The Odyssey of Sunlight Blaze, Rise of a Hero, Volume 5: Quest for the past.

by Sunrise Freezer

Rating: teen
Tags: Profanity, Pharynx, Autumn Blaze, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Human, Original Character, Comedy, Capper, Random, Adventure, Equestria Girls, Violence, Sunset Shimmer
Length: 26242

Follow the gold-hearted hero Sunlight Blaze in his epic and crazy adventure.

After making the organization of the Thousand Eyes fall, Sunlight and Sunset are ready to go back to looking for their parents, in company of Capper, the charming cat thief, Pharynx, the ferocious Changeling soldier, Tempest, the bad-ass Unicorn with a broken horn and Autumn Blaze, the talkative and joyful Kirin.
In the meantime, After recruiting new villains to his team, now plan on attacking the mane 6 while Sunlight and Sunset are not here to defend the city, but something retard them in their offensive. Who is Sunlight really? and where does his mystical ability comes from? Will Twilight and her friends can protect the city of Canterlot on their own? How things are going to play now that Moonlight Frost doubled the number of member for his team? Read to discover the answers.

Published 2022-03-31 15:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2022-03-31 15:00:01 UTC

Chapter 1: Tiny Problem at C.H.S.

During the time Sunset and Sunlight were fighting the Thousand Eyes, the girls at C.H.S went through a lot of trouble. Here is what happened...

“I can’t believe it, said Rainbow Dash to her friends. Our school life is gonna become so much worse from now on.”

“Well, like i said, said Twilight. If they pick after us specifically, we will pay them back after school.”

“Let’s just hope for the best, said Applejack. Well, gotta go, y’all! The farm ain’t gonna clean itself.”

The group splitted up to go to their respectives homes. The next day, The girls met in front of the school 2 hour before the beginning of the classes.

“Welp, said Rainbow Dash. Today is the day...Courage, Rainbow Dash, you can take anything that Tirek can throw at you.”

“The school will open for the students in two hours, said Twilight. And at this hour, the school staff must be on their way to C.H.S. Let’s hide and look for the arrival of our two new professors.”

The 6 girls hid themselves behind a bunch of bushes. Half an hour passed before someone showed up.

“As i guessed, said Twilight. Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna arrive pretty much before anyone else. The Janitor and the Cafeteria staff should be next to arrive.”

20 more minute passed and as Twilight said, The Janitor and the Cafeteria crew entered.

“Logically, said Fluttershy, Our teachers should be entering next.”

They waited 40 minutes before the first teachers arrived.

“I see Cranky Doodle, Miss Cherilee and Dr. Hooves, said Pinkie Pie. And there is more arriving. But none of them are the new ones. Guess we gotta have to wait a bit longer to..Wait!! There they are!!”

They saw Sombra, who was wearing an elegant black and red Jacket, a clean white shirt beneath it, black pants and Brown leather shoes. Right after him was Tirek, who had trimmed his goatie. He was wearing a military-like jacket with military-looking pants, military-like boots and a cool pair of black shades. He had greatly reduced his physical mass to avoid drawing attention but was still looking buffed and intimidating.

“So, it was true, said Applejack. Those two evildoers are really going to teach at C.H.S.”

The group left their hideout shortly after the last teacher arrived and entered.

“We still have 45 minutes before school open for us, said Rarity. Do you girls want to go take a coffee?”

They all agreed and went to the Sugarcube Corner. They talked, laughed and shared good memories.

“We should go now, said Twilight. And let’s hope for the best.”

The girls all arrived at the school a few minutes later and went to their lockers.

“Yay, said Fluttershy, I have no physical education nor Drama classes today!”

“You’re lucky, said Rainbow Dash. I have a whole afternoon of Physical Education”

The girls went to their respective classes. None of them had either Drama or Physical education classes for their first or second periods. The third and fourth periods, however, were another story for Rarity and Applejack, who had drama classes twice in a row and Twilight and Pinkie Pie, who had physical education twice in a row as well.

“I present myself, said Sombra to the students. I am Mr. Sombra Crystal, but feel free to call me Mr. Sombra. I will be your new drama art teacher for the rest of the year, if i don’t lose my post, at least.”

“Our new professor is such a cutie, said one of the girls, I wish he could be my boyfriend...”

“Trust me, said Applejack, you don’t. I know that guy. He might look nice and charming on the outside, but he is pure evil inside...”

“Him, Evil? You can’t be serious” said the girl.

“Evil can lurk even in the most unexpected of beings, said Rarity. Trust me, Darling, me and Applejack can tell wether someone is evil or not, and that guy is evil.”

“Hum, were you talking about me? Asked Sombra, who appeared behind the two girls. I thought i heard you two saying that i am evil...”

“Celestia will let anyone get in those days, said Applejack. And you would think she would be more careful about who she pick in our school, since the Dazzling incident.”

“How in the world did you get this job? Asked Rarity, especially your bulky friend.”

“In my case, Talent and charm is all i needed, said Sombra. For my friend, he might not look like it, but he is big brained and a very good orator. And don’t worry about being abused by us because we have our differents. I’m not as petty as to abuse of my position to make your life suck. It is tempting, thought. And please, Miss Rarity, will you stop looking me with those lusty eyes.”

Applejack stomped on her right foot to call her back to reality.

“Sorry, i know he is our enemy, said Rarity. But he is just so charming, so seducing. I just want to bow down to him and be at his mercy. I want him to dominate me...”

Applejack saw that Sombra was getting embarrassed by Rarity.

“I know, right, she said, smiling. I wouldn’t not mind letting him rope me and ride me like a stallion...”

“Would you two stop with all the sexual innuendos!? Said Sombra. I won’t do anything to the both of you, let it be clear, you are not my type. Now, can we just begin the classes?”

Rarity and Applejack were still laughing.

“Well played, Rare, said Applejack. You embarrassed him so much that i’m sure as hell he won’t dare playing dirty tricks on us.”

“Oh...Uh, of course, that was my plan, Darling! Said Rarity. Were you serious about that rope thing, though?”

“Well, i’d prefer being the one roping someone, she answered. I am definitively not the submissive type. But you seem to be so.”

“Are you saying you would tie me up and make me your plaything?” she asked, blushing.

“I do, said Applejack. And i’m tired of pretending i’m not.”

“Uh, girls, said Lyra, who was hearing them. We can hear you, you know. You are making the boys aroused.”

“You two shut up, said Sombra, or i’m sending you to detention for disrupting the class!!”

“You wouldn’t dare...” Said Applejack.

Two minutes later, they were both in detention.

“Well, shit..., said Applejack. He really sent us to detention.”

“So, said Pinkie Pie, behind them. What did you do to get detention.”

“We embarrassed Sombra so much that he had enough, said Applejack. With lot of dirty innuendos...What did you do?”

“Oh, i just pranked Tirek, answered Pinkie. And embarrassed him in front of his students. And Twilight’s here because she helped me setting the traps.”

“Well, i couldn’t just let you take the blame, said Twilight. Plus, i prefer being in detention than at the mercy of that brute.”

“So, How do you think Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy doing?” asked Rarity.

“Fluttershy told me she didn’t have physical education nor Drama classes today. And Rainbow Dash only got sport classses this afternoon. Still, i wonder what Sunlight and Sunset are up to right now...It had been a couple of day already...”

Sunlight, Sunset, Pharynx and Capper, were about to leave Las Pegasus and head to Storm Island.

“So, said Sunlight. What are we waiting for? Let’s leave this town already.”

“We are waiting after someone i am very familiar with. A good Friend of the princess Twilight and member of the Nightmare Knights.”

A few minutes later, they saw a purple Unicorn with a scar on her face and a broken horn walking in their direction.

“Oh, great, said Sunlight. Why is she here?”

“You know her?” asked Sunset.

“How could i not? Answered Sunlight. I was here when she invaded Canterlot, petrified the princesses and put everypony in
A cage. Fortunately, my parents had an emergency shelter in case of enemy invasion and we were able to avoid capture.”

“I’m sorry, asked Tempest. Who are you?”

“Only the most powerful Unicorn in Equestria” he answered.

“Oh really? Said Tempest. If you were this powerful, why didn’t you tried to stop me from taking over Canterlot?”

“Well, my parents wanted me to be with them if you or your soldiers ever found our hideout, said Sunlight. Otherwise, i would have went to protect Canterlot and beat you.”

“Still, i thought the most powerful Unicorns in Equestria were Starswirl and that Starlight Something, said Tempest. Where did you got that claim?

“Oh, only from the Princess herself, and Discord, said Sunlight. There are only 2 unicorn i consider my equals in magic: Sunset Shimmer, Twilight’s Rival, right here, and Starlight Glimmer, Twilight’s Pupil”

“From Twilight, eh? Said Tempest. Alright, then, in that case, i suppose we have nothing to fear with you on our sides.”

”She’s totally moking me...” said Sunlight to himself.

The group climbed onboard.

“There is only 3 rooms, said Capper. Because it’s me who rented the ship, i took one for myself. Tempest and Sunset will share one, while Sunlight and Pharynx will share the other. Any complaint?”

Sunlight and Pharynx looked for their room and saw that there was only one bed.

“You don’t have to worry, said Pharynx, the bed is yours to take. I’ll just transform into an animal and sleep on the floor.”

“If wish Starlight had taught me her object duplication spell, he said. Like that, i could have made 2 beds, one for each of us”

As for the mare’s room, It has only one bed as well. The two looked at each other and then at the bed.

“It’s mine!!!” said Sunset.

“This bed is large enough for the two of us, said Tempest. We can share it.”

“Sharing... A bed? Said Sunset. I haven’t done that in ages. I mean, i wouldn’t mind sleeping with another girl...if you were wondering. But keep your hooves away of my body.”

“Woah there, said Tempest. Don’t draw conclusions too quickly. I am not going to cuddle you, i mean, i hate cuddles anyway. So you got nothing to worry with me.”

“Alright then, she said. How long is it going to take for us to reach the Storm King Island?”

“At this speed, we should be there tomorrow, answered Tempest. So, have anything on you that we could play with to pass time?”

Sunset pulled out books from her bag. Tempest sighed.

“You gotta be kidding me, said Tempest, annoyed. I thought books were Twilight’s hobby.”

“Books are for everyone, said Sunset. They are fun to read and good for killing time.”

“Ugh” said Tempest.

Thus the group headed for their next destination.

Chapter 2: The Island of Storms

Capper’s ship had finally made it to the Storm Island, after having to face not one, but two storms along the way. Sunlight and the group set foot on the island’s ground and started immediately exploring.

“I know it is sudden, said Sunset. But i have a question for you, Sunlight...”

“Go on” he answered.

“Those magic spells you’ve used against the members of the Thousand Eyes, she said. You said that you had learned them at the time we faced Moonlight and his team, right?”

“Well, yes, answered Sunlight. I did mastered those spells before we battled Moonlight. But what’s your point?”

“Why didn’t you used those spells back to Canterlot, then?” She asked.

“Oh, that? Said Sunlight. How do i put it? First, those spells are extremely energy consuming. What i mean is that they require a very large amount of magical energy to be casted, especially that cloning spell. Secondly, the concentration of magic in this world and the one in the human world are not the same. Equestria is a world bound by magic, overflowing with it, so it make it way easier for me to cast those spells. However, back at Canterlot, the magic energy is scarce, rare. For you and your friends, who can draw your magic power from an artifact with limitless magic energy, and Moonlight, who can use dark magic to power himself and his gang, this is not a problem. For me, however, it is different. I don’t draw my power from any magical artifact nor magical source. When i use my magic, i have to drain in my own reserves to make it powerful enough to deal damages. The armor i wear was made specifically to absorb magical energy and stock it. I can either use this magical energy to launch powered up magic attacks or use it on myself, to restore my forces. But even if my armor had a full reservoir of magic, it wouldn’t be near enough to allow me to use that cloning spell you saw. It would take too much of a burden on my body just to create one clone of me. Plus, this spell has a drawback. Each clone i make halves my magical power. To put it simply, if i make 1 clone, i’ll lose 50% of my power, if i make 2, i’ll lose 75% of it, with 3, 87.5% on so on. Sure, they all got the magic power of the caster at the time he lauches it. But like i said, there is barely any magic energy for me to draw back there, let alone for 3 or 10 of me. This is why i didn’t used those spells back then.”

Sunset was looking at him with admiration and emotion.

“Sorry, said Sunlight, smiling. I guess this was a bit long for an explanation. What’s with those eyes.”

“That’s incredible, said Sunset. It’s true that me and my friends have magical Deus ex machina necklaces with endless amount of magic. And yet, despite not having a magical artifact to draw power from and the lack of magical energy in the human world, You are still able to hold his own against powerful enemies. I never realized, nor thought you were struggling this much to keep up with the rest of us.”

“This is no big deal, said Sunlight. I just made the best out of the situation thanks to my intelligence and magic experience. Money helped too. Although i have to admit that having to carefully think of each move i do each time i fight a powerful opponent is mentally exhausting. So it’s a joy whenever i can let my magic power run wild. Being able to use magic freely feel so good.”

“Thinking about those elemental gems, right?” asked Sunset.

“Having just one would definitively improve the magical energy issue, answered Sunlight. But Discord hid them i don’t know where. Maybe if i try really hard, i could definitively get my own element of harmony and by the same occasion, a necklace just like you. Just like you did...What would it be...What quality i have would be the most worthy of being considered an element of harmony....Heroism? Bravery? Selflessness? Righteousness? Or maybe Magic? I definitively see myself as the Element of Magic.”

“You being chosen by the Element of harmony is really unlikely, if you want my honest opinion, said Sunset. Maybe you are not destined to be an Element of Harmony, maybe you are destined to be something else. You have an affinity with Elemental magic, right? I can definitively see you become a guardian of the elements or something like that!!!”

“The only thing i’m gonna become is the greatest superhero of our time, said Sunlight. I wish i could have real superpowers thought...Being forced to rely on magic to fight in a place where magic is rarer than an oasis in the middle of a desert is troublesome.”

“It would be handy, i admit, to have power that doesn’t come from magic, she said. If i had to pick a superpower, it would defintively be Mind-related.”

“A psychic, uh? Said Sunlight. My answer would surprise you, but if i could chose a superpower, it would be manipulating the state of Space.”

“It’s true that elemental based superpower are overrated, said Sunset. But space related powers? Seem kinda lame to me...why would you not go for time powers instead”

“And be a mary-sue? Answered Sunlight. No thanks. If having to choose Time or Space, the majority of people would go for the former. Because nobody understand the power of Space. At first glance, being able to manipulate space seems lame, when it is as powerful as having the power to control time...”

“Care to give me examples?” asked Sunset.

Sunlight took a deep breath.

“Being able to teleport anywhere, opening rifts to other dimensions and worlds, transporting something in another dimension of place, slicing or piercing throught anything with no effort, increasing gravity, or lowering it in a certain point, trapping someone in an inescapable prison, defying laws of physics, growing and shrinking matter, be at mutliple places at the same time, confusing enemies by bending space around them, warping any attacks that come at you back to the opponent or in another dimension, bring someone close to you instantly by reducing the space between. Plus, laws concerning space are way less severe than those concerning time. Have you not noticed that almost all of my non elemental spells have a connection to space?”

“When you put it like that, said Sunset. It is an amazing power to have. You definitively have the level of intelligence to understand how physic work. Why did you bring that up, by the way?”

“It’s not like it will happen, said Capper. Do you think someone would give you the ability to bend space? Even less control time?”

“That seem rather unlikely to happen, said Tempest. I bet you have not even mastered perfectly every element yet...right?”

“Assimilating an elemental Gem to my body is the fastest way to achieve mastery over one element. Having assimilated the Flame Gem, albeit for a short time, my mastery of the fire element became perfect. There is a condition though: You have to already have basic or advanced knowledge about the element or else, the gem will absorb you. I know the basis for all elements.”

“If i am not mistaken, said Sunset. A single one of those gem was powerful enough to influence the climate or weather of a whole planet.”

“I know about the destructive power those gems have, said Sunlight. It is so huge that my body could probably not handle all of them at once, that’s what Discord told me. Becoming an Alicorn could solve that problem, but there is no records of male alicorns in Equestria’s history. Maybe that privilege is only for female Unicorns.”

“Well, for somepony to become an Alicorn, said Sunset. It either had to earn it by doing something worthy of a princess like Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Twilight did, being born one, like Flurry Heart did or gaining it via a spell. If i had to guess, A male pony could become an Alicorn if he did something worthy of a Hero.”

“Well, the noblest thing to do as a hero is sacrifice yourself for the greater good or someone you love, said Sunlight. Or renounce to your powers or what make you special for the same reason.”

“Oh, I defend you to sacrifice yourself to get a pair of wings!!” said Sunset, mad.

“You know i would sacrifice myself to save you, said Sunlight. And i will if i have too. Death doesn’t scare me...”

“How touching, said Tempest. You are going to make me barf...Anyway, be careful where you’re putting your hooves. One step in the wrong area and you’ll have millions of volt of electricity coursing through your body. I know the region by heart, so follow my lead.”

They started making their way around the island, searching in every safe spot in hope to find the second piece of the map and the hint to the next one. They found nothing and eventually came to the conclusion that the piece must be in one of the dangerous zones of the island.

“I’ve got this, said Sunlight. Millions of volts are nothing, especially with my amazing mecha-armor of mine”

“Oh, cool, i’ll need it” said Tempest.

“I’m the only one who can wear it, sweetie, said Sunlight. Without my magic signature, it is nothing more than a glorified tech suit.”

“Nonsense, said Sunset. I wore it and was able to use it perfectly.”

“You what?!”asked Sunlight.

“Just lend your armor to her, Sunlight, said Sunset. Stop being such a crybaby. She knows this island much better than any of us. I know you are really attached to your suit but.”

“I am not, said Sunlight. In fact, i would be happy to lend it to you or any of your friends. Because i like you gals. But i don’t really like Half-a-horn over here. I am not letting her wear my suit.”

“Too bad, because i actually kind of like you, said Tempest. I am sorry of you can handle that sassy face.”

Sunlight entered the dangerous zone surrounded by a magic shield. A thunderbolt stroke it and bounced back to the sky.

“I knew, it, said Sunlight. This lightning is magic. My armor won’t be necessary, after all”

He made a forcefield for everyone else.

“Those magic shields will last only for a couple of hours, said Sunlight. So you might wanna hurry and find that damn piece. They will protect you from any magic projectiles.”

“You shouldn’t use your magic like that, said Sunset. You still have not recovered from your last battle!”

“I know, said Sunlight. But i don’t care. It will be faster to find that piece at four instead of just one of us.”

“Your brother is right, said Tempest. A party of four will cover a lot more terrain in a shorter amount of time. He’s got lot of brain. He is as smart as Twilight.”

“You’re not wrong about that fact, said Sunset, annoyed. He and her got almost the exact same I.Q”

“Let’s get started, then, said Capper. I’d prefer not staying longer than needed on this island.”

The group each went in a direction and started looking for the second piece of the map. Sunlight was the one to find it after a minutious inspection. He prevented the group to reunite at the ship.

“You found it? Asked Sunset. Awesome. This one also look like a jigsaw piece, don’t you think?”

“It really does look like one, doesn’t it? Said Sunlight. Anyway, our next destination is somewhere i’d prefered never go in my life. The Crystal Empire, or more precisely, the Freezing wasteland surrounding it. "

Sunset read the message Sunlight gave to her.

“The third piece of the map is buried deep in the coldest place in Equestria, she said. That’s what the message says. I forgot you hate cold, brother.”

“Do you two still want to continue adventuring with us?” asked Sunlight to Capper and Tempest.

“I’ve got nothing better to do, answered Tempest. Might as well stay with you”

“I really want to visit the Crystal Empire, said Capper, all the shiny stuff i could get my paws on...”

Sunlight stared at him with a disapproving look.

“Don’t give me that look, i’m Just kidding!”he said.

“Then to the Crystal Empire we go!” Said Sunlight.

Chapter 3: A cold, cold, cold time

After 2 days of navigation, Capper’s ship made it to the Crystal Empire. Once there, Sunlight asked someone for a map of the region and a possible guide, Sunset and Tempest were looking for warm clothes and Capper was staring at precious crystals and merchandise. They all joined on the central place excepted Capper

“Me and Sunset got clothes and food” said Tempest.

“Wait, where is Capper?” asked Sunset.

“As for me, said Sunlight. I was able to get a map of the region, but i didn’t found anyone willing to be our guide, even if i paid them. Oh well, we’ll do without one. And as for Capper, I bet my horn that he tried to steal and got caught”

“Not so fast, my friends! Said Shining Armor, who just joined them. You don’t want to go wandering in the frozen hell that is this region. It’s full of dangerous monsters and deadly hazards.”

“I’d prefer not having to go there either, said Sunlight. But our mission is too important for me and my sister.”

“Don’t worry about us, said Tempest, we can protect ourselves from a monster attack.”

“Fine, if you really have to go there, then let me at least be your guide, said Shining Armor. I’ll bring with me a convoy and a dozen of my best royal guards.”

“I don’t know, said Sunlight. On one side, a convoy is a good idea as it could take days to find that piece, on the other side, i don’t want your guards to drag us down if we face a monster.”

“They have for order to attack only if my life is at risk, said Shining Armor. They won’t get in your way during a battle.”

“In that case, said Sunlight. I accept your help with pleasure.”

Cadance landed near the group.

“Be careful, dear husband, she said to Shining. I wouldn’t support the shock of losing you.”

“Don’t worry, he said, I’ll be fine, i promise.”

Cadance looked at Tempest, Sunset and Sunlight.

“Long time no see, Tempest, said Cadance. I believe it is your first time visiting the Crystal Empire, right?”

“The city itself, yes, she answered. But not the region as a whole.”

“As for you, Sunset Shimmer, how’s your life in this other world?”

“Well, normal for the most part, she answered. We kicked the butts of a group of supervillain twice.”

“Good to know you girls also fight evil in your world as well” said the Princess of love.

“Hum, by any chance, asked Sunlight. Did your guards saw an Abyssinian wearing an elegant cape snooping around town?”

“Funny you ask that, Sunlight, said Shining. My guards indeed reported earlier catching an furry individual trying to steal jewelry. A friend of yours, i suppose”

“Yes, said Sunset. Ugh, goddamn it, Capper. He couldn’t resist to the temptation of stealing.”

“Capper? Asked Cadance. You mean, one of the heroes that helped free Canterlot from the claws of the Storm King?”

“Fortunately, said Shining, he was caught before doing the act, so i could let him go free of charge. Guards, bring the individual to me.”

Two guards arrived escorting Capper. Sunlight and Sunset gave him angry stares.

“He he he, you can’t blame an thief like me for trying, he said, As the rumors were saying, the Crystal Empire’s market security system really is the best in all of Equestria. I just wanted to verify that claim, i swear.”

“Fine, i guess i can let that one slide, said Cadance. But don’t do it again, or the punishment will be dire...Oh, sorry, Sunlight, i totally forgot about you. I have a favor to ask to you if you don’t mind!”

“If this is about one of your love schemes, forget about it” said Sunlight.

“When your quest is done, said Cadance, do you think you could babysit Flurry heart for a couple days? I would ask Twilight normally, but with her royal duties, it is no more possible.”

“Isn’t Sunburst supposed to be the one affected to Flurry?” asked Sunlight.

“He is, said the Princess, however, His work as vice-principal of the School of Friendship and his love relation with Starlight make it that him neither isn’t available. After Twilight and him, you are the third one i would trust Flurry Heart to...”

“I could bring her with me back to C.H.S, said Sunlight. How old is she, by the way?”

“5 years old” said Shining Armor.

“So, she should be able to walk and talk, i suppose, he said. My friends are going to love her. I’ll contact you when i’m done with our quest.”

The group were waiting after Shining Armor at the entrance of the city. This one finally arrived with 15 guards and 6 convoys, one for himself and his 3 bodyguards, the second and third for his soldiers, the fourth one for the group, and the last two for the food and supplies. Later, they were walking in the white, dry, cold fields of the Crystal Empire.

“Even with those clothes and my fur, i can still feel the cold, said Capper. And we are not even in the deepest part yet.”

“Bear with it, said Sunlight. I am not using one of my fire spells right now. First, because the cold sap my magic energy and second, making a heat barrier for everyone would be exhausting.”

The group decided to set camp once dusk had set.

“Let’s take a break for the day, said Shining Armor, It is very dangerous to wander at night in this icy nightmare.”

They put the convoys in a circle around the campfire and the guards were preparing food. Shining Armor casted a magic field around them.

“This is an illusion barrier, said Shining. From the outside, we are invisible to sight. So don’t worry.”

“Are you sure you could keep it on all night?” asked Sunset, worried.

“For a dome of that size, no problem, said Shining. However, it only hide us from monster’s sight. It can’t hide us from their sense of smell, so stay alerted.”

Sunset casted a magic circle around the dome.

“I just casted a detection spell, she said. If something bigger than a dog enter the circle, you will receive a telepathic alarm. It will be enough for us to get time to prepare.”

“And lastly, said Sunlight. Heat Dome...”

He casted a magic dome.

“That will block the strong cold winds, he said. I know for a fact that nights are cold.”

After eating, the group put the fire out and went in their respective caravanes to prepare to sleep. Their first night went without any problem and they continued the next day. Shining Armor saw a cave entrance with a magic len and prevented the other of his discovery.

“There is a cave not far from our location” said the Royal Prince.

“That cave must lead underground, said Sunlight. The message said that the third piece was deep beneath the coldest place in Equestria. But i must be sure it does. Is the entrance clear?”

“Seem like it, said Shining Armor. But it could be a trap, Someone will have to go there.”

“I’ll be the one, said Sunlight. I can teleport back instantly to this spot if things get sour...”

On those words, Shining ordered his guards to set the camp and Sunlight headed toward the entrance of the cave. After reaching it, he looked around and returned to the camp.

“The coast is clear, said Sunlight. I didn’t see or felt the presence of any monsters near the cave. My guess is that there is something in this cave that keep monsters away. That could mean that either a terrifying monster live in this cave or that it is protected by magic. If this is the case, a powerful artifact, relic, or creature is guarded inside the cave.”

The group started feeling uneasy.

“So, who’s going with me to explore the cave?” asked Sunlight.

“Not me, said Tempest, I’ve sworn to myself never to enter a cave again. So i’ll pass”

“I will come with you, said Capper. The more dangerous are the cave, the most precious the loot is. Count me in”

“I won’t let you go alone, said Sunset. I am coming too.”

“So do i, said Shining. If there is indeed an Artifact or relic of great power, it is my duty to give it to one of the Princesses so they can put it in a safe spot.”

Shining picked two guards to accompany him. The group, with Sunlight as the lead, teleported in front of the entrance.

“Magic Trace” said Sunlight.

The spell revealed in front of them a magic barrier.

“A barrier at the entrance? Asked one of the Crystal guards. That can’t be good...”

“It is a relatively weak barrier, said Sunlight. I won’t have any problem breaking it... Magic Cancellation!!”

The spell made the barrier disappear and the group walked in. Sunlight, Sunset, Shining and the two guards horn started glowing very brightly.

“Okay, can you explain why your horns are glowing that bright?” asked Capper.

“This is due to the concentration of magic around us, said Sunlight. Beside being a catalyst for magic, our horns also act as magic radars. They are sensible to sudden change in magic concentration in the air. Our horns glowing this bright after using a lighting spell means that any spells used in this cave will be considerably more powerful, but also harder to control.”

“Let’s just have a single one of us light the way, said Shining. Who want to do it?”

“I’ll do it, said Sunlight, creating a clone of himself. You go behind, other me. I count on you to cover the group’s butts”

“Think you can teach me that spell?” asked Shining Armor.

“You need vacations that badly, uh?” said Sunlight.

“I do, he answered. And it would also make things in bed a lot more exciting for me and Cadance.”

“I knew you would say that, said Sunlight. But this spell is not easy to learn, you have to possess great IQ and advanced knowledge about magic. I have no doubt about your intelligence, but i do about your magical knowledge. Sunset could master it fairly easily, due to her gift with magic.”

“Wait, For real?! Said Sunset, smiling. Awesome!!”

“I have a great knowledge about magic, said Shining Armor. But my affinity is Defensive magic...”

“And mine is Elemental magic, said Sunlight. Sunset’s affinity is Psychic magic. But this is not the point, i think you could master the spell, Shining, although not easily. But it’s doable for you.”

The group were walking quite fast inside the cave and soon reached another barrier. Sunlight neutralized it quickly and continued walking in head of the group.

“The magic pressure is getting heavier and more intense, said Sunlight. Any offensive spell used at this point could bury us under thousands of tons of rock and ice. I think we might be close to reaching the end of this cave.”

The group continued walking deeper and deeper inside the cave. The magic concentration soon reached a dangerously high peek. In front of them, A series of magical barriers were forming a seemingly impenetrable wall.

“That barrier, said Sunlight. It is extremely powerful. I feel a combination of 9 elemental barriers. Fire, Water, Air, Ice, Earth, Lightning, Light, Shadow and Vegetal. To destroy an elemental barrier, you have to hit it with another element strong against it. By example, Using Water magic to take out the Fire barrier, Thunder magic to take out the Water barrier and so on. But using any magic here would be a bad idea.”

“Is there another way?” asked Shining Armor.

“The Elemental Gems would be powerful enough to bypass each of those barriers, said Sunlight. But Discord took them and won’t give them to me before i’m ready.”

“So, we can’t get further, said Sunset. Unless we have those rocks. Can’t you convince Discord to lend you the gems just to get pass the barriers?”

“To answer your question, said the voice of Discord, coming out of nowhere. No, it is not the time yet for you to have them. But as a consolation gift, here’s the third piece of the map you were looking for. Don’t thank me”

The third piece and a message appeared in front of Sunlight.

“You found it? Asked Sunset. Then, what is hidden behind those barriers?”

“Let’s just say that you aren’t ready for that yet, said Discord. Well, ciao!!”

Sunlight had read the message in the meanwhile.

“The fourth piece of the map is located deep in the depts of hell” he said.

“The Tartarus, said Shining Armor. Well, Let’s return home, then.”

Chapter 4: The 12 trials of the Tartarus

After returning safe and sound to the Crystal Empire and expressing their gratitude to Shining Armor, Sunlight, Tempest, Capper and Sunset went to Canterlot with the intention to make a request to Twilight Sparkle.

“Come on, said Sunset, laying on the ground. When will she allow us to see her? Two hours have passed already!!”

Spike entered the waiting room.

“Uh-Hum, said the dragon. Her Highness, The Princess of Friendship and ruler of Equestria, The great Twilight Sparkle, is ready to have an audience with you!! You may enter!!”

The group entered the throne room and saluted the princess.

“I’m listening to your request, said Twilight. What is it about?”

“We request your permission to go in the Tartarus” said Sunset.

Twilight chocked after hearing that.

“May i ask why exactly? Asked Twilight. The Tartarus is a prison for dangerous creatures and the likes. What could you possibly gain by going there?”

“There is something important and vital to our quest in there” answered Sunlight.

“I see, she said. I should be able to allow you to enter the Tartarus easily. But i won’t be able to make you leave it. You’ll need either a Tartarus Key or Discord’s magic to get you out of there. Which do you prefer?”

“I would prefer a key” said Sunset.

“Me too, said Sunlight. I can’t rely on Discord for everything i do. Also, Tempest, Capper, You two can return home if you want, From this point, there is nothing for you to gain to accompany us and we won’t need your ship any longer”

“Well, said Tempest, I want to visit the Tartarus, to be honest. So i’ll continue to walk along with you two. After that, i might go back to my own occupations.”

“As for me, said Capper, Well, i wish you good luck. My adventure end here, my friends. It was an honor to travel by your sides, Sunset Shimmer and Sunlight Blaze. If you don’t need my ship anymore, then i’ll go return to my occupations.”

He saluted the Princess and left the room immediately.

“Wow, he didn’t waste any time, said Tempest. So, when do we go?”

One hour later, the trio was at the entrance of the Tartarus. Sunset took one of the keys and unlocked the doors of the prison. They then entered and the door immediately closed behind them.

“So, said Tempest. This is where all the dangerous monsters are sent. I believe this is where the Storm King would have ended should he have survived. And myself, if i didn’t contribute to defeating him. Not as bad as i thought i would be.”

Cerberus appeared in front of them.

“Hi, Cerberus, said Sunlight. Looking as usual, i see!! Princess Twilight gave us the permission to explore freely the depths of the Tartarus.”

The three heads of the monster looked at each other and then at the group. They agreed to let them pass.

“Now that i think about it, said Sunset. We could use Cerberus’ help. Here, Cerberus, smell this!”

She showed a piece of the map to the beast and this one sniffed it.

“You’re smart, sis! Said Sunlight. And here i was going to leave it to luck.”

“There is supposed to be one of these in that prison, said Sunset. Can you confirm it for us?”

Cerberus sniffed the air around him for a moment. The three heads picked up on something. The beast told the three unicorns to follow him with a head sign. After a few minutes of walk, they arrived in front of a pit that looked terrifying. Cerberus pointed his three head at the pit.

“You sure we should go down that pit? Asked Tempest. It might be a trap”

“Cerberus is too stup...Uh, i mean, Too nice to lead us in a trap, said Sunlight. Just look at him, does he look like someone who would lead us into a trap?”

“Looking at him, said Tempest. He’s probably too stupid to even know what the concept of manipulation is...”

Cerberus looked at the group with empty eyes.

“Yep, those eyes are definitively devoid of any bad intentions, said Sunset. Thank you for you help, Cerberus...Who’s a good boy, who’s a good boy?”

Cerberus rolled on the ground and showed his belly to Sunset. She rubbed his belly, soon joined by Sunlight. Cerberus finally returned to his post, happy.

“He’s too pure for that place, said Sunset. He must be bored out of his mind alone all day long.”

Sunlight used detection magic to determine if anything suspicious was below them.

“As i thought, he said. This is an illusion. Dispel!!”

The illusion disappeared and revealed a set of stairs going deep down.

“Let’s go, he said to the two mares. And be careful, there might be traps down here.”

The trio walked down the stairs and arrived at the entrance of a circular room with at it’s center a pillar. They took a look at it.

“This is old Ponish, said Tempest. Do any of you can read it?”

“Of course, said Sunlight. I’m a genius, remember? The magic book Discord gave me was written in old Ponish. It says. To continue further, 12 trials you must overcome. The trial of Faith , the trial of Intelligence, the trial of Pain, the trial of Fear, the trial of Power, the trial of Courage, the trial of Strenght, the trial of Agility, The trial of Purity, the trial of Truth, the trial of love and the trial of Heroism. The first trial await you right ahead. Good luck, my childs.”

He then proceeded to enter the next room, followed by Sunset and Tempest. The magic projection of a creature covered in a hood showed up.

“Welcome to the trial of Faith, said the hologram. To continue further, you must succeed in finding the answer to the inscription written on the door ahead. Only one can volunteer for this trial, so choose carefully. If you fail, what you seek will be lost, forever out of your reach”

The hologram vanished. Sunlight went ahead and read the inscription.

“Wow, this is very personal, he thought. How the hell am i supposed to answer correctly? It would make me put my whole philosophy in question. I have a very keen sense of Justice. I know it can be twisted and used as justification for revenge. True Justice does exist, i’m sure of it. Here is my answer...”

He wrote his answer below the inscription.

“You guessed wrong, said the hologram. The right answer is that Justice, the pure and true one, doesn’t exist. The notion of Justice itself is just a reason for an individual of a group of individual to justify doing selfish actions. You see, Justice is always influenced by something. Vengeance, Glory, Recognition, Thirst for battle, Self-Confidence, Love, Friendship, Power, sense of self-Accomplishment. Your own notion of justice is influenced by you thirst for battle, need for recognition and need of self-fulfilment. Am i right?”

“My sense of Justice is driven indeed by those reasons it’s true, said Sunlight. However, i think you missed the point. I said i believe in True Justice, not Pure Justice, like you mentioned. Justice itself have to be justified, it’s the rule. Pure Justice don’t exist. But True Justice does. A Justice delivered with the sole purpose of making everyone’s life better and safe. Not driven by ambition, vengeance, madness, fame or glory.”

The hologram laughed.

“Congratulation, you passed the first Trial, Sunlight Blaze, said the hologram. I tried to make you doubt, but you stood by your convictions. This is what faith is all about. Believing in something and stand by it. You might enter the next trial.”

The trio entered the second room.

“Welcome to the trial of Intelligence, said the magic hologram. As you might expect, the trial is about testing your intelligence. Only one of you can attempt this trial. You must find the answer on the first attempt. So, when you are ready, send the one who will pass the trial.”

Tempest advanced to the center of the room.

“Tempest Shadow, or rather, Fizzlepop Berrytwist, said the Hologram. I will ask you 5 questions, each one more difficult than the other. You have to answer correctly to all of them. You can have all the time you want to answer. First question: What the does the 6 Elements of Harmony represent and who are their actual wielders?”

“Magic, Loyalty, Honesty, Laughter, Kindness and Generosity, said Tempest. As their wielders, from left to right, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity.”

“I didn’t expect less of you, said the Hologram. Next question: Name at least 7 Kingdoms, outside of Equestria itself.”

“Abyssinia, home of the Abyssinians. Mount Aeris, home of the Hippogryffs. The Crystal Empire, home of the Crystal Ponies, Griffinstone, Home of the griffins, The Changeling Kingdom, Home of the Changelings, The Dragon Lands, home of the Dragons, and The Everfree Forest, home of the Ancient Deers”

“Next question, said the Hologram. Oh, i forgot to mention, you are allowed to ask help from your companions, but you can do it for only 1 question. So, the third question is: Which race in Equestria is the most ancient?”

”That one is tricky, thought Tempest. He said race, not species. So he must refer to the creatures that have a proper Kingdom. I seriously hesitate between Ponies or Dragons. Also, is he refering to the Kingdom of Equestria, which is home of the ponies or the Land of Equestria as a whole, who include the other races Kingdoms?”

”She is overthinking it, said Sunlight to himself. There is no right answer to that question. Each race would tell they are the most ancient, since that topic has never been answered by either the show and the comics.”

“There is no right answer to that question, am i right? Said Tempest to the magic hologram. I don’t think anyone knows which race was the first to exist in Equestria. So my answer is...I have no idea, i can’t answer to that question.”

“To be honest, i didn’t know it either!! Said the magic illusion. However, there was no wrong answer to that question either. Whatever answer you would have given me, i would have accepted it. Fourth question: Can you name 6 magic relics or artifacts that exist in this world.”

“The Alicorn Amulet, who amplify the magic power of Unicorns, but corrupt their mind. The Idol of Boreas, which was said to grant griffins their courage and greatness. The Crystal Heart, who protect the Crystal Empire from the Umbrums and the deadly cold of the region surrounding it. The Bloodstone Scepter, which grant the Dragon holding it the power to govern the Dragon race. Grogar’s bell, which absorb and stock the magic of magical being. And the Staff of Sacanas, which grant the wielder power over lightning, to name a few” she answered.

“Amazing, said the illusion. Fifth and last Question: Name every villain that attempted to take control of Equestria or posed a major threat to it.”

“There is the Storm King, she answered. Myself, Sunset Shimmer, Nightmare Moon, Discord, King Sombra, Cozy Glow, Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, Eris, Cosmos, Accord, The Tantabus, The Pony of Shadows, Grogar, Nightmare Rarity, The Living Apples...”

She took a pause.

“...Starlight Glimmer, The Windigos, The Sirens Adagio, Sonata and Aria, Trixie, Fauxlestia, Dupluna, Flim and Flam, she said. Did i miss any?”

“Flim and Flam? Asked Sunset. Those two greedy troublemakers? You’re serious?”

“I do, she answered. Twilight told me that in one of the alternate timelines she saw during her battle against Starlight. Flim and Flam had completely destroyed the ecosystem of Equestria with their factories and technology.”

“You passed the second trial, said the magic illusion. You can access the next room, now.”

And so, The trio passed with varying levels of difficulty the rest of the trials. Tempest took the Trial of Agility, Strenght and Pain, Sunlight took on the trials of Heroism, Courage, Fear and Power. As for Sunset, she took on the trials of Love, Purity and Truth. They finally arrived in the final room, exhausted, by happy.

“Man, those trials were tough as hell, said Sunlight. But nothing we couldn’t overcome...Am i right, girls?”

“Look, the final piece of the map!! Said Sunset, excited. We finally found it!!”

She took it and read the message below it.

“Congrats, you overcame my 12 trials and found the last piece of the map, or rather key. Yes, once combined, the 4 pieces you collected will form a key that will be required to access the location in which the real map who will reveal the location of your real mother. As for the location itself, the key will guide you to it.”

Sunlight didn’t waste any time and put the four parts of the key together, forming a globe.

“What now? Asked Sunset. I see inscriptions written on it, but...it’s old Ponish.”

“First thing first, said Sunlight. Let’s get the hell out of this place. Wait, how do we leave?”

The magic illusion appeared next to them.

“Like this! It said. Goodbye!!”

They were teleported instantly at the gates of the Tartarus. Sunlight used a key to open the door and the trio left the prison. They returned to Canterlot and once arrived...

“It was a pleasure to accompany you two in your adventure, said Tempest. I’ll make sure to visit you in the world you two live in, would that be okay?”

“Feel free to do so anytime, said Sunset. Thank you!!”

And thus, Tempest waved one last time at the siblings and walked away.

Chapter 5: This Quest is far from over

Sunlight read the inscriptions on the globe and noticed they were coordinates. He suddenly had an idea and headed for the Castle of Frienship. He entered the room where the Cutie map was located and activated it using a spell Twilight gave him. He entered in the system the coordinates written of the globe. The map zoomed on the Everfree Forest.

“Well, shit” said Sunlight.

Later, Sunset and him were at the entrance of the Everfree forest.

“Not only did the door location had to be in this infernal forest, said Sunlight. But it also had to be in the most dangerous and hostile part of it. We might need a guide to help us get through this forest. Oh, let’s ask Zecora!!”

He and Sunset went to Zecora’s hut and was about to knock at her door. But suddenly. Zecora opened it abruptly, letting a thick, smelly, green smoke.

“Not the worst thing i smelled” said Sunlight.

“I didn’t know such a smell could exist, said Sunset. What were you making in here, Zecora?”

“I was working on a new perfume, but as you can see, it ended just like i presumed, she answered. What brings the two of you to my hut?”

“We need a guide to navigate in that cursed forest, said Sunset. We thought you could help since we think you know a lot about this forest.”

“I do know my way around Everfree, said Zecora. But my services are not free. Tell me where you want to go.”

Sunlight teleported her to the Cutie Map and zoomed on the forest of Everfree. He entered the coordinates and the map automatically zoomed in the precise region they needed to go.

“You are definitively not lucky, said Zecora, As this part of the forest can drive anyone to insanity. Going there, I wouldn’t recommend, as this place could be where you meet your end.”

“We get it, said Sunlight. This is a very bad place for ponies. The question is, can you show us the way?”

“Yes, she answered. And while you’re at it, would you please get those rare ingredients for me? They are located in the same zone as the place you have to be. Consider it like the fee for my services.”

“At least half of those ingredients are highly hazardous to get, said Sunlight, reading the list. And the other half of those ingredients are just plain dangerous themselves.”

“You know what those ingredients are?” asked Sunset.

“Sure i do, he answered. I am quite the expert in botany. I am also an expert in geology and an expert in biology.”

“I will collect the ingredients myself, no need to worry, said Zecora. All you need to do is cover my back from dangers that might come at me. It’s the least you can do in exchange for my services.”

“Why not, said Sunlight. Fighting is always fun”

Sunlight brought them back to the hut. Zecora entered her home to grab some tools and then rejoined the duo.

“Follow my lead” she said.

The trio walked for a couple of hours in the forest before arriving to their destination. The globe started vibrating and glowing.

“The key is acting weird, said Sunlight. It’s probably because we are close to the entrance of whatever that key is supposed to let us enter in. But first, we should probably help Zecora before continuing our quest.”

Zecora pointed them a strange looking fruit hanging on the highest branch of a creepy looking tree.

“Help me get on top of that tree, said Zecora. So i can collect this fruit danger-free.”

Sunlight used his nature magic to make vines come out of the ground. The vines grabbed Zecora by the waist and back.

“I actually had a dream about vines, said Zecora. Those vines were viciously tearing up my insides”

Sunlight, not amused by the obscene comment, made the vines disappear and instead created a earth pillar that lifted her at the top of the tree. At the moment she grabbed the fruit, a giant Roc appeared from the sky.

“Well well, we meet yet again, said Zecora. How many times must i teach you this lesson, birdbrain.”

Sunlight swapped place with Zecora with his teleportation spell. He looked at the bird with a serious stare.

“Begone” he said.

Black coulds magically formed above the Roc. Shortly after, a series of lightning bolts hit the giant bird. The predator fell on the ground, burned and lifeless. Zecora walked on top of the bird and spit on it.

“That stupid bird will give me weeks worth of meals, she said. He gave me so much problem, glad his fate is sealed.”

She went to collect the next ingredient of her list, a crimson red flower that was protected by a giant Crimson wasp. Sunlight crushed the insect between two boulders.

“You’re so brutal, said Sunset. Why so much violence all of a sudden?”

“Well, i have to justify the Teen rating this story was given” he said, burning the corpse of the wasp.

“The rating of what? She asked. What are you talking about?”

“Forget it, said Sunlight. You’re the last person i want to see breaking the Fourth Wall.”

Zecora continued to collect the ingredients on her list and Sunlight continued murdering senselessly the violent creatures coming at the shaman.

“That was the last creature you had to fight, said Zecora. Thank you for your assistance, Sunlight”

“You’re welcome, he said. Will you be okay on the way home?”

“Of course, she answered. You don’t need to worry. This forest have no secret for me. Please pass by my hut when you’re done, my dear. I’ll give you a reward for your help of earlier.”

She smiled at him and walked away. Sunset let out a loud sigh.

“Moving on, she said. We have to find that entrance.”

As they got closer to the door, the globe was glowing brighter. They finally located the entrance a few minutes later. Sunlight immediately used a clairvoyance spell to dispel what he was certain to be an illusion. He was right and a heavy metal door appeared out of nowhere. The globe flew off out of Sunlight’s magic grasp and shot a magic beam at the door, which then opened. The globe then flew high in the sky and exploded. The duo entered and they saw a chest in front of them. Sunlight opened it and grabbed the map that was inside.

“If that map tell the truth, said Sunlight, Then our mother last known location is in a small village at the north of Equestria.”

“I can’t believe we will finally meet her, said Sunset. Oh...I have so much questions to ask her.”

“Don’t get you hopes on too much, said Sunlight. We don’t know if we will find her alive or dead there”

“That would be pretty cruel if we find out she died” said Sunset.

The duo left the place and headed back to the entrance of the forest.

“Head for Ponyville, said Sunlight. I’ll head for Zecora’s hut. Gonna grab the reward she promised me.”

“I must not get the wrong idea, thought Sunset. I bet that reward will be a rare concoction or some magic totem. Zecora wouldn’t fuck my brother, wouldn’t she?”

Sunset directly teleported back to Ponyville. Sunlight teleported in front of Zecora’s hut and was about to knock when he remembered something.

“Oh right, he said. I forgot she can’t teleport back to her home instantly like me.”

The hut’s door opened.

“Back so soon?” Asked Zecora.

“How did you get home so fast without a teleportation spell?” asked Sunlight.

“Let’s just say that Everfree is full of magic portal you can use, answered Zecora. I can show you a couple, sometimes, but try not to abuse.”

“So, about that reward?” asked Sunlight.

“It is waiting for you in my hut, she said. Come in, i made a delicious hot pot.”

Sunlight entered. He saw a bowl of the hot pot on the table.

“Eat as much as you can, sweetheart, she said. Oh, i notice you came alone, Where’s your sister?”

“Probably in Ponyville, right now, said Sunlight. So, about that reward?”

“Oh, yes, your reward, It’s inside the box you see on the table” said Zecora.

Sunlight opened the box and saw a phial of sparkly golden liquid.

“It is pure concentrated magic, said Zecora. One drop of this liquid will give you a tremendous amount of magic energy, really quick. With that, you’ll be able to fully use your magic power. It took me a whole month to make it, and many trials and errors.”

“Thank you so much, Zecora, he said. With this, No more cheep tricks and underhanded tactics. I will finally be able to fight my opponents fair and square”

“Well, i’m happy that you like it, she said. And before you go, i might give you and your sister a visit.”

“That would be great, said Sunlight. Have you ever thought of leaving this gloomy forest for another, much better place?”

“More than once, actually, said Zecora. Living in this place can be a real pain, honestly. But i just feel like i wouldn’t fit among ponies. Because i’m of a different species.”

“Oh, i have an idea, asked Sunlight. Why don’t you come living in our world? You would fit just right in among the masses! Your medical knowledge would be valuable there.”

“What makes you think i would want to leave this world in the first place?” answered Zecora.

“I’ll leave that answer to you, said Sunlight. That subplot went on for far too long. I have to return to Ponyville or else Sunset might get the wrong idea about this reward.”

“The way i said it did sounded a tad sexual” said Zecora.

“Well, i wouldn’t have minded being rewarded by you with sex, to be honest” said Sunlight.

“Oh my, said Zecora, embarrassed. You really mean it?”

”If this story was rated M, thought Sunlight. We would have started fucking right about now. Unfortunately, this is a Teen rated story and we’re nearing the end of the chapter, so i’ll have to cut to me and Sunset heading to our next destination... Right now.”

Sunlight and Sunset were about to leave Ponyville.

“I can’t believe she gave you something so valuable, said Sunset. And here i thought she would just give you, you know, her body, as a reward”

“Did you, though? Said Sunlight. You must know by now that even if she did paid me in sex, i would have refused...Right?”

“I mean, there is nothing wrong with having a quickie once in a while” said Sunset

“You do you, said Sunlight. Between spending time with you and your friends, honing my hand to hand combat and fighting techniques, updating my gadgets, watching anime, working part time and going to school, i barely have any time for self-pleasure. And it’s perfect that way. I’ve sworn to myself to never have sex with girls again.”

She gave him a sceptical look.

“Okay, fine, i did have sex with boys, while being a girl, said Sunlight. One time with the entire football team, You should have seen the mess after we were finished. Never doing it again, though... My poor butthole felt sore for days”

“That explain why they performed so well in the last regional Football tournament, said Sunset. Sacrificing your cheeks to boost the team morale, you’re a true hero...He he he”

“He he he he, said Sunlight, also amused. Okay, enough jokes, we have a long way to go before reaching the village were our mother supposedly lives in”

“You’re right, she said. We wasted enough time, let’s finish this quest!!”

After 4 days of walk, which had been painful for the duo, Sunset and Sunlight were finally arrived at the village indicated on the map.

“There we are, said Sunlight. After beating the hell out of countless monsters and making our way through way too much obstacles. We finally made it!”

“But our efforts are going to be rewarded, said Sunset. We finally get to meet our real mother!”

They entered the village and saw no sign of life, only decaying houses and blooming vegetation.

“Of course, said Sunlight. This village is totally, utterly, completely desert. Judging by the look of the houses and all that vegetation, i’d say this village had been abandonned for at least a decade or so.”

“The message did said that this was her last known location” said Sunset.

Sunlight was trying to contain his rage.

“Before you burn down this village, said Sunset. There is maybe a lead to where she might have gone.”

Sunlight used his cloning spell to create 10 copies of himself. He then send them looking in the village for anything that could help them find a lead.

“Hey, everyone, said one of the clones. I found a lead!!”

“Good job, Sunlight, said the real Sunlight. You really are the best!”

“Thank you, said the clone of Sunlight. You’re amazing too, Sunlight!!”

“Okay, everyone, said Sunlight to his clones, get you asses back there!! We found what we were looking for. You did a good job, all of you!! You’re dismissed!!”

The clones disappeared. Sunlight gave a look at what seemed to be a diary. One belonging to their mother...They looked at each other and read it together.

Chapter 6: (Mis?)fortune in Saddle Arabia

After reading the diary meticulously, the pair discovered that their mother apparently left the village 10 years ago for survival reason. The last entry in the diary gave them the lead they needed to continue their quest. After what, Sunlight burned what was left of the village.

“Let’s go, said Sunlight. We’re going to Saddle Arabia.”

The nearest train station was at one day of walk from the pair. Once arrived there, they travelled to the next station and so one until they eventually stopped at Ponyville. There, they took a first class ticket for Saddle Arabia.

“Ah, finally, said Sunlight. After what we’ve been through today, i’m glad we got to chill”

“I never thought i would ever feel sick of trains, said Sunset. This is going to be the last time i take one.”

“How long before reaching Saddle Arabia?” asked Sunlight.

“Oh, i would say half a day” answered another passenger.

“Wait, that silhouette, said Sunset. You are from Saddle Arabia, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m kind of a regular when it comes to travelling between Equestria and Saddle Arabia. You two are from Canterlot, right?”

“That’s right, said Sunlight. Sunset Shimmer’s here was a precious pupil of princess Celestia, when she was still the ruler. And i, Sunlight Blaze, am the son of a family of the richest noble family in Canterlot.”

“Well, I’m Jasmine Jade, said the Arabian mare. But you can call me Jade.”

“Nice to meet you, Jade, said Sunset. So, what are you coming to Equestria for?”

“I’m a merchant, answered Jade. I go to Canterlot once every two weeks to sell all sort of products from Saddle Arabia. If you are interested in buying things, i have lot of leftover products i didn’t sold. Please have a look”

Sunlight looked at the merchandise with interest. He saw something that got his attention.

“Is this...What i think it is?” he asked.

“Yes, Saddle Arabia’s legendary food product, The Red Hot Spicy Pie, said Jade. Made from 5 of Saddle Arabia’s most rare and spicy peppers and our most spicy chili. Then infused with Hot Pepper smoke and seasoned with chili powder on top. Spicy lovers can’t claim themselves real Spicy lovers without eating the Red Hot Devil Pie”

“I’m taking your entire stock!! Said Sunlight, How much?”

“Well, roughly 3000 bits for the entire stock of pies, answered Jade. You can pay with bits or jewels, we love jewels”

Sunlight gave her a small bag of sapphires, rubies, diamonds and emeralds.

“Does your friend always carry such a huge amount of precious gemstone on him? Asked Jade. He told me he came from a wealthy family, but that’s too much.”

“Actually, said Sunlight. I made them myself. I can turn any banal stone into a precious gem by using my mineral transmutation spell. An advanced Earth Spell that require deep knowledge of geology to master. Like this”

He turned a dull grey stone into a perfectly shaped diamond. Jade was speechless.

“You have no idea how many jewelry merchants would kill to have that ability, she said. I mean, turning a regular stone into a precious gemstone...You must be a very talented with magic. And not only merchants, but those pesky Diamond Dogs as well”

“Yes, i am aware of that, said Sunlight. Only Sunset and now you are aware of my ability. I trust my sister completely with keeping it a secret. But you, on the other hand...”

“Well, since you just bought some of my merchandise, said Jade. I’ll keep my mouth shut. If merchants hate something more than another merchant, it’s losing the trust of paying customers. Also my mother and soon, myself, is the only one who knows how to make those pies you bought. You are also the only one who willingly bought them...So, another reason not to lose you.”

“She’s being honest, said Sunset. Trust me, i can tell that she won’t say anything about your ability.”

“Wait, i thought those pie where Saddle Arabia’s most popular product? Asked Sunlight. So why did you said i was the only one who bought them?”

Jade let out a loud sigh.

“I was not lying, she said. They are popular, only in Saddle Arabia, though. They sold not well outside our kingdom. I always end up having to put almost all the batch to waste, so i can tell her i sold them all. The truth would break her heart.”

“Please marry me, said Sunlight, bowing to her. I’m in love!!”

Sunset choked on her saliva hearing that. Jade was surprised and blushing.

“Wait a minute, romeo!! Said Sunset, pulling him back. You can’t just propose to a mare out of nowhere like that!!”

“I’m touched that somepony powerful, charming and wealthy like you want to propose to me, said Jade. But i have no intention on getting married. Also, we litteraly just met 10 minutes ago...”

“Well, that was worth a shot, said Sunlight. I’ll have to think another way to get free Spicy Pies everyday.”

“Maybe you can convince my mother to give you the pie recipe, said Jade. But good with that. She’s very conservative with family secrets.”

Sunlight smiled devilishly.

“Gross, said Sunset, peeking into his mind. Don’t you even dare....”

“What is he thinking about?” asked Jasmine Jade.

“Well, he was thinking about sleeping with your mother” answered Sunset.

“Ha ha ha, that could work, actually, said Jade, amused. My mother’s sort of what you could call a Milf.”

“A what?” asked Sunset.

“Mom I’d Like to Fuck, answered Sunlight. Or in this case, Mare I’d Like to Fuck. And don’t ask where i learned this acronyme from.”

“You two are definitively the funniest pair i’ve seen in a while, said Jade. But i forgot to ask: what is your business in Saddle Arabia, by the way?”

“We are looking for our mother, answered Sunset. We found her diary and something about the likes of her going to Saddle Arabia. We hope we can find more lead on where she might be currently.”

“We’ve been at this for almost two weeks, said Sunlight. We took down a criminal organization in Las Pegasus, flew hundreds of miles on a ship, visited an island where lightning could kill us at any moment, a forest where everything tries to kill you and also a literal hell, you know, the normal stuff”

“Please, tell me more, said Jade. I love hearing stories from adventurers!! Tell me everything!!!”

“Well, we have for a long time before we arrive, said Sunset. Might as well learn to know our friend.”

Half a day later, the train stopped. The pair and their new friend left the train shortly after.

“It’s already dusk, said Jade. Hey, why don’t you come to my mom’s house for the night? We have more than enough guest room for the two of you.”

“I accept with pleasure, said Sunlight. Can’t wait to meet your mother...”

“I swear, said Sunset. When it comes to spicy food, you are impossible.”

The trio arrived 20 minutes later at the mare’s house. She opened the door.

“I’m back, Mom!! She said. And i brought 2 people from the outside!!”

Her mother came out of the kitchen.

“Oh, she said. You two are Equestrian Ponies!! And unicorns as well!!”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am, said Sunset. I’m Sunset Shimmer! And this is Sunlight Blaze, my br...”

“So, your daughter told me you were the only one to know the recipe of those sweet, sweet Spicy Pies, is that right?” asked Sunlight.

“It’s true, said Jade’s mother. But why do you ask?”

“I fell in love with your Spicy Pies immediately after tasting one, said Sunlight. So please, is there any way i could convince you to give me your recipe?”

“No, she answered. I don’t even share it with my closest friends, so what make you think i would give it to you. This recipe
Had passed from generation to generation and i intend to keep it that way.”

“Sis, said Sunlight. Read her mind and find the recipe.”

“No, she said. I won’t do that, that would be a violation of her privacy”

Sunlight showed a big diamond to Jade’s mother.

“Good try, she said. But wealth won’t lead you anywhere with me.”

Sunlight whispered in her ear something. She blushed and stepped back, red like a tomato.

“Damn it, she said. Did you tell him my weakness for well-hunged Stallions, Jade?”

“I’m really sorry, mom, answered Jade. But even if i didn’t told him, he still would have told you that.”

“Let’s make a deal, said the Mom. If you can satisfy me all-night, i’ll give you my recipe. But i’m telling you, i’m not easy to pleasure.”

“Let’s book an hotel, Jade” said Sunset, about to leave.

“Good idea, she said. I know a motel that’s very affordable!”

“Aren’t you hungry? Asked the Milf. I made my famous Red Mean Bean Soup!”

“I’m fine, said Sunset. Thank you for proposing.”

“See you tomorrow, Mom, Sunlight” said Jade.

They left and closed the door. Sunlight looked at her.

“What’s your name, by the way” he asked.

“Scarlet Pepper, she answered. But my friends just call me Red. I love my stallions nice and young”

“And...let’s cut to the next day!” said Sunlight.

The next day, Sunset and Jade entered the house and saw Sunlight eating a breakfast made by Scarlet Pepper. She was in a very bright mood.

“You look really happy this morning, Mom, said Jade. I suppose that night went really well for you.”

Sunlight was looking dead.

“Well, said this one. It was worth it for the Spicy Pie recipe.”

“Speaking of Pies, said Pepper. He filled mine with his cream, alright.”

“Mom!! She said. I don’t want to know the details!!”

“And i think i’m gonna lose my breakfast” said Sunset.

“Well, glad you two found satisfaction in that deal” said Jade.

Later...

“Your mother’s a monster of a whore, he said to Jade, traumatized and looking dead inside. I’m never making sex with a middle-age women again. I saw things...”

Sunset comforted him.

“Was it at least worth it for that recipe?” she asked.

“No, he answered. Nopony should never go through this. Nopony...”

“Sorry, i should have warned you that she’s a huge men-eater” said Jade.

“Maybe i should have read into her mind, said Sunset. I know what will boost your morale...Gosh, i can’t believe i’m doing this.”

She took a deep breath and made a Kawai face.

“It’s gonna be okay, Oni-Chan, she said, mimicking a cat. I’m always here for you, meow!!”

Sunlight got overwhelmed by joy and got a nosebleed that sent him on his back.

“Oh crap, did i killed him!? Said Sunset, feeling sorry. I thought it would boost your morale!”

Sunlight lifted is hoof.

“I’m fine, he said. That took me offguard, but i’m fine. You Mimicking Maria from: The life of a dog-loving guy Who Received the Blessing of the Cat Goddess when He reincarnated in Another World, You made my day. Thank you, Sis.”

She helped him get up and was slightly embarrassed.

“I only do this because you’re my brother and that i love you, she said. I can’t stand seeing you all gloomy and dead inside”

Sunlight put a hoof on her shoulder.

“You’re the best sister i could have asked for” he said.

“Awww, she said, blushing. Thank you...So, anyway, why did we came here in the first place?”

“Oh right, our mother, said Sunlight. Are you coming with us, Jade?”

“I can’t, sorry, she said. I have to start replenishing my stock for the next time. But i’ll give you a lead. If your mother did came here, then she probably slept at the motel we slept last night, That and also the mayor’s office.”

“If that’s the case, said Sunset. Then they probably have a register with her name, kept somewhere...That would confirm she was indeed there.”

“I’ll look for archives in the mayor’s office, said Sunlight. You, you’ll take care of the motel.”

“Got it, said Sunset. Thank you for the information, Jade!! Hope we meet again!!”

Sunlight broke into the Town Hall and looked for an employee.

“This big gem is yours if you told me where the confidential files are stocked” said Sunlight.

The employee told him that the mayor was not in her office, which was the place where the key to open the door to the room containing all the confidential documents was located.

“I’ll give you another gem like that one if you don’t rat me out, okay?” said Sunlight.

The employee agreed. Sunlight went in the direction of the office and looked for any key. He saw a paint on the wall and removed it. He saw a small safe and used his magic to play with the lock system. The safe opened and revealed a key inside with a compromising photo of the mayor drinking. He took the key and the picture, just in case the mayor caught him red-handed. He shut the safe and locked it, then left the office and walked in direction of the file room. Once arrived in front of it, he used the key and unlocked the door. What was his surprise when he saw the mayor having a game of poker with shady-looking individuals. He and the players stared at each other surprised.

“I won’t tell anyone a word about this, said Sunlight. If you let me access the files.”

“Deal, said the Mayor. Look at what you’re looking for and get out. I’m about to win the jackpot!!”

Sunlight took a few minutes and found the file on her mother, Nova Dusk. He was about to leave but was tempted by the game of cards.

“Mind if i join in?” he asked.

“The more the merrier, said one of the players. You know how to play poker?”

Sunlight looked in his magic purse and pulled out a pile of gemstones and gold bits.

“Pfft, What a showoff, said the mayor. Alright, then, you can join the game after this round. Take this, A 4 of a kind of Kings!! I win!!”

She took the jackpot at the center. Meanwhile, Sunset used her telepathy to read the mind of the staff. She found in one of them the location of the room where the books containing the names of every client since it’s opening where located. She made her way to the room quite easily, mind controlling the guard into opening the vault. Once inside, she looked the most ancient registers for a couple of minutes.

“Nova Dusk, Nova Dusk, she said. Ah, there she is, her name!! Finally!! She indeed booked a room 10 years ago. So, she came here, no doubt about it.”

She took the page with her and left the vault.

“Sunlight!! She said, using telepathy. I found her name in the hotel register!! What about you?”

Sunlight received her message and replied also using telepathy

”I also found her file in the files room, he said. But I’m playing Poker with the mayor at the moment.”

”What? She asked. Since when do you play poker?”

”I’m really good at it, he said. I’m totally washing them at the game. I’m coming to join you after i’m done with this round”
Sunlight won the round and took the jackpot.

“Well, i had lot of fun, guys, he said. But i’m afraid i have to leave.”

“You’re one heck of a player, dear, said the Mayor. You’re as good as that other mare unicorn that beat me many years ago. Ah, that Nova Dusk, such a pearl...”

“Wait, you know her? Asked Sunlight. You knew my mother?!”

“Your mother? Said the mayor. That explain why you’re so good at poker. But yes, i knew her quite well. I imagine you want to hear from me about her, right?”

“I do, said Sunlight. Wait a moment, i’ll bring my sister here...”

He teleported outside the building and looked for Sunset.

“There you are, she said. You took long enough...”

“Follow me, he said. I’ll explain you on our way to the files room.

She followed him to the files room and Sunlight told him about the mayor and their mother.

“I’m back” said Sunlight.

“You knew our mother?!” asked Sunset, excited.

“You look a lot like her, said the mayor. Yes, i knew her quite well. She was one of my best friends.”

“That will wait next chapter, said Sunlight. Let’s end this one on this sentence...”

Chapter 7: The end of the line?

Sunset and Sunlight were in the Mayor’s office, comfortably installed on matresses, as she told them about Nova Dusk.

“If i remember correctly, said the mayor. She left the town about 3 years ago, heading for Saddle Arabia’s capital. One of my friends in the big city helped her during her time there. His name is Flashy Hooves, he’s an influent politician. You will find him at his private residence. Give him this letter and he’ll let you in. There, you might ask him what he knows about her.”

“Thank you, said Sunset. Thank you so much!!”

“Well then, said Sunlight. Let’s go to the capital!”

They said goodbye to the mayor and left the building. They headed for the station and asked for two train tickets for the capital. They then get on the train and arrived in the city a few hours later. The duo asked the people around them for directions to the adress Mayor Gold gave them. One of them told them to order a cab to get to his residence. So they ordered one and headed for what they discovered was a luxurious mansion. They paid the driver and walked to the gates. Sunset pushed the button next to the doorgates and heard a voice.

“May i ask what business do you have with my master?” asked a mare, who was visibly the mansion secretary.

“We are friends of one of his friends, answered Sunset. We want to talk with him!”

The communication was suddenly cut. They saw a guard coming in their directions.

“They are two, said the guard. They are both Unicorns, from Canterlot, i would suppose. One is a stallion and the other, a mare. They look very similar to each other, they are probaly related. How do we proceed?”

Sunlight teleported to the other side of the gates. He put the guard to sleep and opened the gates for Sunset.

“I wish you wouldn’t be so impatient” said Sunset.

Sunlight opened the front doors of the mansion and entered.

“Who are you!? Asked a mare who seemed to be the mansion’s receptionist. You have no permission to be here!”

“Give this letter to Mr. Flashy Hooves, said Sunlight. We’ll wait there...”

She gave the letter to a maid passing by.

“Bring this letter to our Master” told her the receptionist.

The maid obeyed and left. Ten minutes later, the mare at the reception received a call.

“Our master want to see both of you, she said. Blue Berry, Rasp Berry, please lead our guests to our master.”

The two siblings followed the maids inside the mansion for a couple of minutes. They stopped walking.

“Our master await you on the other side of the room” said Blue Berry.

They looked at each other and entered the room.

“Welcome, Mr. Blaze, Mrs. Shimmer, said Flashy Hooves. Please take a seat. Any friends of my friends are my friends!! Before we begin, do any of you want a drink?”

“I’m fine” answered Sunlight.

“Me as well” answered Sunset.

“Alright, then, said the politician. Time to tell you what i know about your mother...”

“One question, said Sunlight. You worked in politic, right?”

“I was the mayor of the city for the last 5 years, answered the rich pony. I left the position quite recenty, so i would say i’m an ex-politician now. Now, about your mother, Nova Dusk. The mayor Prima Gold told me in a letter that she wanted her existence to be kept secret from an individual that was tracking her down and that i was the best placed for it. So, i hired her as one of my maidens. She was one of the best that ever worked for me. I’m saddened she left 4 years ago.”

“Do you have any idea where she went next?” asked Sunset.

“All i can tell you is that she left the city heading to the north, answered Flashy Hooves. So, now that we’re done, i wish you two good luck finding her. Blue Berry, Rasp Berry, please take our two guest to the exit.”

Once outside the mansion, the pair headed north. After two hours, they reached the limits of the city. In front of them were seemingly endless fields. Sunlight put on his battle suit and asked Sunset to hold on to him well. He took off and flew at high speed to the north. One hour later, they saw what looked like a small village under them. They landed and went to visit it. The townspeople saw them enter and hid in their houses.

“What’s their problem? Asked Sunset. I expected people from Saddle Arabia to be mefiant toward us, ponies. I would understand staring at us and back away, but hiding in their houses? Something is wrong.”

“It’s no coincidence, said Sunlight. Our mother was running away from something tracking her down. There is high chances of her hiding in this village. Maybe the thing that his after her did something to the villagers that make them fear Unicorns...I can’t shook off the feeling that something is wrong with our quest...”

A bunch of angry villagers surrounded them with various tools and weapons. Sunlight sighed and took of all their weapons using plant magic. He then burned them.

“Did a Unicorn, a mare, asked Sunlight, looking like us, happened to live in this village, by any chance?”

“Yes, and she cursed this village, said a stallion. I am the chief of this village, Steel Horn. If you are looking for her, she left 2 years ago, leaving behind her a terrible cataclysm that swiped our village and wiped out our population.”

”Poor them, said Sunset to Sunlight using telepathy. They were collateral damages in this story. But they confirmed she indeed passed here.”

Sunlight looked at the chief.

“I’m really sorry for what happened to your village, he said. Indirectly or not, our mother caused you a lot of pain and suffering.”

He used his magic to make a small moutain of gemstones appear next to him. The villagers were surprised and some were crying of joy.

“Take this as a late apology gift for what happened to you, he said. Oh, do you know where she was heading when she left?”

“She continued to the North, said the chief. So it’s likely she went past the limits of our Kingdom. Are you sure we can have that treasure?”

“Of course, he said. There’s plenty more were that came from. But tell me more about this cataclysm that touched your village...”

“Pure chaos, said one of the villagers. Our houses were burning, lightning was striking everywhere, the earth was shaking like crazy, then a terrible flood took us by surprise, despite being no lake around, followed by an ice storm that destroyed our food supplies...All of it happened in the span of single day!!”

“That sound to me like Elemental magic, said Sunlight. The lightning, the earthquakes, the fire, the flood and the ice storm...It could be the work on an elemental magic caster or of a magical arftifact granting control over them. Either way, this was of magical cause. Unicorns are the rare beings that can use such magic...”

“Thank you for your help, said Sunset. Well, we will be on our way, now...Sorry to have bothered you”

“Please stay, at least for the night, said Steel. We can at least do this much to repay your generosity...”

They accepted to stay in the village for the night. Sunlight showed the fillies and colts flashy and simple magic tricks to amuse them, avoiding to use elemental magic. Sunset was being courted by both young and old stallions.

”There is one last thing i can do for them” thought Sunlight. Laying in a bed.

The next day, shortly before dawn. Sunlight used elemental magic to make the soil more fertile and improve the crops quantity and quality exponentially. Sunset was near him, ready to leave at any moment.

“This will be my final gift to them, he said to her. Now, let’s get going before they wake up...!”

The two unicorns left the village heading north. They reached the limits of Saddle Arabia in the morning. In front of them was miles and miles of rocky terrains.

“So, she went this way, said Sunlight. That road must lead to the rocky moutains. It’s the perfect place to disappear from society. The villagers said that she left their village two years ago.”

“Do you think she’s still living in those moutains?” asked Sunset.

“There’s high chances of that, answered Sunlight. But those mountains are vast, finding her won’t be easy. And it’s if she’s still here. Luckily, i can have many of my clones use earth detection to scan the moutains for traces of life.”

They continued walking and reached the moutains. Sunlight made a dozen of copies of himself and sent them scouting and scanning the mountains. The pair waited for many hours and one of the clones made it back.

“She lived here, alright, said Clone Sunlight to Sunlight. I found a base and judging by how much the stone was wore down, someone lived here for almost 2 years. That mean that this was our mother’s base. If i had to guess, she probably left the moutains no more than a couple months ago.”

“Good job, said Sunlight to Clone Sunlight. We at least know she was there until recently. It is unlikely she returned in Saddle Arabia. What’s to the North of the moutains?”

Another clone came back to the camp.

“Sea, answered the second clone. Lot and lots of water.”

“And what’s to the East and West?” asked Sunset.

“To the East, a vast desert, answered a third clone, who just appeared. To the West, a dense forest.”

“Right off the bat, said the original Sunlight. We can scratch off the Sea to the north and the Desert to the East. Those two places are way to dangerous for her to travel through. That only leave the forest to the West.”

“Where does that forest lead?” asked Sunset.

Sunlight disposed of the clones, since they were done there.

“Only one way to know, he answered. We’ll have to break through it”

The pair left the mountains to head to the west, where they saw a big forest after two hours of walk.

“Let’s do this, said Sunlight. I still can’t shook the feeling that we are doing this the wrong way, though. But we came too far to back up now. Are you ready?”

“I am” answered Sunset.

They entered the forest. Sunlight immediately started analyzing the surroundings to look for any traces of pony activity. 3 hours in, Sunlight found a pony-sized shelter, now occupied by little animals.

“So, i was right, said Sunlight. This shelter was made using magic. Our mother was here, no doubt about it.”

Another 6 hours in, Sunlight noticed the remains of a shelter and a campfire. This time, he had the confirmation that Nova Dusk passed there. They took 3 days to finally get out of the forest.

“Finally, said Sunset. We made it out of that forest...Wait, are we on the borders of our kingdom?”

“Yes, answered Sunlight. We went all that way just to come back to our kingdom...Ugh...”

“So, we are to the West of Equestria, he said. The Unknown West. Canterlot should be to the East if we keep going straight ahead. She could have went anywhere from this point...Think, Think, Sunlight...Canterlot’s at the East of our location, The Yakyakistan, at the North and Las Pegasus, at the South.”

“Maybe we should just give up, said Sunset. If she went through all that trouble to disappear, then she probably don’t want anyone finding her.”

“If she really wanted to disappear, said Sunlight, she could have gotten rid of her presence in Saddle Arabia. Don’t you think that everything up until now might have been staged by her ? That all the messages we found and the person we met, that lead us to this exact moment, we’re all planned by her? That’s the feeling i’ve got since we started this quest. Or if not by her, by someone else?”

“We’ll know when we find her, said Sunset. If we find her”

“Wait, why didn’t i thought about it sooner? Said Sunlight,who suddenly had a moment of illumination. Of course!! The answer was beside me all along...”

He looked at Sunset.

“Me? She said. What do you mean?”

“You are the key to find our mother! Said Sunlight. All the leads she left behind her had for goal to set on a false course the one that was tracking her down. She indeed went to Saddle Arabia and lived there for years. The Mayor Gold and the Mayor Hooves were in with her. For some reason, i can detect the magic aura of magic beings, and i believe yours must be similar to the one of our mother. By casting this spell on you, and then casting this one right after, i can create a magic trail that only i can see, to another being with a similar magical aura.”

“Do it, then” she said.

Sunlight obeyed and casted the first spell at her. Then, he casted the second one in the air. A trail of magic showed to him.

“This way, said Sunlight. Follow me.”

They followed the magic trail for hours and were surprised that it was leading right in Ponyville. More, precisely, in the Friendship castle. Sunset’s hinch was confirmed when the trail of magic ended above the portal leading to C.H.S.

“Wait, said Sunset. Wait...No, don’t tell me that...”

“Yes, said Sunlight, who started laughing. She’s living in Canterlot, our Canterlot.”

“Wait, did you knew about this?” she asked, mad.

“Well, sort of, said Sunlight, smiling. Discord told me she was living in our world. But i really wanted us to go on an adventure together.?”

Sunset calmed down and smiled.

“I know, she said. But still, how long did you knew about that...”

“Before we even started this epic adventure, answered Sunlight. Anyway, we were gone for almost 2 weeks, i wonder if our friends are okay...”

“I’m sure they’re fine, said Sunlight. The thing i’m worried about is the moutain of work waiting for us...”

Chapter 9: The Third Confrontation

One week had passed since last chapter, during which both the Equestria girls and the villains prepared themselves. Today was the day where Moonlight would attack. One day before the D-day, each side were feeling uneasy. As such, The villains launched a party. Moonlight came with the idea to boost his team’s morale and reduce their nervosity. On the girls side, the 6 decided to go on a Girls Night. They had lot of fun. Now, it was almost noon, and the Mane 6 were waiting on a desolated field for their enemies to appear. At their surprise, Moonlight showed up, alone.

“Normally, i would prefer to fight during the night, said Moonlight. When my powers are at their peak. But things are different this time, because i’m not the one going to fight you...Legion of Darkness!!”

Moonlight created a black vortex. Sombra came out first, wearing a terrifying armor. Tirek was next, bulkier than ever and armed with a warhammer.

“But there’s more” said Moonlight

Adagio appeared, followed by Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.

“Of course, said Applejack. Those 3 bitches again.”

“They look way stronger than the last time” said Twilight.

“Still, we can pull this off, said Rarity. We are stronger than we were then...”

Flim and Flam appeared next, wearing extravagant magician costumes.

“Flim and Flam?! Said Applejack. Why am i not surprised...”

“And don’t think you can count on your magic of Frienship this time around” said Moonlight.

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy turned into a black sludge that turned to smoke.

“No!! Said Rainbow Dash. What have you done to her!!”

Moonlight made Fluttershy appear in his right hand, holding her by the neck. She was unconscious.

“Try using your Rainbow Laser this time, he said. Try to give us a challenge, okay?”

Moonlight disappeared in a vortex with Fluttershy.

“Those scumbags, said Applejack. They’re playin’ dirty. Without Fluttershy, we can’t use our Rainbow Laser...”

“Don’t worry, girls, said Twilight, smiling. I was certain this would happen. That was a matter of time before Moonlight decide to kidnap one of us. I predicted Fluttershy would be his target, and seem i was right.”

“So, what’s you plan?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“I learned from the other me that the Elements of Harmony can have more than one bearer, she answered. And i just recently found someone worthy of the Element of Kindness. You can show yourself!!”

Spike jumped out of Twilight’s bag and immediately turned into Chrysalis.

“Chrysalis?! Asked Rarity. What an unexpected turn of events.”

This one took the appearance of Fluttershy.

“I know!! She said. I was surprised as well!! But it’s true that i’ve always been kind, devoted and nice to everyone, even those who were mean to me. Still, i’ve been chosen by the Elements of Harmony!! How cool is that!!”

“That won’t change the outcome, said Adagio. You need time to charge that Spell, We won’t let you get the opportunity to do so!! Attack, girls!!”

Adagio created a powerful soundwave with her voice, aimed at the girls. Rarity deflected it with a giant shield. Sonata started singing.

“What? Said Rainbow Dash. I can’t move!!”

“Sonata seem to be able to paralyze us with her voice, said Twilight. Activation of the Anti-Siren protocole!!”

Earplugs appeared in everyone’s ears. The girls could move again.

“You seem surprised, said Twilight to the villains. Know that i thought about everything...Including who Moonlight would try to recruit in his team. You 3 were an easy pick for him. I knew your powers would be sound-based and so, i thought about lot of ways to counter you.”

“It is such a shame that you’re wasting that intellect of yours for the wrong cause, said Abacus Cinch, who was hidden until now.”

“Miss Cinch? Said Twilight. I didn’t expect you to join sides with Moonlight!”

“You and your friends took everything from me, said Abacus. But i’m going to take it back, and you girls, are in the way!!”

“You deserved it, old hag!! Said Rainbow Dash. This time, we’ll take your dignity as well”

“My my, so disrespectful!! Said the former Principal. I’m going to have to teach you a lesson about respect!!”

She took a magic pen and wrote in front of her the word “Zap”. The word turned into a powerful laser beam that hit Twilight.

“This is my power, said Abacus Cinch. I can bring any Onomatopea to life by writing them with this pen! The beam that hit your friend came from the word Zap, which is an Onomatopea used to describe the sound of a laser being fired. So, if i write the word Ka-Boom, what do you think will be the result?”

She wrote the word “Yawn” with her pen. The girls were feeling sleepy.

Flim and Flam attacked the group with a barrage of razor sharp cards. Rarity blocked most of them with her powers, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were touched. They turned the ground under the girls into goo in which they began to sink.

“What do you think about our powers? Asked Flim and Flam in sync. This is magic at it’s finest.”

Twilight dispelled the illusion around her and her friends. Rarity casted a big barrier around her friends.

“I’ve been learning magic tricks as well, she said. Rarity, i count on you to protect us long enough!!”

She casted on herself and all her friends Power, Defense, Speed and Magic Boost. Rarity took down the barrier and the group attacked. Rainbow Dash slapped Adagio, Sonata and Aria in the face. Applejack punched the ground and created a shockwave that destabilized the villains. She took off a chunk of earth and threw it at the enemies. Flim and Flam casted a barrier to block it. Adagio counterattacked with a sonic blast to the ground, which also caused a shockwave. Cinch wrote the word Ka-Boom. Rarity casted a shield to block the explosions. Pinkie Pie used her Super Party Cannon to fire highly concentrated Sugar bombs that created a massive explosion in the villain party.

“THAT’s an explosion, bitch!! Said Pinkie Pie to Abacus. Also, i really want your power!! I’m so jealous!!”

Sombra and Tirek jumped in the fight. Sombra fired two powerful dark beams at Rarity and broke her personal shield. Tirek charged at Applejack and Rainbow Dash with the intention of crushing them. He punched Applejack in the face, but this one took the hit without moving. She punched him back and sent him flying 20 meters away. Tirek got up without a scratch

“Nothing, said Applejack. And i put all my strenght into that blow!! Those guys really did get stronger.”

The Dazzlings attacked the group while they were recovering from the attacks of Tirek and Sombra. Abacus Cinch attacked next, writing the word Swoosh, which summoned a strong gust of wind. Flim and Flam then made a rain of fire, ice and thunder fall on the group. Sombra joined the movement and created a ball of shadow energy that exploded middair and rained down on the heroes. Tirek ended the combo attack by firing a huge beam at the group.

“They are too much!! Said Applejack. They took down Rarity!!”

“Their coordination is so damn good, said Twilight. And we just lost our shield caster. But i won’t give up...Applejack and Rainbow Dash can still fight, Pinkie Pie and Chrysalis too. They are pushing us back, and Moonlight haven’t even joined the fight yet...What if he decide to jump in?”

Rarity woke up and got back on her feet.

“Don’t you dare give up, Darling, she said. We are the only ones who can defend Canterlot in Sunlight and Sunset’s absence!!”

“She’s right, said Applejack. The stakes are too high for us to fail now...We will win!!”

“They might have an excellent coordination, said Rainbow Dash. But so do we!! We can do this!!”

“If you fall, Twilight, it’s over, said Chrysalis. In Sunset’s absence, you’re the only one compatible with the Element of Magic.”

“You can do it!!! Said Pinkie Pie. Let’s kick their butts!! And after that, we’ll celebrate this with a mega-party!!”

The girls’ aura started glowing bright and they ponied-Up. The villains started being worried. Rainbow Dash dragged Adagio away from the group and flew toward the sky with her. Applejack punched Tirek in the guts and made him spit blood. Pinkie Pie was firing bombs at Aria and Sonata relentlessly, each explosion growing stronger than the last. Chrysalis turned into a giant dragon and attacked Flim and Flam, making short work of their magic tricks and sending them fly away. Rarity was in a duel with Sombra, and she was starting to overwhelm him. Twilight was fighting Abacus Cinch with a newfound determination and was holding her back. Rainbow Dash landed and threw Adagio away. That one puked on the ground, pale as a ghost. Moonlight was looking at the battle and sighed.

“I’ll admit, those girls are ressourceful, he said. Fine then, it’s time for Plan B!”

He teleported on the battlefield with 3 boxes floating in front of him.

“Adagio, Aria, Sonata, he said. It’s time for plan B!!”

He opened the boxes and released the spirits of Midnight Sparkle, Demon Shimmer and Gaia Everfree. Midnight took over the body of Aria Blaze, Demon Shimmer over the body of Sonata Dusk and Gaia Everfree over the body of Adagio. The girls started transforming. Aria took on the traits of Midnight Sparkle, Sonata, on the traits of a demon and Adagio, on the traits of Gaia Everfree.

“Those transformation, said Twilight. It’s impossible!!”

“Nothing is impossible for me!!! Said Moonlight. I not only summoned them from the void, but i also greatly boosted their power. You won’t Deus Ex Machina your way out of this one!!”

Moonlight took Flim, Flam, Abacus, Tirek and Sombra back to the base.

“Crush them!!” he said, before leaving as well.

Midnight blasted the group with a super powerful beam of pure magic that Rarity had a hard to block completely. Gaia Everfree summoned an army of plant monsters that she send at the girls. Demon Sonata also blasted the group with a magic beam. The girls were quickly being overwhelmed and overpowered by the combined assault of their opponents.

“Darn it!! Said Applejack. Just when i thought victory was ours, that guy pop out of nowhere and plays his Ace”

“Their power is on a whole other level, said Twilight. It took the 6 of us to defeat Demon Sunset, Sunset’s Daydream transformation to defeat Midnight and our 7 magic geodes to seal Gaia Everfree. We can’t win, it’s over...”

“Really? Said the voice of someone they recognized. I think you girls have done a pretty good job defending Canterlot. Sorry for being away for so long. But we met some unexpected obstacles during our quest...”

Sunlight showed up in front of the mane 6. Sunset arrived shortly after him. Moonlight smiled and prepared to join the fight

“Are you alright, girls?” asked Sunset to her friends.

“We’re fine, answered Rainbow Dash. But Moonlight have Fluttershy, someone need to save her. But there is also those 3 freaks to take care of...”

“Please, i can do both, said Sunlight. I’ve been dying to use that spell in this world!!”

Sunlight made 4 copies of himself. The mane 5 and Chrysalis were impressed.

“Wow, that’s new!! Said Applejack. But you really think those clones of yours can take on those 3?”

“Each clone possess the magic power of the Original, said Sunlight. But for each clone i make, my magic power is halved until i undo the spell. And if i die, my clones will disappear, so i would not mind you girls protecting me”

“So, by making a single clone, you lose 50% of your maximum power output, said Twilight. By making two of them, you lose in total 75% of your total power. With three, almost 90%...But i admit the advantages outweight it’s drawback.”

Sunlight sent one of his clones to retrieve Fluttershy, and the 3 left against the 3 magic spirits. Twilight and the group surrounded the original Sunlight to protect him. Frost suddenly entered the battle, coming out of a portal.

“Well well, said Moonlight, throwing Fluttershy away. Take your friend back. I have no use for her anymore. I was waiting for you two to show up and save the day.”

The clone of Sunlight assigned to Fluttershy’s rescue faced Moonlight.

“You missed me? He asked. Ow, I’m touched...”

“Shut your mouth!! Said Moonlight. I won’t allow you, even less your clone, to mock me”

“That’s funny coming from another clone, said Sunlight 4. I might be a clone, but i’m as strong as the original...”

The 3 other Sunlight had immobilized Adagio, Sonata and Aria in magic chains. Sunset used her divine magic to cast out of them the evil spirits. They returned inside their boxes at the frustration of Moonlight. He transported the 3 Sirens back to their base.

“Next time, we will come prepared, said Moonlight. Be aware!!”

He finally left the place and the girls celebrated their victory. Sunlight undid the Cloning spell and regained his magic power.

“That elixir Zecora made for me worked like a charm” said Sunlight.

“I’ll explain everything later, said Sunset. We have so much to tell you. For now, let’s get back home”

Moonlight had summoned his team for a meeting.

“We lost again!! Said Sombra. Raaaaahhhh!!!”

“Calm down, said Moonlight. Yes, we have been defeated again, but it doesn’t matter. Let’s concentrate on the other plan i told you about. You all did well today, and you will do even better next time. Keep developping your powers, keep getting stronger...You can leave, now. Take a long pause for the time being.”

The team left the room, at the exception of Abacus Cinch.

“I must admit, i’m impressed with your leadership” she said.

“You can learn something from it, said Moonlight. Instead of seeing them as disposable pawns, like many other villain would do, i see them as equals. I trust them, listen to them, and so, they trust me and listen to me as well. They would put their life on the line for me, and i would do the same for them. This is why they have not betrayed me yet despite my many failures. By the way, If you supported your student, Twilight Sparkle, in a positive way, instead of pressuring her, you could have won the Friendship Games and kept your reputation safe as well as your Star student. Try my method of leadership when you’ll take back your position of Principal.”

He left the room.

“He’s really good at this, she thought. He knows exactly what to tell us in a way that feel inspiring...I’m tempted to follow him anywhere he want to go. I somehow feel like i can trust him with my life and that he trust me with his as well...That is the mark of a true leader. I should, no i will take example of him. I will be the pinnacle of Leadership.”

Chapter 10: Family Reunion.

The day following the fight against Moonlight’s Legion of Darkness, Sunlight was talking with the mane 6 at a Coffee Shop.

“That’s incredible, said Applejack. But it make sense...We have those magic geodes to draw our energy from. The fact you were limited on magic and still managed to keep up with us through sheer willpower and efforts, it’s unbelievable.”

“But now, thanks to this, said Sunlight, showing the phial containing Zecora’s magic elixir. I can use my magic as well as i do back in Equestria...Also, How’s Cinder?”

“She’s been really worried about you, said Fluttershy. And also really mad that you didn’t take her with you...”

“In short, said Twilight, That potion boost one’s magical power to it’s peek. How long does the effects last?”

“Well, answered Sunlight. To make it simple for all of you, Imagine a gas tank that need to be refilled with gasoline when it’s empty. The gas tank being my magic reservoir and the potion being the gasoline. Casting spells require a considerable amount of magic energy. In Equestria, this isn’t a problem since the magic is abundant.”

“It is simply theorical, asked Rainbow Dash. But what effect would it have on us?”

“If i had to guess, answered Sunlight. It would drastically boost your own magic power. For example, What’s your lifting limit, Applejack?”

“Well, i can lift at least 30 tons at my peak” she said.

“If you took a drop of this elixir, said Sunlight. You would be able to lift at least 10 times, no, 50 times this amount.”

“Holy apples!!! Said Applejack. That elixir is that concentrated in energy?!”

“Can you let me analyze it? Asked Twilight. I need to know what ingredients she used to prepare it.”

“That’s not a bad idea...Answered Sunlight. If you were able to find every ingredient she used, i could probably mass produce them using Nature and Earth magic. But the problem is still the recipe itself...How are we going to proceed?”

“Well, i think i can help with this, Said Sunset, who just arrived. If you versed a drop of it on my finger, i’ll be able to see how it was made.”

“That is a big gamble, said Twilight. I will need to deconstruct the elixir to figure out what ingredients were used. That mean isolating each component individually...Half the phial would be required. This way, i’ll have a good mesure to start from. Plus one drop for Sunset to use. You wouldn’t have much left...But, if this work out like i expected, we’ll have a big edge over Moonlight and his team.”

“That might worth the risk, said Sunlight. Once we’ll figure out the proportions for one phial, we can multiply it by 8. But it took a month to Zecora to make one small phial. To make 8 of them there is two ways we could proceed. The first would be to multiply the proportions by eight and do it in the space of a month. That will require a lot of attention, efforts and concentration. The other way is to make one at a time. It would take 8 months to make one phial, one for each of us but would be a lot less stressful.”

“Hum, can’t you just use magic to make multiple copies of it? Asked Pinkie Pie. There must be a spell that can do that, right?”

“It would be impossible, said Sunlight. That spell doesn’t work on unique magic items, or magic imbued items, such as this elixir, which is made of highly concentrated magic energy. I mean, that would be far too convenient for us if i could just do that, wouldn’t it?”

“You’re not wrong, said Pinkie Pie. Are you actually going to go through with this subplot? Because it would make meaningless the value of this elixir if someone was able to mass produce it. Zecora made this for you, and you only, she worked her ass off for a month to make that elixir. And you, you would make it all meaningless by trying to make it yourself...”

Sunlight put his finger on her lips.

“I get it, i get it, he said. I won’t try to cheat my way through the plot...”

Pinkie smiled.

“Oki doki!! She said. Now, shouldn’t you and Sunset start looking for your mother? She lives in that world, right?”

“She does, said Sunlight. But this world have no magic, so i can’t just use a location spell like i did earlier...”

“Leave it to me, said Twilight. I’ll find her in no time!! You said your mother’s name was Nova Dusk, right? Let me write it and leave the magic of my tracking application make it’s effect...”

The group didn’t need to speak for long, as Twilight’s application notified her.

“Wow, that was fast, said Sunset. So?”

“Well, apparently, she’s a romance movie actress on the rise, answered Twilight. Apparently, she won an Actress of the Year Award and another for Best Perfomance. You must know her, Rarity.”

“Well, that will surprise you, she said. But i hate romance movies...Always depicting the guy as a perfect, gentle and noble character. Love is not that easy in real life...Still, she’s also figured in many Top Model magazines, i must admit she’s gorgeous...”

“Where is she right now?” asked Sunlight.

“Let me a second, said Twilight...Alright, she’s turning a new movie in London.”

“London? Asked Sunlight. Isn’t where the being called Queen of England lives?”

“You mean, the Queen Elizabeth? Asked Rarity. Yes...why?”

“If she’s a queen, then she’s evil!!! Said Sunlight. She must be eliminated!!”

“Not all queens are evil” said Sunset.

“Name one that isn’t?” asked Sunlight.

“Queen Novo?” answered Sunset.

“Alright, he said, You’re right...But what proof do i have she’s not evil?”

“Oh, said Rainbow Dash. She’s definitively evil, i’m sure of it, but no one have ever succeeded in killing her...It’s like she’s immortal or something...”

“An Evil Immortal Queen? Said Sunlight. She will make a worthy opponent, then!! Our battle will be legendary!!”

“No fighting, said Sunset. We’re going to London to meet our mother, the Queen can wait after...”

“Fine, he said. Let’s take a plane for London, then!! Do you girls wanna come too? I’ll pay for all of us...Consider it as a gift. Each of you can also bring one person with you. The Airport gives a reduction of 50% for 12 or more tickets bought.”

“If i want? Asked Rarity. Darling, London is a must-see for a fashionista!! Of course, i want!!”

“Well, if you’re paying for the flight, said Rainbow Dash. Why not?”

“Count me in!!” said Pinkie Pie.

“We’re all coming, said Applejack. If one want to go in England, in England we shall all go...”

“Then it’s settled!! Said Sunlight. We’ll leave tomorrow before afternoon!!”

The heroes passed the rest of the day packing up their stuff. The next day, Sunlight was the first arrived at the Airport, in company of Flash Sentry.

“Thank for taking me with you, bro, said Flash to Sunlight. Was i your first choice?”

Sunlight looked away, embarrassed by his face.

“Shut up, you baka, he said. I just picked you because you’re my best pal”

“Did you called me a Baka? Asked Flash. I didn’t know you were a tsundere”

Sunset Shimmer arrived, accompanied by Trixie. Then came Applejack and Applebloom, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh (She felt bad for him), Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie, Rarity and Sweetie Belle and finally. But Twilight was nowhere to be seen...

“Where is she? Asked Sunlight. Where’s Twilight?”

Celestia and Luna arrived, surprising him.

“Didn’t she told you? Said Celestia. Cadance is at the hospital since yesterday?

“What happened? Asked Sunset. Is she okay?!”

“No, answered Luna. She’s being hospitalized at the moment we speak.”

“I imagine Twilight gave her plane tickets to you two, said Sunlight. What about the school?”

“Well, see this as a school trip, answered Celestia. So, we’ll be your supervisors for the trip...”

“First, Crystal PREP’s Vice-Principal is convicted of Pedophilia and kill himself, then Principal Cadance is admitted to the hospital shortly after...That leave both the post of Principal and Vice-Principal free for the taking...”

“Do you think that Moonlight is behind that? Asked Sunset. It would make sense...”

“It’s definitively him, answered Sunlight. I blame a powerful curse for being the cause of Cadance’s hospitalization.”

“Should we cancel our flight, then?” asked Sunset.

“No, said Sunlight. Moonlight probably intend on undoing the curse he casted on Cadance once Abacus Cinch will become the Principal again. That’s how i would proceed if i was him.”

“Once her post will be occupied, said Sunset. Cadance won’t be able to regain it...”

”So, that’s your plan, Moonlight, uh? Thought Sunlight. Using Crystal PREP as a base of operation. I don’t know what your end goal is, but be certain that i will stop you, again.”

Sunset took his hand.

“We’ll stop him again, said Sunset. Now, let’s go, or we’ll miss our flight!!”

After hours of flight, the group finally arrived in London.

“Me and Sunset will be looking for our mother, said Sunlight. Do what you want, we’ll join in front of the royal palace at 6 PM.”

“Let’s do shopping, Sweetie Belle, said Rarity. If you’re nice, we’ll also visit a candy shop”

“Let’s go visit the pubs, said Applejack. We’re all 18, right?”

“Heck yeah!! Said Rainbow Dash. That’s more my cup of tea!!”

“What about us?” asked Applebloom and Scootaloo.

“I know!! Said Pinkie Pie. Let’s go to an Amusement park!!”

As the group were deciding where to go, Sunset and Sunlight were already on their way.

“Excuse me, Sir, asked Sunlight. I’ve heard that a certain actress from the outside was filming a new movie here, in this superb city.”

“You’re talking about Nova Dusk? Answered the man. Well, you’ll probably find her at the Movie studios, it’s not far from here. Are you there to visit it? If that’s the case, then you’re in luck. The studio allows visitors on Mondays and Fridays..”

Sunset and Sunlight looked at each other with smiles. Later, they were at the entrance of the studio. They showed their V.I.P passes.

“A V.I.P pass, eh? Asked the security guard. Well, right this way!”

They entered the studio and looked at the visit schedule.

“So, those with a V.I.P pass will be able to meet Nova Dusk in person toward the end of the day, said Sunset. Alright, so, in the meanwhile, let’s have fun, shall we?”

The duo passed all day visiting a lot of movie stages, saw multiple actors performing live on stage for them, received exclusive and rare objects from them, took photos and more. Then finally came the moment for them to meet their mother. But as they were heading toward the V.I.P room to meet her...

“I’m sorry, said the guard posted at the door. But Lady Nova Dusk is gone missing!!”

“Missing?” asked Sunlight.

”She have been kidnapped, said Sunset by telepathy. An hour ago, it seem, they had orders to not tell anyone about this to avoid any chaos.”

The pair left the studio.

“I’ve picked something, said Sunset. It’s from the police, apparently, she was kidnapped by a group of haters and serves as an hostage. The kidnappers are in an abandonned building not far from our location.”

They headed for the building in question. A policemen noticed them.

“Who are you? He asked. No one is allowed to pass beyond this point except the police...”

“With my costume, i thought that would be obvious” said Sunlight.

“A weirdo? Said the policemen. Well, you can probably make them laugh to death with such a ridicule costume!!”

Sunlight walked pass the policemen and made his way to the building.

“Stop!! Said an officer. Civils are not allowed in this zone!!”

“Yeah, stop, or we’ll blow this woman’s head clean off her shoulders!!” said one of the kidnappers.

Sunlight used his earth magic to create a massive sand veil between him and the police. The kidnappers guns started melting in their hands. He looked at the criminals with anger. He grabbed the woman in his arm.

“You are safe, now, ma’am” he said.

“Wait, did...Did you just used magic? She asked. That mean, that mean...”

The criminals charged at him and Sunlight knocked them with a powerful gust of wind. He removed his mask and looked at Nova right in the eyes.

“Those eyes, she said. Your hairs, this magic...Is it you, Sunlight?”

“It’s nice to finally be able to meet you, Mom” said Sunlight, smiling.

He put his mask back and dissipated the sand veil. Sunlight waved at his mother and disappeared. The police broke in and arrested the kidnappers.

“What happened?” asked a policeman to Nova.

“I don’t know exactly, she said. It happened so fast. That person entered, took out those tugs like it was nothing, untied me and disappeared. All i know is that he was wearing a orange costume and a white cape.”

“Normally, i would call you crazy, said the policemen. But after seeing that barrier of sand and wind appearing out of nowhere, i totally believe you. Could superheroes exist really?”

The police brought Nova back to her private lounge to her demand. She saw Sunlight entering the room with someone that looked just like her. Sunset walked slowly toward her, tears in her eyes.

“Hi, Mom” she said.

Nova hugged her.

“I think i owe you tons of explanation, she said. Are you two the only ones with a V.I.P pass?”

“Well, said Sunset. I took care of that detail...So were alone for...How long?”

“I can give you one hour, answered Nova. After that, i have another scene to film...So, what do you want to know first?”

Chapter 11: Nova Dusk

Sunlight and Sunset finished wiping their tears and sat on a chair.

“You probably want to know first why i abandonned you, right?” asked Nova.

“Of course, said Sunlight. We have to know...”

She sighed.

“I was what you might call a black sheep back in the day, said Nova. The cause being my advanced Psychic abilties. I had many talents that came with it. Foresight, Telepathy, Mind control, Divination, Mind reading, Telekinesis, Visions, Memory reading and more. But being that powerful come with a price...”

“Other ponies started to fear you” said Sunset.

“Yes, said Nova. And their fear is justified. If i was living in the same city as someone who could read your every thoughts or take over your mind at any moment, i too, would be afraid for my privacy. They became aware of the dangerous nature of my powers and in no time, i found myself casted aside, rejected from society.”

“And you met our father” said Sunlight.

“He approached me, said Nova. He told me that he was also an outcast due to his immense magic power over the natural elements. So, we came to fall in love, which led to you two being born. As rejects of our society, we couldn’t raise you well, and so, we left you two in the welcoming hands of Princess Celestia, with the request of finding you suitable families. Then, we went our separate ways...”

“I see, asked Sunlight. But why separating us?”

“Call it fate, answered Nova. Your path just couldn’t cross until you became adults.”

“How did you manage to acquire all this in the span of a few months? Asked Sunset. This would be impossible...”

“Months? Don’t be ridiculous, said Nova. I’ve been living in this world for almost 10 years, give or take...”

“10 years?! Asked Sunlight. That’s impossible...Didn’t you lived in Saddle Arabia for 5 years or something?”

“Uh, nope, she answered. I’ve been living there for at least a decade, i never went to Saddle Arabia...”

Sunlight facepalmed himself.

“Discord, he said. Explain yourself!”

Discord showed up, eating cake.

“Well, yes, if you want to know, said Discord. It was all my doing. Who else could set up something that complex except me?”

“Wait, wait...Wait, said Sunset. You set up everything?!”

“I did, said the Lord of Chaos. You know how i am easily bored...So knowing how much you love adventures, i came with the idea of setting a quest for the two of you. I wrote the letters that your adoptive parents gave you, hidden 4 pieces of a key across Equestria along with the messages, made up a false diary, gave those Arabian ponies false memories of your mother, set false hints and made-up proofs here and there to make it seem more believable. So, did you like the fun little adventure i set up for you?”

“It was fun, to be honest, said Sunlight. I took down a criminal organization, got the Saddle Arabia’s Spicy Pie recipe, made new friends, travelled with some more, discovered that i’m not into middle-aged mares...It was a crazy ride. But did you really need to go that far for me?”

“Of course, said Discord. Entertainement is what i’m living for, baby! You got the epic adventure you and Sunset asked for and i got an entertaining show to enjoy. So it’s a Win-Win situation. Oh, hi, milady! I’m a friend of your son!”

“Nice to meet you...Uh...Discord? Said Nova. Last time i saw you, you were a statue...”

“Short story, said Discord. I got freed from my stone prison, got turned to stone a second time, got freed a second time, made friends with a mare Pegasus, joined sides with a bad guy, betrayed my friends, got betrayed by the bad guy, was forgiven, learned my lesson, made 2 new friends, discovered a passion for Ogres and Oubliettes, helped 3 other ex-villains to save Equestria from an evil bug Queen, took the identity of Grogar, summoned 4 big villain that had been defeated by the mane 6 in the past, plan on have them attacking Canterlot during Twilight Sparkle’s Royal Coronation, got backstabbed by those villains and lost my magic, helped the mane 6 stop them and there you have it! Well, i gotta go!!”

Discord disappeared.

“What an oddball, that Discord, said Nova. You’re really friends with him?”

“Yes, i am, answered Sunlight. And It have it’s perk, i must say...Now that we know our whole adventure to retrieve you was set by Discord, i’m dying to know the real story...”

“Well, me and your father went on separate ways, said Nova Dusk. It was 18 years ago...For the next 8 years, i gained my life as a Fortune Teller and a Therapist. As i was travelling inside the Everfree Forest, i was took by surprise by a pack of timberwolves and tripped over a root. I rolled down a hill and was blinded by an intense light before everything went dark. When i opened my eyes again, i found myself in this world. It didn’t took my long to realize it had no magic and without any way back to Equestria, i decided to start over a new leaf. By the way, how did you two got in this world?”

“By a portal, answered Sunset. A magic mirror that connect Equestria and this world. It only open every 30 Moons, but a friend of mine found a way to maintain it open permanently. It is located right in front of our school, back in Canterlot.”

“Is that so? Said Nova. And why did you came in this world?”

“Princess Celestia sent me there as punishment, answered Sunset. For being too ambitious and meanie. I spent 3 years living the life of a schoolgirl waiting for the portal to re-open again. A lot happened...”

“When i learned that she was my sister, said Sunlight. I decided to live in her world and now, i’m playing superheroes. If you wonder why we can use magic, it’s because that girl over here brought an Element of Harmony in this world, giving those girls access to the Magic of Friendship that they used to stop many bad guys”

“Then, during summercamp, said Sunset. Me and my friends acquired those magic Necklaces. They gave us new powers that we use to fight evil. As for Sunlight, In the first time, he had to use his own life force to cast magic, then built by himself an hi-tech armor so he can fight without needing magic. And recently, a friend gave him an elixir of pure magic that increase his magic energy to it’s limit. That allow him to fight with magic as well as he does back in Equestria...”

“And people don’t reject you for being so powerful?” asked Nova.

“Our school pretty much accepted having students able to use magic in their ranks, answered Sunlight. And things changed in Equestria since. If our kingdom can accept a litteral God of Chaos living among them and make relations with different races, i’m sure they would accept you no problem.”

“So, things changed a lot, said Nova. I’m glad to hear that...Tell me, what changed since i left Equestria.”

“To begin with, answered Sunset. Celestia and Luna retired from their royal duties. Twilight Sparkle is now the current ruler of Equestria. She and her friends saved Equestria multiple times as bearers of the Element of Harmony, which helped them save Equestria more than once. Discord is a nice guy, Twilight created a School of Friendship for all races, The Changelings are now good since their evil queen has been defeated, Dragons are now our allies, as are the Yaks, Griffins and Hippogryffs as well. The Crystal Empire reappeared after a thousand years and is now ruled by Princess Cadance. The Crystal Kingdom saw the birth of the first Alicorn in history...In short, Equestria is a very different place, all thanks to the efforts of Twilight Sparkle and her friends.”

“It changed this much in a decade? Asked Nova. Incredible...Well, maybe i should see it with my own eyes...”

“It’s crazy when you think about it, said Sunlight. How 6 ponies basically managed, in the span of 2 years, to change Equestria radically. They are my inspiration, the reason why i wanted to become a hero...”

“They are the reason why i am a good person today, said Sunset. We owe them a lot...”

Nova was weeping tears of joys.

“I’m glad to hear that, she said. I will definitively thank that Twilight Sparkle next time i return in Equestria.”

“Well, now i see where Sunset’s psychic powers come from, said Sunlight. She took from her mother. I imagine my affinity with elemental magic comes from my father?”

“It does, answered Nova. You father had also the same affinity with elemental magic. Apparently, his father was also an expert at elemental magic, so were his father’s father...I don’t know really well about this subject, so you might wanna ask him yourself about it. I heard that he was seen for the last time heading in the Ice Mountains. That was 10 years ago...I hope he’s not dead...”

“I might have an idea of where he is, said Sunlight, remembering the magic cave he visited during his adventure. Only problem, my elemental mastery is not good enough to break the barriers blocking access to the final room. As of now, i mastered Fire magic. And i’m on my way to mastering Earth and Wind magic.”

“But you didn’t limited yourself to elemental magic, from what you showed me, said Nova. What kind of spells did you learn?”

“Forbidden spells, forgotten spells, ancient spells, said Sunlight. Basic magic stuff like teleportation and magic beams...To be honest, i’m thinking about forgetting learning elemental magic and focus on more versatile magic, such as Banishing magic, White magic, Self-enhancing magic, Healing magic, Ancient magic, Forbidden magic, Forgotten magic, Spatial magic...Turns out that i’m good with all kind of magic, not just elemental...”

“Not sure your father would like hearing that, said Nova, laughing. Still, i’m glad you’re following your own aspirations over following a family tradition. As for you, Sunset, how much your Psychic powers have progressed?”

“Let’s just say my next big step is foresight, she answered. I mastered telepathy, mind-reading, mind-control, memory erasing, telekinesis and blocking my own mind...”

“Foresight, uh? Asked Nova. The ability to predict the near future...Really useful to save your ass, let me tell you. You don’t know how much this power helped me...You’ll definitively benefit from it...As how to unlock it, You need to live a near death experience...But you can’t do it by yourself, it have to be from someone else.”

“I can help with that, said Sunlight. I just happen to have a spell that completely shut down the heart and brain. But in your case, only your heart would stop. I normally use it on agonizing animals to give them a painless death. How long does she have to be in a near-death state?”

“A minute would be enough” answered Nova.

“Don’t worry, said Sunlight to Sunset. I’ll just shock you to restart your heartbeat.”

“I trust you, said Sunset. When do you plan on doing it?”

“Oh, right about now! Said Sunlight, casting the spell from behind. Magic Shutdown!”

Sunset fell on the floor like a ragdoll. Sunlight waited a minute and used an electric shock to restart her heart. Sunset gasped for air and looked at Sunlight.

“Welcome back to the living world!!” said Sunlight.

“I’ve seen the light, brother, she said. I’ve seen the light...It was calling me...I could almost touch it!”

Nova was looking at them with a neutral expression.

“Now what? Asked Sunset. Can i foresee the future now?”

“It should manifest at anytime from now, said Nova. When exactly? It depends...I got my foresight ability 1 week after i almost died. But you could unlock it tomorrow, or in two weeks”

“Or when it’s convenient to the plot” said Sunlight, winking at the Fourth Wall.

“Look like our time is about to run out, said Nova. When i’m done with the making of the movie, i’ll come see you in Canterlot. Also, maybe return to Equestria...Which should be in 2 months...”

“I hope we will be able to contact you, right? Asked Sunset. Sunlight might be able to teleport, but not me. Will you send us e-mails, phone calls or letters?”

“I will be very occupied by all the scenes filming, said Nova. But i’ll try to contact you when i can”

“Okay!! Said Sunset, smiling. Well, our friends are waiting for us, so we gotta go!!”

She left the room, followed by Sunlight. Before closing the door, he looked one last time at his mother.

“You better contact us, he said with a menacing stare. Because if you don’t, i’ll nuke the studio...”

Nova was shocked.

“I’m just kidding, he said, smiling. Okay, Goodbye!! I love you!!”

“Love you too!!” she said.

He closed the door and Nova’s smile disappeared.

“Did you hear that, you two?” said Nova to her ring.

Nova’s appearance changed, revealing to be a tall, pale, black-haired women. Inside the ring were trapped Sunset and Sunlight’s parents.

“I never thought you two would have kids, she said. And they seem rather powerful...I thought i hit the jackpot with you two when i trapped you in this magic ring. But they are the real deal...I just need them to become more powerful, so i can steal all their power. And those of the mane 6 as well. With it, i’ll invade Equestria, trap the new princess inside my ring and take control of her kingdom. With the power of the Element of Harmony, even the Lord of Chaos’ powers will be mine. I will rule supreme!!”

“You know i could just deal with you right now, right?” asked Discord, who listened to her monologue.

“But you won’t, she answered. Because you would deprive the readers of a really good plot.”

“True, he said. But this time, i feel like people don’t need a complicated plot. So, i’m just going to modify it a little. First, i’m going to erase you from existence. Two, i’ll free these two from your ring. Three, As for the mother, she will follow the previous plot established last chapter. Four, for what’s about the father, that’s a matter for the next Volume!!”

“Wait, no, you can’t do...” she said, before being erased from existence.

“I swear, he said. The writter really can’t do a coherent story on his own. If he could, he wouldn’t use me as a scapegoat for story shortcomings and bad plots...Ouch!! You know i’m right!! HE HE HE”

Bonus Chapter: A Summary of what happened to this point

“Oh, hi there!! Said Sunlight. As the title suggest, yes, this chapter will be a summary of all the events that happened from the very beginning up to this point. The reason, let’s say that the story in the next volume will take place 6 months after the events of the chapter 11 of the Volume 4 of the second arc...Goodbye!! Discord, you’re up!!”

“Fine, he said. Uh Hum...Well, it all began when Sunlight left his home to start his new life of hero. In Ponyville, he meet the Mane 6 in person. I think he also have an argument with Cadance about love, get a phoenix as a pet, makes friends with Dragons, Yaks, Changelings and Hippogryffs. What else happened in volume 1? Oh, right, he learn that he have a Sister from a magic mirror that reveal truths. So, he finally meet her and leave Equestria. In the human world, he learn quickly the way this new place work and integrate Canterlot High. He also build himself a fancy battle armor and test his powers. Did i got everything right? Okay, Tea Time!!”

Discord made a pause to drink tea.

“Delicious, he said. Now, straight to the volume 6 of the first arc, What? You want me to resume the events of the volumes in-between? They’re not cannon!! The writer said so!! Oh fine. So, in the volume 2, Sunlight and his sister are sent in the DC universe, there, they fight alongside the Teen Titans, join the Justice League, battle Darkseid in an epic fight and you have it... In the volume 3, the duo find themselves in the Pokemon Universe and start a journey in the Kalos Region. They collect Gym Badges, challenge trainers and train their pokemons. In the Volume 4, Sunlight find himself in the Mortal Kombat universe, there, he fight some bad guys, side with others and kill some more. The final battle oppose him to Kronika, A time manipulating god and he beat her, with some help. The volume 5 is a follow up of the volume 3, in which the duo continue collecting Gym badges, growing stronger and meet more new friends. They fight each other in a tournament but are interrupted by an emergency situation. The story reach it’s climax when they face off two washed-up, revenge-thirsty, insane Evil Team leaders and save the region of Kalos from destruction. The end...”

He sighed and ate sandwiches.

“Now, said Discord. In the volume 6, Sunlight turn into a girl and have to find a way to reverse the spell. The only way is to receive a kiss from someone close. So he kiss Flash Sentry and break the spell. However, he discover he can change between both genders at will. And that conclude the first arc...Those sandwhiches are really good!!”

He made more pop out in his plate.

“In the first volume of the second arc, said Discord. Sunlight start acting weird, and have relations with many girls, which he end up breaking up with. As this goes on, a new enemy will make it’s apparition. Moonlight Frost, the physical manifestation of his dark side. Eventually, they end up clashing with each other and Moonlight got his ass beaten by the power of teamwork. Sunlight is forever changed after this event. In the second volume, Moonlight recruit Stygian, Sombra and Tirek from the human world, Sunlight travels through the Universe to find magic gems, meet Chrysalis, clash with Moonlight and his allies again, one by one, then all at once. Sunset Shimmer steal the spotlight and beat the shit outta them. In the third Volume, Sunlight and Sunset goes on an adventure, set up by me, to find their parents. Looking for the first piece of a 4 pieces key, they end up in Las Pegasus, where Sunlight clashes with an evil criminal organization know as the Thousand Eyes. They take down one by one the pillars of the organization, the 7 deadly sins, with varying level of difficulty. The final battle oppose him, Twilight and Starlight to Gladmane, who stall them with his magic negating armor. After defeating the boss, they continue their mission.”

He drinks more tea and eat some cookies.

“Then, in the volume 4, this volume, said Discord, Their quest continue, as they find the second piece of the key on Storm Island beside Tempest Shadow and Capper. That lead them to the Crystal Empire, where the third piece is located. They team up with Shining Armor and explore a cave. I end up giving them the third piece myself, as they entered the wrong cave. The final piece lead them in the Tartarus, where they passed 12 trials and got their hands on it. The key led them to a hidden cave inside the Everfree Forest. In there, they find a map with the last know location of their Mother. Zecora gives him a magic elixir to help with his magic in the human world. They arrive in a ghost village and found there a diary that lead them to Saddle Arabia. There, they make friends with a local, Jasmine. Sunlight sleep with a Cougar that broke him emotionally for the recipe of a pie. He looked in the City hall for a hint and found one and so did Sunset at an hotel. They headed to the capital and met the ex-mayor, then head North and meet hostile villagers, that Sunlight ended up calming down. They explored mountains and then a forest, only to get back to Equestria. There, Sunlight have an idea and cast a location spell, which lead in the human world. I then reveal it was all my doing, that i set all this adventure up for them to enjoy. In the meanwhile, Moonlight recruited more people to his team and attacked the Mane 6, as the situation became dire for the girls, Sunlight and Sunset arrive at the last moment and return the situation. They then go in London to look for their mother, who supposedly work as an actress. Sunlight saves her from a kidnapping and she explained to her childrens the truth. And that’s it!!! Everything you need to know about the story up to now. What? I’m not done? Wait, you want me to make a summary of you and your friends abilities? Not needed...”

He finished his tea and ate the rest of the food.

“That’s all, folks!! Said Discord. See you in the next Volume!!”

Chapter 8: The Calm before the...

Pinkie Pie was drinking a milkshake, looking at the Fourth Wall.

”Oh, hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, she said. You might wonder what happened to us while Sunlight and Sunset were travelling around Equestria. Well, this chapter and the next one will explain everything that happened in Canterlot. I’m not doing this so me and the girls can get some screentime in this fanfiction...Just Kidding!! I’m totally doing that for screentime!! Okay, cue the story!!!”

This was one week during after Sunlight and Sunset went out on an adventure in Equestria. Sombra and Tirek joined the school staff as teachers and their first week had been difficult to deal with.

“I can’t believe you did this!! Said Rainbow Dash to Fluttershy. You, the quiet, nice, cute girl, doing something so nasty, so evil, so damn cruel, to that muscled idiot of Tirek...I’m proud of you...”

“Thank you, Dashie, she said, bored. When someone hurt animals, i just can’t stand it. That big jerk deserved what i’ve done to him. The only thing that suck is that i’m getting 1 month of detention for that...”

“Well, said Rainbow. I think he will think twice before hurting defenseless creatures again. I say yes for Animal Justice!”

“Animal Justice!!” said Fluttershy.

They laughed for a good minute. Fortunately, the week-end was coming for the group of girls. When the school was over, the girls went to Pinkie’s house.

“I heard what you did to Tirek, Fluttershy, said Pinkie. Truly a masterpiece of a prank!! I’m proud of you!!”

“Please, stop reminding me about that, said Fluttershy. But i appreciate your compliments...”

“It has already been one week since those two went out, said Twilight. What if Moonlight decided to strike again? I’m sure he know about their absence and is planning something.”

“We can’t always rely on them to protect Canterlot, said Applejack. Sure, both are magic powerhouses, but so are we, when we all work as one.”

“A.J is right, said Rarity. We need to be able to protect this city without their support. We need to show Moonlight and his team that we are not to be underestimated. All of us worked hard to become stronger. We honed our magic powers for a moment like this one.”

“That’s right, said Twilight. He will attack, and we need to somehow protect the city and defeat him. It’s very likely he’ll bring reinforcement with him. We might even be outnumbered, but we have to fight, with all our might!!”

Meanwhile, Moonlight was introducing himself to all the members, new and old. The Dazzlings, Flim and Flam, Tirek, Sombra and 3 boxes with the photo of Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle and Gloriosa Daisy.

“Wait, that’s it? Asked Sombra. You took one week just to find 5 persons? I thought there would be way more!!”

“8, actually, answered Moonlight. And change your attitude with me, you’re the ones who wanted to work at those pesky girls’ school. Beside, you must have noticed the 3 boxes on the table...”

“I recognize the two first, said Tirek. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle, but who is the last one?”

“Well, those girls all have one thing in common, said Moonlight. They were corrupted by the magic of Equestria and as a result, turned into evil beings. The first of them, Sunset Shimmer, Corrupted by hatred and vengeance, turned into a Demon when she got her hands on a powerful magical artifact. I decided to call this evil form of her Demon Sunset. As for the second one, Twilight Sparkle, her lust for knowledge about Equestrian magic, plus the stress of being pressured by her schoolmates and their Principal, combined with the magic she trapped inside her necklace, turned her into a demonic monster when she released it all at once. She herself called this form of her Midnight Sparkle. Finally, as for the last one, desirous to protect her precious summer camp and willing to go to any length to do so, is Gloriosa Daisy. When she discovered 7 magic geodes in a cave nearby, she let her anger and desire to keep everyone safe turn her into the physical manifestation of Mother Nature: Gaia Everfree. They are in boxes because i didn’t found suitable bodies for them to take over. Summoning the spirits of those 3 from the Dark Space took quite some time, you should know. But atlas, we should be ready to attack Canterlot very soon...Phiew, that was a long one...”

“Why don't we attack them right now? Asked Tirek. While those girls don’t have Sunlight Blaze nor Sunset Shimmer to help them. They are weak, we will crush them easily!!”

“Our new members need to master their new powers perfectly, answered Moonlight. Also, don’t underestimate those girls, they have gotten much more powerful since last time we battled. Also, do i need to remind you that it was their Rainbow Laser, physical manifestation of their friendship, that depowered you for days after it hit you?”

“I do” he answered.

“If i’m not attacking right now, said Moonlight, that’s because i’m waiting for those 2 to come back. I want to crush them under my might. We’ll wait another week, and if Sunlight Blaze and Sunset Shimmer don’t show up, We launch our attack no matter what. Now, Tell me, Sombra, Tirek, what did you learned from those girls while working at their school?”

“Nothing, answered Sombra, Those retched girls did everything they could to get detention. As such, we learned next to nothing.”

“Those brats will pay for the humiliation they made us endure, said Tirek. Times a hundred. I’m done with their school.. Even the shy one with the pink hairs went to such extent as to cover me with honey and releasing a bear and bees.”

“Me as well, said Sombra. It was a waste of time”

“In that case, said Moonlight. I will transfer you to Crystal PREP. I hear that their Principal, Cadenza Mi Amore, or Cadance, is looking for a new Vice-Principal, since the previous one unfortunately died in mysterious circumstances...He he he”

“You killed the previous one, didn’t you?” asked Adagio.

“Well, not me, answered Moonlight. I just tortured the guy psychologicaly and emotionally to the point of driving him to the edge of madness and despair. You might guess where that went afterwards...”

The group was looking at him with terrified eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that, said Moonlight. That guy was a pedophile. He used his position to ask sexual favors from students that were not doing well or were in trouble in exchange of his silence...Can you believe that guy was doing the same stuff when he was a Student Counselor, and continued doing it after being promoted to Vice-Principal? And if you think i made this up...”

Moonlight opened the television and selected the News channel. As he told the group, the pedophile incidents involving the Vice-Principal was on the News.

“You see, while i was looking for ways to get the Vice-Principal out of the way, said Moonlight. As part of my plan to put Sombra at the head of Crystal PREP, i thought about the way to proceed. Then someone sent me an anonymous mail about that guy being a Pedophile. I decided to give it a try and hacked his computer. Let me tell you i was surprised to tumble across a mine of evidences, under the forms of pictures and videos. I could have exposed him to the authorities right away, but then, i had a better idea. Force him to expose himself as the pedophile he was. For that, i tortured him emotionally, mentally and psychologically until he broke and he admitted it all before killing himself.”

“And you want me to take the place of this creep? Asked Sombra. Nobody would want the post after that scandale.”

“You’re right, answered Moonlight. This is why i modified your curriculum vitum in view of this mission.”

Moonlight gave him a copy of his C.V. That Sombra opened and read

“Wow, it really make me look like a Saint compared to that guy, said Sombra. With a sheet like that, i’m sure to get that post.”

“But this is just the first step, said Moonlight. The hardest part will be to gain their trust. I’m sure with your charm, you can pull this off quite well.”

“But what business do you have with this school?” asked Tirek.

“Crystal PREP is full of geniuses, answered Moonlight. This school and C.H.S have a long story of rivalry. And even if their relations seem to have gotten better since the last Frienship games, there is still students from Crystal PREP that hate C.H.S. If i also throw in Adagio, Aria, Sonata as well as myself into the mix as students, we will easily take over the school and turn their students into potential recruits for our team. But the current Principal of the school need to be replaced by someone who bare hatred toward C.H.S as well...And i just happened to have here the perfect person for this.”

Someone entered the room.

“Everyone, say hello to our newest recruit, said Moonlight. Miss Abacus Cinch. She was the former Principal at Crystal PREP before those girls took away her credibility in the eyes of her superiors. As such, she was dismissed of her post and relegated to Cafeteria work. I told her she could get back her position as Principal if she accepted to join me.”

“So, what is your plan to get this Cadance out of the way, asked Sombra. She is the definition of an angel...”

“Oh, i already thought about it, said Moonlight. If everything go as i planned, she should be out of commission next week at most.”

“Excellent, said Abacus. Once this wretched woman is out of the way and that i take back the post that’s rightfully mine”

“Once it’s done, said Moonlight. She will recruit Sombra as the Vice-Principal, Flim, Flam and Tirek as staff and Adagio, Sonata, Aria and me as students. After that, it will be only a matter of months before we take full control of the school. It will provide us a solid cover for our evil activities, potential recruits to the team, a stable income and most importantly, there will be no Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer or Sunlight Blaze to deal with.”

“Who’s this Sunlight?” Asked Abacus.

“Oh, right, answered Moonlight. He is Sunset Shimmer’s brother. He is very intelligent, more than Twilight Sparkle, the girl who turned into that demon. His magic power is on par with mine. Individually speaking, Blaze is the strongest member of their group when it comes to magic knowledge and arsenal. He is smart, charming, righteous, fearless and powerful. He is the only one in the group who doesn’t draw power from an Element of Harmony, main source of those girls’ power. Which is for him and us both an advantage and a drawback.”

“What do you mean?” asked Adagio.

“The girls each possesses necklaces embedded with the power of the Elements of Harmony. Those necklace tap into each of the girls respective Element of Harmony, and their power become even higher when the 7 of them are synchronized. Sunlight, on the other hand, doesn’t have one, as such, he can’t tap into the Magic of his friends to boost his power. His magical power is also greatly reduced due to the weaker concentration of magic in this world, which greatly advantage us.”

“But you also said it also gave him an edge over us, asked Abacus. What do you mean?”

“The magic of Friendship is very powerful, but it require the girls to be united to use it, individually, the girls are weak and easy to deal with. That is not the case with Sunlight. He is as formidable opponent weither he’s fighting alone or with his friends. That’s why it also advantage him and pose us a problem...In short, we can’t say victory too soon even if he’s the last one standing...”

“You mean that all this time, he was at a disadvantage, said Tirek. And still managed to beat the crap out of me? How strong could he be if he could draw into 100% of his power?”

“Very, very, overly strong” answered Moonlight.

“What’s your plan if that happen, then?” asked Adagio.

“Then i’ll just have to increase my own power as well, i suppose” he said.

“That’s our captain for you!! Said Sombra. We should all take example on him!!!”

“Now, get to work, said Moonlight. You all better be prepared for our next confrontation with those girls...”