo sticks on Svengallop very hard and fiercely. He then screamed and pleaded for help painfully and fearfully, as well as begging that he will do anything as he wanted to get out of here. Ponies laughed in amusement about his whining.

Rara smiled as she continued her announcement, "Have fun in beating that Anti-Charity Pony up! And now, I have a very special surprise for her. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Nyx, come on up!"

As four Cutie Mark Crusaders got up on the stage, the spotlight turned on both them and Rara. They both then began to sing together, with both harmonically and passionately. The Flag of Equestria lowered down.

Rara and Cutie Mark Crusaders: Equestria, the land I love
A land of harmony
Our flag does wave from high above
For ponykind to see

Rara lend her hoof down for Applejack to grab. As Applejack grabbed hers, she was pulled up on the stage. Both Rara and Cutie Mark Crusaders continued singing.

Rara and Cutie Mark Crusaders: Equestria, a land of friends
Where ponykind do roam
They say true friendship never ends
Equestria, my home

With the song ended, ponies cheered wildly and happily for the performance. Sweetie Belle levitated the triangle up. Applejack played it once. Both her and Rara nuzzled each other's faces happily. Friendship till the end...

END...

Episode 19- Twilight’s Shadow

The familiar yet taller lavender Alicorn Pony with long horn, mane and tail has demonic greenish eyes with crimson pupil, and worn demonically armor with lavender cape and horned helmet while her Cutie Mark is sparkling star but with demon eye and five black stars has entered the dungeon. She walked all the way down the hallway while looking around of her surroundings - prison cells for all of Crystal Ponies.

Upon arriving at the end of hallway, she entered the restricted chamber. She was marching straight to the front. She took a glance at seven ponies trapped within the giant tube cells-like - Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Lex on right side while Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Frostblade on left side. The front was her former lover as he was held tightly by chains from both sides.

"Look at how the mighty has fallen..."

"Twi... Twilight Sparkle..." Ash moaned and groaned painfully.

Twilight Sparkle smirked darkly, "That name means nothing. My true name is Midnight Sparkle - Queen of the Shadows and Wife of King Sombra..."

Ash was heartbroken and pained to see her like that, "No... You couldn't! You can't be! You just can't!"

"I already am, Dragon General..." Twilight Sparkle said darkly yet amusingly. She turned to her former friends, "You all could have followed me, than none of this could have happen. I trusted you all. But you betrayed me at the end. Some friends you turned out to be."

Applejack grunted painfully while cried tearfully, "Twilight, we would never betray you! We have always been there for you! You've known us for long time! And now, you broke our heart..."

"[Lex] Twilight, snap out of it! [Frostblade] Don't you remember anything?! Don't you remember about your friendship?! Don't you remember your loved one?! [Fluttershy] Please, Twilight, turn back now! There's still time! [Rarity] Come back to us, darling! You can't let Sombra control you! [Rainbow Dash] You're our princess - Princess of Friendship! You're our best friend. You can't do this! [Pinkie Pie] I don't want evil Twilight! Bring her back!"

Twilight Sparkle gave dark yet unemotional glare at her own friends, "Like I said before, Twilight Sparkle is gone. The one who is standing before is Queen Midnight Sparkle."

Ash and his friends were in shock, despaired and pained to see it. The Twilight Sparkle they used to know is gone...

"No..." Everyone asked in shock and pain.

He grunted painfully, "You can't! You can't abandoned everything of what we all have been through?! Hasn't our friendship mean anything to you?!"

Twilight Sparkle scoffed in amusement, "Nothing but empty words when one refused to help another when she needed the most, just like what you did to me all those years ago. My scar hasn't healed since that day. I haven't forgotten or forgiven you for that!"

Mane Five was in shock and pained, "Twilight..."

"What about Twinkle and Spike?! What would they say when they see you like this?! You're their mother!" Applejack asked in concern while cried in despair, "What about your family? They will be heartbroken especially Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Their baby is coming out soon! She or he doesn't want to see how evil you have become! Twilight, please stop this! Come back..."

Mane Four, Lex and Frostblade pleaded, "Please, come home. We need you!"

Ash hissed, "Please, Twilight, come home..."

Twilight Sparkle huffed in annoyance, "You're wasting time. She will never come back because she's dead. Nothing will change that."

Ash groaned in anger and pain, "No. This can't be happening."

"Now if you excuse me, I must meet up with the king for important matters," Twilight Sparkle said darkly as she turned to the front. She was marching straight to the door. Before she could exit, she said calmly, "If you truly value our friendship, then reconsider and join my cause. Together, we will build the new world for our home. Goodbye..."

With Twilight Sparkle left the chamber, Ash and rest of his friend were deeply scarred, pained and depressed. They really lost Twilight Sparkle to the return of King Sombra. She is now Midnight Sparkle.

"How could have this happen?"

Four days ago...

Pinkie Pie squealed happily, "Crystal Fair is coming! It's coming! I can't wait! I wanna be the clown again and especially I wanna play with the flugel horn! I've got some practice of it! And this time, they're gonna like it especially my best party ideas ever!"

Mane Six and their friends -Ash, her daughter, Swift Ice and Spike were using the Ponyville Express Train in travelling to Crystal Empire. They all were chatting and discussing with each other happily and calmly about Crystal Fair. They all can't wait to do it again ever since the defeat and death of King Sombra.

"Oh! I can't wait to get started with the fair," Rarity commented happily, "I'm dying to sell my new fashion dresses for the Crystal Empire to see and try! Crystallized and fashion - together - the best idea I've ever come up with! Hopefully, my boutique can be opened here, someday..."

"Well, either way, we're gonna make the best of it," Applejack commented, "I just hope those ponies love my Apple Recipe especially Apple Ciders. They're the best!"

"Oh yeah? I definitely in for the jousting! And this time, I'm gonna show more of my awesomeness! They'll love it!" Rainbow Dash commented happily.

Fluttershy hissed fearfully, "Ooh... I don't want to be part of that again. But I look forward for the animals especially petting zoo. It's my favorite place."

Spike rolled his eyes in amusement while chuckled, "Well, either way, I'm gonna tell another story. And this is so not involved with saving Crystal Heart from King Sombra or even saving Equestria Games, it's gonna be involved with me and my gang saving Twilight Sparkle from Drago! Now, that's the best! Right, Twi?"

No answers. Spike turned and found Twilight Sparkle was spacing out as she was looking at the window like something is on her mind. He'd never seen her like this unless it involved with problems or tests set by Princess Celestia.

"Twilight?" Spike said in concern. He hummed, "Something's off with her. She's never been like this."

Applejack noticed it as she shown her concern, "Yeah. I just hope it's not Ash-Twilight argument again. If that happens, I would never forgive myself for not solving the argument in time again."

Spike shook his head, "Nah. I don't think so. They didn't have the fight again. Something's definitely wrong..."

Ashley was looking at the window as he was staring at the sights of Crystal Empire's aura lights. He awed in amazement of looking at it. Swift Ice patted her for his attention. She turned to him while smiling. Shee then nuzzled him muzzle a bit.

"What's up, Swift?" Ashley asked in amusement.

He smiled, "First time to go to Crystal Empire? Because it's also my first time too, Ashley. It is said that Crystal Heart was powered by the love of Crystal Ponies for exorcise both evil and demons like Umbrum Ponies. Not only that, it gives light and blessings to the ponies if they shown their true hearts. I've always want to be part of crystallized. I want to feel its light."

"Yeah. That is so right. My mum often told me that story. And she said that she wants to see it with her own eyes. She wants to be touched by Crystal Heart. But she's gone..."

"I'm sorry about this."

"I know. But now, I've got some chance to make her dream come true. I'm gonna touch it for her. It's what she wanted."

"Well, you'd better behave yourself, young lady," Ash joked as he joined in while patted Ashley's spiky mane, "I was told that if you behaved badly and do something terrible, Crystal Heart will give you a big smack. And ouch, it will kick you out forever."

Ashley groaned in annoyance, "Very funny, dad. But you've been there before, have you?"

"Nah... But Icicle and his Ice Warriors did been there before. She was its Guardian before she became Human Councilpony of Ice. And believe me, she was very protective and loyal to it since that day. She takes that job very seriously."

"And she's back for it?"

"Eh, not exactly. But according to Twilight, Icicle did try to relinquish all the stallions and colts for the protection of Crystal Empire, Crystal Hearts and even female ponies after some bad experience with her mind-controlled husband."

"Ouch... King Sombra?"

"Eeyup..."

"What happen next?" Swift asked in concern.

Ash smirked in amusement, "Oh, you're not gonna believe in this one. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry challenge him for Crystal Empire's independence. They nearly got frozen hearts. But thanks to Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance, with the support of ponies and Crystal Heart, they managed to beat some senses to her. Those guys were saved by the Crystal Heart and Princess Cadance's power. She finally change her mind about it. She still watch over the kingdom because it was her home. If I was there, I would laugh at Shining Armor for getting frozen heart. He deserve it."

"Wow, your dad got some little issues with Shining Armor. Both must have really hate each other a lot..." Swift Ice hissed in concern.

Ashley sighed as she shrugged, "Yeah. Uncle Shining Armor can be very protective for my stepmom or mom. He almost want to pick a fight with my dad."

Ash huffed, "And I will pretend to ignore it."

"Too bad, Twinkle is not coming here because she got some big project with her friend about Cutie Marks. Why would they stuck with that? I thought they're done with it. But she would have enjoyed her time with Princess Cadance especially her unborn baby. Kinda feels weird."

"Ashley, Twinkle just wants to get some bonding with Cadance's unborn baby. After all, she wants to prepare for that arrival. You do want to get to know more about your baby cousin, don't you? Princess Cadance is our family."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Swift scoffed a bit, "Either way, I also want to meet the Princess's baby. I like babies. They're so cute and cuddly as her."

Ashley chuckled happily, "She sure is, . I too like the babies, like you, babe."

He giggled before pushed Ashley lightly, "Oh you. You sure got some funny words to say."

Ash rolled his eyes in amusement. He turned to the front as he found Applejack and Spike chatted in concern while looking at Twilight Sparkle being spacing off or got distracted by something else. He hummed in concern as he decide to find out.

"Something off with her," Ash asked in concern. Applejack and Spike nodded in concern. He sighed, "I'll talk with her. I hope she's not mad at me about dating Rara. That was five years ago especially she was naive singer."

As he approached Twilight Sparkle from behind, Ash asked, "You okay, Twilight? You're not angry about me and Rara dated, aren't you?"

Twilight Sparkle gasped as she turned to him, "No. It's not that. I just have some terrible nightmares, that's all."

"Nightmares? You never had that before."

"I do now ever since I made contact with King Sombra. He almost convinced me, corrupted me and even seduced me to join his side. I haven't gotten over that ever since that day."

"Twilight... I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of nightmare did he put inside your head?"

Twilight Sparkle sobbed tearfully yet painfully as she explained,

"It was terrible and painful nightmare I ever have. I was having the usual day for reading books, spending some time with my friends and family until he came. He called himself Forest Mist. He befriend, trained me about Dark Magic, talked with me and loved me. I return that feeling for him. He then revealed himself as King Sombra. I was afraid and worried about him but he seemed nice and caring pony. I thought he cared and loved me. I was wrong - I was corrupted and seduced by his charm. I killed innocent lives. I was forced to run for my life to be with him. I even accepted his proposal. And the next, we both did it. We then invade the Equestria under our rule. And the worst thing I ever did - I killed them - all of the innocents, resistance, my friends and my family."

"Sweet Celestia..." Ash remarked in shock and feared. He then held and hugged Twilight Sparkle as he gave her some patting, "I know what it feels like to be feared and guilty of the nightmares, something that you never want to do. I've been there before for 500 years."

Twilight Sparkle sniffled unhappily, "I'm sorry. I really am. And now I'm scared than before. I'm worry that nightmare may come true. It's getting darker and scarier than before. This is not brief nightmare..."

"It will go away, Twilight. I promise you that. I won't let that happen. I'll make sure that your nightmare won't come true."

"I hope so. I really hope so..."

"We're here!" Pinkie Pie cheered happily.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends took the peek through the window as they spotted the Crystal Empire ahead of them. They're almost there now...

Twilight Sparkle have arrived at the Crystal Empire's Train Station. They found three familiar ponies standing before them - Shining Armor, his lieutenant Flash Sentry and bodyguard Star Thunder, along with the reformed Dusk.

Twilight Sparkle trotted and hugged Shining Armor happily, "Shining Armor, you're here! I thought you would be waiting at the castle, with Cadance."

Shining Armor scoffed, "Yeah, right! Like I'm gonna miss meeting you here in pony. Glad you and your friends can make it. We're gonna make the best of Crystal Fair for ponies to enjoy. This is gonna be like old times."

"Yeah, me too. I can't wait to start it," Twilight Sparkle said happily, "You can leave everything to me and my friends."

"Of course, sis. I always trust you on this." Shining Armor turned and glared at Ash, "Hello..."

"Nice to see you here too, Armor,"Ash greeted dryly, "I see you haven't change. You're still not trusting me."

"Not as much as I want to punch your face. Play nice or get beaten up."

"Whatever, Armor." Ash remarked in annoyance. He turned to Flash Sentry, "Doing fine here, Flash Sentry? I hope this guy didn't pressure you to kill me. So, how's your Tiger Claw Strike practice going? It's what make who you are from inside, Sentry."

Flash Sentry saluted while chuckled in amusement, "No siree, Ash. Shining Armor didn't give me that order, though he keeps mumbling about want to do it. But yes, I keep practicing it. It was hard, but worth part of my skills."

"Glad to hear it. I hope you're up for the next skills - Falcon's Quick Blade. It only works for Pegasus. Up to the challenge, lieutenant?"

"You bet I am, sir! I'm ready for anything. They don't call me 'Sentry' for nothing."

"Good to hear."

Ashley gave the hoof bumps to Star Thunder, "Long time no see, Star. Didn't know you'd get transfer in as their bodyguards?"

He scoffed as he returned the hoof bumps, "Well, Princess Celestia did send me here to supervise the securities and defense. She wants to make sure that Crystal Empire are in safe hoof. Believe me, never let your guard down for once. You'd might not know when the enemy comes and strike us down."

"I'll say. I just hope you're not complaining about Crystal Empire's place, are you?"

"Well, I almost want to hit those guards for lack of devotion and responsibility. Well, almost. Honestly, I'd never know how they able to defeat their enemies if their home ever get invaded."

Ashley chuckled uneasily, "I'm pretty sure they're doing their best to protect home. They just need some guidance and help, which is why we're here."

Star Thunder rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Well, they better put effort on it. They do not want to test my temper."

"Come on, everypony, Princess Cadance is waiting for us. She don't want any of us get left behind," Shining Armor joked.

Shining Armor led and guided his sister and others to the city of Crystal Empire at once. Hopefully, they can't wait to start and get the preparation done before next week. Crystal Fair is very important to Crystal Empire especially giving so much love and power to it for protection...

Shining Armor and his two lieutenants guided and led Twilight Sparkle and her friends all the way to Crystal Empire's Central Area. They spotted Princess Cadance, Frostbalde, and Lex were discussing with each other, as well as Crystal Ponies about Crystal Fair. They all approached to their friends at once.

"I know there's not much of threat at Crystal Empire now," Lex said calmly, "But we should set some sentry units for protection, just in case if there are some enemies show up."

Frostblade nodded in agreement, "And don't forget, my father will be here soon."

"Okay, care to refresh my memory of why she should come," Princess Cadance asked curiously, "Not that I complain about it, just wondering why she never showed up, two years ago."

Frostblade smiled as she explained,

"Well, you see. At the Beginning, Human Guardian of Ice create the Crystal Heart for not only just power of light and protection, but also bestow the blessings and love on the ponies with pure heart. The first Crystal Princess and her Crystal Ponies found and made contact with it when they became the founders of Crystal Empire. And of course, they all have been blessed by the Guardian of Ice. So therefore, both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice celebrated Crystal Fair for once a year as the symbol of respect and love. And that's why my dad must come here."

"Hmm... Interesting. I can't wait. I just hope this is not gonna be another fight," Princess Cadance commented in annoyance. She turned and found Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and her friends coming towards him. She gasped as she approached them. She then gave Twilight Sparkle a hug, "Twilight! So glad to see you, sister-in-law!"

Twilight Sparkle hugged Princess Cadance back, "It's also good to see you too. How's it going?"

"Went well. We're right on the schedule. We just need to think of some stalls to take place on spacing area. I don't suppose you and your friends got any ideas?"

"We definitely do. While we're on our way to here, my friends got some ideas of taking the stall space - Applejack for her Apple Recipes and Ciders, Rarity for her fashions, Fluttershy for her animal tips especially petting zoo, Rainbow Dash's jousting, and of course, Pinkie Pie's music and party fair. That would be all."

"Glad to hear it, Twilight. I knew I can count on you for that."

Twilight Sparkle smiled happily, along with her friends who nodded in agreement with her about it. They can't to get started.

Ash cleared his throat, "I don't supposed I can fill one space for my martial art lessons. After all, everypony did love Ma Fu."

"Of course, I do. It's right near to the central area where you can get close to your girlfriend," Princess Cadance giggled before giving Shadow Dragon a wink, "As promised."

Shining Armor snorted in annoyance while glaring at Ash, "And make some funny moves again on my sister, I'll be coming after you. Got it, punk?"

Ash groaned in annoyance, "Yeah, I got it. Since when did I ever make some funny moves on her?"

"Eh... I don't know - three times - Yak's visit to Ponyville, Playing with your snakes and Jealous Problem with Discord? Ring any bells?!"

"Calm down, Shining Armor. That was just minor, not major. Get the differ, genius?"

"Are you saying I'm stupid?! I'm gonna knock you upside down, mister!"

"Gimme your best shot, pretty boy! I've taken lots of guys than you are, nerd! Not one can take me down especially not you!"

"You ask for it, little punk! I've been in the Royal Guards when I was 18! And believe me, I've taken more guys that you are! You're not gonna beat me down!"

Ash and Shining Armor snarled and gritted their teeth in anger while giving a glare at each other. Flash Sentry and Star Thunder got into the middle as they quickly pushed two boys aside. Both Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance groaned in annoyance as they glowed their horns in magically push their lovers aside before the fights gets rough.

Dusk groaned in annoyance, "When in the hell they are ever gonna stop this?"

"I guess - never..." Icy said in annoyance, "It's no wonder my older sister hates having brother - too overprotective and annoying..."

Applejack sighed, "Hopefully, those boys get over it before Crystal Fair could get started."

Rainbow Dash and Spike nodded in agreement, "You've said it."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Alright then, let's get started. We've got four days before the Crystal Fair. Let's do this!"

"YEAH!" Mane Five cheered wildly and happily.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Princess Cadance exclaimed in realization, "I have somepony to help you of organizing and handling the event. After all, I don't want you get stressed."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Oh, thank you, Cadance. I could use some more assistants. So, who is she?"

"It's he. His name is Clovis Calm," Princess Cadance smiled before she turned to her back. She gasped, "Oh! Speak of the devil, he's here."

Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up as they found Clovis Calm approaching them. He's a silver Unicorn with yellow short and combed mane and tail worn the crimson shirt with gray vest while his Cutie Mark is quill, paperclip and ink. He bowed down before Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. He spoke in French Accent.

"Your highness. You summoned me?"

Princess Cadance nodded happily, "Yes, Clovis. I'm glad you've got here. So, how's the Crystal Fair going?"

Clovis smiled charmingly, "Went well as we had hope for, your highness. The stalls are in places. Sentries have tightened their defenses per Dr. Lex's suggestion. Crystal Ponies are happy and readied ponies for Crystal Fair. And best of all, Icicle is still free for the celebration since Princess Icy worry too much for that."

"I wasn't worry! I just need to remind him. He sometimes forgetful," Frostblade reminded in annoyance.

Princess Cadance smiled while her eyes rolled in annoyance, "Anyhow, Clovis; thank you for your help. I'm assigning you to a new job - you will be assisting Princess Twilight Sparkle. And here she is. And she's my sister-in-law too."

Clovis Calm turned and found Twilight Sparkle stood before him. He gasped in surprise and amazed. He approached and bowed down before her. He then held and kissed her right hoof passionately for few times. It made her blushed but it also makes both Shining Armor and Ash sick of it.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am honored to meet you. And truly, you're the most beautiful and smartest mare in the world." Clovis Calm commented in amazement. He then slyly smirked, "Better than that white mule."

"Well I'd never?!" Rarity asked in annoyance.

Twilight Sparkle blushed in embarrassment, "Oh... Please, don't say that. I'm not that most beautiful. I'm just pretty, that's all. But smartest? That I can't deny it. Thank you so much, Clovis. And I would be honor of you to be assistant."

Twilight Sparkle bowed down calmly before Clovis bowed down as well. She then turned to her friends and even Ash as she began introduced them to him,

"I would like to introduce you to my friends - Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Ashley, Swift Ice and of course, this is-!"

Ash interrupted as he gave the glare at Clovis Calm, "I'm her boyfriend - Ash. Try anything funny, I will hurt you a lot..."

Everyone but Shining Armor hissed in concern and worry as they didn't like that tone and have the feeling of his sudden rude comments. Princess Cadance, Lex and even Frostblade have seen it before - it wasn't pretty from 500 years ago.

"What an interesting relationship you have with Princess Twilight. Forgive me, great Mystic Pony," Clovis said calmly while rubbing his head gently.

Twilight Sparkle giggled uneasily, "What he means is... It's great to be friends. Just be gentle with me. And he would be honored for you to be assistant, right?!"

Ash groaned in annoyance while glaring at Clovis Calm, who held his right hoof up. Twilight Sparkle grunted as she gave a nudge on his chest hard. He grunted in annoyance as he held and shook Clovis Calm's hoof gently.

"I am honored to have you here," Ash said dryly yet annoyingly.

Clovis Calm smiled as he returned shaking on hoof, "As do I. And do not worry, I will be gentle with him as promised."

"You'd better..." He grunted in annoyance.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends can't help but feel very feared and concerned about Ash's giving chance to Clovis Calm being her assistant. All they can do is pray that he won't do anything stupid. But they also don't like something about her new assistant as well. He looked a bit familiar to them as well.

As the assignment has been given by both Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance, her friends began working on stall preparation for Crystal Fair - Applejack prepared her Apple Family Stall, Rarity for her fashions, Fluttershy for the petting zoo, Rainbow Dash was training her jousting skills and Pinkie Pie for her party stall. Shining Armor, Lex, Star Thunder and Flash Sentry were discussing about Crystal Empire's defense. Icy was teaching to Princess Cadance and Swift Ice of what to do when Humans Ponies of Ice coming for Crystal Fair.

Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm were checking for the preparation of stalls and Crystal Empire's security, as well as making sure that Crystal Heart is secured at the altar. Spike followed them. They have to make sure everything are good and prepared for Crystal Fair. And at the same time, the princess have some chats with Clovis Calm.

"I must say, Princess, I'm truly impressed with your work. What you did for Equestria," Clovis said calmly before sighed, "It's truly remarkable. You have inspired all of us including me. We will follow your example."

Twilight Sparkle blushed in amusement, "Oh... You're just saying that. I'm just a pony, like everypony else. Nothing special."

"But to me, you are one. I'm willing to follow you to the end. You have my eternal loyalty and support."

"Gee, thanks, Clovis. You truly are charming, amazing, supportive and wise gentlepony I ever met. I wish my boyfriend could be like you."

"Thank you, your highness. Your compliments always warms and touch my heart. I am thankful of your blessings. It's not everyday I can get that especially from you."

"Stop it. Please..." Twilight Sparkle blushed in more reddish while covering her face by her left wing, "You're flattering me. I don't deserve such that praise especially the blessings. I just compliment. That's all."

Clovis held her left hoof and kiss on hers again, "I insist, your highness. Your blessing is important to me than anything else. Please, do not dissuade my praise for you. I beg of you."

Twilight Sparkle sighed while rolled her eyes in amusement, "Alright, Clovis. I won't dissuade your praise on me. You're really nice pony."

Spike groaned in annoyance, "Need I remind you that we've got some work to do?"

"Sorry, Spike," Twilight Sparkle said happily, "Come on, let's check on the southern part. Everything have to be perfect."

Clovis smiled and bowed, "As you wish."

As Clovis headed off to check on the stalls, Twilight Sparkle was about to move but stopped by Spike. She was confused while he looked worried yet upset.

"What is it, Spike? You're not upset about getting crystals for your lunch?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Spike grunted before he slapped on his face, "No! I'm not worry about that, Twilight. I'm worry about you and that guy!"

"Worry about me and him? Why?"

"Seriously? Whenever that Clovis compliment to you, you get blushed! It's like you really like that guy! I'm worry that you will dump Ash for that stranger! You know how upset and angry Twinkle can get when you try to date on some strangers."

"Spike, that is so not true! Clovis and I are just friends. I would never dump Ash for somepony else. You should know that!"

"It's not the first time you said that. You once have crush on Flash Sentry before you dump him because of his Royal Guard's Duty."

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "I know that! But this time, I'm not gonna dump him just because I like Clovis. Ash is the pony I loved! I promised you that!"

Spike sighed, "I hope you keep that promise..."

"Princess Twilight? Should we continue?" Clovis asked in concern.

With the princess nodded; Twilight Sparkle, Clovis Calm and Spike then headed to the south for check up on preparation.

Ash continued setting his stall for martial arts training, he saw and overheard the events. He find it disgusted, irritated and annoyed by Clovis's charm on his lover. He doesn't like that guy.

Ashley was playing with Pikachu by rubbing on his tummy, which ticklish him a lot. He meowed happily. Flash Sentry approached him as they have some chats about Ash.

"Is your dad alright?" Flash Sentry asked in concern. Ashley shrugged. He sighed, "I'm worry about him."

She looked at his father in concern, "Yeah, me too. I'd never seen him like this before. Do you think Clovis being close to Twilight Sparkle bother him a lot?"

"Maybe... We should check on him."

Flash Sentry, Ashley and Pikachu approached Ash, who was training and perfecting his Blazing Dragoon Style. He didn't seem to be bothered by their visits. They were very worry about him now.

"Hey, dad. Everything okay?" Ashley asked uneasily. Ash remained silent for the moment as he continued his practice. He sighed, "You're not upset about mom being closed to Clovis, aren't you?"

Ash grunted in anger as he slammed his hoof on the ground hard, "Why in the name in Celestia makes say that?!"

"Easy!" Flash Sentry exclaimed in concern as he comfort his master, "She didn't mean it. She's just worry about you ever since Clovis began working close with Princess Twilight."

Ash sighed as he turned and looked at his friends, "Sorry about it. I don't think he can be trusted. I sense some Dark Magic around him like he's been practicing it for a long time. I cam't help but get the feeling that he worked for King Sombra."

"What makes you say that?" Flash asked in concern, "King Sombra died when Spike returned the Crystal Heart to the altar for defense against the darkness. How could Clovis met him when he was busy invading the kingdom?"

"I don't know. But I do know that I have to keep her safe. If anything happens to her, I would have been responsible of it. I won't let that happen again." Ash said firmly, "I've lost Crystal Sparkle because of Clyde's charm and lies. I'm not gonna lose her again."

"With all due respect, Ash; Twilight Sparkle has been through lots of danger and overcome them at the end. She even save the Equestria for more than three times. She's too smart to let anyone to trick her."

Ash groaned, "I can't take the risk. She's vulnerable to emotion. It clouded her mind and judgment, which led her isolated from us and her own friends. Just like what Discord and Queen Chrysalis did to her. She told me of what happen when she was unicorn."

"Dad, are you sure about it? You're not jealous of Clovis, are you?" Ashley asked in concern, "They seemed very close than what you and her did before."

"I'm not jealous of him, son! I'm just... I just want to make sure Twilight is safe from harm. That's all."

"Dad... I'm not saying I like Clovis. I also don't trust him. I sense it too. It's you that I'm worried the most. I just don't want you to get into trouble. You know how upset and sensitive Twinkle gets when she sees you and her mom got into the fight."

"Don't worry about me, son. Nothing bad can happen. Whatever happens between her and Clovis... It's just business."

"If you say so, dad."

"It is, daughter. I meant it." Ash said calmly yet angered, "I have to go. Pikachu, follow me. We've got some training to do."

As Ash and Pikachu walked away, both Ashley and Flash Sentry looked very concern about him. They decide to talk with others about it.

Flash Sentry and Ashley called Mane Five, Swift Ice, Frostblade, Star Thunder and Spike. They were all discussing about Shadow Dragon, Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm. They found it concern and disturbing. Twilight Sparkle has love triangle between Ash and Clovis Calm. And they don't really like it if she has it.

"I really don't like where this is going," Applejack said in concern, "Twilight's gonna hurt herself if she doesn't be honest to herself."

Fluttershy nodded, "Me too. There's gonna be some fight between stallions over her."

"Yes, And I hate love triangle!" Rarity said in concern, "It always makes the mare to have complex relationship between two stallions by looks or personality. And there's no telling what Twilight's gonna do about it."

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Why would you hate about love triangles? I mean I like pyramid from Anugypt, pizza, cheese, cakes and all kind of sweets that has love triangles!"

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Pinks, we're talking about Twilight's relationship with Ashy and Clovis. And it's very serious too."

Ashley sighed fearfully, "I just hope Twilight didn't choose Clovis over my dad. Both of them were perfect couples especially they were chosen by the Elements of Light and Darkness. They ignored that."

"Yeah... There's no telling what Ash's gonna do next," Swift said in concern, "Stallions will fight over a mare until one gave up or died. Neither of them will let her get taken away. It's a bad news."

Lex sighed while looking at Ash training Piakchu, "We know. We have seen it before. It's not very good either."

Frostblade nodded in agreement, "Whenever Ash see his girlfriend dated and seduced by another stallion, he'll go berserk. Just like what he did to Clyde for being seductive and rude to Crystal."

"That's the only thing we should be worry," Flash Sentry said in concern as he spotted Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm were having coffee at the cafe. He hissed, "It's Clovis. Ash told us that there's something off with him. He has Dark Magic. He could be working for King Sombra."

Spike groaned, "I knew that I don't trust that guy! I don't know what he's up to! But nopony is gonna make her his girlfriend because she has one before him gets the chance!"

Everyone looked concern and feared about the discussion especially involving Clovis Calm.

Star Thunder nodded, "We should do some research about Clovis. There's something not right about him. I'd never heard of him before from Canterlot. We need to make sure he doesn't get too close with Twilight Sparkle. And something tells me that Ash could be right about him."

Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement about it. Ashley hummed in concern as he hated for interfering his stepmother's affair but it's for her own good when it involved her love triangle. They also don't trust Clovis Calm when they never heard of him or get close to the princess.

"What should we do?" She asked in concern.

Star Thunder cleared his throat, "You and Flash should look after Ash. Rest of girls will look after Twilight Sparkle. Spike should keep an eye on her but also on Clovis. Lex, Frostblade, Swift and I will be doing some research on our little new friend. We have to make sure that Princess's relationship with Mystic General doesn't get out of hoof. They're both meant to be together as their Elements said. Light and Darkness are one and the same. Got it?"

Flash Sentry nodded, "Sounds like the plan. He's always up to the game, doesn't he?"

Ashley smiled and nodded, "That's him alright. Let's do this."

"Yeah!" Everyone nodded in agreement.

Everyone went to separate ways and complete their mission now. They hope nothing goes wrong between Twilight Sparkle and Ash...

At night time, everyone was asleep in their own home while Twilight and her friends slept at the Crystal Empire's castle. Pkachu was sleeping outside near to the castle. Within Sparkle Room, Ash was on the bed while Twilight Sparkle was brushing her teeth from the bathroom. He was thinking about his girlfriend being too close to Clovis Calm, and his relationship with her.

As Twilight Sparkle exited the bathroom, she then slept on the bed as she began sound asleep. Ash sighed as he decide to talk about it. He turned and faced on her. She gently patted on Twilight Sparkle's wings.

"Twilight, are you in love with Clovis Calm?"

Twilight yelped in surprise as she turned and looked at him, "What?! What makes you say that? Don't tell me you're jealous?"

"Why does ponies keep saying that I'm jealous of that guy?! I'm not jelaous! I'm just worry about you. And I don't really trust him. He's up to something. Are you sure he can be trusted?"

"You worry too much, Ash. As far as my concern goes, he can be trusted. He's not really bad pony."

"But still..."

Twilight Sparkle interrupted as she kissed Ash's lips briefly, "I'll always love you no matter what. It will never change that. Our Elements spoke of it when we were chosen. Please, trust me on this. Clovis will never get between us."

Ash thought for the moment before he sighed in defeat, "You're right. Sorry about that. I guess I just... I just don't want to lose you."

"It won't happen. Let's have our usual fun. At least, my brother's asleep," Twilight Sparkle winked happily.

Ash smiled as he kissed on Twilight Sparkle's left neck for the moment in making her mourn happily. She then nuzzled on his left neck for the moment. He held and hugged her before rolled to his right while holding her on top of him. She then nuzzled and shook her bodies against each other passionately and happily. They even brushed and patted each other's mane gently. He then kissed her lips while interacting his tongues with hers.

Unknown to any of them, someone was spying through the door's keyhole. He then left,

For past three days...

In the morning, Twilight Sparkle woke Ash up as they both had their breakfast with Spike, Ashley and Flash Sentry. As they went out to make preparation for Crystal Empire, both lovers gave each other smiled and a long passionate kiss before they left.

As Twilight Sparkle and Spike were about to head off, they both found Clovis Calm stood before them. As he smiled, she smiled back at him. She was pleased of his arrival. Spike hissed in concern as he found it uncomfortable. They then headed off for their work. Ash noticed it as he too found it uncomfortable yet angry when she was with him. He sighed as he had to let her do what she wants. He walked off at once. Both Flash Sentry and Ashley followed him.

Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm enjoyed each other company during their working progress on management and organization for the event, as well as having some chats and break time. They both tested and played Crystal Fair's game, foods and even merchandises. They trained together in using magic and sometimes Dark Magic, even though she was against using it without Azure Phoenix's permission. They enjoyed lunch, tea and dinner. They also have their fun by playing the music, singing and dancing together passionately and happily. They chatted together about each other's past, friendship and even their relationship, which charmed Twilight Sparkle.

Spike was with Twilight Sparkle for whole time as he found her relationship with Clovis Calm is more disturbing and disgusting. He couldn't bear to watch her fallen for him while forgetting Ash. Mane Five were also spying on the event as they have same reaction as Spike. All they can do is watch over Twilight Sparkle.

Ash continued training and sharpening his skills as well as trained Pikachu, Flash Sentry and Ashley firmly and seriously. But at the same time, he was frustrating and furious as he wanted to punch or kick something due to the rumors from Crystal Ponies about Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm being closed and together. It cost him to get into trouble with other ponies as well as Shining Armor about the damages. Flash Sentry, Ashley and Pikachu were very worry about him.

Star Thunder, Lex, Swift Ice, Frostblade were doing some research on more about Clovis Calm. They prayed that they can find some answers about the mysterious pony.

In the evening, Twilight Sparkle was inside of the dinning chamber. She was waiting for some ponies else to come. Mane Five and Spike entered the scene. She then gave them a glare. They asked her if there's something wrong.

"Do any of you want to tell me of why keep spying on me and Clovis?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in annoyance and anger.

Mane Five and Spike hissed in concern about it. Twilight Sparkle found out of what they have been lately doing.

Applejack sighed, "Twilight, I have to be honest with you. I don't like how you and Clovis being too close. It's like you actually love him. You were rushing things, Twi!"

Spike nodded, "Yeah. You barely know him! You spend less time with Ash. He is your first official boyfriend."

"We're really worry about you, darling." Rarity said in concern, "Having love triangle is the most dangerous thing the mare could have. Two stallions will fight over one mare they love!"

"You all don't trust me?! I'd never do such a thing! Ash is the pony I love! Clovis is just a friend!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in anger. She groaned, "Great. Just like the Canterlot Wedding again! Thanks a lot to remind me of that!"

"Easy, Twi!" Rainbow Dash said in concern, "We're really sorry for that, okay? But this is different. We're really worry about Clovis! You barely even know him!"

Fluttershy nodded, "Everypony knows that you and Ash are couples since Third Shadow War. Nopony is allow to do that. But Clovis didn't seem to care about it. He has lust on you."

Pinkie Pie hissed, "This does remind us about Judge Claude Frollo and Esmeralda. It's not a good thing, Twi! Really not good thing! I think you should stop seeing Clovis Calm now!"

Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger as she slammed her hooves on the table hard, "Get out!"

"But Twilight-!" Mane Five and Spike exclaimed in concern.

"GET OUT!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in anger while her eyes shown demonic eyes, "Just leave me alone!"

Mane Five and Spike were shocked and heartbroken of what they just heard. Now they know what it feels to be rejected and abandoned by their own friends about their concerns. Ironically, they did to her before at Canterlot Wedding. They looked down in shame and upset as they apologized tearfully to Twilight Sparkle. They all ran off at once to while crying.

As soon as her friends left the dinning room, Twilight Sparkle's demonic eyes returned to normal. She worn concern, shock and heartbroken face. She found out that her friends ran off because of her insults and anger. She looked down in shame while crying tearfully and painfully for her action.

Clovis Calm came into the scene as he found Twilight Sparkle crying. He approached and hugged her in comfort. She hugged him back while crying. After minutes of calming down, they both had some dinner while chatting. Twilight Sparkle hummed calmly as she decide to ask.

"Clovis, there's something I need to know. May I know about you? How did you get into Princess Cadance's service? It must be lucky of you."

Clovis Calm sighed, "It's not a happy story, Princess. It happens long time ago. As you know Crystal Empire's tragic story well especially Spike saves the Day, I've lost my parents during that battle."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's alright. I don't blame you or your friends. But I want to repay that debt to you by putting my service under Princess Cadance and you. It is what my family wanted, your highness."

Twilight Sparkle patted Clovis Calm's back, "We-I mean I appreciate that much, Clovis. Thank you so much for your effort and help for Crystal Empire. Your family are proud of you."

Clovis smiled as he held her hooves while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "Thank you so much for your trust in me."

"Wh-What are you doing?"

"I'm very sorry for your friends' leaving you behind. It must be tragic of you to be reminded of losing their trusts about what you know is right since your brother's wedding. And I want to help and ease your pain."

"It's okay. I'll be fine. I think I should apologize to them for the way I acted."

"For what reason? It's not your fault for trusting me. And believe me, I won't have anything to harm you."

"I know. But I should. They are my friends - very close and best one. I should see him too. He... He's getting lonely and sad because of me. They all cared for me so much."

"I don't think they're that important, princess," Clovis said calmly as his eyes shown his glowing greenish eyeball with crimson eye pupil at Twilight Sparkle's eyes. She then got hypnotized. He smirked, "Besides, I'm the only pony you love."

Twilight Sparkle moaned, "The only pony I love..."

Clovis Calm smirked darkly as he dragged and held hypnotized Twilight Sparkle tight. He finally has her. He was about to kiss her lips. Fortunately for the princess; Ash, Flash Sentry and Ashley arrived at the scene. The trio got shock of the event.

Ash groaned in anger, "Get away from her!"

And just before Clovis Calm could do anything, Ash rammed the organizer hard. He gained the upper hoof by beating and kicking hard on Clovis Calm for few times.

Ash cried in anger, "I've seen of what you're truly are! You are a serpent and traitor! I don't know what you did to her but I know she would never hurt her own best friends!"

Clovis Calm grunted painfully, "Just admit it. You were jealous of me because I spent more time with your girlfriend than your training! She never love you. Element of Light and Darkness were wrong about you two!"

"SHUT UP!"

Ash slammed Clovis Calm to the ground as he began punching the latter to the ground hard. Both Pegasi went and checked on Twilight Sparkle, who got snapped out of hypnotize.

"Ugh... Wh-What happen?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern. She turned and found Shadow Dragon punching Clovis Calm to the ground. She gasped, "What?! Stop?! What are you doing?!"

"Don't you remember?! He tried to kiss you!" Flash Sentry exclaimed in concern.

Ashley nodded, "Yeah! He seduced you! We were right about him!"

"No," Twilight Sparkle said in shock and pain. She held ash from punching Clovis Calm, "Ash, stop! What are you doing?!"

Ash got snapped back to reality. He then looked down and found Clovis Calm's face was bruised and bleeding. He got in shock and worried. It happened again. He quickly got up at once.

"TWILEY!" Shining Armor called as he and his Crystal Royal Guards bumped into the dining room. He looked concern and worry as he asked, "Twilight, what happen?!"

And just before anypony could say anything, Clovis Calm grunted painfully as he quickly explain.

"The assassins were almost on me! I was lucky that Shadow Dragon and his friends came and save me. I was very luck to have them," Clovis Calm said painfully.

Shining Armor hummed before glared at Shadow Dragon, "Is it true?"

Ash grunted, "If what he said is true..."

Twilight Sparkle held Clovis Calm up, "Shining Armor, help me get Clovis to bedroom. He needs some medic now!"

Shining Armor nodded as he waved his Crystal Royal Guards in helping Clovis Calm. They held and moved him to the bedroom. Shining Armor watched the event as he noticed something amiss. Twilight Sparkle followed them. Ash was about to apologize but instead, he got shot out by her glare in staying away from her.

As Twilight Sparkle and her Crystal Royal Guards left with carrying Clovis Calm to bedroom, Shadow Dragon looked away in shame and pain. Both Flash Sentry and Ashley patted his back gently. Shining Armor sighed in disappointment before went after his sister.

At the altar, Ash was sitting close to it while looking down in shame and upset. Ashley and Flash Sentry were behind of him. They were concern for him. Upon hearing the door opened, the trio of them turned and found Twilight Sparkle emerged from castle's entrance.

Ash approached Twilight Sparkle, "How is he?"

"Nothing that won't heal him." Twilight Sparkle said bluntly and angrily without looking at him.

"Twilight, I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"What's done is done."

"It's just that... I saw him kiss you!"

Twilight Sparkle hissed while glaring at Ash, "I really regret letting him to do that. Ash, you must know that you're the pony I've always love the most. It will never change. You'd never trust me. You're just like my friends."

Ash sighed, "They told me what happen. They're just worry about you. You spend too much time with him than all of us."

"That doesn't mean all of us are not friends. I'd never gave up on that. I think it's best that none of you will come and see me."

"Twilight, please. Don't do this to me. I know I went too far. It's just... It's just... I just want to look after you. I've lost Crytsal because of me."

Twilight Sparkle poured her tears out in despair, "You can start just leave me alone. I need some time alone. I'm sorry, Ash truly am..."

Ash sighed in defeat while crying in shame, "And I'm sorry too for everything..."

Ash and Twilight Sparkle looked away as they began walked away to their own direction. She returned to the castle while he walked all the way to Crystal Empire's town. Ashley and Flash Sentry looked at each other before sighed in disappointment as they followed Ash.

Shining Armor saw everything from the entrance as he asked, "Twiley, everything okay?"

"No... I'm not..." Twilight Sparkle said in upset and defeat while heading upstairs, "I'm gonna check on Clovis."

Shining Armor sighed, "I'm sorry, Twi. I really am..."

Within the Twilight Sparkle's bedroom, Crystal Pony Medics helped and treated Clovis's injuries with some liquid medicine, despite not very serious. Twilight Sparkle came into the scene as she ordered the medic to leave them alone. She approached and sat close to him as she placed the wet cloth on his forehead. Clovis Calm moaned and groaned as he opened his eyes while looking at her.

"Are you alright? I hope Ash didn't hurt you badly," Twilight Sparkle said in concern as she gently patted on his forehead with wet warm cloth, "I'm so sorry for everything. I don't know why my friends behaved like this..."

Clovis shushed gently as he put his hoof on her mouth, "It's okay, Princess. Don't blame yourself for this."

"But still..."

"That's enough. Just stay with me for the moment. I could use some company."

"Sure. I need some time alone. And-!" Twilight Sparkle was interrupted upon looking at Clovis's staring eyes at her. She gulped, "What are you doing?!"

"Ease your pain, my queen." Clovis said with strange eerily dark voice.

And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Clovis kissed on her lips passionately. She moaned and groaned as she struggled in resisting his kiss for the moment. But slowly she gave in as her eyes slowly turned into greenish eyeball with her crimson demon pupil. They both continued kissing and nuzzling each other passionately and happily. He then held her flank and back tight against his body as he kissed and interacted his lips and tongue against hers. They both moaned and grunted happily.

Clovis gave a dark smirk, "All goes according to our plan. Now for the Crystal Heart.."

On the next day, Crystal Fair was ready for the event. Crystal Ponies were gathered at the fair as they were all celebrating and having fun while cheering and laughing happily. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor hosting the event. Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm were nowhere to be found among the crowds or the event.

Ash, Mane Five and their allies were staying and sitting down at the park. They didn't want to be involved at Crystal Fair since Twilight Sparkle was furious and angry with them about Clovis Calm. The last thing they want is to lose their best friend so much.

"What has gotten to her lately, girls? I'm worry about her," Spike asked unhappily as he poured some tears out, "She would never lashed at all of us for one guy..."

Applejack sighed in upset, "I wish I knew, partner. I wish I knew."

"This is so uncool," Rainbow Dash commented.

Pinkie Pie nodded unhappily, "Twilight Sparkle's a party popper because of that asshole."

"I just don't understand why would she defend Clovis Calm so much," Fluttershy said in concern, "She barely known him."

Rarity nodded in agreement, "I agreed. And for some reason, Clovis looked familiar. Too familiar if you ask me."

Ashley sighed, "Good Thing that Twinkle is not here to see this. If she is, she won't talk with her mom again."

Mane Five and Spike nodded and commented in concern about not inviting Twinkle here due to Twilight Sparkle was being too close to Clovis Calm.

"Hey, you're okay?" Flash Sentry asked in concern. Ash remained silent for the moment while looking at the event. He sighed, "I really sorry for everything especially Twilight Sparkle. Man, she's cold and dark ever since that guy show up. I so not like him... A lot..."

Ash hummed in concern, "I know. She's been behaving differently than the usual ever since he showed up. But why? Why her? Something is not right."

"You bet something's not right," Lex said in concern. He and his team arrived at the scene. He continued while holding some papers, "And guess what? Clovis Calm doesn't even exist! We were right about him."

Everyone looked surprise and shock by Lex's claim about Clovis Calm's existence.

Frostblade added, "And not only that, there was none of Crystal Ponies never cast the Dark Magic before because they were too pure kind to use them. And the only ponies who could cast that are Umbrum Ponies. And I have the feeling Clovis is one of them."

Star Thunder nodded in agreement, "We know what he really is. But question is who is he? How did he get here when they were all banished and trapped by Crystal Heart's power?"

"I think I know who did it," Swift said in concern, "King Sombra! He's the Umbrum Pony. He's the only pony who escaped his imprisonment! But he's dead, right? Unless..."

Ash gasped in fear, "Clovis is King Sombra! He set this up! He corrupted Twilight Sparkle by his nightmare spell, charming and seduction. And worse he ever did to her - he poisoned her mind! He wants her to be isolation! And I believe he's trying to free his kind from his imprisonment! Twilight's in danger!"

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard.

"We've gotta tell Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle about this!" Flash Sentry exclaimed in concern.

"Guys!" Shining Armor called as he and his wife entered the park. They both looked shock and concern. He exclaimed, "We've got bad news - Crystal Heart is missing! I send the guards to find it now! But the worst is I couldn't find Twiley or Clovis!"

Princess Cadance nodded in agreement, "Not only that, there's something off from the throne chamber's balcony. Something's going wrong over there."

Everyone gasped in concern and worry of what they just heard. They now know where Twilight Sparkle, King Sombra and Crystal Heart are. And the worst is about to happen...

Clovis Calm and Twilight Sparkle were at the Crystal Empire's throne chamber. They approached the throne chair while looking at the diamond. They both possessed the demon eyes while their horn glowed darkly and eerily. Princess of Friendship levitated the Crystal Heart as she placed it in front of the throne chair's diamond.

Clovis chuckled darkly while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "With Twilight Sparkle and her Element of Light being corrupted and under my control, we can finally stage the freedom for all of my kind. Then Equestria will finally be ours!"

"Think again, Sombra!"

Clovis gasped in shock and concern as he slowly transformed into the form of King Sombra. He growled in anger as he and Twilight Sparkle turned to their back. They found Ash, Mane Five, Spike, Flash Sentry, Ashley, Star Thunder, Swift Ice, Lex, Frostblade, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance along with Dusk stood and armed with their weapons. The heroes were ready to attack.

"So, you finally figure it out about my true identity," King Sombra said in amusement. He chuckled amusingly, "It's funny, you see. You all have suspicious about me but she ignored it because I'm too innocent and nice gentlepony. Just like what you all did to her from Canterlot Wedding."

"Why does everypony keep involving that event?!" Mane Five, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance exclaimed in annoyance.

Ash groaned in annoyance, "Welcome to my world, guys."

"It doesn't matter because I'm gonna win this war," King Sombra snarled firmly, "Umbrum Ponies will be free from their accursed imprisonment!"

"Not if we stop you first, Sombra!" Dusk exclaimed in anger.

Shining Armor nodded, "You're gonna pay for what you did to my sister! And believe in me, you do not want to see my angry face!"

"Let's get him, girls!" Applejack exclaimed in anger, "For Twilight!"

Everyone cheered wildly as they were about to attack, but Twilight Sparkle fired her Unicorn Burst in knocking all of them out. King Sombra's horn glowed darkly before slammed his hooves on the ground hard. He summoned the Dark Crystallized Imprisonment in trapping his enemies at once. Luckily, Ash managed kicked Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Ashley, Star Thunder, Swift Ice , Dusk and Spike out.

Ash quickly shouted, "Get out of here! Get Cadance to safety! Get some help now!"

Shining Armor and his uncaptured team were shocked and concerned about it but they have to keep Princess Cadance and her unborn child safety first. They all groaned in anger as they hated to leave their own team behind. They turned and quickly escaped at once. King Sombra chuckled evilly and darkly while Twilight Sparkle remained silent and smiling darkly.

"Now, let us begin the ritual," King Sombra said in amusement.

King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle turned to both Crystal Heart and throne chamber's crystal. And at the same time, both sun and moon collided together in creating the solar eclipse. It then fired at throne chair's crystal, which in turn fired Dark Magic on the floor. It created a giant portal-like. Everyone witnessed several greenish eyes as they were growling and snarling like animals.

"Right on schedule. Let the ritual begins!" King Sombra exclaimed darkly.

"I don't believe it!" Rarity exclaimed in concern, "I thought the Umbrum Ponies were trapped withing the Crimson Crystals form the snow wasteland?!"

Rainbow Dash hissed, "I get the feeling that crystals and diamonds can connect anything when it comes to magic especially the evil side!"

"This is not good..." Fluttershy said in concern.

"It's a disaster!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in fear.

"Twilight, don't!" Ash Applejack and Spike exclaimed in concern and fear.

King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle chanted as their horns glowed darkly, "Oh, Element of Light and Crystal Heart, heed our prays! The Days of Enlightenment are over, the Days of Hatred began! Let the Umbrum Ponies freed from this imprisonment. Let them be freed to roam across the realm once again! Let them free to take what's rightfully theirs! The Age of Umbrum Ponies reigns again!"

"No!" Everyone cried in fear and concern.

"Oh, Son of Bitch!" Dusk said slaped his hooves.

With the chanting and horn glowed in darkness complete, both King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle fired their Dark Magic at the Crystal Heart, which slowly darken and corrupted. It then fired straight at the throne chair's crystal, which also got corrupted and darkened. It the affected the portals, which has golden bars-like shattered to pieces.

"Freedom is ours! Take Crystal Empire! All is ours!" Rhabia ordered darkly.

The thousand ghost-like of Umbrum Ponies poured out from the portals at once. They all snarled and growled wildly. They all charged out from Crystal Empire's castle as they all gave chase on Crystal Ponies. The locals gasped and screamed in fear as they all quickly ran away from the monsters at once. The Umbrum Ponies were terrorizing the Crystal Empire now.

Twilight Sparkle continued glowing darkly as she went through dark transformation - she was turned into a familiar dark Alicorn pony. Both of Element of Light and Magic were too corrupted and darkened. She then landed on the ground as she smiled darkly. King Sombra smiled proudly while Twilight Sparkle's friends were in shock, concern and pained.

"Welcome to your new world, Midnight Sparkle..." King Sombra said darkly.

"No..." Ash said in concern..

Present...

"Damn it... This is all my fault. I promised her that I'll help her," Shadow Dragon said in guilty, "If only I had been with her from the start, none of this could have happen. I'm so sorry for everything, everypony."

Applejack sighed, "It doesn't matter because King Sombra will turn her into Queen of Umbrum Ponies with or without our protection! Besides, it's our fault too."

"But that doesn't mean it's gonna stop us from saving our friend and Crystal Empire!" Rainbow Dash said firmly.

Pinkie Pie nodded, "Yeah! Nopony gets left behind especially our best friend!"

"I agree! We may have left her behind once since that wedding" Rarity said firmly, "We will not abandoned her again!"

"We must help her now!" Fluttershy exclaimed in concern.

"How the hell do that?! We're trapped!" Lex exclaimed in concern. He then heard a knock. He turned and found Frostblade smiled happily while knocking the prison walls. He yelped, "HOW?!"

Frosblade held her hooves up in summoning icy aura-like, "Princess with Ice Powers, duh?"

Frostblade freed Ash, Mane Five and even Lex from their prison. They then discussed about what to do next especially saving Twilight Sparkle.

"We've gotta save Twilight now!" Spike exclaimed in concern, "And we have to stop Sombra too before he and his Umbrum Ponies could invade the Equestria!"

"They could be gone by now! We're too late now," Fluttershy said in concern.

"Not yet. My friends say that King Sombra is making preparation," Frostblade said firmly. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "Human Ponies of Ice, Ice and Crystals are connected as one especially Crystal Empire. So, I can see and hear everything. So, luckily, Twilight Sparkle is still at throne room."

"There's still time!" Lex exclaimed in realization, "We can still save her! Ash, you can use Element of Darkness to save her! It's the only one!"

Ash groaned before slapped on his face, "Lex, how on Equestria is that gonna work?! Element of Darkness is used to destroy the lives of thousands and cities to shreds! And the worst about it, it corrupted the good ponies into evil! How is that supposed to save Twilight Sparkle?!"

Lex sighed in annoyance, "FYI, that was used when you're evil. If it's used for good, Element of Darkness can restore corrupted one into true self. Plus, it can save and restore the life too. It's a vice-versa for the Element of Light."

"Oh... Sorry about that. I guess I forgot."

"Now you know how it works. We have to find and save Twilight Sparkle now!"

Applejack nodded, "It's time to save Twilight Sparkle now!"

Ash and his team quickly galloped and headed to the throne room now. They have to save and returned Twilight Sparkle to her good side before she'll be stuck as evil forever...

At the Crystal Empire's Throne Chamber, Midnight Sparkle was looking after the corrupted Crystal Heart on the pillow. She took her armors off as she was brushing her mane and tail gently and calmly. And at the same time, she was drinking her wine calmly and happily. She then read the magazine while laughing in amusement. She smirked darkly.

"I was wondering when you're gonna show up, imbeciles..." She said darkly yet calmly. She lifted her head up as she found her old friends stood before her. She giggled happily, "I thought it will take you for a minute to escape the prison. But I guess without me, you're really hopeless."

"That's why we're gonna get you back to our side," Applejack said firmly, "Sister..."

Twilight Sparkle huffed in annoyance, "I haven't heard that since the Canterlot Wedding Day! You all have betrayed me! I'd never forget that day!"

"Oh, Twilight..." Rarity said in concern and upset, "We didn't mean that."

"Yeesh... How long ponies keep reminding that stupid past?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in annoyance.

Pinkie Pie shrugged, "Probably because fans were heartbroken by how we answered and reacted to her. Yeesh, that was harsh of them on us."

Fluttershy sighed, "Please, Twilight. Let us help you. There's still to fix this."

"Too late, traitors!" Midnight exclaimed in anger as she unleashed her Dark Repel Spell on her own friends in knocking them hard. She armed and readied to attack, "It's time for my revenge."

"I really have bad feeling about this," Lex said in concern.

Ash groaned, "Everypony, get ready! Take her down, so I can try to restore her true self! And whatever you do, don't hurt her too hard!"

Frostblade sighed, "Easy to say than done. Here she come!"

Twilight Sparkle charged at her friends with her powerful Shooting Star Destroyer. She tried to ram and knock her friends out. They all dodged and avoided the attacks swiftly and quickly.

Applejack charged as she rammed against the princess, who responded by pushing the cowgirl back for the moment. Twilight Sparkle levitated Applejack up and thrown straight at the throne chair hard. Rainbow Dash used her back legs kick on Twilight Sparkle, but missed as the latter slide down before kicked on the former's stomach hard. The princess got up as she gave multiple punches on daredevil Pegasus's chest for few times before kicked her off. Rarity used her Diamond Gatling Blaster wrist in firing at Twilight Sparkle, who teleported and dodged the attacks swiftly for few times. And just before fashion Unicorn could do anything, the princess appeared and fired her Unicorn Burst on her mane. It made Rarity cry unhappily.

Pinkie Pie cheered wildly as she fired her Party Canon on Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship was annoyed as she levitated both of them in slamming them hard to the ground for few times like hammering a nail to the wood. Fluttershy gave a hard slap on Twilight Sparkle's face very hard. The princess gave a glare at shy pony, who shivered and quivered in fear. Twilight Sparkle unleashed her monstrous and demonic face at Fluttershy. The shy pony screamed and cried unhappily and fearfully.

"That was cold, Twilight! Literally!" Frostblade exclaimed in annoyance as she fired her Ice Beam in freezing Twilight Sparkle up. She sighed, "This is for your own-!"

Frostblade got slammed to the ground by Twilight Sparkle, who managed to teleport out from the ice cube. Lex fired his Typhoon Blaster at her, who summoned the Force Field while approaching him. And just before he could do anything, she gave him a big slap.

"Twilight! This is between you and me only." Ash said firmly as he positioned himself in Blazing Dragoon Style, "Don't make me hurt you."

"Too late, pretty boy. You just make this pretty princess angry now!" Twilight Sparkle snapped angrily, "And I'm not happy of what you did to me especially hurting my Sombra! I'm very grumpy!"

Ash groaned, "Mares. Why do they always get so emotional about the argument?!"

"You need to do some research about girls," Pinkie Pie said in annoyance.

Twilight Sparkle screamed in anger as she jumped and gave the flying kick at Ash, who quickly dodged by flipped and whirled on midair to the ground. She charged in as she landed multiple punches on him, who blocked and deflected them for few times. And just before he could do anything, she swiped the kick on him to the ground. She jumped and stomped on him but missed he rolled over for five times. He kicked via back leg on her face. He then gave the Nerve Punches on her chest and legs for the moment. Twilight Sparkle groaned as she struggled to stand up. And just before he could do anything, Twilight Sparkle fired her Unicorn Burst on him to the ground.

Twilight Sparkle levitated Ash in front of her as she's slowly crushed him by squeezing him by levitation.

"Any last words, my handsome prince?" Twilight Sparkle asked slyly.

Ash sighed, "Sorry for doing this, sweetheart."

Just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Mane Five grabbed and held her very tight. Lex and Frostblade helped Ash up. Ash summoned blackish aura-like on his right hoof while chanted humbly in Cantonese.

"I will save you! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Restore Spell!"

As Ash's hoof glowed gentle of dark aura, he slammed his Restore Spell on Twilight Sparkle's chest hard. As Mane Five held Twilight Sparkle tightly, she screamed in pain. As his Restore Spell made contact with her Cutie Mark as well as Element of Light, hers glowed and shined brightly as the shooting star. The darkness aura within her body purged and poured out. The evil one returned to her true self of light. Twilight Sparkle returned to good side.

As Twilight Sparkle was about to fall down, Ash grabbed and held her tight. Everyone gathered and surrounded the couples as they wondered if she was alright. Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes while moaning dizzily.

"Twilight?! Are you alright?" Ash asked in concern.

Twilight Sparkle moaned, "Just my pride. What happen?"

Just before any of her friends could do anything, they yelped in pain as they got blasted by the Dark Crystal Spell hard. Both Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up as they found King Sombra and his dark spiritual Umbrum Ponies entered the scene. And just before Ash and his team could do anything, Umbrum Ponies quickly chained the prisoners while the king levitated and have the Crystal Heart in his possession. King Sombra groaned in anger as he glared at Shadow Dragon and his allies.

"It seems I have underestimated you all," King Sombra remarked in annoyance, "But not this time. Execute them now!"

"Stop!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed. Everyone turned and glared at her. She continued, "If you want to execute these rebels, do it in public. This will not only make the Crystal Empire yours but also draw the rest of rebels out. Make them surrender to you. And that way, we can invade the Equestria."

Shadow Dragon and his allies were in shock and heartbroken while King Sombra smirked in amusement. Twilight Sparkle is still evil?! Has she truly gone?!

King Sombra smirked, "An excellent idea, my queen. I knew I can count on you. Take them out to the altar. Await for my arrival!"

"Yes, King Sombra!" Umbrum Ponies hissed.

The Umbrum Ponies guided the heartbroken former friends out.

King Sombra licked his tongue while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "Shall we?"

King Sombra approached and gave Twilight Sparkle a long passionate kiss for the moment. She then returned the kiss to him. Both of them held each other's heads while continued kissing and interacting tongues each other. Twilight Sparkle gasped in realization as she stopped and pushed him from kissing him at once.

"What is it, my Midnight Sparkle?"

"It's Twilight Sparkle, Sombra," Twilight Sparkle said firmly. King Sombra was in shock and surprise. She sighed, "Yes, I'm freed from your Switch Heart Spell, thanks to Ash. And it's good thing that Umbrum Ponies aren't here to manipulate you."

"What do you mean?! How dare you lie to me about my kind manipulate me?! The only ponies who ever did that to me is Princess Amore and her Crystal Empire especially Radiant Hope. She was the only friend I can count on. In the end, she betrayed me. And I was banished to Tarturus for two thousand years!"

"She didn't betray you! She was trying to stop you! And she's trying to save you too!"

"That's a lie!"

"No, it's the truth, Sombra! Radiant Hope really want to save you! During that battle, Frozen Sage wanted to kill you personally for what you have done to her life. And the only way to save you is to get banished. It was Royal Sisters' idea. They all hoped that two thousand years of banishment will help and restore your sanity about your decision. They hope you can turn over the leaf."

"But still..." King Sombra hissed in anger as he glared at his reflection from mirror, "It doesn't change anything that I'm the monster while she's the princess. Nothing ever change our destiny. Nothing ever will."

Twilight Sparkle sighed in pain, "I'm afraid. That never happen for Radiant Hope. She never become the Alicorn Princess."

"What?! No! That's not possible! It can't be!"

"It is, Sombra. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna told me what happen to her after I read your journal. Radiant Hope was heartbroken and pained to continue her studies to become the Princess. She left and travel across the Equestria to find the spell that can turn you into a real pony."

"No... What happen to her? Did she succeed it? Where is she now?! Is she alive?!"

Twilight Sparkle shook her head painfully, "Radiant Hope is gone. Nopony knows what happen to her when she came across the snow wasteland. But the rumors spread that Umbrum Ponies have her..."

"WHAT?! IMPOSSIBLE!" King Sombra exclaimed in anger and shock, "WHY?! How dare them?! How dare they lied to me?!"

"I don't know, Sombra. But I'm sure you will find the answers," Twilight Sparkle said firmly, "Let me ask you - are you going to continue your dark destiny or honor Radiant Hope's memory? She would have wanted you do something good for ponies to prove that you are not monster."

King Sombra was touched and shocked, "Twilight..."

"I need to know one more thing, King Sombra," Twilight Sparkle said in concern. She sighed, "Did you really like me or just use me as your pawn for your conquest? Because for four days, when we were together, you acted like you really meant the words to me with your honesty, sincerely and charmingly."

"No," King Sombra answered, "I really like you, Twilight Sparkle. You remind me so much of Radiant Hope. That is why I wanted you so badly to be with me. Not lust, but with pure love. I'm sorry that... I hurt you badly..."

Twilight Sparkle was surprised and speechless by him. King Sombra really like her and regretted of everything that hurts her a lot for isolating herself from her friends and boyfriend...

"Sire! It is time," Umbrum Guard called.

King Sombra hummed in concern as he entered the dilemma of whether he should learn the truth about Radiant Hope or not. He looked at Twilight Sparkle, who remained firm and calm, she gave him a nod indicating him to do it. He hummed a bit for some thoughts. He sighed in defeat as he must know the truth about what happen to his old friend...

At the Crystal Empire's altar, Umbrum Ponies have not only gathered at the location but also brought both prisoners and locals to witness the execution of Mane Five, Shadow Dragon, Tailtech and even Icy. The shadowy pony soldiers held and blocked the Crystal Ponies from trying to cross the line or even attacked them.

The heroes were chained to the ground as King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle emerged from the castle. They both had the Crystal Heart in possession. Umbrum Ponies cheered wildly and happily for their king. Crystal Empire were now in feared and shocked of what happen next if the heroes were executed. King Sombra held his hoof in holding the Crystal Heart high in ceasing his kind to be silences.

Rhabia hissed in amusement as she began announcement, "Shadow Dragon and his accomplices, you all have been found in guilty for attempt of assassination on King Sombra and manipulation on Queen Twilight Sparkle! The sentence - death! All will be turned into stone"

Crystal Ponies cried in anger and agony about sentencing the heroes whole blaming at King Sombra for everything especially manipulating Twilight Sparkle. Nevertheless, King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle remained silent for the moment. While she feared her friends' and lover's safety, he wondered about the truth he may find.

Rhabia turned and glared at Ash and his friends.

"The time has come, rogues. You all have stand at the brink of Tarturus. However, I have one option that can save you from this. Serve us and your beloved queen or the stone?" Rhabia asked slyly.

Ash spitted his mucus at her face. Mane Five, Frostblade and Lex remained firm and angry at Umbrum Ponies. Rhabia growled in anger while shook it off. She growled in annoyance as she continued her announcement,

"Prisoner Ash and his accomplices refused to recant. These actions will not be tolerated and not to be ignore! And therefore, they must accept our judgment! For justice! For our kind! And for our own salvation! It is our sacred duty to send these unholy demons back to where they belong! Your majesty, execute them!"

Crystal Ponies gasped and screamed in shock and feared of what they just heard. Umbrume Ponies cheered proudly and wildly. Shadow Dragon and his friends held each other's hooves as they were ready to embrace their darkest hour. Twilight Sparkle looked feared and shocked of the event as she looked away in unable to watch the event. But King Sombra did nothing?

Rhabia looked surprised and shock by his mood and action. And just before she could ask, King Sombra gave her a glare.

"Tell me the truth. What happen to Radiant Hope?!" King Sombra demanded in anger. Rhabia and her Umbrum Ponies yelped in concern and fear as they remained in silent about the name. He growled, "What happen to her?! What did you do to her when you all have her?!"

Rhabia hissed, "Sire, it's not time to talk about this! I don't know how but-!"

King Sombra interrupted, "NOW! You will answer to your king!"

Rhabia hissed in fear, "Thousand years ago, Radiant Hope came upon to our home. We invited her to join our crusade. We were about to convince her to join us through our disguises. But she use her magic on us and home for lighting. She tried to escape from us before we could explain our reason. She fell into the abyss."

"She died?!" King Sombra asked in shock and pain. He roared in anger, "Why didn't you save her?! Why didn't you help her?! I thought I trusted you!"

"We did! We tried! But that is not important! Twilight Sparkle-!"

"Radiant Hope was my friend! She was my love! And now she's gone because of you! Why was I created in the first place?! Why must I suffered this painful fate?!"

"You were created to bring our salvation! Deliver our revenge to these wretched ponies! All must face our judgment, Sombra! We are the rightful creatures to rule this land, not these foolish weak links, just like your pathetic friend! She's nothing pathetic, useless and delusional mare who believed you to be good stallion! She was wrong about you! She may have defied her destiny to meet her end. You will not defy it! You will always be the monster, just like us!"

King Sombra was heartbroken and shocked as he looked down and cried. Crystal Ponies were in shock, and even Ash and his friends were surprised of it.. They never thought that the tyrant king like him could cry.

Rhabia hissed, "You're useless! That foolish mare have made you soft! I relived you from command, Sombra! You're no longer use to us now!"

"No. You're wrong..." The mare said firmly. Everyone gasped. Twilight Sparkle armed with her magical powers, "You're wrong about King Sombra and Radiant Hope. If she defied her destiny, so can he! It shows that everypony can make their own destiny, not based on what ponies expected! Unlike you and your kind, he has a heart!"

Crystal Ponies and the heroes cheered happily to see that Twilight Sparkle was indeed freed from manipulation! She continued her announcement.

"Citizens of Crystal Empire! Umbrum Ponies have abused their own kindred for their personal gain! Deceived all of us behind the true story of King Sombra's sufferings! And now, they declare turncoat on their own king as well as invasion on our home an Equestria! Will we allow it?!"

Crystal Ponies shouted in anger and gave the battle cry as they refused to let their home or Equestria to be fallen under Umbrum Ponies. The Umbrum Ponies were in shock and concern of what they just saw. The locals are fighting back!

"Glad to hear that, Twiley!" The familiar voice cried. Everyone turned to the east as they found Shining Armor and his team have arrived at the scene. He continued, "We're here to help. And we brought more help!"

And just before anypony could respond, everyone witnessed the arrival of large army of Human Ponies of Ice led by Icicle - a white Unicorn mare with blond gentle long mane and long tail, he wore green armor and a headwear and his Cutie Mark is a long sword, shield and a giant ice crystal-like. Crystal Ponies cheered wildly and happily while Umbrum Ponies screeched in fear and concern.

"Shining Armor! Cadance! You've made it!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily with her tears pourin out.

Princess Cadance smiled, "Glad we've made it! If Icicle hadn't come in time, Crystal Empire would have fallen."

He armed with her long sword and shield, "Now it is time to take Crystal Empire back and defeat the Umrbum Ponies for good!"

"Everypony, charge!" Shining Armor ordered firmly, "FOR CRYSTAL EMPIRE!"

Both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice gave the loud battle cry as they all charged and entered the battlefield. And just before Umbrum Ponies could do anything; the monsters got pushed, blinded, blasted, knocked out and killed by them. They even freedAsh and his team as the latter joined the battlefield.

Ash reunited with Twilight Sparkle before giving her a big hug, followed by Mane Five, Ashley, Spike, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance as they all chatted and commented in relief. Flash Sentry, Lez, Frostblade, Star Thunder, and even Swift Ice and Dusk were there as well.

Twilight Sparkle giggled, "What took you guys long?"

"The usual late plan of how to surprise the enemies," Shadow Dragon joked.

Shining Armor laughed happily, "You've got that right, buddy."

"What's the plan, Twi?" Applejack asked.

"Crystal Heart..." Twilight Sparkle said firmly while looking at King Sombra holding it, "We have to restore it. We have to put it back to altar. It should unleash powerful magic to defeat all of Umbrum Ponies for good."

Princess Cadance nodded in agreement, "I know how to restore it. Then, let's do it before it's too late!"

And just before anypony could do anything, they got hit and knocked by the dark powerful blast to the ground hard. Twilight Sparkle and her friends moaned and groaned painfully as they struggled in getting up. They witnessed the angry Rhabia glaring at them. She screeched in anger.

"You all have ruined everything! I shall make you suffer, especially you - Sombra!"

Shining Armor groaned, "Twilight, get to the altar now! We'll hold her off!"

Rhabia charged and chased after Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Red Arsenal fired his Flare for blinding her. Shining Armor fired his Unicorn Burst in knocking her out.

Both Star Thunder and Shining Armor fired their Explosive Arrows and Shining Star Strikes at her. Rhabia screeched loudly at them off. Swift Ice fired her Hikari Strikes, Rarity fired her Diamond Blasters, Fluttershy fired her Bat Spirit's Sonic Wave Attacks and Pinkie Pie fired her Party Canon at the spiritual pony off. She fired her Dark Magic in knocking the shooters out. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Ashley, and Flash Sentry charged in as they keep swinging their weapons at her very hard. Rhabia screeched in anger as she swung her tail at the fighters off. Shining Armor and his team continued holding Rhabia off as well as sometimes dodging her attacks when she fought back by magic and punches.

Twilight Sparkle nodded as she, Princess Cadance, Ash, and King Sombra headed off to the Crystal Empire's altar. Both Shadow Dragon and King Sombra battled with the enemies. Dragoking fired his attacks at the enemies. They were protecting Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance was setting the Crystal Heart on the altar.

"Ready?" Princess Cadance asked.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yeah. Let's do this!"

Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle chanted firmly, "Element of Light, heed ours prays. Restore the Crystal Heart to its true self. Restore its Light! Restore its Hope! Restore its Faith! Save our Home! Defeat the Enemy! Let our enemies be perished for ever!"

"No! I will not allow it!" Rhabia screeched in anger as she fired her Dark Magic Repel in knocking all of her enemies out including the Crystal Heart out from the altar. She roared in anger as she grabbed Twilight Sparkle by the neck. She slowly strangled and choked the Princess of Friendship to death, "I will make you suffer for everything! You will die!"

"No. All of Umbrum Ponies will die." The voice said firmly. As Rhabia turned, she gasped in shock and fear. King Sombra was near to the altar with Crystal Heart ready to place. He hissed angrily, "This is for Radiant Heart! It's time I make my own destiny!"

Rhabia gasped, "Noooooooooo!"

And just before anypony could do anything, King Sombra placed the Crystal Heart on the altar. As it spun, it glowed brightly and beautifully. Upon spotting the altar glowing, both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice bowed down as their positive energy are transferring and channeling to Crystal Heart for more power. With so much energy, it blasted its powerful energy of light waves out and across the Crystal Empire.

It turned crystallized the ponies into their Crystal Modes. It also blasted and shattered all of Umbrum Ponies to pieces. They including Rhabia have all gone into oblivion as they all can't stand the Crystal Heart's light and power. The darkness aura within the city is dispersed and replaced by the aurora of rainbow lights across the Equestria.

With the Umbrum Ponies were defeated and killed, both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice cheered wildly and happily as they have finally won the battle. But at its cost - King Sombra's body slowly disintegrating and burning. He slowly laid his back on the ground hard. Everyone gathered and looked at him. He then looked at Crystal Empire's fair. He sighed happily.

"We did it..." King Sombra said in relief and happiness, "I finally get the chance to see the fair after so long of sufferings by its light. It's beautiful. I wish she was here to see this. This will be my last time to see it..."

Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Sombra! Hang on! There's the spell that I can-!"

"Don't, Twilight. I don't deserve it after everything I have done to you and everyone else."

"But..."

"Besides, someone is waiting for me. I think she waited for me too long."

Twilight Sparkle poured the tears out in despair and pain, "Sombra..."

King Sombra kissed Twilight Sparkle's left cheek, "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. You have saved me from my darkest path. I will never forget it. Be happy with someone you had loved."

And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, King Sombra's body disintegrated into ashes as they flew up to the sky. She and everyone cried and sobbed tearfully as they all lowered their heads down. Despite being the villain, he was a good stallion. It's what Radiant Hope had hope for and wanted him to be...

"What happened to him? Where he will be sent to?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern

Icicle approached and answered, "Heaven, Twilight Sparkle. Despite the sins he committed, he finally found his redemption. Therefore, he deserves to be with Radiant Hope. He'll be fine."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I hope he's okay. I hope so..."

During the Crystal Fair, Crystal Ponies and Human Ponies of Ice celebrated their not only annual public holiday but also King Sombra's heroic action. He was even built as the giant Statue on the north with Radiant Hope. It's the moment he will not be forgotten...

Twilight Sparkle was alone at the park as she was waiting for someone. Her friends, family and Ash had arrived at the scene as they all wondered of what's going on.

Twilight Sparkle sighed as she bowed down, "I called you because I owe you all a big apology. I'm sorry for everything especially how I react and treated you all. I'm so ashamed of my action and ignorance to you about Clovis being King Sombra. I hope you all can forgive me for this big mess."

Everyone remained silent as they were looking at her. Instead of being upset or angry mood, they smiled in relief and happy.

"Forget it, Twi. It ain't your fault," Applejack said calmly.

Spike nodded, "Yeah. It's kinda ironic that we were the ones who ignore you in the first place about Cadance being an impostor since the Wedding Day. So, we deserve that. Sorta..."

Princess Cadance smiled, "Well, either way, I'm just glad that everything is over."

Everyone commented in agreement about forgiving Twilight Sparkle about the mess especially commenting ironically about their mistakes from Wedding Day.

Shining Armor sighed as he hugged Twilight Sparkle, "I'm just glad you're okay and safe. I was so worried."

"Me too..." Twilight Sparkle nodded as she hugged Shining Armor a moment. She turned and approached Ash, "Ash, thank you for being there. And I'm sorry for it."

Ash sighed, "No big deal. I'm just glad you're alright. I was so worried about you. I thought I lost you. But it's over now."

"Yeah... It's over for both of us." Twilight Sparkle said in shame. Everyone looked shock, confuse and concern about it. She was sniffling and crying in despair, "After what we've been through especially my mixing love for you and Sombra, I don't think we don't deserve each other."

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard.

"What?! Why?!"

"I've been thinking of what King Sombra has said. Maybe he's right about us and the Elements. This... It's not really working. We weren't meant for each other. The Element of Light chose the wrong wielder."

"Don't talk like that, Twilight. Please. Don't say that. It's not your fault. I'm sorry for my behavior yesterday. I was just... I was just trying to protect you and save you."

"I know. And I'm glad too. But... We've argued so many times. It's for the best that we don't see each other. I need to clear things out especially my mixed feelings."

"But-!"

"Please... I don't want to hurt you again," Twilight Sparkle said tearfully, "The last thing I want is to hurt you badly. Please, do it for me. One last time..."

Ash sighed as he nodded briefly with sadness. Both Twilight Sparkle and Ash gave each other a long passionate kiss but cried tearfully. Everyone sighed in upset as they looked down in shame and pain. The couples departed while looked at each other sadly for the moment.

"I love you, Twilight Sparkle. I always do..." Ash said in upset.

Twilight Sparkle sniffled, "I know. I always love you too."

Ash nodded shamefully as he turned and was about to walk away. Ashley and Flash Sentry approached him but he shook his head in not following him. They both were heartbroken and shocked to see it. As he trotted off Pikachu followed his master. During walking away from his friends and family, he shed some tears out in crying.

Twilight Sparkle sniffled tearfully to see her lover walk away. She was ashamed of breaking her relationship with him due to the event. She was not happy and proud of it. Mane Five and their friends sighed in upset to see her being heartbroken, pained, and sad. Shining Armor approached and gave his sister a comforting hug.

Shining Armor sighed, "You know. I kinda like that guy..."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Too bad you've missed it."

At the outskirt of Crystal Empire, a familiar character along with Zytle, Starlight Glimmer, and Plasma Bolt stood and watched the event. Alister smirked.

"Well, not exactly we had hope for. But we broke those two up," He said in amusement, "Twilight Sparkle is at her weakest point now."

Zytle nodded, "Good enough. You've done well to serve as our spy. Everything goes according to our plan..."

"What's next?" Starlight Glimmer asked in amusement.

Zylte smiled as he turned to his pupil, "Now for the final test. Defeat Twilight Sparkle. Ensure that this timeline will not exist. And above all, take your revenge. Roman will help and guide you to accomplish your goal. Make sure that both of you pass the test."

Starlight Glimmer smiled, "As you command, master. Twilight Sparkle will pay for what she has done to my work..."

END...

Episode 20 -The Cutie Re-Mark

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she was standing near to her speech stand.

"If somepony had told me when I was a blank flank that one day I'd give a speech to a class at Celestia's School of Magic, I wouldn't have believed it, but..." Twilight Sparkle paused as she shuffled her cards in search for the right answer. Upon finding the right one, she resumed, "I hope that I have been up to the task, because I can tell that all of you are and that the future of Equestrian magic is in good hooves."

CLAPPED! Twilight Sparkle looked up as she found Ashely, Twinkle and Spike were clapping for her speech from the fifth level. She was preparing her speech for tomorrow even.

"Wow, hehe. That was even better than the first eleven times." Spike commented uneasily.

Ashley sighed, "Can we go to bed now? I'm sleepy..."

"Eh, I don't know, guys." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily as she walked away from her speech stand, "I'd like to be able to get through the whole speech without looking at the cards."

Twinkle climbed down as she nuzzled her mother's legs, "Come on, mummy! You can't be nervous about giving a speech to a bunch of magic students!"

"Oh, I'm not nervous, Nyx," Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she patted Twinkle's mane gently, "but I do have to set a good example, especially for magic students. That's why this speech has to be..."

Ashley and Spike sighed in annoyance, "Perfect?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Exactly. Let's go through it one more time."

And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Twinkle poked her flank for the moment. The princess looked at her daughter.

"Is daddy coming?" Twinkle asked hopefully. Twilight Sparkle gave a silent while looked away from her. Ashley and Spike looked away as well. She looked shock and upset, "You didn't invite him? But mom-!"

"No more buts," Twilight Sparkle said in shame. She sighed as she turned and looked at Nyx, "Your father and I agreed that we're done with our relationship. After what I have done to him four days ago, I don't deserve to be with him. Crystal did something better than me."

"Twilight, that wasn't your fault! It's King Sombra's," Spike insisted in concern.

Ashley nodded in agreement, "Yeah. He make you isolated and alone for him to rape and marry you. He even manipulated and turned you into evil Queen Midnight Sparkle. And of course, it's his fault for messing your relationship!"

"It doesn't matter. Because in the end, it was my fault and my action cause the break up," Twilight Sparkle said in shame, "I just don't understand one thing - why did Element of Light chose me? I'm nothing special."

"Yes, you are, mom! You saved Equestria for dozen times! You make lots of friends. You even taught everypony the meaning of Friendship and some lessons! And best of all, you and dad are connected because of the Elements!" Nyx insisted.

Spike nodded, "Not only that, you cared and raised all of us like a family. This is something that we won't forget."

Ashley nodded firmly, "Please, don't talk like that, Twilight. I'm sure you and dad are meant to be together. My mom said there's always reason behind our action and our fate, like the Element of Light chose you because you deserve its blessings."

"Not to me. To me, it's the curse. If it's the blessings, both me and Shadow Dragon wouldn't have argued or even broke up in the first place." Twilight Sparkle said unhappily, making her children looking worry and concern for her. She sighed, "Sorry, kids; I need some air..."

Twilight Sparkle immediately left the chamber as she needed some time alone. Her children looked worry and concern about her. She must be still heartbroken and pained since the breakup. Ashley looked at his pocket watch's photo frame of his present family as he shown concern and upset. Spike squatted down in sadness and concern. Twinkle turned and looked up as she prayed for her father to be safe from harm especially his sufferings.

As Twilight Sparkle walked across the hallway, she came across the portrait of Iris Crystal and her parents. She sighed in concern and shame as she was looking at the former princess.

"Why did the Element of Light chose me? Why couldn't you make it alive? Why do we even meet and fall in love in the first place?" Twilight Sparkle sniffled and cried tearfully, "What's the point of this..."

In the next morning, the both seniors and juniors of Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns have gathered at the large hall. Twilight Sparkle was giving her speech about the Cutie Marks. Her slide on blank screen revealed Cutie Mark Crusaders sharing the same Cutie Marks. Ashley, Spike and Twinkle were sitting on the fifth level of seats as they were handling with the projector slides, along with Moondancer, Minuette, Lemon Heart and Twinkleshine.

As Twilight Sparkle came across the picture of herself, Spike and her friends, she smiled happily as she gave the speech.

"I can speak from my own experience that the power of Cutie Mark Magic is very real, and in the instance of my friends and I, it can be traced to a single event!"

Twilight Sparkle then showed the pie chart of herself and her five friends about the Cutie Mark especially involving the Sonic Rainboom.

"Without Rainbow Dash's race to defend Fluttershy's honor, this rainboom wouldn't have happened. Fluttershy might never have discovered her love of animals. Applejack might never have realized that she belonged on her farm. And Pinkie Pie might never have decided to leave hers. It must be hard to imagine Rarity without her sense of fabulousness. But it's even harder to fathom what my life would be like. Without this rainboom, I might not have gotten into magic school."

Twilight Sparkle smiled and continued her speech as she looked at the students including Starlight Glimmer, sitting behind of her three children.

"Celestia wouldn't have taken me on as her pupil or sent me to Ponyville to meet my friends. And the most powerful thing about Cutie Mark Magic that I found is the connection I share with them."

Twilight Sparkle stopped at once as she realized of what she just saw. She returned to the place but found nothing. She then looked around of the area in search of the pony. She could have sworn that she saw Starlight Glimmer amd Plasma Bolt.

"But, um..." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily as she quickly shuffled her cards in search for the right answer, "The real question about... Cutie Mark Magic is... who it seems to affect."

"I have a question!" Minuette called. Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at her childhood friend. She then asked, "How are you and your pals get connected with the Elements of Harmony? It must be blessings for your friends a lot especially you and Ash for hooking up well! The Elements of Light and Darkness are awesome special!"

Unicorns chatted happily about the subject that Minuette has brought up. They all wanted to know how the Elements of Harmony works for connecting with Twilight Sparkle and her friends especially Ash.

The subject makes Ashley, Spike and even Twinkle uncomfortable and concern especially Twilight Sparkle, who never want to talk or hear about it. She struggled yet nervously about answering the question. She gulped uneasily.

Twilight Sparkle declared, "That'd be all, everypony! I still have no clue about it yet. Quite busy lately for me! I'll be sure to answer that question when I found one."

Everyone awed in disappointment and upset about Twilight Sparkle's excuse. Everybody else sighed relief about Twilight Sparkle almost want to lose her temper. Even though she skipped it, she still harbored guilty about it.

After the speech from the school, Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to their home. And at the same time, she told them about her sudden glimpse on Starlight and Plasama. They were all shocked and concern about it.

Twilight Sparkle nodded fearfully, "I was sure I saw them, Spike. But when I looked again, they were gone! I'm just worried what she could be up to."

Spike hummed in concern, "Nothing good, I bet. I heard that either of them wasn't very happy the last time you three saw her."

"No, she wasn't," Ashley said in concern, "She got some nerve for forcing everypony in her village to have the same cutie mark. That wasn't right. And that Plasma has serious axe to grind with all of us

"Well, it's better than Roman," Twinkle said in concern, "He almost caused Three Kingdoms in chaos - making ponies disappeared to doubt Johnatan and Phoenix Kingdom, both Apes and Thorntree Kingdom attacking each other, and even making Westport Kingdom lose its water."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I know. But we haven't seen Seekcurse or Starlight Glimmer and not even Plasama Bolt after our mission. I'm worry they might up to something..."

"And now I had the feeling that they're both coming back for revenge." Spike said in concern. But his chest got nudged by Ashley and Twinkle. He was confused as they pointed at the shaking Twilight Sparkle. He yelped, "Uh, or they were just really interested in your speech!"

Twilight Sparkle sighed in concern, "Honestly, Spike. I'm not really sure what I saw. I just hope those three stay away from my home or my friends. I just hope they didn't take advantage on Ash when he's in depress and pain."

"But as long as we have them, I know everything will be all right." Twinkle insisted happily.

Ashely smiled as he gave her a noogie, "We've overcome the worse. There's nothing we can handle it."

Spike nodded happily, "Yeah! Friendship is Magic!"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "You're right. Thanks, guys. Come on. Let's go home..."

Twilight Sparkle and her family made their way back to the Castle of Friendship for resting now. Unknown to them, three shadowy figures were looking at them from the balcony before they disappeared into the castle's door.

Within the Castle of Friendship's Library, Twilight Sparkle and her children put their stuffs within. They then had their chats while passing by the Metal Ponies across the hallway. They were heading straight to the Meeting Chamber.

Ashley and Twinkle noticed something strange about Metal Ponies. They seemed to be off while standing still. They never been like this before.

"Is it me or are Metal Ponies been quiet? Too quiet..." Twinkle asked in concern.

Ashley nodded in concern, "Yeah. They didn't get themselves shut down, did they? Usually Bishop told us of what they're doing before this..."

"Maybe. Maybe he's just tired and sleepy. So, he and his friends gone into their hibernation mode," Twilight Sparkle remarked happily. She giggled a bit, "Just like I was just more stressed about that speech especially about Element of Light and Darkness."

Spike smiled, "Yeah. That sounds better than Starlight Glimmer, Plasama Bolt, or Roman coming back with an evil plot for revenge."

Twilight Sparkle giggled happily as she opened the meeting chamber's door, "Well, when you say it like that, it does sound kinda silly."

Ashley yelped in concern, "Or it's totally true!"

Twilight Sparkle was confused as she looked to the front. She found Starlight Glimmer sitting down on her chair while Roman was eating his Hayburger. Bishop was neared to them as he looked like he was shut down. Plasma Bolt smile as he has his sword.

Starlight Glimmer smirked in amusement, "Welcome home, Twilight!"

"Now, Starlight! Finish her," Roman said in amusement.

Starlight Glimmer used her magic to levitate a scroll before firing a magic beam to it. Letting it rise up, she continued to grin. Then magic light blue aura surge around the scroll, before zapping something down to the council table as everyone watched. Then in a much surprise notice, the entire map of Equestria was displayed...

Twilight Sparkle and her children approached the Cutie Map. They were all in shock and concern. The map usually appeared, only when six ponies' Cutie Marks glowed and appeared on it for mission and troubles.

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "What are you doing, Starlight?"

"And what the hell did you do to Bishop and other Metal Ponies," Spike demanded.

Twinkle nodded, "If you hurt any of our friends, we'll make you pay!"

Plasma Bolt laughed in amusement, "Nothing serious. Starlight used the Blackout Spell on Metal Ponies for long hibernation mode. And we've done nothing wrong to your friends yet. I'd tell you, but I don't want to ruin the surprise!."

As the scroll lowered down, Roman crushed and throw it aside, "Yes. Won't be needing that anymore. The Dawn of New Age is upon us. Your time will cease to exist!"

As the three laughed in amusement, Twilight Sparkle and her children were armed and ready to attack. But instead, the swirling rings-like emerged from the map. As the wind blew on everypony, the sphere portal-like with sounds and images of time and clocks appeared.

Starlight Glimmer levitated herself and Roman and Plamsa Bolt as they were flying straight into the portal. And the next, the portal disappeared. Twilight Sparkle and her children approached the map at once.

"What the hell was that?!" Ashley asked in concern.

Twinkle hissed in concern, "Where'd she go?"

Twilight Sparkle gulped while looking at the map, "I don't know, but I think we better find out!"

Spike spotted the crushed scroll as he approached it, "I guess we could start with this."

Twilight Sparkle, and the others gasped as they turned to Spike, "Spike, no! Don't touch that!"

As Spike touched the scroll, the portal reappeared above the map. It then dragged the screaming Twilight Sparkle and her children into it. Next, it disappeared from ponies' sights. With that, Bishop's empty body fell on his back hard.

Ash entered the chamber, carrying both flowers and chocolate box. He looked around as he found nopony inside. He sighed in disappointment and upset.

"Who am I kidding? She doesn't want me..."

Twilight Sparkle and her three children screamed in fear as they hold each other tightly. The scroll dragged them though the long time vortex-like. As the portal appeared before, they landed on the road street hard. They all moaned and groaned in annoyance and pain. They stood up slowly as they found themselves in the familiar area.

"Cloudsdale?" Spike asked in concern, "All three of them don't even have wings! Why would they come here?"

Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, "I don't know, Spike, but it looked like they could fly with just magic! Keep your eyes open. We don't know what she has planned."

Ashley gasped upon looking at something shock and surprise, "Like that?!"

As she pointed at four familiar Pegasi talking at the Junior Speedsters Camp's site, Twilight Sparkle and her two children took a peek. They all were shock and surprised. They saw Rainbow Dash was defending Fluttershy from Hoops and Dumbbell.

"What the hell?" NTwinklr asked in shock and concern.

Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern as she asked, "Did Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy look really young to you? And I didn't see a cutie mark. You don't think..."

Spike gulped, "...We traveled back in time to when Rainbow Dash raced the bullies who made fun of Fluttershy and performed her first sonic rainboom?"

"No way! That's impossible!" Twinklr exclaimed in concern and shock about it.

"Only Star Swirl the Bearded could do something like that, and even his spell just went back a week!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "How could Starlight do more than the greatest wizard in Equestria?"

"I don't know..." Ashley said in concern but noticed Spike's holding the scroll, "But that is the answer. Spike, give it to Twilight."

As Spike showed it to Twilight Sparkle, she looked through it. She gasped, "Star Swirl's spell! Oh, no!"

"That's bad?" She asked in concern.

"I don't like it," Twinkle said in concern, "Whatever Starlight Glimmer and other two are planning, it can't be good."

"Come on, let's go!" Spike said happily. Twilight Sparkle and her two children were confused and concerned. He continued, "To watch the race. I don't wanna miss the rainboom!"

"But what about Starlight Glimmer and others?" Twinkle asked in concern.

Lance Justicestrike smiled as he patted Nyx's mane gently, "We'll keep lookout for them both. If they show up, we'll strike them down!"

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Great plan. Come on! It's about to start!"

"What happens after we've changed history?" The familiar voice said calmly. Twilight Sparkle and her family looked back as they found a two figures emerging from Time Portal. She continued, "In my case, you're about to find out..."

"Amber Dusk and Celestial Aura?!" Twilight Sparkle and her children asked in shock and surprise. Both smiled. They asked, "What are you guys doing here?!"

"Helping you to stop Starlight, Roman and Plasma. They're here to change the past - they want to get rid of you and your five friends. And I have the feeling it's about to happen."

"Got it. We'll keep an eye on them. Thanks for the warning."

"Glad to help. I'm coming with you. You might need some time expert on this."

Twilight Sparkle and her family hidden behind the clouds as they watched the race where Rainbow Dash performed her sonic rainboom. Just like how it goes, Fluttershy fell to the land of Equestria while Rainbow Dash determined to win the race by powerful speed. As she was diving down, her body gone energetic with colorful auras like she was about to perform it.

Unknown to any of the ponies, Starlight Glimmer emerged from the clouds as she was armed with her magic. Roman clapped his hooves happily.

"It is time," Roman smiled.

Starlight Glimmer fired her Stop Spell in stopping Rainbow Dash from performing her sonic rainboom, allowing Hoops to win the game. Twilight Sparkle and her children were in shock and concern.

Without her rainboom, her past self and other five won't have not only their Cutie Marks and abilities but their destinies change - the animals ignored Fluttershy, Applejack remained at Manehattan, Pinkie Pie continued working on Rock Farm, Rarity thrown the big rock away and Twilight Sparkle failed her exams including Spike remained inside the egg.

"What just happen?!" Spike asked.

Celestial Aura hissed in concern, "Damn. It has begun..."

Ashley groaned as he pointed at the three ponies "There they are!"

"I can't believe it! They stopped Rainbow Dash from performing it!" Twinklr exclaimed in anger.

Twilight Sparkle and her children flew towards their enemies. They were armed and readied to attack while Starlight Glimmer, Roman, and Plasma Bolt remained calm and relax like they're not afraid of little mice.

"What did you do?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded.

Starlight Glimmer smirked, "You are about to find out."

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could say anything, the portal appeared above them as it dragged and pulled them into it. Flare Tiger and Celestial Aura went after her family via summoning and entering her Time Portal.

"Easy peasy," Starlight Glimmer commented happily. She turned and found Roaman glared at her, "What?!"

Roman groaned, "You were supposed to kill Rainbow Dash and her friends, not stopping the rainboom! They'll be back to stop us, once they realized the truth about their present time."

"Let them try. Unlike you," Plamsa snarled, "We don't kill innocent ponies especially my enemies' past selves. Zytle told us to pass the exam. And we will do it for him!"

Roman groaned, "You're gonna regret that decision of yours. Mark my word..."

As the portal appeared, Twilight Sparkle and her children fell and dropped to the Cutie Map table very hard. They all moaned painfully as they slowly getting up. Flare Tiger and Celestal Aura emerged from her portal.

Amber Dusk gasped, "Oh no. The timeline has changed..."

"I don't know what were those three are up to yet," Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "but we'd better figure it out before it's too late."

Ashley yelped in concern, "Um, guys? I think it already is."

Twilight Sparkle and her two children looked up. They gasped in shock and concern. They found themselves in the empty yet open field, with the Castle of Friendship vanished. Something is wrong...

Twilight Sparkle hissed in concern, "The map pulled us back, but whatever Starlight did in the past changed things here!"

"But why? And how did we get here? Where's here?" Spike asked fearfully.

"More like when." Twilight Sparkle answered in concern and worry. Her children looked at her. As she levitated the scroll up, she explained, "Starlight altered Star Swirl's spell, then somehow used it on the map to travel into the past and change something! Once she did, the map pulled us back to the present!"

"So we're back where—" Ashely gulped, "I mean, when we started?"

"That's not what mom meant, Ashley," Celestial said as she shook her head. She was looking at the Cutie Map's strange landscape and landmark, "Everything's different. The map doesn't even make sense anymore! The Crystal Empire takes up half of Equestria!"

Amber Dusk nodded, "We're in another timeline - dark and pure evil."

Celestal Aura and Flare Tiger were right. Everyone were looking at the Cutie Map - corrupted and dark version of Crystal Empire has conquered most of Equestria.

"Plus there's the whole missing castle thing." Spike added in concern.

"Something's definitely not right around here..." Ashley said in concern, "So, what's next? Standing here won't solve anything..."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Right! This is too big to handle on our own. We need to find our friends and get help!"

"Grandma Twiley, you might not like this." Amber said in concern, "Your friends are not same ponies you used to befriend with."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "We have to try, Amber. We need some help now to figure this out."

Twilight Sparkle and her family headed to the Ponyville Town in search for their friends. But they found something shock and different about their hometown. The trees and grasses looked dead. Most of the broken and ruined residents and homes were on locked down including Rarity's Carousal Boutique and Pinkie Pie's Sugarcube Corner turned into some sort of bakery. And strangest thing is ponies never come out. Something bad has happen here. And only one pony who could help them...

Twilight Sparkle and her family arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. But Something shock them even more - the farm has turned into a factory. They even took a peek within the barn, where they saw all the apples poured into a giant pot, which mashed and boiled them into soup-like before placing within several tin cans. What is going on?

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, they spotted a familiar pony rolling and moving the barrel out. She worn the war attire-like.

"Applejack?!" Twilight Sparkle called in surprise. She the hug confused Applejack happily and passionately, "It's so good to see you! We couldn't find Pinkie or Rarity or Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash, but I just knew you'd still be here!"

Applejack depart Twilight Sparkle from hugging her, "Of course I am. This is my home. But who in tarnation is Pinkie Bow and Flutterdash? Or you for that matter?"

Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern, "You... don't know who I am?"

"Nope. Honestly, the only name I recognize is Rarity, but she left for Manehattan years ago." Applejack sighed in concern, "Last I heard, she went to help with the cause like everypony else - the war against King Sombra and the Crystal Empire."

Twilight Sparkle and her children asked, "What?!"

Applejack was in shock yet suspicious, "Where have you guys been?"

"I know this is hard to believe, but you and I and those other ponies I mentioned are friends!" Twilight Sparkle explained. Applejack gave suspicious and concern looks at her. She grunted, "I'm telling you the truth! And if you come with me, I'll prove it."

Applejack was still skeptical and concern about it, and yet she can't help but to trust and believe in her. She turned to Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike; who nodded in agreement. She sighed in concern as she followed them.

Twilight Sparkle and her children guided Applejack to their vanished Castle of Friendship especially the Cutie Map Table. Applejack was still shock and surprised about it.

"Well, I'll admit. I've lived in these parts my whole life and I've never seen this before," Applejack remarked, "But I still don't see what this has to do with you and I bein' friends."

Twilight Sparkle sighed as she explained, "There were two ponies - a mare named Starlight Glimmer and two stallions called Roman and Plasma Bolt used this map to travel through time and change things in the past. For some reason, the map's here but everything else is different!"

"Different how?" Applejack asked in concern.

Twinkle pointed at Crystal Empire and its expansion territories, "Well, for one thing, where we come from, there's no war with King Sombra."

Ashley nodded in agreement, "Maybe you could tell us how the war started, then we can figure out when everything changed!"

"That's easy enough." Applejack sighed in upset as she recalled the news from both radio and newspaper,

"When the Crystal Empire returned, it brought King Sombra back with it. And it didn't take long for him to free his kind from the prison. He even force every one of his subjects to fight for him against Equestria."

At Throne Chamber, King Sombra chanted as he was magically corrupting the Crystal Heart in destroying the Umbrum Ponies' imprisoned seal from the small crystal. He and his kind gathered and forced all of Crystal Ponies to don demonic armors. He then led his army to invade the Equestria.

To defend her home, Princess Celestia led the Equestria Army to battle against King Sombra's Army, including scarred and heroic Rainbow Dash, two stern stoned Pie Sisters - Maud and Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy, Rarity and civilians prepared the supplies and attires for the recruited and listed ponies to join the battle against King Sombra. It has taken them for years to finish the war.

Applejack sobbed tearfully and painfully, "And even with Princess Celestia leadin' the charge, it still takes every last pony in Equestria doin' their part, workin' day and night, to keep up the fight."

Twilight Sparkle and her children were in shock and feared to hear the story Applejack has given. It broke their hearts.

"I just can't believe it! We stopped King Sombra! You and me and all of our friends!"

"But we aren't friends. At least not here." Applejack reminded Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship looked down in pain and upset. She noticed the sadness and pain Twilight Sparkle and her children had. She sighed, "Look. I hope all this helped, but I really need to get back to cannin' those apples."

Twilight Sparkle nodded in understanding as she covered herself on the table. She then began crying. Applejack looked sympathy and heartbroken as she couldn't help but feel sorry for her about her timeline.

"Applejack, what about the Mystic Ponies? Surely Icicle wouldn't let King Sombra take the Crystal Empire, without the fight," Ashely asked in concern.

Applejack gave her raised eyebrow, "What makes you think they help us? They're nothing but mare's tale."

"Oh... We're sorry to ask," Twinkle said in shame and concern, "You just... You just take care of yourself and Apple Bloom."

Applejack sighed as she walked away, "If only I could have been stronger and braver to take care of her..."

Twinkle gasped in shock and concern of what she just heard. Applejack lost her younger sister during the War against King Sombra. She felt guilty and heartbroken to ask that question as she watched Applejack walking away from them.

Amber Dusk sighed in shame and concern, "I'm sorry, everypony. I really am."

"I feel so stupid..." Twinkle said in shame.

Ashley held and hugged her, "Shh... It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. None of us know about this."

Spike sighed as he looked at Twilight Sparkle, "So, what's next?"

"I DON'T KNOW!" Twilight Sparkle cried and screamed in despair and pain. Her children gasped in shock and concern of her reaction. She broken in tears as she tried to wipe them off, "How could this have happen? I've fail my friends. I've lost them all..."

"Don't give up now! We still can fix this!" The familiar voice called.

Twilight Sparkle and her family gasped in shock and surprise. They turned to their left as they found two ponies emerged from bushes.

Twinkle gasped as she jumped and hugged Maya, "Maya! You're here! How?!"

"Remember the Book of Ages?" She asked happily. Twinkle nodded happily. She continued, "When I touched its page, it gives me immunity from the time changes. So whatever happens change from the past, it won't affect me."

"That's awesome. If only we could have that for our best friends..."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could have given them some immunity."

"It's okay, Maya, it's okay," Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she wiped tears off. She turned to Raven, "Lady Raven, is there something you have come to tell me?"

She nodded, "It's not over yet. You still have a chance to stop theme You can restore the timeline."

"But how? The only thing we know for sure is that Starlight and Roman and Plamasa stopped the rainboom. I can't travel back in time."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not," Raven said calmly. Twilight Sparkle looked at her. She continued, "Look around here. Amber Dusk is the Time Walker with Element of Time and Space. The Cutie Map is still here, connecting to the Tree of Harmony. It's still here as it sense the danger. By combining both the map and the upgraded version of Star Swirl the Beaded's Time Spell-!"

Twilight Sparkle gasped as she brought Time Spell paper out, "I can travel back to time to stop them both! Blackwitch, thanks!"

Raven smiled and nodded in agreement. Just before she or her friends could do anything, they looked around as they found themselves surrounded by King Sombra and his army.

"What the hell?!" Ashley asked in concern, "I thought they were at war with Princess Celestia!"

Raven snarled, "He has help. The servant of Thawne is here!"

"As promise, King Sombra, we've found your first beautiful mate," The dark familiar voice said.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends gasped in shock as they saw and found Roman chatted with King Sombra. What's he doing here?!

King Sombra approached a worried and frightened Twilight Sparkle, just like before. He smiled in amusement yet happily as he held and touched her left cheek.

"Such beautiful mare I ever seen..." King Sombra complimented in amusement, "You reminded me of myself and my beloved wife. I've long to have her on by my side. And now I have it!"

Twilight Sparkle snarled as she gave him a big slap, "Get away from me! Don't you dare touch me again!"

"Amazing... Feisty, aren't you? I like it when we're on bed together..."

"I have one word - no! I have someone I want to be with!"

"Like Ash you broke up with?" Roman asked in amusement. Twilight Sparkle was stunned and shocked about it. He chuckled, "Don't worry about it. I already find your happiness - right here. He is your king and husband from now on."

King Sombra smirked in amusement. And just before he could do anything, Flare Tiger and three children armed and readied to fight. Twilight Sparkle armed as well.

King Sombra chuckled, "Just like their mother, very feisty. I look forward to make you as my salves while the Princess will be mine and mine alone."

"Leave her alone!" A familiar voice called.

And just before anyone could do anything, King Sombra and his army got crashed and knocked very hard to the ground by couple of barrels. Applejack charged into the battlefield. Twilight Sparkle and her friends were in shock and surprise to see her to come back for them.

"Applejack?" Twilight Sparkle was surprise and happy. She quickly fired her Unicorn Burst at three incoming Crystal Guards from attacking Applejack. She approached Cowgirl Pony, "You came back!"

Applejack smiled a bit, "I saw King Sombra and his soldiers here. I don't know how they get here but there's no way I'm gonna let him hurt my friend!"

Twilight Sparkle smiled in relief to see Applejack come to her and her family's rescue. And just before King Sombra and his guards could do anything, Raven summoned the Force-Field in protecting them from the attacks. She then noticed Roman quickly thrown black powder in summoning the portal. He quickly escaped it.

"Damn it! There's no time. Twilight, you have to go back to your past and stop Starlight Glimmer now!" Roman exclaimed firmly, "If you do encountered Roman, give mental link to Jade. I would like to give him piece of my mind!"

"But how?!" Twinkle asked in concern, "Is that even possible?!"

Jade smiled, "Don't worry about it! We maybe on different timeline, but that doesn't mean we're not connected!"

Applejack nodded, "Go, Twilight Sparkle. Bring my family and my little sister back. I believe in you. You're my best friend."

Seeing Applejack's firm eyes, Twilight Sparkle and her family nodded in understanding and firm. As the portal dispersed; Blackwitch, Applejack and Jade Adventure in her Battle Mode charged to the battlefield. Twilight Sparkle used Time Spell in summoning the portal. They then entered it as they headed back to Rainbow Dash's past. They have to stop Starlight Glimmer, Roman, and Plasama to bring the peace back!

As the Time Portal appeared on Cloudsdale, Twilight Sparkle and her family emerged from it. They have returned to the past.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "All we have to do now is find Starlight and—"

ZAP! Twilight Sparkle and her family got trapped and frozen within the crystal. It was thrown and landed on the puff of clouds. Starlight Glimmer emerged from the cornered camp via levitation spell. She approached them.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I created that spell to send myself back in time. So even when you cast it, I still get sent back here. It wasn't difficult to change Star Swirl's spell. He'd already done the hard part. But figuring out I could use the map to go to any time or place and pull you along with me?" Starlight Glimmer giggled a bit. She then gave a glare at Twilight Sparkle and her family, "I knew you'd try to stop me. You're so predictable. Why else would I leave the scroll behind?"

Twilight Sparkle and her family grew fearfully and scared of what Starlight Glimmer was planning. They had the feeling that it's really about her revenge. She then landed above on the crystal hard.

"My village was a sanctuary of equality, where nopony's cutie mark allowed them to feel superior! It was a special place," Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in anger as she stomped on the crystal in submerging beneath clouds very hard, "and you and your friends took it away!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family can't help but feel sympathy to Starlight Glimmer. She really cared and loved her village and friends so much, even though she forced them to get rid of their Cutie Marks.

"Now it's my turn to take something special from you!" Starlight Glimmer said slyly, "Without the rainboom, you and your friends will never form your special cutie mark bonds! Cutie marks for cutie marks! Sounds like a fair trade to me!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family grew fearfully and worry of what Starlight Glimmer is gonna do next. To add insult to injury, she said these five words...

"Who will save you now?"

Starlight Glimmer gave a soft tap, forcing the crystal drop and fell off from the clouds' grip. It was falling straight to the Equestria's ground.

Twilight Sparkle quickly used her Unicorn Burst in shattering the crystal to pieces. They all are freed. Twinkle held Spike on her back. Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly fly back to Cloudsdale. They have to stop Starlight Glimmer before it's too late.

And just before any of them could do anything, they spotted Rainbow Dash trapped within the crystal. Starlight Glimmer gave a dark smirk at them. This means one thing to their shocks. They got dragged and pulled into the portal again!

As the portal appeared, Twilight Sparkle and her family fell and dropped to the ground very hard. They have returned to the present or rather another alternate timeline. The Cutie Map revealed the crimson version of Equestria, with Thawene flags placed on most of the land.

Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger, "We have to get back to the past and stop Starlight Glimmer! I feel sorry for her. I really do. But it's not getting her anywhere."

"Right now, we've got bigger things to worry about," Amber Dusk exclaimed in concern.

Before Twilight Sparkle and her children could ask her, they got cornered by both Qin Soldiers and Terracotta Army. They were led by Nash, the unicorn Godwinson and Imperial Phoenix Army, which consist of Promethues , the fat Earth Pony with black mane in bun shape and short tail worn the armor and blue vest - Hunter, Flamefist and Mikey

Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Nash?! Godwinson?!"

He snarled, "Silences, Western Pony. All the ponies from the West must be captured and brought to justice! Seize them!"

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, Terracotta Soldiers grabbed and locked them in chains and Anti Magic Necklace.

Nash huffed, "Take them back to Imperial Ponyville Fortress!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern about what Nash had said. As Azure Phoenix and Han Zero marched out, Anger and Bullhound pushed the prisoners to move out. The ponies made their way to Ponyville or rather Chinese Ponyville-like Fortress.

Twilight Sparkle and her family witnessed the new terrible fate of the alternate timeline - ponies from Equestria Ponies including their friends were forced to work for the Ma Ponies as slaves, laborers, dancers, servants and concubines. If any of them disobeyed or resist, they all get decapitated or shot to death. Twilight Sparkle and her family were horrified and shocked by the event. It's even worse than before.

The two ponies headed straight to the Ponyville Town Hall or Keep of Fortress. Virtue Dragon, Claw Tiger and their army () were waiting. The generals bowed before Han Zero and Azure Phoenix for their arrival.

Twilight Sparkle grunted as she quickly speak, "Lord Godwinson! Please, listen to me! You have to let us go! The fate of Equestria and Knighton rest on us!"

"I don't know how you know my name..." He snarled as he turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle, "Why should I after what Royal Sisters had done to me and Nash especially their plan?!"

"What are you talking about?!" Ashley demanded in anger as he was pushed back the soliders He continued, "My grandmother and Aunt Luna will never do such a thing to you!"

"And you are?" he asked suspiciously.

She sighed, "My name is Ashley Ketucm - daughter of Princess Crystal Sparkle ! She is your daughter as well as Princess Celestia!"

Knighton Ponies gasped in shock and concern as they all chatted and commented about her claim. They couldn't believe it, even for Jonoathan

"How... How is it possible?" He asked in shock and concern.

Nash hissed, "I... I thought... I thought..."

"Lord God... What happen?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern, "What happen here?"

Azure Phoenix breathed and panted heavily as she dropped his four knees down. The Ponies approached and wanted to help but he waved them not to do it. He slowly stood up while looking at them a firm face with his guilty, pain and sad looks.

"They... Your grandmother, Luna and my children..." He said painfully before burst in tears, "They're gone... They're gone because of me!"

"WHAT?!" Ashley asked in shock and concern. He startled and panicked, "No. No! No! You're lying! My mom... She can't be dead! She can't be!"

Twinkle grabbed and hugged her older brother in comfort while looked others, "How?"

Nash sighed, "After we managed to bring the Immortal Pill to the Emperor, Roman told us that Royal Sisters have been sent to assassinate him. And so... And so..."

Nash sighed heavily, "Forgive us..."

Both bowed down and burst in tears, Ma Ponies lowered their heads down in shame and pain. Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock, despair and pain to hear the story.

Twilight Sparkle snarled in anger, "Roman... Curse you for everything!"

"Twilight, remember the time travel?" Amber asked. Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at her. She continued, "We can save them! We have to stop both Starlight Glimmer and Roman."

"You're right," Twilight Sparkle nodded as she turned and looked at the two, "My lord, you have to let us go. I know it's hard to believe but we can save them. We can change this for better. Please..."

Both slowly stopped their crying as they raised their heads up. They both looked at Twilight Sparkle and her family's eyes - firm and honest. They both looked at each other. They sighed in concern yet reluctantly. They know what they have to do...

They freed Twilight Sparkle and her family. The Princess of Friendship and her family led the Ma Ponies back to the Cutie Map. They explained to Ma Ponies of how and what really happen from the original timeline. Ma Ponies were in surprise, shock and concern about as they chatted.

"Do you think it will work?" He asked in concern.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yes. If we can stop them both, everything will return to normal. And I promised you that the Princesses and her children will live."

Nash nodded, "Make Roman paid for his deception. Make sure our loved ones are alive."

"I will," Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement. She gasped, "Roman!"

Nash, Johnathan and their loyal and brave soldiers armed with their weapons while surrounding and protecting Twilight Sparkle and her family. They found Roman standing before them. But he wasn't alone. They were all surrounded by millions of Thawne Dynasty soldiers.

"You're not getting away from us that easily," Roman said darkly. He smiled in amusement while looking his surroundings. He sighed happily, "I regret for killing the Emperor from my time. And now, I have righted my wrong! Thawne is the true empire of Equestria!"

"I hate you a lot, Roman," Nyx snarled in anger.

Celestial Aura growled in anger, "You'll pay for what you did here! I'll kill you! I promise you for that!"

Johnathan nodded, "My wife died because of you!"

"Yeah. We're gonna make you suffer for this," Nash exclaimed in anger while holding his sword, "Twilight Sparkle and her friends will bring the true timeline back!"

He smirked in amusement, "We shall see. KILL THEM ALL!"

With hiss order, the Army charged right at Twilight Sparkle and her allies. Nash, Johnathan and their allies cried as they retaliated by fighting back.

Nash turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight, quickly! Go to the past now! Stop Starlight Glimmer! Bring our home back! You're our hope!"

Nash nodded, "Tell them we're sorry that we couldn't be the better lover for the princesses."

"I will..." Twilight Sparkle said in pain and shock.

"I will not let you-!" Roman stopped as he spotted Raven and Maya appeared besides Twilight Sparkle and her friends. He growled, "Another time... Another time!"

Hequickly summoned the Time Portal as he escaped. Raven groaned in anger before yelped in pain. Maya and Twilight Sparkle helped the witch up.

"What happen?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

She groaned, "Each time the original timeline changed from its path, new alternate timeline appeared and wounded me. I'm not strong enough to hold too many dark and painful alternates!"

Maya nodded, "You have to go back now!"

"We will. We're gonna change the present back the way it was," Twilight Sparkle said firmly as she cast the Time Spell, "That's the promise."

Celestial Aura nodded, "Let's go now!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the past as they began their search and hunt on Starlight Glimmer before she could do any damages. They then spotted her talking to Fluttershy, Dumbbell and Hoops at the camp site. What is she up to?!

"Just remember how you'd feel if someone said those things to you." Starlight Glimmer said calmly. She turned and found Twilight Sparkle and her family arrived. She smiled, "About time. I was just reminding these two colts how hurtful teasing can be."

Twilight Sparkle and her family yelped in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Starlight Glimmer actually defending young Fluttershy from being bullied?! But this could prevent the important event occurred!

"Of course! In a world where everypony is unique, some are bound to feel more special than others." Starlight Glimmer said in amusement, "But that isn't a license to be cruel, is it?"

Twilight Sparkle gulped, "No, of course not..."

Starlight Glimmer smiled in amusement, "Oh, isn't it a shame we don't live in a world where everypony is equal? No one would ever tease anyone there! Wouldn't that be nice?"

Young Dumbbell, Fluttershy and Hoops nodded in agreement. Three of them smiled at each other while giving a hug. They then left the camp at once. Twilight Sparkle and her family glared at Starlight Glimmer.

Twilight Sparkle growled, "I know you only convinced those bullies to not tease Fluttershy to stop the rainboom!"

"Oh, that's not true. I convinced them not to be bullies because everypony should be equal." Starlight Glimmer scoffed while giving a glare at Twilight Sparkle and her family, "Stopping the rainboom is just a bonus."

Twilight Sparkle and her family growled in anger as they really getting irritated by Starlight Glimmer's persistence and tricks.

"This isn't over yet!" Twinkle exclaimed as she flew off.

Twilight Sparkle and her family followed Nyx as she was chatting with Rainbow Dash, who was flying around the camp. Starlight Glimmer smirked in amusement as she watched the event.

"Hi!" Twinkle greeted. Young Rainbow Dash greeted Nyx. She continued, "I hear you're pretty fast!"

Young Rainbow Dash scoffed, "Pretty fast? Please! I'm even faster than that!"

"Okay, so, um, hey, you want to race?"

"Yeah sure! I definitely-!" Young Rainbow Dash yelped as she noticed Nyx's appearance, "Wait. Are you an Alicorn?"

"Come on, I thought you were fast!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family nodded in confidence and firmly. It makes young Rainbow Dash uneasily and scared about the race with a little Alicorn.

Young Rainbow Dash gulped, "Uh, actually, I just remembered I have somewhere I need to be."

Twinkle yelped, "Okay, listen. You don't have to race me. I just need you to fly fast enough for a sonic rainboom!"

"What?! I can't do that! Nopony can! It's not even a real thing! It's just an old mare's tale!"

"But it's not! I know it's not! We've seen you do it! In the future!"

"Ooookay..." Young Rainbow Dash said uneasily and fearfully, "I'm gonna go now."

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, young Rainbow Dash immediately escaped from them. Twinkle sighed in shame and upset. Twilight Sparkle and her family gave the little Alicorn a comfort hug.

"I tried, guys. I'm sorry," Twinkle said in shame.

Twilight Sparkle shushed gently on her daughter, "It's okay. You did your best. That's what counts."

"Yeah. No one said it's easy," Spike said calmly while patted Twinkle's mane.

"We were so close if Starlight Glimmer hadn't ruin our chance," Celestial Auar exclaimed in anger. He turned and glared at Starlight Glimmer in her Levitation Spell. He growled, "Damn you, witch! I'm gonna make you pay!"

Amber Dusk nodded, "Do you have any idea of what you have done?!"

Starlight Glimmer smirked, "Gee, what's the matter? Couldn't convince her to do the impossible? That's too bad."

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, Time Portal appeared and pulled them into it!

Twilight Sparkle and her family exited from Time Portal as they landed on the ground hard. They were surrounded by forest. The Cutie Map's color is now in greenish. They moaned and groaned as they all got up from the ground.

Twilight Sparkle hissed in anger while looking at Time Spell, "This is gonna be harder than I thought. We'll have to try again! I don't want to live in either awful future we saw!"

Spike gulped, "I don't think you'll have to!"

Ashley nodded in agreement, "Coz we entered the new future, mom!"

Twilight Sparkle turned to the front. She and her family yelped in shock as the spears were aimed at them. They were held by Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and some of ponies worn the greenish painted tattoos-like on their bodies. And they're not very happy and pleased ponies.

Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Pinkie? Fluttershy?"

"Silence, changeling!" Pinkie Pie ordered angrily.

Fluttershy hissed, "All servants of Queen Chrysalis found in these woods must be... destroyed!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family gulped in concern. This does not bode well for them. What they will do next now? Can they stop Starlight Glimmer from stopping sonic rainboom occurred?! Will the friendship be connected and united as they had once?!

"This can't be good..." Amber Dusk said in concern.

After three loops of time travelling; Twilight Sparkle and her family have arrived at the unknown forest. It is where they encountered the green tattooed ponies including Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, who were all armed and aimed their spears, pikes and swords at them. The ponies suspected Twilight Sparkle and her family being the Changelings.

Amber Dusk groaned, "The Changeling's Future! Why does it have to be a complicated tricky monsters like then?!"

Twilight Sparkle yelped, "Wait! We're not changelings! We're ponies! And he's a dragon!"

"A likely story! Do something dragonish!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in anger. As she aimed her spear at Spike, he gave a small Dragon Smoke out on her. She wheezed, "That works!"

Fluttershy growled as she armed her spear, "The servants of Chrysalis will do anything to save their evil skins!"

"Fluttershy! Pinkie Pie! Please, don't!" Twinkle pleaded frantically, "We're really ponies! You have to believe in us!"

Ashley nodded, "Is there anything we can prove that we're ponies?!"

"Stop!" The familiar voice called. Everyone looked up. On the tallest tree's branch, Zecora with longer mane and tail worn the greenish tattoo and shaman armor stood before them. She jumped and landed on the ground, "If they are changelings we'll soon see. Though I think they're not what they appear to be."

"Zecora!" Twilight Sparkle and her friends cheered happily.

As Zecora approached Twilight Sparkle and her family, she took her coconut cup of green pain out. She then painted on all of their bodies.

"Beneath this salve, no changeling hides, for it reveals the truth inside."

As everyone waited for the moment, Twilight Sparkle and her family glowed in white yet pure light. The ponies gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw.

"What does it mean?" Pinkie Pie asked in concern.

Zecora hummed thoughtfully before she smiled, "The meaning is far worse, I see, for it is we who should not be."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I think I can explain."

"I'm sure you can, but let's not talk here." Zecora said firmly yet concern. She turned to her back, "Chrysalis and her army will soon draw near!"

"Zecora! How can we be sure that they can be trusted?" Fluttershy asked in concern, "What if it's decoy or bait?! I... I... I-!"

"I know, my dear. I'm sure some explanation they can provide to us. And I believe they are our only hope to restore our home and defeat Chrysalis."

"But still, Zecora-!"

Zecora sighed as she patted Fluttershy's mane gently, "Have faith, my dear. Remember his last words, Fluttershy. Do not let his sacrifice be in vain. Do not lose hope."

Fluttershy sighed in defeat about 'him', "Okay... I'll try..."

Zecora and her Resistance led Twilight Sparkle and her friends all the way into the forest. They were all headed straight to their resistance base.

"The changelings took over not long ago. Though I'll wager in your world that isn't so." Zecora asked curiously.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Chrysalis and her army tried to take over Canterlot, but my friends and I stopped her. That includes Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie."

"Huh?! We stopped Chrysalis and her army?! Really?!" Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie asked in shock and surprise.

Zecora hummed calmly. "Those friends as you know them are not here, alas. But tell me how all this came to pass."

Celestial groaned in anger, "Starlight Glimmer, Plasma Bolt and Roman, the ponies who traveled back in time to stop my friends and me from ever coming together!"

"And it is these friends you have in life that keep Equestria free from strife?" Zecora asked in concern.

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I guess so. But this is the third time I've come back and this world is even worse than the last two! If Starlight keeps doing the same thing in the past, how could the present be so different?"

"Ah, Time is a river, where even the tiniest changes seen-" Zecora said calmly as she stomped her left hoof down on the river in changing its direction to northern part, "-can lead to a cascade of effects downstream."

Pinkie Pie huffed, "I'll bet my hoof that Starlight want you get the worst present ever in your life!"

Fluttershy nodded, "Pinkie's right. They don't want you all go back to your time. They want you all out for good."

Twilight Sparkle and her family hummed in concern about this. They have get back to the past and stop Starlight Glimmer and the others.

After moving the bushes aside, Zecora and her Resistance Army led Twilight Sparkle to the resistance base. It consists of some ponies and huts. They all marched into the area.

"This part of the forest is dark and damp, but it's done well to hide our camp." Zecora said calmly.

Ashley whistled, "Cozy..."

"You bet it is," Spike nodded.

SHRIEK! Twilight Sparkle's Family and Zecora's Resistance Army looked up as they found Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity rushed all the way to the base. They were all messy and beaten up badly like they have escaped from the battlefield.

"Please! You have to help us!" Rarity pleaded fearfully.

Rainbow Dash nodded, "The changelings attacked Ponyville! We barely escaped with our lives!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in relief and happy to see three friends safe from harm. They were about to move but blocked by Zecora, who gave them a suspicious glare.

"The only changeling attack I see is the one that come here looking for me!" Zecora demanded in anger, "Isn't that right, Chrysalis?!"

Applejack smirked as she approached to the front, "It's taken quite a while to find you, Zecora."

As Applejack sinisterly laughed, the greenish light appeared on the ground. She then transformed into a familiar face. She continued laughed evilly and maniacally.

"Chrysalis!" Twilight Sparkle snarled in anger.

Queen Chrysalis laughed in amusement, "What a lovely village you've chosen to stage your little resistance. It looks absolutely delicious!"

"How did you know this place?!"

"I have a help from within."

The Resistance Army turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle and her family. And just before they reacted, Flare Tiger fired her Unicorn Burst at the hut. As it fell to pieces and ground hard, Roman was holding couple of pigeons, paper and inks.

Twilight Sparkle and her family gasped briefly as they all groaned in anger upon looking at him. Zecora and her Resistance Army had the feeling that he is one of the bad ponies their friends were talking about.

"I believe there's word for being found out - busted?" He said in concern. He quickly ran towards Queen Chrysalis. He cleared his throat, "As promised, your beautiful highness; I have brought your successor - Twilight Sparkle!"

"You sure did well, my loyal servant." Queen Chrysalis chuckled in amusement.

Queen Chrysalis approached and held Twilight Sparkle's face. She then gave a lick on the princess's face. Everyone were disgusted by her doing, and even Twilight Sparkle. She chuckled in amusement,

"What a great amount of magic and love you have for everypony you loved, Twilight Sparkle. You would make a fine Changeling Princess among my army. But you remind me of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. They all have lived up to their usefulness."

"You what?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. Queen Chrysalis smirked. She screamed in anger as she pushed the Queen of Changelings hard, "You kill my brother, my sister-in-law and my parents?! You monster!"

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie quickly stopped Twilight Sparkle from attacking. The others stayed close to her. Zecora and her Resistance Army marched to the front as they all armed with their spears.

"Oh, come now, Zecora. You're vastly outnumbered." Queen Chrysalis said in amusement. With the signal given, Rarity and Rainbow Dash transformed into Changeling Elite Guards. The large vast army of Changeling have arrived and landed on the ground as they all armed and ready to attack. She smirked in amusement, "I know you don't want your charges hurt. Come quietly to the dungeons of Canterlot and I promise to leave the others alone."

"Why would she ever trust you?!" Fluttershy demanded.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Fluttershy's right. Even my friends agreed to surrender, you planned to kill them. Just like what you did to my family!"

Twinkle growled, "You'll never get away with this!"

"On the contrary, I already have," Roman smiled in amusement, "You all have nowhere to go. Rest assure, my dear friends. You will die!"

"Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, defend our hope now, at all cost!" Zecora whispered firmly to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. She turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Race to the map while we hold off their attack. Stop Starlight and Seekcurse. Put the whole world back on track!"

With Twilight Sparkle nodded, she and group of her trusted ally turned and trotted off at once. Zecora and her Resistance Army armed and readied with their spears at Queen Chrysalis and the Changeling Army.

Zecora growled in anger, "We'd never surrender to a creature like you! For the Equestria!"

With Zecora's yelling, she and her army of Resistance Ponies cried wildly and determinedly as they all charged straight at Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings Army. The zebra rammed at the Changeling Queen very hard but instead, the latter fired her Hatred Burst Spell on the former to the ground. Resistance Army swung their spears, pikes and swords in attacking the Changelings Army hard and fierce.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie trotted to the front as they swung their spears in knocking and defeating the Changelings hard. Twilight Sparkle and her family followed them from behind. As they almost reached to the Cutie Map table, they all got surrounded by Roman and the army of Changelings.

"Give it up..." Roman said darkly while armed with his sword, "You have nowhere to go now."

"Oh yes, she is!" The firm voice cried. He turned to his back. He and the Changelings got blasted off to the ground. Maya in her Battle Mode held and carried the weakened Raven to the front. She smirked, "If she had some backups!"

Roman got up and found the twostood before him. He screamed in fear as he quickly summoned the Time Portal. He quickly escaped it.

"He got away..." Raven said painfully, "We have to stop him before he could done some serious damages..."

Everyone nodded in agreement as they all quickly head towards the Cutie Map Table. Twilight Sparkle and her family climbed on top of the table. And just before they could start anything, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked at them for one last time.

"When you change the time, you'll bring my family and Shadowclawe back too, right?" Fluttershy asked in concern. She sobbed tearfully, "I've lost them when Changelings attack my home. He risked his life for me."

Pinkie Pie nodded, "Mine too. I want my mom, dad, Maud, Limestone, Marble, my brother-in-law - Crossbow and my boyfriend - Cheesy back! I miss them a lot! I want to see them again!"

"Wait! Crossbow married Marble Pie? Seriously?"Ashley asked in surprise.

Nyx shrugged, "Who knew? Maybe one day, that may come true."

Twilight Sparkle hugged both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie passionately, "I will bring your family and your lovers back. I promised. I'm not gonna let you down."

"We know," Pinkie Pie smiled, "You're our best friend. And no way, you're gonna let those meanie ponies win and ruin our future."

Fluttershy nodded, "We believe in you. You're our only hope."

"Hope..." Twilight Sparkle said in shock and surprise. She hummed, "Why me? Why do ponies believe in me as hope. Why does Element of Light still choose me?"

" Now's not the time to think about Element of Light! We've gotta go now!" Twinkle exclaimed in concern.

Spike nodded, "Yeah! Zecora and others can't hold the Changelings much longer!"

Everyone saw Zecora and her Resistance Army struggled in fighting back against Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings. A group of the attackers flew and charged at Twilight Sparkle and her friends.

"Go now!" Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, shouted.

Twilight Sparkle summoned the Time Portal as she and her family quickly entered it. Raven and Maya quickly summoned another Time Portal as they quickly escaped. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie charged and battled with the Changeling Army.

Twilight Sparkle and her family have returned to the past. And as they landed on the plane road track, Twilight Sparkle summoned Magical Barrier in deflecting the sudden attack. They found Starlight Glimmer on the puff of clouds. Twilight Sparkle unleashed her Magical Blade Beam in slashing Starlight Glimmer. The pink unicorn moved to her right as the Magical Blade Beam slashed the cloud in two.

Starlight Glimmer smirked in amusement, "Not bad, but it's gonna take a lot more than that!"

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Lucky for you, there's more where that came from!"

"YEAH!" Twinkle exclaimed in anger as she entered the Battle Mode, "You're gonna feel our pain and anger, Starlight Glimmer!"

Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle engaged and attacked Starlight Glimmer by firing their Unicorn Gatling Bursts. Starlight Glimmer summoned her Magical Barrier for defense and deflection. And just before Celestial, Ashley and Amber Dusk could do anything, they spotted Roman hiding behind the camp site.

"There he is! He's mine!" Ashley exclaimed in anger as he summoned his Dual Blades, "I'm gonna kill him!"

"Grandma Ashley, wait!" Amber exclaimed in concern. She already took off. She groaned, "Why do I even bother?! I'm coming!"

Roman yelped in concern as he quickly ran off, "Come and get me, brats!"

As Ashley slammed his Dual Blades on his hiding area - post box, the eunuch quickly rolled over to his left. Flare Tiger fired her Fury Strike Blast on his chest. Roman quickly got up and ran away. Then the three gave chase.

Starlight Glimmer unleashed her Magical Beam Blade in slashing and cutting the flying rings and pillars. Both Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle dodged the attacks. They both fired their Gatling Unicorn Bursts at her, who deflected the attacks by Magical Barrier. Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle continued firing their Unicorn Bursts at Starlight Glimmer, who fired her Unicorn Bursts back at them. And at the same time, they dodged and used Magical Barrier for defense.

Celestia Aura, Amber Dusk , and Ashley chase after Roman. They tried to land a blow on him. But each they did, he managed to hide behind the objects and buildings, dodge and avoid the attacks before ran off at once.

The Pegasi Foals including young Rainbow Dash, Hoops and Dumbbell noticed the fight. They were awed in surprise and amazement as they headed to the area for watching the fight.

Twilight Sparkle, Twinkle and Starlight Glimmer ceased from the offense and defense. Ashley, Celetial and Amber and even Romanstopped their cat and mouse game. They were all tired and exhausting.

"Guys! We've got a problem!" Spike exclaimed in concern.

Twilight Sparkle and her family turned to Spike, who had point at young Rainbow Dash and other Pegasi watching the fight.

Twilight Sparkle yelped as she flew towards young Rainbow Dash, "What are you doing? You have to finish your race!"

"No way! This is way more exciting!" Young Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily while eating her popcorn.

Starlight Glimmer scoffed, "See? You can't stop me no matter what you do."

Roman panted, "She's right. Give it up. You will... Never... Ever... Go back home..."

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could react, the Time Portal appeared above them. They all got dragged into it.

Young Rainbow Dash groaned in disappointment, "Aw, man."

As the Time Portal appeared, Twilight Sparkle and her family fell to the ground very hard. They all groaned and moaned painfully. They all slowly got up. They all noticed something strange and suspicious on the next alternate timeline - night time of Equestria?!

Spike gulped in concern, "That's strange."

Twilight Sparkle nodded in concern, "Why would the map bring us back to a different time of day than when we left?"

Twnkle gasped in concern, "You don't think-?!"

"It is, Twinkle. We're entering our worst nightmare future..." Amber Dusk said in concern.

Celestial yelped in concern, "Um, maybe we should discuss this later!"

As the rest of his family members looked at her, she pointed at the deep of Everfree Forest. A group of Timberwolves emerged from the area. They were all looked hungry and ready to prey on Twilight Sparkle and her family.

Twilight Sparkle looked at her family members - they were all looked tired and exhausting including Twinkle returned from her Battle Mode to her normal filly mode. They're out of energy now. All they can do is run away from the wooden wolves before they get killed. As they ran all the way across the hallway of forest, they came across the familiar yet perfect shape of castle.

Twilight Sparkle gasped, "The Castle of the Two Sisters!"

HOWL! Twilight Sparkle and her family yelped in concern as they all quickly escaped and headed to the Castle of Two Sisters. They entered it. They're safe from danger for now.

Suddenly, the torch across the hallway lighted up. The Castle of Two Sisters' hall looked different than the ruined shape - it has night royal theme. Twilight Sparkle and her friends take a tour on the castle. They climbed on the stairs as they found a familiar pony with bun mane and tail style donned the Nightmare Maid Uniform, who was handling the tapestry.

"Rarity?!" Twilight Sparkle and her family asked in shock and relief.

Rarity grumbled as she took and levitated some of tapestries down, "The castle isn't open for viewings today. The tapestries all need changing. Again."

Spike charged and hugged Rarity, "Rarity, it's me!"

"I don't socialize with dragons." Rarity remarked in annoyance, "Especially when they all are made as the warriors, not civilized like us!"

Spike whimpered unhappily. Twinkle approached and hugged Spike in comfort and calm. Ashley groaned as he was about to attack but stopped by Amber Dusk. She shook her head that it wasn't Rarity's fault. He groaned in defeat.

"Rarity, you have to listen to me! The future of Equestria's at stake!" Twilight Sparkle called. Rarity gave the suspicious glare at her. She continued frantically, "I have to get back to the map so I can stop Starlight and Seekcurse from changing the past, because every present I come to is worse than the last!"

"Time travel, you say?" The voice asked in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle and her family yelped in concern as they faced to the throne chamber and its surroundings. They realized that the castle not only has its night theme, but has the portraits of Nightmare Moon or Princess Yue and the Demon Lords. They even noticed Rarity bowed down before the throne chair. The familiar pony smiled as she slowly revealed herself.

"Now that's something I would like to see." Nightmare Moon said in amusement.

As Nightmare Moon laughed in amusement, her large number of Nightmare Guards and Shadow Razors also appeared as well. They all surrounded Twilight Sparkle and her family.

Nightmare Moon huffed as she climbed down and glared at her enemies, "Tell me how you came by this magic to travel through time."

Twilight Sparkle and her family remained silent as they can do was stare at their enemies.

"The princess asked you a question!" The Commander of Nightmare Guard demanded in anger. She removed her helmet. She revealed herself to be Rainbow Dash with a mohawk manestyle. She continued, "And unless you wanna end up in the dungeon, you'll tell her what she wants to know!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and feared as they couldn't believe in their eyes that both Rarity and Rainbow Dash are serving under both Nightmare Moon/Princess Yue and her Demon kind...

"Nopony in my kingdom but me should possess a magic powerful enough to change time." Nightmare Moon said suspiciously.

"Your kingdom?!" Spike and Celestial demanded in suspiciously.

Nyx yelped as she quickly nudged her brothers' chest, "Guys, not a good move!"

Nightmare Moon asked in amusement, "Who else?"

"Um..." Spike said nervously, "Celestia, of course!"

Rainbow Dash, Rarity and the group of Nightmare Guards yelped in concern of what they just heard. Nightmare Moon remained silent for the moment before laughed in amusement. Twilight Sparkle and her family didn't like where this is going.

"That weak pathetic Celestia has been imprisoned in the moon for years! But it is no less a fate than she'd sentence me to!" Nightmare Moon said darkly and amusingly, while looking at the moon that has Princess Celestia trapped within it. She smiled, "And thanks to me, my Demon Brethren are free from their imprisonment, and so do I now from that weakling Luna."

"You-You disposed Princess Luna?!" Twinkle demanded in shock and concern, "Who are you?!"

"My true name is Princess Yue - daughter of Tso Lan and younger sister of Morgana. We all each have our own domain to rule. And nopony could ever resist and defeat us." Princess Yue said in amusement. She huffed as she gave the glare at Twilight Sparkle, "Enough of this! Now, reveal to me the source of this time magic!"

Twilight Sparkle was in dilemma and concern about this of thinking. She sighed in defeat as she nodded in agreement. Her family gasped in shock and concern.

"We have no choice, guys." Twilight Sparkle said in concern. She turned to Nightmare Moon, "I can take you to it, but you'll have to get past the timberwolves."

Princess Yue scoffed, "I am one of the Demon Lords of Equestria. Do you think I can't deal with timberwolves?"

"No. I know you can."

"And if you were thinking of trying to escape-" Princess Yue asked suspiciously as she levitated both Nyx and Spike up. She then chained them tightly. She smirked in amusement, "-it would be very unfortunate for your friend."

Twilight Sparkle hissed in concern of what she just saw. Ashley, Celestial Aura and Amber Dusk groaned in anger. But they all have no choice but to obey her.

Princess Yue turned to Shadow Razor, "Send word to father and other Demon Lords. We have found a way to ensure our rule and control of Equestria - forever..."

With Shadow Razor nodded in agreement, he submerged his shadow and disappeared. Princess Yue then led both her Nightmare Guards and prisoners. They all passing through the Everfree Forest in finding the Cutie Map table. Princess Yue fired her Nightmare Beam in destroying and deposing all of Timberwolves.

Ashley, Twinkle and Spike turned and glared at both Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

"Rainbow Dash! Rarity! How could you all serve that monster?! Why?!" Twinkle demanded in anger, "Would Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle be proud to see you like this?!"

Rainbow Dash screamed in anger at frightened and worried Twinkle, "What would you know about them?! Scootaloo got hurt badly because of me! And there is no way I'm gonna risk losing hers and my family's life for me!"

"I agree!" Rarity nodded in agreement, "My parents raised their voice against the princess! They both got executed. Sweetie Belle is the only sister I have to look after. I must serve Princess Yue for her! She's the only family I have."

Spike groaned, "And you'd think this will help and protect them? Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo will never see you as sisters but monsters for serving Yue! You have to help us now!"

Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash grunted upset as they looked away yet shamed. Ashel groaned in upset.

"Listen to me," Twinkle pleaded in concern, "If Yue and Demon Lords use that Time Spell and get to the past, you will lose your family forever! But we can save them! Please, trust us..."

Rarity and Rainbow Dash were surprise and shock as they looked at each other for the moment. They wondered of what is right for their family.

As the ponies reached to the Cutie Map table, Princess Yue gave an amusement glare at it. Amber Dusk approached Twilight Sparkle. The tiger pony looked very worry about the princess's choice and plan.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Sheasked in concern.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

"How does it work?" Princess Yue asked.

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Two ponies from my time used this spell to travel back and change the past."

"And now you will give this spell to me! With it, I will ensure that the Elements of Harmony are never found and my reign lasts forever!"

"But it won't."

"What?!"

"In my world, my friends and I found the Elements and used them to defeat you! And I will do everything in my power to bring that world back!"

"Foolish pony..." The dark and sinister voice said darkly. Both Spike and Twonkle yelped as they both lifted up and got squeezed painfully. Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up. They found Demon Lords and Successors have arrived at the scene. Tso Lan continued, "Would you risk the children's lives now? Foolish pony. Did you really think you could fool me?"

Twilight Sparkle and the others snarled in anger upon glaring at the Demon Lords' arrival and even Roman was here as well.

"You knew we would be here?!" Celestial demanded in anger.

Roman smirked, "What can I say? I loved making surprises. Any expectation you can make?"

"Expect this!" The voice exclaimed in anger.

Roman yelped in concern as he quickly summoned Time Portal and escaped. And just before Demon Lords could do anything, they got frozen as the statues. Rainbow Dash brought both Twinkle and Spike down. Rarity quickly broke the chains out in freeing the children out.

Both Raven and Maya appeared before them. The Witch of Time has gotten worse than before.

"Thanks you," Twilight Sparkle said happily. She gasped, "This isn't good. Maya, you need to take Maya to somewhere safe for her to get healed."

"Easy for you to say. Gotta go now!" maya exclaimed in concern, "Make it a quick. Time Freeze last a minute!"

Both Maya and Raven disappeared from the ponies' sights. Twilight Sparkle and her family climbed over the table. As she summoned the scroll out, both Rarity and Rainbow Dash approached them.

"Wait! You're saying that going back to past will change this?" Rarity asked in concern.

Rainbow Dash hissed, "So, we don't have to work for the Demons again?"

Twilight Sparkle and her family nodded in agreement, "Yes. We will bring everything back to normal. Your sisters will be safe from them for good."

Rainbow Dash sighed, "That's good to hear. Go and kick the bad mare's flank!"

"That's great to hear darling," Rarity said in relief. She turned to Spike, "My friend. I'm sorry for the insults. I'm not use to one because of Shendu and his Demon Dragons. They abuse the Equestria Dragons badly."

Spike held Rarity's left hoof as he gave her a kiss. She blushed a bit. As Twilight Sparkle and her family stood firmly on the Cutie Map table, they gave one last look at Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

"We promised you. We'll bring that world back!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed firmly.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity nodded firmly. As Demon Lords slowly breaking free from their Time Freeze status, Twilight Sparkle summoned the Time Portal at once. She and her family escaped through the portal. Demon Lords roared and screamed in anger.

As Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the past, Twilight Sparkle fired her Crystal Frozen Beam at Starlight Glimmer from jumping over from cloud puffs. She's now trapped withing the crystal as she dropped to the cloud hard. Twilight Sparkle and her family approached her while giving her a glare.

"Now more than ever I know how important it is to stop you!" Twilight Sparkle snapped in anger.

Starlight Glimmer groaned in annoyance as she fired Unicorn Burst in breaking the crystal to pieces. She gave a sly smirk.

"Well, good luck!"

As Starlight Glimmer flew off at once, she chase after young Rainbow Dash. Twilight Sparkle and her family followed them. She then gave a hit on young Rainbow Dash's leg hard from losing balance in flying. Time Portal appeared and dragged the family into it.

Twilight Sparkle and her family landed on the Cutie Map, where they witnessed Lord Tirek in unleashing his Destruction Power Beam across Equestria. They all quickly returned to the past to stop Starlight Glimmer.

In the past, Twilight Sparkle fired her Crystal Frozen Beam at Starlight Glimmer, who moved back. It hit Rainbow Dash, when she was chatting with three foals - Fluttershy, Hoops and Dumbbell. Starlight Glimmer clapped her hooves at them.

Twilight Sparkle and her family transported back to present, where Discord and his mischievous chaos magic reign the Equestria, as well as making Royal Sisters clown. They quickly returned to the past at once.

As Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the past, they found Starlight Glimmer helping in levitating young Fluttershy flying through hoops while Hoops and Dumbbell followed her. Starlight Glimmer gave Twilight Sparkle and her family a sly smile.

Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the present, where they witnessed Flim and Flam Brothers destroyed the forest and turn Ponvyille into factory. They quickly returned to the past.

Twilight Sparkle and her family were about to attack Starlight Glimmer, but found Roman were about to murder young Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt jumped and punched on him as they both accidentally knock young Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy off the clouds. Twilight Sparkle and her family got dragged into Time Portal.

Starlight Glimmer sighed as she gave the glare at Roman, "I told you before - I will handle it! Honestly..."

"Shut up, brat!" Roman said in annoyance, "I'd never understand why Amon entrusted her for the mission..."

Twilight Sparkle and her family screamed as they dropped to the platform hard. They slowly get up from the table. They looked at the Cutie Map, where they witnessed darken version of futuristic and metallic Equestria and Human Realm with several Shadow Realm Flags. They even found Canterlot City were some kind of metallic military base. Equestria Ponies were forced to obey, follow and given their belongs up to Shadow Ponies. They were in shock and concern.

"Oh no! This is Shadow Future!" Amber exclaimed in concern.

Spike squeaked fearfully, "I got a bad feeling about this! And I don't like it."

"Me neither! I don't even want to know what happen during the Third Shadow War!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern.

And just before Twilight Sparkle could prepare her Time Scroll, her Cutie Mark glowed and blinked for few times. Her eyes narrowed in shock, she even felt a heartache like she can sense someone so familiar closing by. She turned to her children, who looked worry and scared.

"Guys... Did you feel that?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Ashley nodded, "Yeah. I felt that too. Dark... Rage... Hate... Anger... I'd never felt that kind of emotion before."

Twinkle gulped in concern, "I don't like where this is going. Where is that coming from?"

"Behind us! Look!" Spike and Celestial Aura exclaimed in concern.

Twilight Sparkle and her family turned to their back as they found a large door slowly open in two. They then found a dark figure appeared before the gate. He worn the dark black Chinese Armor with light black cape, a dark Samurai Kabuto Helmet with breathing demonic Dragon Oni Mask. He breathed heavily as he summoned the Light Blade.

The mysterious figure slowly emerged and approached Twilight Sparkle and her family. An armored metallic version of Houndkiller and 13 newly armored and masked Dark Mystic Troopers emerged out from the door.

Amber Dusk gasped, "No... It can't be..."

"It was foretold that you would be here." The Mysterious Dark Warrior said calmly, "Our long-awaited meeting has come at last."

"Who-Who are you?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in concern.

"I am the world's worst nightmare. I am the Slayer of all the Human. I am The Emperor's trusted Enforcer and General-in-Chief of his Shadow Realm Empire. My name is Thunder Slayer. We've been expecting you, Wielder of Element of Light."

"I don't know how you figure that part out. But there's no way we're gonna lose to you!"

Thunder Slayer breathed heavily, "We shall see. Take care of the rest, Colonel."

Houndkiller saluted, "As you wish, seize them! The rebels must be captured alive!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly armed with their weapons as they were now engaging Shadow Ponies. Twinkle entered her Battle Mode. Twilight Sparkle used her Star Sparkle Sword against the mysterious Thnuder Slayer and his Light Blade. Ashley used his Twin Saber against Houndkiller and his Gauntlet Knives. The alicorns, Twinkle and Spike hid behind the crates as they fired their Fury Strike Blast, Night Beam, Sorching Sun Blastt and Dragon Flame at the Shadow Troopers in firing their blasters.

Houndkiller thrust his Gauntlet Knives at Ashley, who blocked and deflected the attacks for ten rounds. As she jumped and kicked Houndkiller's face, but grabbed and thrown to the ground hard. Houndkiller jabbed his knife in wounding Ashley, who rolled over for three times. Ashley then swiped a kick on Houndkiller to fall before the former kicked the latter hard. They both got up as they swung their blades at each other.

As Flare Tiger fired her Fury Strike Blasts and Tiger Fierce Claws at the enemy troops, Nyx and Spike helped cover her by firing Night Beam and Dragon Flame at them off.

As both Twilight Sparkle and Thunder Slayer were armed with their blades, the dark warrior stroke his sword by brutal force at the princess who quickly blocked it for the moment. As they both departed, he gave her a Dark Force Push. She yelped as she stood firmly and strong. She swung her sword from top, bottom and side, but all deflected by him. As she thrust her blade, he moved back and grabbed her hooves tightly with his bear right hoof. As he held her up, he thrown her straight to the crate hard.

Twinkle spotted it. She armed with her Moon Blade as she charged in. But instead, Thunder Slayer glowed darkly as he gave her a glare. She yelped as she felt her body crunched and crushed like someone is pulling her strings. Thunder Slayer gave a glare at both Amber, Celestial and Spike, Nyx moved towards them as he was controlling her to kill them.

"You have much more to learn, little one," He said darkly, "Never challenge the dangerous opponent such as me."

Nyx groaned in pain as she struggled in resisting his control. She's almost on Amber, Celestial and Spike, who just finished defeating last three Shadow Troopers. As she held her Moon Blade up, both of them yelped in concern and surprise.

Twilight Sparkle groaned and moaned as she slowly got up. She gasped in concern upon looking at the event. She screamed in anger as she levitated her sword and swung it at Darth Tempest Wrath, but he blocked it quickly. Nyx was freed from control while returned to her filly mode. Flare Tiger and Spike came and helped her up.

Ashley and Houndkiller continued swinging their blades at each other as well as deflecting the attacks for few times. As Ashley gave the X-Strikes Blade at Houndkiller, the latter fell his back down before kicked on the latter's face hard. He got up and thrown Lance at Nyx and her friends to the ground. Houndkiller whistled as more of Shadow Troopers coming out from the entrance.

Twilight Sparkle continued swing her Star Sparkle Sword at Thunder Slayer, who blocked and dodged the attacks thrice. They both then struck their blades at each other thrice before they get clashed for the moment. As they departed, Thunder Slayer gave a Dark Force Push on her to the ground. He held his sword aiming at her neck, shocking and scaring her.

"You're beaten! It is useless to resist." He said darkly. He continued, "Don't let yourself destroyed as my former comrades did!"

Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger as she quickly deflected his sword aside. And just after Thunder Slayer slammed his sword on the ground, she dodged to her right and swung hers on his right shoulder hard. He yelped in pain in holding his injury. As she swung her sword on his head, he dodged down quickly. Thunder Slayer gave her a large scar on her chest in making her scream in pain.

"TWILIGHT!" Ashley, Twinkle, Spike, Celestial and even Amber Dusk gasped in shock.

They quickly came and assist Twilight Sparkle at once. They helped and carried her up to back slowly at the edge of platform. Twinkle used her Heal Spell on her mother's large scar. And at the same time, they glared at Thunder Slayer and his minions.

"There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you," He said darkly, "Twilight, you have yet not realize of your importance especially your allies. You have so much potential for using the power of Element of Light. Join me! And I can teach you of how to use it. With our Elements of Light and Darkness combined, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the both realms!"

"I will never join you!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed firmly.

"Neither do we!" Spike exclaimed in anger.

Twinkle groaned, "How did you know of all these stuffs?! You and this timeline shouldn't have known about us!"

Celestial groaned, "Where the hell did you get the Element of Darkness?! What did you do to him?!"

Thunder hummed in concern, "So, you have no knowledge of what happen to your former love interest, do you?"

"I don't need to know," Twilight Sparkle said angrily while glaring at him, "I know you stole his Element of Darkness! You killed Ash!"

Everyone else nodded angrily and firmly, "Yeah! You, monster!"

Thunder Slayer shook his head as his protection lenses disappeared. He revealed his golden eyes with serpentine pupils.

"No. I am him - your love interest."

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern of what they just saw. Amber Dusk looked away in shame and pain. They couldn't believe in their eyes and ears. He couldn't be! Darth Tempest Wrath could never be him!

"No... No..." Twilight Sparkle said in shock, pain and despair, "That's not true. That's impossible!"

Ashley shook his head in denial, "No! You can't be him! You can't be!"

"I don't believe you!" Twinkle exclaimed in shock and concern. She jumped and hugged Lance. She cried, "You can't be our daddy we loved!"

Spike frantically quivered, "He's lying! Please, tell me he's lying!"

"Search your feelings especially your Element of Light's power," Thunder breathed slowly while looking at them with his calmness eyes, "You know its true..."

Twilight Sparkle and her children used their Magical Sense especially using her Element of Light to look through him. With a gasp of shock and fear, they couldn't believe it with their eyes, ears and hearts. All they could do is...

"Nooooooooooooooo!"

Twilight Sparkle and her three children cried and sobbed tearfully in pain and despair. And they also screaming in fear and shock. Amber Dusk looked at them in concern and worry. It can't be him! It can't be!

"Twilight Sparkle, come with me," He said calmly, "I can help you and the rest reach your potential. Together, we will rule both realms as one family! It is the only way."

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in dilemma and concern. They all wondered if they should follow him or not. They really care and love Shadow Dragon so much, yet they were heartbroken and shock to believe he is Darth Tempest Wrath.

VROOM! Everyone looked up and found three metallic gunships-like flying and lowering down. The unknown guerrilla troopers from gunships fired their blasters at Thunder Slayer and his minions. Thunder Slayer deflected and blocked the blasts with his sword for few times while his minions quickly take cover and fired back at their enemies.

As the gunships landed, the troopers emerged and fired their blasters at the enemies. Five black armored soldiers quickly grabbed and helped Twilight Sparkle and her friends into their gunships.

"We've got them, partners! Let's get the heck out of here!" The cowgirl pony worn the red scarf mask, cape and dark orange armor suit exclaimed firmly, "Move it! We've gotta get out of here now!"

"Come on, you apes!" The mare in her blue Gundam Pilot suit and her futuristic pilot's helmet with spiky com-link like wings screamed wildly. She was piloting pinkish futuristic and robotic Marauder Armor Suit in firing her enemies. She whistled out loudly and wildly, "Do you want to live?!"

A few of guerrilla troopers quickly get inside their gunships. They then lifted off as they all quickly escaped from the battlefield. Darth Tempest Wrath breathed heavily as he glared and glanced at the gunships flying away from the area.

Houndkiller approached him, "My lord, I will mobilize the fighters and troopers at once."

"That won't necessary, Colonel," Thunder said calmly. He turned and glanced at the Cutie Map Table, "The Emperor must see this. We have found the important artifact. This will bring us not only victory, but also my family including both of her."

After their daring escape, three metallic gunships continued flying away from the Canterlot Base. Twilight Sparkler and her family were recovering from the shocking event especially learning the darkest truth behind Thunder's true face.

"How could this have happen?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. She continued sobbed, "What has happen to him?"

Spike sighed, "I wish we knew, Twilight. I wish we knew..."

Amber Dusk bowed down before Twilight Sparkle and her family, "I'm sorry, guys. I really am for this."

"Amber, did you know this?" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.

With Amber sighed in shame while looked away, Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern of what they just saw. She actually knew about this, and yet she kept the secret from them?!

Twinkle screamed as she walloped her hooves on her chest, "Why didn't you tell us?! Why didn't you?! If you did-!"

"You all wouldn't able to fight him back and get back to the past in time!" Amber Dusk snapped in pain and upset.

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in concern and surprised by her reaction. She then sobbed tearfully and sadly.

"But how could I? How could I just tell you the truth?! You all will be heartbroken and pain to think or fight back ever since you and Grandpa had a break up. So, I couldn't do it... I just couldn't..." Amber Dusk bowed down to the ground, "I'm sorry. I really am..."

Twilight Sparkle and her family looked at each other as they all feel guilty and shame. They then approached and gave her a comfort hug. She hugged them back while crying.

"Sorry to interrupt your chatting," The meekly Pegasus Trooper in her yellowish angelic metal suit and falcon's helmet interrupted, "We're almost there now."

The tough Pegasus with masked visor worn the cyan armored soldier suit nodded, "Yeah. Our leader wants to talk with you. She wants to know more about you and that table."

"And don't forget to behave," The Unicorn with spider-like helmet worn the whitish sleeveless spy suit and hoof gloves spoke calmly, "Leader needs to be respected."

As the gunships dived down, Twilight Sparkle and her family gasped as they recognized the familiar town, where their saviors or rebels resides now - Ponyville Town. They have the feeling that they're about to find out...

Upon landing on the hanger base, the ponies emerged and came down from their gunships. They then met up with a cyan Alicorn worn the blue suit and silver metallic armor, pinkish visor and sharped twin earphone-like. It's somepony Ashley haven't seen for a long time.

"MOM!" She exclaimed happily.

Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just heard and saw, and even their rebel leader Crystal Sparkle. She poured her tears of joy out.

"Ashley?" Crystal asked in shock yet relief. Both mother and son trotted towards at each other before giving a big warming hug. And at the same time, they both cried tearfully yet joyfully. She smiled, "You're here! You're alive! I missed you so much!"

Ashley sobbed tearfully, "I missed you too, mom!"

As Crystal and Ashley continued hugging, everypony awed happily while smiling as well, even for Twilight Sparkle and her family. As five mysterious soldiers removed their helmets and masks, they surprised the family a lot.

Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Nyx gasped, "Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Pinkie Pie! Fluttershy! Rarity! You're alive!"

And just before the mares respond, Twilight Sparkle and her family jumped and hugged their friends happily and passionately. Applejack and her team were in confuse and shock about it, and yet they felt heartwarming from the ponies. Amber and Celestial smiled happily to see the event.

Everypony departed from their hugging at once. Crystal wiped and dried her tears off as she and her team asked.

"How?"

Twilight Sparkle sighed in concern, "It's a long story. But we'll explain."

Crystal and her team nodded in agreement as they led their guests for a tour across Ponyville Town. Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and surprised about the town. They witnessed ponies and their activities - training for combats and target practice, teaching foals with school lessons, working with daily jobs, healing injuries, repairing their war vehicles, chatting and playing like friends and family, and more.

Twilight Sparkle and her family explained about their struggles and battle against Starlight Glimmer and Roman, as well as restoring the present.

Crystal hummed, "That explains everything especially my son's alive. I shouldn't have known about this."

"What do you mean, Princess Crystal? Do you know what happen during Third Shadow War?"

"Call me Crystal. And trust me, Third Shadow War is a a disastrous and terrible event we ever had. Shadow Ponies won the war while my mother, Aunt Luna and even Mystic Ponies were all killed. Both Mystic Realm and Equestria Realm are now under his control."

"HOW?!" Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike asked in concern.

"Ash..." Iris Crystal said painfully and tearfully, "During his exile, Deathstroke and his assassins captured him. Melvin manipulated, tortured and turned him into a mechanical monster for destruction and chaos only. Not only that, Dark Mayhem and his Shadow Force captured and drained Tree of Harmony's power. They weaponize it as the weapons. They destroy our ]=, home, friends, family and loved ones. I even lost you, - your past self."

Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern of what they just heard. They turned and looked at Mane Five, who had pained and despaired looks as well as having ears dropping. They couldn't believe that Shadow Ponies were willing to go that far to win and conquer both realms.

"So, I built the Rebellion to fight and resist the Empire. I've managed to rescue and recruit ponies including your friends under my banner. We have managed to make some major strikes on their operations, bases and even save the towns from control." Iris Crystal said firmly. "But they strike us back so fierce and hard. We've lost so many soldiers and heroes, even some bases. Now Ponyville is the Rebel Alliance's only base and last stand to survive."

Mane Five nodded as they commented, "[Pinkie Pie] Yeah, who knows when they come and finish us? [Fluttershy] I'm scared and worried that we won't survive the next fight. [Rainbow Dash] That doesn't mean we're gonna give the fight up. [Rarity] Indeed. We must defend our home at all cost. [Applejack] Yeah, we're not gonna sacrifice anymore ponies' lives for us again especially our family."

Twilight Sparkle and her family looked down in concern yet shame and guilty. If only they had brought Ash with them, then this present won't have this kind of future.

"I'm so sorry, everypony..." Twilight Sparkle said in shame. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "If Ash and I haven't broke up, then this future wouldn't have existed. I feel so responsible and shame about this."

Ashley, Spike and Twinkle said in concern, "Mom..."

"It won't make any differences," Celestial Aura said in concern, "Because in the end, future becomes darker and worse than before if Starlight Glimmer, Roman, Plasma keep stopping us! We have to keep on trying to stop them."

"Celestial Aura's right. It makes no differences at all if Ash's with us or not," Crystal said firmly. Twilight Sparkle and her family looked in concern and worry. She continued, "But that doesn't mean we're giving up. The Cutie Map is our only hope to change this mess. We have to get it back and drive our enemies away from it."

"But how? It's impossible," Fluttershy asked in concern.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed. It's not like the Shadow Ponies would be so polite to give it back to us."

"Or even give us a letter! Look!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in concern as she pointed up. Everyone looked up as they found an owl dropped the letter diving straight on her hooves. She yelped, "I don't like it! This could be bad news!"

Iris Crystal took and opened the letter. She read it. She looked concern and worry. She turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle and her family members. Everyone don't like her looks.

"They want all of you," Crystal said in concern, "They want you teach them to operate the Cutie Map or they will invade and destroy us and Ponyville."

Everyone gasped in concern and shock about the threat.

"They can't be serious?!" Pinkie Pie and Rarity demanded in shock.

Rainbow Dash groaned, "As if! Who do they think we are?! There's no way we're gonna give our rescued ponies up for them!"

Applejack snorted, "Yeah. If it's the fight they want, then they will get one."

"I agree. We will never give our ponies up, even though some are strangers," Fluttershy commented firmly, "We will fight to our end."

"No." Twilight Sparkle said in concern. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "We have to surrender for your safety and protection."

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of Twilight Sparkle's choice. She want to surrender to the Shadow Ponies?! She can't be serious!

Twilight Sparkle's family protested, "But Twilight-!"

"We have no choice, guys," Twilight Sparkle interrupted as she looked at her friends and Iris Crystal, "Look! These ponies have suffered enough from their assaults and attacks. There's no telling what kind of tactics Dark Mayhem may cooped up to break our spirit."

Crystal hissed, "There has to be another way! It's too dangerous! Besides, you all won't have the chance to travel back in past to stop your enemies!"

"I know. But nothing is important than keeping ponies safe and alive. That's the duty of princess."

"But still..."

Twilight Sparkle patted Crystal, "Don't worry about us. We'll find the way to get to Cutie Map and change everything back to normal. We promised. So, don't give your hope up. It's not over..."

Twilight Sparkle's family members thought carefully before they nodded in agreement about it. Iris Crystal and her Rebel friends didn't like it but reluctantly agreed to let Twilight Sparkle and her family to do it and achieve their mission. They can't give their hope up.

"I hope you all know what you're doing. Dark Mystic Ponies will never let the enemies get off and win easily," Iris Crystal said calmly, "Stay alive, my friends.

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "We will. We will bring our future back. We promised."

"Yeah! We won't let you down!" The others exclaimed firmly.

Everypony came and gave Twilight Sparkle a comfort and passionate hug for luck. They hope everything will be alright at the end...

Thunder Slayer was standing still at the front of Canterlot Castle's Main Gate. He was breathing through his breathable mask as he's calm and firm. He looked up and found the metallic and cyborg version of Pikachu approaching and walking towards him. The metallic Dragon groaned like he has something inside his mouth. He spitted five familiar ponies.

Twilight Sparkle and her family groaned in annoyance as they quickly dried themselves from greenish slime and acid.

"Good work" He said calmly. He bowed down humbly. He then led Twilight Sparkle and her family across the Canterlot Town. Pikachi followed him. He spoke, "The Emperor has been expecting you."

"I know..." Twilight Sparkle said in concern yet firmly.

"So... You accepted the truth."

"We all accepted the truth because you are once - my boyfriend, even though I call you Ash."

"That name no longer has any means to me."

Amber Dusk sighed, "Return of the Jedi scene. Gotta love that scene."

Ashley shook his head in denial, "It's the name of your true self! And you want it to be forgotten! Everypony may think you as a monster. There's still good in you. The Emperor hasn't turned you into monster."

Twinkle nodded, "If you are a monster, you would have kill us in the first sight."

He breathed heavily, "Is that so? Did you truly believe that, my friends?"

"Of course," Twilight Sparkle said firmly, "Please, come with me."

"My comrades... And even my own wife and son in this timeline have once thought as you do," Thunder Slayer said calmly. He turned and gave them a glare, "What makes you think I will turn back from everything I have done? They all have betrayed and banish me to exile! And look at this results before you! I'm nothing but a monster."

"You're wrong," Twinkle protested, "They and us love and care for you so much. We were all forced to do things we hated a lot. Believe in me. I know how it feels - forced to be a Nightmare Moon."

Ashley nodded in agreement, "Please, dad. Let go of your hate. Come back to us now."

"Yeah. Whatever the Emperor said to you, it's not true," Celestial pleaded, "He can't be trusted. He's the reason why you've lose so many friends."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Come with us. We can help you."

He sighed, "No. I can't. It is too late for me now."

Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked shock and upset to see and hear it. They looked down in defeat. He nudged them to move on. They all heading straight to Canterlot Castle.

He and his prisoners entered the throne room, where the Emperor Dark Mayhem sitting on his throne chair. The grayish armored Dark Elite Guards were guarding him. They approached the throne chair. Dark Mayhem smirked in pleasant and amusement.

"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle and her family from original timeline," Dark Mayhem said in amusement, "We've been expecting you. How long has it been since my greatest defeat from the true war?"

Amber Dusk yelped in concern, "I didn't expect that..."

"Wait-! What?!" Spike exclaimed in shock and concern.

Nyx hissed, "He knows us and original Third Mystic War?!"

"Well, I always thought that it was exaggerate when he's ten steps ahead of everything," Ashley said in concern, "I'm guessing he really is."

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "I don't know how you know your original timeline and us, but you won't get away with this!"

Dark Mayhem smirked in amusement, "Twilight Sparkle, you of all the ponies, should know that I don't take 'no' for answer. Denying my request will bring terrible consequences. So, tell me - are you willing to take such risk?"

Twilight Sparkle looked concern before looked down in defeat, "Alright, I will show you of how to use it especially Time Scroll. But you knew it, didn't you?"

"As I was expecting, Twilight Sparkle. Well done," He said in amusement. He turned to Thunder, "Now my apprentice, send your force to destroy the Ponyville Resistance at once."

"WHAT?!" Twilight Sparkle and her family members exclaimed in shock.

"Did you honestly think that I would leave small details alone especially their assaults on my base? Fools! I will not let them escape and interfere my plans!"

Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger. She summoned her Sparkle Star Sword out. As she charged right at Dark Mayhem, Thunder moved to the front of her. He blocked her attacks for the moment.

Shadow Soldiers quickly engaged the enemies at once. Twinkle entered her Battle Mode as she fired her Night Beam at them. Spike helped Nyx by firing his Dragon Flame at them. Celestial, Amber, and Ashely brung forth their weapons and pitch in.

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Move aside! I'm gonna finish and defeat Dark Curse! I can't let him destroy your wife and my friends!"

"Ash is dead. I destroyed him." Thunder Slayer said darkly and angrily, "And I will destroy all of his precious and important ponies especially his wife."

"Then, you leave me no choice. I will avenge him!"

"Revenge is not the Princess's way. You should know that."

"I maybe a princess, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let you and your master do as you please!"

Both Twilight Sparkle and Thunder Slayer deflected their blades at once. She kicked on his head but missed. She dodged down as he swung his Darkness Blade over her head. She swung her Sparkle Star Sword at him but deflected aside. Making a around her to strike, he blocked the attacks. He then pushed hers on aside as he swung his on her head twice but missed. She fired her Unicorn Burst on him hard. As he recovered, she slammed hers on him but blocked. He swung his back at her. Twilight Sparkle and Darth Tempest Wrath both then clashed their swords at each other hard while giving a glare for the moment.

As they departed the clash, Thunder Slayer swung his sword fiercely and quickly at Twilight Sparkle, who blocked and dodged the attacks for ten rounds. They both continued swinging their attacks at each other for few times. They then had the clashed for the moment. She then sensed something amiss within him. And just before he could do anything, Twilight Sparkle fired her Rainbow Light Blast on him. Thunder breathed calmly as he looked and glared at her.

"Ash, you hesitated," Twilight Sparkle said in surprise and concern, "I can feel a conflict in your heart and Element of Darkness. You didn't want to do it at all. I knew there's good in you."

He scoffed, "Foolish girl. You're delusional and blind."

"If I am delusional, then why did you spare my and my children's life? And above all, you had the chance to kill Crystal when she appeared before you! I don't believe you will do it."

"You have underestimated my Element of Darkness. Like I said before, you have much more to learn. If you will not join me, then you will meet your destiny."

And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Thunder Slayer unleashed his Dark Lightning Strikes on her. She screamed in pain as she was thrown straight through the left entrance door hard. She fell to the ground.

"MOM!" Ashely and Twinkle exclaimed in shock and concern.

"Come on!" Amber Dusk exclaimed in concern.

Amber Dusk, Celestial and the children quickly defeated the Shadow Troopers out. They then trotted off and helped Twilight Sparkle up. They quickly ran at once. Thunder Slayer marched into the area. He breathed heavily as he searched for them at the Elements of Harmony Chamber.

"You cannot hide forever," He said darkly. He found silence within the room. He continued as he searched, "Give yourself to me now. It is futile to resist. It's the only way to save your friends."

Twilight Sparkle, Amber Dusk, Celestial Aura hid behind the cupboard while Ashley, Twinkle and Spike hid underneath the table. They all wondered if there's anyway to stop and save Ash from being Thunder Slayer. And at the same time, they all wished to be home with their friends. Twilight Sparkle hissed as she thought that joining him is the only way to save them.

"Yes, I can feel it, Twilight Sparkle. Your Element of Light betrayed you. Your feelings for your them is strong especially from..." Thunder hummed in amusement, "Your children? So, not only you adopted my son as yours but also the dragon and your half-blood demon child. Your feelings have now betrayed them too."

Ashley, Spike and filly Twinkle quivered and shivered in fear as they hugged each other tightly. They don't like what's on his mind of dealing with them. The table got thrown aside. They looked up and found him stood before them.

"If you will not turn yourself to me," He said darkly. As he levitated Nyx up, he smirked beneath his mask, "Perhaps, they will. Starting with Twinkle Sparkle!"

"Dad, no!" The little ones cried in shock.

Thought of seeing her children turned into monsters ran her mind, Twilight Sparkle screamed in anger as she emerged from the closet. She charged and swung her Sparkle Star Sword at Thunder Slayer. He got surprised by her appearance as he deflected it aside. Through her blind rage, she continued swinging and striking sword at him, as he was forced to block and deflect the attacks for few rounds.

Amber and Celestial came out and helped the children. They then followed both Twilight Sparkle and Thunder fighting all the way to the throne chamber. They witnessed the princess fired her Unicorn Burst in knocking the Dark Mystic General to the ground. She slammed her sword against his for few times to the ground hard. As she swung his aside, she decapitated his hoof. He screamed in pain. Twilight Sparkle panted as she aimed her Sparkle Star Sword at him. She had him now.

Dark Mayhem laughed in amusement upon looking at the event. He stood up and approached them. Flare Tiger and the children looked worry and scared for Twilight Sparkle now. What will she do next?!

"Good. Good..." He remarked. Twilight Sparkle and her family turned and looked at him. He continued, "Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny. Take both Element of Darkness and his place at my side, Herald of Corrupted Shadow."

As if his words hit her, she look a glance at Thunder's state, as well as he frightened children. She recalled of what happened when she was evil Midnight Sparkle especially what hate and anger do with her. She sighed in defeat as she had her sword disappeared.

BANG! Everyone looked up as they found Crystal, Mane Five and some rebels entered the scene. The latter have managed to infiltrate and defeat the Shadow Troopers. The rebels were in shock and concern of what they just saw. Twilight Sparkle has defeated Thunder as she is now facing the Emperor of Dark Mystic Empire.

"Never. I will never turn into evil again. I've made that promise," Twilight Sparkle said firmly as she held and hugged her three children. Flare Tiger stood besides her. She gave the glare at Dark Mayhem, "I am the Princess of Friendship, as well as Wielder of both Element of Magic and Element of Light. I will not bow before you! I will save Ash!"

Everyone gasped and awed in shock yet amazed and inspired by words. Dark Mayhem was even angered and furious by it. He held his hoof as he unleashed his Dark Lightning Strike on Amber Dusk and the others. Twilight Sparkle quickly shielded them. However, they still inflicted with pain by his attacks.

"If you will not join me, then you will be destroyed!" Dark Curse exclaimed in anger, "Now Princess of Friendship and her descendants, you all will die!"

Iris Crystal gasped, "Leave them alone!"

And just before the reistance could do anything, He summoned his levitation spell in trapping them. They struggled in getting out from it. He continued unleashing his Dark Lightning Strikes on Twilight Sparkle and her family.

Thunder slowly get up. He witnessed his master destroying the princess and her family while they screamed in pain. Deep within his heart; he felt conflict, shock, pain and sadness. He even has strange memories that involved good times with Twilight Sparkle, her family and other friends. Why would they resist him? Why would they believe they can save him? And above all, why he did care and sympathy about them?

He never had sympathy and a heart since the day he became Darth Tempest Wrath. But one mind he can't bear to ignore about the ponies - he loved them so much...

He took his Blade out. He screamed wildly as he charged straight at Dark Mayhrm, who is still firing his Dark Lightning Strikes at Twilight Sparkle and her family. He screamed in pain of feeling lightning attacks that surge through his body. Close to his target, he thrust his blade through the Emperor's chest hard. He yelped and screamed in pain. As he pulled his sword out, the Emperor fell on his back hard. Thunder Slayer also fell to his back.

Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly get up and approached wounded Thunder. Crystal and rebels, who got down from the levitation spell, approached them as well.

"Twilight... Crystal... Help me take this mask off..." He asked painfully. He coughed heavily as well as spitting blood out. Everyone looked worry and concern about it. He continued, "Do not worry about it. I wish to see your face, one last time..."

Everyone looked at each other as they wondered if it's good idea. Nevertheless, both Sparkles helped and removed the helmet and mask off. The ponies saw the burnt and scarred form of bald of Ash with his gentleness crimson eyes. Both mares cried and sobbed tearfully as they held and hugged him.

"Thank you so much..." He thanked calmly. He coughed heavily, "You were right... You were right about me... Go now... Leave me..."

"No... We can still save you," Twilight Sparkle pleaded.

Crystal nodded, "Don't give up. You just started come back to us. Hang on!"

Ash smiled weakly, "I know... I know... But... This is goodbye. I'll be with you... I... I love you... I always do... Goodbye, my family..."

And just before ponies could do anything, Ash gave his last breathe as he had his head fell. They were in shock, pain and despair to see him like it. They lowered their heads down in sign of respect for the death. Shadow Dragon is gone...

"Why? Why is this happening?" Twilight Sparkle asked in pain and shock. She cried tearfully, "Why?! Why must we suffer like this?!"

Crystal sighed as she hugged Twilight Sparkle, "I can't be honest for all the answers. There's something we have to fight for, even if it means making a great sacrifices. We all know the risk. We were afraid of it and yet we still do it."

"Why?"

"Because we have hope, Twilight Sparkle. We'd never surrender. We'd never run away. And we'd never give up. We keep fighting until our hope has finally realized. That's what keeps us going for our home, freedom, friends and family. We owe it to you, Twilight Sparkle."

"Me?! Why?! I'm nothing special. My friends felt the same as I do."

"Yes, you are, Twilight Sparkle. You think Element of Harmony and Element of Shadow chose you and your friends because you're powerful. strong and smart?" Crystal shook her head while smiling, "No, it's because you'd never give up on the fight, your friends and ponies you love. That's what makes you and your friends special."

"I... I'd never knew." Twilight Sparkle said in shock. She sighed, "Even if I am, I still couldn't stop Starlight Glimmer and Roman from ruining this..."

Iris Crystal smiled, "Have you try talk with her? Talking with her will help you find the answer."

Twilight Sparkle and her family members were in shock and surprise of what Crystal had suggested. They looked at each other for the moment. They wondered if talking with Starlight Glimmer is a good idea.

At the platform, Twilight Sparkle and other ponies gathered at the platform.

"I'm gonna miss you, mom," Ashley said tearfully while hugging his mother, "I'd always love you with my heart, no matter how many years or dimensions are."

Crystal smiled, "I know. Take care of your father and your new family."

With Ashley nodded, both him and his mother continued hugging. Both Twinkle and Spike sobbed tearfully. Amber hugged them in comfort. As she regrouped with his family, he and his family members were ready to go back to the past. Crystal and Mane Five looked at them with sad and upset looks. This is goodbye.

"We'll get our future back. We'll make sure that this kind of future will never exist again," Twilight Sparkle said firmly. She sighed, "We'll meet again. I promised."

Crystal smiled, "We know. Take care of Ash and others."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I will. Goodbye, my friend."

Crystal and Mane Five waved and said goodbye to Twilight Sparkle and her family. The Sparkle Family summoned the Time Portal as they entered and traveled back to past...

Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to Rainbow Dash's past. They stood before Starlight Glimmer on the track. They're ready for her now.

Starlight Glimmer smiled, "Up for another race-ending fight, Twilight?"

"No. I'm here to talk with you," Twilight Sparkle said calmly.

"Oh, puh-lease. What is there to talk about, Twilight? It's pointless. I'll keep you and your friends from getting your cutie mark connection at all cost! I'm all in game!"

Twinkle hissed, "We could be stuck doing this for all eternity!"

Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement, "What you're doing goes way beyond cutie marks! Everything we do here in the past – even the smallest change – can snowball into an avalanche of trouble for the future!"

"Oh, next I suppose you'll tell me that 'the fate of all of Equestria hangs in the balance'!" Starlight Glimmer asked in annoyance.

Celestial groaned, "The hell it does!"

"Spare us your overblown ego!" Plasma huffed, "No group of friends, not even Princess Twilight's, is that important!"

And just Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, Starlight Glimmer fired her Unicorn Burst at young Rainbow Dash out from the race. The Time Portal appeared again.

"I don't know how important other ponies' friendships are to the future," Twilight Sparkle said in concern. She jumped and grabbed Starlight and Plasma , "but I can show you what the world is like without mine!"

And just before they could do anything, the Time Portal dragged all the ponies into it!

Twilight Sparkle and her group have arrived at their present - barren wasteland. Starlight Glimmer was in shock, scared and worried about what she was seeing.

"Where are we?!" Starlight Glimmer demanded, "There's nothing here!"

"The future. Or rather, the present," Twilight Sparkle answered. She sighed, "I wish I could say I was surprised. But every world I come back to is worse than the last. I don't know why my friends and I are so important to Equestria, but we are."

Starlight Glimmer groaned, "I don't believe you!"

"Come on, Starlight, look around!" Spike insisted in concern.

"Compare this to previous future we've been, we've lost so many of our friends," Twinkle said in concern.

Amber Dusk explained, "Everything in the past affects the future, even the tiniest act. And what you're doing leads here."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I know I can't stop you, but I thought showing you this might change your mind."

"Change my mind?" Starlight Glimmer demanded as she turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle and her family, "You don't know anything about me! I was perfectly happy before YOU, your FAMILY and your FRIENDS ruined what I built!"

"I don't know what happened that led you to make your village without cutie marks," Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "and I'm sorry my friends, family and I had to take it away."

Ashley groaned, "Sorry? Why in the hell would we even want to feel sorry for her after everything she had done to us and all the ponies?"

"Take it easy, kiddo." Celestial patted her shoulder gently, "I'm sure she had her reason of why she did in the first place."

Starlight Glimmer groaned in anger, "Fine! You want to know what happened to me?! I'll show you!"

Starlight Glimmer summoned the Time Portal as she led Twilight Sparkle and her family into it. They were now travelling to the past...

As the Time Portal opened, Starlight Glimmer arrived at the unknown village, along with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They were confuse and concern about the resident area.

"Where are we?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"That map of yours is connected to every part of Equestria, and this part is my home." Starlight Glimmer explained as she led her enemies to her old home. They saw her younger self playing with Books Towering with orange unicorn with red gentle spiky mane and short tail with light stripes. She continued, "Sunburst and I did everything together. In fact, I don't remember us ever being apart. Until today."

As the young Starlight Glimmer levitated the book out from lowest part, the tower began to fall on her. Sunburst quickly stopped it by levitating them. As the books spun around him, he magically put them back on book shelf in one second. He sighed in relief.

Suddenly, a light flash on his flank. Sunburst looked at his flank. He cheered happily as he got his Cutie Mark - sunburst symbol. He trotted off and told the ponies about it. His family and friends cheered for him. They then took and carried him across the villages. The young Starlight Glimmer then sobbed tearfully.

"And just like that, my friend was gone. His family recognized his magical talent and sent him off to Canterlot. I never saw him again. Until I met somepony who share my hatred..."

By evening, it rained. The young Starlight Glimmer continued crying outside of her home. A familiar character approached her while covering her with an umbrella.

"Young filly, why are you crying?" Zylte asked.

Young Starlight Glimmer sniffled unhappily, "My... my friend is gone. He meant everything to me. Now I'll never see him again."

"What is your name?"

"St-Starlight...Starlight Glimmer..."

Zylte held his left hoof in front of her, "Come with me, Starlight Glimmer. I will help you get what you wanted especially disposing the Cutie Marks. You and I aren't different."

Starlight Glimmer sniffled as she took his hoof. Amon Blood grabbed and carried her on his back. They both exited the village as they headed towards to somewhere else.

"Zylte - a friend, mentor and the only father I could have - helped and trained me to be the best magic user in Equestria. He's the one who taught me of how to use Cutie Mark Removal Spell," Starlight Glimmer explained, "And he was right. Cutie mark is a curse. It takes any friends I make away like Sunburst! He even told me that everypony is equality without power, magic and wings. I believed in him. I will make that ideal comes true."

"That's ridiculous. A cutie mark can't take your friends away." Twilight Sparkle said in concern.

Twinkle nodded, "Yeah! I got mine earlier but I chose to be with my friends until they get theirs. Nothing bad happen to me or them."

"Yeah, Zytle is wrong about everything especially their cutie marks," Ashley said in concern.

Celestial sighed, "Do you want to know what is equality? It's about friends always being there for you no matter what happen. Just like us."

Starlight Glimmer groaned as she wiped her tears off, "Not everypony's lucky enough to get her cutie mark at the same time as her friends! How dare you insult he?!"

Starlight Glimmer then summoned Time Portal as she and her enemies entered it at once.

Arriving at Rainbow Dash's Past; Twilight Sparkle and her family landed on the lowered cloud platform while Starlight Glimmer was on top of it.

"You don't know what it's like to lose a friend because of a cutie mark. But once I stop the rainboom, you will!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in anger. She teleported the Time Scroll away from Twilight Sparkle and her family. She smirked as she began tearing the scroll, "And when I destroy this scroll, there'll be no way for you to change it!"

As Starlight Glimmer began tearing the Time Scroll, Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern. Amber Dusk growled in anger as she grew tired about this. She teleported herself before Starlight Glimmer and gave the unicorn a big slap very hard.

"ENOUGH! Listen to us for once," She exclaimed in anger. Starlight Glimmer groaned in anger as she was about to tear the Time Scroll apart. She continued, "Starlight, you're wasting time and effort of getting rid of it. We will always get back here and stop you!"

"What do you mean?!" Starlight Glimmer demanded, "Who are you?! I'd never seen you before!"

"I am descendant of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Ash. I'm from the future. And I'm also Time Traveler. I travel through time - past, present and future. So, what you're doing now is completely wasting."

"What?! You're serious?!"

"Yes, I am," Amber Dusk answered. Starlight Glimmer yelped in shock. She sighed, "But you were right. We don't know what you went through! But you can't do this. We've seen where this leads, and so have you!"

Starlight Glimmer groaned, "I only saw what you showed me! Who knows what'll really happen?"

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, "No, Amber Dusk is right. We've seen it a dozen times! Things don't turn out well in Equestria without my friends!"

"Ugh! What's so special about your friends?! How can a group of ponies that are so different be so important?!"

"The differences between me and my friends are the very things that make our friendship strong!"

Starlight Glimmer poured her tears out, "I thought Sunburst and I were the same. But we turned out different, and it tore our friendship apart!"

"So try again! Make new friends!" Twinkle insisted.

Ashley nodded, "And if something that you can't control happens that changes things, work through it together! That's what friendship is!"

"And it's not just our friendships that are important to Equestria! Everypony's are!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern while looking around of ponies chatting and playing together. She continued, "When yours ended, it led us here. But just imagine all the others that are out there waiting for you if you just give them a chance!"

Starlight Glimmer was in shock yet touched by warmhearted, relief and compassionate words from Twilight Sparkle and her family. She even looked around of her surroundings. She saw many ponies - young and old - chatting, playing and many more activities they do.

Starlight Glimmer doubtfully yet worriedly asked, "How do I know they won't all end the same way?"

"I guess it's up to you to make sure they don't." Spike answered calmly, "Trust us. We can help you."

Celestial Aura nodded, "She don't call herself 'Princess of Friendship' for nothing. Please, let us help you."

As Twilight Sparkle held her hoof up, Starlight Glimmer looked at hers before turned and looked at young Rainbow Dash and young Hoops were still racing. She was in dilemma for revenge or let Twilight Sparkle and her friends to help her. She sighed calmly as she knew what she wanted. And just before she could do anything, she screamed in pain like something just hit her.

Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly grabbed and held Starlight Glimmer at once. They noticed a knife on her back. Time Scroll fell right on Roman and his Terracotta Soldiers.

"Pathetic..." He said in annoyance, "It looks like I'm gonna have to finish this up by myself. I will start with tearing this paper!"

"No, don't!" Spike exclaimed in concern. He yelped in realization, "Oh yeah! I forgot! Amber Dusk can help and send us back here."

Twinkle sighed, "You'd think, Spike?"

"WHY?! Why did you attack her?!" Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger while healing Starlight Glimmer's injuries. She continued, "She's your friend!"

"She's not! Because she is too weak to do what is necessary to achieve victory! Unlike me, I'm willing to go through it! Starting with you and your friends, Princess, you all have been a thorn to my side for too long! I will destroy Equestria's Hope once and for all!"

"Why?! Why are you doing this, Roman?!"

"During Thawne Period, everypony mistreated me like a garbage! Nopony came and help me! My own friends betrayed me including Nash for his Princess Luna! And I nearly lost my head because of those Equestria Filthy Princesses! They're the reason why I'm ruined! They're the reason why I betrayed the Emperor! And they are the reason of losing my chance to get the power! All I ever want is to top of pyramid! And now, I'll make them pay! I will give them and their precious Equestria and Human Realm of what they deserve!"

Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt grunted in pain while looking at him, "All this... For revenge?! And you're willing to kill the innocent lives?!"

"Indeed I am!" Roman smirked in amusement.

He turned and glared at Rainbow Dash going to perform her sonic rainboom. He then summoned five portals via black marbles. It revealed where her friends were before sonic rainboom occur. But Terracotta Army were there and hidden behind the walls, rocks and even among the crowds. They all had earphones as they were armed with their weapons.

"My soldiers are in position of six location including here! With Rainbow Dash's scream of death, they will kill the rest including Princess Twilight's!" Roman laughed evilly and manically, "Without you or your friends, Equestria will be Thawne's forever! And I will be back in my power!"

Roman armed with his bow and arrow that attached with Star Swirl's Time Scroll. He's aimed his target at Rainbow Dash as she almost reach to the ground. His Terracotta Army were ready to attack as well.

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "We're not gonna let you get away with this!"

And just before Twilight Sparkle and her friends could do anything, Terracotta Army blocked their way. Roman turned and readied to fire at her.

Roman laughed evilly, "Say goodbye to your home forever!"

Twilight Sparkle and her family screamed, "Nooooooooooo!"

"I've lost my friend once..." Starlight Glimmer grunted in pain as her horn glowed, "I'm not gonna go through this again! Time Freeze!"

Starlight Glimmer fired her multiple Time Freeze at Roman and his Terracotta Army. They were all trapped from moving. Spike quickly charged and grabbed the scroll.

"Wow! Did you do that? Zyltle?" Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise. Starlight Glimmer nodded nervously. She whistled, "You're full of surprises, Starlight Glimmer."

Roman groaned and muttered, "I'll get you for this, traitor!"

"Think again, Paradox!" The angry voice shouted. Everyone looked up as they found tired and exhausted Raven carried by filly Carly. She panted heavily, "By the order of Sliver Buster, you are to be executed for committing serious & dangerous crimes for not only destroying lives, but also defying and destroying Human Ponies. You are to be erased for good!"

"Why not kill him?" Ashley asked in concern.

"Is that extreme?" Twinkle asked in concern.

Raven sighed, "Because he consumed Immortal Pill. It is made by herb, ginger's root, carrot, orange, Purity of Water, Hydra's slim, Mystic Crystal's Shard, Magical Dust and even Dragon Blood Stone. He is not only an immortal but also able to regenerate. And the only to do that is to erase him - starting today and its timeline onward!"

"No! You can't!" Roman exclaimed in shock.

Raven had her eyes glowed in yellow, "Yes, I will! Time Erase!"

As Raven's eyes glowed darkly, she fired them at the frozen Roman. For the moment the light dispersed, Roman's left hoof slowly turned into dust. It slowly infected his body. He gasped in shock. Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock of it.

"No! No! Noooooooo! This can't be happening!" Roman screamed as it almost reaching his head, "All I ever want is to be at the top of pyramid! Nooooooooo!"

As his head just turned into dust form, the wind blew them off. Terracotta Army from Mane Five's location including Cloudsdale broke to pieces as they all disappeared in dust. Everyone was in deep shock of it. Roman was erased off. He's gone.

BOOM! Twilight Sparkle and her friends witnessed Rainbow Dash unleashed her sonic rainboom again. They were amazed and touched by it so much. Time Portal appeared on top of them.

Twilight Sparkle sighed as she gave Starlight Glimmer a comfort hug, "It's over. Let's go home..."

Time Portal dragged all of the ponies into it as they're now returning to the present...

As Time Portal opened, Twilight Sparkle and her group dropped to the ground hard. Time Scroll was levitated for the moment as it blasted on Cutie Map, which slowly restored it into normal state. It then entered the portal, which slowly dispersed into a bright light. The scroll is gone.

Twilight Sparkle and her family looked around as they found that they have finally return home!

"One Castle of Friendship – check!" Spike exclaimed happily as he gave a kiss on the floor. He looked up and found Ash, Mane Five, Omega Force and group of Metal Ponies entered the area. He smiled, "One group of amazing friends – check!"

Twilight Sparkle trotted towards Ash as she gave him a long passionate kiss. Though surprise, he's willing to give in for a long one. Everyone awed happily in watching the event.

Ashley chuckled, "And one amazing boyfriend and dad back - check!"

Twinkle nodded, "Yeah, it looks like we're home!"

Twilight Sparkle and Ash departed as they both blushed while giving lovely looks at each other.

"What was that?" Ash asked in amusement. He cleared his throat, "Not that I hate it, I missed it a lot. But does that mean-!"

"Yes, we're back together." Twilight Sparkle said happily.

"Arrest them!" Bishop exclaimed in annoyance. He and his Metal Ponies held Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt with metal cuffs. He continued, "Both of you are under arrest for attempt to murder of Princess Twilight Sparkle! And not to mention, you shut me and my comrades down!"

Ash and the gave the glare at Starlight and Plasma. Both looked away in shame. They don't like her of what has done before.

"Uh... What's she doin' here?" Applejack asked in annoyance.

"Easy, Bishop," Twilight Sparkle said calmly, "It's kind of a long story."

Bishop and his Metal Ponies were looking after Starlight and Plasma outside of Meeting Chamber. Twilight Sparkle explained to her friends about the adventure she and her family members went through. Her friends were in shock and surprised by it.

"My god..." Ash said in shock, "I'd never thought I would become so evil and deadly as Thunder Slayer."

Carly scoffed as she was in her filly mode while taking care of tired Raven, "You have no idea..."

Ashley sighed, "I'm just glad that I'm done with time travelling! I'm so damn tired."

"Me too..." Twinkle agreed, "And it also gives me a big headache."

"Actually, it's not that bad. You'll have to get use to it. Who knows? You might get the hint of future," Amber Dusk giggled. All three of the, gave their hopeful looks at her. She sighed, "I said a hint, not entirely. This could led you to disasters. It's best that you do what usually do in your daily life."

They all groaned in disappointment by Amber Dusk's denying their requests.

"I mean, I knew my rainboom was awesome," Rainbow Dash said in surprise, "but I never thought all of Equestria depended on it!"

Pinkie Pie added, "Or on us!"

"I think it's more than that." Twilight Sparkle said, "Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful. And we represent the symbol of hope to Equestria because we defeat the enemies and save it for dozen times especially we provide our morality and lessons about friendship to ponies."

Ash nodded, "I have to agree with that. My father and Johnathan said the same thing. We're all glad that you and your friends are the one."

"I can't believe y'all were able to travel through time like that." Applejack said in shock.

Pinkie Pie nodded, "That Starlight must be pretty magical!"

"She obviously has more talent for magic than almost anypony I've seen." Twilight Sparkle said in shock and amaze, "My magic couldn't stop her. I had to convince her to stop on her own. Once I realized that, everything fell into place."

"To think that the Shadow Revolutionary Leader Zytle was the one who taught her everything," Ash said in shock and concern, "Usually, Shadow Ponies wouldn't bother to help mortals because they're beneath them."

"Well, if I have to guess, Zytle and Starlight Glimmer must have share the same ideas about cutie marks and power," Ashley said in surprise, "They want to get rid of it for peace and equality."

Twinkle sighed, "Be glad that Starlight Glimmer abandoned it and helped us."

Applejack hummed in concern, "But if she's as powerful as all that, we can't just send her on her way, can we?"

"It's bad idea to send her back," Rarity said in concern, "He maybe her mentor and father figure, but there's no telling if there's any failure when you're Shadow Revolutionary Warrior."

"I agree. There's no telling what he will do to her," Ash said in concern.

"Actually, I kind of have something else in mind." Twilight Sparkle said calmly. She turned to Spike, "Go and call them. Please, tell Bishop loosen the metal cuffs. Seriously, I think he's over sensitive about being shut down!"

Spike called Starlight and Plasma to come in as well as asking to remove the cuffs out. He was annoyed but he obeyed. Both gulped a bit as there were nervous, scared and worried about her judgment. Nevertheless, they entered and bowed in respect to Twilight Sparkle and her family.

"I know there's no excuse for what I did, but I want you all to know that I'm ready for whatever punishment you think is fair."

"I've been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends. Because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous." Twilight Sparkle explained. Starlight Glimmer looked down in shame, "And that's why I've asked you here. If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know. You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place."

Starlight Glimmer was in shock and surprised by Twilight Sparkle's generosity and forgiveness. She turned and looked at others. They all smiled calmly and happily. They all forgive her, and even grumpy and annoyed Bishop and his Metal Ponies.

Starlight Glimmer hissed as she asked, "How do I start?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Starting is easy! All you have to do is make a friend! And you've got seven of them right here."

Twilight Sparkle and her friends surrounded Starlight Glimmer. She smiled happily and relief that she was given a chance for redemption and making friends with them, as well as learning more from Twilight Sparkle.

Starlight Glimmer recalled her bad memories from her past about losing a friend, as well as get trained by Amon Blood to be the best magic user and accomplished his ideal of equality. She shook her head in not wanting to remember. She found Twilight Sparkle and her family stood besides her.

Starlight Glimmer: I never thought that I would find a place
To step right in and start again
I never thought that I could just begin
Right where I left off and make a friend

Twilight Sparkle and her family led Starlight Glimmer all the way out of Castle of Friendship. Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force and even Black Omega Squadron and Cutie Mark Crusaders waiting outside. Flare Tiger, Jade Adventure and Blackwitch were there as well. Their friends gave the warmhearted greet, smiles, hoof shake and hug to Starlight Glimmer.

Twilight Sparkle: Don't ever think that it might be too late
You don't have to wait, there's no mistakes with the friends you make
A friendship's only made of what you bring
And if you do it right, you can do anything

Twilight Sparkle, her family and friends including Starlight Glimmer marched and sang together happily and passionately about friendship. Starlight Glimmer smiled as she can't wait to start.

Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Just use your eyes
This time, no lies
Just don't disguise
Who you are inside

Starlight Glimmer went through Mane Six's home and learned more about it. At Carousal Boutique, Rarity and Declan helped and gave the black gown design with diamonds for her. Sweetie Belle and Spike cheered and clapped happily for it. At the cottage, Shadowclaw and Fluttershy gave her the introduction to animals. Rainbow Dash with Scootaloo on her back, and Aquajet were racing, along with Starlight Glimmer through her levitation spell.

Applejack, Apple Bloom and Crossbow were doing apple bucking, along with Starlight Glimmer. She even baked the cakes with Pinkie Pie and Mikey. Starlight Glimmer studied together with Twilight Sparkle, Twinkle, Lex, and Frostblade through various books. She even watched Ash and Ashley trained Black Omega Squadron on using martial art skills. Pikachu licked Starlight Glimmer's face, which ticklish her a lot while patted him gently.

Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Because your friends are always there for you
You don't have to be the same for friendship to be true
Because your friends are always there for you
Around the world, it's still the same
Together you have more to gain
There's nothing that a friend won't do

Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer travel to her form village, where she make some amends with Double Diamond, Party Favor, Sugar Belle and Night Glide. They all forgave her for her 'deception'.

Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Everywhere you go
Friendship there will grow
When you find it, it's the key
Friends can change the world, you see

Ponyville Town Ponies gathered at the center as they all cheered wildly and happily. Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends marched to the center while waving to them. For the first time in her life, Starlight Glimmer finally smiled with pure happiness.

Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Everywhere you go
Friendship there will grow
When you find it, it's the key
Friends can change the world (ah-ah)
Friends can change the world (ah-ah)
Friends can change the world, you see

At unknown laboratory, Shadow soldier reported to Zylte about Starlight Glimmer and her mission. Shadow Revolutionary Warrior asked his soldier to leave him alone. He sighed in defeat as he took the photo frame up. He saw picture of himself and young Starlight Glimmer hugging and smiling happily at the beach.

"To think that you were obsessed with equality ideal and revenge, you were able to free from it." He said calmly. He took his mask off in giving a breathe. Instead of disappointment, he gave a proud smile, "Well done, my daughter. You're not alone. You finally found your happiness and friends. However..."

He put his mask up. He turned and looked at the box of Six Rainbow Lights. He headed to the operation room. He witnessed cybernetic form of Ghaslty and his scientists working on healing other five Shafow Generals within cooling tube canisters, including fully healed form of Dark Mayhem. Dark Lord of Shadow Ponies was still asleep and breathing.

He placed it on the control keyboards's hole. Six of Rainbow Lights traveled through long tubes into Dark Mayhem's veins. He then glowed darkly and eerily while his body was shaking very hard.

"You are now fighting against me, my master and his army. I hope you're prepared for this. There is no turning back..."

As six Rainbow Lights pouring into Dark Mayhem's cooling canister tube, he growled softly within it. He opened his eyes - crimson pupil of serpentine and blackish eyeball.

"I have return..."

Twilight Sparkle was at her library as she was preparing the list of Friendship Lessons. Ash entered it. He approached and hugged her from behind. He gave her a gentle rub on her belly and chest. He gave her a kiss on neck, cheek and lip. She giggled happily.

"I miss that a lot," Twilight Sparkle said happily. She turned and gave her boyfriend a passionate kiss by cheek, "But I mostly miss you a lot."

Ash smiled as he nuzzled her neck gently, "Yeah, me too. I'll try my best to be... gentle and supportive with you. And hopefully, I'll be your perfect boyfriend."

"I don't need you to be perfect. I just need you to be there for me and talk with me about discussion and ideas. We may argue a lot. But I can deal with it."

"Good to hear it. And you know what I'm gonna do next?"

"No..." Twilight Sparkle giggled while blushed, "What?"

"This!" Ash exclaimed happily.

Ash gave a rub on Twilight Sparkle's belly in ticklish while kissing on her neck and cheek passionately. She giggled happily before turned and jumped on him to the ground. They both held and hugged each other passionately as they both rolled from both sides for the moment. He held her to the ground as they both gave each other a long passionate kiss.

BUZZ! Both Twilight Sparkle and Ash stopped as they looked up and found the Communication Book buzzing and glowing. They realized Sunset Shimmer is calling. As they checked on the message she sent, they both gasped in shock and concern.

"Oh no! That happen three days ago when I was at Canterlot for speech! Autobots, G.I. Joe and the Humans need my help! I've gotta go now!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern as she opened the Mirror Dimensional. She turned and hugged Ash, "I'll be back for dinner and our usual."

Ash nodded, "I know you will. Take care, Twilight. I'll be waiting."

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she departed from the hugging. She charged straight into the portal to help her friends from Equestria Girls Realm...

Author's Note

That is end of Agents of Harmony Season 1 and Season 2 will be on the way,

Episode 1- The Cutie Map

At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Twilight and her friends walked and entered the council chamber. Spike was sleeping and snoring on his throne chair. They were chatting and discussing the castle. It bothered the Princess of Friendship a lot.

As Twilight and her friends sat down on their throne chairs, they began their discussion.

Twilight cleared her throat, "Let's go through this one more time."

Rainbow sighed in annoyance, "We've been over it like a million times, Twilight! We found all six keys, defeated Tirek, and got this sweet castle! And best of all, you got the Element of Light! End of story!"

Twilight admitted, "Yes, but why?"

"I don't know, sugarcube," Applejack shrugged, "Maybe it's just your new house and there ain't nothin' more to it than that."

Rarity smiled and nodded her head, "I must say, speaking strictly on aesthetics, there doesn't need to be more to it. It's all simply divine!"

"I agree with Twilight," Fluttershy said happily, "And Rarity. And Applejack. And Rainbow Dash. And Pinkie Pie. Oh, and probably Spike."

Twilight sighed, "As princess, I've been chosen to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. So why would the Tree of Harmony want us to sit in a castle in Ponyville? It doesn't make any sense."

As if the answers had called, Twilight's Cutie Mark glowed brightly. And so did her throne chair. But she wasn't alone, as her friends too had the same spots.

With their throne chair's Cutie Mark glowed, it shot the beam straight to the sparkled star emblem on the ground. The ground shook. Six throne chairs' formed the line of crystallized stone. And they headed straight to the emblem. They slowly wrapped and formed together into a rounded table. Its platform formed some familiar holographic cities and land...

Ash, Ashley, Twinkle, Duke, Crystal Flare, and Bishop entered the chamber while arguing?

"I am not going to apologize to that spoiled brat! Not gonna happen! Ya hear me?!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance.

Twinkle poked her horn at Duke's butt. She said angrily, "Be nice, Boomer! You're the one who starts the mess in the first place!"

"Just eating some bugs is the problem?! Gimme a break!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance.

Ashley groaned in annoyance, "Boomer, please! Fluttershy is a very sensitive pony. And she doesn't like her animals get hurt."

Crystal nodded, "Besides, you did start the fight in the first place."

"Notion agreed," Bishop nodded, "100 percent confirmation that you had eaten lots of bugs including the rare Golden Beetle. And zero percent for not understanding Fluttershy's feelings. Conclusion of your action, you're selfish.

Duke screamed in anger, "Oh, come on!"

"Knock it off! Something off... I sense it," Ash said in concern as he pointed in front of them, "Look!"

Ash and his friends headed off to the front as they saw what they did not expect. Spike yawned softly as he slowly got up. He saw what others saw. They saw the platform was filled with the holographic map of Equestria and Mystic Realm which was above the land.

Spike whistled, "Is that new? I like it." He quickly got off his throne chair. He climbed on the table. He looked around on the table's map. He commented, "This is incredible! It's got all of Equestria and Knighton!"

Pinkie Pie gasped as she looked at her familiar hometown, " "Hi, Mom and Dad!"

STOMP! Pinkie squealed in sadness. Spike looked embarrassed yet pitiful about what he did.

Before anypony could react or do anything, they were glared at by the lights. Twilight and her friends turned to their flanks as they found their Cutie Marks glowing and shimmering brightly. Their Cutie Mark created the duplicate yet holographic forms as they spun together. It started from Ponyville the moved to the very northeastern mountain pass. Everyone was in shock and confuse yet surprise by the event.

Twilight quickly levitated Spike back to the ground.

Crystal whistled, "That's some surprise..."

"But if this is Ponyville," Fluttershy then looked at the first coordination before looking at the second one, "why are our Cutie Marks over there?"

"One reason..." Ash said calmly. Everyone turned and looked at him. He answered, "I heard the legend. And I never thought it was here. When the Cutie Marks glowed brightly, the Chosen Ones must answer the call to the distressed land for one purpose - help the innocents. This table and map - it's Friendship's Summoning Call."

Twilight got off her throne chair as she approached it. She hummed calmly, "You could be right. The map wants us to find out. The Tree, the chest, this castle, and now the map. How can we not follow it?"

Rainbow smirked as she flew over the map. She looked at the pinpointed place, "Y'know what? There's a ton of room for dangerous adventure along that route. Count me in!"

Applejack smiled and nodded, "Aw, shoot, I reckon you're right."

Pinkie hummed calmly, "Well, I was planning on organizing my baking sheets, but okay!"

Rarity sighed, "Very well."

"I might as well go," Ash answered. Everyone looked at him. He explained, "Just in case if you girls got into trouble. And besides, Darryl and his army were on the run. No telling when he'll strike back. He still wants your brother's head since his defeat."

"Count me in!" Twinkle said happily, "I want to try my Battle Mode again."

Ashley smirked, "I'm going too. This is gonna be awesome."

Crystal Flare sighed, "Fine. I've got no work to do. I could use some exercise."

"Hey, me too. I need some fresh air away from Barry. He's so annoying. He can't even shut up for once." Duke agreed.

Everyone then turned and looked at the frightened and concerned Fluttershy. She yelped in concern as she knew what her friends' thinking, "Um, maybe I'll just stay here with Spike."

Spike smirked as he had his helmet-drinks-holder and clawed glove with the #1 sign, "Awesome! Me and Big Mac have a huge weekend ahead of us talkin' hoofball, and... and trading hoofball cards, and arguing about hoofball stats..."

Fluttershy yelped, "O-o-on second thought, m-m-maybe I'd better go with them. In case they need me."

Duke yelped, "What?! Then, count me out! I'm not going!" As Duke was about to go, Twinkle levitated him up. He yelped in shock, "Hey! Put me down, girly! I'm not going! Ya hear me?! I'M NOT GOING!"

"Yes, you are!" All four ponies exclaimed in annoyance, "You've got someone to apologize!"

Duke huffed, "Why am I not surprise..."

Bishop cleared his throat, "As your eternally loyal commander, I volunteered to be Spike's Babysitter and House Caretaker till your return."

Twilight smiled, "Thanks. Wow... You're a reliable Metal Pony." She turned to her friends, "Alright then, road trip!"

Twilight and her friends turned and exited the meeting chamber while leaving Spike and Metalgear behind.

Spike sighed, "Great... Just what I need - a babysitter." He turned and looked at Metalgear, "So, wanna watch hoofball?"

Bishop hummed, "An intriguing sport... I agree."

Spike smiled as he explained "Okay. Here's how it goes - Big Mac got a Hock Fetlock rookie card I plan to sweet-talk right into these hot little claws."

As Twilight and her friends got into the train, they traveled across the hills and grassland, followed by the bridge over the canyon, and finally arrived at the barren wasteland-like. Twilight and her friends exited it as they began traveling on hooves.

After some hours of walking through canyons, forests, and mountains; they came across some squared houses. They finally arrived.

"That's it!" Twilight said proudly, "That's the place on the map!"

"Right," Rarity said in relief, "Let's get down there and find the spa."

As Rarity was about to move, Twilight teleported in front of her. She explained, "Wait. We don't know why the map sent us here. We shouldn't just walk right in. It could be dangerous."

Rainbow smirked proudly as she knew that Twilight would say it.

"Leave it to me and Crystal. We'll take care of it." Ashley announced.

Ashley and Crystal headed off as they checked and looked around the area. So far, it was nothing. Upon reaching the edge, they turned and waved their friends to come. Upon arriving at the area, Twilight and her friends witnessed the event that happen in the village.

The village was quiet and peaceful while the ponies looked calm and happy...

"This is where the map sent us? It looks like the most boring place in Equestria," Rainbow asked in annoyance.

Applejack nodded, "It's just an ordinary village full of ordinary pony folk."

Upon looking at the houses' designs and landscape, Rarity sighed, "It could certainly use a few more architectural flourishes. Or any architectural flourishes."

"I think it's lovely," Fluttershy commented.

"Yuck! Flutter-cooties..." Duke commented. Everyone turned and glared at him. He asked in annoyance, "What?! I don't like it! Okay?!."

"I'm with him. I don't like it!" Pinkie said dryly as she looked at the open wide-smiles of ponies. Everyone turned to her. She commented, "I don't like it one bit. I know smiles. And those smiles? They're just not right."

Twilight gasped, "Forget the smiles. Look at the cutie marks."

As Twilight pointed at the locals' flanks, her friends found something suspicious and shock. Their Cutie Marks are the same?! And theirs were equal signs-like. They were in shock and surprise at it.

"Okay... That's weird." Rainbow commented.

Crystal nodded, "You'd tell me."

Twilight turned to her friends, "An entire village with the same cutie mark? How can that be?"

Rainbow smirked, "I bet there's some sort of horrific monster behind it." Everyone looked at her oddly and concern. She continued, "'Cause fighting a horrific monster would be super-awesome!"

"Doubtful of that," Shadow Dra commented before turned and looked at the ponies, "But something's not right as well. And I've seen it before. But where?"

As everyone was in concern of what Shadow Dragon had said, Applejack quickly suggested, "I reckon we just ought to head into town and talk to some locals, find out what's goin' on."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement with Applejack as they headed off at once.

Pinkie groaned, "Those smiles are bad news."

While walking, Ash was having some deep thoughts about the Cutie Marks. Twilight, Twinkle, and Ashley noticed it.

"Still thinking about the past," Twilight asked in concern.

Ash sighed, "Yeah... The Cutie Marks... It reminded me of some event. And I've seen it too. But I wasn't sure he's here."

As Twilight and her friends entered the village's entrance, they were greeted warmly, kindly, and gently despite they had open yet wide smiles. Twilight and her friends thanked them kindly. As for Ash, he sensed something strange on the place and ponies. He felt like he had been before but where was his deep question.

Fluttershy smiled, "This must be the most pleasant place in Equestria."

The black Pegasus with gentle and combed mane and tail named Night Glider flew towards Fluttershy. She bowed and greeted, "Welcome."

Fluttershy giggled happily at having a good greeting.

Rainbow groaned in annoyance, "Thanks a lot, map."

As Twilight and her friends continued passing locals by, they encountered two stallions. One was the white Earth Pony with gentle white mane and short tail while another was the blue Earth Pony with navy combed mane and short tail. They both smiled widened in greeting them.

The blue Earth Pony smiled, "Welcome! Pardon my forwardness, but are you an Alicorn?"

Applejack smiled, "That there's the Princess of Friendship!"

He smiled back, "Well, you've certainly come to the right place for friendship."

The white Erath Pony nodded, "What brings you to town?"

Twilight hummed in concern and unsure, "We're not entirely sure."

"I see. Well, all are welcome here in our little village. My name is Double Diamond," Double Diamond introduced himself to his blue Earth Pony friend, " And this is Party Favor."

Applejack smiled as she introduced herself and her friends, "Howdy at, Double Diamond. I'm Applejack, and this here's Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Ashley, Tinkle, Crystal Flare, that grumpy dragon Duke, and that guy is Ash!

Double Diamond commented, "You all have your unique cutie marks,"

Twilight knew it's time to ask, "If you don't mind, has there been any sort of... The trouble here, lately?"

Double Diamond gasped, "Trouble? Why I don't think we've ever had trouble before in our little village."

Party Favor nodded, "It's true." He gasped, "Perhaps you'd care to speak to our founders Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt."

Feeling suspects that the village's leader might know something, they all nodded their heads in agreement. They then followed Double Diamond and Party Favor in meeting their leader.

Fluttershy sighed happily, "I wish everypony in Equestria was as friendly as these ponies."

"Really? What's with your cootie and softy attitude? That's so lame, you know." Duke muttered in annoyance. Everyone turned and glared at him. He groaned in annoyance, "Will you guys stop glaring at me?! It's getting annoying!"

Twinkle glared at Duke, "You still owe Aunt Fluttershy apologize. And you'd better do it."

Crystal nodded his head in agreement, "Besides, she got her own opinion. We've gotta respect her too."

Duke huffed, "Yeah, sure... Like that's gonna happen."

Both of them sighed in annoyance at his attitude. Then two ponies approached them.

One was a pink Unicorn with a gentle and combed purple mane with greenish stripes in ponytail and tail. While was a red unicorn with a red-white mohawk mane and tail. They were none then Starlight and Plasma.

"Welcome! I'm so pleased to have you here." Both of said.

With Rainbow Dash groaned, Double Diamond introduced Twilight and her friends to his leader.

Starlight looked closely at Twilight's appearance before she gasped in surprise, "Forgive my bluntness, but I'm assuming it's Princess Twilight Sparkle? We don't get many Alicorns around here."

Twilight smiled uneasily, " Yes, but 'Twilight' is fine."

"And assuming that Earth Pony with spiky is your boyfriend? While both the golden-maned pony and little one are your children? I heard a tale about you."

"Yes. They're very special ones to me, and especially Dragon Hope. We're 'connected'. And the best of him, he's-!"

Ash interrupted, "Princess's Number One Bodyguard. And I take it pridefully and seriously. I'm in debt to her for allowing me to stay in her home."

His friends looked concerned about what he had said. First, he used his real name, and now he refuses to let her know his pony-type. Why was he so distrustful and suspicious?

"I see..." Starlight smiled, "So! How did you hear of our little village?"

Twilight sighed, "It's kind of a long story. Let's just say we found it on a map."

Pinkie smiled, "Technically, it's a Tree-chest-castle-map!"

As Pinkie gave the sour looks before walked away, Starlight sighed before she smiled, "Well, however you found us, we're happy to have you! We're happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time."

Everyone but Double Diamond and Party Flavor looked shocked and suspicious of what Starlight Glimmer had said.

Starlight continued, "Oh, indeed. That's what's so unique about our village, you see. Around here, we don't flaunt our special talents because we don't have any special talents to flaunt."

Ash hummed in concern, "Is that why you all have those Cutie Marks?"

Plasma smiled as she marched towards the door, "Perhaps it would be easier to understand if
we gave you a tour of the village!"

...

Duke laughed wildly as he took a bite on the spider's head, "That was stupid. Seriously - who gave that idea of giving the Cutie Marks? You guys are even dumber than I thought."

Rainbow chuckled happily as she gave Duke a high-hoof, "Yeah! Thanks, Duke!"

"Rainbow Dash, Duke Van Dyne; don't be so rude," Fluttershy scolded Rainbow Dash and Boomer before she continued, "I don't think we should judge them. They all seem perfectly happy with their choice."

Pinkie jumped and glared at Fluttershy, "Don't believe their smiles, Fluttershy."

Twilight sighed as she bowed down, "I'm sorry, I guess we're just a little confused by all of this."

Ash nodded, "But... Where did you get the idea from?"

Starlight sighed in disappointment, "We have no judgments here in our village. Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our Cutie Marks. That traumatized me a lot."

Everyone looked at each other for the moment as they weren't sure if they were willing to give up on their Cutie Marks.

Twilight sighed, "When we were sent to this village, we assumed it was to help in some way. But, well, it doesn't seem like you need any help."

"Have you considered perhaps that you might have been sent here so we could help you," Starlight asked as she approached Twilight? Twilight was in thought. She continued, "After all, nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave. Why should you be any different? But that is entirely your choice. Please enjoy our little corner of Equestria. We're all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well."

She turned to Double Diamond, "Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need."

Double Diamond nodded in understanding. He then gave a widened smile to his guests. They find it... 'strange' and 'creepy'.

As soon as Starlight left Twilight and her friends alone, she smirked suspiciously, "Well, this will certainly provide a boost to our little community. When the rest of Equestria sees that a princess gave up her cutie mark to join us, they'll finally understand what we're trying to accomplish."

Starlight then left and headed back to her home. Ash gave a suspicious look at her as he finds something strange and funny about her and her 'community.

As Twilight and her friends looked around the village, the citizens all smiled widely and 'happily' at them while waving to them. They waved back awkwardly and nervously. They were still not used to 'removing their Cutie Marks'.

Twilight sighed, "A cutie mark is a representation of a pony's unique talents and skills. How is it possible to—"

"What is the name of Equestria is that?!" Rarity gasped as they turned and looked at her. She stared at the ruined woven and strawed coat-like. The shopkeeper smiled happily at her. She shook her head gently while smiled nervously. She and her friends sat down at the table. She whispered to them, "No wonder nopony's wearing anything!"

Fluttershy was angered, "Really, girls! They may do things a bit differently than we're used to, but that's no reason to be rude."

Boomer screamed in anger, "Are you that stupid?! You're so easy to like everything. No wonder you're the useless one."

"Can't you be nice for one time, Boomer? You're worse like what you did to those bugs!"

"Hey! The little dragon gotta eat! Okay?! What do you expect me to do? Eat grass?! Hell No!"

"Duke!" Ashley and Twinkle exclaimed in annoyance.

"Really? Do you want to get yourself into trouble?" Ashley asked in annoyance.

Twinkle nodded, "Don't you think that you've caused enough trouble?"

"Hey, back off! That brat started it!" Duke said in annoyance, "She still doesn't get anything. And I'm telling you'll that this place is not so cool!"

Rainbow Dash sighed, "I'm with him. Those ponies keep staring at us! That's rude!"

The grayish Unicorn with purplish mane in bun manestyle and short tail named Sugar Belle emerged from the door as she was about to make an order. But Twilight and her friends continued chatting and discussing.

Twilight shook her head, "Fluttershy's right. If we're going to get to the bottom of why the map sent us here, we'll need the help of these ponies."

Applejack huffed, "I think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we even knew what that map was!"

"And to think that I might find something worth to my boredom - just another boredom," Crystal remarked.

"If we were at the end of Equestria, we'd be sitting on a big 'A'!" Pinkie giggled happily, "Get it?"

Rarity huffed, "Oh, please, Miss Pie! This is hardly the time for jokes! We've come all this way and for what?"

Twilight sighed, "Maybe you're right. But we're here now, and it sure feels like something's wrong."

Applejack remarked, "That and two bits'll get you a cup of cider."

The waitress was about to say but Fluttershy interrupted, "We shouldn't be bickering like this in front of our new friends. Applejack, you're almost as bad as Rainbow Dash! And I don't even want both of my friends to be worse as Duke!"

"Hey, bitch! Stop dragging me into this!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance.

"Duke! Stop being mean to her! Start apologizing to her now!" Nyx scolded in anger.

Ashley nodded, "Besides, don't you think you hurt her feelings enough for one day?!"

"I don't even give a damn care about her worry about pests!" Boomer remarked in annoyance, "And I'm telling you to throw her off now! She's gonna drag us into trouble! She doesn't deserve to be in your group! She's bad news pony!"

Fluttershy was about to cry upon hearing what Boomer had said.

Rainbow gave a glare at Boomer, "Hey! Stop being mean to her! I know she loves her animals too much but she's our friend! She can't help it! And best of all, she got more guts than you realize!"

Applejack nodded, "That's far enough, Duke!"

"Yeah! Enough is enough, dragon!" Pinkie agreed.

"You're rude, inconsiderable, and selfish dragon I ever met, compare to other dragons I've encountered. Spike is more polite and kinder than you are!" Twilight remarked.

Rarity nodded, "Indeed! Apologize to her now, you grunt!"

"Hey! That's Grunt's job, not mine!" Duke exclaimed in anger.

"Will you all knock it off?!" Ash shouted. Everyone stopped at once as they turned to him, "There's the reason why we're here! And we'll find it. And you, just stop mistreating Fluttershy! I know you want to eat bugs so badly but not in front of her. She's sensitive. And what happens if you had that kind in your brotherhood? Would you want that?"

Hearing that made him sighed, Duke nodded his head sadly, "Yeah... I guess you're right."

...

Shortly after Plasma and Starlight showed them the Cutie Vault where all the ponies had the cutie mark had been stripped. As our heroes were about to act, Plasma used the Staff of Sameness on them thus removing their cutie marks.

Starlight approached the heroes, "Aw. I don't blame you for what you tried to do here today. You've spent your whole lives thinking those marks are a good thing."

Then Crystal Flare and Ashley looked above the room.

"What the hell! We both go out for a drink of cider, and already we missed something important happens" Ashley complains.

"Never mind that kiddo. We got to stop them. " Crystal said in anger.

In the vault...

Plasma smiled in relief, "Excellent... Now we are all equal. Anything else you wish to speak?"

"You miss one," Crystal Flare said calmly.

Everyone looked confuse, shock yet surprise by what he had said. Then, they were in shock yet surprise. They saw Ash, Ashley, and Crystal Flare, with their cutie marks.

"That's impossible!" Starlight exclaimed in shock.

"Wait a second? No pony could resist that kind of magic! Unless-!" Plasma stopped as he realized about them. He looked closely at his appearance carefully. He gasped, "Of course... You're not the Equestrian Ponies, aren't you, Human Ponies?"

Everyone including Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and surprise. How did Starlight Glimmer figure that out?

Crystal Flare hummed, "Really? Care to emulate?"

"Your manes, your eyes, and your Cutie Marks - I thought it's just a doppelganger. But when I fired my staff right at you, your Cutie Marks didn't remove. And I knew that only one species can resist that - it's a Human Pony. Am I right?"

"Yeah... Now you know who we are. Surrender and everything will be fine."

Starlight smirked before chuckled a bit, "Did you think this will be that easy?"

Both Ash and Crystal Flare gave her a suspicious look at her in wondering what she's planning. Starlight Glimmer smiled in amusement as she fired her dark greenish ball-like at them. Both yelped painfully before coughed out loud as he struggled in keeping his eyes open. But all he can see was blur vision. With their last breath, both fell to the ground hard. they sounded asleep.

Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and concern at what they witnessed. They checked on him carefully to see if there were okay.

"They're both sleeping," Twinkle said in concern.

Twilight glared at Starlight Glimmer and Plasma Bolt, "Wha- What did you do to them?!"

Starlight smiled, "I just put those two to sleep."

Ashley growled at them, "You never get with this! Assholes!

Plasma smirked, "But we just did. Everypony take them to 'safe house'. Let them learn our ways of 'equality. They'll be appreciated it."

The locals moved and took Twilight and all of her friends to the safe house.

Double Diamond and two other ponies held both Human Ponies up as they followed Starlight Glimmer to her house.

With two 'Equal' ponies on guard duty, Twilight and all of her friends were trapped in the safe house for listening and learning about equality. They struggled in ignoring the recording messages yet they went into their heads.

Rainbow Dash banged the door as 'hard' as they can but no effort in breaching it. Pinkie read through the books which page shown only 'equal'. Rarity was staring at the curtain. Fluttershy looked at the window. Duke screamed in anger while complaining wildly and angrily through the window. Applejack walked around in thinking of the plan. Twilight and Twinkle did the same thing but sitting down. Ashley groaned and grunted as he struggled in summoning her spear. And so far, there was nothing they can do.

Twilight groaned painfully as she got up and spoke, "We've gotta find a way out of here! I can't take much more of that voice!"

"Tell me about it," the small alicorn complained as she covered both of her ears tight down, "It's giving me a headache! I wish my Battle Mode was ready!"

Ashley groaned in anger, "I can't even summon my Thunder Flame Lance or Star Blaster. I guess we're stuck."

Rarity cried and sobbed, "Oh, this is horrible!"

"There, there, Rarity... It's not so bad..." Fluttershy comforted while patted on her back.

"Yes, it is!" Rarity scolded as she pointed at the window's drape, "Look at those drapes! I have no idea if they're tacky or not!"

Fluttershy hummed in concern, "Well, I think they're nice."

The equal glowed darkly as Rarity cried unhappily, "So do I!"

Heard the tweeting, Fluttershy gasped as she found a bird landed on the window. She approached, "Oh, thank goodness! Can you help us, little birdie?"

Fluttershy's Cutie Mark glowed darkly. The bird answered was tweeting. And usually, Fluttershy understood the animals very well. But now, it was nothing but tweeting. Fluttershy was saddened that she couldn't understand it.

Fluttershy squealed in upset, "Oh, even tweets don't make sense anymore!"

Twilight hummed in concern as she spoke, "Something odd about that staff. I haven't studied Eastern unicorns as much as I should have, but I'm pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don't remember any of them being a staff."

Duke screamed in anger, "Who cares?! Try and help us figure the way out from this stupid house! I can't stand on it!" He turned and glared at Fluttershy, "This is your fault!"

"My fault?!" Fluttershy startled, "How is this my fault?!"

"If you hadn't been so pretty 'nice and kind' pony, we wouldn't have stuck in this mess! And the worst about you, you tell her about our secret, bitch!"

Fluttershy sniffed in pain as she looked down. Everyone turned and glared at him. They had enough with his attitude.

Pinkie exclaimed, "Hey! That was me who spill the secret out, not Fluttershy! She has nothing to do with Starlight getting us!"

Rainbow groaned, "You know what?! Ever since you came to Ponyville, you did nothing but being mean and selfish to her! You're an asshole!"

Rarity nodded, "Indeed! Why can't you give her a chance? She may be too kind and gentle but she's sensitive! She's not like us."

Duke sighed, "Yeah, I'm sorry to say something I'd never want to say again." Everyone turned and looked at him. He snapped angrily, "You ponies are dumbest ponies I ever met! Did you even realize what happened?! We're goddamn stuck here because of her! She wanted here so badly! And she got it! Do you know what happens next?! We're gonna become slaves! Think carefully, genius!"

Fluttershy sighed, "I'm sorry." Everyone turned and looked at her. She cried and sobbed in despair, "He's right. He's right. I was selfish and stupid for not realizing what ponies want. And now, we're becoming what Starlight wanted us to be!"

As if the idea hit her, Twilight gasped, "I've got it! I know how we can get out!"

Everyone turned and looked at her. Was she for real? Or did something hit her head when they were trapped at the small safe house? The door was locked up while they have no strength to breach it. The window was too small for them to escape. There was no help either. They can't escape it.

Twilight smiled, "We don't actually have to escape. They'll just let us out when they think we've accepted their philosophy!"

"But they're never gonna believe we switched over in just one night," Applejack said in concern.

"There's one of us they might believe," Twilight answered calmly as she turned and looked at Fluttershy.

The rest of her friends turned and looked at Fluttershy. They smiled in approval and agreement that she was right. Fluttershy was perfect.

Fluttershy gasped, "Oh! Me?!"

Rainbow nodded, "You've been saying how great this place is since we got here!"

"But-but-but-but-" Fluttershy explained but with losses of some words. She sighed, "Oh, you're right. They probably would believe me. I hate to lie to them. They've been so welcoming and friendly... aside from locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things that make us special... Okay. I'll do it."

Twilight and her friends smiled in approval and were pleased with her.

Duke huffed, "So, the bitch finally doing it. About time."

Twinkle poked her horn at his butt as she scolded, "As for you, you're going with her! And you have to make sure that she makes it out!"

"What?! Are you kidding me?!" Duke exclaimed in annoyance, "I'm not going with her!"

"Yes, you are!" Everyone but Fluttershy exclaimed in annoyance and anger.

"Like it or not, you still owe Fluttershy an apology!" Ashley exclaimed in anger, "And you're gonna do it. Trust me, you do not like my temper."

Rainbow nodded, "That kid got the point. You start the mess, you clean it up. And best of all, you give the idea in the first place."

Duke groaned in annoyance, "Me and my big mouth."

"But what do we do once we're out," Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Find Ash and Crystal Flare. See if they're okay. I had the feeling that Starlight and Plasma will find a way to make Human Ponies equal to others. We can't let that happen," Twilight instructed, "And above all, you've gotta find a way to get our cutie marks back."

Fluttershy gulped in concern as she was worried that she won't able to perform it. Duke nudged her stomach hard.

"C'mon, Flutter. I wanna see if you got guts of not," Duke snickered in amusement. "I might say 'sorry' to you."

Fluttershy took a deep breath as she had enough with his bad attitude, "Fine. I'll prove it."

"You'd think daddy'll be fine?" Twinkle asked in worry.

Twilight nuzzled her head gently, "Don't worry, he'll be fine. After all, he's the tough one. He's a hero."

She smiled back at her mother as she gave her a hug. Everyone sighed as they all can pray and hoped that everything will be alright and especially Ash and Crystal Flare. For now, they had to wait till morning.

At the basement, Ash was tied to a metallic bed with strapping belts. His body had lots of bruises and burnt marks. He groaned and moaned painfully like he was being beaten or electrocuted. His vision was blurry and struggled in keeping his eyes up. He then saw Starlight Glimmer glaring at him.

Starlight sighed calmly, "We'll continue our 'discussion' tomorrow. And hopefully, you'll be more cooperative. If not, our 'little' friend or your girlfriend will help me."

He groaned, "Why are you doing this? What exactly are you trying to achieve?"

"Something you'll never understand. And I rather not waste my time on explaining it."

"You're insane. If you think making Mystic Ponies 'equal' as others, then you're wrong."

"Oh. I will make it happen. Once I find something that helps me to achieve it, Equestria and Mystic can finally be one. No one is special..."

Starlight turned as she was ready heading off to her room. Shadow Dragon turned and glared at her climbing up the stairs to the top.

"You're wrong. Anyone can. It's matter how or what you can," Ash muttered painfully, "Now I know who you really are. And you won't fool the world much longer. But only one thing I need to know - who helped you."

Twilight and all of her friends were trapped in the safe house they struggled in ignoring the 'philosophy of equality. And so far, they did well in accepting it but they still can't take it much longer for the whole night.

As soon as the morning rose, Starlight opened the door as she smiled happily.

"I trust you had a pleasant night? This way, please. There are some friends who'd like to see you." Starlight said calmly as she led Twilight and her friends out.

Twilight and her friends smiled and smirked. It's time to put their plan in motion. As Twilight and her friends gathered outside, Starlight made the announcement to her locals and then asked her 'guests'.

"Gather round, friends, gather round! We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or the talents that come with them."

Double Diamond smiled in agreement, "We have a welcome ceremony for new friends! The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage—"

"Not interested!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance, "You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!"

Applejack nodded, "Y'all don't understand, do ya? You can't force nopony to be friends! It doesn't work like that!"

Unfortunately, the locals ignored the Mane Six and their friends' words as they cheered and begged the latter to be one of them. Starlight smiled as she was expecting it. She turned away to look at her own ponies while Twilight and her friends glared at her.

Starlight sighed in disappointment, "It's all right, everypony. This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet. We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!"

As Twilight and all of her friends entered the safe house, Fluttershy followed them as well. Duke groaned in annoyance. Why did he have to do it?! He quickly nudged his feet at her back leg.

Fluttershy gasped as she forgot the plan. She turned and exclaimed, "I'd like to join!"

"Me too! Just please! Don't send me back to that prison! I can't take it!" Duke begged and exclaimed frantically, "Please, don't send me back!"

Starlight Glimmer and her ponies cheered happily and proudly in seeing both Fluttershy and Duke gave in at once. Twilight and her friends were in 'shock.

Fluttershy? How could you," Twilight exclaimed in 'shock'.

"I trusted you! I thought you've got guts! You're a coward!" Ashley exclaimed in 'anger, "And you're gonna leave everything behind?!"

Duke scoffed 'arrogantly', "It's better than copping in the prison! Not going back!"

Fluttershy nodded, "If giving up my cutie mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I'll do it."

"COWARDS!" Rarity exclaimed in 'anger'.

With two friends 'betrayed' them, Twilight and her friends are locked up in the safe house. Starlight and Plasma smiled in pleasure as they approach both Fluttershy and Boomer.

We have a new friend, everypony!" Plasma announced proudly. The locals chatted happily about having new ones among them. He continued, "Now, there's one more order of business. It seems some in our midst might be... dissatisfied with the village life!"

The locals gasped in shock and feared of what Starlight had said. Party Favor, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider were feared and worried as they knew that they'll be caught for 'betraying' her and their friends.

Starlight nodded as she continued, "Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends!" She turned to both Fluttershy and Boomer, "Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure.

Both Fluttershy and Boomer gulped in concern. They knew it was too easy. They now had to sacrifice the ones they were entrusted to keep their secrets for Starlight's trust. They were in dilemma to answer it as they dared not betray their friends' trust and hope.

Feared for his friends' safety, Party Favor decided to do what he had to.

Party Favor galloped towards Starlight as he bowed down to her, "It was me! It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!"

Starlight raised her eyebrow at him, "And you're quite certain it was only you?"

"I just wanted to remember what it was like."

"And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness."

With Starlight's wave gesture, two local ponies moved Party Favor into a safe house. He turned and looked at his friends for one last time. Fluttershy, Boomer, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider looked upset and painful to see him get locked up.

Party Favor pleaded, "I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of—" As the door shut, he sighed in upset as he knew they won't forgive. He banged on the door once as he muttered in upset, "What was I thinking?! I can't believe I even considered asking for my cutie mark back."

"So what are we gonna do while Fluttershy's out there lookin' for Ash and Crystal Flare and our cutie marks?" Applejack asked in concern.

Twilight smiled, "We have to stay as positive as we can. If Party Favor sees how much we really do like each other, even though we're all different, maybe we can use him to spread our message to the rest of the village."

Starlight's recording speaking got turned on in turning Twilight and her friends to become 'equal' as others. They were gonna have a long day to do. And hopefully, they won't become one of them. And they prayed Fluttershy and Duke get the job done.

As Fluttershy and Duke followed Starlight Glimmer to her home, the ponies greeted them calmly and warmly. They both smiled in relief and pleased.

Fluttershy commented, "Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I've ever met."

"You bet. I hate to admit it but it's kinda cool to have peace and quiet like this and Ponyville. It's way better than my old home. A happy smile." Duke agreed. Surprise by what he had just said, Fluttershy smiled at him. He yelped before he looked away and had his arms crossed, "Of course. It's not like I care about it so much."

"Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed." Starlight said calmly as she led both of them into her home, "Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer. But first I need you to do something for me."

Both Fluttershy and Boomer looked concerned and scared of what Starlight might ask them to do. They prayed it's not about them.

Starlight helped both of them get comfortable in her house by having lunch and dinner, settled their beds, and gave them some rules. As the night fell, she led both of them downstairs to the basement. It was time to see if they were willing to convert Ash to her side.

As they arrived at the basement, they spotted him slept on the metallic bed. What shock and scared both Fluttershy and Boomer the most was seeing him bruised and wounded with some marks.

"Wha-What happen to him?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Plasma sighed in concern, "Ever since I put some sleeping spell on him, he had sudden nightmares. And he tried to attack me. So, I left with no choice but to knock him out and strapped him up."

" Damn.., That's some serious bang-up," Duke commented in concern.

"Now that you both are here. I need you to talk and convince our little friend to help our cause." Plasma smiled as he turned away from them, "I hope you both prove your loyalty to me and our ponies."

"Fluttershy? Boomer? Is that you? What happen? Did you escape?" Shadow Dragon asked hopefully.

"Escape, nope. We just make Plasma Bolt believed in us, so we can find you and get the Cutie Marks back! Easy peachy," Duke commented proudly.

Fluttershy sighed, "Unfortunately, he thinks we can 'help' you to accept their philosophy. Oh... I don't like it. I don't even want to think of what happened to us after what she did to you."

"You don't have to. I'm fine. Her attacks are nothing to me. he just wants the Mystic Power to increase her spell." Ash said seriously, "But that's not important. The Staff of Sameness is not real. It was her magic. She's responsible for the mess from the start."

"What? How?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.

Crystal Flare joined in, "That magic is called 'Unmarking'. And you already know how it works. And who taught her is something we need to solve the mystery."

"How, genius?" Duke asked in annoyance.

"You have to earn and win her trust. Once she accepted you, then she will let you know her secret. Something has driven her to do it. Only you two can do it."

"Oh... If only that was easy," Fluttershy said in concern, "Oh... I don't think I can handle it. It's too much."

Duke quickly closed her mouth at once. He gave her a sign of 'silence' as if he heard something. He then pointed up to the stairs. They both slowly walked up to the stairs gently and quietly. Upon reaching the top, they opened the door halfway for them to peek and see.

Both of them spotted Double Diamond brought the box of some familiar Cutie Marks to Starlight Glimmer. She was waiting at the entrance.

Starlight smiled, "Excellent work, Double Diamond."

"Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here." Double Diamond asked in concern, "Fluttershy is one of us now. Surely she can be trusted."

Starlight smiled as she levitated the box in. She looked at Twilight's Cutie Mark, "This one belongs to a princess. It could be very important to our cause."

"But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?"

"I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled. You may go, Double Diamond."

Double Diamond nodded as he turned and headed off. Starlight Glimmer smiled as she brought the Cutie Marks canisters up to her room.

They looked at each other for the moment as they had both worry and scared now. They had no hope to get the Cutie Marks from Starlight now.

"Great! How the hell are we ever going to get the Cutie Marks back now?!" Duke asked in anger.

Fluttershy quickly covered his mouth up at once. Starlight screamed in shock with the splash of water. They both looked at each other as they nodded.

Boomer mounted on Fluttershy's back. They opened the door at once as they walked up to the stairs. They stopped at the top part of the stairs. They found the door was opened. They saw Starlight was wet.

Starlight groaned in annoyance, "Starlight, you clumsy foal!"

Both Fluttershy and Duke continued watching the event as they wondered what secret she had hidden from the world. Starlight levitated the towel as she wiped and cleaned herself up. As soon as she finished, her flank revealed a purplish star with two greenish swirling lights. They both were in shock. She actually had the Cutie Mark?!

Both were shocked that Starlight had a cutie mark. They quickly went downstairs to the basement before Starlight found out about them.

At the basement, they informed Ash of what they had learned. Ash was quiet as he wasn't surprised about it.

"So, that's how it is? She concealed her Cutie Mark to win the ponies. She spread lies on them to follow her blindly," Ash said calmly. He huffed, "If she thinks that would help her, she has another thing coming for her."

"So, what's next?" Duke asked.

Ash smirked as he explained what plans he had for Starlight Glimmer and her 'loyal' village. Both Fluttershy and Duke nodded their heads in agreement and understanding. It could work for their advantage.

Starlight went came downstairs to check on proBoth Fluttershy and Duke turned to Starlight Glimmer.

"Starlight, Ash has agreed to join our side," Fluttershy reported.

Starlight was about to say but Duke interrupted, "But bad news - he'll give you the spell if Twilight and her family joined us. That's his one serious condition."

Starlight groaned in disappointment but she smiled calmly. She still had time. She nodded, "Very well. I accept it. Rest assured, they'll join us. Time to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a special day."

Fluttershy and Boomed nodded in understanding. They both then went up the stairs to their bedroom. Starlight followed them. All Ash did was looking at her. He then smirked secretly like he expected it to happen.

In the next morning, everyone gathered at the village safe house. They awaited for Twilight and her friends to emerge from the house as they hoped they joined their sides.

"I've got a good feeling about today! So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?" Starlight asked in amusement. No one answered but glared at her. She sighed, "Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we? No new friends today, I'm afraid!"

"Wait! We'd like to lock them up," Fluttershy begged innocently.

Ash nodded "I would like to try and convincer Twilight to join us. She always listens to me."

"Marvelous, Fluttershy and Ash That's the spirit!" Starlight exclaimed in please. Both Shadow Dragon and Fluttershy approached to Twilight and her friends as they talked and convinced them to join Starlight. She turned and looked at the nervous Party Favor, "Party Favor, will you join us, please?"

Party Favor galloped towards Starlight as he bowed down, "I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony! I've seen the error of my ways! I never want to look at my cutie mark again!"

Starlight smiled in please, "It seems there's cause for celebration after all!"

The ponies cheered happily for seeing Party Favor returned to them.

Party Favor continued, "They tried to break me! They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!"

Starlight gasped, "Such backward thinking."

"But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!"

"Well done, Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!"

"Um, Starlight?" Fluttershy called. Starlight and her ponies turned and looked at her and Ash. She continued, "I think we might have one more friend joining us today."

Ash turned and gave a nod. Twilight emerged from the safe house. The ponies gasped in surprise and shock.

Starlight smiled, "Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"

"I-I think so. But I just want to be sure." Twilight answered, "If I agree to leave my cutie mark in the vault, I'll really be happier?"

Starlight smiled, "Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"

"And you wouldn't let me just live here in the village with my old cutie mark?"

"Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy. We are all equal here!"

The ponies chatted and muttered in agreement with Starlight's concern and ways. Fluttershy quickly carried the bucket of water up. She flew up high as she glared at Starlight Glimmer.

"Then how do you explain this?!" Fluttershy demanded.

Fluttershy threw the bucket of water on Starlight. The latter dodged aside before the water hit her. Starlight glared at Fluttershy with her angry and suspicious eyes.

"I knew you couldn't be trusted," Starlight snarled in anger.

"How about me, bitch?!" Duke exclaimed proudly as he jumped on her back. As the water drop flowed down, he quickly wiped Starlight's flank quickly, "Time to show the world of who you really are!"

Starlight gasped, "No! Getaway!"

As soon as he finished wiping her flank off, Boomer jumped off from Starlight Glimmer. Her Cutie Mark revealed to her ponies. Everyone gasped in shock. She had the Cutie Marks?!

Starlight gasped as she quickly had her tail covered her Cutie Mark. She quickly and frantically exclaimed, "Wha... What are you looking at?! They're the problem, not me!"

The ponies continued staring and looking at Starlight's flank. Twilight and all of her friends had gathered outside as they all smirked proudly and relief.

"How could you?" Party Favor asked in shock.

Double Diamond asked, "You said cutie marks were evil! You said special talents led to pain and heartache!"

Starlight frantically explain as she pointed at Twilight and her friends, "They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!"

"Then why? Why did you take ours and not give up your own?" Sugar Belle asked in shock and concern.

"I... I had to, you fools!" Starlight exclaimed in anger. She got fed up of hiding the truth as everyone witnessed her Cutie Mark. She continued, "How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!"

Night Glider said in shock, "But the staff has all the magic we need!"

Starlight Glimmer explained in anger yet dark, "The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert! It's my magic that makes all this possible! You'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!"

Double Diamond exclaimed, "You lied to us!"

Starlight Glimmer huffed, "So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!"

Party Favor muttered in anger, "Except for you."

The ponies grew tired of Starlight's lies. They all chatted and muttered in anger at her. Starlight groaned in anger as she prepared her magic to harm and teach them a lesson.

Twilight spoke up, "Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea—"

"QUIET!' Starlight shouted at Twilight Sparkle.

Everyone was in shock. Starlight dared silenced the princess?! They had enough of her deception, betrayal, and attitude.

Ash glared at Starlight, "Then, let me ask you one thing. If you want 'equality, then give your Cutie Mark up. Show them that you really meant it. Show us who you really are."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement as they all looked and glared at Starlight Glimmer. They wanted to see if she was really meant that she was the same as them. They then approached her in making some pressure on her to get the answer.

Seeing that she was outnumbered, Starlight quickly launched her Repulsive Spell at Twilight and her friends out. She then quickly ran off at once.

Double Diamond turned to his friends and ponies, "Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!"

The ponies went wild as they all agreed with Double Diamond. They then quickly headed off to the cave at once to get their Cutie Marks back.

Rainbow smirked, "Come on! Let's go get our cutie marks!"

"Newsflash, Dash!" Duke exclaimed in concern as he turned and pointed at Starlight's house, "All of them are inside the bitch's home!"

"Damnit! Plasma and Starlight are hoofing it!" said Duke.

"Ash! Duke! Go! Go and get our Cutie Marks back!"

"You're our only hope!" Twinkle agreed.

"Kick her ass, guys!" Ashley exclaimed.

Ash nodded his head in understanding. Duke mounted on him as they headed straight for Starlight Glimmer and the Cutie Mark jars.

As Starlight continued running, she turned her back and found Night Glider catching onto her.

Starlight groaned in anger as her horn glowed, "Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?!"

Starlight fired her magic on the hill's edge. The snow fell on Night Glider to the ground. Night Glider got out from the snow as Sugar Belle, Double Diamond, and Party Favor passed her by. She rejoined her team. Shadow Dragon followed them from behind.

Sugar Belle answered back, "We gave up everything for you because we thought you were our friend!"

Twilight and her friends continued 'running' slowly to catch up with others.

Rainbow groaned in annoyance, "I can't believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our cutie marks!"

Twilight Sparkle answered, "If we hadn't come here to help them, they'd still be living under her rules! Now it's their turn to help us!"

Fluttershy nodded, "And I know they can do it!"

As Starlight crossing the over-bridge, her former friends were catching up on her. Sugar Belle smirked as she quickly made the snow pie.

Sugar Belle smirked, "My newest recipe – snow pie!"

Sugar Belle threw straight at Starlight and her wagon. It broke the wagon's support, causing Cutie Mark Jars to drop straight to the bottom. Starlight quickly levitated them to her side at once. Before she could run, she quickly fired her powerful spell at the over-bridge. It was destroyed. And her former friends ceased from chasing.

Starlight continued running. As his friends think of how to cross the gap, Party Favor had his. He quickly blew the balloons one by one as he combine them together into a large bridge-like. Night Glider flew over as she pulled the balloon bridge down on the edge's end. They then resumed their chasing. Ash and Dukemanaged to catch up with them.

Upon arriving on the hill's edge, Twilight and her friends spotted the chase event. They were worried and feared that they or their 'new' friends won't able to catch up on Starlight Glimmer and their stolen Cutie Marks.

As Ash and the local ponies continued running, Double Diamond stopped at once as he spotted some familiar gears of his. Shadow Dragon and Boomer stopped as well.

Double Diamond explained, "These are my old skis! This is where I first met Starlight!"

"Maybe you can reminisce another time! She's almost to the caves!" Boomer exclaimed in concern.

Night Glider nodded, "He's right! We won't able to catch up to her!"

Putting his gears on, Double Diamond smirked, "Feel like an airdrop?"

As Starlight almost reached the cave, Night Glider held Double Diamond up high before she dropped him down on the small hill with snow. As he skied straight down in a diagonal direction, it caused some small avalanche on Starlight.

As Starlight was buried deep within the snow, her magic ceased from levitating the jars. They dropped to the ground as its glasses cracked into pieces. Twilight and her friends' Cutie Marks are freed! They all flew straight back to their owners.

Upon receiving their Cutie Marks, Twilight and all of her friends returned to their original selves. They were all happy and relieved to see their Cutie Marks.

"Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!" Applejack exclaimed proudly.

Crystal Flare smirked as he had his hooves lighted some fire, "You're not the only one with your farm talk back. Mine powers back too!"

"Our Cutie Marks are back!" Ashley exclaimed proudly as he summoned her Thunder Spear.

"We've gotta help the others," Twinkle exclaimed determinedly.

Twilight nodded as she flew off at once while her friends were on their way to to help their friends.

As Ash and others regrouped with both Night Glider and Double Diamond, Starlight emerged from the snow. She gave the angry yet fury looks at her former friends. They but Ash and Duke were scared and startled by her appearance.

Duke stuck his tongue, "Do your worst, bitch!"

Starlight yelled angrily as she gathered and readied her Supreme Magic Blast at her former friends. Twilight landed in front of them as she unleashed Magical Barrier. Starlight fired it straight at them but got deflected aside for the moment. Crstyla Flare jumped and fired his Blazing Fury at the snow which turned into a watery liquid. It fell on Starlight's head from firing her spell.

As the blast has passed, Twilight dispersed her barrier as she and her friends glared at Starlight.

Starlight gasped, "Wh– I studied that spell for years! How can you—"

I studied magic for years too!" Twilight interrupted, "But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far. Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five or any of my family! And I certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!"

Starlight groaned in anger, "Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!"

"How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!" Double Diamond shouted back.

Ash asked, "Starlight! Plasma! Who taught you that spell?! I need to know!"

Starlight groaned, "All you need to know is that the storm is coming! And soon, he shall rise again!"

Before Twilight and her friends could do anything, Plasmas threw a smoke bomb at them that blinded everyone. Aftermath, the two ponies were nowhere to be found.

"She's getting away!" Rainbow exclaimed in concern.

Double Diamond answered, "We'll never find her in there!"

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something."

"She's been corrupted and blinded by her hatred. I don't think she can change for the better," Ash disagreed in concern.

Party Favor smiled at Twilight, "It's you who have taught us something. We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!"

Seeing Party Favor had the point, everyone nodded and agreed with him. Party Favor, Double Diamond, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider hugged together happily.

"Does that mean you'll stay in the village?" Twilight asked.

Night Glider answered, "It's our home. I'm not going anywhere."

Double Diamond nodded, "This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!"

Sugar Belle smiled, "And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!"

"Terrible?! These muffins are great!" Duke protested in annoyance, "Less sweet than any cakes I eat."

Everyone then laughed happily yet amusement at Duke's disappointment of the muffins. Everyone is now freed from Starlight's tyranny of 'equality'...

As Twilight and all of her friends returned to the village, they witnessed how happy and joyfully ponies really are. They were finally freed from their prison...

As Twilight and all of her friends returned to the village, they witnessed how happy and joyfully ponies really are. They were finally freed from their prison...

Pinkie smiled, "Now those are real smiles."

Suddenly, Mane Six's Cutie Marks glowed and pulsed brightly and quickly. Everyone noticed it as they wondered of what was next.

Applejack sighed, "I'll never get used to that."

"I think it's divine." Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy asked in concern, "Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I have a feeling it means our work here is done."

"Looks like you were right, Twilight." Applejack said, "The map did have a reason for sendin' us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship."

Twilight smiled, "But the map didn't send me. It sent us. You're a part of me, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too."

Pinkie smiled, "Now those are real smiles."

Suddenly, Mane Six's Cutie Marks glowed and pulsed brightly and quickly. Everyone noticed it as they wondered of what was next.

Applejack sighed, "I'll never get used to that."

"I think it's divine." Rarity smiled.

Fluttershy asked in concern, "Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I have a feeling it means our work here is done."

"Looks like you were right, Twilight." Applejack said, "The map did have a reason for sendin' us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship."

Twilight smiled, "But the map didn't send me. It sent us. You're a part of me, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too."

Ash smiled, And we couldn't agree more, my love."

"Group hug!" Twinkle exclaimed happily.

As everyone hugged together happily while laughed happily, Ashley smiled, "Now this is a happy ending."

Pinkie yelled, "This feels like an ending! It doesn't have to be an ending yet, right? 'Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!"

Twilight hummed, "Maybe we can stay a little while longer. Come on!"

Twilight and her friends approached the village as they all party happily together with the locals.

"Fluttershy..." Duke said in concern. She turned and looked at him, "About that 'bitch' thing we've talked about? Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feeling and some bugs. I'm a dragon. And I've gotta hunt. That's what I do."

Fluttershy gasped for the moment. She smiled, "I know. And I'm sorry too. I should have realized that dragons have their own tastes."

"I guess we both apologize. So, pals?"

"Pals. But you promise that you won't eat too many bugs?"

Duke scoffed, "If you can bake the roasted muffins, I wouldn't! But then again, I need to. Besides, I'll get the very bad bugs to eat, not the cutie or good ones."

Fluttershy smiled, "I know someone who can help. So, it's a deal?"

Duke smirked, "Deal! Let's party!"

Fluttershy and Duke danced happily. Everyone smiled upon looking at the scene. Both of them have finally put their difference aside and become friends finally.

"Ash?" Twilight asked in concern.

Ash turned to Twilight, "Sorry, Twilight. I didn't mean to make you worried about me. I was thinking something."

"You think someone else was helping Starlight to accomplish her goal?"

"Could be... And I have the feeling that we'll meet her and her master again..."

Twilight sighed, "That's what I'm worried about the most..."

Ash smiled, "For now, enjoy the party. Let's not waste it."

Twilight nodded as both she and Ash danced happily. Everyone enjoyed their happy lives as much as they can...

Somewhere deep in the caves, Starlight bowed before two figures who were extremely disappointed and angered by her performances. Behind her were the remainders of loyal and terrifying Shadow Ponies who remained silent and still for the moment.

Starlight bowed, "I'm sorry. I really am! Twilight Sparkle will pay for ruining my plan! My harmony! My friendship! They're all ruined!"

"True... And I warned you not to underestimate Twilight and her friends," Zytle said darkly at frightened and worried Starlight. He smiled beneath his mask, "But do not worry. We'll have our revenge soon. For now, you must learn more of your enemies in order to strengthen your magic and power."

Starlight smiled in relief, "Yes, my master. I will and never fail you!"

"And remember... Observe carefully and then launch full assaults on them," Zytle said calmly.

As for Plasma...

"One way or another I will have Twilight's head if it the last thing I do!" Said Plasma as his shadow to form with him noticing.

THE END

Episode 13-The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows

Within the Castle of Friendship...

Inside the Princess of Friendship's bed chamber, laughter was sounded within it. Ash Ketchum was lying down on the bed while Twilight Sparkle was on top of him.

As she lay on his body, both of them held each other's heads. She pressed her lips against his passionately and gently. They both then opened their mouths, let their tongues sticking to each other's and even the lips. They each held something from bottom for the moment, thus making they sighed happily. They departed for the moment. Mystic General smiled as he kissed on her chest while hugging her. Princess of Friendship giggled happily.

Ash slowly getting up including moving Twilight Sparkle up as well. He kissed around of her neck, making her sighed happily. She then held his head as she kissed on his lips. They both moved slowly around in switching their position. He then pushed her gently against the bed's mattress. They both held each other's hooves locked down while having another went over their shoulders. Ash slowly pushed his bottom against Twilight's, making her yelped in surprise while he grunted a bit. They both continued with it for ten times while kissed each other's lips passionately, gently and happily.

Both immortal ponies enjoyed spending their times of chastity on bed for two hours. They sighed happily as they stopped slowly. Ash slowly lowered his head down, closing to Twilight's head. She giggled happily as she had her left hand pushed against her head. Both nuzzled each other's heads.

"We've got stop doing that," He commented before chuckled a bit.

Twilight giggled happily before kissed one time on her boyfriend's lips, "Just admit, Ash. You enjoy it. And so do I. You maybe a nearly 900-years-old. But I'm old enough to do this. And I enjoy it too."

As Twilight gave her sexy and beauty looks at him, Ash smiled as he kissed her lips back.

"Okay. I admit it. It's quite a new hobby for me to do. Hopefully, you don't get pregnant."

Twilight Sparkle snorted a bit before giving Ash a soft slap, "Come on, don't tell me that Mystic General of Dragon Warriors is afraid of being father when we get married and wanted to have children."

"Very funny, Twiley. I've got no problem with it. Handling the babies is like handling the kids."

"Trust me. It's not the same. The babies can be very challenging than you think."

"Try me, pretty princess."

"Don't call me that, pretty boy..."

Twilight smirked as she moved close to Ash. He then helped her up while making her very close to him. They held and hugged each other's shoulders tightly and passionately while showing their passionate love eyes.

Ash sighed, "Glad we patch things up after..."

"Serpernt? Yeah. I'm still getting use. And I'm not use with..." Twilight gave disgusted looks and sounds, "Cobras. Their fangs and poison - they're scary."

"Don't worry, Twiley. As long you don't provoke them, you should be fine. You've got nothing to worry about."

"I guess so. Shall we continue?"

"After you, my lady."

"As soon as we're done here, we have a meeting with others. It involved of my brother's visit."

"Great. Why I'm not surprised?"

"Was that sarcasm, I heard? I know you two don't get along but he's my brother."

"I know. I know. I just wish he give both of us some space. I mean how long he's keeping an eye on me?"

"I'm sure he'll let go of it. Just need to be patient. But for now, give me some sugar, Ash."

"Oh. I will. And believe me. I'm not gonna stop until you say 'I love you'."

Twilight giggled happily as she make her move - kissing on his neck three times before moving on his chest. Ash moaned happily for the moment. He then held her up. They both held and hugged together while pushing against each other's lower torso for ten times. She leaned her lips against his while he pushed back for the moment. And at the same time, they both moaned and grunted happily as they continued enjoying their chastity. Nothing can ruin them...

SCREAM! Both Twilight Sparkle and Ash stopped at once. They turned and looked at the familiar place from the distance.

"What in Equestria?" Twilight asked in concern.

Ash sighed in annoyance, "I hate someone ruin our fun especially your brother."

"Come on. Don't be like that. He's just protective, even though I told him a thousand times that everything is fine." Twilight remarked. She then kissed his cheeks briefly. She turned and looked at the distance, "What's Pinkie up to?"
...
,,,

At Sugarcube Corner...

Pinkie giggled happily as she held both Pumpkin and Pound Cakes around and round for 100 times. She threw them up high before grabbed and hugged them passionately and happily. She squealed happily.

"This is the best news ever! I can't wait to tell Twilight!" Pinkie remarked happily.

"Oh, em, Pinkie, uh..." Mrs. Cake called as she approached Pinkie Pie. She whispered softly, "it's a top secret surprise."

Mrs. Cake took both of her children as she returned to the kitchen. Before she leave, she gave Pinkie Pie a prolonged shushing. Pumpkin and Pound Cakes mimicked their mother as well. They all slowly entered it.

"A top secret surprise?! That means I have to keep the exciting news..." Pinkie Pie asked fearfully yet nervously. She gulped "...to myself!"

...
...

At Ponyville's Main Street, Rarity who was bringing Fluttershy from her cottage as they chatted happily about Twilight's message. They were now heading straight to Castle of Friendship.

"Do you know why Twilight called us?" Rarity asked curiously.

"I have no idea," Fluttershy admitted. She then spotted Pinkie muttering to herself, "Is Pinkie alright? She seems to be off."

Rarity hummed, "Well, when you put it that way, something spook Pinkie off. It's time to learn of what's going on."

As Rarity and Fluttershy were approaching Pinkie Pie, they could hear her muttering fearfully. They wondered what spooked her.

Pinkie Pie muttered, "Even though I didn't technically make a Pinkie Promise to Mrs. Cake, I can't tell Twilight or anypony the big news! That would make me a... a... a big old surprise ruiner!"

"What's all this about surprise?" Rarity asked in concern.

Pinkie Pie yelped, "What? Who? What? Who said something about a surprise?!"

"You did, Ms. Pie, just now. What were you talking about?""

Pinkie Pie yelped as she took a pacifier out. She put it on her mouth as she sucked on it while running away from them. She was heading straight to Castle of Friendship.

"What in Equestria was that?" Rarity asked in concern, "Why is she behaving like that? And sucking a pacifier? What is she? A baby?"

Fluttershy shrugged, "I don't know. But hopefully, she tells us."

At Castle of Friendship's Council Chamber, Mane Six have been gathered. Ash, Ashley and Twinkle and Spike were there as well. The meeting begins now...

"Great! Everypony's here." Twilight said happily. As Spike passed the scroll to her, she levitated it and continued, "Now I don't have to wait any longer to tell you all the wonderful news! Somepony special is coming to visit Ponyville, and I need your help getting everything ready!"

Everyone chatted happily while cheering in agreement to help Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle was about to speak but Pinkie Pie interrupted, "It's Shining Armor and Princess Cadance! And they're coming tomorrow on the Friendship Express rather than the Crystal Empire train so as not to cause too much of a scene when they skip town to come visit?"

"Yes..." Twilight Sparkle nodded in surprise.

Pinkie Pie squeed happily. Everyone was not only shock but also surprised and amazed by Pinkie Pie's sudden yet able to get the right information. No one could have.

"Annnnnd?"

Twilight Sparkle shrugged as she answered, "And that's it."

"Oh," Pinkie Pie awed in disappointment. Everyone looked at her as they wondered how she knew what Twilight Sparkle was saying. She laughed nervously, "Uh... Pinkie Sense?"

Ash shook his head gently, "So, what can we do?"

"Yeah... You needed our help with something?" Rainbow Dash asked in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle smiled happily. Everyone wondered what was she thinking.

Twilight Sparkle led all of her friends into the room where it was filled with bookshelf, a trunk of comic books, bed, ant farm glass case, posters and more. Everyone were amazed by it.

Rainbow Dash gasped as she approached a poster of orange archaeologist unicorn, "Sweet posters! Is that Smash Fortune?"

"It sure is! When Shining Armor said he wanted to come to the castle and visit, I started collecting things he liked when he was a colt as a surprise!" Twilight Sparkle answered. She sighed happily, "I've been so excited that it's been hard to keep it to myself!"

"Me too! I can't wait to see Uncle Shiny again!" Twinkle exclaimed happily.

Pinkie Pie muttered in concern, "I have no idea what that's like!"

Rainbow Dash hummed as she noticed it. Fluttershy looked at the ant farm glass case as she commented of how cute the ant farm is.

Spike picked the comic book up as he commented, "And check out all these old comic books!"

Ashley gasped as he looked at it, "Hey! That's my favorite comic book! I've always like to read this one. It's awesome!"

Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Be careful! They're mint-in-bag!"

As soon as Twilight Sparkle left, Spike and Ashley shrugged for the moment. Noticed dust on comic book within plastic, he blew it off. But instead, he gave the Dragon Flame on it. Both of them yelped in concern. Ashley took another plastic case while Spike pour it in. They quickly put it back before headed off at once. They hated to see Shining Armor's bad side.

Both Ash and Twinkle spotted a yellow doll dressed in his knight armor. Shadow Dragon picked it up.

"What's this?" Shadow Dragon asked.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "This is Brutus Force. Shining Armor used to carry him around like his baby!"

Pinkie Pie yelped in shock and worried. Fluttershy noticed it. Did something scared her off?

Twinkle awed happily, "Just like Mr. Smarty Pants! That is so cute. Hey, daddy. Don't you have one doll?"

Ash chuckled, "Nope. I play an action figure - Wartiger Slayer from Tokugawa of Japony. It's made of wood. I'd never thought Shining Armor would like to play a doll. I thought colts loved action figures."

"True but not all would like that," Twilight Sparkle answered happily.

"It is a bit juvenile for castle décor, but it is very sweet of you." Rarity commented.

Fluttershy nodded, "I'm sure Shining Armor will love it."

"Me, too." Twilight Sparkle smiled as she turned to the rest, "But there's a few more things I'd like to add before he gets here, and I could really use a hoof collecting them."

Applejack approached and patted Twilight Sparkle's back, "Whatever you need, sugarcube, we'll help you get it."

Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement about it, and even nervous and worried Pinkie Pie would agree to it.

"Thanks, everypony! I just can't wait 'til they walk in and see everything!" Twilight Sparkle commented.

Rainbow Dash smirked, "Totally understandable. Watching somepony else be surprised with something is almost better than being the one who's getting the surprise!"

Pinkie Pie yelped in concern, "But... eh... what if the surprise is something so incredibly exciting that a pony can't keep it in any longer, and she has to tell the pony standing next to her what it is or she might explode?!"

"I would say... no." Fluttershy answered.

Rarity approached to Pinkie Pie, "The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!"

Ashely whistled, "Sounds like a big deal..."

"It is one. And believe me, it's not easy too," Twinkle commented while nudging Ashley's chest, "When my friends and I were planning to birthday party for Pipsqueak, Twist got pressured about it. So she accidentally told him about it. It was ruined. We all hated it being ruined after the work we have put on."

Spike nodded, "Yeah. Hate to see somepony to lose them if he ruined their surprise for their buddy. That would be haunted on his life forever..."

Pinkie Pie screamed in fear, "Gotta bounce!"

Pinkie Pie jumped up high in knocking the ceiling. She bounced around the area hard like a pinball hitting the corners for points. She then slammed straight to wall hard. Everyone yelped in surprise of her reaction and ability while looking at a hole she created.

"What the hell was that all about?" Ashley asked in surprise.

Spike hummed, "That's very unusual for Pinkie. She'd never do that, unless something freaked her out."

"But what did scare her off?" Twinkle asked before sighed, "Pinkie Pie was acting weirder than usual..."

Everyone chatted in agreement about Pinkie Pie's behavior since morning. Ash hummed calmly before giving a smirk like he has the idea.

At the Council Chamber, Mikey was eating his late breakfast - hayburger again. Ash entered it as he explained to his muscle member of his team about the mission.

Mikey spitted the foods out, "So, you want me to spy on Pinkie? That's wrong..."

Ash sighed, "No. Just check on her. She's behaving strange lately. And the only way to predict her movements and avoid her detect a spy, it's someone who has her ability. That would be you."

"Make sense..."

"Up to challenge?"

Mikey cracked his hooves as well as stretched his head. He smirked as he swallowed his hayburger up. He snorted happily while saluted.

"You can count on me, buddy. I won't let you down!"

"And don't forget about telling Pinkie about Twilight's request."

Pinkie Pie ran as fast as she can in returning to her home. She quickly closed the door at once. She panted heavily. She sighed in relief as she slowly leaning and sliding down.

"Phew, that was close! Too close. I almost spilled the beans. Beans that would be really hard to clean up! I obviously can't be around my friends right now. Or anypony for that matter!"

As Pinkie Pie approached the stairways while humming in thoughts, she gasped in surprise, "That's it! If Shining Armor and Cadance are coming tomorrow, then all I have to do is lock myself in my room away from everypony until they arrive! Then I won't ruin anything!"

As Pinkie Pie was about to walk up, Mr. Cake emerged from the kitchen. He spotted her.

Mr. Cake gasped, "Oh, good, you're back! Mrs. Cake needs my help, but these deliveries can't wait! I can't thank you enough for agreeing to be my backup delivery pony, Pinkie!"

"I... did?"

Flashback:

Three days ago after Cutie Mark Crusaders earned their Cutie Marks...

Mr. Cake was setting and putting the boxes and packages of sweetened foods into the cart. He then closed it. He hummed in concern.

"Maybe I should hire somepony to be my backup delivery pony."

"I'll do it!" Pinkie Pie called. Mr. Cake turned and found her stewing her chocolate cream inside the bowl. He looked surprise yet amazed. She nodded, "Sure! There's no possible way that I could ever have anything that might interfere with doing that task, like a gigantic, emotionally exhausting surprise that would make it super hard to be around other ponies."

"Great!" Mr. Cake commented before hummed in concern, "you're sure you won't change your mind?"

Pinkie Pie giggled as she made her Pinkie Promise gesture, "No way! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

Flashback Ends...

"Oh, yeah. I Pinkie Promised I'd do it." Pinkie Pie said in shock and surprise. She shook her head before showing her determined looks, "And I never break a Pinkie Promise! Never!"

Mr. Cake smiled in relief, "Well, thanks again! You're a real cake-saver!"

As soon as Mr. Cake returned to the kitchen, Pinkie had her mane deflated while sighed in defeat and upset.

Pinkie Pie hummed in thoughts, "Maybe it'll be a quiet day and I can just avoid everypony!"

As Pinkie opened the entrance's top in two, she yelped in shock and feared. She found the main street of Ponyville crowded. It's going to be difficult then she thought. She has no choice but to do it.

As Pinkie opened the whole door, she went out and prepared her cart's saddle on her back. She then headed off. Suddenly, the Sugarcube Corner's door moved and closed back. A familiar character emerged as he looked flattened literally.

"Maybe I should stay away from doorway..." Mikey commented. He sighed as he sucked and blew his hoof hard repeatedly like blowing a balloon literally. With him filled with air, he turned and looked at Pinkie Pie heading off. He smirked, "Agent M is on the mission!"

He took his brown coat and hat out for disguise. He followed after Pinkie Pie, who was trotting across the town while carrying the cart. She also tried to hid from not only her friends but also ponies in avoiding telling them about Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's surprise. The last thing she want is being a Party Popper.

As Pinkie Pie continued trotting, three familiar ponies approached her from her behind.

"Hiya, Pinkie Pie!" Apple Bloom called, scaring Pinkie Pie.

Sweetie Belle asked, "Heard any good gossip today?"

Scootaloo nodded, "Yeah, we're bored. Please say you have some interesting news."

"Nope!" Pinkie smiled uneasily as she ran away from the area, making Cutie Mark Crusaders curious and surprise. As she continued trotting, she knocked on sompony else hard. As she recovered, she yelped in surprise, "Mikes, what a surprise! I mean, not a surprise!"

"Neither do I!" He exclaimed in concern. He sweated nervously as he was thinking something to avoid her asking him of what he's doing. He gasped as he asked, "I just got message from Twilight. She wanted to ask you if you would bring some snacks to the castle for Shining Armor and Cadance's visit."

"Definitely! Got it! Pinkie Promise! Yeah! Heh." Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily.

Just before Pinkie could trot Mikey added up.

"You should get some baby carrots!"

"What did you say?!"

"Baby carrots! They're Shining Armor's favorite."

Pinkie Pie laughed nervously, "Mine too! Baby carrots are kinda like big carrots but smaller, kinda like how foals are tiny versions of their parents but smaller and cuter and— Silent Storm!"

He screamed in fear as he turned and bowed down to the ground, "Please, have mercy! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to eat your favorite bun beans! I promised I won't do it again!" He stopped at once as he looked shock and realization, "Wait a minute... I didn't steal it since-!"

Mikey screamed in realization. He turned and found Pinkie disappeared from his sights.

"Aw, come on! Why does everyone keep scaring me off?!" Mikey sighed, "Well, I'd better find her now."

As Mikey walked away at once, Pinkie Pie emerged from the cornered area. She sighed in relief. She took her helmet out and put it on her helmet.

"Well, good thing that Mikes is off my tracks. It's time to kick this operation into hyper-hoof and avoid all ponies by any means necessary!"

Pinkie Pie charged at once while carrying her cart across the town in delivering the packages to the specific customer's home and location for birthday party or delivery sweetened foods. But at the same time, she ignored her friends for her specific reason. It made them upset and concern about her. Mikey was looking across the town in search of her but found nothing or she avoided him swiftly from learning her reason.

As soon as she finished her delivery, Pinkie Pie was on her way to home but with not usual happy smile.

"It didn't feel good ignoring my friends like that..." Pinkie Pie said in shame, "Maybe I can tell just one little pony the surprise?"

"The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!"

"You're right, spooky-voice-of-Rarity-that-I-know-is-actually-my-own-imagination. I can't tell anypony at all!" Pinkie Pie sighed in shame, "Then they would tell Twilight, and she wouldn't be surprised, and it would be all my fault. I'd better get home now..."

As Pinkie Pie trotted, she didn't know someone had overhear her 'talking'. Mikey hummed calmly as he was talking.

"So, Pinkie Pie is keeping a secret about surprise? But what? And why? Is this why she's nervous? I'd better check on her."

"Finally, I'm all aloney on my owney."

Pinkie Pie has reached her home in time. As she was resting on her bed within her bedroom, she found Gummy snapping on the scroll playfully. It attracts her attention.

"What are you having, Gummy?" Pinkie Pie asked as she took the scroll out from her pet's mouth. She unrolled it and found something shocking and scary. She yelped, "Oh, no! It's the list that Twilight helped me make yesterday so I wouldn't forget all of my Pinkie Promises today! And I have three more things to do! Aw, four if you count bringing those snacks to Twilight's castle! I've been getting liberal with those Pinkie Promises lately..."

On the next day...

Pinkie Pie was at the Ponyville Schoolhouse as she was inflating the balloons while mixing and combining into different kind of animals for the foals to take.

"Ooh! I want a flamingo!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily.

Apple Bloom smiled, "I want a goldfish!"

Scootaloo scoffed, "Surprise me!"

Pinkie Pie smirked happily as she made some animal balloons for them. One flamingo for Sweetie Belle, a goldfish for Apple Bloom and now she's making one for Scootaloo.

As Pinkie continued in making and combining the balloons into one, she heard crying. She turned and found a mother pushing a wheeled cradle of her baby. As Pinkie Pie stopped and got distracted, she stopped and finished it.

Scootaloo gasped, "Is that a... baby bottle?"

Pinkie Pie turned and found a baby bottle balloon-made before her. She screamed in fear. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other before at her as they never seen her freaked out before.

"Pinkie, are you alright? You don't look-"

"Next!" Pinkie Pie called before pushing a baby bottle balloon-made on Scootaloo's mouth.

Scootaloo took her baby balloon-made out as she and her friends leave now. Featherweight approached as he requested.

"Uh, a baby pony, please! Uh, unless of course that would be a royal pain..."

Pinkie Pie growled, "Interesting choice of words, Featherweight."

Featherweight gulped, "Uh, maybe you'd better just make me a giraffe."

Pinkie snorted as she made a giraffe balloon-made for Featherweight. Mikey hummed in concern as he wrote the notes down upon looking at the event.

At the Ponyville Hall, Pinkie Pie was helping Mayor Mare in setting and organizing the files into the lockers through her ninja moves.

"My, your friends weren't kidding when they said you had a great filing system, Pinkie! You are Ponyville's best kept secret!" Mayor Mare remarked.

Pinkie Pie yelped, "No, I'm not!"

"Speaking of secrets," Mayor Mare said while looked around as she approached while closed to Pinkie's ears, "have you ever known somepony else's secret?"

"Noooooo..."

"A surprise that was so big and exciting that it was all you could think about?"

Pinkie Pie yelped as she quickly ran off, "Nope!"

Mayor Mare sighed, "Me neither..."

From the ceiling, L was hanging on the ropes. He saw everything while writing down the notes.

At Furniture Shop, Pinkie Pie was helping Furniture Salespony in setting the inflating mascot machine up and running.

Furniture Salespony laughed, "That's just what I wanted. Thanks, Pinkie!"

Pinkie Pie smiled, "You're welcome!"

"Oh, by the way," Furniture Pony smiled as he pointed at the slogan sign on window of his shop, "can you help spread the word about the big crib sale I'm having?"

Pinkie Pie approached and read, "Treat your foal like... royalty?!"

Furniture Salespony laughed happily, "Pretty good slogan, huh? I came up with it all by myself!"

Unable to stand it much longer, Pinkie Pie screamed frantically and wildly. She then ran off at once. Furniture Salespony was surprised by her reaction while rubbing his head. Laxtinct overheard it from behind of his tree.

"Wow... Did not expect that," Mikey commented while looking at his notes, "Why is he so worried about surprise? And why she freaked out when somepony mentioned something about babies? Is this gotta do something with Shining Armor?"

Mikey hummed in thinking for the moment. He shrugged, "I guess I'll continue with my spying."

Mikey followed Pinkie Pie at once...

At Castle of Friendship's Council Chamber, Twilight and her friends were cleaning the messes. Ash was listening to Mikey's long story as he told his friend - short story.

"So, you have no idea?" He asked.

Mikey shrugged, "Sorry. I'm trying my best. I don't know why Pinkie Pie freaked out when somepony mention about surprise or babies."

Ash sighed, "Well, we'll find out soon. I suspect something special is bound to happen. We've got things to do. Come on."

Both returned to the group in helping them clean the mess. Pinkie Pie had arrive with two plates of food. Twilight Sparkle spotted her. The Princess of Friendship approached the Party Planner.

"Those look yummy, Pinkie! Let me help you!" Twilight said happily as she levitated the plates to the table. She covered them with food dome, "But we better cover them up so they don't get spoiled."

"Why would they get spoiled? We're all gonna eat them super soon!" Pinkie asked.

Applejack smiled as she answered, "Oh, didn't anypony tell you? Shining Armor and Cadance are held up. They may not arrive 'til Saturday."

Pinkie was in shock as she shoot straight to the sky literally, "Whaaaaaaaaaat?!

Everyone was in shock and alerted by her shouts. They spotted her breathing heavily like she had a marathon to run through.

"You mean... I have... to wait... another whole day?!" Pinkie asked in shock, "I don't know if I can!"

Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, "Pinkie Pie, do you have something you need to say? You seem like you've been keeping something in."

Pinkie Pie inarticulately yelled as she was about to answer. She closed her mouth at once as she can't tell the answer.

"[Fluttershy] We're here to listen. [Applejack] Well, go on then, sugarcube. [Rarity] We're not going to judge you, darling. [Ashley] Just chill, Pinkie. You don't have to be afraid of us. [Twinnkle] Yeah. We just want to help you with anyway we can. [Ash] Pinkie, just tell us already. [Mikey] Yeah. Stop keeping us suspend. [Spike] You'll feel so much better once you get it off your chest!"

Pinkie Pie ignored as she blew the balloon up and down for few times in getting herself better. Rainbow Dash flew and approached her.

Rainbow Dash smiled, "Come on. Whatever it is, you can tell us! We're best friends! Tell."

With everyone's voices entered her head to 'tell' them, Pinkie became more scared, worried and freaking out. She can't keep this out much longer. She has to!

"Okay, okay, you win!" Pinkie exclaimed. She then inhaled as she shouted, "Shining Armor and Cadance are gonna have a—"

"An awesome weekend with the best little sister in all of Equestria!" The familiar voice answered.

Everyone turned and gasped in surprise. They found Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Night Light and Twilight Velvet standing in front of the entrance, along with their luggage and bags. The family smiled happily. Pinkie Pie exhaled in relief as she fell down to the ground hard. That was a relief...

"They're here! Grandma! Grandpa!" Twinkle cheered happily as she trotted towards them both. She hugged them passionately, "It's so good to see you here!"

Night Light chuckled as he and his wife hugged Twinkle back, "So do we, Twinks."

"Shining Armor, Cadance, Mom, Dad! You're early!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she trotted towards her family, "I thought something had come up and you weren't gonna make it until Saturday!"

"So did we." Princess Cadance admitted, "Turned out we weren't needed in Maretonia until next week. And the summit we were supposed to attend today had to be rescheduled, so... we got here even sooner than planned!"

Night Light smiled, "And of course, our beloved daughter-in-law requested us to be here for important matters as well."

"Surprise!" Shining Armor exclaimed as he held his sister over her shoulder. He then glared at Ash while the latter glared back at him. He scoffed, "Nice to see you, Dragon Boy."

"The feeling is mutual, Shiny Boy..." Ash remarked in annoyance

"I hope you're not trying to hurt my sister again, pal"

"I would never to do that."

"If she is, I'm gonna hurt you a lot. Trust me, you'd better watch it."

"Shining Armor! Be nice," Twilight Velvet said while nudged on her son's chest. She smiled, "It's wonderful to see you all again!"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I'm so glad you're here! I have a big surprise for you!"

"Oh, yeah?" Shining Armor asked in amusement.

As he turned to others, he found Pinkie Pie shivering and quivering nervously and fearfully. Shining Armor smiled in amusement as he suspected she knew about his surprise. Both Ash and Mikey noticed it.

As everyone left the council chamber, Shining Armor and Pinkie Pie were left behind before they could chat quietly. Both Ash and Mikey quickly hid behind the entrance's sides in listening their conversation.

"Lucky we came when we did, huh?" Shining Armor asked in amusement. "I'm guessing you saw the scroll we sent to Mr. and Mrs. Cake?"

Pinkie Pie nodded for admitting it.

"Hey, I'm impressed you've been able to keep our secret this long!"

Pinkie Pie gasped, "So you're gonna tell Twilight now?!"

Shining Armor yelped as he quickly put his hoof on her mouth from talking. He looked around in making sure no one can overhear his conversation especially Ash - the only pony he refused to trust. He sighed in relief.

"You're gonna have to wait just a little bit longer. We have something special planned. It'll be worth it, I promise." Shining Armor gave a wink to Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie scoffed, "It'd better be."

Having enough to hear, Ash and Mikey quickly walked away at once before they have been spotted by Shining Armor and Pinkie Pie.

Ash hummed, "I think I know what's going on. It's finally coming together now."

"Like knowing why Shining Armor and Pinkie being secretive about party?" Mikey asked in amusement.]Ash gave a smirk to him. He thought carefully of what the events had occurred. He gasped surprisingly, "No way! Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are gonna have-!"

Ash held Mikey's mouth while shushed quietly, "Quiet! You wanna get us in trouble? Shining Armor will kill us for this."

"Sorry..."

"All we can do is wait until the surprise. And above all, don't tell Twilight or her friends about this. The last thing I want is that crazy brother of hers to chase after me again."

Mikey chuckled uneasily, "Got it..."

As soon as Twilight's family had settled down in Castle of Friendship, they all headed off at once. Twilight and her friends followed from behind. Pinkie Pie tried her best to be quiet while Ash and Mikey remained calm and steady.

"So, do you think Shining Armor liked his surprise?" Applejack asked in amusement.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Didn't you see him? He couldn't stop raving about it!"

Everyone recalled Shining Armor's reaction to his new room at Twilight's Castle of Friendship. He was so happy and excited in seeing all of his stuffs including tapping ant farm glass case and nuzzling his doll - Brutus Force. And for his comic book in mint bag, he was in shock yet anger as he nearly picked a fight with Ash if it not for his family stopping him. Nevertheless, Shining Armor hugged and spun Twilight Sparkle around for few times.

"Make me wonder who burn Shining Armor's comic book..." Ash asked angrily.

Both Spike and Ashley yelped as they whistled uneasily while Twinkle sighed in annoyance.

Rainbow Dash groaned, "Where did Shining Armor and Cadance say they'd meet us? [stomach rumbling] I'm starving!"

"In the town square. I wish they'd waited to walk over with us, but they said they had something to take care of first!" Twilight Sparkle shrugged. As Twilight and her friends arrived at the fountain area, they found no one here. She hummed, "That's odd. Usually they're quite punctual."

Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance as she flew close to the fountain statue as she gave it a few knocks in frustration.

"I need a hayburger in my belly right now!"

"What's this?" Twilight Sparkle asked upon looking at a small scroll on statue's mouth. She levitated it down to read. She gasped in surprise, "A scavenger hunt! Shining Armor used to set these up for me when I was a filly! At the end, there was always a big prize, like a new book, or several new books, or—"

Pinkie Pie interrupted in frustration, "We get the picture! You like books!"

"So what's the first clue?" Applejack asked.

"I hope it's something about eating lunch!" Rainbow Dash remarked in annoyance.

"Someone's being impatient..." Ash remarked as he took a scroll. He read it out loud, "You've got a scroll, you're on a roll, why don't you take a peek where young ones spend their week? A piece of paper will continue this caper. Interesting..."

Everyone hummed in thinking of what is the answer of first clue.

Twilight Sparkle and Twinkle gasped, "I've got it!"

"Ponyville Schoolhouse!"

Twilight Sparkle and her friends have arrived at Ponyville Schoolhouse. They solved the first clue.

" Good enough for me! Now where's the next clue?" Pinkie exclimaed happily as she headed off at once.

Pinkie panted heavily like a dog as she sniffed across the area in search for clue. Twilight and her friends were about to move until...

Featherweight called while holding the papers, "Extra, extra! Get your Ponyville news! Read it in the paper! Extra, extra!"

"A piece of paper will continue this caper." Twilight said calmly before gasped, "It's in the Foal Free Press!"

Twinkle approached and bought the Foal Free Press. She passed it to her mother. She and others looked through newspaper in finding the next clue. Mikey pointed at yellow notes. Pinkie returned to her friends as she tapping her hooves excitedly on the ground for few times.

Twilight Sparkle read the note, "Though this hall is rather small, in it you'll find files of all kinds. Take a look on the back of the birth certificate of Applejack."

Everyone looked at Applejack who blushed and looked in nervous.

Applejack gulped, "I don't like where this is goin'."

Arriving at Ponyville Town Hall, Mayor Mare was waiting at the entrance. She led Twilight Sparkle and her friends in while guiding them to birth certificate information hall. During their travelling, Mayor Mare is also excited and was about to tell but stopped by Pinkie Pie.

Upon arriving at the area, Twilight and her friends looked and searched for Applejack's birth certificate.

Pinkie Pie found it from locker's lowered part. She then passed it to Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They all looked at the picture of Applejack in her baby. They all commented and remarked of how cute she really is.

Twinkle giggled, "Wow... If Applejack is cute, I wonder how I look when I was a baby."

"Ah, Twinkle. You don't have that, remember? You were created." Spike reminded. Nyx turned and glared at Spike. He yelped, "But then again, you're still cute and cuddly as the baby. I wonder what Ashley looked like when he was a baby."

Ashley groaned, "Don't even think about it..."

Embarrassed by it, Applejack flipped it to the back. Twilight Sparkle smiled and read, "This next place is where you can buy a table or chair, or some comfy beds to rest little heads?"

As Pinkie Pie was about to headed off, she found Twilight and her friends were thinking of the answers.

"Ugh, really? None of you?"

Pinkie Pie groaned, "It's obviously the furniture store!"

Pinkie Pie pushed Twilight and all of her friends literally to the furniture store. She bounced happily and nervously in getting them in.

"I don't know..." Laxtinct said in concern.

Pinkie Pie groaned angrily as she entered it. She rammed through almost all of furniture in finding and getting the clue. She emerged with the royal golden baby crib.

"Wow, you're scary good at this, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash remarked.

Spike nodded, "Not want to go on her bad side..."

Rainbow Dash read the note, "It seems we've saved the best for last. We hope that you have had a blast. Now it's time to take a break where you can get a slice of cake!"

Everyone except Pinkie Pie cheered, "Sugarcube Corner!"

Pinkie Pie scoffed, "That was an easy one."

Twilight and all of her friends have arrived at Sugarcube Corner. They entered it where they found Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Night Light and Twilight Velvet stood before them. Not only that, the area is filled with party equipment and food.

"Surprise!" Shining Armor exclaimed as he approached Twilight Sparkle, "Twily, did you like the scavenger hunt?"

"It was perfect! Just like old times, except even better because this time I got to share it with my best friends!" Twilight Sparkle said happily. Everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. She turned to her brother as she asked, "There's just one thing missing, isn't there?"

"What's that?"

"Mmmm, the book prize at the end!"

Shining Armor laughed happily, "There's still a prize, but it's a little different this time."

"Oh. I don't understand." Twilight Sparkle said in concern.

Pinkie Pie giggled happily yet quietly, making everyone but Ash and Mikeysurprise and concern of her.

Princess Cadance smiled, "All the places we sent you today had something in common."

Night Light nodded, "She's right, Twilight. And your're gonna love this one."

"It's more worth than just book. It's something else..." Twilight Velvet added.

Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern as she began thinking of what her family was talking about. She recalled four important stuffs from the scavenger hunt - school, foal, birth certificate and crib. As she was thinking, Pinkie Pie made some funny faces in getting impatient, frustration and excited about her friend getting the answer before she exploded.

Twilight's friends also joined in the thinking as well. Ash remained calm while Mikey tapped his hooves a few times impatiently and frustratingly.

" God Damn it! Will you get the answer now?!" Mikeyexclaimed in annoyance, "Pinkie can't hold it anymore!"

Twilight Sparkle gasped in realization, "Can it be? Are you two...?!

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor smiled as they moved away and revealed a top cake with baby crib. Night Light held the camera as he snapped on the picture while Twilight Velvet clapped her hoof happily.

"We're having a baby!"

Pinkie Pie cheered happily, "A baby, Twilight! It's a baby! Woo-hoo!"

"You mean... I'm going to be an aunt?!" Twilight Sparkle was stunned and surprised. Twilight's family smiled happily. She flapped her wings while exclaimed happily, "This is the best prize ever!

Twinkle squealed happily, "I'm gonna be cousin! We're all gonna be!"

"Unbelievable..." Ashley remarked in surprise, "If my mom was here, she would have freaked out."

"I know," Night Light smiled while forming his tears, "I'm going to become a grandfather. Well for my son's baby, of course. But you already my granddaughter and so-!"

Twilight Velvet shut Night Light's mouth, "We get it, dear. The children get it. And they excited too."

Princess Cadance and Shining Armor laughed happily. Twilight Sparkle jumped and hugged both of them, "Oh, I love you guys! And I can't wait to meet your little foal!"

Shining Armor smiled happily, "Neither can we."

Everyone cheered and chatted happily as they came and gathered around.

" I did it, I did it, I did it, I did it!" Pinkie Pie cheered happily before she fell to the ground hard. She moaned, "Go, Pinkie."

Everyone continued chatting and talking with each other. Princess Cadance approached Ashley who was talking with Twinkle and Spike.

"Princess Cadance? Is there anything we can do?" Ashley asked in surprise.

Princess Cadance smiled, "I actually I have one. When we're done, would you accompany me to your mother's graves? I would like to let her know about it."

Ashley, Twinkle and Spike looked surprise and shock. They then smiled.

Ashley bowed, "I would be honored. So as my mom."

"This is the best day ever!" Twinkle cheered while hugging Spike, "I love this family!"

Twilight Sparkle andAsh have their own chats.

"You actually knew it, didn't you?" Twilight asked in amusement.

He winked, "You bet. I sent Mikey to find and learn why Pinkie Pie behave crazy and weird. But we know the truth. So, I keep quiet till the end. I didn't want to ruin Shining Armor's surprise."

"Scared of him?"

"A bit."

"Can I ask you?" Twilight Sparkle asked. Shadow Dragon nodded. She continued, "When or if we do get married, can we have some children? I know it's too much. But spending time with Spike, Twinkle and Ashley especially hearing Shining Armor and Cadance having the baby, it makes me thinking about it. I would like to have one or two."

"Twilight..." Ash said in surprise. He smiled a bit, "If that is what you want, I'm honored. I'll try my best to be a good father."

"You already are, Dragon Hope. We'll be a great family." Twilight Sparkle smiled. She the nuzzled Ash's chin, "When we get back, we'll continue our usual."

Ash smiled in amusement. As both Twilight Sparkle and Ash leaned while kissing each other's lips passionately, a shadow loomed over them. They stopped and turned as they found Shining Armor standing before them. And boy...

"What do you think you're doing? What is this 'usual'?" Shining Armor demanded in annoyance. Twilight Sparkle giggled happily while Ash chuckled uneasily. He growled in anger before burst into flames - Rage Mode, "You did not just do that with my sister! I'm gonna kill you!"

ash yelped in shock and fear as he quickly trotted off at once. Shining Armor chased after him around and around the Sugarcube Corner's customer area. Everyone laughed in amusement and happily to see it.

"I really like this the most. Overprotective guys care for the little ones. Classic..." Mikey smiled. He turned and found Pinkie was breathing calmly for relax. He approached and gave the piece of cake for her. He commented, "You did it, Pinkie Pie! You kept it a surprise! Nice work!"

"You knew it?" Pinkie asked in amusement. Mikey nodded. She asked, "Why didn't you tell others about it?"

"Then, it wouldn't be surprise in the first place, isn't it?"

"Hmm... Make sense. Thanks for keeping secrets. Otherwise, I'd never forgive myself for this big mess."

"No biggie." Mikey smiled, "That's all folks!"

Pinkie squeaked happily, "Eeyup! See you on next episode! And it's not easy to keep surprises too!"